The Seahawks are coming to a crossroads regarding their starting quarterback, Geno Smith. He's about to enter the final year of his contract, and the team is going to have to make a tough decision regarding his future. They have to, first and foremost, look out for the team's best interests. I'm going to go over the possible scenarios and rank them from 1 to 5, with 1 being the best and 5 being the worst.
1. The Seahawks don't extend Geno, but find a different option to learn under him and possibly take over for him.
This is what I hope the Hawks will do. First off, as the team's starting quarterback and leader, he shouldn't hold out if they decide not to extend him. Even if he decides to hold out, the Hawks should try to find someone out there who can take over, worst-case scenario. They have Sam Howell, but they need to bring someone else in to compete with Howell, at least for the backup spot. It could be through the draft, or it could be a QB in free agency like Justin Fields or Daniel Jones. Clearly, it would depend on who they hire to be the new offensive coordinator, and who that OC likes.
2. The Hawks pull a Pittsburgh Steelers and bring in two new QB's
Last offseason, the Steelers jettisoned both Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph and got Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Imagine if the Hawks did something like that. Who knows who the two QBs would be, but it would certainly inspire hope that the Hawks are trying to find the next franchise QB.
3. The Seahawks trade Geno Smith and have a QB competition with Howell and another QB brought in.
We have likely seen Geno's ceiling. He's not getting any younger, and his TD/INT ratio took a huge hit in 2024. Perhaps Macdonald and the new OC will want to start with someone new and build them up. Sure, there's Sam Howell, but he would need some competition for the starting job after trading Geno. It could be another trade like the Hawks did with Russell Wilson, where they got Drew Lock in return, among other players and picks. Possible teams the Hawks could look to trade Geno to: Raiders, Browns, Titans, or Giants.
4. The Seahawks stay with the same two QB's, possibly extending Geno
This wouldn't inspire much confidence in wanting to improve at the QB position. Could Geno win with a Super Bowl roster like the Hawks had in 2013-2014? Sure. But so could a lot of QBs. Also, extending him ties up our cap space a lot to our QB position. When you do that, unless you have a worldly talent like Mahomes, Allen, or Jackson, you're not winning too much. I mostly want some kind of change. But not any kind of change, as you'll see below.
5. The Hawks draft a QB at #18, regardless of who is currently on the roster
After Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward, there's a bit of a drop-off, so I'd be surprised if the #18 pick was a QB, especially if Geno is still here. The next best options are Quinn Ewers and Jalen Milroe. The Seahawks haven't taken a QB in the first round since 1993 with Rick Mirer. I don't think that will change after the 2025 draft.
It'll be interesting to see what they do this off-season. I'll try to update here once it seems settled. My dad, for one, is tired of Geno Smith as the Seahawks quarterback. I can't say I blame him too much. Sure, Geno can help the Hawks to winning seasons, but it does not appear he will be able to lead them to a Super Bowl. It's time to start rebuilding at the position so the Hawks can hopefully, someday, have another star QB.
Wow, color me surprised. They went with option #2 (bolded, above). I definitely am on board with the decisions made. Sam Darnold had a much better 2024 than Geno and is younger. We also brought back Drew Lock, who not only is familiar with the Hawks, but he's familiar with Sam Darnold. Who knew? And not only that, but we drafted an electric fast-moving QB in Jalen Milroe. I'm excited to see him in the pre-season, for sure. I am not upset at all about moving on from Geno--we saw his ceiling. Teams had started to adjust to him, and I guarantee he will not have as good of a season with the Raiders as he did in 2022 with us. He's a bridge QB for the Raiders at best, just like he was with us.
Showing posts with label QB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label QB. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
What the Seahawks should do at the QB Position
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Outlook for Non-Playoff NFL Teams in 2020
We know the 12 teams that have made the playoffs in the 2019-2020 NFL season,
but what about the 20 that didn’t? We've seen a few coaching changes already, with one more still on the way (Come on, Cleveland!) I’m
going to go over each non-playoff team, and what I expect from them in 2020,
especially with regards to their head coach and quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons: I’m glad they held onto Dan Quinn. He’s a very good coach, and he probably would’ve quickly been given another head coaching opportunity elsewhere had he been fired, much like Ron Rivera. Their defense needs to improve greatly in 2020 as that is Quinn’s specialty. Matt Ryan continues to put up numbers, but doesn’t seem quite capable of carrying a team when things are kind of going bad, like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson can. I do expect them to improve in 2020 because of how well-run they generally are.
