Primetime Preview: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

Primetime Preview: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

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by | Sep 6, 2019 | Featured, NFL, uncategorised

THE NFL IS BACK!

In honor of the league celebrating 100 seasons, the first game will feature the rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers to open the season.

The game takes place at 8:20 PM EST at Soldier Field and will air on NBC.

To get you ready for what is to come here’s a preview of who to watch and what to watch for in tonight’s season opener.

Chicago made a huge turnaround a season ago and are looking to follow up one good season with a second.

Green Bay is starting fresh as Matt LaFleur replaces Mike McCarthy on the sidelines giving Aaron Rodgers a new offense to run.

The division foes will be meeting for the 199th time. The Packers hold a 97-95-6 edge over the previous 198 games played.

Headlining this most recent face off is Khalil Mack for the Bears and Rodgers for the Packers. Both are among the best players at their positions and are equally capable of winning the game on their own. Yet, for all of their talents the team that wins tonight’s game will be the one that gets the most out of their entire roster.

For Chicago, they are in the second year under Andy Reid protégée, Matt Nagy. Last year his offense was a big part of why the Bears jumped all the way up to third place in the NFC in 2018.

Getting Mitchell Trubisky out of the pocket and throwing on the move and scrambling down field made him an even tougher player to prepare for. Now with a full season under his belt, he should be even more comfortable which could lead to more explosive plays.

Speaking of big gains, Tarik Cohen is now join in the backfield by rookie running back David Montgomery. Those two will surely be the source of several 20-plus yard plays over the course of the season.

With Green Bay losing Clay Matthews in free agency and Oren Burks to a pectoral injury they are now forced to start seventh-round rookie draft pick Ty Summers. The TCU grad was highly impressive in the preseason but Week 1 presents a completely different set of circumstances.

This will also be LaFleur’s first test as a head coach. Granted he has arguably the most talented quarterback the NFL has ever seen as a security blanket. It’ll be interesting to see just how different the offense actually looks with a real game here.

Coming from the Sean McVay coaching tree means there will be more emphasis on the run than we have seen at any other time Rodgers has called the shots. Aaron Jones was great in short usage last season, can he answer the call as more of a core piece to the Packers offense?

Also, will another receiver besides Davante Adams step up as there will be more sets with multiple wideouts on the field together in this new system. Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are the logical choices to fill that void.

The newness of Green Bay’s offense will be put to the test by Mack and the rest of the Bears strong defense. While they lost Vic Fangio to Denver, they replace him with another respected defensive mind in Chuck Pagano.

If Chicago can bring the same intensity to defense as they had last year they’ll be a tough opponent for the new-look Packers, especially on the road.

Sep 6, 2019 No Comments
The Air Jordan 1 ‘Zoom’ Brings Some Shine To Your Life

The Air Jordan 1 ‘Zoom’ Brings Some Shine To Your Life

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by | Sep 6, 2019 | Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

The Air Jordan 1 is ever-evolving. The legendary sneaker has been a staple in any sneakerhead’s inventory thanks to its staying power and many renditions.

Once again, the Air Jordan 1 sees an upgrade and it’s what immediately draws your eye. The Air Jordan 1 ‘Zoom’ features Zoom cushioning in the sole for comfort never before seen in the AJ1. What most might see is the eye-popping iridescent colorway that covers the entirety of the shoe. What normally would appear to be a normal “Triple Black” colorway springs to life in the light to reveal a burst of reflective color. The normal Jordan branding on the tongue has been changed to say Zoom Air and there’s a tab on the lateral side upper that reflects the Zoom branding as well. The series of numbers on the heel further cements the futuristic vibe of the shoes.

These are set to bring some shine into your life this December.

Sep 6, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter 2019 NFC Preview

SneakerReporter 2019 NFC Preview

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by | Sep 5, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Today is the start of a brand new day for 32 NFL football teams. A new season is officially here and that means everyone is 0-0 to begin the year. 

Facing the unknown of potential outcomes from Week 1 to Week 17 means that each team has a shot at taking home Super Bowl LIV in Miami, however, we all know that some teams face a further uphill climb than others in their chase to secure that. 

