By: Jake Rajala

The New York Jets (un)shockingly decided to part ways with Adam Gase after the 2020-2021 NFL season. Gase sputtered out of his first his head coaching gig after going 9-23 in his first two seasons in the Big Apple. It was clear that Gase wasn’t able to ignite a spark in Sam Darnold or lead his squad to success. With that enunciated, there is a polarizing question looming over the former Jets ring-leader that garnered less-than-favorable memes: could he be a head coach again?

It may seem like Gase is wildly unpopular & a stain in the history of head coaches. Although, let’s not forget that Las Vegas Raiders HC Josh McDaniels and New Orleans Saints HC Dennis Allen both struggled mightily in their first stints as leaders of teams. Yet, McDaniels and DA managed to bounce back after getting axed from their HC spots in the AFC West and garner the keys to new HC chairs in the professional football league. It should also be mentioned that Gase was gifted a dreadful QB situation in his NY tenure, so a new GM could be somewhat forgiving for his overall lack of prominence in Gotham.

The former legendary Denver Broncos offensive coordinator is still 44 years old, which isn’t overly old in HC years. The Saints HC (DA) is 51 years old and Doug Pederson (who received his second HC gig in 2022) is 54 years old. There is still a plethora of time for Gase to find unearthly success as an offensive coordinator for the second time in his football life. If he can sustain a consistent rampage as an OC, he could perhaps have an HC offer from a squad that has a more comfortable QB situation than his last QB marriage.

I’m not that drunk on Colin Cowherd’s past hype surrounding Peyton Manning’s former mentor, but I believe there is hope for Gase (and his obsession with smelling salts).

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By: Andy Davies

The NFL season begins in less than 7 days. After another offseason that seems to last forever, fans eagerly await the start of the season with the hope of their team holding the Lombardi Trophy in February no matter how high or low their odds are.

Every offseason, fans and then media like to make their season predictions, stating who they feel can win the division and who will end up with a high pick in the following draft.

Here is a preview of the AFC East in what is the first of eight-division previews.

Buffalo Bills (2020 Record: 13-3 – Lost In AFC Championship Game)

The Bills are back where they once were.

Their glory days of the ’90s where they lost in four successful Super Bowls seemed long gone in the 2000s and early 2010s where they had disappointing season after disappointing season. Head coach Sean McDermott has reinstalled hope into the franchise ever since his appointment in 2017. His debut season with Buffalo saw them reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1999 season. The Bills then drafted quarterback Josh Allen in 2018 and the Wyoming QB has seen a gradual improvement as each season has gone on.

His 2020 season is his career-best so far, with 4,544 passing yards as well as 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also contributed on the ground, with 8 rushing touchdowns and 421 rushing yards. Part of Allen’s improvement is down to two individuals. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Daboll’s style of coaching and system saw them used plenty of 11 personnel, which used just one running back and one tight end. This allowed there to be three wide receivers, giving Allen plenty of options to throw to. The status of Cole Beasley in 2021 is uncertain due to his stance on the COVID-19 vaccine but Diggs’ upcoming campaign is far from uncertain. He established himself as one of the best receivers in the league in 2020, with 1,535 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. His trade from the Minnesota Vikings has given Allen the true number one wideout he was always lacking, Even without Beasley, Allen has Gabriel Davis and Free Agency signing Emmanuel Sanders to throw to. He has made great strides in each of his seasons as a pro. Can he make the next step and represent the Bills in the Super Bowl?

This is a brilliant franchise. The supporters breathe and die Bills. They have been loyal despite being one of the more long-suffering fan bases in the NFL. Allen, McDermott, and the rest of the players would love nothing more than to bring a Super Bowl home. The Bills were 60 minutes away from reaching the big game, only to get beat 38-24 by the Kansas City Chiefs. Allen didn’t have a bad day, throwing for 287 yards and two touchdowns. They were simply outclassed by a better team.