Arizona Cardinals: Not a bad first year for Kyler and Kliff. With a few more additions, they may avoid the NFC West basement in 2020. Unfortunately, the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers are all well-built teams with elite head coaches, so it will be tough to avoid 4th place no matter how much the Cards improve. I like Kyler Murray a lot, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take a Lamar Jackson-type leap in 2020, although I don’t expect the Cardinals to be as good as the Ravens have been in 2019.
Carolina Panthers: Firing Ron Rivera was a very questionable move, but I just think the new owner wanted a fresh change (and perhaps an offense-focused head coach). I'd give David Tepper, the owner, a grade of B for hiring David Tepper. He's a proven college coach, but will that translate to the pros? It didn't for Nick Saban, that's for sure. We'll see if Matt Rhule will want to work with Cam Newton at all, or find his own guy. I don’t expect the Panthers to be awful in 2020, but it will take another year at least to get back to playoff contention… I think.
Chicago Bears: The way the last calendar year has gone for the Bears has not been pretty. They lose in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs and followed that up with a lackluster season. Is Trubisky really their guy at QB? Matt Nagy’s stubbornness to stick with him may cost him his job some day. In a tough division, the Bears will have to improve at least slightly in 2020 or changes may be on the way. I think Trubisky needs someone pushing him and someone Nagy could go to if he struggles. Perhaps Marcus Mariota? He would fit well in Matt Nagy's schemes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Having the number one pick can turn a franchise around pretty quickly (See Indianapolis in 2012). Is Joe Burrow capable of doing that? He’s not a sure-fire QB prospect like Andrew Luck, though. I’d say he’s more in the mold of a Matthew Stafford/Matt Ryan, and he will probably get to being in the top half of QB’s in the league. Don’t expect the Bengals to succeed right away, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Zac Taylor work some magic with their new QB, especially in his first year or two.
Cleveland Browns: So, they fire their coach and general manager, after a season in which the players didn’t perform up to expectations… ok. I understood firing Freddie Kitchens, but not Dorsey. It would take a terrific hire at both spots in order for this team to compete in 2020. They should be hopeful for an 8-8 or 9-7 season in 2020, with a legit shot at the playoffs maybe coming in 2021. Whoever they hire as head coach is going to have his hands full and has to be able to discipline his players and keep them in check. And Baker Mayfield has got to bounce back from his lackluster 2019 season, even though he will technically be on his fourth head coach in his third season in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys: Hiring Mike McCarthy is a very "meh" move. Yes, he's a proven winner as a coach, but he's very much like Jason Garrett and might not challenge his players or take risks when need be. Meanwhile, Dak had his best statistical season and needs to be re-signed to a long-term contract. I think things will work well in the first year because everything will be new to the players and they'll respond well to McCarthy at first. But after that, we'll have to wait and see.
Denver Broncos: Drew Lock is already the best young quarterback John Elway has found, although that is not saying much at all. I think Lock has a fairly low ceiling, but I see the Broncos as a team that could surprise people in 2020 if they draft right and maybe fill a couple holes. It will be interesting to see how Lock does in his first full season next year. As for Vic Fangio, he is constantly lauded for being one of the best defensive minds in the game, and next year he needs to prove it, or he might go the route of Vance Joseph.
Detroit Lions: I’m pretty surprised they gave Matt Patricia another year, but the Lions were playing really competitive football before Stafford’s injury. If not for a couple bad calls, they would have beaten the Packers in Green Bay, and they almost beat the Chiefs. Next year, this Lions team, provided Stafford can stay heathy, needs to compete and get at least near .500, or Patricia will be gone. I like their offensive weapons, and their defense isn’t bad, so if they can play inspired and healthy football, they will be a hard team to beat in 2020.
Indianapolis Colts: I’m sorry, but Jacoby Brissett is not a franchise quarterback. I do, however, think he makes one of the best backup QBs in the game. The Colts need to find someone to compete with Brissett for the starting QB job. They would be wise to draft someone, and Brissett could start while they learn, or they could go after someone like Teddy Bridgewater or Philip Rivers. The Colts were just instantly screwed in 2019 when Andrew Luck suddenly retired, and they still have a lot of good, young players. Once that offense gets its franchise QB, these Colts will be back.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Marrone was one of a few coaches I thought for sure was getting fired. Nope. Instead, they fired Executive VP Tom Coughlin. They may forgive Marrone for this season because of the injury to Nick Foles, and he was the coach to lead them to the AFC Championship game just a couple seasons ago, but they can’t ignore how it seems the team quit on him in the second half of the season. If I’m being honest, I think the Jags might be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2020 and will get a top pick in the 2021 draft. Then the rebuild can commence with a new coach and QB.
