Jason Haskins's Blog, page 19

Super Bowl LVII preview: Showdown Philly, KC again

 

Glendale, Arizona plays host to Super Bowl LVII, where the NFL's top two teams from the 2022-23 season will pit wits and skills to determine the best team in the league.

Two talented, exciting quarterbacks are the talk of the town heading into the Super Bowl LVII meeting between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Surrounded by plenty of star power, both franchises have the tools to lock down a victory. 
Toss in storylines, among others, like Kansas City head coach Andy Reid being the winningest coach in Eagles franchise history and the Kelce brothers (Travis for Kansas City. Jason for Philadelphia) and there's plenty of in-game drama to go around.
While all of this is nice, the true fun usually belongs to the under-the-radar or unexpected player that makes a name for themselves in Super Bowl lore.
For Kansas City, that player may very well be a wide receiver. The unit is hobbled, as JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kadarius Toney are both dealing with injuries. Mecole Hardman is also out after re-aggravating a pelvis injury in the AFC title game.
Smith-Schuster (78 receptions, 933 yards) and Toney both got hurt in the AFC Championship victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. 
This gives a chance to Marquez Valdes-Scantling (42 receptions, 687 yards, 2 TD) to make an impact. Valdes-Scantling was about the only option left at wide receiver against the Bengals and he rose to the occasion, hauling in six receptions for 116 yards and a score.
Skyy Moore could also see more usage and given the opportunity to shine to become a Super Bowl hero.
For the Eagles, that player could be on the defensive side of the ball, where the Eagles have had one of the top defenses this season. Though not necessarily under-the-radar, keep an eye on names like Reed Blankenship and Josh Sweat to rise above and make an impact.
Whoever walks away with that game ball MVP when the clock hits zero, expect this game to be a good one.
Kansas City ChiefsThe fate of a Kansas City result on Sunday is tied to Patrick Mahomes. Voted to his second MVP award earlier this week, Mahomes has been nothing short of spectacular ever since becoming starting quarterback in his second season.
Mahomes and Kansas City's offense were supposed to suffer a setback this year with the loss of Tyreek Hill. Instead, the sixth-year quarterback enjoyed the best season of his career. Mahomes finished the regular season with career-highs in completion percentage (67.1) and passing yards (5250) while throwing 41 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Despite the all-worldly talents of Mahomes, this is not to say the Chiefs are completely helpless without him having his best game. Or, like in the AFC Divisional round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaves with an injury. Backup Chad Henne can conservatively control the offense, and make a big throw when needed.
Plus, a rejuvenated ground game has helped the Chiefs succeed in '22-23, led by rookie Isiah Pacheco.
In two playoff games, Pacheco's numbers read more like a one-game stat but he's been efficient with 121 yards on 22 carries. In the regular season, Pacheco led the team with 830 yards and five touchdowns.
He'll have help in the Super Bowl and it might be a committee that gets things done on the ground game. Jerick McKinnon is primarily a receiving threat (56 receptions, 512 yards, 9 TDs) but did have 291 rushing yards. And Clyde Edwards-Helaire makes his return, though he wasn't exactly making waves (302 rushing yards) before his injury in week 11. 
All of that might not matter, if Mahomes and Travis Kelce are making their special connection even more vibrant.
Kelce delivered a career season, hauling in 110 receptions for 1338 yards and 12 touchdowns. And he's been even more focused in the postseason, catching 21 passes for 176 yards and three scores.
Overall, Kansas City was tops in the league with 413.6 yards and 29.2 points per game. 
On defense, it was a mixed bag with stellar individual players making up for some lapses. Kansas City allowed 21.7 points per game and were 11th in yards allowed per game (328.2). They were 8th in rushing yards allowed at 107.2 but some of that can be attributed to opponents playing catch up.
