By: Jake Rajala

The undisputed biggest surprise quarterback performance in 2022 belongs to none other than Geno Smith. The Hawks QB1 leads the NFL in completion percentage (72.8%) — which stands as the third-best single-season completion % figure in NFL history (behind the 2018 Drew Brees and the 2019 Drew Brees). Smith is also fourth in the league in passer rating (67.7), behind Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, & Tua Tagovailoa. Most importantly, the once-NFL draft bust has led his squad to a potent 6-4 record & his squad sits first in the tight NFC West.

With that enunciated, the 12th man’s hero is bound to be a free agent in the 2023 off-season. Well, the question is: what are the best landing spots for Geno Smith? Well, I’m going to project the most favorable fit for his services.

• Seattle Seahawks

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Smith has taken a monster leap with the Hawks organization, to say the least. It would make sense for him to wish to stay in the same offense under Shane Waldron. It should also be stated that there won’t be many top-tier FA QBs available in the 2023 off-season, as Smith is arguably the second-best QB behind Lamar Jackson. Hence, the Hawks may wish to prioritize the gifted, familiar, 32-year-old QB. It would be devastating if the Hawks team which ranks 22nd in PPG allowed had to rely on a 2023 rookie or mediocre veteran QB to steer the ship forward.

• New Orleans Saints

Who Dat Nation is tiresome of their quarterback situation since their automatic 5,000+ yd passer Drew Brees retired. It appeared that Jameis Winston was the true QB heir to Brees until he suffered a torn ACL last season and then reverted back to his old ways on the field this season. The Red Rifle is blatantly not a quality starting QB in the year 2022. If Smith doesn’t seek to return to the Rainy City, he could be in awe of the idea of joining the 2022 OROY favorite Chris Olave, Five-time Pro Bowl RB Alvin Kamara, and hungry, utterly physical WR Michael Thomas.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 45-year-old Tom Brady isn’t immortal & it appears he will very likely hang up his cleats in the near future. The Bucs weren’t head over heels about former second-rounder Kyle Trask this prior off-season, so it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if they brought in a proven or young, gifted QB to compete with Trask. Similar to the Saints, Smith would find himself accompanied by shiny toys in Tampa (such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and possibly Julio Jones).

• Detroit Lions

I simply love the Lions youthful group of weapons, but they don’t have a major threat at QB. Jared Goff has been a pleasant, underrated signal-caller in 2022, but I don’t believe he’s the right face to duel the 8-1 Minnesota Vikings & proceed to win a Lombardi trophy. If DET garners a QB like Smith in the upcoming off-season, they could certainly sneak into the NFC playoff gauntlet next season and make a stronger climb above the Packers team that should witness A-Rod retire or leave soon.

• San Francisco 49ers

The offensive whiz Kyle Shanahan is the ultimate wild card to scoop up Smith in my opinion. Trey Lance is far from a reliable signal-caller & Jimmy Garoppolo, who is actually set to be a 2023 FA, doesn’t possess an extremely imposing ceiling. Plus, Shanny may like the idea of stealing Lance away from his divisional foe in Washington. Smith may be able to have more success with a 49ers team that can literally win with Jimmy G throwing 10 passes.

• New York Giants

Smith is the most surprising field general this season & the GMEN are the most startling team in 2022. Nonetheless, the Giants could have a problem in 2023 if they don’t re-sign Daniel Jones — who is a 2023 FA. Like Smith, Jones has been able to take care of the football (as Danny Dimes has unveiled a mere two interceptions). Yet, he’s thrown nine fewer TD passes than Smith this season. If the Giants want to swing big in an NFC East division that showcases the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles and 7-2 Dallas Cowboys and they aren’t able to lure in Lamar Jackson or even Tom Brady, they may wish to target Smith.

On a side note, the Giants indispensable RB Saquon Barkley is also a 2023 FA.