Los Angeles Chargers: They’re in a weird spot. They have a lot of talent still, but an aging quarterback whose contract is up. They had perhaps the worst luck of any team in 2019, losing a ton of games by one score. If they are unable to find a legit QB for 2020, expect another 6-10/5-11 type season from them. Anthony Lynn seems to be a decent coach, but may fall victim to being the coach of a team in the middle of a transition at QB.
Los Angeles Rams: They were the only 9-7 team to not make the playoffs, so that’s something. But it certainly was a disappointing follow up to a Super Bowl appearance. Sean McVay and Jared Goff are safe for now, but what if they regress even more next year? They do play in a very competitive division, with the Cardinals looking to improve in 2020. Someone has got to be in last place. There is a major problem lurking in the future with this team: They mortgaged a lot of their future by trading away some first-round picks, and they have a lot of money tied up to a few players, so there is a possibility this team could see a major collapse in the next couple seasons.
Miami Dolphins: Boy they sure turned their season around. After starting out the year getting blown out by everyone, they finished the season with five wins, including beating the division champion Patriots in Foxborough. They will need to find their future at QB in the draft, as it apparently isn’t Josh Rosen. Fitzpatrick seems to be the starter in 2020 until their future starter takes over. Brian Flores, meanwhile, will probably be given plenty of time to turn this team fully around after turning the 2019 season around for them.
New York Giants: Apparently Pat Shurmur is a really good offensive coordinator, but not a good coach. They are struggling now to find a good coach since Tom Coughlin left. It is very risky hiring Joe Judge, who had never been a head coach anywhere before. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones started out great, but then kind of fizzled out. We’ll see how he does with Joe Judge in 2020, but I expect something similar to what we saw from Sam Darnold in 2019: Just not enough talent around him, and the offensive mind not be enough help. Their roster is also still lacking compared to their division rival Cowboys and Eagles.
New York Jets: Speaking of Sam Darnold, he looked good at times in 2019, but he is now third at best in terms of QB’s from his draft class, trailing Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Hopefully he can get some help on the offensive side of the ball, mainly on the offensive line. Perhaps Adam Gase isn’t that great of a coach as Peyton Manning says he is? Ryan Tannehill on the Titans sure seems to be doing better without him. I don’t have a ton of confidence in this team going into 2020 right now.
Oakland Raiders: For a brief stretch, the Raiders seemed to be playing some really good football. Perhaps a new environment will be able to motivate them all season long? I think they are headed in the right direction, but they certainly need to take a legit step forward in 2020. Derek Carr is definitely an above average quarterback, but Jon Gruden may want something more. I wouldn’t be shocked if they drafted a mid-round QB. Next season is pivotal for them; a winning season would be huge.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben should be able to play in 2020, but they have to find his successor and soon. In my “NFL Quarterbacks Who Will Get New Homes in 2020” post, I predicted they will draft Jacob Eason out of Washington. They’re not at code red to find a new quarterback, but the sooner (and earlier in the draft) they draft one, the better. Mike Tomlin did a great job in 2019 with what he had, and I expect them to return to form in 2020, as long as Big Ben stays healthy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Either they need to replace Jameis or get him to make smarter throws. That latter option may not be possible, however. They may want to go after a QB who protects the ball better, someone like Teddy Bridgewater. They’ve got a decent roster and a really good head coach, but it’s uncertain who the leader of this team is if not Jameis. Bruce Arians has done well with veteran quarterbacks in the past (Big Ben, Carson Palmer), so perhaps the Bucs will go after a veteran, maybe Philip Rivers?
Washington Redskins: What’s this? The Redskins making good decisions?! They hired Ron Rivera to be head coach and Jack Del Rio for defensive coordinator. That defense next year should be much better. As for their offense, well, they’ve got some pieces. They can’t rely on an aging Adrian Peterson anymore, and they need a legit QB. I don’t think that’s Dwayne Haskins. I predicted they might sign Jameis Winston, who I think could have success there, especially under Ron Rivera, who led Cam Newton to the playoffs many times (and to the Super Bowl once).
Before I conclude, I want to pick my top 3 teams from this list and bottom 3 teams. The top 3 teams are teams that I expect to bounce back and have good 2020 seasons and probably make the playoffs. The bottom 3 teams are teams I expect to continue to struggle and probably even get worse. First, the bottom 3, to get that out of the way:
3. Cleveland Browns
Unless they hire someone who is absolutely perfect (and let’s face it, we have no reason to believe they will), they will probably struggle again next year. Baker Mayfield doesn’t seem capable of carrying a team, and there are too many undisciplined players on this team. It could get ugly. Cleveland has a bad track record of turning hopefulness into absolute despair.
