The endless wait is over for NFL fans. It’s the start of the season on Thursday evening with the first duel between the Lions and the Chiefs. In five months the next champions will be crowned on February 11th in Las Vegas. In the meantime, we put the chicken wings on the grill, pull out a cold drink and get into the football atmosphere with 10 stories to come this fall.
• Also read: The NFL season begins: Who can shake the Chiefs in the formidable American Conference?
• Also read: NFL season opener: Find out who the Eagles’ best attackers are in the National Conference
• Also read: Super Bowl 58: Who can stop the Chiefs from accomplishing a nearly 20-year-old feat?
1. Another A-Rod in the Big Apple
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Not long ago, Alex Rodriguez was shaking up New York with the Yankees. This time, another A-Rod will try to do the same with the Jets. Aaron Rodgers appears to be filled with renewed enthusiasm for his new flame, he who was at odds with Packers management in recent years before being traded away. His mission? Get the Jets back into the playoffs, locked out of the dance for the past 12 seasons. In no less than nine games they face teams that were playoff contenders last season. Good luck!
2. A trio of Quebecers
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There aren’t many Quebecers left in the NFL this season, but luckily there are young talent. For the Falcons, Victoriaville offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron not only earned a spot in the regular lineup, but also impressed enough to earn the starting left guard position. It will be a transition for him after four seasons as a blocker at Syracuse. Sidy Sow has also found his place with the Patriots. Even though he isn’t in the starting lineup, he made a good impression at the blocker position. We can’t forget Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who will see a lot of action. Antony Auclair and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif don’t close the door when the phone rings, but remain on hold for the moment.
3. The return of Damar Hamlin
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At the end of last season, football fans were terrified when Bills safety Damar Hamlin fell on the field and was subsequently hospitalized in Cincinnati for several days, where he hovered between life and death. He has since regained all of his skills until the 25-year-old proved he is still capable with three tackles in his team’s first preseason game on August 12. He won’t be one of the starters, but his return is a victory in itself.
4. Responsible recruits
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Three rookie quarterbacks are guaranteed keys to their offense as Week 1 starters. This has only happened twice before, in 2021 and 2012. Bryce Young with the Panthers, CJ Stroud with the Texans and Anthony Richardson with the Colts inherit this honor. It’s not out of the question that Clayton Tune will join them from the Cardinals as defending champion Kyler Murray begins the season on the sidelines. More and more young quarterbacks are able to shine early in their careers, putting tremendous pressure on those who need time to develop.
5. Several new drivers
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If you look on the sidelines and see a few head coaches saying nothing to you, don’t kid yourself. Five new pilots were hired, including three young pilots who are behind the wheel for the first time. Jonathan Gannon (40) was the Eagles’ defensive coordinator and will try to revive the Cardinals. Shane Steichen (38) was also on the offensive side of the Eagles and will determine the fortunes of the Colts. DeMeco Ryans, 39, retired as a linebacker in 2015 after leading the 49ers’ defense and is now at the helm of the Texans. Among the veterans, Frank Reich will get a second chance with the Panthers after his time with the Colts, while well-known offensive guru Sean Payton will have to revitalize the Broncos after 15 successful years with the Saints.
6. Life after Brady
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In one corner there are Tom Brady fans mourning. In the other corner are those who have breakfasted, dined and dined on his successes and are looking forward to his retirement. One thing is for sure: The Patriots have had a tough time since he left the team in 2020, and now the Buccaneers will once again explore life without him. However, Brady is not leaving football. He will be honored by the Patriots during their home game in Foxborough on Sunday. He also recently became part of the Raiders’ minority ownership group. A return to the game? NO…
7. Cinderella returns
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Speaking of Tom Brady, many have drawn parallels between his unexpected rise in the early 2000s and that of Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ seventh-round pick last season. Purdy broke it all in six regular season games (1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) in which he maintained a perfect record. He did it again in the first round of the playoffs with three more touchdown passes, but in the conference finals he suffered an elbow injury that required major surgery. Here he is back on his feet in the starting position. Can her beautiful Cinderella story continue?
8th. The last will be the first
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If your team of choice had a tough time last season, don’t panic! Note that over the past 20 years, no fewer than 26 teams have gone from last to first place in their division in one fell swoop in one season. Last year, the Jaguars made this convincing case. Are you still not reassured? Please note that it has now been 33 years in a row that at least four teams have received their ticket to the playoffs after failing to qualify the previous year. A year ago, the Jaguars, Dolphins, Warhorses, Ravens, Seahawks, Vikings and Giants made the jump.
9. Year 2 for Deshaun Watson
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Deshaun Watson made his controversial debut for the Browns last season after being suspended for 11 games following numerous allegations of inappropriate gestures toward women. The experience was inconclusive: He had a 3-3 record and completed only 58.2% of his passes. He desperately needs to revive his career and the franchise that has invested so much in him. Echoes from Cleveland report a pivot who has more control and confidence, but everything remains to be proven as he now enjoys a full season.
10. Changes to regulations
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The NFL hasn’t rocked the pillars of the temple with allegations of changes to its rulebook, but some changes are worth noting. Please note that any failed fourth-down conversion attempt will automatically be reviewed by the officials. If the change is successful, coaches must continue to “appeal” the decision. Among other things, note that a tripping penalty for the offending team is now worth 15 yards less instead of 10 yards. Players are also free to wear number 0.