NFL 2016-17 Season In Review

Completed by one of the most memorable Super Bowls to date, the 2016-17 NFL Season was one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. From the conclusion of “Deflate Gate,” to Brady’s redemption, to the first year without “The Sheriff” and the rise of the Atlanta Falcons. We take a walk down memory lane and review the season that was in the NFL.

The “Rise” of the MVP

The surprise team of the 2016-17 NFL season was without a doubt, the Atlanta Falcons. Behind a stellar offensive attack and a surprisingly stingy defense, the Falcons claimed their first NFC title in decades, due large in part to league MVP, quarterback Matt Ryan.

Ryan finished the 2016 campaign with career-bests in yards (4,994), touchdowns (38), interceptions (7), completion percentage (69.9%) and quarterback ratings (117.1). The evening before his Super Bowl LI appearance, Ryan would go on to be named the 2016 NFL MVP.

First Year Without Peyton

The 2016-17 NFL season marked the first year since 1997 that former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback and two-time Super Bowl winner Peyton Manning would not be under center. “The Sheriff” announced his retirement after his Super Bowl 50 victory in 2016 with the Denver Broncos, marking the end of his illustrious 18-year career. Sophomore quarterback Trevor Siemian would take over for the Broncos, although Denver would miss the playoffs.

Deflate Gate Revenge

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would finally go on to serve his four-game suspension, despite his multiple appeals, relating to the “Deflate Gate” drama from years prior. Despite Brady missing the first four games, the Patriots would be led to a 3-1 record by quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett, leaving the door open for Brady to come back and complete one of his best statistical seasons to date.

Super Bowl LI

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots would square off in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, in what would become one of the most exciting Super Bowls to date.

Atlanta would hold a 28-9 lead heading into the 4th quarter, but with “Tom Terrific” leading the way, the Patriots were not to be counted out. Mounting the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, and creating the first overtime Super Bowl in league history, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots would capture their 5th Super Bowl trophy in the Belichick-Brady era. Brady would take home Super Bowl MVP, throwing for a Super Bowl record 466 yards and two touchdowns on 62 pass attempts.

The 2017 Players Tailgate was rated the #1 pre-game experience in Houston throughout Super Bowl LI weekend. Click to learn more about the 2018 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, or Bullseye’s other events such as Gate 6 Hospitality at The Masters.

 

2017 Players Tailgate at the Super Bowl: Media Roundup

Described as the best pre-game event before the Super Bowl, the 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI was the biggest and best event to date. We look back at some of the various outlets that covered the event, and what they had to say.

 

TMZ Sports

The guys at TMZ Sports talked to celebrity chef Guy Fieri ahead of the 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI in Houston.

CBS “Tailgate Fan”

The NFL’s biggest event of the year attracts some big-time pregame parties and this past weekend was no different. Host Nick Stevens and the crew of Tailgate Fan made the trip down to Houston to check out the local scene in the lead up to the big game. Read the full story here.

Eater.com

In the middle of the sold-out kickoff party, Fieri explained the Super Bowl/tailgating conundrum: “At football games, you tailgate all year, then you go to the Super Bowl, and they don’t allow tailgating… We didn’t like that, so we thought we’d throw the best tailgate party anyone’s ever seen.” That bash included a BBQ Butts and Brisket station, as well as a Mac Daddy Mac N Cheese stand, and a dessert counter called the Flavortown Finale Ice Cream & Candy Bar. On the lighter side of things, the celebrity chef served ahi tuna poke, made with fish that was flown in fresh from Hawaii. Clearly, no expense was spared at this suped-up Super Bowl smorgasbord.” Read the full story here.

PopSugar

If anyone knows how to tailgate and throw the most epic Super Bowl party, it’s Guy Fieri. He hosted the tailgate at last year’s Super Bowl in San Francisco. Guy told POPSUGAR, “After that experience . . . I had such a good time. I said, ‘Let’s take it to another level.'” So he’s headed to Houston for this year’s Super Bowl (Patriots vs. Falcons) to throw the ultimate pregame party.” Read the full story here.

