Football is back and I could not be more excited. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl last season, but 2021-2022 will probably be remembered for the Super Bowl halftime performance rather than any game. Here’s what I am keeping watch over this year.
AFC West Arms Race
My Denver Broncos are finally relevant again. The Broncos traded for star quarterback Russell Wilson to finally end their six-year search for a successor to Peyton Manning. However, they will face stiff competition in the division. The Raiders added arguably the best wide receiver in the league in Davonte Adams. The Chargers added All-Pro corner JC Jackson and All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack to a roster already littered with talent. The Chiefs lost Tyreek Hill, but with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, they will remain a favourite to get to the Super Bowl. The stage is set for a dog fight.
Happy Life, Unhappy Wife
The Tampa streets have been whispering that one Gisele Bundchen is furious with her husband, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Brady had announced his retirement in February but had unretired a month later. Brady is forty-five, and Gisele was probably happy he would not be taking any more hits and would be able to help her raise their children. Brady missed the preseason while he took his family on vacation to smooth over his decision to unretire. Honestly, Brady has nothing left to prove. Please go away and give someone else a chance.
Action Jackson
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been an enigma since he entered the league in 2018. The 2019 NFL MVP has been negotiating a contract extension with the Ravens—one that looks to be the most lucrative ever. There is no doubt that Lamar deserves his money, but there are still concerns over his game. Lamar is a run-first quarterback and has not been shy about taking on contact from larger defenders. His passing game, although improving every year, still remains a question mark. Lamar will probably get his money, but the critics will not be satisfied until he goes deep into the playoffs. He has a chance to silence the doubters once and for all this season.
Off-Field Conundrums
Commissioner Roger Goodell has had a busy off-season pertaining to off-the-field issues. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been suspended eleven games and fined five million dollars due to accusations he sexually assaulted well over two dozen women. New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara may face suspension after he was involved in an assault. However, a certain speculative crowd has been raising a debate over whether or not the NFL should be involved in suspending players if a court of law has found them not to be guilty of any crime. Currently, the answer is yes.
Closing Windows
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers does not need to do any personal research to know his Super Bowl window is closing. Turning thirty-nine this season, Rodgers is at the twilight of his career. He cannot fail as he did versus the Niners in the playoffs: The blow to his legacy now would be an unrelenting disappointment. In Dallas, owner Jerry Jones is increasing the pressure. Turning eighty this year, his Cowboys have not won a Super Bowl since 1995. Quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott and defensive end Demarcus Lawrence have been handsomely paid. Jerry wants that Super Bowl now. His earthly clock is ticking.