2. New York Jets
I just don’t trust the Jets front office. I don’t like Adam Gase as a head coach. He is one of the coaches I predict to be fired next season. And they play in a division with the Patriots, a good young Bills team, and a Dolphins team that’s slowly improving. It could go either way, but my gut tells me it won’t go the way they want.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Number one pick incoming? That’s my prediction, at least. They just don’t seem like their old 2017 selves anymore. They will regret bringing Doug Marrone back for another season. However, if they do get that number one pick, it could result in drafting Trevor Lawrence if he declares for the draft in 2021. Trevor Lawrence is talked about being the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.
All right, and now for my top 3 teams to make a turnaround next season:
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Whenever they have an off season, they always bounce back. They are just too well-run of an organization to struggle for long. If they have a legit QB in 2020 (Big Ben, probably), they will more than likely be a playoff team. I think they could battle Baltimore for the division crown next year.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Hopefully Quinn can lead these guys back to playoff contention. With Tampa and Carolina having uncertain futures, and New Orleans being due for a disappointing season, the division could be there for the taking. The defense will be the biggest question. They showed flashes in 2019 (stopping the Saints offense in New Orleans for one), but will need to play more consistently in 2020, and I think they will.
1. Dallas Cowboys
I think the Cowboys players will be playing extremely motivated in 2020. What Jason Garrett was telling them and coaching them about was probably getting old and stale. But with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, they could become one of the best teams in the NFL in 2020. I see them having a year like the 2019 Packers; new head coach brings fresh and positive results. They have a really good roster still, just needed the coach to match. It will also be interesting to see how McCarthy uses Dak and Zeke next year. He's never had a running back of Zeke's caliber.
Atlanta Falcons: I’m glad they held onto Dan Quinn. He’s a very good coach, and he probably would’ve quickly been given another head coaching opportunity elsewhere had he been fired, much like Ron Rivera. Their defense needs to improve greatly in 2020 as that is Quinn’s specialty. Matt Ryan continues to put up numbers, but doesn’t seem quite capable of carrying a team when things are kind of going bad, like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson can. I do expect them to improve in 2020 because of how well-run they generally are.
Arizona Cardinals: Not a bad first year for Kyler and Kliff. With a few more additions, they may avoid the NFC West basement in 2020. Unfortunately, the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers are all well-built teams with elite head coaches, so it will be tough to avoid 4th place no matter how much the Cards improve. I like Kyler Murray a lot, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him take a Lamar Jackson-type leap in 2020, although I don’t expect the Cardinals to be as good as the Ravens have been in 2019.
Carolina Panthers: Firing Ron Rivera was a very questionable move, but I just think the new owner wanted a fresh change (and perhaps an offense-focused head coach). I'd give David Tepper, the owner, a grade of B for hiring David Tepper. He's a proven college coach, but will that translate to the pros? It didn't for Nick Saban, that's for sure. We'll see if Matt Rhule will want to work with Cam Newton at all, or find his own guy. I don’t expect the Panthers to be awful in 2020, but it will take another year at least to get back to playoff contention… I think.
Chicago Bears: The way the last calendar year has gone for the Bears has not been pretty. They lose in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs and followed that up with a lackluster season. Is Trubisky really their guy at QB? Matt Nagy’s stubbornness to stick with him may cost him his job some day. In a tough division, the Bears will have to improve at least slightly in 2020 or changes may be on the way. I think Trubisky needs someone pushing him and someone Nagy could go to if he struggles. Perhaps Marcus Mariota? He would fit well in Matt Nagy's schemes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Having the number one pick can turn a franchise around pretty quickly (See Indianapolis in 2012). Is Joe Burrow capable of doing that? He’s not a sure-fire QB prospect like Andrew Luck, though. I’d say he’s more in the mold of a Matthew Stafford/Matt Ryan, and he will probably get to being in the top half of QB’s in the league. Don’t expect the Bengals to succeed right away, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Zac Taylor work some magic with their new QB, especially in his first year or two.
Cleveland Browns: So, they fire their coach and general manager, after a season in which the players didn’t perform up to expectations… ok. I understood firing Freddie Kitchens, but not Dorsey. It would take a terrific hire at both spots in order for this team to compete in 2020. They should be hopeful for an 8-8 or 9-7 season in 2020, with a legit shot at the playoffs maybe coming in 2021. Whoever they hire as head coach is going to have his hands full and has to be able to discipline his players and keep them in check. And Baker Mayfield has got to bounce back from his lackluster 2019 season, even though he will technically be on his fourth head coach in his third season in the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys: Hiring Mike McCarthy is a very "meh" move. Yes, he's a proven winner as a coach, but he's very much like Jason Garrett and might not challenge his players or take risks when need be. Meanwhile, Dak had his best statistical season and needs to be re-signed to a long-term contract. I think things will work well in the first year because everything will be new to the players and they'll respond well to McCarthy at first. But after that, we'll have to wait and see.
