Tag: 2018 nfl

Colts VIP Update: Week 3 @ Philadelphia Eagles

After finally snagging their first win of the 2018 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts were once again on the road in Week 3, taking on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.

Close, but No Cigar

For the second time in the first three weeks of the season, quarterback Andrew Luck and the Colts would get out to a lead, only to fall just short at the end, with Week 3 going to the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 20-16.

Throughout the majority of the Week 3 matchup, the Colts were actually seemingly in control on the defensive side of the ball, holding the high-flying Eagles offense, highlighted by the return of quarterback Carson Wentz, at bay.

An 11-minute long drive in the fourth quarter, however, would put the Colts’ “bend-don’t-break” mentality to the test, ultimately dooming the team. A final drive to take the lead would fall short for the Colts on a failed 4th-and-5 attempt in the Red Zone, followed by an unsuccessful last-second hail mary attempt.

Leonard Shines Again

In what’s becoming a weekly theme thus far on the young season, Colts rookie linebacker Darius Leonard was once again a star, making a strong early case for defensive rookie of the year honors.

 

Leonard finished the game Sunday with 13 tackles (9 solo), five tackles for a loss, two sacks and one pass-breakup. The last two-weeks have seen Leonard total 32 tackles, three sacks and one forced-fumble.

Looking Forward

The Colts return home in Week 4, facing the division rival Houston Texans (0-3) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC South Preview

After a seemingly disappointing year in 2017 after such a successful campaign in the 2016 season, will the NFC South be able to rebound in the 2018 NFL season on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta?

New Orleans Saints

2017 Record: 11-5, NFC South Champions

After a relatively disappointing year in 2016, the New Orleans Saints rebounded in 2017, clawing their way to an 11-5 record and walking away winners of the NFC South via a tiebreaker with the Carolina Panthers.

The 2018 offseason was about not only securing the present, but preparing for life post-quarterback Drew Brees. While the status of Brees’ re-signing was up in the air, the Saints and Brees eventually agreed to a two-year contract extension, giving the Saints a few more years to prepare for the future. But that doesn’t mean the team is using Brees as a placeholder. The team reloaded on offense, signing former Browns running back Terrance West to pair with 2017 offensive standout rookie in Alvin Kamara. Returning wide receivers Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr., the team also signed former Bears wide receiver Cameron Meredith, brought back tight end Benjamin Watson, and re-signed offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod.

 

 

Carolina Panthers

2017 Record: 11-5

After finishing second in the division and trading offensive playmaking wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, the Carolina Panthers were due for a minor reset in the 2018 offseason. However, a relatively quiet offseason leaves fans wondering what the 2018 edition of the Panthers might look like once they hit the field.

Running back Jonathan Stewart departed in favor of the New York Giants, All-Pro offensive lineman Andrew Norwell signed a monster contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and defensive playmakers Star Lotulelei and Kurt Coleman also chose to go elsewhere. To help buffer those losses, the Panthers brought in defensive backs Da’Norris Search and Mike Adams, defensive tackle Dontari Poe, and acquired wide receivers Torrey Smith (PHI) and D.J. Moore (2018 NFL Draft, #24 overall pick).

 

 

Atlanta Falcons

2017 Record: 10-6

Just a year removed from a standout campaign in 2016, which saw the team capture the #2 overall seed in the NFC Playoffs and a Super Bowl LI appearance against the New England Patriots, the Falcons seemingly regressed in 2017, finishing with a 10-6 record and failing to make the playoffs.

The headline of the 2018 offseason thus far for the Falcons (and the NFL, for that matter) has been the ongoing contract negotiations (or lack thereof) with wide receiver Julio Jones, who reportedly is ready to holdout amidst the talks.

On the transactional side, the Falcons were relatively quiet on the free agency front, bringing in players like defensive backs Leon McFadden and Justin Bethel. But it’s the team’s 1st-round draft pick that has fans excited.. Calvin Ridley, a lengthy wide receiver out of Alabama, who has drawn comparisons to Jones himself.