Heading into opening night we have put together a preview for the whole NFC. Below you’ll find a division-by-division breakdown of all 16 teams that make up the conference. There’s a short blurb painting the picture of who that team is and what expectations they face this year. Finally, each one has a projected 2019 record. Without further ado, let’s jump into the predictions

 

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

We all followed along as Jerry Jones and Ezekiel Elliott were caught in a standoff as the running back sought to be paid at a level equal to his status among his peers at his position. Well, we got the answer on Wednesday, Elliott will play and be paid well for it. This is easily one of the strongest teams in Cowboys history and with the money they’ve given out and will give out in the near future it is Super Bowl or bust for this group.

RECORD PREDICTION: 11-5

 

New York Giants

The New York Giants punted on Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason and now will put the weight of their successes and failures on the legs of Saquon Barkley. They drafted Eli Manning’s potential successor in Daniel Jones in the 2019 NFL Draft and as a whole, this team looks like it is prepping for future seasons instead of being all hands on deck for 2019. Another season among the bottom dwellers seems in store for this franchise.

RECORD PREDICTION 6-10

 

Philadelphia Eagles 

This time last year, the Philadelphia Eagles were still riding the high of being Super Bowl champions. They were unable to build off that last year but what they do have now that they didn’t then is a fully healthy Carson Wentz. Nick Foles is in Jacksonville so it is Wentz or nothing for this team now. After sneaking into the playoffs and upsetting the Chicago Bears a season ago this team feels like it is ready to retake its place as one of the top teams in the NFL this year.

RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6

 

Washington Redskins

Rounding out this division is the Washington Redskins who have fallen flat on their face from the high that was Rober Griffin III’s award-winning rookie year. They have a new first-round quarterback that they are taking a slower approach with, Dwayne Haskins (will sit behind Case Keenum for the team’s opener). They also will get their first look at running back, Derrius Guice who missed all of last year after tearing his ACL in the preseason. The young guys will take their lumps as this isn’t one of the better teams that Washington has fielded.

RECORD PREDICTION: 5-11

 

NFC North

Chicago Bears

All it took to get the Chicago Bears back to the top of the NFC was a trade for Khalil Mack, who would’ve guessed it? Now, the task at hand for the Bears is to find a way to repeat what they did a year ago. Vic Fangio left to take a head coaching job with the Denver Broncos and will be replaced at defensive coordinator by former Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano. If the defense can be as dominant as they were last year then nothing should change for this group. Another season under Matt Nagy should mean improvements across the board for the offense.

RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6

 

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions enter the second year of Matt Patricia’s tenure and it doesn’t look like things are going to get much better. The roster is being built to fit the coach’s run-heavy, defense-first philosophy. A big year from Kerryon Johnson could go a long way to making this season less of a disaster. Matthew Stafford still has Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. on the outside to throw to so all hope isn’t completely lost. The Lions could be ripe for some in-season changes depending on how their first few weeks of gameplay goes.

RECORD PREDICTION: 2-14

 

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers will have a coach not named Mike McCarthy for the first time since he was a rookie–Rodgers was stuck behind Brett Favre at the time. Matt LaFleur comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree and could be just the spark that the future Hall of Fame quarterback needs as he enters his 15th NFL season (12th as a starter). The Green Bay Packers will look a lot different this season but their goal remains the same, win the Super Bowl. A re-energized team might be just what the doctor ordered.

RECORD PREDICTION: 12-4

 

Minnesota Vikings 

The Minnesota Vikings were unable to build off of the “Minneapolis Miracle” from two years ago as their big free agency signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t go as planned in the first season. This time around, the hope is that Cousins’ familiarity with the offense and his teammates makes it so that this team is back on track to where they were in the recent past. A healthy Dalvin Cook should go a long way towards helping them accomplish that goal. The race to win the NFC North will likely be very tight and if Minnesota is going to come out on top they’ll need their offense to be in top shape.

RECORD PREDICTION: 9-7

 

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Last year the Atlanta Falcons were hit hard by injuries and their season was out of their hands fairly early. They hope a clean bill of health will allow them to get back to the Super Bowl—where they were embarrassed in the second half by the Patriots. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones (who could sit out games if not given a contract extension) are still an elite quarterback-wide receiver tandem in the NFL today. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 8-8

 

Carolina Panthers

Things almost ended before they started for the Carolina Panthers as Cam Newton suffered a foot injury in the third preseason game (a.k.a. the dress rehearsal) against the New England Patriots. However, it wasn’t as serious as once believed and it looks likely that Newton will be on the field at 100 percent on Sunday. Christian McCaffery is coming off an incredible second season and could potentially get some MVP buzz if the Panthers have a good year 

RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6

 

New Orleans Saints 

This team feels like a potential shot at a Super Bowl victory was taken away from them last season when a blatant pass interference went uncalled in the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. All the major pieces from last year’s team are back and they will be out for revenge during this season. Drew Brees broke records in 2018, in 2019 he will look to collect his second Lombardi trophy. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 11-5

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

One of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2019 NFL season resides in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers brought Bruce Arians out of retirement and back to the sidelines. His throw-first asks questions last offense could be just what is needed to sure up Jameis Winston as his career hangs in the balance with his contract ending after the season. Mike Evans is still there and his catch radius should help Winston regain his status as a former number one overall pick. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 7-9

 

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals 

In case Saturday doesn’t give you enough college football, make sure to tune into Arizona Cardinals games this fall. The team brought in Kliff Kingsbury to be their head coach and Kingsbury went out and got Kyler Murray at the top of the 2019 NFL Draft. Together they hope to show and prove that there is a place in the professional league for the Air Raid System that has come to dominate the collegiate game in recent years. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 5-11

 

Los Angeles Rams

Their offense let them down during Super Bowl LII but they still are led by a supremely talented running back (Todd Gurley), a great offensive mind calling the shots (Sean McVay), and a newly paid young quarterback (Jared Goff). Add that to having Aaron Donald on the other side of the ball and they could easily be back in the big game with a chance to redeem themselves at the end of this season. 

RECORD PREDICTION:10-6

 

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have been waiting for the past couple years to finally see the fully formed version of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch Niners. This is another shot at that becoming true and it all starts at quarterback where Jimmy Garoppolo is looking to finally start double-digit games. They’ve stockpiled running backs and defensive linemen over the years and now is the time for their depth to shine through. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 9-7

 

Seattle Seahawks 

Since he’s been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Wilson’s team has only won less than 10 games once (2017). The combination of Wilson and Pete Carroll has remained over the last seven years and they hope that they can keep the magic going for another year. The defense just added premier edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and has Bobby Wagner patrolling the middle of the field. They aren’t happy being in the Rams shadow and are itching for a breakthrough this season. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 8-8

 

Sep 5, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter NFL Award Predictions 2019-2020

SneakerReporter NFL Award Predictions 2019-2020

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by | Sep 5, 2019 | Featured, NFL

The 2018 NFL offseason has brought been plenty of change throughout the league. Some for the better, and some most certainly for the worst. As always, there will be teams and players that get slept on and surprise everyone. With that in mind, let’s take a look at who may take the league by charge in 2019 and capture some hardware at the end of the season.

OPOY

Christian McCaffrey is one of the only players in the league whose offense is completely built around him, both in the run and passing games. Carolina invested in its Offensive Line this offseason as they know McCaffrey is the center piece to their success. McCaffrey has the chance to total over 1000 yards rushing and receiving in 2019. If McCaffrey tops the 2000 yard mark, that would surely put him in the discussion of OPOY. 

2018 Winner: Patrick Mahomes

2019 Prediction: Christian McCaffrey

DPOY

It’s difficult to not pick Aaron Donald as a repeat winner of this award, but Myles Garrett has the potential to take it in 2019. With an improved defensive line Garrett should see much less double teams. Gregg Williams is finally gone, which should only help in Garrett’s development. For the first time in his career, the Browns will be leading in many of their games, leading to many more sack opportunities. Could he get to 20.0 sacks this season? We surely believe so. 

2018 Winner: Aaron Donald

2019 Prediction: Myles Garrett

Comeback Player of the Year

Earl Thomas’s departure from Seattle was all but pleasant, but his new home in Baltimore should suit his style of play just as well. As perhaps the best player in the best secondary in the league, Thomas is an easy front-runner for this award heading into 2019. 

2018 Winner: Andrew Luck

2019 Prediction: Earl Thomas

OROY

Even with Tarik Cohen in a split backfield, David Montgomery has a special opportunity. As the lead RB in a very run-heavy offense, Montgomery will get his chance to shine. Montgomery also has skills in the receiving game, which will be maximized by coach Matt Nagy. He won’t have the volume of Saquon Barkley last year, but three out of the last four OROY winners have been RBs. With his combination of talent and opportunity, Montgomery is the best bet outside Kyler Murray, who won’t win enough games to claim the award.

