Winners and losers of the first round

(photo credit: abcnews.com)

Loser – Laremy Tunsil: I don't think there's ever been a draft day like what we saw with Tunsil's slide. Before Los Angeles and Philadelphia traded for the top two picks the Ole Miss product was the favorite to be the first selection in the draft. After it became clear that Jared Goff and Carson Wertz would go #1 and #2 Tunsil was still considered a lock for a top 5 pick. That changed when a video of Tunsil smoking from a gas mask bong was sent from his verified twitter account 10 minutes before the draft started. The Miami Dolphins stopped his fall picking him at 13. Then Tunsil's Instagram account posted text message screenshots which implied members of the Rebels football program committed NCAA violations. There's some speculation that Tunsil's step-father, who filed a lawsuit against him the day before the draft, was involved in the release of the video. In a blog post Deadspin said that the video had previously been shopped around.

Winner – Ronnie Stanley and Jack Conklin: One man's curse is another man's blessing. Both of these Offensive Tackles were selected higher than projected due to Tunsil's slide. Reports are that the Baltimore Ravens, who selected Stanley with the 6^th pick, removed Tunsil from their draft board once the video became public.

Winner – Ezekiel Elliott: The fact that Elliott went number 4 in the draft is crazy. Over the past decade the NFL has become a pass-centric league with the work-horse backs being phased out. Zeke is a once in a generation talent at the position, but I can't justify how high he went based off of positional value.

Winner – Ohio State and Urban Meyer: As someone who scouts and covers high school football I can tell you that high school players pay attention to the draft. Every kid who plays Division 1 Football has the goal of hearing their name called at the draft. This makes a coach's draft record a huge deal on the recruiting trail. Ohio State produced 4 of the top 16 picks and a record tying 5 first round picks. That's something Urban Meyer will make sure every Ohio State prospect knows.

Winner – Paxton Lynch: I don't think that Lynch was worth a first round pick, you spend that on someone who's ready to come in and start for your football team. Lynch has a lot of potential, but it's going to be a while until he's ready to start. Thanks to the Quarterback market being set by Los Angeles and Philadelphia and a breakdown in trade talks with San Francisco John Elway was compelled to move up and make the former Tiger a Bronco. Lynch is in a great situation with on of the best defenses to support him as he learns the ropes of the NFL.

Winner – Kirk Cousins: With the Washington Red-faces adding Josh Dobson to an already dangerous receiving corps led by DeShawn Jackson the former Spartan has a ton of weapons to get the ball too.

Winner/Loser – Cleveland Browns: Cleveland didn't do anything implosive and pick reach for a Quarterback which is a smart. In fact they moved down and gained even more picks after getting a boatload from the Eagles for the #2 pick. But as much value as Cleveland has gained with all the picks it won't mean anything if they make wrong selections. Just look at the Philadelphia 76ers who theoretically won every trade but have been the worst NBA team over the past 3 seasons. I don't know how Cleveland's new Front Office will use these assets, but the franchise's track record isn't great.

Loser -  Myles Jack: Some people thought the he was the best prospect on the board. But concerns about a surgically repaired knee have cause coaches and General Mangers to run away from the Bruins standout. Had Jack been in last year's NFL Draft he'd have gone in the top 5. I know Tunsil has been a bigger story, but don't know of any prospect who's slid as much as Jack did on the first day of the draft.

The Story of the 2015 New York Jets

(photo credit: zimibo.com)

The New York Jets 2015 season unfortunately did not end with a playoff berth, which would've been their first since 2010. However, the Jets did finish 10-6 on the season and even doubled their win total from the year before. Heading into the final week of the season, the Jets had an opportunity to make the playoffs, but they simply couldn't capitalize on it.

The Jets new regime, which is led by head coach Todd Bowles, looks very promising. On the field, the Jets were led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, someone nobody would've expected to put up the numbers that he did. The new quarterback was one of several moves by the front-office that allowed Bowles to get the absolute best out of this team. Another move by GM Mike Maccagnan, was the acquisition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall from the Chicago Bears. The Jets were able to acquire Marshall and a seventhth-round pick for only a fifth-round draft pick. Calling this trade a steal would be an understatement.

