Pro Football History.com Blog
By Stephen Juza
September 6th, 2023
After a long offseason, the NFL returns to action this week. The season kicks off on Thursday with the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions. With a full slate of games, which ones should capture your attention? Here are our top three games for Week 1, all in different time slots to offer you maximum viewing opportunities.
Lions at Chiefs:
The NFL selected an exciting game to kick off the NFL season, with the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions, a team desperate to prove that last season was not a fluke. The Chiefs enter the season primed for another championship run behind head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
However, the league seems to be buying into the Lions’ hype for 2023. Coming off their strongest season since 2017, the Lions are looking to capture their first division title in 30 years. Dan Campbell hopes to show that last season’s surprise outcome was not a fluke, while quarterback Jared Goff is hoping to show he can be a long term solution at the position.
A Lions win would be a surprise, but would show the entire league that 2022 was not a fluke and, while putting them squarely in contention for the NFC North title.
Bills at Jets:
The AFC East could be the toughest division in the league this year, with both the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets figuring to be competing for something more than just the division title. The Bills remain the team to beat, coming off three straight division titles. However, the Jets made probably the biggest splash of the offseason, trading for future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets suffered from arguably the worst quarterback play in the league last season, but somehow still managed seven wins behind an otherwise loaded squad. While the offense may have tons of talent and experience, it remains to be seen if the offensive line can keep Rodgers upright for the season.
Buffalo is still clearly the team to beat in the East. But with everyone eager to see what Rodgers can still be capable of, the league has a great Monday Night Football matchup to kick off the season for these teams.
Cowboys at Giants:
Turning to the other East division, the Sunday Night game features two division rivals in the Dallas Cowboys against the New York Giants. Both teams made the playoffs last season and are hoping to build on that this season.
A major story throughout the offseason was disgruntled running backs, with the Giants’ Saquon Barkley playing a major part in the story. Running backs across the league expressed a lot of frustration and anger this offseason at their diminished salaries and the lack of long term deals. After being tagged with the franchise tag, Barkley signed a 1-year deal for $11 million, much smaller than Barkley hoped. However, if the Giants want to improve this year and compete for the NFC East title, they need Barkley to be at his best.
Expect the Cowboys to secure the win. The Cowboys returned many key players from last year’s 4th ranked offense, and it will be too much for the Giants to contain.
By Oliver Vaughn
September 5th, 2023
In the modern sports arena, technology isn't just a sideshow—it's become one of the main acts. Long gone are the days when chalkboards and hand signals were the only tools at a coach’s disposal. Today, technology fundamentally alters the dynamics of many sports, and the National Football League (NFL) is a prime example. From advanced analytics to state-of-the-art injury prevention, technology has become an invaluable asset for players and coaches alike, elevating the game to unprecedented heights.
Sideline Tablets: A Game-Changer
Traditionally, NFL coaches would be seen flipping through printed sheets of paper, studying black-and-white photographs of plays. However, the introduction of sideline tablets has made those paper snapshots obsolete. Coaches and players now have real-time access to HD footage of ongoing games.
This immediate feedback loop allows them to adapt strategies on the fly, making tweaks to plays based on their observations rather than waiting for halftime adjustments. Furthermore, tablets can also store digital playbooks, play sequences, and specialized analytics, making them a portable war room of sorts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): The New Assistant Coach
AI technology is rapidly becoming the 21st-century assistant coach. Programs can sift through enormous datasets, spotting trends and patterns that human eyes may miss.
For example, AI can analyze an opponent's third-down conversion rate under specific weather conditions, offering a level of granularity that can be instrumental in game planning. This same real-time data analysis is also transforming the world of NFL live betting, providing fans and bettors with insights that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Biometric Data: Peak Performance and Safety
One of the significant advancements in technology comes in the form of wearables. These aren’t your everyday fitness trackers but specialized devices designed to collect extensive biometric data.
Players wear GPS trackers and heart rate monitors during practices and games, giving coaches insights into their physical condition in real time. This data can help manage fatigue levels, reducing the risk of injuries. Coaches can now make informed decisions about when to rest a player or push for more effort, all based on solid data rather than gut feeling alone.
Virtual Reality: Beyond the Gridiron
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the most intriguing innovations in the NFL. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots use VR to improve offensive and defensive schemes.
