NFL 2022 Season Preview - WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS                                                              

2021 Record - 7-10-0

 

Head Coach - Ron Rivera 

 

 

New Additions - Carson Wentz (QB), Efe Obada (DL), Andrew Norwell (OL), Trai Turner (OL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 21st (324 YPG); Scoring - 23rd (19.7 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 22nd (359 YPG); Scoring - 25th (25.5 PPG)

Carson Wentz comes over from the Indianapolis Colts this season to be the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Wentz threw for 3,563 yards and had 27 touchdowns along with seven interceptions last season. Taylor Heinicke (3,419 passing yards, 20 TD, 15 INT) is on board again this season. Antonio Gibson (1,037 rushing yards, 4.0 YPC average and seven TD along with 42 receptions, 294 yards, three TD) is the top running back and is backed up by J.D. McKissic (212 rushing yards plus 43 receptions for 397 yards and two TD) and Jaret Patterson, who had 266 yards (3.9 YPC) and two touchdowns. Terry McLaurin led Washington with 77 receptions in 2021 and had five touchdowns along with 1,053 receiving yards. He is joined by rookie Jahan Dotson (Penn State) and Curtis Samuel (injured for most of last season) and Dyami Brown. The tight ends are Logan Thomas (out last year with knee injury) and John Bates, who had 20 receptions for 249 yards and one touchdown. 

Jonathan Allen (nine QB sacks) and Montez Sweat (five sacks) lead the front line on defense as Chase Young (defensive end) is currently on the injured list. Rookie Phidarian Mathis (Alabama) will be looking to get his chance at defensive tackle. Linebackers include Cole Holcomb (team high 142 tackles and two interceptions last year), Jamin Davis, David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson. The defensive backfield has safeties Bobby McCain (four interceptions), Kamren Curl (99 tackles) and corners Benjamin St-Justie, William Jackson III (two picks) and Kendall Fuller (one INT).

Outlook for 2022 season - Washington has a new team nickname as Commanders and Head Coach Ron Rivera would like to see the team take command in the NFC East division once again after slipping back to third place in 2021. Washington won the division title in the 2020 season. 

A lot will depend on how well Carson Wentz does as the new quarterback after one season with the Colts, which ended miserably when they lost to Jacksonville in the final game and missed out on a playoff spot. Wentz has shown some ability in his six NFL seasons to lead the offense to good numbers, so the Commanders should do better than scoring just 19 points per game this season. The running game was solid a year ago, but more is needed from the air attack. 

If Chase Young (DE) can get back on the field early in the season, it would be a big boost for the defense, which dropped back to 22nd overall last season and gave up nearly 26 points per game. Young, Sweat and Allen form a really good trio up front and that gives Washington a formidable front seven. The team was good against the run a year ago, ranking eighth in the NFL. Pass defense was the issue (260 YPG allowed) in 2021 and Washington only had 38 QB sacks and eleven interceptions. 

Washington had four one-score losses in 2021, so getting back to respectability and challenging in the division race (where Dallas and Philadelphia are favored to win) isn't too far out of reach. The team plays tough defense and if Wentz can get off to a good start, it would do wonders for them to win more than seven games. The playoffs would be a big bonus, but this season the Commanders likely will finish in third place once again in the NFC East.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Two - at Detroit 

Week Three - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Four - at Dallas

Week Five - vs. Tennessee 

Week Six - at Chicago 

Week Seven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Eight - at Indianapolis 

Week Nine - vs. Minnesota 

Week Ten - at Philadelphia 

Week Eleven - at Houston 

Week Twelve - vs. Atlanta 

Week Thirteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - at San Francisco 

Week Seventeen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Eighteen - vs. Dallas 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - TENNESSEE TITANS

TENNESSEE TITANS                                                                    

2021 Record - 12-5-0

 

Head Coach - Mike Vrabel 

 

 

New Additions - Robert Woods (WR), Austin Hooper (TE), Da'Shawn Hand (DL), Jamarco Jones (OL)

 

2021 Offensive Rank - 17th (343 YPG); Scoring - 15th (24.6 PPG)

2021 Defensive Rank - 12th (330 YPG); Scoring - 6th (20.8 PPG)

Ryan Tannehill is the starting quarterback and he enters his 11th season in the NFL. Last year, he passed for 3,734 yards with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also scored seven rushing touchdowns and gained 270 yards (4.9 YPC average) and will have rookie Malik Willis (Liberty) backing him up. Running back Derrick Henry missed significant time last season with a foot injury, but still gained 937 rushing yards (4.3 YPC) and scored ten touchdowns. Dontrell Hilliard (350, 6.3 YPC, two TD) and rookie Hassan Haskins (Michigan) will provide depth in the backfield. The wide receivers include Robert Woods (45 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns with the L.A. Rams), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (38, 476, four TD) and rookies Treylon Burks (Arkansas) and Kyle Phillips (UCLA). The tight ends are Austin Hooper, who had 38 receptions for 345 yards and three scores with Cleveland last year, and Geoff Swaim, who had 31 grabs for 210 yards and three touchdowns. 

Defensively, the Titans have Denico Autry (nine QB sacks) at defensive end and tackles Teair Tart and Jeffery Simmons. The linebackers are Harold Landry III (75 tackles, including a team high 12 sacks), Zach Cunningham, Bud Dupree and David Long, Jr. (two interceptions). In the secondary is safety Kevin Byard, who led the team with 88 tackles last season and also had five interceptions. Amani Hooker is the other safety and the corners are Kristian Fulton (two picks) and Caleb Farley. Rookie Roger McCreary (Auburn) is another option at cornerback along with Elijah Molden, who had one interception last year.

 

Outlook for 2022 season  - The Titans had the top record in the AFC in 2021, but bowed out quickly in the playoffs, losing a squeaker to the surprising Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round. Head Coach Mike Vrabel knows that was a big disappointment and will look for the team to do better this season. 

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill put up typical numbers last year and had more pressure with the running game missing All-Pro Derrick Henry for a good chunk of the regular season. The Titans did finish fifth overall (141 YPG) in that area, but opposing teams didn't seem to fear the ground and pound attack of the Titans with Henry out of action. As long as he is good to go in 2022, look for him to get many carries again to help ease the pressure on Tannehill and company in the passing game. 

The defense was good and ranked number two in the league against the run while allowing just under 21 points per game. The Titans also had 43 sacks and 16 interceptions last season. With a tough schedule staring at them this season, the Titans will have all they can handle as well as the Indianapolis Colts looking to challenge them in the AFC South chase. Beating their divisional foes (5-1 vs. AFC South opponents in 2021) will go a long way again to getting back to the playoffs for Tennessee, but they know they want to get further than they did last year. 

