2018: Five [Opfer's Take]aways from NFL Week 5

Five Takeaways

5. Ward > Chubb
Remember when everyone ripped the Browns for passing on DE Bradley Chubb at No. 4 to select CB Denzel Ward in this past year’s Draft?

Through five weeks, Ward has silenced the critics, helping solidify Cleveland’s secondary (and defense). The first-year pro out of Ohio State is tied for first in the league in interceptions (3), while adding a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and six pass break-ups.

Ward's blocked FG attempt helped spark Cleveland's 2nd win of the season (USAtoday). 

On Sunday, Ward was the catalyst on two huge plays – intercepting a Joe Flacco pass inside the five and blocking a Justin Tucker kick before half, preventing the Ravens from scoring (at least six points).

We’re only past the quarter point of the season, but Ward has to be the early favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Something that has only been accomplished one other time in franchise history (Chip Banks, 1982).

4. Don’t stop believing

Not highly recruited, wide receiver Adam Thielen earned a $500 scholarship to Minnesota State-Mankato (D-II). Not invited to the combine in 2014, he went undrafted. After earning an invite to the Vikings rookie camp that same year, Thielen never stopped working at his craft. And after playing mostly special teams his first two seasons, he burst onto the scene in 2016 as a slot receiver, catching 69 passes for 967 yards and five touchdowns. Enter 2018, and all that work is paying dividends, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to record 100+ receiving yards in each of his team’s first five games of a season (NFLResearch). A reminder that you don’t have to be drafted to become great.

3. Optimism rising

Five weeks in, the Browns season has been nothing short of an unpredictable roller coaster, with three of their five games going to overtime and all five having been decided by four points or less (three by 3, one by 4, & one tie). Yet for the first time in (what feels like) forever, they have fielded a legitimate NFL team that is competing with the best of them.

In the midst of doubling their win total from the last two seasons combined, the Browns:

Have recorded a league-leading 14 takeaways – one more than all of last season.

Rank second in the league in sacks with 21 (had 34 all of last season).

Lead the league in rushing with 723 yards (144.6 per game) & running plays of 10+ yards (23).

Are undefeated at home (2-0-1).

If it weren’t for a special teams unit that has struggled all season, the Browns very well could be 5-0. Regardless, after a big victory over the Ravens on Sunday, they are in the thick of things in the AFC at 2-2-1. Playoffs (insert Jim Mora voice)?

Let’s not get carried away just yet.

2. Rookie QBs showcased

Every year when the Draft rolls around, it’s about the quarterback.

Who will be the next franchise signal caller to turn around an organization? Who can step in from day one and improve those around him? Who has the attributes to excel at the next level?

In a quarterback-driven league, it’s a debate that never ends. This season, the draft process revolved around Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen (all four were taken in the top 10).

On Sunday, all four started and all four won – the first time in the Super Bowl era that starting rookie QBs went 4-0 in the same week (Elias). 

Turning around a franchise isn’t easy, but so far these four are making an impact.

1. Hats off to a legend

For 18 seasons, Drew Brees has embodied the artistry of the quarterback position.

Coming out of Purdue, he was overlooked because of his height.

In San Diego, he was given only a 25-percent chance to resume his career after he dislocated his shoulder, suffered a 360-degree tear of his labrum and a 50-percent tear of his rotator cuff (a one-in-500 injury). The Chargers released him.

He turned all that adversity into motivation to beat the odds. And after being cleared by doctors, the Saints gave him a chance.

The rest is history.

Brees reacts to becoming the NFL's all-time leading passer (USAtoday). 

On Monday night, he broke the all-time record for passing yards in a career – topping Peyton Manning’s 71,940 – in the midst of dominating the Redskins, 43-19.

In the midst of the celebration, he told his kids, "you can accomplish anything in life you're willing to work for."

Brees has done just that as he now stands alone in passing yards (72,103), completions, and completion percentage and is fourth on the all-time passing touchdowns list (which he will soon overtake).

Congrats to a class-act and a New Orleans legend.