There’s a lot of excitement at Aragon for the 102nd NFL season. With some monumental rule differences, from changing the schedule to feature 17 games to allowing spectators back into arenas, fans and players alike are ready for the season.
The new 17 game schedule poses both solutions and problems. Although the extra game allows teams to potentially get into the playoffs, it also risks player injuries.
But the status of elite NFL teams hasn’t changed. Last year’s Super Bowl finalists, the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have only added more firepower to their previously loaded teams. Tampa Bay, the defending champions, became the first team in NFL history to return all 53 starters from their Super Bowl team. They extended the contracts of quarterback Tom Brady, linebacker Shaquil Barrett and wide receiver Chris Godwin while also drafting edge rusher Joe Tryon to add more depth. After their most successful campaign since 2002, the Bucs are preparing to compete for another title. Their division, the National Football Conference South, should not stop them from doing so. The Caroline Panthers and Atlanta Falcons won a total of nine games last season due to various injuries to key players. The biggest challenger to the Bucs are the Green Bay Packers. Led by reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have an offense that can score in a hurry.
The NFC West is very competitive this year. Any of the four teams —Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams — could reasonably make the playoffs. The Rams’ defense is arguably the best in the league, marshalled by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The 49ers are looking to make it back to the Super Bowl after losing to the Chiefs in the 2020 Super Bowl. The team traded up in the NFL Draft to select QB Trey Lance, an athletic dual-threat passer. They still have QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who led them to a 13-3 record in 2019, and have surrounded him with a great roster offensively and defensively.
“The 49ers are better than every other team in the division”
Math teacher Adam Jacobs is looking forward to seeing the 49ers perform well.
“I grew up in San Mateo so I’m a 49ers fan,” Jacobs said. “My favorite player is George Kittle but I’m also excited to see Trey Lance play. Kyle Shanahan is one of the most innovative play-callers in the NFL and I would love to see his packages with Garoppolo and Lance.”
Sophomore Kaushal Namuduri is confident about the team’s future wins.
“The 49ers are better than every other team in the division,” he said. “They are more balanced than the Seahawks and Cardinals but also have a far superior rushing attack to the Rams.”
The Seahawks and Cardinals are in similar positions. Both have top-tier, dual-threat QBs — Kyler Murray for Arizona and Russell Wilson for Seattle — but also flawed defenses and a lack of experience.
On the other hand, the NFC East is the weakest division in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys are usually the favorites because of their extreme offensive force. However, player injuries have damaged their chances of making playoffs. The American Football Conference picture is murky as well.
“I think the Broncos have the ability to make the playoffs [since they] have a terrific defense and … their offense is more consistent”
English teacher Michael Stultz is cheering for the Broncos this season.
“I was a big Peyton Manning fan,” Stultz said. “I think the Broncos have the ability to make the playoffs [since they] have a terrific defense and … their offense is more consistent. They probably won’t win their division because of Kansas City, but they [are] good.”
Stultz is also looking forward to Von Miller and WR Courtland Sutton.
“Von Miller is my favorite player,” Stultz said. “He’s getting [older] and is coming off of injury but he’s still really good.”
Like the Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders lack star power. QB Derek Carr gets the job done but the Raiders haven’t built a great roster around him. The team moved from Oakland to Las Vegas this year, but they still have fans at Aragon.
“I’m excited … because of [the Raiders’ winning] start,” said junior Noel Muttath.
The NFL season is only in its fourth week but new stories are constantly forming, from Rodgers’ potential departure from the Packers to Stafford’s role on a new team. There’s only one thing for sure — football is back and that means loads of fun.