Marshall would finish fourth in the NFL in receiving, as well as elevating fellow Jets wide receiver, Eric Decker, to another 1,000 yard receiving season. The two wide receivers would go on to break several receiving records set by a duo. Both Marshall and Decker are expected to be major part of the Jets offense for the foreseeable future.

There would be several more deals made by Maccagnan, which would benefit Gang Green. Knowing Bowles was a defensive minded coach who loves his defensive backs, Maccagnan went out and got him Antonio Cromartie, as well as Buster Skrine. Cromartie's contract is incredibly team friendly, which led to his release following the season. The signing of Skrine, however, challenged the acquisition of Marshall as the best off-season move. Skrine filled in brilliantly in the slot and outside when Revis and Cromartie were injured.

Geno Smith's injury during preseason turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the New York Jets offense. Many critics and experts agree that Geno Smith would not have been able to guide the Jets to a 10-6 record and his time in the Big Apple might be done. Behind two 1,000 yard receivers and a 1,000 yard running back, the Jets finished the 2015 season with the 10th best offense in total yards.

Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the season just shy of 4,000 yards passing, while throwing 31 touchdowns. His only real blemish on the season was his three interceptions in the final game that ultimately ended the Jets season, as well as their playoff hopes. Fitzpatrick needs a new contract, but he and the Jets are still miles apart as far as salary is concerned.

The Jets defense finished fourth in the NFL in 2015. New York's best player on defense is defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson, who missed the first four games of the season with a suspension. Their secondary, which boasts future Hall of Famer Darrell Revis and Pro Bowler Antonio Cromartie, was hot and cold throughout the entire season. Cromartie had trouble living up to his contract, while Revis lost a step, albeit a small one.

Rookie defensive lineman, Leonard Williams, showed off his strength and ability in a defensive unit that looks ready to attack offenses for many years to come. The Jets finished the season tied for third in the NFL with 30 takeaways, as well as recording 39 sacks after getting off to a slow start rushing the passer.

Kevin Levine Mock Draft: 3 QB's go in top 10

(photo credit: phinsider.com)

While predicting the 1^st round of the NFL Draft would be equivalent to predicting the 1^st round of the NCAA tournament, pundits from around the country release dozens every year. They’re wrong every season, yet they’re still clamored for them. Not because they’re expected them to be right, but because we want a general idea of what teams might do come draft night.

So with less than 24 hours until the draft, here is my idea of what might happen. I’m not predicting that this will be the exact order, just my best guess based on rumors from teams, team needs, and the talent pool available.

11.     LA: Jared Goff- CAL

Will it be Goff or Wentz? That’s the question LA has left us wondering since they moved up from 15 to the number one overall pick. I believe they go with the more pro-ready passer in Goff because Case Keenum won’t cut it this year, and Wentz is at least one year away.

22.     PHI: Carson Wentz- NDSU

Philly gets the passer they wanted all along here in Wentz. The QB with more upside long term, with the ability to sit behind either Sam Bradford if he stays, or possibly Chase Daniel for a year or two.

33.     SD: Jalen Ramsey- FSU

Sand Diego needs to keep Rivers upright, so Tunsil should be the pick here. But the Chargers feel scorned by Eric Weddle leaving, and want to show him he is no longer needed. Ramsey will be their Day 1 starter patrolling the secondary.

44.     DAL: Deforest Buckner- ORE

I think the smoke screen here is Ezekiel Elliot. They want teams to think they’ll take him, but their offensive line can make anyone successful, especially a one-cut back like Alfred Morris. They go with the biggest, most athletic player in the draft to anchor their interior line for years to come.

55.     JAC: Myles Jack- UCLA

If Ramsey is still here he is the obvious choice. However, even if he does not go 3^rd overall to San Diego, he will probably go 4^th to Dallas. The Jaguars next best option is Jack, whom, if healthy, is a transcendent talent. They don’t need defensive line with Dante Fowler Jr. returning from injury, and Luke Joeckel has improved every year in the league, so they don’t need offensive line. But a defensive leader that will anchor the middle of the field is always useful.

