Which brings us to the state’s three professional NFL teams, where each of them has their own hopes, expectation levels and intrigue. But each franchise has questions, as well as standards which would qualify it as a successful season. Let’s begin with the one closest to home.
Miami Dolphins: For a team that hasn’t won a playoff game in over 20 years, optimism reigns supreme. The off-season acquisitions of wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson Jr., running backs Chase Edmonds and Myles Gaskin, as well as signing the best offensive line free agent, Terron Armstead – who was signed to fortify that unit – says in no uncertain terms they are ready to win – and win now. Add to that the additions of defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and linebackers Duke Riley and Elandon Roberts, all of whom add depth to what was an already stingy bunch. Early returns are positive: they dominated a suspect New England Patriots offense in the opener and appear ready to take the next step forward. Actually, the biggest questions are at coach, where rookie head man Mike McDaniel is helming his first NFL team, and at quarterback, with Tua Tagovailoa undergoing more scrutiny than the Zapruder film. Both hope to silence their critics. The schedule is not friendly: it features a tough opening stretch, a more manageable middle portion, followed by brutal closing stretch with road games in Buffalo, San Francisco and against the Los Angeles Chargers, before finishing with division rivals New England and the Jets. But this is a team on a mission, and if things fall their way, it could be a big season. Either way, the playoff win drought should end; Prediction, 11-6.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Will he or won’t he? The saga surrounding everyone’s GOAT, TB12 a/k/a Tom Brady, is a serial which won’t end. Or will it? Brady’s recent hints, as well as the comments of his wife, clearly indicate this 23 rd year should be his last one. Now we could do a whole series of columns on what those disparate facts mean, but as far as this year’s Buc’s squad is concerned, Brady being there means everything. Especially when you consider the team is missing three offensive line starters (not good news for a 45-year-old immobile QB), a receiver corps replete with injuries, and the loss of security blanket TE Rob Gronkowski. But a tough defense and a weak division should mean the Bucs repeat as NFC South champs, which could translate into a high playoff seed… but then who knows? Either way relish the GOAT as he may soon be extinct; Prediction, 12-5.
Jacksonville Jaguars: To paraphrase Shakespeare, optimism thy name is Jacksonville.
New head coach Doug Pederson takes over a team in disarray, but with some solid pieces in place. First round draft choice Travon Walker looks to be a star in the making, QB Trevor Lawrence still has a high ceiling, and a young hungry defense will keep them in games. They play in the manageable AFC South, so expect an upgrade from last year’s 2-15 campaign, but there are still holes to fill on this roster; Prediction, 6-11.
That’s it folks, so get your nachos, cheese dip and favorite snacks, as well as adult beverages ready to go. The fourmonth passion play known as NFL football is in full swing. And to quote a certain, possibly retiring future Hall of Fame quarterback, LET’S GO!
