Seattle Seahawks - 2023 NFL Season Preview

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS                                                                        

2022 Record - 9-8

Head Coach - Pete Carroll 

 

Offensive Rank - 13th (352 YPG); Scoring - 9th (23.9 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 26th 362 YPG); Scoring - 25th (23.6 PPG)

 

Quarterback Geno Smith was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year last season and he showed why as he passed for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. he also rushed for 366 yards (5.4 YPC average) and one touchdown. The running backs are Kenneth Walker III (1,050 yards, 4.6 YPC, nine TD), DeeJay Dallas (186, 5.3 YPC) and rookie Zach Charbonnet (UCLA). DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett lead the wide receivers again this season. Metcalf had 90 receptions for 1,048 yards and six touchdowns last year while Lockett snared 84 receptions for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns. Rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) is highly touted and looking to start as a third wideout after his return from a wrist injury suffered in a pre-season game. The tight ends are Noah Fant (50, 486, four TD) and Will Dissly (34, 349, three TD). 

On defense, it will be Darrell Taylor (9 1/2 QB sacks) at defensive end along with Dre'Mont Jones, Jarran Reed (defensive tackle) and rookie nose tackle Cameron Young (Mississippi State). Linebackers are Uchenna Nwosu (9 1/2 sacks), Jordyn Brooks (161 tackles), Darrell Taylor (136 tackles) and Bobby Wagner, who returns to the Seahawks after playing for the L.A. Rams last season. The secondary has safeties Quandre Diggs (four interceptions) and Jamal Adams while the corners are Tariq Woolen (six INT) and either Julian Love or top rookie draft pick Devon Witherspoon (Illinois).

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Seahawks surprised many by making the NFC playoffs a year ago and Geno Smith came from nowhere to put up eye popping numbers as the starting quarterback after Russell Wilson was dealt to the Denver Broncos. Head Coach Pete Carroll is always an optimist and he feels the team can go further this season after the success they had last season. 

The defense needs to step it up in 2023 if the 'Hawks want to make the playoffs again and then go further than the wild card round. Seattle gave up way too many big plays last season even though they had 45 sacks and were a plus-2 in the turnover category. Stopping the run will be a priority after they allowed 150 yards per game last year, which ranked 30th in the NFL. 

If Smith can show that last year was not just an apparition after years of toiling as a backup QB or else being on the injury list, then the Seahawks offense should be soaring yet again. The wide receiving corps could be among the league's best if all goes well. They might not challenge San Francisco for the NFC West division title, but the Seahawks cannot be counted out if they get into the playoffs again. The talent is there for them to make a deep run in January.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs, L.A. Rams 

Week Two - at Detroit 

Week Three - vs. Carolina 

Week Four - at N.Y. Giants

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - at Cincinnati 

Week Seven - vs. Arizona 

Week Eight - vs. Cleveland 

Week Nine - at Baltimore 

Week Ten - vs. Washington 

Week Eleven - at L.A. Rams 

Week Twelve - vs. San Francisco 

Week Thirteen - at Dallas 

Week Fourteen - at San Francisco 

Week Fifteen - vs. Philadelphia

Week Sixteen - at Tennessee 

Week Seventeen - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eighteen - at Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Francisco 49ers - 2023 NFL Season Preview

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers                                                                            

                                                                                 

2022 Record - 13-4 

Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan 

 

Offensive Rank - 5th (366 YPG); Scoring - 6th (26.5 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 1st (301 YPG); Scoring - 1st (16.3 PPG)

 

Brock Purdy is the starting quarterback after coming in for two injured quarterbacks last season. Purdy passed for 1,374 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Backing him up will be Sam Darnold (1,143 passing yards, seven TD, three INT with Carolina in 2022) after the 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys. The running backs are Christian McCaffrey (746 rushing yards, 4.7 YPC, six TD and 52 receptions for 464 yards, four TD), Elijah Mitchell (279, 6.2, two TD) and Jordan Mason, who ran for 258 yards (6.0 YPC) and one touchdown. The wide receivers include Deebo Samuel (56, 632, two TD), Brandon Aiyuk (78, 1,015, eight TD) and Ray-Ray McCloud. The tight end is George Kittle (60, 765, 11 TD). Rookie tight end Cameron Latu (Alabama) and rookie WR Ronnie Bell (Michigan) are also available.

On defense, All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa registered 18 1/2 quarterback sacks last season and along with Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave and Drake Jackson, forms a strong front. The linebackers are Fred Warner (team high 130 tackles), Dre Greenlaw (127 tackles) and Dem Flannigan-Fowles. Rookies Dee Winters (TCU) and Jalen Graham (Purdue) and Oren Burks will provide depth. The secondary has safeties Tashaun Gipson (five interceptions) and Talanoa Hufanga (four picks) along with cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir. Rookie Darrell Luter, Jr. (South Alabama), Samuel Womack III and top rookie draft choice Ji'Ayir Brown (safety - Penn State) are also in the mix.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The 49ers had a rash of injuries last season, including losing two starting quarterbacks (Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo) to season ending injuries, but they rode the steady play of rookie QB Brock Purdy and a solid defense (1st overall in NFL and also 1st in scoring D) all the way to the NFC Championship game. In addition, the defense led the NFL with a plus-13 turnover ratio. 

However, the wheels came off as they were blown away in Philadelphia after Purdy suffered an injury and the defense had their issues. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan knows this team can get it done and he's couting on a good mix of solid veteran play and the newer faces as well to get the 'Niners back to the playoffs, where they will look to complete the task this year. Over the last four seasons, San Francisco has been to the Super Bowl and back-to-back NFC title game appearances. 

As long as Purdy is healthy and shows last year wasn't a fluke, the offense should be among the best in the NFL once again. The 49ers averaged 26.5 points per game (6th overall) and showed good balance at both running and passing. The defense is rock solid with Bosa (currently holding out for a contract extension) and Warner leading the way and some of the younger players adding into the mix should help this season. The Super Bowl is definitely a possibility, but they have to show they have what it takes after two near misses in a row. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Pittsburgh 

Week Two - at L.A. Rams 

Week Three - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Four - vs. Arizona

Week Five - vs. Dallas 

Week Six - at Cleveland 

Week Seven - at Minnesota 

Week Eight - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at Jacksonville 

Week Eleven - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Twelve - at Seattle 

Week Thirteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Fourteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Fifteen - at Arizona 

Week Sixteen - vs. Baltimore 

Week Seventeen - at Washington 

Week Eighteen - vs. L.A. Rams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles Rams - 2023 NFL Season Preview

LOS ANGELES RAMS                                                                    

                                                                   

2022 Record - 5-12 

Head Coach - Sean McVay

                                                                             

Offensive Rank - 32nd (281 YPG); Scoring - 27th (18.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 19th (341 YPG); Scoring - 21st (22.6 PPG)

Matthew Stafford returns for another season with the Rams as the starting quarterback after passing for 2,087 yards with ten touchdowns and eight interceptions in an injury filled season. Rookie Stetson Bennett IV (Georgia) will be the backup. Running back Cam Akers went for 786 rushing yards a year ago (4.2 YPC average) and scored seven touchdowns. Kyren Williams is in the fold along with Ronnie Rivers and rookie Zach Evans (Mississippi) to run the football. Cooper Kupp missed time with injuries last season and he caught 75 passes for 812 yards and six touchdowns. Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek (39, 376), Tutu Atwell and rookie Puka Nacua (BYU) and tight end Tyler Higbee (72, 620, three TD) are the other targets in the passing game. 