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2017 Record: 5-11

After a disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2017, it appears the offseason made matters worse for Buccaneers fans across the country.

Re-signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick became a priority the team didn’t know they needed after starting quarterback Jameis Winston received a three-game suspension due to conduct detrimental. And after losing running back Doug Martin (OAK) and a handful of key defensive contributors, the team was left looking at a minor rebuild.

Bulking up on the defensive side of the football, the Buccaneers signed Super Bowl champion defensive end Vinny Curry and acquired New York Giants standout Jason Pierre-Paul via trade, as well as drafting defensive tackle Vita Via out of Washington, adding to the depth of the defensive front-seven. To help on the offensive side, the team re-signed running back Charles Sims and drafted running back Ronald Jones out of USC to help carry the load.

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC East Preview

Featuring the Super Bowl champions, the NFC East appears to be loading up to take on the Eagles, with a new Pro Bowl quarterback taking the reigns in Washington and roster turnover in Dallas and New York. Can the Philadelphia Eagles defend their crown on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta?

Philadelphia Eagles

2017 Record: 13-3, Super Bowl LII Champions

The defending Super Bowl champions, fresh off an exciting 41-33 victory in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots, the Eagles themselves will be returning the majority of their Super Bowl champion roster, including a look at a hopefully healthy quarterback Carson Wentz.

Although the Eagles were susceptible to change in the 2018 offseason, losing key players like running back LeGarrette Blound, wide receiver Torrey Smith, defensive pass rusher Vinny Curry and tight end Brent Celek, the team did manage to bolster their already stellar defensive front, adding Seahawks Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Bennett, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, and some young weapons through the draft.

 

 

Dallas Cowboys

2017 Record: 9-7

In what was considered yet another disappointing season for the Cowboys faithful, the team shook things up in the offseason hoping to turn it around in 2018.

Despite retaining head coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys are not without roster turnover in the 2018 offseason. The team lost two of its premier pass catchers in wide receiver Dez Bryant (released) and tight end Jason Witten (retirement), as well as two defensive staples in linebacker Anthony Hitchens and Orlando Scandrick. The Cowboys did, however, manage to bring in some big names, most notably former Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin, defensive end Kony Ealy and the former Jaguars standout receiver Allen Hurns. The Cowboys will also look forward to the return of a full season for running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was absent due to suspension for part of the 2017 season.

 

 

Washington Redskins

2017 Record: 7-9

Plenty of shakeup coming in the nation’s capital this offseason was headlined by the Washington Redskins deciding to move on from quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of a former NFL MVP to take charge of the offense.

Shortly before losing quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, the Redskins traded cornerback Kendall Fuller and a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to the Kansas City chiefs for the Pro Bowl quarterback Alex Smith. After making the decision to hand the reigns to Smith, the Redskins continued their transformation, bringing in plenty of defensive talent and a talented young offensive core, most notably rookie running back Derrius Guice from LSU, linebacker Pernell McPhee and defensive back Orlando Scandrick.

 

 

New York Giants

2017 Record: 3-13

For New York Giants fans, the excitement of putting the last 12 months behind them with a fresh start at kickoff of the 2018 season will be a welcoming feeling. A 3-13 campaign, headlined by turmoil with former head coach Ben McAdoo, and an injury to Pro Bowl receiver Odell Beckham Jr., resulting in the #2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, leaves the Giants with a clean slate on the Road to Super Bowl 53.

Despite losing key players such as defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul and wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Giants reloaded on both sides of the ball, drafting possibly the most exciting player in the 2018 NFL Draft in running back Saquon Barkley out of Penn State, signing former New England Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder and trading for former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree.

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC North Preview

Entering July, we are officially in the final month of 2018 without football! As team’s prepare to ramp up their game plans on the ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ in Atlanta in 2019, will the Minnesota Vikings continue to dominate in 2018 with a new quarterback at the helm?