• Carolina Panthers

It could be said that each NFC South team may be aggressive to find a quality QB1 in the upcoming March and April. In particular, the Panthers have been the worst at recruiting an intimidating starting QB over the prior two years. It even appears they could move back to Sam Darnold — which should be seen as blasphemous. I’d absolutely expect the Panthers to not hold onto Darnold (2023 FA) and Mayfield (2023 FA) and draft a QB in the first round of the 2023 draft if they can’t ink an overly impressive QB figure.

• Las Vegas Raiders

The (2-7) Raiders may not feel Derek Carr’s contract is sexy enough to keep him in the building after this season eclipses. If the Raiders want to show Carr the exit door, I’d prefer they sign a veteran QB than insert a rookie QB with their all-around young roster. On offense, Smith could still be intrigued by the talent like Davante Adams (784 yds and 8 TDs) and Darren Waller to go blow for blow against his foes.

• Green Bay Packers

There must be a captain on the Flying Dutchman, also known as the rich Green Bay Packers franchise. If the Pack witness a retirement conference from their four-time MVP winning-QB, I’d prefer them to be more aggressive to find a replacement for him than they’ve been to acquire a talented wideout for his arm talent. Furthermore, it doesn’t seem like Jordan Love has a scary up-side — as it was widely reported that he was behind the 8-ball last season.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders may actually move on from Josh McDaniels Derek Carr in the 2023 off-season. Carr has tasted success with Raider nation, but he is the captain of a vastly underachieving 2-7 Raiders squad at this near mid-point in November. Of course, the Raiders may also feel that his contribution to the team isn’t worth his hefty contract. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine the best overall QB options for LV in 2023 — which may include their current expensive car.

• Geno Smith

Geno Smith, who may have switched bodies with Jameis Winston this year, may ultimately be the sexiest QB option for the Raiders in the 2023 off-season. Smith won’t be as shiny as 2023 FA QB Lamar Jackson, but he still offers impressive arm talent and some youth to any squad. The Hawks QB1 has unveiled an incredible 72.8%, 2,474 passing yards, 17 passing TDs, 4 INTs, & a 108 passer rating in 2022-2023.

• Derek Carr

I’m not head over heels about the idea of Mark Davis retaining McDaniels, but kicking Carr out the door. The Raiders are already mightily struggling with the modest arm talent from Carr. If the Raiders lose Carr, then have a 2023 QB situation similar to the 2022 Saints QB group (with a mediocre Andy Dalton and an inconsistent Jameis Winston), it could be disastrous for the Raiders.

Plus, Carr is 31 years old, which isn’t really old in QB years.

• CJ Stroud

I don’t love the idea of the Raiders trying to build a very young QB with McDaniels in the building, but it’s hard to deny the potential of CJ Stroud. The former Ohio State signal-caller has somehow managed to toss 34 TDs to four INTs this CFB season. Hopefully, Stroud doesn’t transition to the professional level in a way that most former OSU QBs did.

• Daniel Jones

It isn’t clear if Daniel Jones or Jimmy Garoppolo is carried more by their squad, but it’s obvious that Danny Dimes will be an attractive date next summer. Jones has merely thrown two interceptions and obtained a 92.7 passer rating thus far. Furthermore, Jones will turn 26 in the upcoming off-season, so he has a plethora of up-side.

• Baker Mayfield

The former first-overall pick, Baker Mayfield, shouldn’t be deemed dead in 2023. He certainly has lost his way, but he still has had impressive, long periods of success in the past. Mayfield’s arm strength could dazzle enough with Tae and Waller to override some of his weak abilities.

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By: Jake Rajala

Before Odell Beckham Jr brought swag & talent to the NFC East, Dez Bryant was throwing up the x and haunting opponents. Bryant merely notched 561 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, but he proved that he was born in the darkness by unveiling 1,382 yards and 12 TDs in his third season. Bryant made his first Pro Bowl in his fourth season (2013) by hauling 1,233 yds & 13 TDs. The Boys play-maker that was prioritized over Demarco Murray recorded a personal-best 16 TDs in 2014, earning him first-team All-Pro honors.