All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald spear heads the Rams defense and he could have three rookies playing along with him this season. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner (Syracuse), defensive end Nick Hampton (Appalachian State) and linebacker Byron Young (Tennessee) are three of seven draft picks on defense by the Rams heading into the 2023 season. Veterans Marquise Copeland (DT) and linebackers Ernest Jones and Michael Hoecht round out the front seven. In the secondary, corners Cobie Durant (three interceptions) and Derion Kendrick and safeties Quentin Lake and Jordan Fuller will lead the way along with rookie Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU) and Robert Rochell.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Rams won the Super Bowl just two years ago, but now they find themselves in a spot with a lot of new faces on the roster and the unenviable task of competing with Arizona to stay out of the NFC West basement this season. Head Coach Sean McVay returns for another season amid all the speculation he was going to leave this past off-season. 

The key for the Rams to improve in 2023 will be having a healthy Stafford at quarterback and Kupp returning in top physical health to put up the eye popping numbers he did two years ago. The running game was not good last year, but Akers has shown the ability to make things happen. The defense was average at best last season, but again with so many new faces coming along this year, it will take time for everything to mesh. It could be another long season for the Rams, but they should do better and win more than just five games this season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Seattle 

Week Two - vs. San Francisco 

Week Three - at Cincinnati 

Week Four - at Indianapolis 

Week Five - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Six - vs. Arizona 

Week Seven - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Eight - at Dallas 

Week Nine - at Green Bay 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Seattle 

Week Twelve - at Arizona 

Week Thirteen - vs. Cleveland 

Week Fourteen - at Baltimore 

Week Fifteen - vs. Washington 

Week Sixteen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Seventeen - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Eighteen - at San Francisco 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona Cardinals - 2023 NFL Season Preview

ARIZONA CARDINALS                                                                                            

2022 Record - 4-13

Head Coach - Jonathan Gannon 

 

Offensive Rank - 22nd (324 YPG); Scoring - 21st (20.0 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 21st (349 YPG); Scoring - 31st (26.4 PPG)

 

The Cardinals will be looking for Kyler Murray to return from a knee injury and be the starting quarterback. Murray had 2,368 passing yards last season along with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 418 yards (6.8 yards per carry average) and scored three touchdowns. The running backs are James Conner (782 rushing yards, 4.3 YPC, seven TD) and Keaontay Ingram while Corey Clement is also available.  Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is now with Tennessee and that leaves Marquise Brown (67 receptions, 709 yards, three TD), Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch (52, 467, two TD), Zach Pascal and rookie Michael Wilson (Stanford) to be the primary targets in the passing game. The tight end is Zach Ertz and he had 47 receptions for 406 yards and four touchdowns. 

The defense no longer has J.J. Watt up front as he retired and it will be Jonathan Ledbetter, Leki Fotu, Rashard Lawrence and Zaven Collins on the line while Kyzir White, Isaiah Simmons (two interceptions) and either rookie BJ Ojulari (LSU) or Dennis Gardeck at the linebacker spots. The secondary has Budda Baker at safety and he led the team with 111 tackles last year while also getting two interceptions. The other safety is Jalen Thompson (110 tackles) while the corners are Marco Wilson (three picks), Rashad Fenton and rookie Garrett Williams (Syracuse).

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Cardinals have a lot of question marks entering the 2023 season and the sooner Kyler Murray can be at quarterback, the better it should be for them. The offense will look to be balanced and WR Marquise Brown will be the main target with Hopkins now gone. Spreading the football around would be the way new Head Coach Jonathan Gannon would like to see the offense moving forward. 

The Cardinals have to cut down on turnovers and do more on defense to create them as they were a minus-five last season and only had eleven interceptions to go along with 36 sacks. Getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks would be helpful to take pressure off the defensive backs. Opponents were able to find the end zone too often last season (Arizona was 31st in scoring defense) and if the Cards can get better in those red zone situations, they will improve this season. 

The big question will be about Murray and his return and how effective he will be when he does get back under center. The offense was middle of the pack a year ago and Murray makes it go when he is right, with the scrambling abilities and throwing on the run to Brown and the other receivers. It's not likely Arizona will be in playoff contention this season, so they will see how things go early on in the schedule and build for a better future.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - at Washington 

Week Two - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Three - vs. Dallas 

Week Four - at San Francisco 

Week Five - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Six - at L.A. Rams 

Week Seven - at Seattle 

Week Eight - vs. Baltimore 

Week Nine - at Cleveland 

Week Ten - vs. Atlanta 

Week Eleven - at Houston 

Week Twelve - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Thirteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Fourteen - BYE 

Week Fifteen - vs. San Francisco  

Week Sixteen - at Chicago 

Week Seventeen - at Philadelphia

Week Eighteen - vs. Seattle

Washington Commanders - 2023 NFL Season Preview

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS                                                                       

2022 Record - 8-8-1

Head Coach - Ron Rivera 

 

Offensive Rank - 20th (330 YPG); Scoring - 24th (18.9 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 3rd (305 YPG); Scoring - 7th (20.2 PPG)

 

The Commanders will look to Sam Howell to be the starting quarterback this season. Howell was a rookie and had 169 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception in one game last year. Jacoby Brissett, who had 2,608 passing yards, 12 TD, six INT and 243 rushing yards, 5.0 yards per carry and two touchdowns with Cleveland last season, is the backup. Brian Robinson, Jr. (797, 3.9 YPC, two TD) and Antonio Gibson (546, 3.7, three TD and 46 receptions, 353 yards, two TD) are the primary running backs. The wide receivers are Terry McLaurin (77, 1,191, five TD), Curtis Samuel (64, 656, four TD) and Jahan Dotson (35, 523, seven TD). Logan Thomas is the tight end and he had 39 receptions for 323 yards and one score last year. 

The defense features Daron Payne (11 1/2 QB sacks) and Montez Sweat (eight sacks) up front along with Jonathan Allen and Chase Young. The linebackers are Jamin Davis (104 tackles), Cody Barton and David Mayo. In the defensive backfield, the safeties are Darrick Forest (four interceptions) and Kamren Curl while Kendall Fuller (three picks) and either rookie Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State) or Benjamin St-Juste are the corners. Jartavius Martin, another rookie (Illinois), will look to provide depth in the secondary along with Danny Johnson, Jeremy Reaves and Percy Butler.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - Washington was in playoff contention for most of last season, but fell off in the final five weeks as the offense struggled. Head Coach Ron Rivera is going with second year player Sam Howell at quarterback this year. The offense has some weapons and the hope is that Howell will be a quick learner if the teams wants to have success, otherwise veteran Jacoby Brissett may have to step in. 

The Commanders are playing in 2023 under new ownership after controversial boss Daniel Snyder sold the team this off-season. The team showed some promise last season and Rivera is entering his fourth season at the helm and would like to see them go further. The playoffs could be a reach, but in the modern day NFL, teams can make it happen in a hurry when no one expects it. 

