Pro Football History.com Blog

April 13th, 2023

The 2022 NFL season has finished, but everyone is already looking forward to seeing what 2023 has in store for all the teams involved. While it might be too early to talk about what the 2023 season will bring, there are still some storylines that every NFL fan should watch. Many teams will need to review their contracts and try to get under the salary cap. There could also be many trades that could help the teams to move up in the chart. Trades, contract extensions, and important decisions might influence the standing of your favorite team and how they do in the championship. Here are our predictions for the 2023 NFL season.

Evan Engram Will Stay With Jacksonville Jaguars For A Long Term

Evan Engram was incredibly successful during his rookie season. When he played for the New York Giants, he recorded 16 touchdowns with 262 receptions for 2,828 yards. However, his performance went slightly down, and he’s had to deal with some significant health issues that held him back. But it seems like signing the “prove-it” deal for one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars has done him good. He even recorded 73 receptions and 766 yards during that time. So, you might expect that the team will acknowledge his efforts and he’ll get a long-term contract with the team. Keeping such a player on board might help the Jaguars to improve their strategy and get more successful.

Jordan Davis Will Strengthen His Position On The Field

The Philadelphia Eagles had an amazing season in 2022 – the only downfall is that they didn’t win it all. Many fans were also disappointed by the lack of action from the No. 13, Jordan Davis. He had only 18 tackles throughout the season and wasn’t too active on the field. But the Eagles might lose Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. And if at least one of them leaves, it might force Davis to dive deeper into the game and make his presence known. Getting more involved in the game might improve the team’s odds even further and maybe even push them to the overall win. If you enjoy betting on the games, then this could be the perfect season for you to win big. To ensure you’re always on top of the best spreads, make sure you use sites like BetUS to stay up to date with the latest Vegas NFL odds and keep track of the picks. That might help you keep up with the standing of your favorite team and see their chances to succeed in the next NFL season.

The Offseason Will Be Quiet For Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are thriving under the care of Mike Tomlin. The team had been off to a rocky start at the beginning of the season, and it seemed like Tomlin’s position could be at risk. That is also why some might expect the Steelers to reach out to bigger names in free agency. But the six wins out of seven final games turned the situation around, and they finished the season with a winning score. The Steelers are rather good when it comes to drafting and often build the team from within. It’s quite rare to see them getting involved in bigger moves like trading players. They will most likely use the offseason as an opportunity to draft new players, and if they bring in any players from the free agency, it could be a move to fill in any blanks. Other than that, their offseason should be rather quiet and spent preparing for the next season to secure the wins again.

Lamar Jackson Will Play For The Atlanta Falcons

Lamar Jackson might be a popular name when it comes to trading players during the offseason. And while there might be quite a few teams interested in him, it seems like the Atlanta Falcons might be offering the most enticing package to the player. In exchange for Jackson, the Falcons might send Desmond Ridder to Baltimore. These trades could bring interesting changes for all the teams involved, so it’s an exciting time for fans. Bringing into the team a quarterback like Jackson might help Atlanta improve their lineup and possibly even their standing in the championship.

Green Bay Packers Will Work On Their Offense With Jordan Love

Finally, we need to mention one of the main storylines of the offseason – is Aaron Rodgers going to stay with the Green Bay Packers, or will he move on to a different team? It now seems likely that Rodgers will become a New York Jet, with the Packers set to make a move on Jordan Love. If this does happen it could be an exciting time for Love and the Packers. As time goes by and Love gets used to his new role, it might be the best possible decision for the team if they want to win more matches and become a more serious threat to their opponents. In the end, it might help them to improve their offense and make the most of the cooperation between Jordan Love, Aaron Jones, and A. J. Dillon.

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By Oliver Vaughn

April 3rd, 2023

Football fanatics and basketball aficionados know that March Madness is a time of wild, electric energy as two beloved leagues host their annual free agency frenzy. But what team will be this year's Cinderella story and make it to Super Bowl 2023?

As you read on, you can also catch up with all New England Patriots' upcoming odds and other NFL games to enjoy and win big.

Every season a few teams rise from the ashes and defy expectations, becoming Cinderella stories on their respective paths to the playoffs.