Want to learn more about Bullseye Event Group’s events such as the Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, Gate 6 Hospitality at The Masters and more? Click here.

 

Road to Super Bowl LI: Divisional Weekend

Eight teams took the field during Wild Card Weekend last week, with only four advancing. Now, with just eight teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs, the vital Divisional Weekend is upon us, with the winners advancing to their respective conference championships. The Road to Super Bowl LI takes another step toward Houston.

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons (Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET on FOX)

A divisional rematch from three years ago, the red-hot Seattle Seahawks head to Atlanta to take on the #2-seed Falcons in what could be Atlanta’s final time playing in the Georgia Dome. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan rides an MVP-worthy season into Saturday’s divisional matchup, with an offense that has seen wild success in the 2016 NFL season.

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET on CBS)

The AFC South champion Houston Texans, fresh off a Wild Card victory over the Oakland Raiders, head to Foxboro on Saturday night to face up against the always-formidable New England Patriots. Houston, boasting the #1-ranked defense in the NFL, knows the challenge that lies ahead in facing Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, one of the greatest postseason quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday, 11:05 p.m. ET on NBC)

After beating down the Miami Dolphins in their Wild Card game, the Pittsburgh Steelers bring their bruising defense and high-flying offense to Kansas City to face the #2-seed Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs hope to be able to contain the “Three B’s” of the Steelers on Sunday, in quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown. Both teams, however, have two of the hottest in the NFL this season.

Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys (Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET on FOX)

Quite possibly the most anticipated matchup of the 2016 NFL Playoffs thus far, the Green Bay Packers, winners of their last six in a row, travel to Dallas to take on the dynamic Dallas Cowboys team, headlined by rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.

Despite their lack of playoff experience, the Cowboys boast one of the most efficient offenses in the league, while the Packers are riding a “run-the-table” wave of consistency. The winner of this game could very well be representing the NFC in Super Bowl LI in Houston.

Want to check the Super Bowl off your bucket list? Travel packages to Super Bowl LI in Houston are available now! Including some of the most luxurious hotels in Houston, a ticket to the 2017 Players Tailgate featuring America’s favorite chef, Guy Fieri, and a ticket to the big game!

20 Things To Do Before Super Bowl LI

So you’re thinking about going to Super Bowl LI in Houston? Congratulations! Whether you’re looking into booking a trip as a Christmas gift or just wanting to mark something off the bucket list, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 20 things to before Super Bowl LI.

sb-li1. Research Travel Packages: Bullseye Event Group has three separate travel packages to choose from for Super Bowl LI in Houston. Do your homework and select the best hotel and travel package for you, with some of the most luxurious hotels in the Houston area to choose from.

2. Pick Hotel: The time has come, you’ve done your research. Now it’s time to select the hotel and travel package of your choice.

3. Purchase Travel Package: The moment of truth. Seal the deal with your official Bullseye Travel Package to Super Bowl LI in Houston.

4. Book Your Flight: With the hotel and gameday taken care of, now it’s time to arrange your travel to Houston. Use sites such as Priceline, Orbitz or Kayak to book your flight to Super Bowl LI!

5. Put It On The Calendar: You can officially say you’re going to the Super Bowl. Time to put your travel itinerary on your calendar!

6. Have A Drink and Celebrate: You’ve done the work. You’ve researched, and made the purchase. Now it’s time to celebrate and relax. You’re going to Super Bowl LI!

7. Take Off Work: While this might seem like a given, be sure to take the day after the Super Bowl off as well (we don’t know why this isn’t a national holiday).

8. Tell Everyone: “Did you hear? I’m going to the Super Bowl.” What’s the point of the trip if you can’t brag a little to your friends?

9. Research Houston: Do your due diligence on the Houston area and find some of the things that interest you the most. With just a few days in Houston, make your time count.

10. Find the Best BBQ: They say everything is “bigger in Texas,” and since the lone star state is known for their barbecue, it’s time to find the best in the area.

11. Start A Countdown: How many days are left until the Super Bowl? You need to know. Set up a countdown timer on your iPhone or Android that will tell you exactly how much time until the big game!

