As we're getting to training camps (yeah, we're almost THERE... yippee... *twirls little finger*)...
I think for at least the second year I've caught it, ESPN has done their "25 predictions for the next three NFL seasons" post. So, let's see what ESPN is offering up as looks into possible NFL storylines:
1) Le'Veon Bell leaves Pittsburgh.
Almost a given with the contract drama, tagged now the last two years.
Probably also a given with his role in Pittsburgh, in general, being about Dallas-level in the league's doghouse.
2) Odell Beckham Jr. leaves New York.
This is pretty much required for the Giants to be relevant. Odell Beckham Jr. may be as marketable as Hell, but he's also one of the five players who are so toxic to the NFL's discipline policies (and one of only two who I would say are strictly on-the-field problems), and can basically torpedo any thought of his teams seeing the Super Bowl. He either gets his head right, or he will be on that short list of best players never to even sniff the Super Bowl.
3) Dallas Cowboys to win Super Bowl LIII(E), LIV, or LV.
Well, consider, this is the first year in at least three they already don't have to cut a check to the league for excessive drug and other suspensions before the 4th of July. I do believe that's been the major impediment for the Cowboys. Yes, they have one suspended, but so does half the league. I think Donald Trump would love to see Jerry Jones get a Lombardi some millenium -- and, with the league changing the game and being wide open, they're probably the best political fit.
4) Philly won't.
Something happened in this Super Bowl. Either TB12 and no one wants to admit it, or the very real possibility rising over the horizon (and I was NOT the first one to come up with it) that Bill Belichick sent Robert Kraft a message and deliberately threw a Super Bowl (and if there's one coach ever who could do it and get away with it, it's Belichick), but something was rotten in Rotterdam.
That, and the fact that the game probably wants to get away from "Hit em, hurt em, put em out, win...", which, though Philly calmed down after the first four or so weeks on the fine blotters, Philly still set the tone pretty good at the start of the season, makes this a pretty good look as well.
5) The anthem controversy isn't going away.
That's a given. Question: Does this, at some point in the next three years, lead to a work stoppage?
6) At least two more teams will be sold.
I'm going to add something to that: At least two more teams will be FORCED TO BE sold.
Carolina was force-sold after the allegations against it's owner, and sold for almost $2.3 billion. The ESPN article keeps it mundane, but I can't think we won't see at least two more owners run out of the league for similar in the next three years.
7) Russell Wilson will be the highest-paid quarterback.
Not if he's still in Seattle. I get the idea, but I don't think anyone confuses that Super Bowl run in Seattle with simply marketing Wilson.
8) The Cowboys, because of how young running backs are getting paid, are going to have a problem with Ezekiel Elliot.
I think that's going to come down to whether Elliot can keep his nose clean.
9) David Johnson will lead the league in scrimmage yards the next three years (if he gets a new deal).
And no one will care.
11) Threats of a work stoppage will get louder.
I think we're getting one. Question being: Does it happen at the end of the CBA, or with the anthem situation?
12) The Texans will control the AFC South.
No reason to see otherwise. What other real choice do you have?
13) The Patriots finally lose their foothold on the AFC East.
See #4. Especially if what I believe is behind the scenes on TB12 comes out, the run may finally be on the back legs.
14) Drew Brees retires after Tom Brady does.
TB12 could have a lot to say on that one. *cough* Brees will break the yardage record this year, and how many years have you heard of Drew Brees getting injured?
15) Kirk Cousins wins more games than Alex Smith.
It may not be Ryan Leaf levels ("KNOCK IT OFF!!"), but that Alex Smith #1 to San Francisco is going to be one of the greatest busts of all time!
16) Josh Rosen gets on the field more than the other Class of 2018 QBs.
Sam Bradford's injury gives him the nod -- but, since it's Arizona, no one will care. Once again.
17) Jim Harbaugh returns to the NFL as a head coach.
If the NFL will take him... This situation at Michigan isn't going to work out.
18) If current ownership keeps the Bengals, Marvin Lewis will stay.
If Vontaze Burfict and his bullshit hasn't come back on Marvin Lewis by now, I'm not sure what will or what CAN!
19) Josh McDaniels will get a rehab tour and another look at coaching in the NFL.
Well, look what Belichick did to the Jets, people!
20) The kickoff will disappear.
YES. This is a black-letter definite. And will punts survive???
21) The combine will move to LA.
Can't see why not, especially with the new stadium providing a nice backdrop for the event. (Las Vegas, however, does merit some look as an alternative.)
22) The Rams will be interesting.
Street and Smith's -- and I don't know if a wide-open season has them doing this regionally with a number of different targets -- has actually picked the Rams to win the Super Bowl this year. Let that process.
23) The marijuana policy will change, but not to stop testing for it.
The NFLPA would like to get the league off the backs of players using pot for recreational purposes, and there's a good argument for that. What both sides do want a look at is to see if someone is using pot to conceal an injury or addiction.
24) The Browns won't make the playoffs.
At some point, you'd be better off folding this damn abortion of a team and putting an expansion team in Cleveland. Leagues have gone under for better football than these Browns can offer.
25) The ties between the Jaguars and London will intensify.
Jacksonville and the NFL doesn't work. That team is going to have to go somewhere.
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