Arizona Cardinals defense
The Cardinals forced three turnovers in a 24-23 road upset over the San Francisco 49ers (2-3). Arizona linebacker Kyzir White intercepted San Francisco QB Brock Purdy with 1:32 left in the fourth quarter, sealing the win. The Cardinals (2-3) only generated four takeaways through their first four games.
The performance against the 49ers suggests Arizona second-year defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’ system is starting to work.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II
Surtain feasted against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3). In the 34-18 home victory, the 24-year-old registered two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick-six. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Surtain clocked a top speed of 20.92 MPH on the TD, his fastest speed as a ball carrier since Week 12, 2021. Through his first five games, Surtain has only allowed 10 receptions for 111 yards and zero TD catches, via Pro Football Focus.
Clearly, Surtain is one reason the Broncos have won three straight games after an 0-2 start. Perhaps he will enter the early Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft
During a 24-19 road win over the Los Angeles Rams (1-4), Kraft — a former third-round pick out of South Dakota State — logged four receptions for a career-high 88 receiving yards and two TD catches, including a 66-yarder at the beginning of the third quarter. More importantly, he’s gaining starting QB Jordan Love’s trust.
In a postgame news conference, Love said Kraft is trying to score “every time he touches the ball,” and he plans to target him more. Don’t be surprised if the Packers (3-2) continue to rely on the second-year TE for the rest of the season.
New York Giants defensive line
The Giants seemed to rattle Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in a 29-20 road victory, sacking him seven times. New York star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II had three of those sacks. Through their first four games, the Giants recorded 15 sacks, but head coach Brian Daboll recently signaled their D-line is just scratching the surface of its potential.