Nick Bolton tallied 180 tackles in the regular season, with two sacks and two interceptions. Behind him, a talented secondary saw L'Jarius Sneed tally 108 tackles and have 11 passes defended, with three interceptions. Sneed has been hobbled much of the second-half of the season but continues to produce.
It is Chris Jones, however, who the Eagles need to focus on. Jones had 15.5 sacks and will play an important part in helping keep the Eagles offense at bay. 
Philadelphia EaglesIn looking to secure their second-ever Super Bowl win, the Eagles will turn to Jalen Hurts and a ground game that is one of the best in the NFL.
The main focus will be on Hurts, of course, who can control the action through the air and on the ground. Despite missing a couple of games with a shoulder injury, Hurts threw for 3701 yards with a 66.5 completion percentage. Hurts tossed only six interceptions with 22 touchdown passes.
The numbers aren't huge in the passing game but that's because it was balanced nicely with a ground game from Hurts. He had 760 rushing yards and found the end zone 13 times.
Running has been tempered a bit in the playoffs for Hurts (20 carries, 73 yards) but that's slightly attributed to keeping him healthy. Large leads have helped, too, and Hurts is 31-49 for 275 yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Hurts is part of ground attack that averaged 147.6 rushing yards per game. Quietly, it seems, running back Miles Sanders put together his best season as a pro. Sometimes, Sanders can get lost in the shuffle, but he steadily delivered in '22-23.
Despite only three games of 100+ yards, Sanders finished with 1269 on the ground. He added 11 rushing touchdowns and averaged just under five yards per carry.
Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott complete the backfield rotation, allowing the Eagles to stay fresh in the ground game.
Depth at receiver can be an issue for the Eagles but they do have two top receivers in the game, plus a solid player at tight end.
A.J. Brown clearly was on a mission this season after being traded from the Titans last offseason. Not that he wasn't a star before. Brown simply delivered at another high-caliber level, with 88 receptions for 1496 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The second part of the receiving duo, but by no means secondary, is DeVonta Smith. Smith followed up a great rookie season by snatching 95 passes for 1196 yards and seven touchdowns.
The two produced most of the passing game offense in the regular season, with tight end Dallas Goedert catching 55 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns.
All told, Philly averaged 28.1 points and 389.1 yards per game, both good for third in the league. And on defense, they quietly went about business. In many ways, with all the focus on the team's offense, not much was said about the defense. But they certainly deserve recognition, holding opponents to 20.2 points per game.
And they could present a problem to Mahomes and the Chiefs, as the Eagles defense held opponents to 301.5 total yards and 179.8 passing yards, both tops in the league.
Philadelphia has standouts at all three positional groups, starting up front where Haason Reddick (16.5), Javon Hargrave (11), and Sweat (11) led the way on a unit that had 70 sacks.
Reddick has not slowed down in the postseason, collecting 3.5 of Philly's eight playoff sacks.
T.J. Edwards had 159 tackles and C.J. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions.
PredictionA tough call but I believe Bud Light will defeat Budweiser.
Oh, wait. Wrong game.
Both Kansas City and Philadelphia had 14-3 regular seasons. The Eagles have had an easier go of things in the playoffs, winning by an average of 34.5 to 7 (compared with the Chiefs 25-20 average).
Kansas City has won the last three meetings between these two teams, last defeating the Eagles 42-30 in October of 2021. Mahomes tossed five touchdowns in that game while Hurts threw for 387 yards.
My predictions for these "big games" have been off as of late. I went 0-2 in this season's Conference Championship games. And narrowly missed on last year's Super Bowl. But, I had about a 70 percent success rate in the pick 'em league I played in. So, take that as you will but...
Kansas City Chiefs 24 Philadelphia Eagles 22
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Showdown Sunday: One step away from Super Bowl LVII

 

Down to the final four in the 2022-23 NFL season, there's not much surprise as to the teams left standing.

Chalk, or close to it, has been the name of the game in this season's NFL playoffs.