Minnesota Vikings

2017 Record: 13-3, NFC North Champions

The biggest contract awarded in NFL history, the Minnesota Vikings finally have what they feel to be their franchise-defining quarterback ahead of the 2018 season in former Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. And despite not returning even one quarterback on the roster from the magical 2017 season that saw them one-game from a home-game Super Bowl appearance, the team seems to feel they’ve found the missing piece to make that final leap.

Aside from renovating the quarterbacks room, the Vikings also brought in other key players, namely defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and wide receiver Kendall Wright, and drafting cornerback Mike Hughes out of Central Florida in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
 

 

Detroit Lions

2017 Record: 9-7

After yet another middle-of-the-road season in 2017, the Detroit Lions have a brand new coaching staff and a revamped roster heading into the 2018 NFL season.

Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes the reins in Detroit, bringing a new smash mouth mindset to the team. And the team’s offseason improvements look to bolster that mentality, bringing in players like linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones, cornerbacks DeShawn Shead and Nevin Lawson, running back LeGarrette Blount and re-signing safety Tavon Wilson.
 

 

Green Bay Packers

2017 Record: 7-9

A disappointing season for Green Bay began with a collarbone injury to quarterback Aaron Rodgers that would eventually sideline the Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion for the majority of the 2017 season. But in 2018, with a brand new look across the board, the Packers are looking to rebound.

Despite losing wide receiver Jordy Nelson, the Packers have seemingly reloaded on offense, bringing in some size in tight ends Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis. On the defensive side of the ball, the team brought in embattled Jets defensive tackle Mo Wilkerson to bolster the front lines, and bolstered the defensive secondary by drafting Jaire Alexander out of Louisville and signin Tramon Williams.
 

 

Chicago Bears

2017 Record: 5-11

Another disappointing campaign, another offseason of change, and another year with a brand new head coach at the helm recaps the Chicago Bears of 2017 and 2018. But this time around, the Bears are confident they’ve found the long-term solutions.

The Bears went on a free-agency spending spree after bringing in new head coach, former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. On the offensive side of the ball, Chicago signed wide receivers Allen Robinson (JAX) and Taylor Gabriel (ATL), tight end Trey Burton (PHI). But it appears to be the defensive side where the Bears were looking to retool the most, drafting Alabama linebacker Roquan Smith in the 1st round of the 2018 NFL Draft, bringing in linebackers Sam Acho and Aaron Lynch, and signing a bevy of defensive backs in Prince Amukamara, Kyle Fuller, Sherrick McManis and Marcus Cooper.

 

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: AFC South Preview

The ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ is just under a month from officially kicking off for teams heading to training camp. Could 2018 be the year of the AFC South’s rise?

Jacksonville Jaguars

2017 Record: 10-6, AFC South Champions

One of the biggest surprises of the 2017 NFL season, the Jacksonville Jaguars not only won the AFC South, but were runners-up in the AFC Championship, facing off against the New England Patriots.

When you rise to a 10-6 record and one-win away from the Super Bowl, you don’t mess with the formula too much. That’s why the Jacksonville Jaguars had what could be considered a relatively-quiet offseason. The team did choose to move on from wide receiver Allen Robinson, instead signing former Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief, and getting what many considered the best offensive lineman in free agency in former Panthers tackle Andrew Norwell.

 

Tennessee Titans

2017 Record: 9-7

An injury to quarterback Marcus Mariota left the Titans struggling to keep up with the Jaguars in 2017, but that didn’t stop the team from reloading in the 2018 offseason.

The team signed a pair of prized former Patriots in running back Dion Lewis and defensive back Malcom Butler, pairing well with new head coach (and former Patriot) Mike Vrabel. Tennessee did let plenty of nana players walk, most notably running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Eric Decker, but that doesn’t seem to be a major concern for fans about the future, considering both players’ production has dropped off in recent seasons.

