When most people think of the month of September they think of one term. Back to School. In my opinion it’s Back to Football. There’s nothing like preseason optimism in the NFL isn’t there? Which of these 16 teams will have that kind of optimism?
Dallas Cowboys (The Team that Everyone Loves or Hates): Jerry Jones said it best. The urgency for the Cowboys to try and get to the Big Game is tempting. It may have been 27 years since their last title, but it won’t stop him or his team from trying. The identity of Dallas may have changed in the offseason thanks to trading Amari Cooper and watching Cedric Wilson leave in FA but this is the Cowboys they are optimistic every year now matter what. (I’m looking right at Michael Irvin and Skip Bayless) Now Dem Boys may not have a choice but to become a Run-First team even with Dak Prescott calling the shots. (And having CeeDee Lamb out wide too) When you have Zeke and Tony Pollard at RB that’s certainly a big reason why. On defense they could once again be one of the best in the NFC. (Luckily for Cowboy fans Dan Quinn is still around) Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, and DeMarcus Lawrence will be headliners as expected but can Diggs especially not be so inconsistent. There is one thing that does bother me about them. CRACK! Injuries! Tyron Smith, James Washington, Michael Gallop out! Looks like the Football Gods love bringing karma to JerryBoy don’t they. How Bout Dem Cowboys?
New York Giants (Culture Change): This is a critical year for the Giants. Many players leftover from the Dave Gettleman years are in last chance mode. I’m looking right at Daniel Jones, Saquan Barkley, and Kenny Golladay. Saquan at least has the highest upside because of his impact when healthy, but the other 2 are going to be the whipping boys of Giants Country if they underachieve again. Also when are people going to learn that you can’t copy the Patriots and Ravens. They hired Brian Daboll who yes was the offensive mastermind in Buffalo yet they forget that he was also in New England for a good bit before that. Although that doesn’t explain them hiring Wink Martindale as Defensive Coordinator as well as bringing almost every castoff player that was cut by Baltimore in the past 2 years? What the hell is wrong with you? Those guys were cut by EDC for a reason. And not to mention the Giants defense took a hit with not only releasing Blake Martinez, but also their generational edge rusher in Kayvon Thibodeaux is out for a few weeks. Tank time G-Men! And no you aren’t getting past the big boys in the division.
Philadelphia Eagles (Dream Team 3.0): Who thought that the Eagles would be in the position that they are in right now as a legit Playoff Contender just 1 year ago? Not many. Riding an easy schedule and pathetic division to the playoffs will help with that. Now Philadelphia like most instances in their City’s Sports History have thrown money around at everything. They spent most of their money and draft capital on defense. Hassan Reddick and James Bradberry were the 2 big signings in FA. But most of the damage that Philly did was on Draft Day. Trading up for Jordan Davis to team him up with Fletcher Cox, and a now healthy Brandon Graham. Drafting a stud at MLB in Nakobe Dean, and the qtegra. Trading their 2nd 1st Round pick to the Titans for AJ Brown. (Not to mention they traded for Chauncey Gardiner-Johnson) The pairing of Brown and DeVonta Smith will be hard to contain. Now the pressure is going to be on Jalen Hurts. (Diet-Lamar) Just like Donovan McNabb before him, Hurts has grown as a passer by the year, and if he does what McNabb did in 01, this could be a tough team to beat. Also can anyone tell Miles Sanders to stop calling them an All Star Team? Look I like him because he went to Penn State but to recreate what Vince Young said 11 years ago is going to be poster board material especially for JerryBoy. Will Sanders be right, or will he eat his words. Give me the 1st Half of the year to think about it. (They have a soft schedule for most of the 1st Half, so perhaps the Birds will be right)
Washington Commanders (New Name Same Story): All Rise for Testimony from the Almighty Book of Wentz! Chapter 7, Verses 1-17. A team with yet another name change is trying to regain its once powerful identity that has been missing for many years. That includes Carson Wentz and Ron Rivera. Both men have lost a step or 2 over the past couple of years but together they want to prove that 2020-21 were flukes. The same can be said for the rest of the Commanders. Everyone talks about all of the off the field actions of Dan Snyder and the front office but on the field this is a hard team to really judge. Getting Chase Young back sometime early in the season will boost the confidence of that defense. Terry McLaurin almost held out thanks to begging for a new deal but he eventually got paid so he’ll be around for another 3 years. And luckily for Scary Terry he is getting a wingman at WR in 1st Round pick Jahan Dotson. I enjoyed watching him at PSU last year, and him playing alongside a top receiver in McLaurin could make this WR duo tough to beat. As I said earlier the key to the Commanders is Wentz. And if he plays like he did in 2017, this could be a sleeper team. Although this is Washington, nothing easy comes out of there. “The Culture is Actually Damn Good.”