2018 Winner: Saquon Barkley

2019 Prediction: David Montgomery

DROY

In a relatively thin year for defensive prospects, Allen has an amazing opportunity to play a huge role in the Jacksonville defense. Although the Jags defensive unit declined in 2018, they still have plenty of talent, which should put the rookie Lineman in tremendous positions to succeed.

2018 Winner: Darius Leonard

2019 Prediction: Josh Allen

Coach of the Year

After a huge offseason in Cleveland, new signal caller Freddy Kitchens inherited quite the array of talent on both sides of the ball. Coach of the Year is usually an award based on narrative. If Kitchens can turn Cleveland around and win the division, he has a great chance to grab the hardware. 

2018 Winner: Matt Nagy

2019 Prediction: Freddie Kitchens

MVP

The MVP award has recently been dominated by QBs in high passing offenses. It also usually goes to a QB whose team has captured a first round bye. By these standards, there are only so many options. Although Mahomes may not throw for 50 TDs again, he is going to lead a top three offense to one of the best records in the AFC. 

2018 Winner: Patrick Mahomes

2019 Prediction: Patrick Mahomes

Sep 5, 2019 No Comments
SneakerReporter 2019 AFC Preview

SneakerReporter 2019 AFC Preview

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by | Sep 5, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Today is the start of a brand new day for 32 NFL football teams. A new season is officially here and that means everyone is 0-0 to begin the year. 

Facing the unknown of potential outcomes from Week 1 to Week 17 means that each team has a shot at taking home Super Bowl LIV in Miami, however we all know that some teams face a further uphill climb than others in their chase to secure that. 

Heading into opening night we have put together a preview for the whole AFC. Below you’ll find a division-by-division breakdown of all 16 teams that make up the conference. There’s a short blurb painting the picture of who that team is and what expectations they face this year. Finally, each one has a projected 2019 record. Without further ado, let’s jump into the predictions

 

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

In Buffalo, things start and end with second-year quarterback, Josh Allen. Allen came on strong during the second half of the season–with his legs more than his arms. The Bills are in the process of remaking themselves, letting LeSean McCoy go was part of that turnover. They still have one of the better pass defenses in the NFL led by Tre’Davious White. The AFC East still runs through New England but if Allen takes a step forward this year they’ll give the defending champions a run for their money.

RECORD PREDICTION: 6-10

 

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are telling anyone who will listen that they are not actively trying to lose games this year but their roster will tell you otherwise. Brian Flores comes over from the Patriots to try and lead this team into a new era. Ryan Fitzpatrick beat out Josh Rosen for the starting quarterback position but with Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills now in Houston, he is losing key pieces right before the season begins. This year is all about the 2020 NFL Draft in South Beach.

RECORD PREDICTION: 3-13

 

New England Patriots

As the defending Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots will have a target on their back from opening night on. Luckily, that same target has been there since 2001. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are back again and the team looks to continue their impressive 18-year run of success another season. Rob Gronkowski retired in the offseason, taking a big chunk of the offense–and fun–that we’ve grown accustomed to in New England with him. But this franchise operates like a chameleon and will have a brand new attack to unleash on the NFL this year.

RECORD PREDICTION: 12-4

 

New York Jets

This offseason the New York Jets front office put their money where there fans wanted to see it go. They brought in Le’Veon Bell this summer and used their $101,473,117 of cap space to fill in holes and bring in veterans C.J. Mosley and Jamison Crowder as well. Holding the third overall pick in the past two drafts let them bring in Sam Darnold and Quinnen Williams to round out a very talented group. Darnold was impressive late as a rookie and looks primed for a big season in his second year in the NFL. The belief in the Big Apple is that this team should be a true contender to unseat New England as top dog in the AFC East.

RECORD PREDICTION: 9-7

 

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh has been a huge success in his stint as the Ravens head coach but last season they began a transition from Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco to wunderkind Lamar Jackson. Despite not being the full-time starter until Week 10, Jackson set a record for most rushing attempts by a quarterback (147) in NFL history. His legs are the primary weapon of destruction for opposing defenses but he’s no slouch slinging the ball around either. Baltimore has promised an offense that will change how the league plays on that side of the ball, only time will tell.

RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6

 

Cincinnati Bengals 

Marvin Lewis is out and Zac Taylor is in. The latest addition to the Sean McVay coaching tree is looking to punch up an offense that features three good to great players (Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, and Joe Mixon). Despite that powerful trio, things look bleak for this franchise heading into this season. This is the toughest division in the league this season and Cincinnati easily finds themselves at the bottom of the totem pole in the AFC North.