The top seed in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, behind hobbled quarterback Patrick Mahomes (though Chad Henne can certainly cook just fine) are headed to their fifth-straight AFC Championship Game. Impressive, yes, and even more exemplary is the Chiefs have hosted each one.

Kansas City plays hosts to the Cincinnati Bengals, a rematch of the AFC title game from a season ago. The Bengals enter this rematch as the third seed in the AFC and are out prowling to get back to the Super Bowl. Cincy, as the lowest remaining seed, is again in the boat of "one of these things doesn't belong" but that's in seed only. For the second-straight season, the Bengals have been discounted and they have shoved all those doubters to the background. A bit less so this go-around, being the defending AFC champs and all. But, with a depleted offensive line, despite an explosive offense, Cincy was not expected to be this far along.

The same thing can be said about the number two seed in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. Powering through the NFC, the Niners have been counted out multiple times across '22-23. Riding a will-imposing defense, San Francisco closed out the regular season with a 10-game winning streak.

All four of these teams have appeared in at least one Super Bowl in the last five years. Two, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, each picked up the Lombardi Trophy in this span. There is also plenty of rematch options on the table as far as the title game goes and both games promise to provide thrilling action. 

NFC: San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday 1/29/23 at 3 p.m (ET). Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA

The Brock Purdy show for the San Francisco rookie quarterback is all the rage. Chosen as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 draft, Purdy was tossed into the biblical fire and proceeded to win six games to close the regular season, plus two playoff games. Each week, the world waits for Purdy to fail. It was supposed to happen again last week in the Divisional Round against the Dallas Cowboys, where he would finally face a decent defense.

Purdy responded well, managing San Francisco to a 19-12 victory. Though he did not throw a touchdown pass, Purdy was a breezy 19-29 for 214 yards.

In many ways, his consistent play helped save the 49ers season. An injury to Trey Lance early in the season was one thing but losing reliable Jimmy Garoppolo seemed to spell doom. But an earlier save of the season, thanks to the trade for Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey, helped keep the offense rolling, despite injuries at various times to George Kittle and Deebo Samuel (which was offset by the career year from Brandon Aiyuk, who had 78 receptions for 1015 yards and eight touchdowns).

The quarterback in green and white on the other sideline is no slouch, as Jalen Hurts entered the MVP conversation in 2022 and landed among the five finalists for the award. 

Hurts, playing in 15 games, completed 66.5 percent of his passes. He threw for 3701 yards and 22 touchdowns, against only six interceptions.

Adding to his scoring prowess was a nose for the end zone via the ground game. Hurts scored 13 touchdowns and was second on the team with 760 yards.

The Eagles boast two of the top receivers in the NFC with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who combined for 183 receptions and 2692 yards. The duo also had 18 of the team's 25 receiving touchdowns. 

Philadelphia complements that well with Miles Sanders, who rushed for 1269 yards and 11 touchdowns in '22-23.

These two defenses are pretty evenly matched, finishing first and second in yards allowed per game. They also have two of the top stars in the league with Nick Bosa (18.5 sacks) and Haason Reddick (16). I believe it will come down to San Francisco's running attack. If they are putting together long drives, which they can do with their deep playbook and players who carry the ball, San Francisco will have the edge. The goal is to keep Philadelphia's potent attack, which averages 28 points per game, off the field for extended periods. Do this, and the 49ers will do what they couldn't last season: advance past the NFC Championship Game.

Prediction: San Francisco 20 Philadelphia 17

AFC: Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

Sunday 1/29/23 at 6:30 p.m. (ET). GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO

A rematch of last year's AFC Championship Game is on the agenda when the Chiefs and Bengals take the field on Sunday.

The Bengals won that game in overtime, 27-24. Cincy also defeated the Chiefs earlier this season by the exact same score, part of an eight-game winning streak by the Bengals to close the regular season.