12. Research the NFL Experience (NFLX): For several years, the NFL has put on an “NFL Experience” during the Super Bowl.

13. Enjoy the Season: As the NFL’s regular season winds down, enjoy the finer things in life; like waiting to see if the Cleveland Browns will ever win again.

14. Pack Your Bags: Depending on where you come from, odds are Houston is going to feel like paradise in the middle of winter. Be sure to pack plenty of ‘warm weather’ clothes!

15. Make A List: You’ve done your research on Houston, now it’s time to make a list of everything you want to do (and not do) while you’re there!

16. Binge Lady Gaga: Make sure you catch up on all of Lady Gaga‘s latest music before she performs at the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime show at Super Bowl LI.

17. Time to Go: It’s here! Finally! Time to head for Houston, Texas, for Super Bowl LI weekend!

18. Get Your Rest: It’s been a long season. It’s time to settle in and relax, because tomorrow’s the big day. A day full of VIP tailgating and the SUPER BOWL!

19. The 2017 Players Tailgate: All of Bullseye’s Super Bowl LI Travel Packages include a ticket into the exclusive 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI (individual tickets can be purchased here). Head over to the Players Tailgate before the game in a private escort from your hotel, and enjoy a meal created by a team of America’s favorite chefs, led by Guy Fieri, hosted by Emmy-award winning ESPN SportsCenter anchor Jaymee Sire, a premium open bar, and mingle with celebrities and over 25 NFL players!

20. Head to the Game: It’s time! You’re well rested, you’ve had a wonderful meal and some drinks at the Players Tailgate, and now, it’s time to head to NRG Stadium for Super Bowl LI!

Bullseye Event Group Announces Celebrity “Fit Chef” Eddie Jackson as Chef at 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI

Bullseye Event Group is excited to announce that celebrity “Fit Chef” Eddie Jackson will be joining the star studded celebrity chef culinary crew for the 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI in Houston, alongside chef Guy Fieri!

eddie-jackson

Season 11 winner of the “Next Food Network Star,” Jackson has created a unique style of cooking that combines food and fitness, two of his passions. After retiring from a successful career from the NFL, Jackson took time to tirelessly hone his cooking craft, competing and finishing in the top 6 of Fox’s “MasterChef” in season 4. Jackson can be seen on Food Network’s “BBQ Blitz.”

“We are so excited to have the ‘Fit Chef’ joining us for 2017 at Super Bowl LI,” Bullseye CEO Kyle Kinnett said. “Between Eddie Jackson, Aaron May and Fieri, we’re excited to see what kind of Texas-sized VIP menu these guys can come up with together.”

Eddie Jackson will join Guy Fieri in creation of an exclusive VIP menu, available to all Players Tailgate VIP guests. Guy Fieri will be adding several more Celebrity Chefs to make this the best line up of Chefs assembled. The exclusive menu will be released in the coming weeks on BullseyeEventGroup.com

With over 25 NFL players and some of the biggest celebrities, Bullseye’s 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI will be the biggest and best pre-game tailgate in Houston. One of America’s favorite chefs, Guy Fieri, will be returning to create the VIP menu, joined by chefs Eddie Jackson and Aaron May. Alongside Fieri at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco, the 2016 Players Tailgate featured Fox Sports reporter and emcee Erin Andrews, Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima, celebrity chefs May and G Garvin, all-pro NFL players and more. 

Tickets to the 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI in Houston can be purchased directly from BullseyeEventGroup.com, or are included in all of Bullseye’s Super Bowl LI Travel Packages.

History in Houston: Super Bowls

In 2017, the Super Bowl returns to the city of Houston, Texas for the third time, with Super Bowl LI. So how have the previous two Super Bowls in Houston played out?

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Super Bowl VIII was played between the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins after the 1973-74 NFL season. This game was played at Rice Stadium in Houston, and was the first Super Bowl site that was not that of a hosted NFL franchise. The Dolphins, fresh off the NFL’s first undefeated season in 1972-73, would defeat the Vikings 24-7 to capture their second straight Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl XXXVIII was played between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers in the 2003-04 NFL season. This game was hosted at Reliant Stadium in Houston, now known as NRG stadium. The Carolina Panthers were making their first ever Super Bowl appearance, while the New England Patriots were seeking their second Super Bowl title in three years. Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in three years after setting a Super Bowl record in pass completions and accumulating 354 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2017, the Super Bowl returns to Houston, to be played at NRG stadium, home of the Houston Texans. And in an NFL that is as competitive as ever, Super Bowl LI looks to add to the legacy of Houston Super Bowls.