Bryant only garnered one PB nod between 2015, 2016, & 2017 (which came in 2016). Unfortunately, Bryant Achilles heel was that he unfortunately missed the entire 2018 season due to an Achilles injury. Despite him not taking a snap with Who Dat Nation in 2018, his teammates once “threw up the X” to honor his legacy in a contest. It was clear that Bryant was a shell of himself after the injury. He didn’t sign and compete in the 2019 season and then he only registered 47 yards and two touchdowns in 2020.

Ultimately, Bryant was a routinely significant weapon for one of the most beloved NFL franchises in the league in his playing days. With that enunciated, an intriguing question clouds over Bryant: Is Bryant a future Hall of Famer?

I believe the answer to the prior question is honestly a “no”. Like Desean Jackson, Bryant was an authentic, imposing WR in the NFC East around 2012, but he wasn’t constantly a top-end WR — as he only made one AP team. Furthermore, he wasn’t a quality, stud over a long span at a skill position (just as Frank Gore was). Similar to OBJ and Josh Gordan, he was certainly a polarizing wideout. Although, I would place his career success below Beckham Jr. & above Gordon, and I repeatedly conclude that the Super Bowl-less WR doesn’t deserve to be cast into Canton.

On a side note, I don’t foresee Bryant (or Adrian Peterson) being scooped up by another NFL team.

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By: Jake Rajala

It was clear that the Germans Dallas Cowboys fans weren’t singing for Dak Prescott in Titletown. In Week 10 – Prescott unveiled three passing touchdowns, but he also tossed two interceptions. Most, unfortunately, he lost to a Green Bay Packers team that was 3-6 yesterday morning. The ultra Cowboys fan Skip Bayless expressed his distaste for Prescott’s services with his following tweet:

It would be an understatement to say that Prescott is underperforming & I believe it’s worrisome that his trajectory took a nosedive in 2022 after throwing 37 touchdowns & 4,449 passing yards a season ago. In the year that Avatar 2 hits IMAX theaters, the Boys QB1 has merely thrown six touchdowns to four interceptions in six contests. It should also be stated that his QBR of 85.9 this season is a personal low and it’s even worse than the QBR of Matt Ryan, Justin Fields, and Andy Dalton. Yes, you read that correctly.

In the grand scheme of things, I believe that Prescott’s ceiling is significantly less sexy at this point. The mere two-time Pro Bowler will likely miss Tyron Smith (who has missed 30 games since the start of 2020) and Ezekiel Elliot in the next couple of seasons. It must be said that Prescott has struggled without Smith at this point — showing that LT Tyler Smith (Smith’s replacement) has given up four sacks, garnered seven penalties, and registered a lousy 63.4 grade by PFF. It’s transparent that Smith doesn’t possess the same abilities as Smith, who still had a monstrous 91.4 PFF grade in his 11 games in 2021. Furthermore, The Boys field general isn’t only struggling, but he is also unable to maximize the talent from the bowling ball in Zeke in the remaining days of his time in the building. Smith and Zeke aren’t exactly washed up, but their age & contract will make it quite difficult for Jerry Jones to retain their services.

I foresee Prescott keeping the keys to the Boys starting offense this season. Although, if the 29-year-old Cowboys QB struggles in the back end of this season, it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if Jerry Jones aims to trade away Dak in the 2023 off-season. Jerry may be tempted to create a young, formidable QB-RB-WR trio (while he already has a gem at WR in Ceedee Lamb).

It couldn’t feel more like nails on a chalkboard that Philly is 8-0 and led out by Jalen Hurts, who is unequivocally a Top-3 MVP candidate. The Boys need to find a way to re-discover NFC East prominence in the future & it will be paramount that they can retrieve their own top-end firepower from their QB spot — whether it means witnessing a bounce-back effort from Prescott or finding a new face at their beloved QB spot.