It's not likely the Titans will get to the Super Bowl, but the Cincinnati Bengals showed what can happen when a team gets hot at just the right time. So the sky could be the limit for the Titans as they enter the 2022 season. Now they just have to go out on the field and prove it.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Two - at Buffalo 

Week Three - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Four - at Indianapolis 

Week Five - at Washington 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eight - at Houston 

Week Nine - at Kansas City 

Week Ten - vs. Denver 

Week Eleven - at Green Bay 

Week Twelve - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Thirteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Fourteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - vs. Houston 

Week Seventeen - vs. Dallas 

Week Eighteen - at Jacksonville 

 

 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                                        

2021 Record - 13-4-0 

 

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

New Additions - Russell Gage (WR), Julio Jones (WR), Fred Johnson (OL), Shaq Mason (OL), Logan Ryan (DB), Keanu Neal (DB), Deadrin Senat (DL)

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 2nd (406 YPG); Scoring - 2nd (30.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 13th (332 YPG); Scoring - 5th (20.8 PPG)

Tom Brady returns for another season and in 2021, the 45-year old quarterback passed for 5,316 yards with 43 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. Leonard Fournette (812 rushing yards, 4.5 YPC average and eight TD along with 69 receptions for 454 yards and two TD) is the top running back and he is backed up by Ke'Shawn Vaughn (180 yards, 5.0 YPC and two TD). The wide receivers are Chris Godwin (98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five TD) and Mike Evans, who made 74 receptions for 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns. Others include Julio Jones (31, 434, one TD with Tennessee), Breshad Perriman, Tyler Johnson (36, 360 yards), Scotty Miller and Russell Gage, who had 66 receptions for 770 yards and four scores with the Falcons last season. The tight end is Cameron Brate (30, 245, four TD) who will take over following another retirement by Rob Gronkowski. 

On defense, the Buccaneers will look to replace two free agents as Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul left for free agency. Nose man Vita Vea returns along with William Gholston and rookie Logan Hall (Houston). Linebacker Shaquil  Barrett (ten QB sacks) is on the outside while Devin White (team leading 128 tackles last season) and Lavonte David (97 tackles) are the inside backers. The safeties are Mike Edwards (three interceptions) and Antoine Winfield, Jr. while Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis III (one INT) are the cornerbacks. Jamel Dean (two picks) provides depth along with newcomers Logan Ryan (117 tackles with the Giants) and Keanu Neal, who comes over from Dallas to play safety.

Outlook for 2022 season - There was a changing of the guard in Tampa Bay in the off-season as Bruce Arians left the sidelines and now it's Todd Bowles taking over as the Head Coach for the upcoming season. Plus that guy named Tom Brady announced his retirement and then just over a month later he decided not to retire and will be back for his 23rd NFL season and third with the Buccaneers. 

Brady is the unquestioned leader of this team and he has multiple weapons on offense, including two standout wide receivers in Evans and Godwin, although Godwin is recovering from a knee injury and might not be ready by the season opening game. The running game could use a boost (26th in the NFL in 2021) and Fournette has been with the team for three years now and has shown big play abilities during his time in the NFL. Tampa Bay led the league in passing offense last year, so getting more balance would help. 

The defense is going through changes and will be looking for help up front with a rookie at defensive end while a cast of veterans round out the front seven. The defensive backfield is solid, but allowed too many big plays and ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yardage defense. The Bucs did have 17 interceptions (plus-10 in turnover category) and piled up 47 QB sacks while also ranking fifth in scoring defense. 

As long as Brady and his experience can be on the field, this team will score points and should once again win the NFC South division. One other factor will be protection for the ageless wonder as injuries during training camp have taken a toll on the offensive line. Once the playoffs begin, the Buccaneers can go as far as their defense will allow them to go because Brady can only do so much. Another Super Bowl run is definitely a possibility. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Dallas 

Week Two - at New Orleans 

Week Three - vs. Green Bay 

Week Four - vs. Kansas City 

Week Five - vs. Atlanta 

Week Six - at Pittsburgh 

Week Seven - at Carolina 

Week Eight - vs. Baltimore 

Week Nine - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Ten - vs. Seattle (in Munich, Germany) 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at Cleveland 

Week Thirteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Fourteen - at San Francisco 

Week Fifteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Sixteen - at Arizona 

Week Seventeen - vs. Carolina 

Week Eighteen - at Atlanta 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS                                                         

2021 Record - 7-10-0

 

Head Coach - Pete Carroll

 

 

New Additions - Drew Lock (QB), Noah Fant (TE), Austin Blythe (OL), Shelby Harris (DL), Artie Burns (DB), Quinton Jefferson (DL), Uchenna Nwosu (LB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 20th (324 YPG); Scoring - 16th (23.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 28th (379 YPG); Scoring - 9th (21.5 PPG)

 

Geno Smith (702 passing yards with five touchdowns and one interception last season) has been tabbed as the starting quarterback and he will be backed up by Drew Lock, who played sparingly with Denver last year and passed for 787 yards along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Rashaad Penny (749 rushing yards, 6.3 YPC average and six TD) is the primary running back and he will be aided by rookie Ken Walker III (Michigan State). DK Metcalf (75 receptions for 967 yards and 12 TD) and Tyler Lockett (73, 1.175, two TD) are the top wide receivers along with tight end Noah Fant, who had 68 receptions for 670 yards and four touchdowns with the Denver Broncos last year. Other wideouts include Freddie Swain (25, 343, four TD), Marquise Goodwin (20, 313, one TD with Chicago) and Dee Eskridge as well as tight end Will Dissly, who had 21 receptions for 231 yards and one scoring catch. 

Defensive End Shelby Harris is another player who comes over from Denver this season and he had six quarterback sacks a year ago and will be joined up front by tackles Al Woods and Poona Ford. Quinton Jefferson, who played with the Raiders in 2021, is another player up front on defense. The linebacking crew is led by Jordyn Brooks, who led Seattle with 184 tackles last season. Darrell Taylor (6 1/2 sacks) is an outside linebacker as well as Uchenna Nwosu. The defensive backfield has Jamaal Adams (two interceptions) at safety along with Quandre Diggs, who had five picks a year ago. Ugo Amadi had an interception and also plays safety. The corners include Artie Burns, Sidney Jones IV and rookies Coby Bryant (Cincinnati) and Tariq Woolen (UTSA).

 

Outlook for 2022 season - As the Seahawks revamp several key positions, Head Coach Pete Carroll has decided to go with veteran journeyman Geno Smith as the starting QB to replace Russell Wilson, who was traded to Denver in the off-season. 

Other notable players from Seattle who are also gone include linebacker Bobby Wagner (now with L.A. Rams), tight end Gerald Everett (L.A. Chargers), running back Chris Carson (retired) and defensive back Shaquem Griffin, who also retired. A lot of player personnel turnover is never easy, especially when one is the quarterback who was a perennial Pro Bowl player (Russell Wilson) and a Super Bowl champion early in his career. But the game marches on and the Seahawks must adapt or else get left behind in a very strong NFC West division. 