Chicago Bears (YARD SALE!): Well that was some offseason. The 2 long time faces of the franchise are gone, every single acquisition to replace both Allen Robinson and Khalil Mack is injured, and the only thing worth watching on the Bears is Justin Fields. It’s only a matter of time before he ends up like every Bears QB since Sid Luckman. (Or Jim McMahon) Not to mention there is still no news on whether they will be staying at Soldier Field long term. The Arlington Heights deal hasn’t gone through. And if it doesn’t, the McCaskey’s will likely drink all of the stupid juice there is. Why? They seriously want to BUILD A RETRACTABLE DOME OVER SOLDIER FIELD! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (That’s going to tick off Bears fans everywhere just like firing their GM in 1987 after a 14-2 season) BRING OUT THE TANKS THIS IS JUST LIKE WHAT IT WAS IN THE LATE 1990s!
Detroit Lions (Running Through a Wall): The most hope that Lions have had about their team since let’s say 2015. (That year shall not be mentioned) Dan Campbell is still unproven as a coach but his leadership is very strong like it was during the bad times last year. This year Detroit was gifted 2 generational talents in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft. Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams. Williams will be out for a few weeks while still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in the National Championship but Hutchinson now playing for his hometown team should make a massive impact. Jared Goff may still be the starting QB but he at least was one of the few bright spots for the Lions last year. This year they are making progress. I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs but they will certainly be a respectable team if things go according to plan. The future is bright, don’t rest on your laurels.
Green Bay Packers (The Angry Cheeseheads): Last year’s embarrassment thanks to a battered O-Line and Special Teams mistakes is hard to forget. Luckily for Packers fans they are still trying to get back to the Big Game any way they can. Losing Davante Adams was hard but here’s the thing. Remember when Green Bay lost Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jordy Nelson over the years, and how everyone thought Aaron Rodgers would have trouble finding a new target yet still beating teams with his rocket arm? It’s the same here. It doesn’t matter who he has, Rodgers is going to put up his typical numbers and keep the Packers in Super Bowl Contention. Not to mention they also have a potent running game with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion. On defense even if ZaDarius Smith left them for a division rival, they still have many key players in the prime of their careers. (Jaire Alexander, and Kenny Clark are the points of focus) And more of their recent draft picks are only getting better. Even if this may not be the same pass heavy team as it was in the early LaFleur years it won’t stop these boys from getting Championship #14. What will their fate be this time?
Minnesota Vikings (Revive the Analytics): Behold the most overhyped team in the NFC thanks to an internet sensation that will be mentioned in a few moments, and adding an analytical coach and GM. Mike Zimmer finally getting axed needed to happen thanks to some players declaring that he built a culture of fear. But I’m not sure how Kevin O’Connell will do as Head Coach. Especially considering that he was carried by Sean McVay and Matt Stafford. (Also new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the mess of Cleveland) They have the talent to make noise especially with Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson in their primes. Like most years many fans will say that it all depends on Kirk Cousins. I disagree. This time it’s on the defense. And with Anthony Barr gone it’s going to be tough to fill his shoes. Although they did snatch ZaDarius Smith away from Big Brother in Wisconsin as well as a return to the Ravens. This is either going to be a repeat of 2009 and 2017 or the next in a long line of squandered expectations. I’d be fine either way.