Focus is on the offense for this team but it's been the defense rising to the occasion. They've been solid all season (20.1 ppg allowed) but have dialed it up a notch as of late, holding opponents to just under 16 points per game over the last six.

This includes a brilliant performance where the Bengals confounded Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, a 27-10 victory.

Joe Burrow has officially cemented himself as a top quarterback of the game, throwing for nearly 4500 yards and 35 touchdown passes. Burrow has the luxury of a top running back in Joe Mixon and two of the top receivers in the AFC with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

Despite missing four games, Chase led the team with 87 receptions and 1046 yards. Chase, along with Higgins and Tyler Boyd, form quite the trio. The three players combined for 219 receptions, 2837 yards, and 21 touchdowns. 

They'll matchup with a Chiefs defense that sits near the middle-of-the-pack but is opportunistic and can force opponents in mistakes. Linebacker Nick Bolton finished second in the NFL in tackles (180) and defensive lineman Chris Jones posted 15.5 sacks.

The story in Kansas City, which won 10 of their last 11 to close out the regular season, again belongs to the offense. Though Tyreek Hill left to Miami, Mahomes still managed to throw for 5250 yards and 41 touchdowns, while running for another four in leading Kansas City to the top scoring team (29.2 ppg). A stable of receivers helped replace Hill's production, along with another fine season from Travis Kelce.

Kelce finished with 110 catches for 1338 yards and 12 touchdown receptions, including a four-touchdown performance in a Monday night victory over the Raiders. 

Kansas City also added to the mix a solid ground game in the form of rookie running back Isiah Pacheco (830 yards, 4.9 ypc).

This one is going to come down to whichever defense comes up with a big play or two. Expect another close game between these two heavyweights. The Bengals have won three straight meetings against the Chiefs and I believe they will make it four come Sunday.

Prediction: Cincinnati Bengals 31 Kansas City Chiefs 27

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

5 QBs from 1st-round of NFL Draft: Putting a bow on year 5

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Checking in on them as their fifth year in the league comes to a close.

The regular season of the fifth year for the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft ended in similar fashion to their previous seasons: with only two of them in the playoffs.

Okay. Three, counting Josh Rosen, current member on the practice squad for the Minnesota Vikings.

Two others have playoff games on the agenda this coming weekend. Though it's looking more and more realistic only one of them will take the field.

The Baltimore Ravens (10-7) open with a trip to Cincinnati (12-4) to face the Bengals in the Wild Card round, part of a three-game slate on Sunday. Baltimore could be facing the defending AFC Champion without star quarterback Lamar Jackson and his backup Tyler Huntley.

Jackson continued to be a non-participant in practice and hasn't played since early in week 13, when he left the game with a knee injury. Even if he is able to suit up on Sunday, one wonders how effective he will be after spending six weeks on the sideline.

That would leave Josh Allen the sole quarterback from this group of five to see playoff action this season. And by August of 2023, Allen, too could be the only one of these five quarterbacks to be on the same team they ended the 2022-23 season with.

Josh Allen

Allen and the Buffalo Bills (13-3) take a seven-game winning streak, minus one canceled game in the mix, into this year's playoffs. 

They've done so with a newfound ground game and a performance from Allen that has been less than 100 percent. 

Battling an elbow injury, Allen still put up similar numbers to last season despite playing in one less game. Though he's only thrown for more than 300 yards once since a week 10 loss to Minnesota, Allen finished with 4283 passing yards. He completed 63.3 percent, same as last season, while throwing 35 touchdowns.

Allen threw 14 interceptions and did have some trouble in the red zone in this department.

Three times Allen threw for four touchdowns in a game and had a season-high 424 passing yards in a week 5 victory over the Steelers.

Allen nearly matched last season's totals on the ground, racking up 762 yards (763 in '21-22). Averaging 6.1 yards per carry, Allen also found the end zone seven times. 