Players can wear VR headsets to simulate game situations without the physical toll of a real practice. This helps starters fine-tune their skills and gives bench players a chance to virtually experience game-speed scenarios, thus becoming better prepared for real-life action. It's like having an extra practice field, but one that can be tailored to simulate any opponent.
Video Analysis: The Eye in the Sky Doesn't Lie
The adage "the eye in the sky doesn't lie" has taken on a whole new meaning in the digital age. Advanced video analysis software can break down game footage into meticulous details, analyzing player movements, speed, and even predicting future actions based on past behaviors. Coaches can study these analyses to understand not only their team’s performance but also that of future opponents, planning out strategies with a level of detail previously unattainable.
Conclusion: The Future is Now
While the core essence of football remains a test of skill, strategy, and physicality, technology has become the force multiplier in the equation. The advancements in real-time data analysis, biometric tracking, and simulation technologies are not just flashy additions; they are essential tools players and coaches leverage to gain a competitive edge. Far from diluting the spirit of the game, technology is enriching it, offering new dimensions of mastery and excitement. In the NFL today, the most successful teams are those that can best integrate the power of technology into the age-old art of football.
By Oliver Vaughn
August 16th, 2023
The 2022 NFL season marked a significant milestone for the league and the NFC East. For the first time since 1987, and first-time ever since divisions realigned to four teams, three teams from the same division (Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants) all qualified for the Divisional Round of the playoffs. There’s also reason to believe the NFC East will be even better in 2023 as the Washington Commanders seeks to improve, and the three playoff teams all made moves to try and take their franchises to the next level.
A lot of unanswered questions, however, still surround each team as the season prepares to get underway. Can the Philadelphia Eagles become the first NFC East team since 2004 to win back-to-back NFC East crowns, or have the Giants, Cowboys, and Commanders done enough to supplant them atop the division? This article will delve deeper into the biggest questions surrounding each NFC East team heading into Week 1 of the NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Before the season starts, will Howie Roseman acquire a linebacker or safety?
The loss of linebacker TJ Edwards and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave has been felt in the preseason. While first-round pick Jalen Carter is poised to fill Hargrave’s shoes just fine, the Eagles still face questions at linebacker as well as in the secondary, which was evidenced in the Super Bowl. While Nakobe Dean is set to take one of the linebacker spots and Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship are poised to start as safeties, there's room for more talent.
As a general manager known for his strategic maneuvers, Roseman has made an impressive 17 trades during training camps or the start of the regular season since reassuming his position in 2016. So, if he perceives the need for an upgrade in these positions, seeing him spring into action wouldn't be surprising. As training camp battles unfold and new additions like Nolan Smith fight for a starting role, the potential for new additions to the team is certainly an exciting prospect to watch.
Dallas Cowboys
Is there a potential return for Ezekiel Elliott to support Tony Pollard?
Letting Elliott go was not a popular decision amongst the Cowboys fan base, with many believing the move was premature. With Pollard set to play on the franchise tag this year, it's clear he's the top dog in Dallas. However, he’s coming off a torn fibula, and despite claims that he feels better than ever, it’s not an easy injury to bounce back from. That means the Cowboys need a strong No. 2 option, and thus far, they are still looking for someone to step up.
That someone might be sixth-round pick, Deuce Vaughn. Despite his 5’5”, 176-pound frame, Vaughn, whose drawn comparisons to another undersized Kansas State back, Darren Sproles, has impressed in training camp and the team’s first preseason game. However, his size is still a concern. While Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, and KaVontae Turpin are also fighting for the No. 2 spot, no one has stepped up enough to impress head coach Mike McCarthy. That has led to questions of whether the team should bring Elliott back, who is still seeking a team to play for.
The team can't ignore Elliott’s past work for the club, even if his performance declined last year, as he ranked lowest in yards per carry, tackles evaded, and the proportion of his rushes that gained 10 or more yards. If Elliott can rebound from his lackluster performance, he could provide good support for Pollard, even though it would be considered a gamble.
New York Giants
Will the Giants resolve contractual issues with Saquon Barkley?
The Giants don’t need distractions, but the Barkley saga, unfortunately, has been the story of the offseason. Barkley’s future with the Giants remains uncertain as the franchise and star running back were unable to reach a long-term deal in the offseason. The core of their disagreement reportedly lies in the annual salary, with a $2 million gap and some $22 million in guarantees.