Atlanta Falcons (It’s About Time for a Rebuild): The Falcons at long last have decided to blow it up. Well they were in the running for Deshaun Watson but didn’t want to be as desperate as a certain team from Ohio. That’s why they lost Matt Ryan, because of those rumors about Watson. They struck out in both situations and only got a 3rd Round pick for trading the best QB the franchise has ever had. And how does this get worse. (YoYo Sound) Well it appears that Calvin Ridley wanted to become the next Alex Karras. Season long suspension for gambling. Atlanta does have some upside on offense though. With Kyle Pitts only getting stronger, Cordarrelle Patterson extended, and a new flashy receiver in Drake London they have a strong future. This may be a couple of years before they are good again but it’s better than having no hope. Also I forgot about one thing. They drafted their potential QB of the future in Desmond Ridder. Considering how injury prone Marcus Mariotta is I wouldn’t be shocked if he gets his chance early.
Carolina Panthers (Jobs Must be Saved): Well at least they are trying to fix the QB situation. Last year’s experiment for Sam Darnold failed miserably so why not go for another QB from the 2018 NFL Draft. How about the #1 pick in such a draft. Baker Mayfield. Just like in Cleveland Mayfield has a massive chip on his shoulder, and he’s made it publicly known to the media. He wants to prove everyone in the Browns organization wrong for getting rid of the best QB they have had since Bernie Kosar in favor of a man who will be suspended the 1st 11 games. (By the way they play Cleveland in Week 1) The Panthers themselves are in possibly last chance mode with Matt Rhule. The only reason he is still the coach is because of that massive contract he signed in 2020 but hey he has a chance to redeem himself. So does Christian McCaffery. If he’s healthy for the 1st time in 3 years, who knows what the possibilities are. Just like their old head coach in Washington, Carolina is a hard team to crack. It just depends on health, and if their starting QB can revive his career. I hope for Baker’s sake, he proves Jimmy Haslam wrong. (I once hated Mayfield, but now I want to see him succeed. Never thought I’d say that)
New Orleans Saints (The Post Brees/Payton Era): I have now idea how to judge the Saints this time around. Not because of their talent, on paper they still have a good team. The problem is health concerns and if Dennis Allen learned from his mistakes with the Raiders a decade ago. Michael Thomas is coming off a serious injury and new acquisition Jarvis Landry is coming off a down year. Will they revive their careers? Who knows. Jameis Winston is coming off a torn ACL and who knows if his play from the beginning of the season last year will return. Not to mention they lost 2 of their better O-Lineman to FA. And who knows if Alvin Kamara will be playing a full season thanks to suspension rumors about what he did the night before the Pro Bowl. If New Orleans is going to keep up with the big boys in the NFC, every single thing needs to go their way. And with so many new pieces I’m not so sure. (They got the Honey Badger, yet they forget he’s on the wrong side of 30)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (The GOAT Will Not Die): We were all fooled! We all thought Tom Brady was going to retire after last season, well then he decided to roast Adam Schefter and Stephen Ross by coming out of retirement to rejoin the Buccaneers. This time though TB12 is going to have to do it the hard way. Especially since his O-Line from last year either left in FA, retired, or is on IR. But at least they added Julio Jones to the offense and Mike Evans is still around. (Chris Godwin too but he’ll be back once he recovers from a torn ACL) The defense should be able to overcome last year’s letdown if they stay healthy. Even if Jason Pierre-Paul may be gone, that won’t stop Tampa Bay’s Front 7 from feasting on RBs. Opponents or their own. I’m guessing they’ll still be near the top of the NFC even if the roadblocks keep getting bigger.