Another last place finish in the NFC West is very likely in 2022 for this team, unless somehow the defense makes a noticeable improvement (Seattle was 28th overall last year and 31st against the pass) and gets more pressure on opposing quarterbacks after only 34 sacks last season. The offense will definitely be in transition without Wilson at the controls. Whether Smith or Lock will be up to the challenge at quarterback over the entire season remains to be seen, but odds are this is the beginning of a rebuild for the Seahawks entering the 2022 schedule.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Denver 

Week Two - at San Francisco 

Week Three - vs. Atlanta 

Week Four - at Detroit 

Week Five - at New Orleans 

Week Six - vs. Arizona 

Week Seven - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Nine - at Arizona 

Week Ten - vs. Tampa Bay (in Munich, Germany) 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Fourteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Fifteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Sixteen - at Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Eighteen - vs. L.A. Rams

NFL 2022 Season Preview - SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                 

2021 Record - 10-7-0 

 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

 

 

New Additions - Charvarius Ward (DB), Oren Burks (LB), George Odom (DB), Ray-Ray McCloud (WR), Kerry Hyder, Jr. (DL), Kemoko Turay (DL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 7th (376 YPG); Scoring - 13th (25.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 3rd (310 YPG); Scoring - 9th (21.5 PPG)

 

Trey Lance will be the starting quarterback this season. He is entering his second NFL season and he passed for 603 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions last year. Jimmy Garoppolo (3,810 pass yards, 20 TD and 12 INT) is still on the team and will be available unless he gets traded. The running backs include Elijah Mitchell (963 yards, 4.7 YPC average, five TD), Jeff Wilson, Jr. (295, 3.7 YPC, two TD) and rookie Tyrion Davis-Price (LSU). Fullback Kyle Juszczyk had 30 receptions for 296 yards with a touchdown. The wide receivers are Deebo Samuel, who had 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns along with 365 rushing yards (6.2 YPC) and eight touchdowns. Brandon Aiyuk had 56 receptions for 826 yards and five scores while Jauan Jennings had 24 grabs for 282 yards and six touchdowns. Ray-Ray McCloud (39, 277) comes over from Pittsburgh this season and rookie Danny Gray (SMU) is also available. George Kittle is the tight end and he made 71 catches for 910 yards with six touchdowns.  

The defense is led by Nick Bosa (15 1/2 QB sacks) up front at the end spot while linebackers Fred Warner (team leading 137 tackles) and Azeez Al-Shaair (102 tackles and one interception) will be ready again this season. Defensive End Drake Jackson (rookie from USC) will be on hand as will Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw. The secondary has corner men Emmanuel Moseley (one INT) and Charvarius Ward (two interceptions with Kansas City) along with safeties Jimmie Ward (two picks) and Talanoa Hufanga.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - The big question for the team will be whether Trey Lance is ready to be the starting quarterback, but Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has made clear this is the direction the team is going in the 2022 season. The 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game last year and nearly won. So this is a big move as Jimmy Garoppolo was the starting QB last year. 

The defense is solid and finished in the top ten in the NFL in all but two defensive statistical categories, those being interceptions and turnover differential. The 'Niners had just nine interceptions but did amass 48 quarterback sacks while allowing just over 21 points per game. As long as Bosa is doing his thing and the rest of the front seven is intact, this team will right there among the top defenses in pro football. 

The offense can move the football and the main ingredient is WR/RB Deebo Samuel. But he has been making noise about wanting to be traded and if the 49ers offense is to be a consistent unit again, they need Samuel to do his thing this year in the Bay area. Whether or not this team can win the NFC West (the L.A. Rams are the defending Super Bowl champions and Arizona was a playoff team last season) remains to be seen, but the 49ers should be a playoff team again. Beyond that, it's anybody's guess as to how far they can go.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Chicago 

Week Two - vs. Seattle 

Week Three - at Denver 

Week Four - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Five - at Carolina 

Week Six - at Atlanta 

Week Seven - vs. Kansas City 

Week Eight - at L.A. Rams 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Eleven - at Arizona (in Mexico City, Mexico)

Week Twelve - vs. New Orleans 

Week Thirteen - vs. Miami 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Fifteen - at Seattle 

Week Sixteen - vs. Washington 

Week Seventeen - at Las Vegas 

Week Eighteen - vs. Arizona

NFL 2022 Season Preview - PITTSBURGH STEELERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS                                                                       

2021 Record - 9-7-1 

 

Head Coach - Mike Tomlin 

 

 

New Additions - Mitch Trubisky (QB), Myles Jack (LB), Mason Cole (OL), James Daniels (OL), Gunner Olszewski (WR), Levi Wallace (DB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 23rd (315 YPG); Scoring - 21st (20.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 24th (361 YPG); Scoring - 20th (23.4 PPG)

The Steelers have Mitch Trubisky, Mason Rudolph and top rookie pick Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh) battling for the starting quarterback position for the upcoming season. Najee Harris (1,200 rushing yards, 3.9 YPC average, seven touchdowns and 74 receptions for 467 yards and three TD) is the top running back with Benny Snell, Jr. backing him up. The wide receivers are Diontae Johnson (107 receptions, 1,161 yards and eight TD), Chase Claypool (59, 860, two TD) and rookie George Pickens (Georgia) or Miles Boykin. The tight end is Pat Freiermuth, who had 60 receptions for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. 

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt leads the defense and he had 22 1/2 quarterback sacks last season while defensive end Cameron Heyward (ten sacks) anchors the front line. Linebackers Devin Bush and newcomer Myles Jack (108 tackles with Jacksonville) will be on hand as well. The secondary has safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick (two interceptions and team high 124 tackles last year) and Terrell Edmiunds (two INT) while Levi Wallace (two INT with the Bills), Justin Layne, Cameron Sutton (two picks) and Ahkello Witherspoon (three INT) play the corner positions.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - After 18 seasons with Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, the Steelers will have a new face leading the offense following Big Ben's retirement. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is entering his 16th season in that role with Pittsburgh and he knows things will need to get going with the new signal caller. 

The running game showed steady improvement once Najee Harris got it going and will look for him to keep moving forward this year. The wide receivers have two decent players with Johnson and Claypool and will add (rookie) George Pickens to the mix to help balance the offense. The Steelers know things can improve after averaging only 20 points per game last season and it will be up to the new quarterback to make it happen. 

On defense, the Steelers were the worst team in the NFL defending the run (146 YPG allowed) last season and will need the front line to step it up in 2022. Meanwhile, the pass defense was in the top ten in the league and they led the NFL in sacks a year ago, thanks in large part to Watt's record setting season. With run oriented teams in their division (Cleveland and Baltimore), it's important to stop the run and pressure the quarterback, so improvement from the front line is essential. 

The Steelers squeaked into the playoffs last year thanks to a tie game they had in mid-season and the fact the last game of the season didn't end in a tie. But it almost did until a fortunate break gave the Raiders a last second win over the Chargers. The Steelers got smoked in the wild card game and now heading into the new season, they must answer the questions that surrounded them after their playoff exit and Roethlisberger's retirement.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Cincinnati 

Week Two - vs. New England 

Week Three - at Cleveland 

Week Four - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Five - at Buffalo 

Week Six - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Seven - at Miami 

Week Eight - at Philadelphia 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eleven - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Twelve - at Indianapolis 

Week Thirteen - at Atlanta 

Week Fourteen - vs. Baltimore 

Week Fifteen - at Carolina 

Week Sixteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - at Baltimore 

Week Eighteen - vs. Cleveland 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                                                                   

2021 Record - 9-8-0

 

Head Coach - Nick Sirianni 

 

 

New Additions - A.J. Brown (WR), Zach Pascal (WR), James Bradberry (DB), Devon Allen (WR), Haason Reddick (LB), Kyzir White (LB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 14th (360 YPG); Scoring - 12th (26.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 10th (329 YPG); Scoring - 8th (22.6 PPG) 

 

Jalen Hurts is the starting quarterback and he passed for 3,114 yards last year with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions while also leading the team in rushing with 784 yards (5.6 YPC average) and scoring ten touchdowns. Gardner Minshew (439 passing yards, four TD, one INT) is the backup. Miles Sanders (754, 5.5 YPC) and Boston Scott (373, 4.3 YPC, seven TD) are the primary backs. The wide receiving corps looks to DeVonta Smith (64 receptions for 916 yards and five TD) and A.J. Brown, who had 63 receptions for 869 yards and five touchdowns with Tennessee last season. The Eagles also have Jalen Reagor (33, 299, two TD), Quez Watkins (43, 667, one TD), Devon Allen and Zach Pascal (38, 384, three TD with the Colts) along with tight end Dallas Goedert, who had 56 catches for 830 yards and four touchdowns. 