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By: Jake Rajala

The four-time MVP & potential Led Zeppelin stan, Aaron Rodgers, is battling the darkhorse Super Bowl contender in the Dallas Cowboys in Lambeau today. The frozen tundra will witness A-Rod attempting to revive his 3-6 squad & his less-than-productive season (14 passing touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and an 89 QBR). His 89 QBR is a career-low in a 16-game season. Yes, you read that correctly. Given Rodger’s struggles, Jason La Canfora questioned if the Pack should consider benching Rodgers in an article for the Washington Post.

It may seem like it can’t be a coincidence that Rodgers is struggling at the age of 38. Of course, the NFL is laying eyes on Matt Ryan (37 years old) and Tom Brady (45 years old) also looking less than scary in 2022. I do believe that TB12, who is the same age as John Cena, is partially slowing down due to his age.

With that said, I don’t really blame A-Rod for his 2022-2023 outcome. The Packers were hardly aggressive to acquire fresh talent for Rodgers this prior off-season. Strangely, the Packers tried and failed to make a last-ditch effort to help their field general at the trade deadline. It seems puzzling that they felt Rodgers could win a Super Bowl ring this season with a WR group that is less prominent than the Colts WR room.

It may be fun to poke at the eccentric, somewhat egocentric Packers QB1, but I think he deserves to still be regarded as a Top-5 QB of all time. I honestly believe his modern-day struggles are largely due to his lack of weaponry — which failed to shine without Davante Adams — who was third in targets last season and first in targets in 2020.

If Lamar can’t link up with Sean Payton next season, it may be in Rodgers’s best interest to hook up with the offensive, creative, genius (assuming Rodgers plays beyond 2022). It’s not disputed that Rodgers is given pedestrian ammunition in Alcatraz, also known as Green Bay. A-Rod failed to throw more than 30 touchdowns in 2018 and 2019, yet he managed to crank up the heat by winning MVP in 2020 & 2021. I still believe in Rodger’s arm ability, charisma, and awareness in the right situation — which doesn’t appear to be in Titletown.

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By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints don’t have a long, rich history of prolific quarterback play, but they’ve certainly been blessed with countless Prometheus-like pass rushers. It’s blasphemous to ignore the magic from Cameron Jordan, but let’s not forget the old-school, scary QB hunters, as well. With that said, I’m going to untwine the 10 best pass rushers in Saints history.

1. Pat Swilling

Pat Swilling defied expectations as a third-round draft pick, to say the least. The most elusive member of the Dome Patrol notched 10.5 sacks in his sophomore season and then he really turned on the heat in his fourth season by unveiling 16.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception and garnering second-team All-Pro honors. Swilling proved to the NFL world that he was special in 1991 by winning Defensive Rookie of The Year (as he obtained 17 sacks, six forced fumbles, and one interception). He also claimed first-team All-Pro honors in 1992.

2. Cameron Jordan

The modern-day John Wick-like pass-rusher for the Saints, Cameron Jordan, refuses to slow down at age 33. Jordan (112 career sacks) is closing in on Rickey Jackson’s Saints career sack record of 115 sacks. He’s certainly on track to make his sixth straight Pro Bowl, as well. Jordan’s motor and ability to stay on the field — he’s only missed two games in his career — place him one spot ahead of Rickey Jackson in my opinion.

3. Rickey Jackson

It’s undisputed that Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson is a Top-3 Saints pass rusher of all time. Jackson didn’t earn a first-team All-Pro nod in his career, but he did unleash five second-team All-Pro seasons. In addition, Jackson (who was also a member of the Dome Patrol) had 10 seasons of 8+ sacks. He also had a whopping 40 career-forced fumbles — which is a bit more than Jordan’s career FFs (13).

4. Will Smith

The sadly deceased Saints icon Will Smith enjoyed a fruitful Saints career. Smith was a crucial member of the Saints Super Bowl-winning team in the 2009-2010 season – as he released 13.5 sacks in the regular season. The “Will Smith that didn’t star in Independence Day” finished with a potent 67.5 career sacks, 85 total tackles for loss, and 112 QB hits.