 

Indianapolis Colts

2017 Record: 4-12

The Colts are hoping they will finally have their quarterback. After season of “will he, won’t he,” quarterback Andrew Luck finally appears to be ready to hit the field, and he’ll have a brand new coaching staff and revamped roster to do so with.

After hiring Super Bowl champion offensive coordinator Frank Reich as their new head coach, the Colts underwent something of a transformation in the 2018 offseason, reverting back to the 4-3 defensive scheme and bringing in players to fit that. First priority, however, was protecting Luck, bringing in offensive linemen Quenton Nelson (1st-round draft pick), Austin Howard (Raiders) and Matt Slauson (LAC). On the defensive side, the Colts also signed former Raiders standout Denico Autry, and drafted plenty of young defensive talent.

 

 

Houston Texans

2017 Record: 4-12

A mid-season knee injury to quarterback Deshaun Watson left the Texans to struggle in the AFC South, but that wouldn’t stop the team from reloading around him in the offseason.

Houston brought in plenty of talent on both sides of the ball in 2018, most notably the “honey badger,” safety Tyrann Mathieu, and defensive backs Johnson Bademosi and Aaron Colvin, helping shore up the team’s defensive pass attack. Watson looks to return in 2018 at full strength, and will return the majority of his offensive receiving core and offensive line in the process.

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: AFC East Preview

Previewing every division in the NFL ahead of the ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ in Atlanta, Georgia. Next up; the AFC East.

New England Patriots

2017 Record: 13-3, AFC Champions

Not surprisingly, the New England Patriots were the AFC East and AFC champions in 2017, coming up short to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

An offseason of change is sweeping over New England, amidst rumors of tension, trades and retirements. Wide receivers Brandin Cooks (traded to Los Angeles Rams) and Danny Amendola (signed with Miami Dolphins), as well as running back Dion Lewis (signed with Tennessee Titans) are gone, leaving quarterback Tom Brady with plenty of new faces on offense. Alongside first round draft pick running back Sony Michel out of the University of Georgia,  wide receiver Jordan Matthews and running backs Jeremy Hill and Rex Burkhead will look to be a featured faces on the offense.

 

Buffalo Bills

2017 Record: 9-7

A team that finished ahead of their expectations in 2017, the Buffalo Bills themselves featured an offseason of change. The team traded quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns, instead opting to draft the young-and-talented quarterback Josh Allen out of Wyoming.

On the defensive side of the ball, a relatively stingy defense got even better with the addition of players like defensive back Vontae Davis and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.

 

Miami Dolphins

2017 Record: 6-10

After a disappointing 2017 campaign that say quarterback Ryan Tannehill sitting out due to injury, a temporary solution in former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and the mid-season trade of running back Jay Ajayi to the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the Dolphins are looking to start over in 2018.

The Dolphins have been active on both the trade and free agency markets in the 2018 offseason, most notably trading for former Rams defensive end Robert Quinn, former Lions linebacker Akeem Spence, and signing the likes of wide receiver Danny Amendola away from the division-rival Patriots, hoping to give their defense the talent it lacks while giving a hopefully-healthy Tannehill some offensive weapons.

 

New York Jets

2017 Record: 5-11

Despite a 5-11 campaign in the 2017 NFL season, the New York Jets were actually one of the surprises, finishing with more wins than many expected. That didn’t stop the team, however, from undergoing a complete makeover in the offseason.

The Jets not only signed quarterback Josh McCown to a one-year extension, the team also opted to draft former USC quarterback Sam Darnold and sign former Minnesota Viking Teddy Bridgewater. Aside from the QB position, the Jets brought in plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, re-signing wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, bringing in former Redskins and Browns WR Terrelle Pryor, former Browns running back Isaiah Crowell, and plenty of other key positional players.