The key will be the offense stepping up in the rugged NFC East, which had three playoff teams in 2022  with the Commanders finishing in last place, but with a break even record. If they can get some breaks and play strong defense as they did last year (third best defense in NFL and 4th against the pass) they will probably be in most games. The likelihood is a step back this year as they build toward the future with a young quarterback taking over.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Arizona 

Week Two - at Denver 

Week Three - vs. Buffalo 

Week Four - at Philadelphia 

Week Five - vs. Chicago 

Week Six - at Atlanta 

Week Seven - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Eight - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Nine - at New England 

Week Ten - at Seattle 

Week Eleven - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Twelve - at Dallas 

Week Thirteen - vs. Miami

Week Fourteen - BYE

Week Fifteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Sixteen - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Seventeen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Eighteen - vs. Dallas 

 

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles - 2023 NFL Season Preview

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                                                                             

                                                                                

2022 Record - 14-3 

Head Coach - Nick Sirianni

 

Offensive Rank - 3rd (389 YPG); Scoring - 3rd (28.1 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 2nd (302 YPG); Scoring - 7th (20.2 PPG)

Jalen Hurts is the starting quarterback and in 2022 he passed for 3,701 yards along with 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He also rushed for 13 touchdowns and gained 760 yards for a 4.6 yards per carry average. The running game will have different faces in 2023 as Miles Sanders left in the off-season and in his place will be D'Andre Swift, who ran for 542 yards (5.5 YPC) and five touchdowns along with 48 receptions with three going for touchdowns while with Detroit. Rashaad Penny (346, 6.1, two TD with Seattle), Boston Scott (217, 4.0, three TD) and Kenneth Gainwell (240, 5.4, four TD) round out the backfield. DeVonta Smith (95, 1,196, seven TD), A.J. Brown (88, 1,496, 11 TD), Quez Watkins (33, 354, three TD) and Olamide Zaccheaus (40, 533, three TD with Atlanta) are the wide receivers. The tight end is Dallas Goedert, who had 55 receptions for 702 yards and three scores.

Veterans Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham lead the defensive front line along with Josh Sweat and linebackers Haason Reddick (16 QB sacks), Nakobe Dean, Nicholas Morrow and rookie Nolan Smith (Georgia) will round out the front seven. Top rookie draft pick Jalen Carter (DT - Georgia) will look to make an impact as well. The secondary has corners Darius Slay (three interceptions), James Bradberry (three INT), rookie Kelee Ringo (Georgia) and Greedy Williams along with safeties Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship. K'Von Wallace and rookie Sydney Brown (Illinois) add depth.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - After reaching the Super Bowl last season, the Eagles will be looking to avoid the proverbial hangover that seems to plague the losing team in recent years. They lost a heart breaker to the Kansas City Chiefs on a late penalty flag (defensive holding) that allowed the Chiefs to run down the clock and get a winning field goal in the waning seconds of the game. 

Head Coach Nick Sirianni will look to dual threat QB Jalen Hurts to lead the offense to another big season with so many weapons, especially in the passing game. After relying so much on one back (Miles Sanders) in the past, Philadelphia will have a backfield by committee it seems with four players who can do the job. The defense was tremendous a year ago, registering a league high 70 quarterback sacks and they intercepted 17 passes while compiling a plus-8 in the turnover category. The Eagles were also the best in the NFL defending against the pass. 

If they can avoid injuries to key players on both sides of the football, there is no reason to believe they cannot get back to the Super Bowl again. Philly has a very tough schedule from November through mid December when they face six playoff teams (including Dallas twice) in a seven game stretch. That will be the true test for this team as to whether they can win the NFC East again. Once the playoffs arrive, they should be there and it's also possible they can get back to the Super Bowl and maybe win it this time.

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - at New England 

Week Two - vs. Minnesota 

Week Three - at Tampa Bay 

Week Four - vs. Washington 

Week Five - at L.A. Rams 

Week Six - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Seven - vs. Miami

Week Eight - at Washington 

Week Nine - vs. Dallas 

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - at Kansas City 

Week Twelve - vs. Buffalo 

Week Thirteen - vs. San Francisco 

Week Fourteen - at Dallas 

Week Fifteen - at Seattle 

Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seventeen - vs. Arizona 

Week Eighteen - at N.Y. Giants 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York Giants - 2023 NFL Season Preview

NEW YORK GIANTS                                                                                      

2022 Record - 9-7-1 

Head Coach - Brian Daboll 

 

Offensive Rank - 18th (340 YPG); Scoring - 15th (21.5 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 25th (358 YPG); Scoring - 17th (21.8 PPG)

 

Quarterback Daniel Jones passed for 3,205 yards with 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions thrown last season and also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns along with a 5.9 yards per carry average. Veteran journeyman Tyrod Taylor backs up. Saquon Barkley will be the top running back again after rushing for 1,312 yards (4.4 YPC) and ten touchdowns and also hauled in 57 receptions. Matt Breida (220 yards, 4.1 YPC, one TD) and rookie Eric Gray (Oklahoma) add depth. The wide receivers are Darius Slayton (46, 724, two TD), Parris Campbell (63, 623, three TD with Indianapolis), rookie Jalin Hyatt (Tennessee) and Sterling Shepard. The tight ends are Darren Waller (28, 388, three TD with Las Vegas in injury filled year) and Daniel Bellinger, who had 30 grabs for 268 yards and two scores. 

The defense is led by end Leonard Williams and nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II (7 1/2 QB sacks) along with linebackers Azeez Ojulari (5 1/2 sacks), Jarrad Davis and Bobby Okereke (151 tackles with the Colts last year). The secondary has corners Adoree' Jackson, Darnay Holmes and rookie Deonte Banks (Maryland). The safeties are Dane Belton (two interceptions), Xavier McKinney, Bobby McCain and Jason Pinnock.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Giants and Head Coach Brian Daboll surprised many by making the playoffs last year and they will be looking to do it again this season. However, playing in the NFC East (where the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys loom large) will be no easy task as they now have a target on their backs after sneaking up on opponents last year. 

Quarterback Daniel Jones had his best season in the new system that didn't make him feel like he had to do too much. By keeping it simple, Jones cut down big time on the turnovers that hounded him in his first three seasons. He can scramble for sure, but the team would like to see him run less and pass the ball on a regular basis to his receivers. If he can avoid the mistakes as he did in 2022, the Giants could very well be in business once again. 

The defense was a bend, but don't break type last year as they ranked in the bottom third in yardage, but in the middle of the league allowing points on the scoreboard. The secondary needs to create more turnovers as they only had six interceptions. The pass rush was average, getting 41 take downs last year. The key to more success in 2023 will be decided when they play the Eagles and Cowboys as they lost both times against them a year ago. The playoffs are possible as long as Jones and company continue to keep it simple and the defense turns it up a notch.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Dallas 

Week Two - at Arizona 

Week Three - at San Francisco 

Week Four - vs. Seattle 

Week Five - at Miami 

Week Six - at Buffalo 

Week Seven - vs. Washington 

Week Eight - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Nine - at Las Vegas 

Week Ten - at Dallas 

Week Eleven - at Washington 

Week Twelve - vs. New England 

Week Thirteen - BYE 

Week Fourteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Fifteen - at New Orleans 

Week Sixteen - at Philadelphia 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Eighteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Dallas Cowboys - 2023 NFL Season Preview

DALLAS COWBOYS     

                                                                           

2022 Record - 12-5 

Head Coach - Mike McCarthy 

 

Offensive Rank - 11th (355 YPG); Scoring - 4th (27.5 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 12th (330 YPG); Scoring - 6th (20.1 PPG)

 

Quarterback Dak Prescott is back for his eighth NFL season and had an injury filled regular season in 2022, but still passed for 2,860 yards with 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Cooper Rush is a solid backup quarterback and he passed for 1,051 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. The running game will be handled by Tony Pollard this season after Ezekiel Elliott wasn't re-signed in the off season. Pollard ran for 1,007 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry and scored nine touchdowns. The wide receivers are CeeDee Lamb (107 receptions for 1,359 yards and nine TD), Michael Gallup (39, 424, four TD) and Brandin Cooks (57, 699, three TD with Houston). Rookie Luke Schoonmaker (Michigan) and Jake Ferguson are the tight ends. 

