How The Mighty Have Fallen

Added on Sep 25, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

It has been a rough start to the season for several NFL stars. Injuries, arrests and poor performances are plaguing some of the game’s biggest names. As a result, these players’ respective teams are struggling to gain solid footing. All it takes is one or two key contributors going down or failing to play at their highest level to derail championship aspirations. Here are some guys who are hanging their heads low heading into Week 4.

Chris Johnson (Titans) – 33 carries for 45 yards? In three games? Really, Chrissy? The runner formerly known as CJ2K has been on steady decline since his record 2009 campaign, but his start to 2012 is downright ugly. Gone is the explosive, speedy, fearless weapon that struck fear into the hearts of defenses. All that’s left is a plodding, indecisive bellyacher who seems disinterested in the game.

Darrelle Revis (Jets) – Where would the Jets defense be without the game’s best cover cornerback? That’s the question pundits and fans have been asking for the last three years. Well, we’re about to learn the answer now that Revis is done for the season with a torn ACL. For a team that specializes in bland offense, life without #24 roaming the secondary is going to put added pressure on Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez. Unless Tim Tebow can play corner, brace for disaster.

Michael Vick (Eagles) – After the 2010 season, Vickdemption was riding high. He landed a fat contract and was handed the keys to the Eagles franchise and the city of Philadelphia. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2011 he has accounted for 23 touchdowns and 27 turnovers. In that same time frame he has been hit, knocked down or sacked an estimated 150 times. Behind a patchwork offensive line and a stubborn pass-first philosophy, it will be shocking if Vick stays intact or atop the quarterback depth chart past November.

Aaron Rodgers (Packers) – The reigning MVP is on pace to throw 16 touchdown passes. It’s unlikely he’ll continue at that pace, but the Pack attack is looking toothless through three games. Playing three of the league’s stoutest defenses in San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle has much to do with this conundrum. However, it’s apparent defensive coordinators aren’t allowing Rodgers to command his troops as easily as he did in 2011.

Michael Turner (Falcons) – Lost in Atlanta’s 3-0 start has been the decline of Michael Turner, whose most significant contribution to the headlines thus far was getting pinched for DUI and speeding. Perhaps his brush with the law helped extricate him from his funk, because he did post his best numbers versus San Diego when he rumbled for 80 yards and a score. At some point, the high flying Falcons will have to lean on Turner to pull out a win. Will he deliver?