On defense, it's Javon Hargrave (7 1/2 QB sacks) and Josh Sweat (also 7 1/2 sacks) leading the way up front while Jordan Davis (rookie draft pick from Georgia) will look to make an impact. Kyzir White and Haason Reddick (11 sacks with Carolina) lead the linebackers and the secondary has corners Darius Slay (three interceptions) and James Bradberry, who had four picks with the New York Giants last year. The safeties include Anthony Harris, K'Von Wallace and also Avonte Maddox, who had one interception.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - The Eagles finished strong in 2021 and made the playoffs, but they were easily beaten by Tampa Bay in the wild card round. The offense was decent and Philly led the NFL in rushing (159.7 YPG) and picked up a top notch wide receiver (A.J. Brown) for 2022 to team with DeVonta Smith to give QB Jalen Hurts a bona fide dual threat in the passing game. The running game was the best in pro football last season, thanks in big part to Hurts, but Head Coach Nick Sirianni would like to see more balance on the offensive side as the Eagles were exposed by the Buccaneers in the playoffs.

In fact, Philadelphia was 1-8 last year against teams with winning records. To be a legitimate contender in the NFC, that record must improve. The Eagles can challenge Dallas in the NFC East division if they can get better production in the passing game this season while also seeing better results from the defense with the pass rush. The Eagles had just 29 sacks in 2021 and only twelve interceptions. They brought in some big names on defense to help improve in those areas.

The playoffs are definitely a possibility again this year, but advancing past the first round will be a challenge if Hurts doesn't get help from his surrounding cast. Beating Dallas would be a plus as well. The Cowboys hammered the Eagles twice last season. The first five games will tell a lot about the Eagles this season and a good start could lead to a divisional title if things go right, especially in division games.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Detroit 

Week Two - vs. Minnesota 

Week Three - at Washington 

Week Four - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Five - at Arizona 

Week Six - vs. Dallas 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Nine - at Houston 

Week Ten - vs. Washington 

Week Eleven - at Indianapolis 

Week Twelve - vs. Green Bay 

Week Thirteen - vs. Tennessee

Week Fourteen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Fifteen - at Chicago 

Week Sixteen - at Dallas 

Week Seventeen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eighteen - vs. N.Y. Giants

NFL 2022 Season Preview - NEW YORK JETS

NEW YORK JETS                                                                                    

2021 Record - 4-13-0 

 

Head Coach - Robert Saleh

 

New Additions - Tyler Conklin (TE), Jordan Whitehead (DB), C.J. Ozumah (TE), D.J. Reed (DB), Greg Zuerlein (K), Laken Tomlinson (OL), Jacob Martin (LB), Solomon Thomas (DL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 26th (306 YPG); Scoring - 28th (18.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 32nd (398 YPG); Scoring - 32nd (29.6 PPG)

 

The Jets will have veteran journeyman quarterback Joe Flacco starting as Zach Wilson is on the mend from a knee injury suffered in pre-season action. Flacco played in one game last season with the Jets and had three touchdown passes. Wilson passed for 2,334 yards with nine touchdowns and eleven interceptions in his rookie season. Michael Carter (639 yards, 4.3 YPC average, four TD), Tevin Coleman (356, 4.2 YPC) and rookie Breece Hall (Iowa State) are the running backs. The wide receivers include Elijah Moore (43 receptions for 538 yards and five TD), Braxton Berrios (46, 431, two TD), Corey Davis (34, 492, four TD) and rookie Garrett Wilson (Ohio State). The tight ends are both free agents as Tyler Conklin (61, 593, three TD with Minnesota) and C.J. Uzomah, who hauled in 49 receptions for 493 yards and five scores with the Cincinnati Bengals last year, join the team.

Defensive linemen Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers each led the team with seven QB sacks last season and team with Sheldon Rankins and Carl Lawson up front. The linebackers include Quincy Williams (110 tackles) and C.J. Mosley (team high 168 tackles) and the secondary has D.J. Reed (two interceptions with Seattle) and rookie Sauce Gardner (Cincinnati) at the corners. The safeties are Jordan Whitehead (two interceptions with Tampa Bay), Larmarcus Joyner, Brandin Echols (two INT) and Ashtyn Davis, who also had two pick last season. 

 

Outlook for 2022 season - As the 2022 NFL season approaches, questions abound on both sides of the football for the Jets, who ranked dead last in the league in both total defense and scoring defense while the offense was sluggish, finishing 26th overall and averaging 18.2 PPG, which was 28th overall. 

Head Coach Robert Saleh was called by many a defensive guru when he was an assistant with San Francisco, but the Jets need to step it up after last season's debacle on the defensive end. The team had three first round draft picks last April and took two defensive players (Gardner at CB and defensive end Jermaine Johnson II from Florida State) to help bolster the defense. That is the top priority this season as the Jets lost all six divisional games last year, giving up 206 points in those losses. 

Once Wilson comes back to start (perhaps by Week Three) at quarterback, the Jets are hopeful he will show improvement as he enters his second year in New York. The Jets haven't been to the playoffs since the 2010 season and it's highly unlikely they will get back there this season. The offense should be better and the defense as well in 2022, so there is hope for the future as the Jets look to make some strides and improve from the four wins they had last year.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Baltimore  

Week Two - at Cleveland 

Week Three - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Four - at Pittsburgh 

Week Five - vs. Miami 

Week Six - at Green Bay 

Week Seven - at Denver 

Week Eight - vs. New England 

Week Nine - vs. Buffalo 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at New England 

Week Twelve - vs. Chicago 

Week Thirteen - at Minnesota 

Week Fourteen - at Buffalo 

Week Fifteen - vs. Detroit 

Week Sixteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Seventeen - at Seattle 

Week Eighteen - at Miami 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - NEW YORK GIANTS

NEW YORK GIANTS                                                                 

2021 Record - 4-13-0 

 

Head Coach - Brian Daboll 

 

 

New Additions - Matt Breida (RB), Jon Feliciano (OL), Tyrod Taylor (QB), Max Garcia (OL), Justin Ellis (DL), Jamil Douglas (OL), Robert Foster (WR), Matt Gono (OL), Mark Glowinski (OL), Ricky Seals-Jones (TE), Jihad Ward (DL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 31st (287 YPG); Scoring - 31st (15.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 21st (355 YPG); Scoring - 23rd (24.5 PPG)

 

The Giants are going with Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback again after he passed for 2,428 yards with ten touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 298 yards (4.8 YPC average) and two scores in an injury plagued 2021 season. Tyrod Taylor (966 passing yards with five TD and five INT with Houston) comes on board to provide relief for the upcoming season. Saquon Barkley (593 rushing yards, 3.7 YPC, two TD and 41 receptions for 263 yards and two scores) is back for his fifth season in New York and will have Matt Breida backing him up. The wide receivers are Kenny Golladay (37 receptions for 521 yards last year), Kadarius Toney (39 for 420), Sterling Shepard (36, 366, one TD) and Darius Slayton (26, 339, two TD) along with rookie pick Wan'Dale Robinson (Kentucky). The tight end is Ricky Seals-Jones, who had 30 grabs for 271 yards and two touchdowns with Washington last year. 

