50 Yard Line Blog
The NFL is full of theatre and moments that you remember for a lifetime. A blend of physicality and strategy that is rarely seen in other sports. Therefore it’s a sport that we should all love. Let’s unpick those moments, not only see why these moments are so special, but also find other moments and players that are hiding in plain sight.
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Purr-fecting Success
In 1995 the Carolina Panthers played their first game in franchise history. Despite the 23-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers became the most successful expansion team in NFL history with a 7-9 record before accelerating towards an NFC Championship game the very next year. The Panthers seemed to be a young team destinedContinue reading “Purr-fecting Success”
Underdogs Return – The Cleveland Browns
In 1944, Arthur B. McBride secured the right to field a Cleveland American Football team in the AAFC. Co-founder and coach Paul Brown was onboard and the team named after him, the Cleveland Browns. Out of this moment came one of the most important sports franchises, a franchise that would rise and fall, a franchiseContinue reading “Underdogs Return – The Cleveland Browns”
2021 Draft Recap
The draft is over. Optimism and dread are high among the different fanbases. Some have hope, some are full of despair. Whilst everyone has an idea of how well each team drafted, it will take 3+ years to find out. So, with that in mind, I shall refrain from grading drafts. Instead, I shall delveContinue reading “2021 Draft Recap”
2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB (Clemson) The Jags gain the best prospect at the most important position in the game, simple. 2.New York Jets: Zach Wilson, QB (BYU) They didn’t trade down and have traded Sam Darnold to the Panthers. As a result, the Jets select the next best QB with salivating upside. 3.San FranciscoContinue reading “2021 First Round NFL Mock Draft”
Belichick Goes Shopping
It is often understood that the New England Patriots do not spend big in free agency. When they do, it’s on a proven game changer that becomes an anchor of the team (see Stephon Gilmore). Instead, the Patriots prefer to hold tight, wait for all the other teams to outbid each other for the availableContinue reading “Belichick Goes Shopping”
2021 Draft Rankings BY-Position
These are my by-position for the 2021 NFL draft. Top 3 of each position (and top 5 for QBs because of the depth of the class and the positional value). Some players are polar-opposites and would only fit on different teams (interior O-Lineman Vera-Tucker and Davis spring to mind) so the rankings are purely personalContinue reading “2021 Draft Rankings BY-Position”
Case Study: How To Ruin A Team In 4 Easy Steps. Featuring The Houston Texans
In order to ruin a team, one must first have a team with promise to ruin. Indeed, the Texans had just that. For the first time in their short history (shorter than Tom Brady’s NFL career), the Texans were looking promising and then it all went downhill – fast. The Houston Texans were founded inContinue reading “Case Study: How To Ruin A Team In 4 Easy Steps. Featuring The Houston Texans”
NFL Awards 2020/21
Let’s take a look at who should win on NFL award nights. Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Chase Young (DE – WFT) Young has lived up to his NO.2 overall pick. He’s racked up 7.5 sacks and accomplished the 6th highest PFF grade out of ALL edge rushers in the league (87.2). Young has followedContinue reading “NFL Awards 2020/21”
Playoff Predictions
AFC Wild Card Colts (7) 17 @ Bills (2) 38 Browns (6) 24 @ Steelers (3) 21 Ravens (5) 31@ Titans (4) 35 NFC Wild Card Bears (7) 14 @ Saints (2) 24 Rams (6) 12 @ Seahawks (3) 21 Bucs (5) 24 @ Football Team (4) 17 AFC Divisional Browns (6) 28 @ ChiefsContinue reading “Playoff Predictions”
The Future Of The NFL Is In The East
It would be mad for someone to say that the two divisions that will be running the NFL in 3 years’ time will be the AFC and NFC East. They are currently 48-62-1 this year heading into Week 17. The AFC East consists of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and the lowlyContinue reading “The Future Of The NFL Is In The East”
The 2020 Draft Class
As we reach the halfway point of the season, I believe it’s a good point to look back at the 2020 draft class. A class brimming with talent. They have had to deal with a lot (as we all have) and whilst that seems to have effected some – others have thrived. With that inContinue reading “The 2020 Draft Class”
Where I was Wrong on the 2020 NFL Season
Naturally before every season, I feel set up to try and predict what will happen during the year coming. However, after we have reached about a third of the way through the season, enough games have been played for everyone to have a vague idea of where this season is heading. At this stage, itContinue reading “Where I was Wrong on the 2020 NFL Season”
The NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions 2020-21
Before we dive into the coaching. It’s certainly worth admiring Alex Smith. Smith is 2 year removed from the gruesome injury sustained whilst playing against the Texans and he finally made it back onto the field. It looked like he would never walk again and may even have his leg amputated, never mind be ableContinue reading “The NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions 2020-21”
Run Out of Jet Fuel
