Tag: NFL

Bryce Young and the Panthers will prove all the haters wrong

By: Knox Buxton

The 2024-2025 NFL season started on Thursday, September 5th and there is much excitement about this season. Lots of NFL fans and analysts have been counting Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers out, but I do not think they should be doing that quite yet. The Panthers open their season on Sunday, September 8th in New Orleans against the Siants. The Saints are favored to win, but I don’t think it is as easy of a pick as people make it seem. Last season, the Panthers did go 2-15 and finished with the worst record in the league.

On top of that, they didn’t even have their first round pick because they traded it the year before for the first pick in the 2023 draft where they ended up taking Bryce Young. Bryce Young did not have a great rookie season, but I don’t think that it was all his fault. He was playing behind the worst offensive line in the league and also had one of the worst receiving rooms in the NFL. This offseason, the Panthers made it a point of emphasis to go out and sign offensive linemen and add receivers for Young. Carolina went out and signed Robert Hunt from the Dolphins and Damien Lewis from the Seahawks in hopes that it will boost their offensive line’s performance this upcoming season. They also traded up with the Buffalo Bills to draft Xavier Legette from the University of South Carolina with the last pick of the first round. Legette was a standout receiver in college and has all of the physical attributes to be a great player in the NFL. The Panthers acquired receiver Diontae Johnson from the steelers through a trade in March and he has potential to be elite in Carolina. Now that Carolina has made those moves this offseason, I am confident that the Panthers have set Bryce Young up for success in his second year as a pro and have the ability to surprise a lot of people this season

NFL Hidden Gems

By: Sam Tristan

One of the most remarkable aspects of the National Football League is its ability to uncover hidden gems in the later rounds of the draft. While Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick himself, stands as the pinnacle of draft steals, there is another player who has carved out an illustrious career and left an indelible mark on the league: Terrell Davis.

Terrell Davis, selected in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, defied all odds to become one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Hailing from Long Beach, California, Davis was not heavily recruited out of high school and initially played college football at Long Beach State University before transferring to the University of Georgia. Despite a stellar college career, Davis faced skepticism due to injury concerns, which ultimately led to his slide to the sixth round.

Upon joining the Denver Broncos, Davis wasted no time in proving his worth. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,117 yards and became the first rookie running back in franchise history to start all 16 games. However, it was in the following seasons that Davis truly ascended to greatness. In 1996, he rushed for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and cementing himself as one of the premier running backs in the league.

Davis’s crowning achievement came in the 1997 season when he led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history. He rushed for 1,750 yards and astonishing 15 touchdowns in the regular season, earning both the NFL Most Valuable Player award and the Super Bowl MVP award. Davis’s performance in Super Bowl XXXII, where he rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns despite battling through excruciating migraine headaches, solidified his place in NFL lore.

Davis was not done yet. In the 1998 season, he reached even greater heights, becoming just the fourth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. His 2,008 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns not only earned him his second NFL MVP award but also propelled the Broncos to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory. Davis’s impact on the field was undeniable, as he possessed a rare combination of speed, power, and vision that made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed Davis’s career prematurely, as knee injuries limited his effectiveness in subsequent seasons. Despite playing only seven seasons in the NFL, Davis left an indelible mark on the league and the Broncos franchise. He finished his career with 7,607 rushing yards, 60 rushing touchdowns, and a reputation as one of the most dominant running backs of his era.

Beyond his individual accolades, Davis’s impact on the Broncos organization and the NFL as a whole cannot be overstated. His perseverance in the face of adversity, coupled with his remarkable on-field achievements, serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the human will. While Tom Brady may stand alone as the greatest sixth-round draft pick of all time, Terrell Davis undoubtedly deserves recognition as one of the NFL’s most iconic and beloved figures.

What will the Denver Broncos do at Quarterback?

By: Dylan Jones

Russell Wilson's improved play is the silver lining to the Broncos ...

 The Broncos finished 8-9 and Russell Wilson got benched in the final game of the season. Ever since Russell Wilson has been in Denver, he has not produced at a good enough level for them to be a playoff team. There is no one to blame for their failure except Wilson. They have a great coach in Sean Payton, weapons around him like Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, and they have had a very good defense for years. With the off-season on the come up it offers the question what do you do if you are the Broncos at quarterback. 

This offseason the Broncos have the 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft. They can do plenty of things here. First they could draft a quarterback like Bo Nix (Oregon) or Michaels Penix Jr. (Washington) at pick 12. This would give Russell Wilson someone to compete with and mentor until Wilson contract expires. Another option would be to try to trade up in the draft and get a better quarterback prospect in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or Jayden Daniels. I think if Denver trades up they would have to give up at least their 12th pick, another first round pick, and potentially Russell Wilson. Another option would be to cut Russell Wilson and play backup quarterback Jared Stidham. Stidham would probably not be much better then Wilson but this would most likely give them a very high pick in the 2025 draft to get a top quarterback in college football. Lastly they can take a chance on a free agent quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did this in 2023 by signing Baker Mayfield and it showed to work out well as they won their division and played in the NFC divisional round. Some notable quarterbacks in the upcoming free agency would be Gardner Minshew, and Jameis Winston. Now these aren’t great options but I think they offer the Broncos a better chance to win then Stidham. If I were in Denver’s front office I would definitely look into drafting a quarterback either this year or next year. 