Leonard Williams (6 1/2 QB sacks) spearheads the front line on the defense and outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari (eight sacks) teams with (inside backer) Tae Crowder, who had a team leading 130 tackles along with two interceptions and Blake Martinez. Rookies Kayvon Thibodeaux (OLB from Alabama) and Cor'Dale Flott (cornerback from LSU) will look to crack the starting unit while veteran safeties Xavier McKinney (five INT) and Julian Love are back along with corner man Adoree' Jackson, who had one pick last season.

Outlook for 2022 season - Quarterback Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley are the keys to the Giants offense and they both missed time with injuries last season. Barkley has been battling various injuries ever since his sensational rookie season four years ago. New Head Coach Brian Daboll would love to see those two step up in 2022 so perhaps the team can get out of the NFC East division basement. 

The offense averaged just 15.2 points per game last year (31st overall) and that must improve if this team wants to get back into contention in their division, where Dallas and Philadelphia loom large. Over on defense, it's a bit better with many stalwarts returning and at least two rookies who are highly touted looking to start right away. The Giants picked off 15 passes in 2021 and had 34 sacks along with finishing in the middle of the pack on pass defense. 

There are many questions surrounding the team heading into the 2022 season, so it won't be surprising to see them finish in last place again in the division. However, if Jones can get back on track and cut down on the mistakes, it would definitely help as well as Barkley regaining some of his old form. The smart money will be against the Giants making a ton of progress this year, but they should win more than four games this time around.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Tennessee 

Week Two - vs. Carolina 

Week Three - vs. Dallas 

Week Four - vs. Chicago 

Week Five - at Green Bay (in London, England)

Week Six - vs. Baltimore 

Week Seven - at Jacksonville 

Week Eight - at Seattle 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - vs. Houston 

Week Eleven - vs. Detroit 

Week Twelve - at Dallas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Washington 

Week Fourteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Fifteen - at Washington 

Week Sixteen - at Minnesota 

Week Seventeen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - at Philadelphia 

 

 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                                            

2021 Record - 9-8-0

 

Head Coach - Dennis Allen 

 

 

New Additions - Andy Dalton (QB), Jarvis Landry (WR), Tyrann Mathieu (DB), Daniel Sorenson (DB), Marcus Maye (DB), Kentavius Street (DL) 

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 28th (305 YPG); Scoring - 19th (21.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 7th (318 YPG); Scoring - 4th (19.7 PPG)

As long as he stays injury free, Jameis Winston will be the Saints starting quarterback. Last season, in seven games, Winston passed for 1,170 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 166 yards (5.2 YPC average). The team brought in Andy Dalton to provide depth just in case. Dalton (with Chicago last season) passed for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Taysom Hill is another option at the position, though he mostly plays running back and a slot wide receiver position. Hill ran for 374 yards last season (5.3 YPC) and scored five times. Alvin Kamara (who could still be suspended by the league for potential off the field violations) is the key man in the offense. The sixth year running back gained 898 rushing yards (3.7 YPC) and scored four times while also hauling in 47 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns. Mark Ingram II (260, 3.8 YPC, one TD) provides depth in the backfield. Michael Thomas is back at wide receiver after missing last year with an ankle injury. He set the NFL record for receptions in a single season three years ago  and is joined by Marquez Callaway (46, 698, six TD) and Jarvis Landry (52, 570, two TD with the Browns). Tre'Quan Smith (32, 377, three TD) and top rookie pick Chris Olave (Ohio State) are other options. Adam Trautman (27, 263, two TD) is the tight end. 

Cameron Jordan (12 1/2 QB sacks) and Marcus Davenport (nine sacks) lead the way on defense for New Orleans, which had a plus-seven turnover ratio along with 46 sacks and 18 interceptions. Linebacker Demario Davis led the team with 105 tackles and the secondary gets Tyrann Mathieu (three interceptions with the Chiefs last year) coming over and he will team with corners Marshon Lattimore (three interceptions), C.J. Gardner-Johnson (three INT) and Paulson Adebo, who also had three picks and also safety Marcus Maye and P.J. Williams are on hand.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - The Saints made a big change as Sean Payton stepped aside after 16 seasons and the new Head Coach is now Dennis Allen, who had a brief run in that role with the Oakland Raiders about a decade ago. The main concern for the new coaching staff will be avoiding injuries to key players like Winston, Thomas and Kamara. 

The Saints strength is their defense and they can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and they also stop the run on a regular basis, last season allowing just 93.5 yards rushing per game. Avoiding giving up big plays is another area to improve and getting the 'Honey Badger' (Mathieu) in the secondary should help as he has a knack for making big plays on defense.  On the other hand, in today's brand of football, teams have to score points and the Saints were challenged last season on that side of the field, averaging just 21.4 points per game. As long as Kamara can do his thing and Thomas shows the form from past seasons, the team should be better in that area. 

The Saints play in the NFC South division and the big dog there is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But New Orleans swept the Bucs last season, including a shutout late in the regular season. At the same time, they split their games with Atlanta and Carolina. With a new regime taking over in The Big Easy in 2022, things will need to go just right for the Saints to win the division, but they could be in contention for a wild card playoff spot this season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Atlanta 

Week Two - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Three - at Carolina 

Week Four - vs. Minnesota (in London, England) 

Week Five - vs. Seattle

Week Six - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Seven - at Arizona 

Week Eight - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Nine - vs. Baltimore 

Week Ten - at Pittsburgh 

Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Twelve - at San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Sixteen - at Cleveland 

Week Seventeen - at Philadelphia 

Week Eighteen - vs. Carolina 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                                             

 

2021 Record - 10-7-0 

 

Head Coach - Bill Belichick 

 

 

New Additions - DeVante Parker (WR), Jabrill Peppers (DB), Malcolm Butler (DB), Terrance Mitchell (DB), Ty Montgomery (WR/RB), Mack Wilson (LB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 15th (353 YPG); Scoring - 6th (27.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 4th (311 YPG); Scoring - 2nd (17.8 PPG)

 

Mac Jones enters his second season as the starting quarterback and last year he passed for 3,801 yards with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Brian Hoyer is looking to be the backup QB once again. The running backs include Damien Harris (929 rush yards, 4.6 YPC average, 15 TD), Rhamondre Stevenson (606, 4.6 YPC, five TD) and Ty Montgomery, who also can play wide receiver. Jakobi Meyers was the team's leading receiver in 2021, catching 83 passes for 866 yards and two scores while Kendrick Bourne (55, 800, five TD), Nelson Agholor (37, 473, three TD) and DeVante Parker (40, 515, two TD with Miami) round out the receiving corps. Hunter Henry is the tight end and had 50 receptions for 603 yards and nine touchdowns. Jonnu Smith is the other TE and had 28 grabs for 294 yards and one score. 