Get excited for Super Bowl LI in Houston! Book your travel packages with Bullseye Event Group and choose from some of the best luxury hotels in Houston, like the Westin Galleria. Travel packages also include a ticket to Bullseye’s Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI

Bullseye Event Group Announces Guy Fieri as Chef for 2017 Players Tailgate

Bullseye Event Group is excited to announce the return of Guy Fieri as the head chef for the 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI in Houston! The most recognizable chef in America, Fieri can be seen almost every day on Food Network, on shows such as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s Big Bite and more.

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“We couldn’t be more ecstatic to have Guy back for another year” Bullseye spokesman Kyle Kinnett said. “They say everything is bigger in Texas, and with Guy creating the menu again this year, this Players Tailgate will be just that. ”

Fieri will head up the creation of an exclusive VIP menu, available to all Players Tailgate VIP guests. The menu will be released in December.

With over 25 NFL players and some of the biggest celebrities, Bullseye’s 2017 Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI will be the biggest and best pre-game tailgate in Houston. Alongside Fieri at Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco, the 2016 Players Tailgate featured Fox Sports reporter and emcee Erin Andrews, Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima, celebrity chefs G Garvin and Aaron May, all-pro NFL players and more.

Countdown to Super Bowl LI: Super Bowl I

As we march toward Houston and Super Bowl LI, Bullseye begins their countdown recap of all of the NFL’s Super Bowls past.

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Super Bowl I was the first AFL-NFL championship game of its kind in professional football. This highly anticipated game was played on January 15th, 1967 in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The amount of people that showed up during that first Super Bowl game came in at an astounding 61,946 fans.

The two teams playing that day were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers. The first half of the game was cutthroat and the Chiefs took control of it quickly. However, in the second half, things started going down thanks to Willie Wood (50 yard interception) and Bart Starr (16 of 23 passes, two touchdowns, & 1 interception), who both helped the Packers make a smooth comeback. The Green Bay Packers won 35-10, being crowned the NFL’s first Super Bowl champion. Quarterback Bart Starr was named MVP.

An interesting fact about Super Bowl I is that it was broadcasted by two networks simultaneously. Both NBC and CBS televised the game in 1967. There was no Katy Perry or Lady Gaga to perform at halftime during the first Super Bowl. Instead, the halftime entertainment consisted of various college bands and musicians. The halftime entertainment during Super Bowl I was provided by the universities of both Arizona and Michigan.

Get excited for Super Bowl LI in Houston! Book your travel packages with Bullseye today! Choose from luxury hotels like the Westin Galleria, enjoy the 2017 Players Tailgate and more! Reserve your spot in Houston today!

Super Bowl Travel Packages

When the NFL kicked off their season in early September, all 32 teams set their eyes on Super Bowl LI in Houston. We did the same, securing some of the most luxurious hotels in the Houston area as part of our Super Bowl LI Travel Packages!

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Travel packages to Super Bowl LI in Houston include deluxe accommodations at one of the listed luxury hotels, a ticket to Super Bowl LI, transportation to and from the big game, and entrance into Bullseye’s exclusive Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI!

The Westin Galleria

Super Bowl LI Hotel: The Westin Galleria

Located 9 minutes and 7 miles to NRG Stadium, 9 minutes and 7 miles to Downtown Houston and in the heart of the Houston Galleria area makes the Westin Galleria the top Super Bowl choice. Being connected to the fashionable Galleria shopping mall, The Westin Galleria Houston offers you a world of shopping, nightlife, and local attractions.

Enjoy close proximity to high-end retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. Boasting over 40 world-class restaurants in the immediate Galleria area.

The Westin Galleria’s The West End Pub serves a great selection of American and European beers in an English pub-style setting. The outdoor patio will be a popular gathering place for Super Bowl LI fans.