This year's NCAA Tournament has entailed a series of delightful surprises, yet the same doesn't necessarily have to be said for potential NFL contenders. While random dark horses might captivate us at times, it is usually teams like the University of Miami and San Diego State (rated as No. 5 seeds) who can make waves on their way to greatness. That unexpected balance between surprise and plausibility ultimately creates anticipation about what these programs will achieve in future campaigns.

Why New Orleans Saints

After a dismaying 7-10 record last season, the Saints are highly motivated to redeem themselves this year. General Manager Mickey Loomis has assembled an impressive roster featuring talented offensive powerhouses and one of the strongest defenses in football, with them ranked 5th for yards allowed.

The Saints had a tough 2022, going 5-6 in close battles – but just think of how their chances of success could have improved with Derek Carr at QB! The Saints were one play away from changing the course of history.

Derek Carr has been battle tested. During his 8-year tenure with the Raiders, he experienced it all—a franchise relocation, an explosive Antonio Brown situation, and a tumultuous 2021 culminating in Jon Gruden's departure from Oakland. Poor draft classes didn't help the roster's prospects either, as Carr had to adapt time and again when working with varying QB coaches and offensive coordinators throughout this period of professional rollercoasters.

Dennis Allen’s move to head coach for New Orleans was monumental. As the second coaching change since 2000, it brought much-needed stability to an organization that had rarely seen such longevity in its ranks - a trait that is now a hallmark of Saints football.

Derek Carr May Be the Missing Piece

With Derek Carr joining the New Orleans Saints, their front office hit it out of the park. Whether due to his reliable stats or personal charisma, he has been one of the top-tier quarterbacks in recent years and is widely respected as a franchise QB, making him an ideal addition for any team looking to make waves in 2021.

After two years of watching Derek Carr flourish under head coach Jon Gruden and offensive coordinator Greg Olson, fans have high hopes for another stellar season with Pete Carmichael now at the helm. We’re confident his supporting cast will give him just what he needs to achieve an outstanding campaign. In addition, dynamic wide receivers Michael Thomas and Chris Olave are primed to make big impacts - despite injuries throwing a curveball in recent seasons.

Allen's doubts about Thomas' readiness don't dampen my enthusiasm either, as this man is no stranger to Offensive Player of the Year awards. On top of that, with fresh off-setting franchise records last year, Olave looks set for bigger things again, with many tipping him as one of the best 15 WRs today.

Alvin Kamara, the do-it-all running back for the New Orleans Saints, has had an impressive NFL career thus far. In just six seasons in the league, he's already achieved over 1,000 yards from scrimmage - a feat only two other players have accomplished since 2017, when Kamara joined the NFL.

However, there is some uncertainty around him going forward due to pending charges related to conspiracy and battery that are set for trial in July. Adding depth at his position (and others on offense) is newly signed Jamaal Williams, who can be counted as a reliable touchdown machine.

After years of playing for a weak defense with the Raiders, Derek Carr will be delighted to join the Saints' top-10 unit. An intimidating pass rush led by Cam Jordan and hard-hitting linebackers including Demario Davis combines to create an impressive, tough defensive system at all levels. Even after losing key players in free agency, New Orleans remains well stocked on D - making it heaven for Carr!

Loomis has been instrumental in creating a consistent winning program for the New Orleans Saints, working with head coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees. His hard work was bearing fruit before 2021 when, unfortunately, their season ended at 9-8, ultimately resulting in Coach Payton's departure. However, this hiccup shouldn't diminish all of his accomplishments over two decades, as it is just a momentary blip on an otherwise successful journey.

Loomis has done everything he can to bolster the Saints' roster by acquiring Carr this offseason. Looking back on their successful track record with drafting over the past six years - from Kamara and Marshon Lattimore to rookie sensation Olave this year - we have confidence that he'll continue unearthing high-caliber talent for New Orleans during next season's NFL Draft.

The Saints have three formidable quarterbacks to take them well beyond their post-Brees era. Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill, and Andy Dalton look ready to snatch success from the wide-open NFC South in 2023 with a projected playoff home game win—possibly even making it up to an NFC Championship battle if we're lucky! This Cinderella team looks set for a fairytale season under Carr's direction. So let’s just hope they don't stay at that ball too late into the night.