On defense, linebacker Matthew Judon (12 1/2 QB sacks) leads the way along with LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (109 tackles) while Lawrence Guy (defensive end) helps up front along with nose man Devon Godchaux. The secondary features safeties Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips (four interceptions and 92 tackles) while Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, Malcom Butler and Terrance Mitchell (one INT with Houston) play the corners. Kyle Dugger (four picks) and Jabrill Peppers will provide depth at safety.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has pretty much seen it all as he enters his 23rd season with the team and knows that Jones should progress in his second NFL season. The team surprised some by making the playoffs and finishing just one game behind the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East division. If the Pats want to maintain that status in 2022, the offense must pick it up a notch or two and match the fire power of several AFC teams if they would like to get back to the post-season and advance past the wild card round. New England played much better in 2021, their second season without QB Tom Brady and the strength of the team was the defense, which ranked fourth overall and second in the NFL in points allowed.

The defense picked up some new and also familiar old faces (cornerback Malcolm Butler) for the upcoming season to team with a solid unit led by the linebacking corps and a ball hawking defensive backfield that ranked second in the NFL against the pass. The Patriots intercepted 23 passes last year and will look to do more of the same this season, but without J.C. Jackson (a free agent moved on to the Chargers) who had eight of those picks. 

The biggest key to another successful season will be Jones showing improvement and not making mistakes with the football. He showed a lot of poise in his rookie year and followed the blue print for the team's offense. The Patriots will have a new offensive planner as Josh McDaniels left to take over as the head coach in Las Vegas. Another playoff appearance could happen, so how well the team executes the new game plans will determine a lot in the 2022 season.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Miami 

Week Two - at Pittsburgh

Week Three - vs. Baltimore

Week Four - at Green Bay

Week Five - vs. Detroit 

Week Six - at Cleveland 

Week Seven - vs. Chicago 

Week Eight - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Nine - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Twelve - at Minnesota 

Week Thirteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Fourteen - at Arizona 

Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Sixteen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Seventeen - vs. Miami 

Week Eighteen - at Buffalo 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS                                                                   

2021 Record - 8-9-0

 

Head Coach - Kevin O' Connell

 

New Additions - Za'Darius Smith (LB), Jordan Hicks (LB), Jesse Davis (OL), Chandon Sullivan (DB), Nate Hairston (DB), Jesse Davis (OL), Johnny Mundt (TE), Harrison Phillips (DL), Austin Schlottmann (OL)

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 12th (363 YPG); Scoring - 14th (25.0 PPG)

Defensive rank in 2021 - 30th (384 YPG); Scoring - 24th (25.1 PPG)

 

Quarterback Kirk Cousins passed for 4,221 yards last season with 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The running game has Dalvin Cook back again for 2022 after rushing for 1,159 yards (4.7 YPC average) and six touchdowns. Alexander Mattison is an adequate backup as he went for 491 yards (3.7 YPC) and three scores last year. Justin Jefferson (108 receptions, 1,616 yards, ten TD) headlines the wide receiving corps and is flanked by Adam Thielen (67, 726, ten TD) and K.J. Osborn (50, 655, seven TD). The tight ends are Irv Smith, Jr. and Johnny Mundt. 

Armon Watts and Dalvin Tomlinson anchor the front line on the defense and linebackers D.J. Wonnum (eight QB sacks), Danielle Hunter (six sacks), Eric Kendricks (143 tackles), Jordan Hicks (four sacks with Arizona) and Za'Darius Smith, formerly of the Green Bay Packers, will be on hand as well. The secondary has Patrick Peterson at one corner spot and rookie Andrew Booth, Jr. (Clemson) likely the other starter. The safeties are Harrison Smith (114 tackles) and likely Lewis Cine, another rookie (from Georgia) as well as free agents Nate Hairston and Chandon Sullivan, who had three interceptions with Green Bay last season.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - Following a bizarre 2021 season, the Vikings have moved on from Mike Zimmer and now have Kevin O' Connell as the new Head Coach. The team will look to get back to the playoffs this season after missing them the last two seasons. For that to happen, the defense has to pick up the slack after finishing in the lower end of the league in total defense and scoring. 

The offense has many weapons, especially the one-two tandem of Jefferson and Thielen at wide receiver and with running back Dalvin Cook, who continues to put up solid numbers year after year. Kirk Cousins has been criticized as a player who puts up very good statistics, but doesn't win enough to get his team over the hump. Eight of the Vikings' nine losses last year were one score games. That does say a lot. 

If this team wants to get to the playoffs once again and have a deep run, they need to adjust on defense, where they piled up turnovers (plus-11 last year) and had 51 sacks, which was second best in the NFL. However, they gave up far too many points, especially late in games which led to their below .500 record. If they can get it together on both sides of the football, perhaps they can get a playoff spot. A lot will depend on the new system with the new coaching staff and the team coming through in crunch time.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Green Bay 

Week Two - at Philadelphia 

Week Three - vs. Detroit 

Week Four - vs. New Orleans (in London, England)

Week Five - vs. Chicago 

Week Six - at Miami 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. Arizona 

Week Nine - at Washington 

Week Ten - at Buffalo 

Week Eleven - vs. Dallas 

Week Twelve - vs. New England 

Week Thirteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Fourteen - at Detroit 

Week Fifteen - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - at Green Bay 

Week Eighteen - at Chicago 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - MIAMI DOLPHINS

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                       

2021 Record - 9-8-0  

Head Coach - Mike McDaniel 

 

 

New Additions - Tyreek Hill (WR), Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Raheem Mostert (RB), Chase Edmonds (RB), Terron Armstead (OL), Sony Michel (RB), Alec Ingold (RB), Cedrick Wilson, Jr. (WR), Thomas Morstead (P), Connor Williams (OL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 25th (307 YPG); Scoring - 22nd (20.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 15th (338 YPG); Scoring - 16th (21.9 PPG)

 

The Dolphins have Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback and the third year player passed for 2,653 yards last season along with 16 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Veteran journeyman Teddy Bridgewater (3,052 pass yards, 18 TD, seven INT) comes over from Denver to back up. The running backs are newcomers to the team as Sony Michel (845 yards, 4.1 YPC average, four TD with the Rams) and Chase Edmonds (592, 5.1 YPC, two TD with Arizona) take over this season with Myles Gaskin, last season's team leading runner who had 612 yards (3.5 YPC) and three touchdowns. The wide receivers will be led by Tyreek Hill, who caught 111 passes last season with Kansas City for 1,239 yards and nine touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle (104, 1,015, six TD) and Cedrick Wilson, Jr. (45, 602, six TD with Dallas in 2021) complete the trio. The tight end is Mike Gesicki, who had 73 receptions for 780 yards and two touchdowns. 

Emmanuel Ogbah (nine QB sacks) and Jaelan Phillips (8 1/2 sacks) lead the front line while Jerome Baker (team leading 92 tackles) and Andrew Van Ginkel play the linebacker spots along with rookie Channing Tindall (Georgia) and 11-year veteran Melvin Ingram. Xavien Howard (five interceptions) and Byron Jones play the corner spots and the safeties are Brandon Jones, Jevon Holland and Nik Needham, who had two picks last year. 

