TEN 2018 NFL HOT Takes
Right now we are in sports hell. (For me at least) The NHL playoffs are going strong? I don't know, I'm asking for a friend. The NBA is basically 87% LeBron James coverage and 13% what 'funny' thing Shaq and Charles Barkley said post-game. I want to watch and enjoy Major League Baseball but, I'm a Marlins fan. Our fan base hasn't had anything to cheer about since 2003. And the NFL is still 103 days away from officially kicking off. SO! Lets do what most football writers (can I say writer?) do... make bold HOT takes on a season that is months away based on hearsay and hogwash.
HOT Take #10: The worst team in 2018 will be the Los Angles Chargers
Yes, we are coming out swinging so, buckle up. It's a shame that year in and year out Philip Rivers is forced to play with par to sub par talent. After a great rookie year, TE Hunter Henry will miss the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. Rumor mill says "Antonio Gates will make a comeback". If he does, he won't break 400yds. Next! Forrest Lamp,(which is a real name) rookie out of Western Kentucky, was supposed to start at right guard for them last year. However, in traditional Chargers fashion he tore his ACL and come to find out just had another procedure done on it in the last month. Yikes. On defense, defensive end Melvin Ingram was a no-show at voluntary OTAs. Many speculate he is looking for a new deal after coming off a 10.5 sack season. Even if he does eventually show he maybe a distraction leading up to the season. Finally, starting linebacker Jatavis Brown had a rough 2017 season after defensive coordinator Gus Bradley switched the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3. It's never a good sign anytime a player is quoted saying "No one's job is safe". Brown was also dealing with a nagging high ankle sprain. In short, all this equals a rough road for the Chargers.
HOT Take #9: The CLEAR front runner for MVP is Tom Brady *barf*
I know this pick is like saying "it's going to rain" while it's already raining. But, with 2018 possibly being his last year (in a Patriots uniform) look for him to do what he does best... throw to dudes named Braxton, Chris, Cody, Rob, Rex, and Ryan. On top of the fact they will keep defenses honest in the run game with their rookie running back Sony Michel. The greatest luxury of all for Brady is that he plays in the AFC East. The Bills, Jets, and Dolphins aren't exactly rivals anymore. They are more like worn down speed bump on the highway to the playoffs that Brady knows so well.
HOT Take #8: After this season Terence Newman will retire
Here's a chance to educate yourself. Newman is the oldest active defensive player in the league! He will turn 40 going into his 16th season (his third with Minnesota). He isn't the lock down corner that Dallas drafted in 2003 anymore but, he took 555 snaps in 2017. That's the THIRD most plays for a corner on the Vikings. A veteran defensive back, that's a good role model for young players, that can still ball (35tlks, 1INT, 5PD in 2017) is with worth its weight in gold to any coach. Honorable mention to Sebastian Janikowski. The Seabass turned 40 in March and played 18 seasons with the Raiders. Janikowski recently signed a deal with the Seahawks for 2018. But, odds are... that will be his last contract.
HOT Take #7: Andrew Luck is going to be a major let down
Luck missed the entire 2017 season. Which left the door open for Jacoby Brissett to 'give it his best shot.' (His best shot meaning 4 total wins) Now after surgery and a TON of rehab on his torn labrum in his throwing shoulder he still didn't throw in OTAs. Lets not forget that the Colts also have new head coach in Frank Reich and a new offensive coordinator in Nick Sirianni. Indy traded back in the draft, showing faith in Luck, and drafted Quentin Nelson from Notre Dame. Nelson was touted as one of the best lineman in the draft. So, even with a better offensive line the Colts still have to deal with the vaunted Jaguars defense twice a season and face the Eagles, Texans and Patriots all in the first five weeks. Luck is starting to remind me of Sam Bradford OR for you 30 somethings, Chad Pennington. All good QBs but plagued with the injury bug. If Luck looks to bounce back in 2018 he will need a LOT of help... and cortisone.
HOT Take #6: The Bills will start all three QBs at some point
Not matter what, AJ McCarron will start for the Bills week one against the Ravens. Barring McCarron losing both his arms or forgetting how to play the game... he is the clear choice out of the gates. But, after going 3-5 after losing to the Patriots in week 8 the Bills will do what they do best, make a rash decision. They will chuck rookie Josh Allen into the fire to 'see if he can provide a spark' to the lagging offense. Allen is a raw passer, runs a lot and will most likely get KO'ed by week 13 or 14 leaving the door open for McCarron again and that five interception gunslinger, Nathan Peterman. From the outside it won't look too bad due to the presence of LeSean McCoy and a stout defense but, in the long run... enjoy picking in the top 15 in 2019.
