Biggest surprises thus far

Grossman, Smith actually solid QBs, Bengals are decent and Eagles are bad

Whitney Curtis / Getty Images

Rex Grossman's maturation as a quarterback is just one of the season's big surprises for Cris Collinsworth.

OPINION

updated 5:28 p.m. ET Oct. 12, 2011

Cris Collinsworth

There were certain things that were givens entering the 2011 NFL season. Except that five weeks into the season, 10 things turned out to be completely wrong.

10. Chris Johnson would dominate again if he ever signed.

What happened: Not so much. The Titans have played well despite the fact that they can't get Chris Johnson going. Go figure.

9. The Packers would dominate the NFC North.

What happened: It never crossed my mind to include, "if they can hold off the 5-0 Detroit Lions."

8. Due to the lockout, defenses would be way ahead of the offenses early.

What happened: Is it possible that all these exotic blitz schemes now need more practice time than the offenses?

7. The Jets and Patriots were a two-team division in the AFC East.

What happened: Currently they are the MIDDLE two teams in that division due to the Bills' win over the Patriots.

6. Rex Grossman was a better comedian than quarterback.

What happened: That was so funny when he said the Redskins were going to win the NFC East. Oops.

5. If Jay Cutler were a little tougher the Bears could win a Super Bowl.

What happened: So far, Jay Cutler's toughness is the ONLY thing that is keeping the Bears alive with that offensive line.

4. Cam Newton would take at least five years to develop as an NFL QB.

What happened: Five games later he is one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch. Ben Roethlisberger's toughness in the pocket, with Mike Vick's elusiveness.

3. Finally, the Bengals picked a great year to have the worst team in the NFL.

What happened: Rookie quarterback with a new offensive coordinator = Andrew Luck = Party time in Cincinnati. Or not. The Bengals are looking for win number four against the winless Colts.

2. Alex Smith is a great kid, so despite the evidence I still can't bring myself to call him a bust.

What happened: Is Jim Harbaugh the next great QB maker to patrol the sidelines? Bill Walsh would be proud.

1. The Eagles really are a dream team.

What happened: What will this nightmare look like on Halloween? Too many changes to key coaching positions, and now they are talking about bringing in consultants? Ouch.

advertisement

More newsWhitney Curtis / Getty Images

Biggest surprises thus far

Collinsworth: There were certain things that were givens entering the 2011 NFL season. Except that five weeks into the season, 10 things turned out to be completely wrong.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44880931/ns/sports-nfl/

alyssa milano tcf schwarzenegger strike analysis september ism