5. La’Roi Glover

La’Roi Glover played the defensive tackle spot on another speed, to put it simply. Glover’s most spectacular season arrived in 2000 when he mustered out 17 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles — which earned him first-team AP honors & second in Defensive Player of The Year voting. Glover also garnered second-team AP honors w/ Who Dat Nation in 1998. He didn’t have an overly long journey with the Saints, however (as he played five seasons in the Black and Gold).

6. Wayne Martin

Wayne Martin was the “Marques Colston of defensive players”, to say the least. Martin had five seasons of 10+ sacks, yet he only made one Pro Bowl nod in his career. Martin finished his terrific Saints life with 82.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, yet he was let down by his support cast. It should also be stated that Martin wreaked havoc from the DE and DT spot (hello Aaron Donald).

7. Junior Galette

Junior Galette is trying to grow as a human being and he did encourage me and my high school teammates on snapchat. Furthermore, he was an elite pass rusher in his Saints tenure. Galette rose from a scrappy undrafted edge rusher to a Pro Bowl snub — as he registered 12 sacks in 2013 & 10 sacks in 2014. The former Saints OLB wasn’t able to pull himself together after Sean Payton paid to cut him, however.

8. Renaldo Turnbull

Renaldo Turnbull was ultimately a draft bust, but he did turn into the Incredible Hulk in 1993 by garnering first-team All-Pro honors (besides notching a modest nine sacks in his rookie season). Renaldo finished with 45.5 sacks — which weren’t exactly Saints ring of honor material.

9. Charles Grant

Similar to Junior Galette, Charles Grant was able to knock out numerous double-digit sack seasons (10 sacks in 2003 & 10.5 sacks in 2004). Unfortunately, Grant wasn’t a beacon of excellence in his other seasons & he only finished w/ 47 sacks in his Saints journey.

10. Marcus Davenport

PFF may just be Marcus Davenport’s best friend, despite his inability to stay on the field. Davenport garnered an 88 grade by PFF a season ago and an 84.1 grade by PFF in 2019. Davenport has consistently been pegged as one of the most effective DEs. Although, Davenport is also made of glass — as he missed five games in 2020 and six contests last season. Ironically, Davenport hasn’t missed a game this season, and he is sadly having a down season (.5 sack on the season).

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By: Jake Rajala

There have been a plethora of savage-like hitters in NFL history. It’s easy to reminisce about the dark hits from Kam Chancellor on his prey, but let’s not forget about the rampage from the likes of old-school faces: Dick Butkus & Jack Tatum (also known as the Assassin). The biggest NFL hitters in NFL history have scared opposing play-makers, created turnovers, and amped up the crowd. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine the 10 biggest hitters in NFL history.

10. Sean Taylor

The once greek god-like safety for the Washington Commanders, Sean Taylor, is widely recognized as one of the most ferocious hitters of the 21st century. The extremely intense and slightly crazy persona in Gregg Williams once had a statute of Taylor in his office (which speaks to how imposing Taylor was). The coolest highlight of Taylor may rest in his hit against punter Brian Moorman in the Pro Bowl.

9. Vontaze Burfict

The former LB for Cincy, Vontaz Burfict, may have crossed the line in his playing days, but that shouldn’t erase the most physical, clean-ish moments in his career. Burfict was an old-school LB & which was reflected in many of his hits against WRs crossing the field & even QBs. He was slightly more lethal and legitimate than the modest, thumper LB Kiko Alonso, who played in similar times.

8. Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins aka Weapon X was simply one of the most ruthless, reliable safeties in NFL history. Dawkins managed to yield his will on an infinite amount of occasions, but he wasn’t able to win a Super Bowl ring. Yet, he did manage to garner a gold jacket in 2018. It’s clear that Chauncy Gardner-Johnson is striving to be the next special Eagles safety.

