NFLMocks’ 5 for 5: Nick Sirianni Leads COTY Race, Jaren Hall Climbing NFL Draft Boards, and Dabo Swinney to the NFL?

We are firmly in the teeth of football season right now and it has never felt so good. College football and the NFL have spoiled us with incredible action through the first month of the 2022 season. From mind-boggling upsets, to awe-inspiring individual efforts, to NFL Draft speculation… there has been no shortage of things to talk about.

As such, allow me to present the weekly edition of our 5 for 5 here at NFLMocks. The topics today include NFL Coach of the Year leaders, potential college coaches that could make the leap to Sundays, and much more! Let’s dive in.

Headline No. 1: Biggest Surprises of the Week

•No. 1: Seattle Seahawks Improve to 2-2 Behind a 48-Point Explosion

The Seattle Seahawks traded away superstar quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos early this year for multiple NFL Draft picks. The offense has not missed a beat in his absence. New starter Geno Smith has surpassed the 300-yard mark each of the past two games. He has also thrown two touchdowns in three of his four starts in 2022. Maybe they already have their answer at QB?

•No. 2: Oklahoma Sooners Embarrassed by the TCU Horned Frogs

When the Sooners hired former Clemson defensive coordinator Will Venables, optimism spread around the college football world for one reason. The idea of Oklahoma with a proper defense is tantalizing. We all knew it would take a couple of recruiting cycles for Venables to get his guys, but no one saw the last two weeks unfolding the way that they have.

Oklahoma was defeated by a touchdown at home last weekend behind a superhuman effort from Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez. The problems were exacerbated this weekend against TCU with a 31-point drubbing on the road. It was never going to be a breeze to fill his shoes in Norman, but seeing the instant success that Lincoln Riley is having at USC has to sting.

•No. 3: Star NFL Running Backs Injured

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor missed the first practice of his entire life this past week and suffered a high ankle sprain in last Sunday’s bout with the Tennessee Titans that will likely force him to miss his first game as well. Javonte Williams was dealt a devastating knee injury with multiple ligament tears. He will miss the remainder of the 2022 season.

Alvin Kamara and D’Andre Swift failed to suit up for their teams in week four. Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffery, James Conner, and a handful of other top-tier ball carriers appeared on the injury report throughout the week but ultimately ended up playing. Injuries happen at running back every year, but this season feels particularly odd at the position.

•No. 4: Washington Gets Exposed by UCLA

The Washington Huskies got off to a blazing hot start to their 2022 season, rattling off four straight victories and looking dominant. The good times came to an abrupt halt Friday night. Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins were victorious and knocked Washington down six spots in the most recent AP Poll.

•No. 5: Zach Wilson Plays Out of His Mind in the 4th vs. the Vaunted Steelers Defense

Broadway Zach returned to the starting lineup this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Things got off the rails for the first few quarters, but the second-year quarterback righted the ship in time to lead a comeback in the final frame.

Wilson completed 10-of-12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The performance of Zach Wilson could be the jolt that the Jets need to finally get over the hump and contend for a postseason appearance.