RECORD PREDICTION: 6-10

 

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are the team that everyone is anxiously awaiting to see take the field this fall. During the offseason they made the splash move of bringing in Odell Beckham Jr. and now their offense is powered by Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry, and Beckham. Not many other teams have anywhere near that amount of talent between their quarterback, running back, and wide receiver positions. The defense will likely lead the way for this group as they are stacked on the defensive line, which is bookended by Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon.

RECORD PREDICTION: 9-7

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Things are going to look a lot different for the Steelers this season as they begin the year without Le’Veon Bell (again) and Antonio Brown. Ben Roethlisberger is still calling the shots and the team around him is full of high-quality talent. The expectations is for there not to be a drop off for this team. They just barely missed the playoffs last season so their goal for this year is to get back into the postseason and prove that they are better off without two All-Pro players. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 9-7

 

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck shocked the entirety of the football world when he announced that he would be retiring from the NFL last weekend. Indianapolis had formed their best roster around him since drafting him first overall and were looking to do big things this year. Now, this franchise will go only as far as Jacoby Brissett can take them. With a solid foundation around him, Brissett doesn’t have to replicate Luck’s production in order for them to be successful this year. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 6-10

 

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans have been on the cusp of becoming one of the elite teams in the NFL for the last few seasons. However, when the time to prove themselves presents itself they more often than not falter. The win-now trade with the Dolphins to bring in LT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills shows that they are doing all they can to get over the proverbial hump. Keeping Deshaun Watson healthy is the first step to the franchise finally taking that next step. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 11-5

 

Jacksonville Jaguars 

It was just last year that the Jaguars looked like the toast of the town in the AFC South and primed to be among the AFC’s best teams for years to come. Yet, those dreams came to a halt following last season’s disappointing performance. Their defense was still one of the best but offensively Blake Bortles, Leonard Fournette and let the team down. Bortles is being replaced with Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and Fournette recommitted himself to his training this offseason. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 8-8

 

Tennessee Titans 

The Tennessee Titans attached their future to the growth and development of Marcus Mariota when they took him second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Well, four years in and most of his progress has come through rehabilitation than on-field talent. If Mariota can improve—and stay healthy for a full season—things could go very well in Nashville. However, if we see more of the same out of this franchise then they will likely be faced with the question of whether or not they should move on at quarterback. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 4-12

 

AFC West 

Denver Broncos 

Ever since the Broncos defense carried Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl victory in 2016, the quarterback position in Denver has become a turnstile. The latest name to take his shot at revitalizing the franchise is Joe Flacco who was acquired in a trade from Baltimore this offseason. They won’t need him to lead a dominant offenses as new head coach Vic Fangio inherits a defense that is surely to finish among the best in the NFL. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 5-11

 

Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs were the team many thought would be last year’s Super Bowl winners. Andy Reid’s offense was orchestrated beautifully by first-year starter, Patrick Mahomes—even losing Kareem Hunt for an extended period of time couldn’t slow that unit down. Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill are back and we should expect more of the same from them this year. Defense they made a lot of changes and gave Steve Spagnolo oversight on that side of the ball. Additions like Frank Clark and Tyrann Mathieu were brought in to make a difference and if they do they will once again be Super Bowl favorites. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 14-2

 

Los Angeles Chargers

In the midst of all the love the Chiefs received a season ago, the Los Angeles Chargers nearly won the AFC West last year and they finished with an identical record. What had the makings of another stellar season was quickly derailed when Melvin Gordon opted to holdout over a contract dispute and then All-Pro safety, Derwin James went down with a fractured foot. The offense still has enough talent to make them a team not to take lightly—headlined by Phillip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry—and they will need to produce at a high-level if they want to repeat their performance from last season. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 8-8

 

Oakland Raiders

It’s year two (of 10) of the Jon Gruden experience and the Oakland Raiders brought in another former television analyst in Mike Mayock to be the team’s general manager. Their first nice together was to rescue disgruntled wide receiver Antonio Brown from Pittsburgh. The All-Pro has repaid them by missing practices due to helmet issues (and non-compliance) and frostbitten feet and is now facing a suspension for a confrontation he had with Mayock at practice. The drama in the Bay is only getting started. 

RECORD PREDICTION: 7-9

Sep 5, 2019 No Comments