HOT Take #5: The pre PRE Season "Dark Horse" favorite, the Ravens
They have a healthy Joe Flacco, a linebacker core that combined for more than 20 sacks and a 'meh' division. The first six teams they play next season had a combined 43-53 record in 2017. That is skewed in two ways, one, the Steelers were 13-3 and two, the Browns straight up had zero wins. I loved the addition of TE Hayden Hurst out of the University of South Carolina. The Ravens have had their share of outstanding tight ends starting with Ozzie Newsome (now the GM), Shannon Sharpe, Dennis Pitta, and one of Hurst's favorite players, Todd Heap. With a sound defense, a par running game and good passing by Flacco the Ravens should snap their three year playoff drought.
HOT Take #4: The biggest rookie let down will be Rashaad Penny
Penny might have been thrown into the worst 'positional' situation in the NFL. Last year the Seahawks ranked 23rd in total rushing yards. Who was the rushing leader? Quarterback Russel Wilson, yesh. They fired Tom Cable as their offensive line coach and hired Mike Solari. And gave right guard D.J. Fluker a one year deal... is this enough to save their run game? When Penny was drafted everyone was taken-aback. Seattle opted to take him over UGA backs Sony Michel (NE) and Nick Chubb (CLE)... which is interesting. I'm sure they are just trying to find their Alvin Kamara in the draft but, this may not be the answer they were looking for. Will Penny help out in the run game. For sure. Will he break 650yds yards ruhsing... hard pass.
HOT Take #3: Terrell Edmunds is the Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Steelers always do a solid job of quietly adding talent. Last season Pittsburgh had the 5th best pass defense, pulled in 16 INT, and were #1 in total sacks with 56. What does that have to do with Terrell Edumds? Well, he gets to play with no real pressure on him. He has one of the best front sevens in the game in front of him. Defensive end Cameron Heyward and linebacker Bud Dupree do a great job of putting pressure on the quarterback. Which allows their secondary to feast on pressured throws. On top of that, they have two stout corners in Artie Brown and Joe Haden. All Edumds has to worry about now his his deep third coverage or helping out in the run in short yardage. His numbers won't be as flashy as a pass rushing end or a stud linebacker but, he'll get to eat this season. In fact, I would be shocked if he didn't have at least two to three interceptions by the end of the year.
HOT Take #2: The last two standing? Minnesota and New England
The hottest of take of all is predicting the post season before the pre season is even in sight. But, these two teams (right now) look like the real favorites. According to Vegas the Pats are the overall favorite at 6/1. Next is Philly at 8/1 but, I just have a hard time putting them back in so quickly. Then come the Rams at 10/1 who are errrbody's favorite after all their off season additions. WHICH, is why I am ignoring them. Anytime their is a ton of off season hype of a team's "off season pick ups" they end up 9-7 and getting whooped in the wild card game or something like that. The Vikes added Kirk Cousins who is an actual starter. With Stefon Diggs over the top, Adam Thielen underneath, a healthy Dalvin Cook in the backfield and an upgraded offensive line, the Vikings look to have a complete Pro Bowl offense. And then there are the Pats... well... they will do what they do best. Beat up a crap division. Win ugly. And make it back to Tom Brady's last big dance.
HOT Take #1: The AFC West Will Be An Absolute Dumpster Fire
It's too obvious to have a championship title being the hottest take. SO, lets dive into this division that smells like hot-hot garbage. You've already read my feelings on the Chargers. Now come the Raiders. Jon Gruden in year one cut the best punter in the league, the most tenured Raider (Seabass), and TRADED for Christian Hackenburg from the Jets. Thus begins Grudens QB lust. In his four years in Tampa he had... Brad Johnson, Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms, Brain Griese, Bruce Gradkowski, Tim Rattay and Luke McCown. I think it will take a season or two for Gruden to get back into rhythm (if he does at all). Kansas City got rid of Alex Smith and put all their stock into Patrick Mahomes who just had a ROUGH time in OTAs. Everyone knows without a true starter you just cannot win in today's NFL. Speaking of awful QB play, Denver is banking on Case Keenum having a repeat of 2017. But, Keenum had the luxury of a A+ cast around him. Yes, the Bronco defense looks great post draft but, Keenum is not a starter. AND if he goes down... in comes three year no-where-man Paxton Lynch. In short, one team will make it to the playoffs from this division by default... at 8-8.
