As the 2023 NFL season approaches, anticipation and excitement are building among football fans around the world. With a new crop of talented rookies, seasoned veterans, and strategic coaching changes, this season has the potential to bring surprises and game-changing moments. Here are three bold predictions that could unfold during the 2023 NFL season.
3. JALEN HURTS WILL TAKE A STEP BACK IN 2023
Last year, Jalen Hurts emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the entire NFL. Coming into the league in 2020 as a second-round pick with numerous unanswered questions about his potential as a franchise quarterback, Hurts faced a rollercoaster ride in his first two years. However, in 2022, he proved his worth and established himself as one of the game's best quarterbacks. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFC East title and an appearance in Super Bowl 57, finishing second in the NFL MVP race that season. Hurts had developed into the premier quarterback in the NFC, but I believe that his production may slip slightly in 2023.
One crucial factor in Hurts' development was his former offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, who is now the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Steichen played a vital role in helping Hurts refine his game and create an offensive system that perfectly complemented his skillset. The loss of Steichen could potentially impact Hurts' performance moving forward. History has shown us that quarterbacks often take a step back once they lose their trusted mentors.
Consider the cases of Josh Allen and Matt Ryan. When Brian Daboll, Allen's offensive coordinator, became the head coach of the New York Giants, Allen's numbers experienced a slight dip in 2022. Similarly, Matt Ryan, who won the NFL MVP award in 2016, saw his performance decline significantly after his offensive coordinator, Kyle
Shanahan, left the Atlanta Falcons to become the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
While I still believe that Hurts will remain one of the top quarterbacks in the league in 2023, I anticipate a minor regression in his production. The Eagles are poised to be one of the best teams in the NFC, but the game may not come as easily to Hurts as it did in the previous year. The absence of Shane Steichen, his trusted offensive coordinator-turned-head coach, might lead to adjustments and challenges for Hurts as he navigates the upcoming season.
2. The Cleveland Browns Will Find Success in 2023
In 2021, in a divisional playoff game vs the Kansas City Chiefs, The Cleveland Brown were a Chad Henne 13-yard scramble away from securing a spot in the AFC Championship game, It seemed like the franchise was finally turning a corner after decades of woeful quarterback play and front office ineptitude. However, despite the promise, the Browns faced setbacks and controversial decisions in subsequent years.
Their number one overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Baker Mayfield, started off well, giving fans hope for a brighter future. Unfortunately, Mayfield began to struggle, forcing the front office to make a pivotal decision in 2022. They traded Mayfield and controversially signed quarterback DeShaun Watson, who was facing 24 alleged cases of sexual assault at the time. The move sparked intense backlash, especially as Watson received a fully guaranteed 5-year, $230 million deal.
Furthermore, Watson faced an 11-game suspension at the start of the 2022 season, compounding the challenges for the Browns. However, as we enter 2023, I believe the Cleveland Browns have the potential to find success. Despite tumultuous off-seasons of years past, the team possesses exceptional talent that can dominate games, including defensive end Myles Garrett and newly acquired edge rusher Za'Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings.
Additionally, the Browns boast a strong running game led by Nick Chubb and a group of talented young receivers. This combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess positions the Browns as a formidable opponent. Moreover, this offseason marks the first time in two years that DeShaun Watson is not dominating NFL headlines, allowing the team to focus on their on-field performance.
When it comes to Watson's abilities as a quarterback, there is no denying his talent. Prior to his off-field controversies, Watson was on his way to being recognized as one of the best young quarterbacks in football. While his personal issues may overshadow his abilities, the Browns can leverage his skills to bolster their chances of success in the upcoming season.
While I don't expect the Browns to win the division, I firmly believe they will make the AFC North a captivating battleground. With the talent at their disposal, the Browns are poised to mount a late surge for a potential playoff berth. Despite the offseason controversies and past struggles, this team has the ability to rise above and surprise their detractors.
In 2023, the Cleveland Browns have an opportunity to showcase their potential and overcome the challenges that have plagued the franchise for far too long. With renewed determination, an arsenal of talented players, and a chance to shift the narrative away from off-field controversies, the Browns are poised to make their presence felt in the NFL. The upcoming season promises excitement, growth, and the possibility of a long-awaited playoff appearance for the Dawg Pound faithful.
1. The Buffalo Bills Will Finally Reach Super Bowl Glory
For the past three seasons, the Buffalo Bills have been knocking at the door of championship glory, only to be turned away each time. However, this year feels different. The Bills are not only one of the most talented teams in the AFC, but in the entire NFL. There are moments when they look virtually unbeatable, showcasing their dominance on both offense and defense.
Offensively, the Bills boast an exceptional duo in quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Allen has emerged as a top-five quarterback in the league, displaying incredible arm strength, mobility, and a deep understanding of the game. When paired with Diggs, they form the best one-two punch in football, consistently delivering explosive plays and clutch performances.
Defensively, the Bills are fortified under the leadership of head coach Sean McDermott, a very underrated defensive mind. McDermott consistently has the Bills defense ready to play, effectively shutting down opposing offenses. With a strong defensive unit, the Bills have the ability to disrupt even the most high-powered offenses in the league.
Despite past heartaches and headaches, this season feels like the turning point for the Buffalo Bills. Their previous playoff losses, including the epic overtime thriller against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and the disappointing blowout against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022, have fueled their hunger for success. The team understands the pain of falling short, and they are determined to overcome it.
Josh Allen, in particular, has the weight of the franchise's history on his shoulders. He does not want to be remembered as another talented quarterback who couldn't win the big one, like his predecessor Jim Kelly. Allen is poised to put on an MVP-worthy performance in 2023, leading his team past stellar quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Justin Herbert.
This year, the Buffalo Bills will finally break through and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. They have all the pieces to make it happen and the motivation to silence the doubters. As ESPN's Chris Berman famously said, "No one circles the wagon like the Buffalo Bills." The team's resilience and determination will carry them to victory, and they will take a significant step towards immortality. It's time for the Bills to rise above their past failures and etch their names in NFL history.
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