66.     BAL: Laremy Tunsil- MISS

Nobody knows value better than Ozzie Newsome. He goes best player on the board, and lands a steal with Tunsil. The start if another great draft for Newsome.

77.     SF: Paxton Lynch- MEM

Chip Kelly wants nothing to do with Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert. He already knows what its like trying to succeed with mediocre QB talent. He wants the 6’7” athletic Lynch with the intention of molding him into the QB that can finally make the spread offense succeed.

88.     CLE: Joey Bosa- OHST

High speculation this pick will be traded to either the Giants, Bears or Dolphins to draft Ezekiel Elliot. I don’t think this will end up happening. While both the Bears and Dolphins have reportedly loved Elliot, both have too many holes to trade up for a position that can be found later in the draft, especially when both have sophomore RB’s that had successful rookie campaigns. This leaves New York, who takes a risk that neither Cleveland or Tampa Bay takes Elliot. This leaves Cleveland with the 8^th pick, where they go with the player with the lowest floor in the draft: Bosa.

99.     TB: Ronnie Stanley- ND

Stanley has been flying up draft boards, rivaling Tunsil on some rankings. Keeping Winston upright and healthy should be a lesson Tampa takes from Indianapolis and the broken ribs of Andrew Luck. Protect your star QB.

110.  NYG: Ezekiel Elliot- OHST

Their risk of not moving up pays off. New York finally has a dynamic RB to compliment Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. The offense becomes one of the best in the league.

111.  CHI: Leonard Floyd- UGA

Chicago is eager to get back to the rough and tough style defense. With the speedy Danny Trevathan in the middle, they take a big and fast edge rushing LB to start putting pressure on the QB. Floyd is long and quick off the end, with a motor that never quits. He will be a great addition to the Bears 3-4 defense.

112.  NO: A’Shawn Robinson- BAMA

New Orleans has had defensive troubles for years. If they ever want to be successful in building a defense, it starts from the ground up. They need to control the line, and Robinson is a big, run-stuffing DT.

113.  MIA: Vernon Hargreaves- UF

A huge hole filled here. Miami needs a CB to line up opposite Byron Maxwell. Right now, their options are Tony Lippett or Jamar Taylor. Maxwell can line up with big physical receivers, but would struggle against faster, quicker targets. Hargreaves solves that issue.

114.  OAK: Sheldon Rankins-LOU

Khalil Mack coming off one edge, Bruce Irvin off the other. They need someone to fill the middle, and Rankins is the best option here. A bit smaller, but his quickness goes right along with Oakland’s mindset on the defensive side of the ball.

115.  TEN: Jack Conklin- MSU

What I said about Tampa picking Stanley, expect substitute Conklin and Mariota. Conklin has been flying up draft boards, and Mariota needs protection. Protect your star QB.

116.  DET: Laquan Treadwell- MISS

Detriot is eager to fill the gaping hole that Calvin Johnson left. Treadwell is not Johnson, but he has good size, great hands, and runs exceptional routes. Matthew Stafford will be thrilled to not have to throw to Golden Tate all season long.

117.  ATL: Reggie Ragland- BAMA

Head coach Dan Quinn needs an anchor to his defense. Vic Beasley will help put pressure on the QB, but a strong, run stopping middleman is next on his list. Ragland won’t impress with his speed, but he is big and has a nose for the football.

118.  IND: Shaq Lawson- CLEM

Indianapolis needs an insurgence of youth into their defense. They start with Lawson to help their depleted line. He’s an exceptional player and man with a never-ending motor. Exactly the type of player you want in the locker room

119.  BUF: Kevin Dodd- CLEM

Rex Ryan can’t help but add more to his defense. The loss of Mario Williams hurts, and Ryan looks to fill that gap with the untapped potential of Dodd. He only started one year at Clemson, but came on strong towards the end of the year, and Ryan loves the potential he brings.

220.  NYJ: Darron Lee- OHST

Lee is a great athlete with great fundamentals, but struggles with his size. However, he fits exceptionally well into Bowles scheme, and will improve with a coach who can push him to build his frame.