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: AFC West Preview

Settling in for the quiet summer before ramping up for training camp in less than a month, teams are readying to set their sights on the intense ‘Road to Super Bowl 53’ in Atlanta in 2019. Next up in our divisional previews is the always competitive and parity-driven AFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs

2017 Record: 10-6, AFC West Champions

Normally, you wouldn’t expect a team that got out to a 5-0 start on the 2017 NFL season and had an MVP-caliber quarterback at the helm to make too many changes. The 2017 AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs, however, are an exception to that rule.

After finishing the season at 10-6, the Chiefs decided it was time to shake things up. The team shipped quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins in exchange for defensive back Kendall Fuller and a draft pick, opening the door for now-sophomore quarterback Patrick Mahomes to take the reins. And it wasn’t just the quarterbacking position that saw a dramatic makeover. The Chiefs also added two of the biggest prizes of the 2018 free agency period in wide receiver Sammy Watkins and linebacker Anthony Hitchens as well.
 

 

Los Angeles Chargers

2017 Record: 9-7

One of the more mediocre teams of the 2017 NFL season, the LA Chargers finished their first season back in the city of angels at just two games over .500, and followed it up with a relatively quiet offseason. Getting a steal in rookie safety Derwin James out of Florida State with the #17 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft was what could be considered the highlight of the transactional period. Aside from James, the team was able to help fortify their offensive line by bringing in former Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey, as well as a new target for quarterback Philip Rivers in tight end Virgil Green.
 

 

Oakland Raiders

2017 Record: 6-10

After a disappointing 6-10 campaign, just a year removed from winning the AFC West and being a top-tier team in the AFC, the Raiders decided to shake things up when it came to the coaching staff. Enter; former Raiders head coach (and Super Bowl champion) Jon Gruden.

While many thought the Raiders would have an ‘all-out’ approach to free agency and the draft thanks to the returned presence of Gruden, that wasn’t the case for the Raiders. The Raiders weren’t short on moves, but it was the lack of ‘star power’ that surprised many. The team drafted offensive lineman Kolton Miller out of UCLA with their first-round pick, and brought in solid position players such as Rashaan Melvin (DB), Doug Martin (RB), Martavis Bryant (WR), Reggie Nelson (S) and their prized pickup, Jordy Nelson (WR).
 

 

Denver Broncos

2017 Record: 5-11

An offseason of turmoil and speculation followed the Broncos after their disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2017. Following the retirement of quarterback Peyton Manning, the team has struggled to provide an offensive presence at the quarterback position… something the Broncos believe they have solved in the 2018 offseason.

The Broncos signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback (and 2017 standout) Case Keenum to take the reins as the team’s new quarterback. Keenum helped lead the Vikings to a 13-3 record and the #2 seed in the NFC, featuring an NFC Championship loss to the eventual-Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Aside from Keenum, Broncos fans are feeling optimistic, as the team was also able to grab arguably the best player in the 2018 NFL Draft in edge rusher Bradley Chubb, pairing him alongside the already-daunting Von Miller.

 

 

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2018 Indianapolis Colts Schedule Preview: Weeks 14-17

After a successful mandatory mini-camp that saw quarterback Andrew Luck throwing his first passes in almost a year, the Indianapolis Colts are breaking for the summer before reporting for training camp in a little more than a month. We’re taking a look at the last leg of the 2018 season schedule, with weeks 14 through 17.

Week 14: at Houston Texans

Sunday, Dec. 12, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET  — NRG Stadium — 2017 Record: 4-12

Key Additions: Tyrann Mathieu, DB – Johnson Bademosi, DB – Justin Reid, S     —     Key Losses: Marcus Williams, DB – Bruce Ellington, WR – Marcus Gilchrist, S

A familiar foe in Week 14, the Colts will travel to Houston to take on the division-rival Texans for the second matchup of the season at NRG Stadium.

 

 

Week 15: vs Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET — Lucas Oil Stadium — 2017 Record: 9-7

Key Additions: Tavon Austin, WR – Kony Ealy, DE – Allen Hurns, WR     —     Key Losses: Dez Bryant, WR – Jason Witten, TE – Alfred Morris, RB – Anthony Hitchens, LB – Orlando Scandrick, DB

A matchup of two teams in similar positions, the Dallas Cowboys come to Indianapolis in Week 15 to face the Colts.