7. Kam Chancellor

“The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long” – Blade Runner

Kam Chancellor didn’t play for an overly long time in the league, but he was quite rememberable for his eight-year journey. Chancellor could be remembered for sending Vernon Davis to Davey Jones’s locker or laying the boom against the prominent and unfortunate deceased wideout Demaryius Thomas in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Honorable mention:

• Brandon Browner

Brandon Browner was unequivocally the enforcer on the infamous “Legion of Boom” defense. Browner once demolished Wes Welker and Ladarius Green. Very Sadly, Browner is in jail for attempted murder. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed his self-reflection in an interview & I believe he will find a way to be an influential, positive figure when he is released in a few more years.

Browner was also a menace on special teams — which can’t be said by many prolific defenders (besides none other than Sean Taylor).

6. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor was actually insane and it was beautiful. Buddy Ryan once tried to crack block LT and it, unfortunately, worked to perfection. After Ryan really made LT upset, the former Giants defender absolutely crushed the Giants QB on numerous occasions. Bill Belichick and the rest of the NFL world know that Taylor was the most prolific defensive profile in NFL history.

5. Dick Lane

Dick “Night” Train Lane played the CB spot, but that didn’t prevent him from annihilating opposing players. He held the record for the most interceptions in a single season while being a Juggernaut hitter. Lane was annually able to clothesline players without getting penalized. In addition, he wasn’t scared to heavily pop players in the face.

4. James Harrison

James Harrison may honestly be squatting 500 pounds in the nursery home in the distant future. It seems like Harrison refuses to slow down. Harrison’s attitude was unmatched by the Dick Labeau-orchestrated Steelers defense. The former sinful Steelers LB was constantly a mega thumper and of course: Kurt Warner’s worst nightmare.

3. Dick Butkus

It’s hard to ignore the magic from Dick Butkus, who was one of the fieriest LBs in the 1960s and 1970s. He was shifty and fully capable of steamrolling opposing play-makers. It could be said that modern Saints LB Demario Davis plays with a similar style as Butkus. If you don’t believe that Butkus was unique in a terrifying manner, please watch the video below.

2. Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis was an unbelievably tenacious LB & he was a monster reason why his squad won two Super Bowl rings. Lewis made notable hits against Kellen Winslow and Dustin Keller in his career. Lewis also played for a whopping 17 seasons, so it’s impossible to forget his entirety of daunting hits.

1. Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum definitely deserved his nickname, “The Assassin”. Tatum was a true John Wick-like character for the Las Vegas Raiders. His best work came when he delivered the biggest hit in NFL history on Sammy White. NFL Films dubbed him as the sixth hardest hitter in NFL history, but I believe his top-end artwork should place him at the top of the food chain.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Indianapolis Colts axed Frank Reich & it’s safe to say that Matt Ryan doesn’t appear to be the answer at signal-caller, as well. Matty Ice has thrown nine interceptions with nine passing touchdowns to back it up. CBS Sports rightfully dubbed Ryan as the biggest individual dead money cap charge at this point. As the Colts dream of acquiring a new starting QB1, I’m going to untwine five QB targets for the Colts in 2023.

• Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson and potentially Sean Payton would be superb fits for Indy. Jackson and Jonathan Taylor would bring headaches to opposing run defenses for ages. Furthermore, Jackson would be able to play opposite a stingy Colts defense (featuring the likes of Darius Leonard, Deforest Buckner, and Stephon Gilmore).

Jackson has the eight-best QB rating this season (one spot behind Josh Allen) & he’s first in rushing yards at the QB spot.

• Daniel Jones

Despite being at the helm of a 6-2 squad, Daniel Jones isn’t unveiling ungodly, Drew-Brees-like stats (six passing touchdowns to two interceptions). However, he’s still been efficient this season w/ an 88-passer rating. He’s also 25 years old and he will bring potential to any team.

• Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy G (and his chin-line) can still have a fruitful NFL career without Kyle Shanahan in 2023 and beyond. Jimmy G has impressive arm talent combined with a tough injury history. Although, The Colts OL may be able to help Jimmy G stay fresh and crisp for a long time.

• Gardner Minshew

Gardner Minshew may just be the best QB2 in the NFL & he will finally be out of the Eagles clutches in 2023. Minshew Mania had a magical rookie season and he even squeezed out a career-best 104.8 passer rating in 2021.