Arizona Cardinals (“We Tried Warning You” -Salty Marylander): Ladies and Gentlemen come witness for yourselves a soap opera for the ages. It starts with Kyler Murray deleting all of his Cardinals pics on Twitter only for him to sign a massive extension 2 months later. And then it was revealed that he played more video games than watching film. The same can be said about his old buddy from Oklahoma in Marquise Brown (Nothing good comes out of that family) who not only is an inconsistent WR as we saw in Charm City he also got arrested for going 135 MPH on I-10 to Training Camp at 7:30 in the morning on his way from a Phoenix Nightclub. (I could be wrong about where he really was coming from, but I’m guessing that’s probably it) Not to mention DeAndre Hopkins will be suspended 6 games for PEDs. It completely makes us forget that they have a good team but who knows how good Kliff Kingsbury really is as a coach. To me he is Steve Nash. Has incredible talents on his side yet can’t manage a game clock and gets massively outcoached for not making adjustments. They have a long way to go if they want to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium, and to be honest I don’t trust them at all. I feel like the Hollywood Trade is going to hold them back for years. (Especially since the Ravens got 2 of the bigger steals in the draft at this point with those picks)
Los Angeles Rams (Kroenke’s Mega Empire): No team since the New York Yankees when Geroge Steinbrenner was owner and in full demand has spent more money and given away prospects and draft picks than the Los Angeles Rams. (The Vegas Golden Knights of the NFL… except they have a ring and the Knights don’t) Ever since they moved back to LA they haven’t had their 1st Round pick since Jared Goff. When you trade those picks for Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford as well as the genius of Sean McVay you don’t need to. This offseason just like in the summer of 2019 their solution is simple. EXTEND EVERYONE! Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald, Stafford, heck even Pokemon McVay ALL EXTENDED! Not to mention they added Allen Robinson, and made premium Maryland salt by signing Bobby Wagner as well. Still no news on OBJ but I’m guessing he’s probably going to come back once he recovers from his ACL tear in the Super Bowl. The biggest question I have about the Rams is simple. Will the Running Game improve from last year? Considering that in both their trips to the Super Bowl, they didn’t have to play a game below 60 degrees in the playoffs, they will need it if they have to go to Lambeau or the Link let’s say. But if there is anyone that can throw money at everything and win by not running the ball and playing traditional football. It’s the Rams. (Also shout out to Kroenke for winning the Stanley Cup as well)
San Francisco 49ers (Risk Takers): Once again I’m going to ask. Why did you trade up for Trey Lance when Jimmy GQ wasn’t the issue? Look I get that Lance has a high upside and could make noise, but we all know why the 49ers did this. Kyle Shanahan wants his own version of Patrick Mahomes. That style of play has cost him both in San Fran as well as Atlanta before that. Why didn’t you stick to the Run Game and Defense that made your team a serious force? Well its because everyone thinks passing offenses win championships. I disagree. To win the NFL, you have to run the ball and play great defense. The 49ers have just that. But considering the weapons they have at WR as well as Deebo Samuel getting extended I don’t blame Shanahan for trying a new approach. And Jimmy G is still on the roster even if they restructured his contract, and don’t want him near Lance. Niners fans, you’ll be begging for Garoppolo come midseason if things go south.
Seattle Seahawks (Bust for Bryce): An era is over. Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the 2 longtime faces of the franchise are gone. It feels sad to see them leave but they at least brought a golden age of football to Seattle. It’s too bad that their legacy will be judged by the end of Super Bowl XLIX instead of one of the Greatest Defenses ever that won them a Super Bowl in 2013. At least DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockette, and Pete Carroll are still here. Carroll though is close to retirement especially now that he is in his 70s. It doesn’t matter for them because the tanks will be out this year and they will somehow luck into Bryce Young and continue their run of success. That’s all you can hope for right. PAUSE.
The NFC may not be as stacked as the AFC and there certainly could be one team and everyone else, or a tightly contested race for the #1 seed. Anyways predictions:
NFC East:
- Eagles 11-6 (#4)
- Cowboys 11-6 (#6)
- Commanders 8-9
- Giants 5-12
NFC North:
- Packers 12-5 (#3)
- Vikings 10-7 (#7)
- Lions 6-11
- Bears 4-13
NFC South:
- Buccaneers 12-5 (#2)
- Saints 9-8
- Panthers 8-9
- Falcons 5-12
NFC West:
- Rams 14-3 (#1)
- 49ers 12-5 (#5)
- Cardinals 9-8
- Seahawks 3-14
NFC Wild Card:
#4 Eagles over #5 49ers
#3 Packers over #6 Cowboys
#2 Buccaneers over #7 Vikings
NFC Divisional
#1 Rams over #4 Eagles
#2 Buccaneers over #3 Packers
NFC Championship
#1 Rams over #2 Buccaneers
Super Bowl LVII
#1 Rams over #1 Bills
Awards:
NFL MVP: Josh Allen, Bills
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, Vikings
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, Cowboys
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kenny Pickett, Steelers
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: JK Dobbins, Ravens
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Chiefs
Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Donald, Rams
Bragging Rights Sports 