There are many great franchises throughout the NFL. There are many perennial Superbowl contenders – Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. All teams (even those just listed) do have their droughts, Patriots pre 2001 and the Steelers’ adventures between 1933 and 1969. However, there are some teams that make up the otherContinue reading “Run Out of Jet Fuel”
Week 3 Roundup
Superbowl Team’s Achilles Heel Currently, I am quite happy with my Superbowl picks (Chiefs and Seahawks). Both are sitting at 3-0, led by superstar QBs and top tier coaches. Both seem to be the class of their divisions and one (Seahawks) is home to the current MVP (Russell Wilson – also my MVP prediction). However,Continue reading “Week 3 Roundup”
What We’ve Learned From Week 1 & 2
The first two weeks are essentially acting as preseason. Teams are trying to integrate all their new, shiny pieces into their team whilst trying to retain an identity. This year we have seen rookies make unexpected, impressive starts as well as unfortunate injuries, a LOT of unfortunate injuries. With that, lets dive into what weContinue reading “What We’ve Learned From Week 1 & 2”
Award Predictions
Offensive Rookie of the Year Joe Burrow QB-Bengals QBs have a stranglehold on almost all awards and this is no different. He is the only rookie QB that will see enough playing time. He has enough pieces around him to make an instant impact. Runner Up: Antonio Gibson RB-Football Team. Defensive Rookie of the YearContinue reading “Award Predictions”
Playoff Predictions
AFC Wild Card Bills (7) @ Ravens (2) – Ravens Broncos (6) @ Patriots (3) – Patriots Steelers (5) @ Texans (4) – Steelers NFC Wild Card 49ers (7) @ Buccaneers (2) – Buccaneers Cardinals (6) @ Cowboys (3) – Cardinals Saints (5) @ Vikings (4) – Saints AFC Divisional Patriots (3) @ Ravens (2)Continue reading “Playoff Predictions”
Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams
These are my final record predictions for the NFL. To do this, I went through and predicted every regular season game. If I were to predict the record through how good I think each team is, then 28/32 teams would finish with a record of between 6-10 and 10-6, however, the NFL doesn’t finish likeContinue reading “Final Record Predictions For All 32 Teams”
All Things RB
One position which has decreased in value over the length of the NFL is that of running back. Whilst teams have proven that a heavy rushing attack can still work in the NFL (49ers, Patriots, Ravens and Saints) but for all 3 of those teams, the individual running back is replaceable after a few seasons,Continue reading “All Things RB”
Hyping the Right Teams (Hopefully)
Hyping the right team is always difficult. A person can be drawn in by flashy moves and forget about the unsexy parts of football that make the difference; see last years Browns for an example. Originally, I had 3 teams that I seemed to have a higher opinion of than others based on potential winContinue reading “Hyping the Right Teams (Hopefully)”
The Latest Extensions and Signings
A flurry of recent contract extensions (and a signing) has swept the NFL. These are likely to be the last big moves before roster cut downs and then the season. Let us dig into each one. George Kittle TE-SF (5 year-$75 million) Kittle did reset the TE market in the NFL albeit not to theContinue reading “The Latest Extensions and Signings”
The Implications of Covid 19 In The NFL
The opt-out deadline has come and gone in the NFL for players. 69 players opted out of the season (according to Fox) and therefore get a season salary of between $150,000 and $350,000. The $350,000 is for high risk players and the $150,000 are for “voluntary opt-outs” and is effectively an advancement on a futureContinue reading “The Implications of Covid 19 In The NFL”
The Jets and Seahawks Make A Splash
Seahawks Receive: Jamal Adams (S), 2022 4th Round Pick Jets Receive: 2021 and 2022 1st Round Picks, 2021 3rd Round pick, Bradley McDougald (S) This “splash” trade of the late offseason is a rare trade that seems to be at least not detrimental to either team. A 2022 4th round pick is around the valueContinue reading “The Jets and Seahawks Make A Splash”
The Tagged Players For 2020
This year, there are 15 players that have been franchise tagged (Kenyan Drake was transition tagged by the Cardinals but included within the 15). In a year like this, the franchise tag is likely a better option than most years due to the uncertainty of the cap for this season and possibly even next season.Continue reading “The Tagged Players For 2020”
The First Half A Billion Dollar Contract
Mr Mahomes is a very rich man. According to nfl.com, the extension is worth up to $503 million over 10 years with $477 million in guarantee mechanisms. This means that Mahomes will be 36 once the contract ends and the richest player in all American sports. This is the first time an NFL player hasContinue reading “The First Half A Billion Dollar Contract”
NFC West Offseason Grades
The final division is finally here. It’s a division I expect to be 3 strong in the playoffs this year. Therefore, their draft and free agency may be the difference between picking in the 20s come April and playing in the Superbowl. Arizona Cardinals (A-) Jordan Phillips had a breakout year with 9.5 sacks withContinue reading “NFC West Offseason Grades”
Mr Belichick, meet Mr Newton