Worst NFL Team v Best College Football Team

NFL or College Football – which is better – Smoke Signals Student ...

By: Sam Tristan

Worst NFL team vs Best College team

The question of whether the best college football team could defeat the worst NFL team is a subject that has fueled debates and discussions among sports enthusiasts for years. While college football teams exhibit exceptional skill and talent, there are several reasons why the top collegiate team would likely fall short against the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The sheer disparity in talent and experience between college and professional athletes is substantial. NFL players are among the elite in their sport, having honed their skills at the collegiate level and then further refined them in the professional arena. The best college football team may have standout players, but they lack the depth and experience that characterize an NFL roster.

NFL teams are composed of athletes who have not only excelled in college but have also undergone the rigorous demands of professional training, coaching, and competition. The transition from college to the NFL involves adapting to a faster, more complex game with a higher level of physicality. While the best college team may have a few players with NFL potential, the overall roster may struggle to match the physicality and speed of their professional counterparts.

The strategic and tactical aspects of the game in the NFL are on a different level when compared to college football. NFL coaches, many of whom have years of experience at the highest level, employ complex game plans and strategies that take advantage of their players’ strengths and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. The best college team, while undoubtedly well-coached, may not have encountered the level of strategic complexity and adaptability present in the professional game.

Another critical factor is the difference in size, strength, and athleticism between NFL and college players. NFL athletes, conditioned by elite training programs and nutrition regimens, generally possess a physical advantage over their college counterparts. The linemen in the NFL, for instance, often outweigh and outmuscle their college counterparts, making it challenging for a college team to compete in the trenches.

The notion of the best college football team defeating the worst NFL team seems improbable due to the vast disparities in talent, experience, and strategic complexity. While college football showcases exceptional athletes and intense competition, the NFL represents the pinnacle of the sport, with players and teams operating at a level that transcends the collegiate game. The transition from college to the professional ranks involves a significant leap in all aspects of the game, making it unlikely that even the best college team could overcome the challenges posed by the lowest-ranked NFL team.

Will Bryce Young turn it around in his sophomore season. 

By: Tucker Burnette

After struggling in his first season as a Carolina Panther, the number 1 overall pick Bryce Young is looking to turn things around in his second season. There have been many excuses made for the young quarterback, but the key factor to success will be if the new hire at head coach will be able to help Young adapt and grow as a quarterback. 

Recently there have been some big-name quarterbacks who have struggled in their first season and then turned it around in their second year under a new head coach. A prime example of this is Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence, much like Young, struggled in his first season under the coaching of Urban Meyers, but when the Jaguars made the switch to Doug Pederson Lawrence flourished. 

The question still remains, will Bryce Young take the leap or will he be just as unproductive? In my opinion Young has all the skills he needs to be a superstar quarterback but he lacks the talent around him. This season his offensive line was one of the worst in the league and his number one wide receiver was Adam Thielen who for the first time in 5 years had over 1,000 yards. The Panthers also do not have a pick in the first round which means the top offensive weapons will be gone by the time they are on the board. With all that being said, I am not a sports analyst and do not get paid to have an opinion but Bryce Young is going to have to take a major step forward next season if he wants to turn the Panthers franchise around. 

A Brutal Ending

By Connor Hanson

My beloved Packers have fallen in the most heartbreaking game of the season. I’ve never actually been emotionally affected by the outcome of a game, but this game was different. This team was different, we had a beat up running back, young wide receiver core, and an unproven quarterback.

We were expected to go into a rebuild this year, and for the first 9 games, it looked like we were, but we persevered and pushed through the tough times and made a playoff push. All of this is thanks to the complete turnaround that Jordan Love has had. He went from having the worst qbr in the league for the middle of the year to leading the league in that same statistic for the last 5 weeks of the season.

But, all good things must subside, and change to something melancholy. On Saturday the Packers faced the explosive 49ers. And for 57 minutes we were the better team, but we got slapped in the face by having a rookie kicker. He missed the kick that would have secured a tie if the 49ers scored. But, they marched down the field and scored with 1:35 seconds left in the 4th quarter putting them up by 3. Jordan Love was making great throws and skillfully managing the game clock. In the end, he threw a game-ending interception, to end in heartbreaking fashion.

What will the Bears do with the 1st Pick?

By Dylan Jones

As many NFL fans know, last year the Carolina Panthers traded DJ Moore, 2023 first round pick (9th), 2023 late second round pick (61st), 2024 first round pick, and a 2025 second round pick to the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft. The Panthers did this so they could get their quarterback for the future, Bryce Young. After a struggling rookie season for Young, the Panthers went 2-15 and were the worst team in all of the NFL. This means since the Bears have the Panther’s 2024 first round pick, they will have the first overall pick in the 2024 draft. This year’s draft has a very deep quarterback room including some names like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (UNC), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Bo Nix (Oregon), and Michael Penix Jr. (Washington). With that being said, it leaves NFL fans clueless with what the Bears will do with the first overall pick.