On defense, linebacker Micah Parsons leads the way and he had 13 1/2 QB sacks last season while defensive end Dorance Armstrong, Jr. had 8 1/2 sacks. Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence and rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith (Michigan) round out the front line. Leighton Vander Esch is another linebacker and had 90 tackles last season. In the secondary, Trevon Diggs (three interceptions), Stephon Gilmore (two picks with Indianapolis) and DaRon Bland (five INT) are the corners and Jaylon Kearse, Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker (three picks) are the safeties.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Cowboys finished strong last season and advanced to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs where they were eliminated by San Francisco for the second straight year. Head Coach Mike McCarthy is taking over the play calling for the offense this season and he wants to see Prescott and the offense go to newer and higher ground should they make the post-season again. 

The Dallas defense was solid a year ago as well as opportunistic, helping the team achieve a plus-10 in the turnover category, which ranked second in the NFL. The Cowboys had 54 sacks and 16 interceptions while finishing in the top ten against the pass and in scoring defense. With more of the same this year, they could challenge Philadelphia in the NFC East division. As for the playoffs, the Cowboys should get back there in January and how far they can go will depend on the offense coming through in crunch time. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Two - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Three - at Arizona 

Week Four - vs. New England 

Week Five - at San Francisco 

Week Six - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. L.A. Rams 

Week Nine - at Philadelphia 

Week Ten - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Eleven - at Carolina 

Week Twelve - vs. Washington 

Week Thirteen - vs. Seattle 

Week Fourteen - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Fifteen - at Buffalo 

Week Sixteen - at Miami 

Week Seventeen - vs. Detroit 

Week Eighteen - at Washington

Los Angeles Chargers - 2023 NFL Season Preview

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS                                                                       

2022 Record - 10-7

Head Coach - Brandon Staley 

 

Offensive Rank - 9th (359 YPG); Scoring - 13th (23.0 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 20th (346 YPG); Scoring - 21st (22.6 PPG)

 

Quarterback Justin Herbert passed for 5,014 yards last season and had 38 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. He recently signed a huge extension that ensures he will be the Chargers' starter for years to come. The running backs are Austin Ekeler (915 rushing yards, 4.5 YPC average and 13 TD along with 107 receptions for 722 yards and five TD), Joshua Kelley (287, 4.2 YPC, two TD) and Isaiah Spiller. Keenan Allen (66, 752, four TD), Mike Williams (63, 895, four TD), Joshua Palmer (72, 769, three TD), Jalen Guyton and rookie Quentin Johnston (TCU) are the wide receivers and the tight ends are Gerald Everett (58, 555, four TD) and Donald Parham, Jr. 

The defense features Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack (eight QB sacks) at the linebacker/edge rush spots along with linemen Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox (6 1/2 sacks) and Sebastian Joseph-Day. Eric Kendricks and rookies Tuli Tuipulotu (USC) and  Daiyan Henley (Washington State) will provide depth at linebacker. The secondary has All-Pro safety Derwin James (115 tackles), Alohi Gilman and corners Asante Samuel, Jr. and Michael Davis.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Chargers made it back to the playoffs for the first time in four years last season, but blew a 27-0 lead against Jacksonville in the wild card round and lost, 31-30 in a devastating way. Head Coach Brandon Staley knows this season has to be different with all the expectations for the team, especially with Justin Herbert signing the biggest contract in NFL history. 

The offense can play with the best of them around the NFL and there are so many weapons for Herbert to utilize, starting with RB Austin Ekeler, who has been seeking a new contract this off-season. Ekeler excels as a receiver out of the backfield and along with the wideouts the Chargers have, presents many problems for opposing defenses. A noted improvement for the team would be improving the rushing attack this year as they ranked 30th in the league in that area last season. 

The defense is up-and-down as they are top ten against the pass, but a woeful 28th stopping the run. The Chargers have to stuff the run or it could be more of the same this season with their defense giving up leads late in the game. After the debacle in the playoffs last year, it can go one of two ways for the Chargers in 2023 . . . either they can move forward in the playoffs and actually challenge for a Super Bowl berth or they can fall back in the standings and miss the playoffs. It's all up to them to make it happen in a positive way this season.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Miami 

Week Two - at Tennessee 

Week Three - at Minnesota 

Week Four - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Dallas 

Week Seven - at Kansas City 

Week Eight - vs. Chicago 

Week Nine - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Ten - vs. Detroit 

Week Eleven - at Green Bay 

Week Twelve - vs. Baltimore 

Week Thirteen - at New England 

Week Fourteen - vs. Denver 

Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas 

Week Sixteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Seventeen - at Denver 

Week Eighteen - vs. Kansas City 

Las Vegas Raiders - 2023 NFL Season Preview

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS                                                                                       
                                                                        

2022 Record - 6-11 

Head Coach - Josh McDaniels

 

Offensive Rank - 12th (353 YPG); Scoring - 12th (23.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 28th (366 YPG); Scoring - 26th (24.6 PPG)

 
Jimmy Garoppolo comes over to play quarterback this season and before being injured last season in San Francisco, he passed for 2,437 yards with 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Brian Hoyer is the likely backup, but rookie Aidan O'Connell (Purdue) is also vying for the job. Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,653 yards last year (4.9 YPC average) and scored twelve touchdowns and also had 53 receptions for 400 yards, but he has been looking to get a new contract, so stay tuned on him. Other running backs include Zamir White and Brandon Bolden. Davante Adams is the top wide receiver and he hauled in 100 receptions last year, good for 14 touchdowns and 1,516 yards. Others include Hunter Renfrow (36, 330, two TD), Jakobi Meyers, Phillip Dorsett II, Keelan Cole and rookie Tre Tucker (Cincinnati). The tight end is Austin Hooper (41, 444, two TD with Tennessee) and rookie Michael Meyer (Notre Dame) will also be on hand. 

Maxx Crosby leads the front line at the end spot and he had 12 1/2 sacks last year and led the team with 89 tackles. Edge rusher Tyree Wilson is a rookie draft pick from Texas Tech and he will likely start up front along with Bilal Nichols at the tackle spot. The linebackers include Robert Spillane and Chandler Jones, who registered 4 1/2 sacks last year. The secondary features safeties Marcus Epps and Tre'von Moehrig along with corners Nate Hobbs and Brandon Facyson.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Raiders will be undergoing changes on both sides of the football as Garoppolo takes over as the quarterback while the defense will have no less than seven rookies in camp vying for starting positions. Head Coach Josh McDaniels saw the team go backward last season after making the playoffs in 2021, so there are questions after longtime QB Derek Carr went to New Orleans. 