Just when I was about to finish the offseason grades for the last division (NFC West), the Patriots went and signed Cam Newton on a one-year deal. Much of the deal is wrapped up in incentives that can reach up to $7.5 million. Whilst Newton is by far and away the best QB that wasContinue reading “Mr Belichick, meet Mr Newton”
A Legend Of The Game Retires
If asked who the longest running coach (including assistants) of the Patriots was, many would probably answer Bill Belichick due to his long run as head coach since 2000 and serving as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach throughout the Bill Parcels era. But Belichick is the wrong answer. It’s not the secretive Ernie AdamsContinue reading “A Legend Of The Game Retires”
NFC South Offseason Grades
Atlanta Falcons (C-) The Falcons continue their fall from the top which started in the second half of Superbowl 51. They lost Austin Hooper to Cleveland, a good all-round tight end who was becoming a consistent safety blanket for Matt Ryan whenever Jones wasn’t open. Hooper had increased yearly in receptions, yards and TDs (75Continue reading “NFC South Offseason Grades”
NFC North Offseason Grades
Chicago Bears (C) The Bears have had a disappointing last few years (well decades) and that seems to have continued into this year. Trading for Nick Foles is one that will probably not work out. Yes, he is reunited with Matt Nagy but Foles is inconsistent. He can lead a team to a few winsContinue reading “NFC North Offseason Grades”
NFC East Offseason Grades
Dallas Cowboys (A-) The Cowboys had a great free agency. They had to let Byron Jones and Robert Quinn leave due to the massive salaries they would have received (and did). Therefore, resigning Anthony Brown will massively help keep the cornerback play high, even if it won’t be dangerous like last year but they won’tContinue reading “NFC East Offseason Grades”
Give Russell Wilson More Credit
PFF ranked the top 101 players of the 2010s. Coming in at 33 was Russell Wilson. This seems completely disrespectful for a QB that has carried his team to two Superbowls, and consistently been in the MVP conversation. Wilson has been overlooked and undervalued, seemingly forever. Whether that was getting kicked out of the startingContinue reading “Give Russell Wilson More Credit”
AFC West Offseason Grades
Denver Broncos (A) What a great offseason for the Broncos. Trading a low fourth for AJ Bouye is a steal, he replaces Chris Harris and keeps experience in the CB room. Melvin Gordon will upgrade the RB position which will help take some pressure off first-year starter Drew Lock, Lock has a lot of pressureContinue reading “AFC West Offseason Grades”
AFC South Offseason Grades
Houston Texans (F) What is going on? The last 2 seasons have not been great for fans of the Texans as well as Deshaun Watson and JJ Watt. Watson and Watt are trying to drag this team to success whilst Bill O’Brien is trying to drag it back to where it’s been since it wasContinue reading “AFC South Offseason Grades”
NFC Record Projection Post Schedule Announcement
A small detour from the offseason grades due to the release of the schedule. There are talks that week’s 3 and 4 can be moved to the end of the season in the event of disruption continued. The record in brackets are an assessment of what a team would do with an “average” schedule –Continue reading “NFC Record Projection Post Schedule Announcement”
AFC Record Projection Post Schedule Announcement
A small detour from the offseason grades due to the release of the schedule. There are talks that week’s 3 and 4 can be moved to the end of the season in the event of disruption continued. The record in brackets are an assessment of what a team would do with an “average” schedule –Continue reading “AFC Record Projection Post Schedule Announcement”
AFC North Offseason Grades
Baltimore Ravens (B-) This grade was an average of their free agency (D) and their draft (A). To be fair, they couldn’t do much in free agency as they are going to have to pay Lamar Jackson and most probably Orlando Brown Jr and Mark Andrews. This led to losing Michael Pierce to the Vikings.Continue reading “AFC North Offseason Grades”
AFC East Offseason Grades
Buffalo Bills (B-) The Bills used free agency as a period to acquire depth to their squad. After pushing the Patriots last year, they now look to fully take over the Tom Brady-less AFC East and are the best positioned to do so. They resigned their starting O-lineman that were leaving, allowing all 5 toContinue reading “AFC East Offseason Grades”
2020 Round 1 Grades
1.Bengals – Joe Burrow (QB-LSU) A+ The Bengals did the right thing. They rejected trade options from the Dolphins and have found their franchise QB. 2.Redskins – Chase Young (DE-Ohio State) A+ Another top pick. The Redskins got the best player in the draft and now have the best D-Line in the league. The BroncosContinue reading “2020 Round 1 Grades”
2020 Round 1 Mock
1: Bengals – Joe Burrow (QB-LSU) The LSU product is the best QB in the draft and the Bengals are looking for a QB, not even they can mess this one up. 2: Redskins – Chase Young (DE-Ohio State) The best player in the draft. Ron Rivera will be looking forward to a D-Line ofContinue reading “2020 Round 1 Mock”
AJ Brown – Draft Steal
Every year I get a feeling about one or two players that will make it big-time. These are players that are identified through gut-instinct (and a bit of analysis) and it shows once they reach the NFL. Over the past few years, these have included Kerryon Johnson, Leighton Vander Esch and Jaire Alexandre. This yearContinue reading “AJ Brown – Draft Steal”