• Teddy Bridgewater

If the Colts don’t want to break the bank for a FA QB, they could rest on inking the underrated, modest QB in Teddy Bridgewater. Teddy B had a .500 record with the Denver Broncos in 2021 — which can’t be said by Russell Wilson. Bridgewater is also gaining invaluable experience under the offensive wiz Mike McDaniel this season.

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By: Jake Rajala

The New Orleans Saints didn’t exactly impose their dominance at home against the Lamar Jackson-led Baltimore Ravens. After Jackson steamrolled the Saints defense (who was red-hot coming off their shutout against Las Vegas), the Raiders stand at 6-3 (first in the AFC North) and the Saints sit at 3-6 (which is surprisingly one game behind first place in the NFC South). With that said, I’m going to untwine five takeaways from the Saints-Ravens MNF match-up.

• Red Rifle was MIA

The Red Rifle was not an authentic, superb QB in Week 9. Dalton missed a wide-open WR for a touchdown at the end of the first half. He also threw an interception to DE Justin Houston in the second half. It was clear that Dalton was nervous and unable to excel in his biggest game of the season.

• The Ravens pass rush

Dalton doesn’t deserve all of the blame for his MNF blunder. His pass protection was far from potent against Baltimore, to say the least. The Ravens notched four sacks against Dalton, while Justin Houston collected 2.5 of the sacks. It could be said that Houston turned back the clock in this crucial match-up.

• Taysom Hill

It would be an understatement to say that Who Dat Nation was unpleased with the usage of Taysom Hill in this game. Hill had a whopping one carry in the game. Hill was the key reason why NO edged out the Seahawks, but it seems that Pete Carmichael forget how to include the John Wick-like figure in his offensive attack on Monday Night.

• Demario Davis

Demario Davis may have not been a part of the solution on his defense in the second half, but he was at another level in the first half against Lamar. He registered a sack and he was nicely seen blowing up RBs in the backfield. PFF slotted Davis as the best LB entering Week 9 & it’s safe to say that he’s on a path to garnering at least second-team All-Pro honors.

• Kenyan Drake

The former Arizona Cardinals ball carrier Kenyan Drake really made the Saints defense ache. Drake scooped two rushing touchdowns and 93 rushing yards. It was once believed that the Saints had a brick-wall run defense, but it was safe to say that NO struggled to stifle Drake. Although, it should be mentioned that Jackson (82 rushing yards on 11 carries) hogged some attention to help Drake.

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By: Jake Rajala

The once prominent Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb hung up his cleats in the 2013 off-season. McNabb really had an impressive stretch between 2000 & 2004 — as he recorded four seasons of 11+ wins in that span. Furthermore, the former Syracuse signal-caller made the Pro Bowl in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. It’s impossible to forget that McNabb reached the big dance in the 2004-2005 season (although, he lost to Tom Brady in the showdown).

McNabb made another PB with Philly in 2009 and then proceeded to play w/ Washington in 2010 & Minnesota in 2011. Ultimately, McNabb was once recognized as a game-wrecker, an MVP candidate (as he took second place in MVP voting in 2000), and he even reached the Super Bowl stage — which Tony Romo can’t say. With that said, an intriguing question clouds over McNabb: Is he a future Hall of Famer?

Contrary to fans that bleed green, white, and black, and the Invincible film, I don’t believe McNabb is bound to garner a gold jacket. Despite steamrolling his foes with Big Red (aka Andy Reid) in the early 2000s, he struggled to stay healthy after 2004 (and he actually only played in one 16-game season after 2004).

Due to his somewhat cliff jump in the back end of his career, he didn’t finish with the sexiest career statistics: 37,276 passing yards, 234 passing touchdowns (which is behind Andy Dalton). He deserves props for reaching the grand stage, but he still wasn’t able to muster out a Lombardi trophy — which could somewhat override a lack of his overall production. McNabb deserves to be seen as one of the best Eagles QBs in NFL history, but he doesn’t deserve to be cast into Canton.

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