The Bills, along with the Chiefs, have strengthened this offseason. The Bills added Emmanuel Sanders in Free Agency along with Mitch Trubisky, who will be a serviceable backup to Allen. They added to areas of need in their roster during the draft, taking two defensive ends with their first two picks. Miami’s Gregory Rousseau and Wake Forest’s Carlos Basham were selected in the first two rounds. Their next two picks were their other area of need, the offensive line. Tackles Spencer Brown and Tommy Doyle were selected in the third and fifth rounds respectively. Their defense was second in points allowed in 2019 and only three teams allowed fewer passing yards. However, in 2020, they were 16th in points allowed and 13th in passing yards allowed. This is a defensive front that took their foot off the pedal last season. Should the defense see improvement in 2021, then this can ease the pressure off Allen, Diggs, and Buffalo’s offensive weapons. Their division rivals may have improved this offseason, but the Bills are still by far the favorites.

Prediction: 1st in AFC East

Miami Dolphins (2020 Record: 10-6 – Missed out on playoffs)

It has been an interesting offseason for the Miami Dolphins. The offseason has both began and ended with talk of a trade for Deshaun Watson. However, the concern from Dolphins fans when rumors circulated during Super Bowl week was the team giving up too much for the Houston Texans QB despite drafting Tua Tagovailoa fifth overall just a year before.

Legal troubles came into play involving Watson in March, leaving to disapproval from fans over trade talks last week over whether the team should touch someone with over 20 civil lawsuits hanging over their head. Tua Tagovailoa has since received public backing from head coach Brian Flores, who he has said is their QB.

The Dolphins were also involved in two trades that significantly altered their draft position. The third overall pick was originally theirs thanks to the trade of Laremy Tunsil combined with the poor 2020 Houston Texans campaign. A trade with the San Francisco 49ers saw the Dolphins move from 3rd to 12th on the draft board before a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on the same day saw Miami move to sixth. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was taken with this pick to not only reunite Tua with his college receiver but also to give him help, specifically a deep threat. The free agency signing Will Fuller and the returning Albert Wilson, who opted out in 2020 due to COVID-19, also offer depth in the wide receiver and further help to the Hawaii native.

Miami was one of the best defensive teams in 2020 and has improved this side of the ball. Jaelan Phillips was taken in the first round by the Dolphins to give them an option off the edge as well as in the middle. His versatility means he can play both defensive end and linebacker. Second-round selection Jevon Holland has impressed this off-season and the safety comes in to replace Bobby McCain who departed this summer. Holland adds to an impressive secondary that is relieved to keep hold of their best asset. Cornerback Xavien Howard requested a trade before the front office worked out a restructured deal for the defensive back, who recorded the most interceptions in the entire NFL last season (10).

The Dolphins agonizingly missed out on the playoffs last season as the eighth seed, despite a double-digit win season. This shows the strength of the AFC, especially considering the Chicago Bears made the playoffs in the NFC with 8 wins. Miami’s schedule is tough in 2021, with home games against the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens as well as games on the road against the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are also twice facing a quarterback in Josh Allen that has a 5-1 record against them along with twice playing an improved New York Jets and the old foe in the New England Patriots. Miami is a well-organized team thanks to the leadership of Flores and this coaching alone can win this team a win or two. This feels like Miami’s time to end a five-year absence from the playoffs. The aforementioned strong teams in the conference mean they could well be in line to once again fall short.

Prediction: 2nd in AFC East

New England Patriots (2020 Record: 7-9- Missed out on playoffs)

The first campaign post-Tom Brady didn’t quite go to plan, with New England having their worst record since the 2000 season. They missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2008. Cam Newton was the quarterback brought in to replace the GOAT and he started well, with four rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns and two interceptions. He missed the Patriots’ fourth game against the Chiefs due to coronavirus and never looked the same after he returned. He has since been cut, with the 15th overall pick Mac Jones set to be the starter when New England and Miami take to the field in week one.

Jones looked impressive in the preseason. He appeared comfortable in the pocket and made some solid throws. Just like any rookie, he will need time to adapt to the NFL. He will be helped by a solid defense, that has many players back after not featuring in 2020.