Barkley did sign a one-year deal worth $11 million just before the preseason, giving the Giants the option to franchise tag him in 2024, but it’s still not a long-term solution. Barkley may have to go through this procedure again next year, something he would rather not experience. If the Giants’ season doesn’t materialize, the Giants and Barkley could agree to part ways, allowing the team to trade him to a contender. The Giants hope, however, it doesn’t come to that. With Daniel Jones signing a long-term deal and the additions of tight end Darren Waller and rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, the team has aspirations of following up their comeback season and winning an NFC Championship in 2023.
Washington Commanders
Is Sam Howell Finally the Answer at Quarterback?
If you listen to the training camp reports, then the Commanders believe they have solved their quarterback woes which have been a problem since the turn of the century. Since 2000, just twice has a Washington quarterback been selected to the Pro Bowl (Robert Griffin III 2012, Kirk Cousins 2016). The last several years have been spent trying to groom players like Taylor Heinicke and Dwayne Haskins while hoping they could revive the careers of Alex Smith, Carson Wentz, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Nothing has worked, and as a result, their NFL odds have plummeted.
Howell is a bit of a mystery. Selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, most expected him to be a career clipboard holder. However, after the Wentz and Heinicke experiments failed, the Commanders turned to Howell and seemingly found something. He showed promise in the team’s Week 18 game last year and has had an exceptional training camp and preseason thus far. Still, while everyone has said the right things regarding his maturation and starting ability, Commanders fans know all too well that seeing is believing when it comes to the quarterback position.
Read our other division predictions:
Jaguars Win The Division: Predictions for the AFC South
Chiefs Continued Dominance: Predictions for the AFC West
Sustained Success of the Bills: AFC East’s 2023 Frontrunner
NFC South Rankings: Analyzing the Division's Teams and Outlook
By Stephen Juza
July 31st, 2023
Continuing our predictions for the 2023 NFL season, our next stop is the AFC South. The division is in a transition period, with three of the four teams taking quarterbacks in the first two rounds of April’s draft, two new coaches starting their head coaching careers, and a division that is as open as any. Watch for the Jacksonville Jaguars to repeat as division champions under second-year head coach Doug Pederson.
Jacksonville Jaguars
After finishing with six wins in their last seven games, the Jaguars were able to clinch their first division title since 2017. After a disastrous 2021 season that saw new head coach Urban Meyer fired before his first season was completed, the team rebounded under Doug Pederson. The Jaguars enter the season with a strong hand, hoping to play their hand right and secure another division title under the guidance of Coach Pederson.
Continuity will be a major with this team. The team returns almost every starter from last season. Third-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence began showing why he was one of the most hyped draft picks in the last ten years and he should continue that this season. Beyond a year of experience, this season brings a new receiving weapon after Calvin Ridley returns after his season long suspension. For those familiar with poker hands, he could be the equivalent of a royal flush if he can find some form.
Look for the Jaguars to repeat as champions and secure their first back-to-back division titles since the 1998/1999 seasons.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans had a rough 2022 season, culminating in firing their head coach for the second consecutive offseason. Entering 2023, optimism is high with the hiring of DeMeco Ryans to lead the team. After drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge Will Anderson, Jr. second and third overall in the NFL draft, the team hoped to find franchise cornerstones on both sides of the ball.
After leading the 49ers defense for the last two years, including a defense that ranked #1 in both yards and points allowed, Ryans hopes to shore up the Texans defense. A big step in leading that will be free agent defensive tackle, Sheldon Rankins. In a division with two of the top running backs in the league, the run defense will be critical to winning the close games that the Texans will need to rely on in 2023.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2023 season with many of the same questions as the Texans, behind a rookie head coach/quarterback tandem. While Ryans led a top defense in the West, new Colts head coach Shane Steichen led a top offense in the East. Steichens was hired by the Colts to turn around the franchise, and providing stability to the QB position will be a big part of that success. After constant turnover at the position, the franchise is hoping that fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson can be the answer.
His success should be easier with defending rushing champion Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, should he report to the team. In an offseason filled with noise and threats of holdouts from the running backs across the league, Taylor is the last high profile running back who has yet to report. Entering the final season of his contract and hoping for an extension, if the Colts want to win games, they will need him in the backfield. If, or rather, when, he reports, he should pair with Richardson to form a feared running combination in the division.