March 20th, 2023

Sport betting is now available in many parts of the world. In the past, you had to find a bookie or visit a sports betting establishment to place your wager on NFL football matches. Today, you can do this online, from any place and at any time. There’s no doubt that this opportunity has impacted the fan engagement, as well as their overall experience.

Sportsbooks are everywhere these days – on the Web, on the field, on the screens of people’s phones and laptops – and NFL fans sure love it!

Sports Betting Today

If you turn on the TV to watch an NFL match, amid the crowd and the players, you’ll see sportsbooks and casino names flashing in the background, on the field, and on players’ equipment. While the game plays of before it begins, you can hop on to the best paying online casino Canada website and do some online casino gambling, but also wager on the match’s outcome. Online betting can easily result in a bonus that you can use to play longer, and you can find a variety of bet options in the sports section to choose from.

The seamless integration of betting into sports is hard to ignore nowadays. This was an activity that was banned not so long ago in most places of the world. Today, fans can enjoy a more immersive and potentially rewarding experience by betting on the matches they watch or anticipate. It’s the new world of sports, and betting has a huge impact on the experience of fans.

Before NFL matches started last September, an American Gaming Association report was published telling us that 18% of adults in the US, which equals over 46 million people, plan to make sports bets this season. Fans are frequently betting on sports, and not just to earn some cash if they make the right bet.

When you wager on a match, the entire experience is more engaging and fun. You are in anticipation of an outcome, the adrenaline is fiercer than ever, and the match is simply more fun when you have something specific to look forward to.

It’s entertainment – the chance to try your luck and anticipate what will happen in a match. You can use your expertise in the sport, the things you learned by watching NFL matches, or your hunch to make smart guesses.

Plenty of Options for Fans and Bettors

Major leagues such as the NFL are actively signing contracts with sportsbooks and casinos. Right-holders from the leagues are joining media companies and sports clubs and embracing betting as a grand monetization opportunity. This has become a giant, very prospective market.

Today, if you are a fan of sports, you can easily go to online casinos that accept Interac for deposits and withdrawals, make your wagers in real time, and withdraw your winnings within the shortest time possible. When you visit these sites, you’ll get access to the newest casino games, as well as updated and versatile bet options for different matches. While not all casinos and sportsbooks feature every match, they all have the major leagues, including the NFL.

For some time now, media platforms and team owners recognize the importance of betting and how much it can drive engagement among fans. One research by Global Web Index from 2019 found that 60% of sports fans are more likely to watch a game they’ve place wagers on.

Knowing this, to attract sports fans, the industry is offering amazing odds and better accessibility than ever. Betting is now more interactive and personalized, with more options to keep the fans engaged.

The Social Element of Sports Betting

There’s yet another reason why betting on sports is so fun and engaging for fans – the social element of doing it! Most fans of sports enjoy the matches with their peers. There’s that peer-pressure where a friend asks you to put your money where your mouth is, and you wager on your guesses to see who wins. Sports are best when watched with friends, but they are even better when the friends add a social betting element to this. It adds competition into the experience, which makes it more engaging and memorable.

Wrapping Up

Betting has made everything more fun and engaging. There’s the element of risk, which makes your adrenaline pump. There’s the opportunity to win real money, which is thrilling. Combine this with the experience of watching a match from grand leagues like NFL, and you get a winning combination – something that fans all around the world enjoy these days.

Author’s Bio

Kathy Mercado is a sports commentator and writer. She works for colleges and universities, commenting on matches and writing news reports on the games’ outcome. In addition to this, Kathy writes for several highly-ranked sports blogs and websites on the web.

By Stephen Juza

March 19th, 2023

Several years ago, we wrote about the potential impact that Tom Brady may have by moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and what should be expected by both the New England Patriots and the Buccaneers in the upcoming season. At that time, his impact was directly in line with historical expectations. A former All-Pro QB joining a new team typically adds about four wins to the new team’s total. He was expected to bring a championship mentality to the franchise - simply making the playoffs was no longer the goal.

The Buccaneers ended up improving four wins in his first season, making the playoffs and winning the team’s second Super Bowl. The gamble to bring in Brady paid off handsomely for the franchise, while the Patriots have since sputtered in the AFC East.