Want to see how I power rank ALL the divisions? Keep an eye out Monday as I rank all the divisions the NFL... neat right?
HOT Take #10: The worst team in 2018 will be the Los Angles Chargers
Yes, we are coming out swinging so, buckle up. It's a shame that year in and year out Philip Rivers is forced to play with par to sub par talent. After a great rookie year, TE Hunter Henry will miss the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. Rumor mill says "Antonio Gates will make a comeback". If he does, he won't break 400yds. Next! Forrest Lamp,(which is a real name) rookie out of Western Kentucky, was supposed to start at right guard for them last year. However, in traditional Chargers fashion he tore his ACL and come to find out just had another procedure done on it in the last month. Yikes. On defense, defensive end Melvin Ingram was a no-show at voluntary OTAs. Many speculate he is looking for a new deal after coming off a 10.5 sack season. Even if he does eventually show he maybe a distraction leading up to the season. Finally, starting linebacker Jatavis Brown had a rough 2017 season after defensive coordinator Gus Bradley switched the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3. It's never a good sign anytime a player is quoted saying "No one's job is safe". Brown was also dealing with a nagging high ankle sprain. In short, all this equals a rough road for the Chargers.
HOT Take #9: The CLEAR front runner for MVP is Tom Brady *barf*
I know this pick is like saying "it's going to rain" while it's already raining. But, with 2018 possibly being his last year (in a Patriots uniform) look for him to do what he does best... throw to dudes named Braxton, Chris, Cody, Rob, Rex, and Ryan. On top of the fact they will keep defenses honest in the run game with their rookie running back Sony Michel. The greatest luxury of all for Brady is that he plays in the AFC East. The Bills, Jets, and Dolphins aren't exactly rivals anymore. They are more like worn down speed bump on the highway to the playoffs that Brady knows so well.
HOT Take #8: After this season Terence Newman will retire
Here's a chance to educate yourself. Newman is the oldest active defensive player in the league! He will turn 40 going into his 16th season (his third with Minnesota). He isn't the lock down corner that Dallas drafted in 2003 anymore but, he took 555 snaps in 2017. That's the THIRD most plays for a corner on the Vikings. A veteran defensive back, that's a good role model for young players, that can still ball (35tlks, 1INT, 5PD in 2017) is with worth its weight in gold to any coach. Honorable mention to Sebastian Janikowski. The Seabass turned 40 in March and played 18 seasons with the Raiders. Janikowski recently signed a deal with the Seahawks for 2018. But, odds are... that will be his last contract.
HOT Take #7: Andrew Luck is going to be a major let down
Luck missed the entire 2017 season. Which left the door open for Jacoby Brissett to 'give it his best shot.' (His best shot meaning 4 total wins) Now after surgery and a TON of rehab on his torn labrum in his throwing shoulder he still didn't throw in OTAs. Lets not forget that the Colts also have new head coach in Frank Reich and a new offensive coordinator in Nick Sirianni. Indy traded back in the draft, showing faith in Luck, and drafted Quentin Nelson from Notre Dame. Nelson was touted as one of the best lineman in the draft. So, even with a better offensive line the Colts still have to deal with the vaunted Jaguars defense twice a season and face the Eagles, Texans and Patriots all in the first five weeks. Luck is starting to remind me of Sam Bradford OR for you 30 somethings, Chad Pennington. All good QBs but plagued with the injury bug. If Luck looks to bounce back in 2018 he will need a LOT of help... and cortisone.
HOT Take #6: The Bills will start all three QBs at some point
Not matter what, AJ McCarron will start for the Bills week one against the Ravens. Barring McCarron losing both his arms or forgetting how to play the game... he is the clear choice out of the gates. But, after going 3-5 after losing to the Patriots in week 8 the Bills will do what they do best, make a rash decision. They will chuck rookie Josh Allen into the fire to 'see if he can provide a spark' to the lagging offense. Allen is a raw passer, runs a lot and will most likely get KO'ed by week 13 or 14 leaving the door open for McCarron again and that five interception gunslinger, Nathan Peterman. From the outside it won't look too bad due to the presence of LeSean McCoy and a stout defense but, in the long run... enjoy picking in the top 15 in 2019.