Will Jimmy G. stay healthy for the team this season? Can the young and new wide receivers complement Adams, who will be getting a lot of double coverage with so many new faces on the team? Can the defense get back to the basics and stop opponents from pushing the ball down the field? The Raiders only had 27 sacks last season and Crosby had nearly half of those, so help is needed in that area. In addition, the silver and black only had six interceptions in 2022 and that must improve in the pass happy AFC West where Mahomes, Herbert and Wilson are the quarterbacks facing the Raiders. 

With so many questions facing the team in 2023, it's unlikely they will make the playoffs, but one never knows in the modern day NFL. One thing for sure, the Raiders will play hard and not back down and they hope that can transition their record from a year ago when they lost nine one-score games. The hope this season is to finish with a winning record.

TEAM SCHEDULE

Week One - at Denver 

Week Two - at Buffalo 

Week Three - vs. Pittsburgh 

Week Four - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Five - vs. Green Bay 

Week Six - vs. New England 

Week Seven - at Chicago 

Week Eight - at Detroit 

Week Nine - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Ten - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Eleven - at Miami 

Week Twelve - vs. Kansas City 

Week Thirteen - BYE 

Week Fourteen - vs. Minnesota 

Week Fifteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Sixteen - at Kansas City 

Week Seventeen - at Indianapolis 

Week Eighteen - vs. Denver 

 

 

Kansas City Chiefs - 2023 NFL Season Preview

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS                                                                                         

2022 Record - 14-3 

Head Coach - Andy Reid 

 

Offensive Rank - 1st (414 YPG); Scoring - 1st (29.2 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 11th (328 YPG); Scoring - 16th (21.7 PPG)

 

Patrick Mahomes, the 2022 NFL Most Valuable Player, is back for his seventh season and sixth as the Chiefs starting quarterback. He passed for 5,250 yards last season with 41 touchdowns and twelve interceptions and also had 381 rushing yards (5.8 YPC average) and scored two rushing touchdowns. The top running back this season will be Isiah Pacheco (830 rushing yards, 4.9 YPC average, five TD), who was a seventh round draft pick last year. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (517, 4.3 YPC, four TD) and Jerrick McKinnon round out the backfield and McKinnon had 56 receptions last season for 512 yards and nine touchdowns. The wide receivers include Marquez Valdes-Scantling (42, 687, two TD), Noah Gray (28, 299, one TD), Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, rookie Rashee Rice (SMU) and All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, who had 110 receptions for 1,338 yards and twelve touchdowns. 

The defense features Chris Jones (15 1/2 QB sacks) at defensive tackle along with ends Charles Omenihu and George Karlaftis (six sacks) and linebackers Willie Gay, Jr. and Nick Bolton, who led the team with 180 tackles. Top rookie draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DE - Kansas State) will be ready to play up front as well. The secondary has L'Jarius Sneed (three interceptions and 108 tackles) and Trent McDuffie at the corners along with safeties Justin Reid and Bryan Cook.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - After winning their second Super Bowl title in four seasons, the Chiefs know they are the team to beat in the 2023 season. Head Coach Andy Reid has been at it for a decade now in Kansas City and if all goes according to plan, the Chiefs could be the first repeat Super Bowl champion in 19 years. 

With Mahomes leading the offense, Kansas City will be right there among the league leaders in offense and they averaged a league best 29.2 points per game last season. There are so many weapons, but the biggest one is tight end Travis Kelce, who continues to confound opposing defenses every year the way he gets so wide open in the passing game. On defense, they are sneaky good with Jones causing havoc up front and against enemy quarterbacks. Kansas City was second in the NFL with 55 sacks a year ago and among the top ten against the run. 

The sky is the limit for Kansas City as long as Mahomes stays healthy and has his weapons to go to as well. The AFC West has been theirs for the past seven seasons and should be again in the 2023 season. Back-to-back titles are also a likely possibility. Anything short of a Super Bowl appearance, barring injuries to key players, will be considered a disappointment.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Detroit 

Week Two - at Jacksonville 

Week Three - vs. Chicago 

Week Four - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Five - at Minnesota 

Week Six - vs. Denver 

Week Seven - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Eight - at Denver 

Week Nine - vs. Miami (Frankfurt, Germany)

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Twelve - at Las Vegas 

Week Thirteen - at Green Bay 

Week Fourteen - vs. Buffalo 

Week Fifteen - at New England 

Week Sixteen - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Seventeen - vs. Cincinnati 

Week Eighteen - at L.A. Chargers

Denver Broncos - 2023 NFL Season Preview

DENVER BRONCOS                                                                                      

2022 Record - 5-12

Head Coach - Sean Payton 

 

Offensive Rank - 21st (325 YPG); Scoring - 32nd (16.9 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 7th (320 YPG); Scoring - 14th (21.1 PPG)

 

Quarterback Russell Wilson is back for his second season in Denver after passing for 3,524 yards last year with 16 touchdowns and eleven interceptions while scoring three rushing touchdowns. Samaje Perine (394 rushing yards, 4.1 YPC average and two TD with Cincinnati) and Javonte Williams, who missed almost the entire season in 2022 with a knee injury, and rushed for 204 yards with a 4.3 YPC average, are the primary running backs. The wide receivers include Jerry Jeudy (67 receptions for 972 yards with six TD), Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton (64, 829, two TD), Marquez Callaway and rookie Marvin Mims (Oklahoma). The tight end is Greg Dulcich (33, 411, two TD). 

D.J. Jones leads the defensive line at nose tackle and linebackers Alex Singleton (team leading 163 tackles), Randy Gregory and Josey Jewell (128 tackles) round off the front seven along with rookie Drew Sanders (LB - Arkansas) looking to contribute. The secondary has safety Justin Simmons (six interceptions) along with Caden Sterns and Kareem Jackson and corners Damarri Mathis, Patrick Surtain II and rookie Riley Moss (Iowa).

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - Coming off a disastrous 2022 season, quarterback Russell Wilson is looking to get back to what he did when he was playing in Seattle for ten years and new Head Coach Sean Payton likes to run a high octane offense that moves the football down the field. Whether or not it can happen remains to be seen, but the Broncos have some talent at the skill positions. 

The defense is solid and that will help keep them in games, evidenced last season with nine one-score losses. The offense averaged a league worst 16.9 points per game and that must improve if the Broncos want to be serious about making the playoffs for the first time since 2015. Wilson is getting older, but he has the chance with the offense Payton runs to get back on track. If that happens, it will be a much better season than the 5-12 record of last year. If not, then look for major changes on the roster in the Mile High City. 

