NFL Ready to Start Season On the Right Foot
After a politically infested season last year, the 2018-19 NFL Season is one that we can hopefully enjoy without any political distractions. Rather than watching players, team owners and Trump went down each other’s throat. Football fans want to turn on their TVs and watch quality football from the teams they worship, not political debates. From the to rookie class teams to the Philadelphia Eagles, fans have high expectations for their teams to head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in February.
The 2018 NFL Draft in April turned Dallas upside down with dazzling college players who want to make a name for themselves on the field. Players such as Saquon Barkley, Sam Darnold, Bradley Chubb, and first overall pick Baker Mayfield are among the elite with the highest expectations to make their teams the best in the league. Barkley, drafted second by the New York Giants, will be the hometown hero the Giants have been looking for. He was born in Bronx, New York, and being back home will be a motivation for the Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate to showcase his abilities on the field. In his last year at Penn State, he rushed for 1,271 yards and recorded eight touchdowns. In addition, he had 632 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He was also fourth in the 2017 Heisman voting.
Oklahoma Sooner and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield has the most to prove coming off of a historic year in his final season. He threw for 4,267 passing yards, with 43 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He also won the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Davey O’Brien Award. With the Cleveland Browns in rebuilding mode, he, along with other young players like Jabrill Peppers and Myles Garrett (first overall pick in 2016 Draft), will be the future of this franchise to one day go to their first Super Bowl championship. Mayfield has been in competition with Tyrod Taylor for starting quarterback. Even though he is a rookie, his greatness has made him a temptation for head coach Hue Jackson to give him those rights.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady became the oldest player ever to win the MVP in 2017 at the age of 40. This year, the predictions for the award include some top players including Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Le’Veon Bell, and of course, Tom Brady. Rodgers and Brees have been the top names buzzing for the award, and this year’s MVP race will be the closest to date. Before breaking his collarbone, Rodgers threw for 1,675 yards, with six touchdowns and had a total quarterback rating (TQR) of 97.2. The two-time MVP will be coming back from injury ready to lead a new Packers offense.
Drew Brees has been one of the most accurate passers that football has ever seen. Last year, Brees threw for 4,334 yard with 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also put himself in the records books again by having the highest completion percentage in a season of 72 percent. The 2010 Super Bowl MVP will have a solid chance winning his first regular season MVP behind New Orleans’ young and fast offense.
Reigning Super Bowl winners, the Eagles, put the world on notice as a future dynasty after beating Brady and the Patriots 41 to 33. Teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Jacksonville Jaguars are some of the top picks to become the new champions. The Steelers had a polarizing season behind star players Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. Both having top tier seasons last year, the Three B’s (Brown, Bell, and Ben Roethlisberger) will have another offense dominating season. However, this might be their last chance to do so. With Bell holding out on training camp due to contract situations, he will be their main factor for success. As for the Steeler front office, they are hopeful that they can keep him long term.
2017 Head Coach of the Year, Sean McVay, and the Rams had a statement making season last year. They had an 11-5 record and the number one ranked offense in the NFL. Running back Todd Gurley had himself a MVP caliber, racking a total of 2,093 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns. The 2017 Offensive Player of the Year has also been named a 2018 MVP candidate, but the strengthening of their defense will play a huge part of the team’s success. Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald just signed a five-year extension with the team. With the additions of Ndamukong Suh, Aqib Talib, and Marcus Peters, they will be a punishing force to opposing teams in the NFC.
This upcoming season will be one to look forward to. Players have been through training all summer for their moment to play on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. This season will be the most anticipated season to date.