Since 2020, several more high profile quarterbacks have moved teams as the starting quarterback, with none more high-profile than Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Rodgers announced last week his intention of continuing his career with the New York Jets (with the trade compensation pending).

During his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Rodgers indicated the several reasons why he ultimately chose to continue playing for the Jets, and the Jets will be thrilled to have him. They are a team loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball, in desperate need of a quarterback.

Last season, the Jets averaged fewer than 11 points per game in their ten losses, and had four games where they scored under seven points. A Rodgers-led offense capable of putting up more points instantly propels them into the division and championship race in 2022 instead of sputtering down the stretch in which they lost their six games.

As indicated in the Brady article, a former All-Pro quarterback typically added four wins to their new team. These four wins would have put the Jets at second in the AFC East behind Buffalo, and the first wild card - the same rank that Brady put the Bucs in 2020. Rodgers’ championship experience, similar to Brady’s, will give the team instant credibility down the stretch.

There is another major benefit to the Jets getting Rodgers for the next season. It allows them to temporarily solve their QB conundrum. Zach Wilson has shown he isn’t the future, but the Jets likely would have missed out on a top QB in the draft next month. By acquiring the former MVP, it allows them to plan for the future, while going all in on the upcoming season or two.

While the trade details have still not been finalized, both teams are motivated to get the trade completed. The Packers are ready to move to Jordan Love as their quarterback and do not want Rodgers back. The Jets are ready to move away from Zach Wilson and have few options for next season without Rodgers.

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By Oliver Vaughn

March 10th, 2023

The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. It's a chance for college football prospects to showcase their skills and impress scouts, coaches, and executives from all 32 NFL teams.

For wide receivers, in particular, the combine can make or break their draft odds. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how the NFL Combine could impact the draft stock of some of the top wide receiver prospects.

Bryce Young's Height and Weight Could Impact His Draft Stock

Bryce Young is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, there are concerns about his size, as he's considered small for an NFL quarterback.

At the Combine, Young's height and weight will be closely scrutinized, and it could impact his draft stock as the potential No. 1 overall pick. If he measures up well, he could solidify his position as the top quarterback in the draft. But if he falls short, it could open the door for other quarterbacks to leapfrog him.

Will Levis Could Surprise as the First Quarterback Drafted

While Bryce Young is considered the top quarterback prospect in the draft, there's another quarterback who could surprise as the first quarterback drafted. Will Levis out of Kentucky is a big, strong quarterback who has impressed scouts with his arm strength and athleticism. He's not as polished as some of the other quarterbacks in the draft, but his physical tools could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a quarterback.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Could Separate Himself from the Pack

The 2023 wide receiver class is a deep and talented group, but there's no clear-cut No. 1 receiver. That could change at the NFL Combine, where one receiver could separate himself from the pack. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, out of Ohio State, is a player to watch. He's a smooth route-runner with excellent hands and the ability to make plays after the catch. If he performs well at the combine, he could solidify his position as the top receiver in the draft.

The Gauntlet Drill Will Be a Key Test for Wide Receivers

One of the most exciting drills at the NFL Combine is the Gauntlet Drill, which tests a wide receiver's ability to catch the ball while running across the field. It's a test of a receiver's hands, concentration, and ability to make quick adjustments.

The drill is always a highlight of the combine, and this year should be no different. Keep an eye on the wide receivers who excel in this drill, as they could be the ones who separate themselves from the pack.

The Importance of the Bench Press for Wide Receivers

While the bench press is typically associated with offensive and defensive linemen, it's also an important test for wide receivers. A receiver's upper body strength can impact his ability to fight off defenders and make contested catches. Look for the wide receivers who excel in the bench press, as they could have an advantage over their peers when it comes to making tough catches in traffic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the NFL Combine is a crucial event for wide receivers and other prospects looking to make a name for themselves in the lead-up to the NFL Draft. Bryce Young's height and weight, Will Levis' physical tools, Jaxon Smith-Njigba's route-running and hands, the Gauntlet Drill, and the bench press are all key factors to watch during the combine.

Keep an eye on these players and tests, as they could have a significant impact on the draft stock of some of the top wide receiver prospects.

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