Denver Broncos: Drew Lock is already the best young quarterback John Elway has found, although that is not saying much at all. I think Lock has a fairly low ceiling, but I see the Broncos as a team that could surprise people in 2020 if they draft right and maybe fill a couple holes. It will be interesting to see how Lock does in his first full season next year. As for Vic Fangio, he is constantly lauded for being one of the best defensive minds in the game, and next year he needs to prove it, or he might go the route of Vance Joseph.
Detroit Lions: I’m pretty surprised they gave Matt Patricia another year, but the Lions were playing really competitive football before Stafford’s injury. If not for a couple bad calls, they would have beaten the Packers in Green Bay, and they almost beat the Chiefs. Next year, this Lions team, provided Stafford can stay heathy, needs to compete and get at least near .500, or Patricia will be gone. I like their offensive weapons, and their defense isn’t bad, so if they can play inspired and healthy football, they will be a hard team to beat in 2020.
Indianapolis Colts: I’m sorry, but Jacoby Brissett is not a franchise quarterback. I do, however, think he makes one of the best backup QBs in the game. The Colts need to find someone to compete with Brissett for the starting QB job. They would be wise to draft someone, and Brissett could start while they learn, or they could go after someone like Teddy Bridgewater or Philip Rivers. The Colts were just instantly screwed in 2019 when Andrew Luck suddenly retired, and they still have a lot of good, young players. Once that offense gets its franchise QB, these Colts will be back.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Marrone was one of a few coaches I thought for sure was getting fired. Nope. Instead, they fired Executive VP Tom Coughlin. They may forgive Marrone for this season because of the injury to Nick Foles, and he was the coach to lead them to the AFC Championship game just a couple seasons ago, but they can’t ignore how it seems the team quit on him in the second half of the season. If I’m being honest, I think the Jags might be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2020 and will get a top pick in the 2021 draft. Then the rebuild can commence with a new coach and QB.
Los Angeles Chargers: They’re in a weird spot. They have a lot of talent still, but an aging quarterback whose contract is up. They had perhaps the worst luck of any team in 2019, losing a ton of games by one score. If they are unable to find a legit QB for 2020, expect another 6-10/5-11 type season from them. Anthony Lynn seems to be a decent coach, but may fall victim to being the coach of a team in the middle of a transition at QB.
Los Angeles Rams: They were the only 9-7 team to not make the playoffs, so that’s something. But it certainly was a disappointing follow up to a Super Bowl appearance. Sean McVay and Jared Goff are safe for now, but what if they regress even more next year? They do play in a very competitive division, with the Cardinals looking to improve in 2020. Someone has got to be in last place. There is a major problem lurking in the future with this team: They mortgaged a lot of their future by trading away some first-round picks, and they have a lot of money tied up to a few players, so there is a possibility this team could see a major collapse in the next couple seasons.
Miami Dolphins: Boy they sure turned their season around. After starting out the year getting blown out by everyone, they finished the season with five wins, including beating the division champion Patriots in Foxborough. They will need to find their future at QB in the draft, as it apparently isn’t Josh Rosen. Fitzpatrick seems to be the starter in 2020 until their future starter takes over. Brian Flores, meanwhile, will probably be given plenty of time to turn this team fully around after turning the 2019 season around for them.
New York Giants: Apparently Pat Shurmur is a really good offensive coordinator, but not a good coach. They are struggling now to find a good coach since Tom Coughlin left. It is very risky hiring Joe Judge, who had never been a head coach anywhere before. Meanwhile, Daniel Jones started out great, but then kind of fizzled out. We’ll see how he does with Joe Judge in 2020, but I expect something similar to what we saw from Sam Darnold in 2019: Just not enough talent around him, and the offensive mind not be enough help. Their roster is also still lacking compared to their division rival Cowboys and Eagles.
New York Jets: Speaking of Sam Darnold, he looked good at times in 2019, but he is now third at best in terms of QB’s from his draft class, trailing Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Hopefully he can get some help on the offensive side of the ball, mainly on the offensive line. Perhaps Adam Gase isn’t that great of a coach as Peyton Manning says he is? Ryan Tannehill on the Titans sure seems to be doing better without him. I don’t have a ton of confidence in this team going into 2020 right now.