Tennessee Titans
While the Tennessee Titans have one of the best running backs in the league in Derrick Henry and new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, I do not think it will be enough on offense to compete in the division. Henry will be good enough to lead the team to a few victories on his own, but the Titans probably will not get much help from the quarterback position.
After having arguably the worst season of his career since his rookie year, he should not inspire hope for the franchise. Look for the Titans to turn it over to one of the young quarterbacks on their roster by their bye week as they start to look toward the future. While head coach Mike Vrabel has led the team to three division titles in his five seasons, look for his seat to start warming up by the end of the season if they end in the basement.
Read our other division predictions:
Prepping for 2023: Key Questions NFC East Teams Must Answer
Chiefs Continued Dominance: Predictions for the AFC West
Sustained Success of the Bills: AFC East’s 2023 Frontrunner
NFC South Rankings: Analyzing the Division's Teams and Outlook
By Stephen Juza
July 25th, 2023
As we continue our predictions for each of the divisions, our next stop is the AFC West. In what feels like the easiest division to predict its winner (spoiler, the Kansas City Chiefs), there are a lot of intriguing storylines for the remaining three teams that will impact the playoff race in January. Despite some big splashes across the division, expect the Chiefs to win their eighth consecutive division championship.
Kansas City Chiefs Fresh off their second Super Bowl victory during the Andy Reid era, the Chiefs are well positioned for their eighth consecutive division title, which will be the second longest streak in NFL history. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes remains the league's best quarterback and boasts some truly astonishing records against his division opponents. Since he has taken over the starting quarterback role, the Chiefs are 27-3 against AFC West opponents, and a perfect 15-0 on the road.
With the NFL Week 1 odds heavily favoring the Chiefs against the Lions, Chiefs’ fans are eagerly waiting for the season to start as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. Although they lost offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the Commanders in the offseason, expect the offense to look similar. Matt Nagy was promoted into his second stint as the offensive coordinator this offseason, and while the coordinators may change, it remains Reid’s offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers finished second in the division last year and expect them to finish there again in 2023. This team has a lot of key cornerstones in place, but they have the unfortunate position of sharing a division with the Chiefs.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has looked good in his first three seasons in the league. While he is not on the same level as Mahomes or Josh Allen in Buffalo, he looks like he will be consistently toward the top of the QB rankings for the next decade. Running back Austin Ekeler is one of the most versatile running backs in the league, giving Herbert a lot of different options out of the backfield. On the defensive side of the ball, their pass rush featuring Khalli Mack and Joey Bosa will be able to get consistent pressure on opposing offenses.
While they did not likely improve to overtake the Chiefs, they should remain better than the other two teams in the division.
Denver Broncos
One of the biggest toss ups entering the 2023 season is the Denver Broncos. After finishing last place in the division, the last three seasons, there is a lot of optimism in Denver after the hiring of new head coach Sean Payton. Payton brings experience that will immediately improve the team over last year’s one-and-done head coach Nathaniel Hackett, although that is not difficult.
While quarterback Russell Wilson is on the downslide of his career, he should be better than his 2022 season. Last season, he had the fewest touchdown passes and second-most interceptions of his career. To help Wilson rebound, the Broncos prioritized the offensive line, bringing in free agents Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey to help cut down on the fifty-five sacks Wilson took last year (tied for most in the league)
So, while the team should be better, it is tough to find how they will be good enough to challenge for the division.
Las Vegas Raiders
Rounding out the division is the Las Vegas Raiders, led by head coach Josh McDaniels. While other teams in the division made moves to improve, I do not see improvement happening for the Raiders in 2023. Downgrading from a healthy Derek Carr to a questionable Jimmy Garoppolo has the potential to blow up in the Raiders’ face. Garoppolo has not played a full season since 2019 and had offseason foot surgery, but he should be ready for Week 1.
Their defense needed a lot of improvement after last season, and they prioritized that side of the ball during the draft. Six of their nine draft picks went to defensive players. They will need to do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback in 2023, and rookie Tyree Wilson should help them in that role.
Look for the Raiders to bottom out in the division, which might lead to Josh McDaniels’ firing come January.
Read our other division predictions:
Sustained Success of the Bills: AFC East’s 2023 Frontrunner
NFC South Rankings: Analyzing the Division's Teams and Outlook