221.  WAS: Robert Nkemdiche- MISS

The biggest unknown in the first round of the draft. A top five talent, with an attitude and off the field questions. Naturally, the Redskins take him.

222.  HOU: Taylor Decker- OHST

With one of the best defenses in the NFL, one of the best oung recievers in the game, and a young QB that has become a huge investment, I reiterate, protect your QB. Osweiler can be great, especially throwing to DeAndre Hopkins and Jaelen Strong, but he needs to remain upright. Decker helps the not so nimble quarterback stay on his feet.

223.  MIN: Cody Whitehair- KSU

Opening up holes for Adrian Peterson is the key to the Vikings success. Whitehair is the best guard in the draft. Very powerful base, and has a very high floor. A nice safe pick for Minnesota.

224.  CIN: Corey Coleman- BAY

The loss of Muhammad Sanu hurts. Adding Coleman makes it better. A speedster that will give Andy Dalton another deep threat to compliment A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert will be a nice addition to the AFC North champs.

225.  PIT: Eli Apple- OHST

A big, physical corner that fits the Pittsburgh mantra perfectly. Apple is the best bump-and-run CB in the draft, and his in your face mentality is just what Pittsburgh likes to see.

226.  SEA: Ryan Kelly- BAMA

Seattle learned last year just how valuable Max Unger was to their run game. Kelly is the best center in the draft, and will help to reestablish a dominant Seattle offensive line.

227.  GB: Jarran Reed- BAMA

Value, value, value. Reed has the potential to be a top 12 pick, and his fall to 27 is just what Green Bay likes to see. With Clay Matthews wrecking havoc off the edge, Green Bay has needed to find a way to sure up the interior. Reed’s big, physical frame will be a force in the middle.

228.  KC: Josh Doctson- TCU

Alex Smith threw a TD pass to a WR for the first time in over a year last season. Kansas City would like to continue that trend. Doctson is a great compliment to the speed of Maclin, and his big frame makes him an immediate red zone threat.

229.  ARI: Willian Jackson III- HOU

A great athlete completes Arizona’s secondary. Jackson III is both big and fast, a rare combination. If he can work on his ball skills and technique, he could become a pro bowl CB. Being accompanied by Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu should help him develop.

330.  CAR: Mackensie Alexander- CLEM

Josh Norman is gone. Carolina immediately fills his spot with a CB who has great ball skills and a nasty attitude. If he can use his attitude against opponents he’ll be successful, but if it boils over against his own teammates he will quickly be alienated.

331.  DEN: Andrew Billings- BAY

The loss of Danny Trevathan leaves Denver needing to restock their defense. Billings is the best player left on the board, and will go towards restocking their stout run defense.

The Story of the 2015 Philadelphia Eagles

(photo credit: philadelphiaeagles.com)

The Eagles had high hopes going into the 2015 NFL season after signing former #1 overall pick Sam Bradford. With him and RB DeMarco Murray in the backfield, as well as Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso on their defense, there was no way the Eagles didn't win the Super Bowl.

Oh, wait. Yes, there was. The Eagles could not live up to the high hopes they gave themselves and their fans and they finished the season with a 7-9 record, missing the playoffs for the first time in the Chip Kelly era. They started out the season 0-2 before winning their first game in Week 3 against the New York Jets. After that win followed a loss, however, and the Eagles were at 1-3 on the season.

If there was one game that defined their season, it was the game in New England against the Patriots. The Eagles came in on a three-game losing streak and found themselves down 14-0 in the second quarter. They would come soaring back, however, scoring the next 35 points of the game. The Patriots attempted a comeback, but fell just short and the Eagles won 35-28 to go to 4-7.

In their Sunday night game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Eagles played horrendously and were eliminated from playoff contention after the loss. While the Eagles didn't make the playoffs, they did have a strong finish to their season, winning four of their final six games after a 3-7 start. With the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Eagles could easily sore in 2016.