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Two - vs. Washington 

Week Three - at Miami 

Week Four - at Chicago 

Week Five - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Six - at Kansas City 

Week Seven - vs. Green Bay 

Week Eight - vs. Kansas City 

Week Nine - BYE 

Week Ten - at Buffalo 

Week Eleven - vs. Minnesota 

Week Twelve - vs. Cleveland 

Week Thirteen - at Houston 

Week Fourteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Fifteen - at Detroit 

Week Sixteen - vs. New England 

Week Seventeen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Eighteen - at Las Vegas 

 

New York Jets - 2023 NFL Season Preview

NEW YORK JETS                                                                                           

2022 Record - 7-10 

Head Coach - Robert Saleh 

 

Offensive Rank - 25th (318 YPG); Scoring - 29th (17.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 4th (311 YPG); Scoring - 4th (18.6 PPG)

 

Future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in New York this season and last year with Green Bay he passed for 3,695 yards with 26 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. The running backs include Breece Hall (463 yards, 5.8 YPC average and four TD), Michael Carter (402, 3.5 YPC, three TD and 41 receptions) and Dalvin Cook, a free agent from the Vikings. Last season, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards (4.4 YPC) and eight TD along with 39 catches for 295 yards and two scores. The wide receivers are Garrett Wilson (83, 1,103, four TD), Allen Lazard (60, 788, six TD with Green Bay), Mecole Hardman, Jr. and Randall Cobb, who had 34 receptions for 417 yards and one touchdown with Green Bay. The tight end is Tyler Conklin (58, 552, three TD). 

On defense, Quinnen Williams (12 QB sacks) and Carl Lawson (seven sacks) lead the way on the defensive line while C.J. Mosley (158 tackles) and Quincy Williams (106 tackles) are the linebackers. Rookies Zaire Barnes (LB - Western Michigan) and Will McDonald IV (DE - Iowa State) should add depth. The secondary has corners Sauce Gardner (2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year) and D.J. Reed along with safeties Chuck Clark and Jordan Whitehead.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - On paper, the Jets look loaded for this upcoming season and if all goes according to plan, they could make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season. Head Coach Robert Saleh is counting on that to happen, especially with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. 

Rodgers is an older quarterback, but he has the ability to direct what was an anemic offense in 2022 to bigger and better things. Helping out is that he has two of his wide receivers from Green Bay (Lazard and Cobb) coming along to join with Garrett Wilson and two solid running backs in Breece Hall (coming off a knee injury that limited him to six games in 2022) and Dalvin Cook. If things come together quickly, then watch out. The Jets defense was among the best in pro football last year and barring any major injuries to key players, should sustain their success. 

The AFC East is a strong division with playoff teams Buffalo and Miami and now the Jets will look to battle them and perhaps win the division crown. But that will depend on Rodgers and the offense doing their part consistently. Who knows? Perhaps this team could fly high in 2023 and reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 55 years. On paper, they look strong, but games are won on the field and it will be up to the Jets players to go out and prove they can do it.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Buffalo 

Week Two - at Dallas 

Week Three - vs. New England 

Week Four - vs. Kansas City 

Week Five - at Denver 

Week Six - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Nine - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Ten - at Las Vegas

Week Eleven - at Buffalo 

Week Twelve - vs. Miami 

Week Thirteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Fourteen - vs. Houston 

Week Fifteen - at Miami 

Week Sixteen - vs. Washington 

Week Seventeen - at Cleveland 

Week Eighteen - at New England

New England Patriots - 2023 NFL Season Preview

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS                                                                     

2022 Record - 8-9

Head Coach - Bill Belichick

 

Offensive Rank - 26th (315 YPG); Scoring - 17th (21.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 8th (322 YPG); Scoring - 10th (20.4 PPG)

 

Mac Jones is the quarterback and is backed up by Bailey Zappe. Jones had 2,997 passing yards a year ago with 14 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. Zappe had 781 pass yards with five scoring passes and three interceptions. Rhamondre Stevenson (1,040 rushing yards, 5.0 YPC average and five TD along with 69 receptions for 421 yards and one TD) is the primary running back.  Ezekiel Elliott comes over as a free agent signee after rushing for 876 yards (3.8 YPC average) and twelve touchdowns with Dallas last year.  James Robinson looks to be the backup. The wide receivers are DeVante Parker (31, 539, three TD), JuJu Smith-Schuster (78, 933, three TD with Kansas City), Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne (35, 434, one TD) along with tight end Hunter Henry, who made 41 catches for 509 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

The defense is led by linemen Christian Barmore, Deatrich Wise, Jr. and Davon Godchaux and linebackers Matthew Judon (15 1/2 QB sacks), Josh Uche (11 1/2 sacks) and Ja'Whaun Bentley, who led the Patriots with 125 tackles last season. Rookie DE Kelon White (Georgia Tech) will look to be an impact player. The secondary has corners Jack Jones and Jonathan Jones (four interceptions) along with safeties Kyle Dugger (78 tackles) and Adrian Phillips. Jalen Mills, Jabril Peppers and rookies Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) and Marte Mapu (Sacramento State) provide depth in the defensive backfield.

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - After dropping off to third place in the AFC East division a year ago, the Patriots look to have an even tougher task in 2023 as they look to get back into playoff contention. The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets look solid enough to perhaps knock New England into the basement in the division race this season. 

Head Coach Bill Belichick has seen it all in his time in New England and he won't be fazed as he knows the defense is among the best in the NFL after finishing in the top ten a year ago against both the run and scoring. The secondary got scorched on occasion, but still managed to intercept 19 passes, which ranked third in the NFL. They also get after opposing quarterbacks, accumulating 54 sacks in 2022, which ranked third in pro football. 

The key for the Pats to have success in 2023 will be the offense getting better and Mac Jones staying healthy for the entire season. The running game struggled at times and will look to Stevenson and Elliott to bolster the numbers and balance the offense this year. Realistically, the team cannot rely on the defense causing so many turnovers like they did last season, so it's vital the offense scores more points and maybe then the Patriots can stay in the hunt in what could be one of the NFL's best divisions.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Two - vs. Miami 

Week Three - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Four - at Dallas 

Week Five - vs. New Orleans 

Week Six - at Las Vegas 

Week Seven - vs. Buffalo 

Week Eight - at Miami 

Week Nine - vs. Washington

Week Ten - vs. Indianapolis (Frankfurt, Germany)

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at N.Y. Giants 

Week Thirteen - vs. L.A. Chargers 

Week Fourteen - at Pittsburgh 

Week Fifteen - vs. Kansas City 

Week Sixteen - at Denver 

Week Seventeen - at Buffalo 

Week Eighteen - vs. N.Y. Jets

 

 

 

 

Miami Dolphins - 2023 NFL Season Preview

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                                          

 

2022 Record - 9-8

Head Coach - Mike McDaniel 

 

Offensive Rank - 6th (365 YPG); Scoring - 11th (23.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 18th (338 YPG); Scoring - 24th (23.5 PPG)

 

Tua Tagovailoa (3,548 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, eight interceptions) is back to play quarterback and is backed up by Skylar Thompson and Mike White. The running game features Raheem Mostert (891 yards, 4.9 YPC average, three TD), Jeff Wilson, Jr. (392, 4.7 YPC, three TD) and rookie Devon Achane (Texas A & M). Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle lead the wide receiving corps. Hill had 119 receptions last season for 1,710 yards and seven touchdowns while Waddle hauled in 75 catches for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns. The tight ends are Durham Smythe and Eric Saubert. 