Kyle Van Noy returns after a year away with the Dolphins. All eight opt-outs from 2020 returned for 2021 before safety Patrick Chung announced his retirement. Linebacker Donta Hightower is the biggest headline returner and will improve this roster, along with the Patriots’ offseason additions as head coach Bill Belichick uncharacteristically spent big in Free Agency. As well as resigning defensive tackle Lawrence Guy and center David Andrews, the Patriots signed wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Matthew Judon, tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, center Ted Karras and cornerback Jalen Mills to name a few. With Judon, Van Noy, Hightower, Ja’whaun Bentley, Chase Winovich, and Josh Uche, the linebacker room in New England is filled with depth.

New England and Miami have very similar situations. Both have excellent defenses, are extremely well-coached with quarterbacks facing questions. They will both be very close in terms of records and may even have the same record. The extra year of NFL experience for Tua will help the Dolphins narrowly beat out the Patriots for the second-place finish in the division.

Prediction: 3rd in AFC East

New York Jets (2020 Record: 2-14- Second-worst record in 2020)

Another era begins in the Jets organization. Head coach Adam Gase was fired after a disappointing two seasons. He has been replaced with Robert Saleh, who impressed during his time as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterback Sam Darnold, who the Jets traded up to draft third overall pick in 2018, has been traded to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. His replacement? This comes in the form of second overall pick Zach Wilson, who spent his time in college with BYU.

Neil Reynolds of Sky Sports in the UK spoke of how Wilson would drive eleven hours every weekend from BYU to California to work out with John Beck. This shows a tremendous work ethic, one that will stand him in good stead in the NFL.

Wilson has impressed in spells during the preseason and was rewarded in the draft with a guard to protect him, with Alijah Vera-Tucker going fourteenth overall. There tends to be more positive noise coming out of the franchise, with GM Joe Douglas seemingly learning from past mistakes. Wilson will be well protected, with tackle Mekhi Becton having an impressive rookie season in 2020.

Work in progress should be the tag on Wilson’s jersey in 2021. Despite a young and exciting receiver room to work with, the defense is not going to win the Jets games. Saleh also needs time to adapt as a head coach. The Jets should be expecting to have another challenging season, with the strength of their division rivals likely to see them finish fourth in the division. However, if the new QB shows his potential along with the offensive line, then this is an achievement for the organization and one which fans can get behind going into 2022 and 2023.

Prediction: 4th in AFC East.

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by Michael Obermuller

Just one season into a three-year deal with Teddy Bridgewater, the Carolina Panthers have traded three draft picks (including a 2022 second rounder) for Sam Darnold. This time, Matt Rhule and Joe Brady finally got their quarterback of the future ”” or did they?

From multiple reports, the Panthers may not be totally “out” on drafting a QB just yet. General manager Scott Fitterer knows just how crucial it is to get this position right, and he’ll bring in as many players as it takes to do it. Darnold is the presumed starter based on potential as of now, but statistically, he was far less efficient than Bridgewater in 2020.

Of course, Darnold was in Adam Gase’s system last season, a system that many blame for his failures, but maybe neither signal-caller deserves the job outright after a combined record of 6-21 a few months ago.

That’s Carolina’s mindset, but should they sacrifice even more draft capital and cap space on the position when they’ve already used so much? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Panthers drafting another QB in 2021.

