The NFL is once again ruled by the likes of Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. But this season has also presented several breakout stars as well.
One such player is Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, who plays Monday vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Mathieu showcased his playmaking ability against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3 by hauling in two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
So we asked our NFL staff:
Which under-the-radar star deserves wider recognition for his play this season?
TOM PELISSERO
I’m not sure enough can be said about Arizona Cardinals receiver John Brown. Second-year pro out of Pittsburg State, had 48 catches and five touchdowns as a rookie. He’s already up to 33 catches in six games this season – including 10 for 196 yards in last week’s loss at Pittsburgh (with an "h") despite missing practice time during the week because of injury. Heck of a find by Cardinals GM Steve Keim in the third round. Even with a Wholesale Jerseys bad hammy, he’s one the Ravens will have to slow down tonight.
MICHAEL MIDDLEHURST-SCHWARTZ
I'll give a quick nod to Mathieu, since I brought him up in the question. We already knew from his time in the NFL and LSU that Mathieu had a penchant for the big play. But he's one of the most versatile defenders in the league right now and fascinating to watch.
But the player I really wanted to recognize in this space is Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux. Many fans might know Breaux only for a faux pas in which he lost track of a deep ball and veered off while Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Louis Murphy hauled in a 54-yard catch. GIFs of Breaux's misstep quickly made the rounds on Twitter. But Breaux has been stellar ever since, and he's one of the only players who has been able to keep Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones in check. For a Saints defense still in transition, the former Canadian Football League standout has been the season's most important discovery.
LORENZO REYES
Odell Beckham Jr. gets all the hype, but it’s another LSU receiver from the same class that’s bursting onto the scene this season: Jarvis Landry of the Miami Dolphins. He’s sure handed, gets a lot of targets, electric in the open field and versatile. Since Dan Campbell took over as the interim coach of the Dolphins, Landry has two receiving touchdowns and one rushing score. He has 36 catches for 395 yards and has added 77 rushing yards on just eight attempts this season. The crazy thing is that Landry could still use more touches. The Dolphins should take advantage of any time Landry may have left as an under-the-radar guy, as it may soon be running out.
NATE DAVIS
I’ll go with the Carolina Panthers’ Josh Norman. He’s gone from virtual Cheap Jerseys unknown to all-pro-caliber cover corner in about five minutes. Norman hasn’t pilfered a pass since Week 4 as quarterbacks have learned to avoid him, but his four interceptions remain tied for the league lead – and he’s taken two to the house. According to ProFootballFocus, Norman is tops at his position in 2015, well ahead of big-money corners like Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman. Quarterbacks are managing a mind-bogglingly low 23.4 passer rating when throwing at Norman. And he timed his emergence well – he’s scheduled to hit free agency in a few months.
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