 

Outlook for 2022 season - The Dolphins were very extreme in 2021 as they started out 1-7 and then reeled off seven straight wins before faltering in a big late season game (at Tennessee) and missed the playoffs. They brought in a new Head Coach this season with Mike McDaniel taking over for the fired Brian Flores, who filed a lawsuit against the league and that brought on much off-season drama.

Miami was also fined 1.5 million dollars for tampering charges (involving Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady among others) and will be looking for a fresh start with the new coaching staff and a rejuvenated Tagovailoa, who has been questioned a lot in his first two seasons in south Florida. With Tyreek Hill in tow for this year teaming with Waddle, the team will have two top targets in their passing game. The running game definitely needs to pick it up after finishing 30th in the NFL in 2021, averaging just over 92 yards per game. There weren't a lot of moves on the defense, which was mediocre last year, but did have 48 QB sacks.

If the Dolphins want to contend with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots in the AFC East, they have to be able to run the ball better and play enough defense to stop the strengths of those two divisional foes. After all the off-season antics, the Dolphins could use some positive vibes and there is definitely potential for this team to get into the playoffs for the first time in six years, but a lot will hinge on the play of Tagovailoa and how well he adjusts to a new scheme for the 2022 season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. New England 

Week Two - at Baltimore 

Week Three - vs. Buffalo 

Week Four - at Cincinnati 

Week Five - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - vs. Minnesota 

Week Seven - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eight - at Detroit 

Week Nine - at Chicago 

Week Ten - vs. Cleveland 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - vs. Houston 

Week Thirteen - at San Francisco 

Week Fourteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Fifteen - at Buffalo 

Week Sixteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Seventeen - at New England 

Week Eighteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - LOS ANGELES RAMS

LOS ANGELES RAMS                                                           

 

2021 Record - 12-5-0

 

Head Coach - Sean McVay 

 

New Additions - Allen Robinson (WR), Bobby Wagner (LB), Troy Hill (DB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 9th (372 YPG); Scoring - 7th (27.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 17th (345 YPG); Scoring - 16th (21.9 PPG)

Matthew Stafford returns at quarterback after a big year, passing for 4,886 yards with 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. In the backfield are Cam Akers (injured for most of 2021 season) and Darrell Hendrson, Jr., who rushed for 688 yards (4.6 YPC average) and scored five touchdowns while also hauling in three scoring passes on 29 receptions. All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught 145 passes last season for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns. Also in the mix are Van Jefferson (50, 802, six TD) and Allen Robinson, who had 38 receptions for 410 yards and one touchdown with Chicago last year. The tight end is Tyler Higbee (61, 560, five TD). 

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald (12 1/2 QB sacks) leads the way on the defense while OLB Leonard Floyd ( 9 1/2 sacks) will team with (inside linebacker) Bobby Wagner (170 tackles and one interception with Seattle) and Ernest Jones. The secondary has Jalen Ramsey (four picks) and Troy Hill (free agent from Cleveland) at the corners and safeties Jordan Fuller (team high 113 tackles last year) and Taylor Rapp, who had 94 tackles and four interceptions.

Outlook for 2022 season - After winning the Super Bowl last year, what can the Rams do for an encore? A lot of that will depend on Stafford and the offense. Stafford, entering his 14th season in the NFL, finally won the big one and silenced many critics in the process. Head Coach Sean McVay knows full well his quarterback has what it takes and would like to see more of the same results as in the 2021 season. 

With a healthy Cam Akers teaming with Darrell Henderson in the running game, the offense should be solid once again. After all, Cooper Kupp is returning after his big season, in which he captured the "triple crown" of receiving with most receptions, yardage and touchdowns. So look to Stafford to do his thing with Kupp and also be likely to spread the ball around with all the weapons on the team. Avoiding mistakes will be essential as the team did hit a lull at the midway point in 2021 before catching fire at the right time. 

The defense is top flight with a strong pass rush (50 sacks) and a ball hawking secondary that picked off 19 passes last season. A bend but don't break approach worked for the Rams as they allowed yardage but held opponents to just under 22 points per game. Repeating is always tough, but if the Rams can avoid the injury bug and not get complacent, they have a shot at becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champion since the 2004 season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Buffalo 

Week Two - vs. Atlanta 

Week Three - at Arizona 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - vs. Dallas 

Week Six - vs. Carolina 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. San Francisco 

Week Nine - at Tampa Bay 

Week Ten - vs. Arizona 

Week Eleven - at New Orleans 

Week Twelve - at Kansas City 

Week Thirteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Fourteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Fifteen - at Green Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. Denver 

Week Seventeen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Eighteen - at Seattle 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS                                                   

2021 Record - 9-8-0 

 

Head Coach - Brandon Staley 

 

 

New Additions - Khalil Mack (LB), J.C. Jackson (DB), Gerald Everett (TE), DeAndre Carter (WR), Austin Johnson (DL), Troy Reeder (LB), Sebastian Joseph-Day (DL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 5th (390 YPG); Scoring - 5th (27.9 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 23rd (360 YPG); Scoring - 29th (27.0 PPG) 

 

Justin Herbert is entering his third season in the NFL as the Chargers quarterback and he had a big year in 2021, passing for 5,014 yards with 38 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Running back Austin Ekeler put up impressive numbers while scoring 20 touchdowns (twelve rushing and eight receiving) and gaining 911 rushing yards (4.4 YPC average) along with 70 receptions for 647 yards. Josh Kelley and rookie Isaiah Spiller (Texas A & M) will spot Ekeler at times. The wide receivers feature Keenan Allen (106 receptions, 1,138 yards and six TD) and Mike Williams (76, 1,146, nine TD) along with Jalen Guyton (31, 448, three TD), Joshua Palmer (33, 353, three TD) and DeAndre Carter, who had 24 receptions for 296 yards and three scores with Washington last season. Gerald Everett comes over from Seattle this year to play tight end and he had 48 catches for 478 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Defensively, Joey Bosa had 10 1/2 quarterback sacks from the outside linebacker/rush end spot last season and this year Khalil Mack joins him on the opposite side. Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day will play defensive tackle. In the secondary, Derwin James plays safety and he had 118 tackles in 2021 along with two interceptions. Asante Samuel, Jr. (two picks) and J.C. Jackson, who intercepted eight passes with New England last year, are the cornerbacks. Nasir Adderley is the other safety. 

Outlook for 2022 season - The Chargers just missed making the AFC playoffs a year ago and Head Coach Brandon Staley was criticized for some strategies he employed in close losses, especially the final game of the season against the Raiders, which eliminated the Chargers from making the post-season.

However, there is renewed optimism for this team in 2022 as Herbert continues to shine among the best quarterbacks in pro football. Having so many weapons to use on offense should add up to a lot of scoring for the 'Bolts as they look to challenge Kansas City in the rugged AFC West division. The defense made some changes on the roster. Adding All-Pro corner J.C. Jackson to go along with Asante Samuel, Jr. and All-Pro safety Derwin James should help. The run defense looks to get a boost with new faces on the front line and with Bosa and Mack rushing the passer, the team will look to increase the sack total, which was 35 last season.