HOT Take #5: The pre PRE Season "Dark Horse" favorite, the Ravens
They have a healthy Joe Flacco, a linebacker core that combined for more than 20 sacks and a 'meh' division. The first six teams they play next season had a combined 43-53 record in 2017. That is skewed in two ways, one, the Steelers were 13-3 and two, the Browns straight up had zero wins. I loved the addition of TE Hayden Hurst out of the University of South Carolina. The Ravens have had their share of outstanding tight ends starting with Ozzie Newsome (now the GM), Shannon Sharpe, Dennis Pitta, and one of Hurst's favorite players, Todd Heap. With a sound defense, a par running game and good passing by Flacco the Ravens should snap their three year playoff drought.
HOT Take #4: The biggest rookie let down will be Rashaad Penny
Penny might have been thrown into the worst 'positional' situation in the NFL. Last year the Seahawks ranked 23rd in total rushing yards. Who was the rushing leader? Quarterback Russel Wilson, yesh. They fired Tom Cable as their offensive line coach and hired Mike Solari. And gave right guard D.J. Fluker a one year deal... is this enough to save their run game? When Penny was drafted everyone was taken-aback. Seattle opted to take him over UGA backs Sony Michel (NE) and Nick Chubb (CLE)... which is interesting. I'm sure they are just trying to find their Alvin Kamara in the draft but, this may not be the answer they were looking for. Will Penny help out in the run game. For sure. Will he break 650yds yards ruhsing... hard pass.
HOT Take #3: Terrell Edmunds is the Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Steelers always do a solid job of quietly adding talent. Last season Pittsburgh had the 5th best pass defense, pulled in 16 INT, and were #1 in total sacks with 56. What does that have to do with Terrell Edumds? Well, he gets to play with no real pressure on him. He has one of the best front sevens in the game in front of him. Defensive end Cameron Heyward and linebacker Bud Dupree do a great job of putting pressure on the quarterback. Which allows their secondary to feast on pressured throws. On top of that, they have two stout corners in Artie Brown and Joe Haden. All Edumds has to worry about now his his deep third coverage or helping out in the run in short yardage. His numbers won't be as flashy as a pass rushing end or a stud linebacker but, he'll get to eat this season. In fact, I would be shocked if he didn't have at least two to three interceptions by the end of the year.
HOT Take #2: The last two standing? Minnesota and New England
The hottest of take of all is predicting the post season before the pre season is even in sight. But, these two teams (right now) look like the real favorites. According to Vegas the Pats are the overall favorite at 6/1. Next is Philly at 8/1 but, I just have a hard time putting them back in so quickly. Then come the Rams at 10/1 who are errrbody's favorite after all their off season additions. WHICH, is why I am ignoring them. Anytime their is a ton of off season hype of a team's "off season pick ups" they end up 9-7 and getting whooped in the wild card game or something like that. The Vikes added Kirk Cousins who is an actual starter. With Stefon Diggs over the top, Adam Thielen underneath, a healthy Dalvin Cook in the backfield and an upgraded offensive line, the Vikings look to have a complete Pro Bowl offense. And then there are the Pats... well... they will do what they do best. Beat up a crap division. Win ugly. And make it back to Tom Brady's last big dance.
HOT Take #1: The AFC West Will Be An Absolute Dumpster Fire
It's too obvious to have a championship title being the hottest take. SO, lets dive into this division that smells like hot-hot garbage. You've already read my feelings on the Chargers. Now come the Raiders. Jon Gruden in year one cut the best punter in the league, the most tenured Raider (Seabass), and TRADED for Christian Hackenburg from the Jets. Thus begins Grudens QB lust. In his four years in Tampa he had... Brad Johnson, Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms, Brain Griese, Bruce Gradkowski, Tim Rattay and Luke McCown. I think it will take a season or two for Gruden to get back into rhythm (if he does at all). Kansas City got rid of Alex Smith and put all their stock into Patrick Mahomes who just had a ROUGH time in OTAs. Everyone knows without a true starter you just cannot win in today's NFL. Speaking of awful QB play, Denver is banking on Case Keenum having a repeat of 2017. But, Keenum had the luxury of a A+ cast around him. Yes, the Bronco defense looks great post draft but, Keenum is not a starter. AND if he goes down... in comes three year no-where-man Paxton Lynch. In short, one team will make it to the playoffs from this division by default... at 8-8.
Want to see how I power rank ALL the divisions? Keep an eye out Monday as I rank all the divisions the NFL... neat right?
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