The Story of the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals

(photo credit: athlonsports.com)

Looking back at the 2015 Bengals, it makes sense to split their season into two parts. Most of the year and the disastrous finish to their Wild Card game against Pittsburgh. The regular season can only be considered a success, at 12-4 the Bengals had their regular season since the 1988 season when they went to the Super Bowl. Marvin Lewis solidified his spot as the most successful coach in team history leading the team to a record fifth straight playoff appearance and the winning the division for fourth time in his tenure.

Cincinnati started off as one of the hottest teams in the NFL winning their first 8 games and Quarterback Andy Dalton was a major part of that. After being inconsistent at best throughout the first 4 seasons of his career (61.6 % completions, 99 touchdowns, 66 interceptions) Dalton proved that he was a franchise centerpiece.

His career year say him complete 66.1% of his passes, throw 25 touchdowns and only seven interceptions through 13 weeks. AJ Green gave Dalton a big time target as he continued to dominate secondaries hauling in 10 touchdowns and 1297 yards. The Bengals defense was one of the best in professional football allowing the second least points and 11th fewest yards.

If there was any hiccup in the regular season it came in Week 14 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. After throwing an early interception Dalton's year was finished when he broke his thumb trying to make the tackle. For a moment it look like the dream was over for Cincinnati, then A.J. McCarron came in. The Alabama product's steady arm went 2-1 for the rest of the season and guided the Bengals into a Wild Card Game against division rivals.

After a manic comeback in the fourth quarter, Cincinnati looked like they had the game wrapped up after Vontaze Burfict picked off Landry Jones with Ben Rothlisberger on the bench. Then the wheels started to come off. On the following Jeremy Hill fumbled giving Pittsburgh the ball on the nine yard line with 1:23. Rothlisberger with a dislocated shoulder managed to come back and lead the offense their 41 before disaster struck the Bengals.

Burfict was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty when he laid out Antonio Brown on an incomplete pass. Then in a situation which I still can't comprehend, even as a Steelers fan, Pittsburgh assistant coach Joey Porter was able to taunt Cornerback Adam Jones into an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Porter's history with the Bengals has been antagonistic culminating with him and some friends attack then Cincy Lineman Levi Jones in a Las Vegas casino in 2007. The fact that he was allowed on the field and wasn't flagged is ludicrous. Nevertheless the penalities moved Pittsburgh into field goal range and they won 18-16.

In 2016 the regular season doesn't mean much to the Bengals. Obviously they need to make the playoffs, but outside of that it doesn't have much value. They need to win a playoff game, during Lewis' tenure he's made the playoffs seven times but hasn't gotten to the Divisional Round yet.

Deflategate should have been put to rest a long time ago

Photo Credit: sportingnews.com

Do you remember that annoying, almost pointless case that the NFL and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took all the way to court? Yes, it was Deflategate, a case that was overturned in the summer.

But after more than a year, the NFL decided it was necessary to bring the case to the U.S District Appeals Court. Remember, this case was originally settled in the summer. Why would the NFL appeal the case again?

The incident happened two seasons ago, and it did little to no damage to the NFL. Yes, I know rules are rules, but its an unwritten rule, and let’s be honest many other players, not just in the NFL like to tamper with equipment. But this was one of the first times that an incident like this was taken past a letter from the league office.

The fact that this case got the attention it got, and the fact it was taken to a U.S. Court, is just absolutely ridiculous. Who knows if Brady was even responsible for this. Many scientists have stated and proved that the ball could have easily been deflated by the air.

And even if Brady did do this, New England won the game when this case came to life, by 40+ points. I doubt that the ball would make a difference, as New England was clearly the better team. Brady should have gotten a fine, or simply a warning.

This case was so trivial, it could’ve been solved within a day, but instead it took months and months for this to be resolved. Perhaps the worst part of this, was the punishment. Brady was handed a four-game suspension, for barely deflating the ball in a game they won by 42.

Greg Hardy, who nearly killed his girl-friend after committing domestic violence, also got four games. Deflating a ball, committing violence, are those really equal? That’s not even a viable question. The point is, the NFL got everything wrong here, and we’ll have to see if Brady will appeal the decision, yet again. 