The Bears have many different options on what they can do with this pick. One choice is to take the college superstar and proclaimed “generational” talent in Caleb Williams. This would force the Bears to part ways with their starting quarterback, Justin Fields. Fields started to prove himself as the season went on and showed why they should keep him around. If Chicago were to draft Williams and trade Fields, I think some teams to watch out for trying to acquire Fields would be the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, or New York Jets. The second choice would be to draft Marvin Harrison Jr, wide receiver from Ohio State. Marvin Harrison Jr. would step in immediately and be a very impactful player for Chicago. An offense with Marvin Harrison Jr. and DJ Moore would be very hard to stop. The third choice would be to trade the pick away for a superstar caliber player and some future picks. The Bears chose to do this last time they had the first overall pick, and they brought in superstar wide receiver, DJ Moore. The sky’s the limit of what some teams value this number one pick because of how good Caleb WIlliams is projected to be. I think this is the best choice because they can trade the pick and use it to build around Justin Fields and make them a potential wildcard team in the 2024 season. 

The Best NFL Draft

By: Sam Tristan

The debate over the best NFL draft class of all time is subjective and often depends on individual preferences and criteria. However, one class that consistently stands out is the 1983 NFL Draft. This draft is renowned for producing a remarkable trio of Hall of Fame quarterbacks in John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino, all selected in the first round. Their collective impact on the league and enduring legacies have solidified the 1983 draft class as one of unparalleled quarterback talent and historical significance.

Beyond the quarterback position, the 1983 class showcased exceptional depth and talent across various positions. Players like Eric Dickerson, Bruce Matthews, and Darrell Green, among others, contributed significantly to their teams and earned spots in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The longevity and sustained success of many 1983 draftees further contribute to the class’s reputation as one of the best, with its members leaving an indelible mark on the NFL for years to come.

While opinions may vary, the 1983 NFL Draft’s combination of elite quarterbacks, overall talent, and long-lasting impact on the league make it a strong contender for the title of the best draft class in NFL history.

Do the Atlanta Falcons have a legit chance at signing Bill Belichick? 

By: Tucker Burnette

More Competition For Ex Patriots Bill Belichick in Atlanta ...

With the recent firing of Arthur Smith the Falcons are currently on the hunt for a new head coach. At first thought it’s obviously the smart thing to do, to take a shot at arguably the greatest coach of all time, but that’s easier said than done. The Falcons, along with 3 other teams, are making a push to get Coach Bill Belichick, but are the Falcons in the lead? 

The Falcons have interviewed coach Belichick along with other notable names such as Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and the previous Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, but their hunt is far from over. Obviously the job in Atlanta is going to be a challenge considering the Falcons were statistically in one of the worst divisions in football and weren’t able to win despite having a loaded and young roster. We have seen in the past that Belichick likes to have his quarterback to run his team, but that’s the Falcons only weakness because their current starting quarterback is Desmond Ridder. The Falcons currently sit at the 8th pick in the draft and will probably fall just short of one of the many potential star quarterbacks in the draft, which makes you wonder, “Will Belichick take a chance with the Falcons or just retire? “

With all that being said, in my opinion, I don’t see a coach as old and as proven as Belichick coming to wrap up his career with the Falcons at the current state they are in. However, the analysts at ESPN and other major sports networks seem to think the opposite. So the question still remains: Will Belichick go to the Falcons, somewhere else, or retire?

CJ Stroud v The Ravens

by: Ben Reynolds

CJ Stroud historic rookie season began with being selected #2 overall in the latest NFL draft. He immediately made a splash in the league by leading the Texans to a 10-7 season after they finished 3-13 just one season ago. However, standing in his way to further go this playoff run is the second ranked defense in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens. This stellar defense was the first team in NFL history to lead the league in PPG allowed (16.5/game), total sacks (60), and takeaways (31) at the end of the regular season. Along with this trifling defense, the Ravens also have the MVP front runner in Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson is a pure game changer who has the ability to take over any game at any given time. His speed and athleticism mixed with his ability to read defense will pose a very difficult challenge to the Texans defense. Not only will CJ Stroud have to score against one of the top defenses but the Texans defense will have to try and contain the most electric player in the NFL. Although, last week CJ Stroud and the Texans took on the Browns who had the #1 ranked defense in the league. Not only did the Texans win but they erupted in an impressive 45-14 win. This proved that the Texans can score on the best defenses in the league which gives them a very good chance in this upcoming game. ESPN has only given the Texans a 16.5% chance of winning this game, but anything can happen in the NFL and this matchup serves as a must watch game for the upcoming weekend. A high scoring shootout is to be expected as the MVP front runner takes on the Rookie of the Year front runner this Saturday at 4:30 PM.