Despite retaining head coach Jason Garrett, the Cowboys are not without roster turnover in 2018. The team lost two of its premier pass catchers in wide receiver Dez Bryant (released) and tight end Jason Witten (retirement), as well as two defensive staples in linebacker Anthony Hitchens and Orlando Scandrick.

However, returning the core of running back Ezekiel Elliott and quarterback Dak Prescott means the offense is on track to continue flying high, leaving this Week 15 matchup a defensive test for the Colts new-look defense.

 

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Week 16: vs. New York Giants

Date & Time: TBD — Lucas Oil Stadium — 2017 Record: 3-13

Key Additions: Saquon Barkley, RB – Nate Solder, OL – Michael Thomas, S – Alec Ogletree, LB    —     Key Losses: Brandon Marshall, WR – Justin Pugh, OL – D.J. Fluker, OL – Jason Pierre-Paul, DE

A matchup formerly circled on Colts fans’ calendars due to the matchup of Mannings, quarterback Eli Manning and the New York Giants will roll into Indianapolis to face the Colts in Week 16, sporting a fresh new-look and younger team on both sides of the football.

Despite losing key players such as defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul and wide receiver Brandon Marshall, the Giants reloaded on both sides of the ball, drafting star running back Saquon Barkley out of Penn State, signing former New England Patriots offensive lineman Nate Solder and trading for former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree.

Barkley, who many speculate was on the Colts’ 2018 NFL Draft wishlist, looks to be the featured piece of this Giants offense moving forward, giving the Colts new defense a tough task at hand late in the 2018 NFL season.

 

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Week 17: at Tennessee Titans

Sunday, Dec. 30th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. ET — Nissan Coliseum — 2017 Record: 9-7

Key Additions: Malcom Butler, DB – Dion Lewis, RB –  Rashaan Evans. LB     —     Key Losses: DeMarco Murray, RB – Eric Decker, WR – Avery Williamson, LB

In Week 17, the Colts will round out the 2018 regular season against a familiar foe in the division-rival Tennessee Titans, traveling to Nashville and Nissan Stadium.

 

 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: Best Matchups of the 2018 NFL Season

With the 2018 NFL Offseason approaching the quiet summer months, we’re looking ahead on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta to the 2018 NFL regular season. What are some of the most anticipated matchups on the schedule?

Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta in 2019 - Top NFL Matchups

Week 1 (Thurs, 9/6): Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles

A signature of the beginning of every NFL season, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles will play host to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, September 6th. Two familiar foes, the Falcons and Eagles squared off in the divisional round of the 2017 NFL Playoffs, which of course the Eagles would go on to win, 15-10. Two of the frontrunners in the NFC once again in 2018, the game promises to be an exciting battle of elite quarterbacks.

 

Week 1 (Mon, 9/10): Los Angeles Rams @ Oakland Raiders

New (and old) Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden will make his 2018 debut at home against the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, with Gruden’s first game on the sidelines coming on Monday Night Football, where he was previously a color analyst in previous seasons. Aside from the intrigue of Gruden coaching on MNF, fans on both sides have plenty of questions; will Gruden’s coaching style be the same as in the past? Can the high-flying Rams offense duplicate its successes from the 2017 season?

 

Week 2 (Thurs, 9/13): New England Patriots @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Any game featuring the New England Patriots could be circled as a must-watch game in 2018, but Week 2 might be circled for fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars will play host to the Patriots on Thursday Night Football, a rematch of the 2017 AFC Championship Game. Just one win away from the Super Bowl, there’s no doubt the Jaguars will be looking to their bolstered defense to once again be the recipe for success in 2017.

 

Week 5 (Thurs, 10/4): Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

First there was the bitter Manning-Brady rivalry, then came ‘Deflategate,’ and since then, the rivalry between the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots has never been the same. That is, until the 2018 offseason.