The Story of the 2015 Denver Broncos

(photo credit: grandforksherald.com)

It might not have been a pretty season for the Denver Broncos in 2015, but winning the Super Bowl is basically a cure all and left every Broncos fan with a smile on their face.  That is the goal of every team in the NFL and the Broncos hit their goal.  2015 started off with a six-game winning streak. Denver beat two of their division rivals in that stretch as well, the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs.

Broncos hit a rough patch losing to the Colts and the Chiefs in back to back weeks.  Denver even had to bench surefire Hall of Famer Peyton Manning during that Kansas City game after he set the NFL record for career passing yards after he threw four interceptions.

Manning was replaced by Brock Osweiler, who would go on a winning streak of his own beating three teams including 2014 Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in overtime.  Osweiler would then suffer two losses as well to Oakland and the Pittsburgh Steelers but beat the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime. Osweiler would then struggle against the San Diego Chargers, but Denver brought in Manning to lead the Broncos to a win and clinch the AFC West and first place in the AFC during the playoffs, giving Denver home field advantage.

This would lead the Broncos to winning two close games against Pittsburgh and New England to appear in the Super Bowl again. Denver wanted redemption for their embarrassing Super Bowl loss in 2013 to the Seattle Seahawks.

The Broncos would go on to beat the Carolina Panthers and win the Super Bowl now the question is can they repeat?  They have a lot of new pieces on their team but still have some of the figures that got them the Super Bowl win on their team like Demaryious Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Von Miller (Super Bowl MVP) Chris Harris, and Aqib Talib to name a few.  Will they repeat?  Only way to find out is to watch the 2016 season.

The Story of the 2015 Green Bay Packers

Photo Credit: bleacherreport.com

The Packers season got off to a rocky start before week one ever rolled around. Star wide receiver Jordy Nelson tore his ACL during preseason, jeopardizing an Aaron Rodgers led stud offense.

However, it wasn’t until week eight that teams began to exploit Green Bay’s weakness. Without Nelson, Randall Cobb stepped into the No. 1 wideout role, leaving a gaping hole at the No. 2 spot. It was originally filled by 32-year-old James Jones, who looked like a comeback player of the year candidate through the first six weeks.

But Jones’ success did not last, and the Packers began to struggle. After a 6-0 start, Green Bay lost three of their next four to fall back to a quickly closing Minnesota Vikings team. The rest of the season was a battle for first place in the NFC North between the two teams.

While Green Bay got back on track with a three game win streak from week 13 through week 15, they lost at Arizona in week 16 which tied them with Minnesota heading to a week 17 matchup.

Their loss in the last game of the season forced them into a wild card spot against Washington in the first round of the playoffs. A 17 point victory at Washington in the wildcard round of the playoffs set up a week 16 rematch at Arizona.

In one of the games of the season, a 4th quarter comeback, capped by two hailmary’s from Aaron Rodgers, forced overtime. But before Rodgers could get a chance to finish the comeback, Carson Palmer led a three-play, 80-yard drive highlighted by a 75-yard pass to Larry Fitzgerald that resulted in a touchdown, ending the Packers season.

The Story of the 2015 Oakland Raiders

(photo credit: axs.com)

After years of mediocrity, the Raiders were showing teams what they were really made of last season. Quarterback Derek Carr, with the help of wide receiver Amari Cooper, had a breakout season in 2015, throwing for just under 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, they were competing with two of the hottest teams in the NFL in the Kansas City Chiefs, who won 10 straight games to close out the regular season, and the eventual world champion Denver Broncos.

The Raiders would finish the season 7-9, their best finish since 2011, when they finished 8-8. This team didn't play like an 7-9 team or even an 8-8 team, however. They played great football, but they were competing against two hot teams in the division.

In 2016, however, the Broncos team will be much lesser than that that won Super Bowl 50 and the Chiefs will probably not win 10 straight games again. The Raiders have to clear the few bugs they have to compete and have a chance to win the AFC West.

The Story of the 2015 Seattle Seahawks

Photo Credit: sportsonearth.com

The Seattle Seahawks were looking to get to their third straight Super Bowl during the 2015-2016 season. But the start of the season was not kind to them. Seattle kicked off the season against the St. Louis Rams, a team they have always struggled with. 