Request Houston Galleria hotel travel package pricing

The Doubletree Greenway

Super Bowl LI Hotel: The Doubletree Greenway room

Located 2 miles from the Galleria Mall, 4 miles to NRG Stadium and 6 miles to Downtown Houston the Doubletree Greenway is an excellent Super Bowl choice. Complimentary shuttle service to the fashionable Galleria shopping mall offers you a world of shopping, nightlife, over 100 restaurants and local attractions within a 3 mile radius.

Don’t let the name fool you, this Doubletree is one of the top Hotels in the entire Doubletree portfolios worldwide. Just completed was a massive renovation and truly one of the nicest hotels in the Galleria area. This Doubletree is a top rated AAA Four-Diamond Houston hotel in the mix of everything you will want to see and do during the Super Bowl.

Relax in entirely renovated accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows providing views of the downtown skyline, NRG Stadium and the Galleria. All rooms feature plush furnishings and luxurious bathrooms with granite vanities. Hotel amenities include 2 full service restaurant, the popular Rocks bar, a modern 24-hour fitness center, a full service Starbucks and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Request Doubletree Greenway hotel travel package pricing

Super Bowl LI Hotel: The Hilton Post Oak GalleriaThe Hilton Post Oak Galleria

Experience the beautiful Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel at the Galleria during Super Bowl Weekend.

Boasting spacious newly renovated guest rooms, a new fitness center with modern equipment, a sophisticated yet comfortable lobby and inviting restaurants.

Located walking distance from the prestigious Houston Galleria, the Hilton Houston Post Oak offers a shuttle service for your shopping ease. Soak up the sun poolside, grab a cocktail at The Brittany Bar or enjoy a tasty meal at The Promenade.

The Hilton Post Oak Galleria offers everything you need for a great Super Bowl stay in Houston.

Request Hilton Post Oak Galleria hotel travel package pricing

Football is back! Secure your Super Bowl LI travel plans today, with one of our luxury Super Bowl travel packages! Experience world-class hotels, the ultimate hospitality packages, and a ticket into our exclusive Players Tailgate at Super Bowl LI!

 

Indianapolis Colts: Rounds 1-3

The road to Super Bowl 51 for the Indianapolis Colts will be heavily determined by what general manager Ryan Grigson does with the six 2016 NFL Draft selections the team had headed into the first round. We break down the first three picks for the horseshoe.

2016 MastersReview (5)

Round 1, Pick #18: Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama

The Colts finally got Andrew Luck his Jeff Saturday on Thursday night, taking all-american center Ryan Kelly from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide.

Kelly was a three year starter, including 2015’s national championship season. In the 2015 season, Kelly only allowed FOUR quarterback hurries and ZERO sacks.

Andrew Luck is the franchise, and the Colts made that clear on Thursday night, shoring up one of the biggest needs on the offensive line. Since drafting Luck in 2012, the Colts have had five different starters at center, none of which were drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft.

Round 2, Pick #57: T.J. Green, FS, Clemson

Indianapolis held the #48 pick in the draft, but traded with the Green Bay Packers to acquire two extra picks. That landed Indy at #57, where the Colts took speedy Clemson safety T.J. Green.

With Indianapolis set at the safety position with starters Mike Adams and second-year man Clayton Geathers, Green could see himself taking snaps at the cornerback position. Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, however, reiterated on Friday night Green was a safety.

Round 3, Pick #82: La’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech

The Colts continued to add bulk to their offensive line on the second night of the draft, taking 6’5″, 316-pound offensive tackle La’Raven Clark from Texas Tech.

While Clark could see time at the right tackle spot, he’s more likely to make the transition to offensive guard in the NFL, possibly ousting Hugh Thornton from a starting role.

Excited for the 2016 NFL regular season? We can hardly wait. That’s why we’ve made our tickets for the Colts VIP Tailgate, the exclusive pregame tailgate of the Indianapolis Colts, available NOW! Purchase online and secure your spot into the luxurious tailgates that feature five-star catering, a premium open-bar and so much more! 

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