The Colts had agreed to terms with Patriots offense coordinator Josh McDaniels before McDaniels reneged on his word and decided to stay in New England, leaving the Colts in panic mode trying to set their coaching staff for the 2018 season and beyond. This will be the first time McDaniels will have to face the team he spurned, a team that he reportedly hasn’t even spoken to since backing out of the deal. Just another chapter and storyline in the long, illustrious history of this rivalry.

 

 

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2018 NFL Draft Winners, Losers & Maybes

With April’s 2018 NFL Draft officially in the rearview mirror, teams are beginning to set their sights on Atlanta for the pinnacle, Super Bowl 53 in 2019. What teams walked away from the draft winners, losers and maybes?

Winners

 
Arizona Cardinals: On the hunt for a franchise quarterback after the retirement of Carson Palmer, the team managed to not only move up five spots by giving up just a third- and fifth-round pick, but they also manage to snag one of the consensus top three quarterbacks on the board. Former UCLA standout Josh Rosen, who has arguably been one of the more outspoken quarterbacks in this draft, fell right into their lap. And general manager Steve Kim wasn’t done adding wide receiver Christian Kirk out of Texas A&M, and a solid, versatile offensive lineman in Mason Cole.

Indianapolis Colts: For second-year general manager Chris Ballard, the emphasis for the Colts seemed to be clear in this draft; solidify the front lines on both sides of the ball. Ballard took arguably the best physical prospect in this draft, Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson, when the offensive linemen fell to them at #6, and continued the run, grabbing Auburn’s Braden Smith in the second round. Ballard’s moves proved to be fruitful for the team’s draft positioning, with five picks in the first two rounds, and the team used the remaining three to round out the defense with linebacker Darius Leonard(LB, South Carolina State), Kemoko Turay (DE, Rutgers), and Tyquan Lewis (DE, Ohio State).
 

Losers

 
Oakland Raiders: In a draft that many expected to see the Raiders and new head coach Jon Gruden stand out, the team was seemingly quiet. After starting the draft dropping five spots and only receiving a third- and fifth-round pick in return from the Arizona Cardinals, the team took offensive tackle Kolton Miller out of UCLA. While Miller is a solid prospect, the Raiders have gaping needs on the defensive side of the ball, and plenty of defensive talent was on the board. The Raiders then flipped their third-round pick to the Steelers for controversial wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who, though has tremendous upside, has had his fair share of controversies.

New Orleans Saints: Although the Saints were able to grab one of the top defensive prospects in this draft in UTSA’s Marcus Davenport, the team paid a pretty penny to grab him, giving up two first-round picks to acquire him. Pair that with the team’s lack of a second-round pick in this year’s draft, and the Saints ultimately give up two first round picks to come away with just one player in the first two rounds, and a player who, though raw, has solid potential at best.
 

Maybe…

 
Cleveland Browns: The jury is still out. While the Cleveland Browns held both the #1 and #4 overall picks in this year’s draft, it felt as though they still managed to shock the country and experts alike, taking Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and following that up with a first-round stunner in Ohio State defensive back Denzel Ward at #4. Both players have tremendous upside and athletic ability, but because they’re the Cleveland Browns, we’ll wait to judge this draft until we see the finished products.

New York Jets: One could argue that the New York Jets were one of the winners of the draft, given the team’s having USC quarterback Sam Darnold falling to them at #3, despite many considering Darnold the top quarterback prospect in the draft class. However, Darnold’s 22 turnovers (13 interceptions, nine fumbles) have to leave Jets fans skeptical of Darnold becoming the quarterback of the franchise. But the real loss comes at the price the Jets paid for Darnold, giving up the #6 pick, as well as the #37 and #49 overall picks, and a 2019 second-round pick, just to move up three spots. And as the draft began to unfold, it became increasingly clear a quarterback would have probably been available at #6, albeit hypothetical.

 

 

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