Sure enough, Seattle couldn’t get over St. Louis again, as the Rams defense swarmed Russell Wilson and Seattle fell in overtime, 34-31. In Week 2, Seattle faced off against the Green Bay Packers. Seattle got out to a fast start, but Aaron Rodgers was too much for a struggling Seattle defense, as the Seahawks lost 27-17, and they fell to 0-2. 

Seattle finally was back at home, and it proved to be a blessing. The Seahawks rolled over the shorthanded Bears, 26-0 to finally pick up a win in the young season. Next, Seattle met the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, in a game full of controversy. In a low scoring game, Seattle had just a three point lead, and the Lions had the ball in the red zone. 

With one play left, Detroit gave it to none other than Calvin Johnson, who was stopped short of the goalline and he fumbled. Safety Kam Chancellor batted the ball back out of bounds, which sparked controversy. In the NFL, you can only bat the bat sideways, which made the Chancellor play illegal. Still, it counted, and the Seahawks squeaked out a 13-10 victory. 

After blowing a lead in regulation and then losing in overtime to Cincinnati, Seattle had fallen to 2-3. They played the resurgent Carolina Panthers next at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Seahawks held the lead for most of the game, but Cam Newton connected with Greg Olsen late, and the Panthers had shocked the Seahawks. Seattle would win two straight, before setting up an NFC West showdown with the Arizona Cardinals. 

A back and forth game resulted in a 39-32 win for the Cardinals. Seattle was just 4-5 and many doubted if they’d make the playoffs. Seattle proved its doubters wrong, as they reeled of five straight wins to improve their record to 9-5. They would lose to St. Louis again at home, but they crushed Arizona, 36-6 in the final game of the regular season. 

In the playoffs, they would face the Minnesota Vikings, who they dominated earlier in the season. But in the frigid weather, this wasn’t easy. Minnesota was up for most of the game, but magic throws by Russell Wilson brought Seattle back, and they had the 10-9 lead. Minnesota had the perfect opportunity to win the game, Blair Walsh was set to kick a chip shot field goal. 

But it went wide left, and somehow, some way the Seahawks came out of Minneapolis with a 10-9 victory. Seattle traveled to Charlotte to take on the Panthers. Carolina jumped out to a 24-0 lead in the blink of an eye. Seattle would cut the deficit to a touchdown, but it was too little, too late, as Carolina prevailed 31-24. It was an up and down season for the Seahawks, as their attempt to get to their third straight Super Bowl was stopped short.

Will Todd Gurley suffer a sophomore slump in 2016?

Photo Credit: seccountry.com

After suffering an ACL injury that threatened his career, Todd Gurley wasn’t sure how effective he would be. One year later, and sure enough, Gurley is the star of the Los Angeles Rams. He shined in his rookie year last season, as he took home Rookie of the Year honors.

Gurley had 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Gurley will now be entering the dreaded sophomore year, where players are known to have “sophomore slumps.” This jinx has given many players struggles during their second year, and it has even turned many careers in the wrong direction.

Of course, not everyone is affected by the sophomore slump, but there are very few who don’t see a decrease in production during their second year. The burning question is, will Todd Gurley suffer the dreaded sophomore slump? Right now, the Rams offensive line is rock solid, as they gave up just 18 sacks last season.

With LA holding the number one pick, they will certainly take a quarterback. Whether it’s Jared Goff or Carson Wentz, the Rams know they will have a quarterback next season. The other quarterback, Case Keenum has failed to give consistent production, which meant almost all of the attention was focused on Gurley.

Now with a new quarterback, Gurley will have some space to run. Even last year, Gurley’s physical running style allowed him to gain extra yards, as he was extremely hard to bring down. Personally, I don’t think Gurley is going to be one of many to suffer a sophomore slump.

Gurley thrived last year, even without a quarterback. His physical running style makes it very difficult for opposing defenders to bring him down. The key in this is the Rams offensive line. If they can stay healthy and they can produce, Gurley is in good shape to have an even better season