On defense, it's Christian Wilkins, Raekwon Davis and Emmanuel Ogbah up front along with linebackers Bradley Chubb (2 1/2 QB sacks), Jaelan Phillips (seven sacks), Andrew Van Ginkel, Jerome Baker and David Long, Jr. The secondary has corners Xavien Howard and rookie Cam Smith (South Carolina), who will likely be in for the injured Jalen Ramsey (out until most likely December with a knee injury), who had four interceptions with the L.A. Rams a year ago. The safeties are Jevon Holland (two picks) and Brandon Jones.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Dolphins finally made the playoffs last year for the first time since the 2016 season and they battled the Buffalo Bills in the wild card round, losing a 34-31 decision. Head Coach Mike McDaniel proved some of the doubters wrong by seeing the team finish with a win after dropping five straight games following an 8-3 start. If the Dolphins want to succeed again this season, then QB Tua Tagovailoa must stay on the field. He missed several games last season with concussions. 

The offense can score points in a hurry when they are clicking and with two of the top wide receivers in the NFL, the team should have a high scoring offense yet again in the 2023 season. As for the defense, it's important the Dolphins get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and force more turnovers. They had just eight interceptions last season and that has to improve. Miami also must improve in the red zone as they allowed too many points in key situations last season, resulting in five one-score losses.

Playing in the AFC East will provide big challenges from Buffalo for sure and also the New York Jets and their revamped roster as well as the New England Patriots, who always play Miami tough. The bottom line is as long as Tua is healthy and the running game provides some balance, the 'Fins will do well with the offense. Whether they can win the division title is another story, but the post-season is a definite possibility again.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Two - at New England 

Week Three - vs. Denver 

Week Four - at Buffalo 

Week Five - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Six - vs. Carolina 

Week Seven - at Philadelphia 

Week Eight - vs. New England 

Week Nine - at Kansas City (Frankfurt, Germany)

Week Ten - BYE 

Week Eleven - vs. Las Vegas 

Week Twelve - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Thirteen - at Washington 

Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Sixteen - vs. Dallas 

Week Seventeen - at Baltimore 

Week Eighteen - vs. Buffalo 

Buffalo Bills - 2023 NFL Season Preview

BUFFALO BILLS                                                                                      

2022 Record - 13-3

Head Coach - Sean McDermott 

 

Offensive Rank - 2nd (398 YPG); Scoring - 2nd (28.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 6th (319 YPG): Scoring - 5th (20.1 PPG)

 

Josh Allen will be back as the starting quarterback this season. Last year, he passed for 4,283 yards with 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while also rushing for seven touchdowns and 762 yards with a 6.1 YPC average. Buffalo will have two running backs this season as James Cook (507 yards, 5.7 YPC average, two TD) and Damien Harris (462, 4.4 YPC, three TD with New England) take over after Devin Singletary left for Houston in the off-season. The wide receivers have Stefon Diggs (108 receptions for 1,429 yards with 11 TD), Gabe Davis (48, 836, seven TD) and either Khalil Shakir or rookie Justin Shorter (Florida). The tight ends will be Dawson Knox (48, 517, six TD) and rookie Dalton Kincaid (Utah). 

The defense is led by ends Von Miller (eight QB sacks) and Greg Rousseau (eight sacks) along with linebackers Matt Milano (99 tackles and three interceptions) and Tyrel Dodson. In the secondary, corners Kalir Elam and Taron Johnson team with safeties Jordan Poyer (four INT), Micah Hyde, Zayne Anderson and Damar Hamlin, coming back from a near fatal cardiac arrest during a game last season.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Bills had another spectacular regular season and then ... poof! They were eliminated in the AFC divisional playoffs for the second straight year. In order to get over the hump this time and show they can contend with Cincinnati and the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, head Coach Sean McDermott needs the team to relax and play their style of football. 

Josh Allen is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but he cannot do it all himself. He needs to run less or at least not so much in the reckless style he displays or eventually injuries will set in. With Diggs and company in the receiving corps, the Bills have many go-to guys with their passing game. They show balance as well with a solid running game, which Allen is a big part of with his abilities. 

The Bills should once again be in the playoffs and could win another AFC East division title as well, but with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets looming in the division, it won't be easy. Their schedule down the stretch is a killer one and they will need all hands on deck on both sides of the football if they want to finally reach the Super Bowl. It's a possibility, but Buffalo has to prove they can get it done in January against the AFC's best teams. 

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at N.Y. Jets 

Week Two - vs. Las Vegas

Week Three - at Washington 

Week Four - vs. Miami 

Week Five - vs. Jacksonville (London, England) 

Week Six - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Seven - at New England 

Week Eight - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Nine - at Cincinnati 

Week Ten - vs. Denver 

Week Eleven - vs. N.Y. Jets 

Week Twelve - at Philadelphia 

Week Thirteen - BYE 

Week Fourteen - at Kansas City 

Week Fifteen - vs. Dallas 

Week Sixteen - at L.A. Chargers 

Week Seventeen - vs. New England 

Week Eighteen - at Miami

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2023 NFL Season Preview

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                                                 

2022 Record - 8-9 

Head Coach - Todd Bowles 

 

Offensive Rank - 15th (347 YPG); Scoring - 25th (18.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 9th (324 YPG); Scoring - 15th (21.1 PPG)

 

The 2023 season will be a year of transition for the Buccaneers as quarterback Tom Brady retired and it appears that Baker Mayfield could be the guy for the job. Mayfield passed for 2,163 yards last season with ten touchdowns and eight interceptions while playing with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams. Also in camp are Kyle Trask and John Wolford. The running game will have different faces as Rachaad White (481 yards, 3.7 YPC average and one TD along with 50 receptions for 290 yards and two TD), Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Chase Edmonds will look to lead the way. The wide receivers are Chris Godwin (104 receptions for 1,023 yards and three TD) and Mike Evans, who had 77 grabs for 1,124 yards and six touchdowns. Russell Gage, Jr. was injured last year and has been limited in camp with injuries again, so rookies Rakim Jarrett (Maryland) and Trey Palmer (Nebraska) will get a look as well. The tight end is Cade Otton and he had 42 receptions for 391 yards and two scores last year. 

Nose tackle Vita Vea (6 1/2 QB sacks) and defensive ends Logan Hall and top rookie draft pick Calijah Kancey (Pittsburgh) lead the way on the defensive line and linebackers Shaquil Barrett, Devin White (124 tackles, including 5 1/2 sacks) Anthony Nelson (5 1/2 sacks) and Lavonte David (124 tackles) round out the front seven. The defensive backs are safeties Ryan Neal and Antoine Winfield, Jr. and the corners are Jamel Dean (two interceptions) and Carlton Davis III. 

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Buccaneers will be looking to win a third straight NFC South crown this year, but it won't be at all easy as Mayfield (or perhaps Trask) will be leading the offense, which only averaged 18.4 points per game last year. Head Coach Todd Bowles would like to see more balance in the offense this season as the running game averaged a paltry 77 yards per game a year ago, which ranked last in the NFL. 

As long as the defense continues to do well and gets after opposing quarterbacks (45 sacks in 2022), the Buccaneers should be in contention in what looks to be a very competitive and balanced division. The Bucs defense was in the top ten against the pass and in the middle of the pack stopping the run. The offense needs to step up this season and it will be interesting to see how Mayfield does and when problems arise, will the team stick with him or go to the backup? There are solid players at wide receiver with Godwin and Evans around, which will help. 

There are many questions regarding this team and for good reasons, especially with the offense. Can the running game improve after leading rusher (Leonard Fournette) wasn't retained for this season? The overall key for the team will be winning the divisional games. They went 4-2 against NFC South foes last year and would do well to repeat that effort. The schedule is tough so getting off to a good start would help. Tampa Bay could be a playoff team again, but it will come down to how well the offense can do and avoiding injuries to key players.