Oakland Raiders: For a brief stretch, the Raiders seemed to be playing some really good football. Perhaps a new environment will be able to motivate them all season long? I think they are headed in the right direction, but they certainly need to take a legit step forward in 2020. Derek Carr is definitely an above average quarterback, but Jon Gruden may want something more. I wouldn’t be shocked if they drafted a mid-round QB. Next season is pivotal for them; a winning season would be huge.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben should be able to play in 2020, but they have to find his successor and soon. In my “NFL Quarterbacks Who Will Get New Homes in 2020” post, I predicted they will draft Jacob Eason out of Washington. They’re not at code red to find a new quarterback, but the sooner (and earlier in the draft) they draft one, the better. Mike Tomlin did a great job in 2019 with what he had, and I expect them to return to form in 2020, as long as Big Ben stays healthy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Either they need to replace Jameis or get him to make smarter throws. That latter option may not be possible, however. They may want to go after a QB who protects the ball better, someone like Teddy Bridgewater. They’ve got a decent roster and a really good head coach, but it’s uncertain who the leader of this team is if not Jameis. Bruce Arians has done well with veteran quarterbacks in the past (Big Ben, Carson Palmer), so perhaps the Bucs will go after a veteran, maybe Philip Rivers?
Washington Redskins: What’s this? The Redskins making good decisions?! They hired Ron Rivera to be head coach and Jack Del Rio for defensive coordinator. That defense next year should be much better. As for their offense, well, they’ve got some pieces. They can’t rely on an aging Adrian Peterson anymore, and they need a legit QB. I don’t think that’s Dwayne Haskins. I predicted they might sign Jameis Winston, who I think could have success there, especially under Ron Rivera, who led Cam Newton to the playoffs many times (and to the Super Bowl once).
Before I conclude, I want to pick my top 3 teams from this list and bottom 3 teams. The top 3 teams are teams that I expect to bounce back and have good 2020 seasons and probably make the playoffs. The bottom 3 teams are teams I expect to continue to struggle and probably even get worse. First, the bottom 3, to get that out of the way:
3. Cleveland Browns
Unless they hire someone who is absolutely perfect (and let’s face it, we have no reason to believe they will), they will probably struggle again next year. Baker Mayfield doesn’t seem capable of carrying a team, and there are too many undisciplined players on this team. It could get ugly. Cleveland has a bad track record of turning hopefulness into absolute despair.
2. New York Jets
I just don’t trust the Jets front office. I don’t like Adam Gase as a head coach. He is one of the coaches I predict to be fired next season. And they play in a division with the Patriots, a good young Bills team, and a Dolphins team that’s slowly improving. It could go either way, but my gut tells me it won’t go the way they want.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
Number one pick incoming? That’s my prediction, at least. They just don’t seem like their old 2017 selves anymore. They will regret bringing Doug Marrone back for another season. However, if they do get that number one pick, it could result in drafting Trevor Lawrence if he declares for the draft in 2021. Trevor Lawrence is talked about being the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.
All right, and now for my top 3 teams to make a turnaround next season:
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Whenever they have an off season, they always bounce back. They are just too well-run of an organization to struggle for long. If they have a legit QB in 2020 (Big Ben, probably), they will more than likely be a playoff team. I think they could battle Baltimore for the division crown next year.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Hopefully Quinn can lead these guys back to playoff contention. With Tampa and Carolina having uncertain futures, and New Orleans being due for a disappointing season, the division could be there for the taking. The defense will be the biggest question. They showed flashes in 2019 (stopping the Saints offense in New Orleans for one), but will need to play more consistently in 2020, and I think they will.
1. Dallas Cowboys
I think the Cowboys players will be playing extremely motivated in 2020. What Jason Garrett was telling them and coaching them about was probably getting old and stale. But with a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, they could become one of the best teams in the NFL in 2020. I see them having a year like the 2019 Packers; new head coach brings fresh and positive results. They have a really good roster still, just needed the coach to match. It will also be interesting to see how McCarthy uses Dak and Zeke next year. He's never had a running back of Zeke's caliber.
Monday, December 30, 2019
NFL Quarterbacks Who Will Get New Homes in 2020
I love talking about NFL Quarterbacks, and I also like making predictions. I like to see how right or wrong I am. I decided I am going to go through all of the
quarterbacks in the NFL that could change teams in 2020, and also go over the
QB prospects will get drafted in 2020 as well. I know I’ll be wrong on many accounts, but I
bet I’ll get one of these right.
