Super Bowl XLIX brought an exciting finish to the 2014 NFL season, but that was only the beginning of what was an event-filled offseason leading into 2015. The NFL Draft was held in Chicago, marking the first time it was not in New York since 1965. The biggest story of the offseason was Deflategate, a dragged-out court case involving NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league’s most celebrated player Tom Brady.
No matter what happened in the months leading up to the NFL season, football is back. Here are a few bold predictions as we make our way towards Super Bowl L.
All we need to do is look at the 2007 season following the New England Patriots’ Spygate scandal to see how Brady responds to adversity. Of course, he had Randy Moss during that record-breaking season, but let’s not forget that the Pats still have a guy named Gronk. Fans across the NFL thought New England’s historic run off success was over last season because of the lack of weapons on offense, and then Belichick won another Super Bowl. Now they have lost weapons on defense including Vince Wilfork, Brandon Browner and Darelle Revis. For that reason, Brady needs to step his game up. Players voted Brady the third-best player in the top 100 NFL players of 2015 behind defending MVP Aaron Rodgers and Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
2. Khalil Mack tops J.J. Watt as Defensive Player of the Year
Mack was drafted fifth overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. The University of Buffalo product may have been overlooked by the first four teams, because he has been the best player from that draft thus far. Sure, Odell Beckham Jr. has received the hype, but Mack has shown the production. He recorded 76 tackles, four sacks and an interception in 2014 and has all the skills necessary to take his game to the next level. The Raiders are still rebuilding, but with last year’s additions of Mack and quarterback Derek Carr, they are on their way to becoming relevant again. As Oakland competes in more games, Mack’s numbers will continue to improve.
3. Alex Smith leads Kansas City to the AFC West title
The AFC West has been dominated by the Denver Broncos since Peyton Manning came to the Mile High city, but as Manning continues to age, there could be a changing of the tide this season. Alex Smith was run out of San Francisco after being drafted first overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. Andy Reid took over as head coach in KC and elected to line Smith up under center. The Chiefs did not have any touchdown receptions from a wide receiver in 2014, but former Eagle Jeremy Maclin rejoins Reid in Kansas City this season. Maclin is coming off of a career year in 2014 where he set personal bests in receptions, yardage and touchdowns. Jamaal Charles may be the Chiefs’ best player, but it is Smith’s improvement that will lead KC to the division title.
4. Johnny Manziel finishes season as Browns’ starting QB
The Browns have had 21 different starting quarterbacks since returning to Cleveland in 1999. Now they will have another one in Josh McCown to start 2015. Johnny Manziel was drafted 22nd overall in 2014 and has had his fair share of off-the-field troubles, which has contributed to his inability to capture the starting role. After another offseason filled with drama, Manziel looked to be having a solid preseason before suffering a shoulder injury. McCown had a solid preseason as well, but he is the ultimate “you know what you got” player. If Manziel can continue to improve his act and come back strong from injury, he should have a solid chance to surpass McCown at some point during this season.
5. Eric Berry will rebound to win Comeback Player of the Year
We predicted that Kansas City would win the AFC West because of the improvement of their offense. The Chiefs’ defense made a big splash this offseason as well. Justin Houston signed a 6-year, $101 million deal with $52.5 million guaranteed to become the highest paid linebacker in NFL history. It is crazy to think a historic deal like that was not the biggest story coming out of the Chiefs’ camp. Safety Eric Berry was cleared for contact and has rejoined the team after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma just nine months ago. Berry was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL before being sidelined with cancer, and we can only imagine that a warrior like that will regain his Pro Bowl status.