As long as Herbert and other key players stay healthy, this team should be good enough to make the playoffs. There can be no excuses this season for the Chargers as they could be a team that makes a deep run in the post-season, should they get there. Super Bowl possibilities may be a reach, but not completely out of the question.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Two - at Kansas City 

Week Three - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Four - at Houston 

Week Five - at Cleveland 

Week Six - vs. Denver 

Week Seven - vs. Seattle 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - at Atlanta 

Week Ten - at San Francisco 

Week Eleven - vs. Kansas City 

Week Twelve - at Arizona 

Week Thirteen - at Las Vegas

Week Fourteen - vs. Miami 

Week Fifteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Sixteen - at Indianapolis 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams  

Week Eighteen - at Denver

 

 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS                                                                 

2021 Record - 10-7-0 

 

Head Coach - Josh McDaniels 

 

 

New Additions - Davante Adams (WR), Keenan Cole (WR), Rock Ya-Sin (DB), Bilal Nichols (DL), Chandler Jones (LB), Vernon Butler (DL), Jayon Brown (LB)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 11th (364 YPG); Scoring - 18th (22.0 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 14th (337 YPG); Scoring - 26th (25.8 PPG)

 

Derek Carr is the quarterback and had 4,804 passing yards in 2021 with 23 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Josh Jacobs will be the primary back after he gained 872 rushing yards (4.0 YPC average) and scored nine touchdowns and also had 54 receptions. Kenyan Drake is the other running back and he averaged 4.0 YPC while rushing for 254 yards and two scores. Wide receiver Davante Adams (123 receptions for 1,553 yards and eleven TD) comes over from the Green Bay Packers and will team with Hunter Renfrow (103, 1,038, nine TD) while tight end Darren Waller will look to be back healthy this season. Waller had 55 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns. Keenan Cole (28, 449, one TD with the Jets) and Bryan Edwards (34, 571, three TD) are also in the mix. 

Maxx Crosby came on strong last season at defensive end and had eight quarterback sacks and he will have Chandler Jones (10 1/2 sacks with Arizona) playing on the other side this season. Linebacker Denzel Perryman had a solid season, leading the Raiders with 154 tackles while avoiding missed time with injuries. Safety Johnathan Abram had an interception along with 116 tackles in 2021. Corners Trayvon Mullen, Jr. and Rock Ya-Sin and safety Tre'von Moehrig round out the secondary.

Outlook for 2022 season - The Raiders surprised some by getting to the playoffs for the first time in five years and this season they have some big names coming over to help go further should they make it back. Head Coach Josh McDaniels gets another chance as he takes over the team and will look to see how the team can improve with Carr throwing to Adams, Renfrow and Waller. 

The team averaged 22 points per game last year, but with perhaps the NFL's top wide receiver (Adams) now in town, the sky could be the limit for this offense. No more excuses for Carr, who has had numerous skeptics through the years. Mix in the running game for balance and perhaps the Raiders can light up the scoreboard this season. The questions about the run game (28th ranked in NFL) surfaced because of injuries to Jacobs last season. Over on the defense, Jones and Crosby should terrorize enemy quarterbacks, which perhaps could lead to more picks for the defensive backfield. The Raiders had a league low six interception last season while totaling 35 sacks.

If all things fall into place, the Raiders might challenge for the AFC West crown. But that could be a big lift because the Chiefs (six straight division titles) still look strong and the Broncos and Chargers made big moves as well to make this perhaps the best division in the NFL. The Raiders team creed of "Just Win Baby" would be in order for sure in 2022. Another playoff appearance is definitely possible and the challenge for this team would be advancing past the first round game they play in should they make it there.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Two - vs. Arizona 

Week Three - at Tennessee 

Week Four - vs. Denver 

Week Five - at Kansas City 

Week Six - BYE 

Week Seven - vs. Houston 

Week Eight - at New Orleans 

Week Nine - at Jacksonville 

Week Ten - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Eleven - at Denver 

Week Twelve - at Seattle 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Fifteen - vs. New England 

Week Sixteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Seventeen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Eighteen - vs. Kansas City 

NFL 2022 Season Preview - KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS                                                                

2021 Record - 12-5-0 

 

Head Coach - Andy Reid 

 

 

New Additions - JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR), Deon Bush (DB), Jermaine Carter, Jr. (LB), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Justin Watson (WR), Ronald Jones II (RB), Geron Christian (OL), Elijah Lee (LB), Justin Reid (DB), Taylor Stallworth (DL)

 

Offensive Rank in 2021 - 3rd (397 YPG); Scoring - 4th (28.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank in 2021 - 27th (369 YPG); Scoring - 8th (21.4 PPG)

 

Patrick Mahomes is back for his fifth season as the starting quarterback after passing for 4,839 yards with 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also rushed for 381 yards (5.8 YPC average) and two touchdowns. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (517 rushing yards, 4.3 YPC and four TD) and Ronald Jones II (428, 4.2, four TD with Tampa Bay) are the running backs. Tight end Travis Kelce is back and he had 92 receptions for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. With Tyreek Hill now in Miami, the wide receiving corps will be led by Mecole Hardman (59 receptions for 693 yards and two TD) along with newcomers JuJu Smith-Schuster, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had 26 receptions for 430 yards and three scores with the Green Bay Packers last season. Rookie Skyy Moore (Western Michigan) and perhaps Josh Gordon and Justin Watson will also be available. 

Chris Jones (nine QB sacks) and Frank Clark (4 1/2 sacks) lead the defensive front line with linebacker Nick Bolton (team leading 112 tackles) in tow. Safety Tyrann Mathieu left for New Orleans, so now the Chiefs have Deon Bush (two interceptions) coming over from the Bears this season. Rashad Fenton and top rookie pick Trent McDuffie (Washington) are the cornerbacks and L'Jarius Sneed (two INT), Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill round out the secondary.

 

Outlook for 2022 season - The Chiefs blew a big lead against Cincinnati in last season's AFC Championship game and missed a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. Therefore a large turnover in roster personnel happened this off-season with Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu among the biggest names leaving. Three new wide receivers and four defensive players (two safeties and two linebackers) are now in town this season and Head Coach Andy Reid will look to work his magic in what should be an exciting season in the AFC West division. 

As long as QB Patrick Mahomes is healthy and the running game can show enough consistency to take some pressure off the passing game, the Chiefs will be right there as far as playoff contention is concerned. Mahomes was sacked 28 times in the 2021 regular season and nine times in the post-season, which is a concern. He has always shown a knack for improvising while on the run, but eventually too many times is not good, evidenced by the AFC title game loss to the Bengals. 

The AFC West division looks to be loaded this upcoming season, so Kansas City will likely find it tougher to waltz to another division crown (they have won the AFC West six consecutive times) but do not be surprised if they are once again in the conference title game in late January. In addition, the first half of the regular season schedule is a killer on paper, so a Super Bowl appearance and/or title is another question, but this team is definitely capable of accomplishing both.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Arizona 

Week Two - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Three - at Indianapolis

Week Four - at Tampa Bay 

Week Five - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Six - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seven - at San Francisco 

Week Eight - BYE 

Week Nine - vs. Tennessee 

Week Ten - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Eleven - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Twelve - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Thirteen - at Cincinnati 

Week Fourteen - at Denver 

Week Fifteen - at Houston 

Week Sixteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Seventeen - vs. Denver 

Week Eighteen - at Las Vegas