Cases FOR Drafting a QB

• The Player they Want Most is Available at No. 8 Overall
  • The word around the NFL is that Carolina wants Justin Fields, and their scouting would certainly back that up. Based on Albert Breer’s tweet above, the Panthers have shown heavy attendance at both of Fields’ two Pro Day events.
  • This would also make sense in concurrence with the Darnold trade. Supposedly, the Panthers previously tried to move up to either second or third overall, but the New York Jets decided not to budge from two, and the San Francisco 49ers beat them to the punch at three.
  • Reports have the Panthers less high on Mac Jones and Trey Lance, so the Darnold deal may have been insurance in the event that Fields is gone at eight. If a QB you LOVE is still on the board, you draft him, that’s Football 101 (especially if there’s no QB prospect you like in 2022).
• Potential Ceiling
  • Every team evaluates players differently. For example, the New York Jets new braintrust clearly evaluated Darnold differently than the Carolina Panthers, being that they believe a rookie has a higher ceiling than the former third overall pick in 2018.
  • Having said that, Carolina would not have traded for Darnold unless they thought he had more potential than Bridgewater. They should only consider drafting a QB if they truly believe he has a higher potential than both Sam and Teddy.
  • The stats above could support this theory alone, but it’ll also have to do with age, dual-threat ability, scheme fit, mentality and different raw skills like arm strength. A prospect like Fields would beat out the two veterans in almost every measurable category.
• Can Never Have Enough QBs
  • This is the “multiple darts” argument, but it’s unlikely that Carolina would ever enter the 2021 season with three quarterbacks.
  • They could draft a QB at eight, then trade Bridgewater to a team like the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, or New England Patriots.

Case AGAINST Drafting a QB

• Top QBs Are Gone Early
  • I know, duh, but I’m including this to point out that Carolina CANNOT and SHOULD NOT trade up for a quarterback. They already gave up three picks to get Darnold, and this rebuilding franchise still needs help elsewhere if they plan on succeeding long-term.
  • Most draft analysts have all five of the main QB prospects being drafted in the top 10, and some have them going one through five (or at least top seven). This may be out of the Panthers hands.
• Darnold’s Upside
  • Although Bridgewater could theoretically outplay Darnold, I don’t think there’s an argument to keep Teddy over a rookie past 2022, so let’s focus on Sam here.
  • The latest NYJ disappointment is just 24 years old in June, and he’s had an odd start to his career. Whether due to injury or his baffling bout with mono, Darnold has yet to play a full season. This could be looked at as a con for the USC product, or it could mean that the best is yet to come.
• Change of Scenery Could “Unlock” Darnold
  • The Jets also didn’t do Darnold any favors, hiring Gase to mentor him after one failed campaign with Todd Bowles and Jeremy Bates. Panthers OC Joe Brady is considered to be one of the brightest young minds in the game, which could act as a catalyst for Sam.
  • A skill-position core of Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson and David Moore also trumps anything the Jets ever armed Darnold with.
  • Even offensive line play was better in Carolina last season. Darnold had a pressure percentage of 27.3 compared to Bridgewater’s 19.8. Sam was also hit the same amount of times (38) as Teddy in three less starts, and was actually hurried once more than him despite the difference in games.
• Available Cap Space & Draft Capital vs. Roster Needs
  • As I just pointed out, the Jets never put a quality roster around Darnold, so would it be wise for Carolina to do the same, even if they start a rookie QB?
  • Bridgewater currently has a cap hit of $22.9 million-plus this year ($20 million dead cap hit), and Darnold has a hit of $4.77 million. They have ALREADY picked up Sam’s fifth year option for 2022, which is another $18.85 million, and assuming they cannot deal Teddy, they’ll incure a $5 million dead cap hit when they release him next offseason. An eighth overall pick would add about $3.75 million this year and $4.7 million in 2022.
  • After the Darnold trade, the Panthers have seven draft picks in 2021, and five picks in 2022.
  • Carolina’s defense ranked 18th in points allowed last season. Their offensive line also ranked 18th according to Pro Football Focus. They even lost playmakers like Curtis Samuel and Mike Davis this offseason. They cannot afford to spend $31 million-plus and four total draft picks (including a first and second) on three QBs in 2021 when this roster is far from perfect.

The Verdict

I think it’s pretty obvious that the Panthers should give Darnold the opportunity in 2021. For better or for worse, they made their bed when they pounced on the Jets trade proposal. The only way they draft a QB is if they find a second trade partner for Bridgewater, which is possible, but I doubt they get much back in this scenario (besides cap relief). With the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers set up to be the powerhouse of the division for at least one more season, it’s probably smarter to add another layer of foundation around the quarterback position this draft. Then, after seeing what you have in Darnold, you can re-evaluate the situation in 2022.

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