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Minnesota 

Week Two - vs. Chicago 

Week Three - vs. Philadelphia 

Week Four - at New Orleans 

Week Five - BYE 

Week Six - vs. Detroit 

Week Seven - vs. Atlanta 

Week Eight - at Buffalo 

Week Nine - at Houston 

Week Ten - vs. Tennessee 

Week Eleven - at San Francisco 

Week Twelve - at Indianapolis 

Week Thirteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Fourteen - at Atlanta 

Week Fifteen - at Green Bay 

Week Sixteen - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Seventeen - vs. New Orleans 

Week Eighteen - at Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Orleans Saints - 2023 NFL Season Preview

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                                                          

2022 Record - 7-10 

Head Coach - Dennis Allen 

 

Offensive Rank - 19th (334 YPG); Scoring - 22nd (19.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 5th (315 YPG); Scoring - 9th (20.3 PPG)

 

Derek Carr comes over from the Las Vegas Raiders and he will be the Saints starting quarterback this year. Carr passed for 3,522 yards with 24 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2022. Jameis Winston (858 passing yards, four TD, five INT) will be the backup. The running backs include Alvin Kamara (once he completes a three-game suspension mandated by NFL), who ran for 897 yards a year ago (4.0 YPC average) and scored two touchdowns along with making 57 receptions for 490 yards and two scores. Jamaal Williams comes over from Detroit and he rushed for 1,066 yards (4.1 YPC) and had 17 rushing touchdowns. Rookie Kendre Miller (TCU) will be on hand to spell the veterans. The wide receivers are led by Chris Olave (72, 1,042, four TD), Michael Thomas (coming off an injury filled season again) and Rashid Shaheed (28, 488, two TD) along with tight ends Juwan Johnson (42, 508, seven TD) and Taysom Hill, who doubles up as a running back and rushed for 575 yards (6.0 YPC) and scored seven touchdowns. 

Defensive end Cameron Jordan (8 1/2 QB sacks) leads the front line and Carl Granderson and rookies Bryan Bresee (Clemson) and Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame) will bolster the front seven as well. The linebackers include Demario Davis (team leading 109 tackles), D'Marco Jackson and Zack Baun. In the secondary, Tyrann Mathieu (three interceptions and 91 tackles) is the free safety and is paired with free safety Marcus Maye and corners Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo.

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The Saints offense was stuck in low gear last season while the defense did the heavy lifting to keep them in contention for a playoff spot until the final two weeks. Head Coach Dennis Allen knows the offense must improve this season and is counting on Carr to provide that spark to the passing game. Once Kamara gets back into the mix and if WR Michael Thomas can stay healthy and contribute along with a plethora of weapons, the Saints could rebound from a so-so season on offense, when they averaged under 20 points per game. 

The defense was solid in 2022 and should be once again this year, barring injuries to any key players. They need to do better against the run, but they enforce a strict hands off policy against enemy air attacks, finishing second in the NFL in that area last season. They accumulated 48 sacks, but need to pick up the numbers as far as turnovers is concerned. The Saints were a minus-11 last season in the turnover category. That needs to change if they want to win the NFC South division. 

The NFC South is very winnable and after two seasons out of the NFC playoffs, the Saints want very badly to get back there. It's doable but they have to win the division games in what figures to be a tight race all the way to January. 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - vs. Tennessee 

Week Two - at Carolina 

Week Three - at Green Bay 

Week Four - vs. Tampa Bay 

Week Five - at New England 

Week Six - at Houston 

Week Seven - vs. Jacksonville 

Week Eight - at Indianapolis 

Week Nine - vs. Chicago 

Week Ten - at Minnesota 

Week Eleven - BYE 

Week Twelve - at Atlanta 

Week Thirteen - vs. Detroit 

Week Fourteen - vs. Carolina 

Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Giants 

Week Sixteen - at L.A. Rams 

Week Seventeen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Eighteen - vs. Atlanta

Carolina Panthers - 2023 NFL Season Preview

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                                                               

2022 Record - 7-10

Head Coach - Frank Reich 

 

Offensive Rank - 29th (306 YPG); Scoring - 20th (20.4 PPG)

Defensive Rank - 22nd (350 YPG); Scoring - 19th (22.0 PPG)

 

The quarterback position this season will be started by rookie Bryce Young (Alabama) with veteran Andy Dalton backing up. Dalton played with New Orleans last season and passed for 2,871 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The running game will feature Miles Sanders, who ran for 1,269 yards last year (4.9 YPC average) and scored eleven touchdowns with Philadelphia. The wide receivers have some new faces in 2023 as well with Adam Thielen (70 receptions for 716 yards and six TD in Minnesota) and DJ Chark, who had 30 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns with Detroit and tight end Hayden Hurst (52, 414, two TD with Cincinnati). Terrace Marshall, Jr. had 28 receptions last season for 490 yards and one score while Laviska Shenault, Jr. made 27 receptions for 272 yards and one touchdown. Rookie Jonathan Mingo (Mississippi) will be on hand as well.

The defense will have DeShawn Williams, Shy Tuttle and Derrick Brown up front along with linebackers Brian Burns (12 1/2 QB sacks), Shaq Thompson (team leading 135 tackles) and Frankie Luvu (seven sacks and 111 tackles). Jaycee Horn (three interceptions), CJ Henderson (two picks) and Donte Jackson (two INT) lead the defensive backfield along with safeties Jeremy Chinn and Vonn Bell.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - Carolina finished strong last year after a rough 1-5 start and Head Coach Frank Reich takes over a team that will have new faces in many places this year as they look to win the NFC South, which is up for grabs with all four teams having multiple changes on the roster. 

The Panthers will be looking to the rookie to lead the offense and Bryce Young was the top pick in the NFL Draft last April. The passing game struggled a year ago and the running game was among the top ten and now has Miles Sanders in tow, replacing D'Onta Foreman, who left in the off-season. The wideouts will be different as well as top man DJ Moore went to Chicago and in his place is Thielen and Chark, both coming over from NFC North teams. How quick Young and the receiving corps mesh will determine a lot. 

The defense was so-so a year ago and made some minor changes in personnel and added rookie edge rusher DJ Johnson (Oregon) to go with a pretty solid front seven. Whether that will translate to an overall better defense will be worth watching. The Panthers last made the playoffs in the 2017 season, so they are hungry and with some new faces and some youngsters coming on board, it could be another year of development before they get there again. But in today's NFL, quick turnarounds are more common than in past years. They could be a surprise team come January.

 

TEAM SCHEDULE 

Week One - at Atlanta 

Week Two - vs. New Orleans 

Week Three - at Seattle 

Week Four - vs. Minnesota 

Week Five - at Detroit 

Week Six - at Miami 

Week Seven - BYE 

Week Eight - vs. Houston 

Week Nine - vs. Indianapolis 

Week Ten - at Chicago 

Week Eleven - vs. Dallas 

Week Twelve - at Tennessee 

Week Thirteen - at Tampa Bay 

Week Fourteen - at New Orleans 

Week Fifteen - vs. Atlanta 

Week Sixteen - vs. Green Bay 

Week Seventeen - at Jacksonville 

Week Eighteen - vs. Tampa Bay