Retired: Eli Manning, Josh McCown, Matt Schaub, Cam Newton
Manning, McCown, and Schaub are no surprises. But Newton?! After the Panthers either cut him or tell him he won’t be starting in 2020, Cam decides to retire. He explains that all the hits and injuries have taken a toll.
Teddy Bridgewater – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers decide they’ve had enough with Jameis’ turnover tendencies and they sign Teddy Bridgewater, a much more careful passer. It would be interesting to see Bridgewater work with Arians and Leftwich.
Andy Dalton – Dallas Cowboys
Dalton, a native Texan, decides he’s ok with settling for a backup role since it’s with the Dallas Cowboys. They may even sign him before re-signing Dak Prescott.
Case Keenum – Cincinnati Bengals
Keenum goes to the Bengals to help mentor their young rookie QB.
Marcus Mariota – Chicago Bears
Mitch Trusbisky will remain the starter, but the Bears will sign Mariota to compete and push him. Mariota fits well into Matt Nagy’s offensive scheme and could take over if Trubisky struggles.
Philip Rivers – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are probably making a change, and Rivers could go there to compete for (and probably win) the starting job. He’d be playing in the same state he went to college.
Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans
The Titans will re-sign Tannehill, but may also draft a QB after letting Mariota go.
Josh Rosen – Los Angeles Chargers
Yep, his third team in his third year. Rosen gets traded to the Bolts, where he competes with a rookie for the starting job. He gets to play in his home state, too.
Jameis Winston – Washington Redskins
Winston has more upside than Cam Newton, as he is a better pocket passer. I see the new coach in Washington wanting to work with Jameis and see if he can get his interceptions down. Jameis could be there with Haskins and “mentor” him, although he’s not much older than him. Jameis would also be overpaid, as is the Redskins way.
Now, draft picks:
Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
He’s the strong favorite to be the #1 pick, and the Bengals have that pick. It’s a no-brainer.
Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
After letting Rivers go, the Chargers trade for Rosen and draft Herbert, hoping one of them works out.
Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins
Tua gets drafted by the Fins and sits behind Fitzpatrick for a year.
Jake Fromm – New Orleans Saints
After losing Bridgewater and Brees being close to retirement, the Saints draft Jake Fromm out of Georgia.
Jacob Eason – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers draft Eason to be Ben Roethlisberger’s heir apparent.
Jamie Newman – Carolina Panthers
I don’t know much about Jamie Newman, but he would be learning from Philip Rivers in this scenario, and he’d be playing in the same state he went to college.
Khalil Tate – Tennessee Titans
After the Titans let Mariota go, they need to acquire a backup to Tannehill, and I think they’ll opt for someone with athleticism, and Tate fits that build.
That's all for now, I'll check in sometime after the draft to see how well I did!
Retired: Eli Manning, Josh McCown, Matt Schaub, Cam Newton
Manning, McCown, and Schaub are no surprises. But Newton?! After the Panthers either cut him or tell him he won’t be starting in 2020, Cam decides to retire. He explains that all the hits and injuries have taken a toll.
Teddy Bridgewater – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bruce Arians and the Buccaneers decide they’ve had enough with Jameis’ turnover tendencies and they sign Teddy Bridgewater, a much more careful passer. It would be interesting to see Bridgewater work with Arians and Leftwich.
Andy Dalton – Dallas Cowboys
Dalton, a native Texan, decides he’s ok with settling for a backup role since it’s with the Dallas Cowboys. They may even sign him before re-signing Dak Prescott.
Case Keenum – Cincinnati Bengals
Keenum goes to the Bengals to help mentor their young rookie QB.
Marcus Mariota – Chicago Bears
Mitch Trusbisky will remain the starter, but the Bears will sign Mariota to compete and push him. Mariota fits well into Matt Nagy’s offensive scheme and could take over if Trubisky struggles.
Philip Rivers – Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are probably making a change, and Rivers could go there to compete for (and probably win) the starting job. He’d be playing in the same state he went to college.
Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans
The Titans will re-sign Tannehill, but may also draft a QB after letting Mariota go.
Josh Rosen – Los Angeles Chargers
Yep, his third team in his third year. Rosen gets traded to the Bolts, where he competes with a rookie for the starting job. He gets to play in his home state, too.
Jameis Winston – Washington Redskins
Winston has more upside than Cam Newton, as he is a better pocket passer. I see the new coach in Washington wanting to work with Jameis and see if he can get his interceptions down. Jameis could be there with Haskins and “mentor” him, although he’s not much older than him. Jameis would also be overpaid, as is the Redskins way.
Now, draft picks:
Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals
He’s the strong favorite to be the #1 pick, and the Bengals have that pick. It’s a no-brainer.
Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
After letting Rivers go, the Chargers trade for Rosen and draft Herbert, hoping one of them works out.
Tua Tagovailoa – Miami Dolphins
Tua gets drafted by the Fins and sits behind Fitzpatrick for a year.
Jake Fromm – New Orleans Saints
After losing Bridgewater and Brees being close to retirement, the Saints draft Jake Fromm out of Georgia.
Jacob Eason – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers draft Eason to be Ben Roethlisberger’s heir apparent.
Jamie Newman – Carolina Panthers
I don’t know much about Jamie Newman, but he would be learning from Philip Rivers in this scenario, and he’d be playing in the same state he went to college.
Khalil Tate – Tennessee Titans
After the Titans let Mariota go, they need to acquire a backup to Tannehill, and I think they’ll opt for someone with athleticism, and Tate fits that build.
That's all for now, I'll check in sometime after the draft to see how well I did!
Thursday, January 29, 2015
I Love Russell Wilson
I love Russell Carrington
Wilson. Not in the sense that I wanna
marry him, but I love him as an athlete, a person, and a role model. He's an inspiration to kids everywhere that
want to succeed at a sport but play at a disadvantage, such as being too
short. He is a man who other men should
strive to be like, because Russell Wilson is THE man.
Russell Wilson spends every Tuesday at Seattle Children's Hospital because he is such a great human being. He is a strong advocate against cancer (Strong Against Cancer). I start to wonder if this guy ever devotes any time to himself, with all the practice, watching film, and charitable work he does.
Russell Wilson's true character came out in the 2015 NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers. Despite throwing four interceptions and being down by two scores, this man did not give up. He rallied his teammates because technically, they were still in it. Most quarterbacks would have given up at that point, giving a half-hearted effort to get their team down the field knowing in the back of their mind they probably don't have a shot. That idea never crossed the front or back of Russell's mind. Despite facing the utmost of adversity, Russell never gave up. Not for one second.
I wanted (and received for my birthday) Russell's jersey, not just because of the great player he is on the field but because of the great person he is off the field. He is almost for sure going to sign a new contract here with the Hawks (because why would he want to play anywhere else?) and he'll be worth every penny.
Russell sure has his critics (49ers fans mainly, but also even some Seahawks fans). I've been one at times, I will admit. He doesn't put up the best passing numbers in the league (his 2012 draft partner, Andrew Luck, has put up better passing numbers each year). But Russell wins games. I'd love to see what other quarterbacks would do with our offensive line and receiving units. Sure, those units step up when it matters, but for the most part, they could be considered below average at times. But Russell wins despite not having a huge weapon to go to on offense or without the best protection. Here he is, perhaps winning his 2nd Super Bowl in just his third season.
It is my dream to one day meet Russell Wilson. He'd even be in my top 5 people I'd most like to meet/shake hands with/get the autograph of. He's only 1 month and 18 days older than me. I have a feeling I will be a huge fan of this player, this person, for a long time...
Russell Wilson spends every Tuesday at Seattle Children's Hospital because he is such a great human being. He is a strong advocate against cancer (Strong Against Cancer). I start to wonder if this guy ever devotes any time to himself, with all the practice, watching film, and charitable work he does.
Russell Wilson's true character came out in the 2015 NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers. Despite throwing four interceptions and being down by two scores, this man did not give up. He rallied his teammates because technically, they were still in it. Most quarterbacks would have given up at that point, giving a half-hearted effort to get their team down the field knowing in the back of their mind they probably don't have a shot. That idea never crossed the front or back of Russell's mind. Despite facing the utmost of adversity, Russell never gave up. Not for one second.
I wanted (and received for my birthday) Russell's jersey, not just because of the great player he is on the field but because of the great person he is off the field. He is almost for sure going to sign a new contract here with the Hawks (because why would he want to play anywhere else?) and he'll be worth every penny.
Russell sure has his critics (49ers fans mainly, but also even some Seahawks fans). I've been one at times, I will admit. He doesn't put up the best passing numbers in the league (his 2012 draft partner, Andrew Luck, has put up better passing numbers each year). But Russell wins games. I'd love to see what other quarterbacks would do with our offensive line and receiving units. Sure, those units step up when it matters, but for the most part, they could be considered below average at times. But Russell wins despite not having a huge weapon to go to on offense or without the best protection. Here he is, perhaps winning his 2nd Super Bowl in just his third season.
It is my dream to one day meet Russell Wilson. He'd even be in my top 5 people I'd most like to meet/shake hands with/get the autograph of. He's only 1 month and 18 days older than me. I have a feeling I will be a huge fan of this player, this person, for a long time...
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