Buffalo remains one of the top offenses in the NFL and it's spearheaded by Allen. The arrival of consistent running game behind him gives Allen even more options and more space to work. A Super Bowl appearance would cement Allen's early legacy as a star. The window isn't necessarily closing, and Allen hasn't plateaued but to see him earn that shot this season would be a fitting end to season number five. 

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens truly are a different team when Jackson isn't on the field. The looming question remains whether or not he played his last snap with Baltimore.

Jackson is in the last year of his rookie deal. With plenty of quarterback-needy teams, the free agent market could be enticing, though he has missed 9+ games the last two seasons due to injury.

Prior to the knee injury this season, Jackson was in the mix for league MVP. Perhaps he'll still garner votes, rightfully so, because the Ravens were 3-3 in his absence, with those three wins coming by a combined 11 points.

Jackson, playing in the same number of games as last season, actually saw a drop-off in his stats. A fast start for Baltimore in the passing game seemed to be setting Jackson up for a career year. But injuries to the receiving corps and then the running backs stalled this offense out, even before Jackson's injury.

Completing 62.3 percent of his passes, lowest since his rookie season, Jackson threw for 2242 yards. He tossed 17 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, throwing only 1 in his last six starts. 

It was with his legs in Jackson was bringing the goods. He had 764 yards but was doing more with less, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, the second-best of his career. Eight games Jackson went over 50 yards rushing and he had 316 through the season's first four weeks.

Ultimately, whether he plays in this season's playoffs or not, I believe Jackson will be back with the Ravens. If Baltimore is willing to build around him in the passing game and JK Dobbins can continue to grow, Jackson will be forced to carry the ball less. And with an offense already tailored to him, sticking with the Ravens will be his best bet.

Sam Darnold

The end for Sam Darnold as a member of the Carolina Panthers (7-10) could be nigh. Free agency is pending for the fifth-year quarterback, with an organization in flux. 

Despite going 4-2 as a starter after he returned from an ankle injury, the Panthers relied on a strong running game. This is not to say Darnold was ineffective, despite a 5-15 for 43 yards and two interceptions in a week 18 victory. It's that simply he wasn't consistent enough and had trouble holding on to the ball the last two weeks with three interceptions and five fumbles (two lost). 

Prior to week 17, Darnold had not thrown a pick with four touchdown passes, plus two more on the ground. In some regards, he looked comfortable out there and like a guy who could carry this team going forward. Especially if the Panthers focused on a running attack. 

Darnold did have 341 passing yards in week 17 against the Bucs and did have a couple of 200-yard games, something generally lacking in his career prior.

Darnold has only had one season with a completion percentage above 60. This season was at 58.6, throwing for 1143 yards. He had seven touchdown passes and three interceptions. Darnold also ran for 106 yards and two scores.

No matter where Darnold ends up next season, an opportunity to at least compete for a starting job should be on the table. Those chances won't be around for much longer, so Darnold must make the best of it, or find himself carrying a clipboard for years to come.

Baker Mayfield

Splitting time between the Panthers and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield finds himself in a similar situation as Darnold heading into the offseason.

Except to return to his current organization would automatically mean competing for a backup job. Unless, that is, the Rams go into a full rebuild mode, move on from Matthew Stafford, and bring back Mayfield to be a transition starter.

Mayfield went 1-3 as a starter with the Rams, winning one other game off the bench in his Rams debut. The results were about as mixed for Mayfield as they have been for his career. 

In his lone victory as a starter, Mayfield was 24-28 for 238 yards and two touchdown passes. In those three losses, Mayfield barely crossed the 50 percent barrier in completion percentage and failed to throw for 150 yards in all three games.

He did have only two interceptions in five games with the Rams and did seem to be more comfortable on the field than at any point this season with Carolina.

Mayfield appeared in 12 games in the 2022-23 season, throwing for 2163 yards. He threw only eight interceptions but only 10 touchdown passes. Mayfield's completion percentage was at 60, on par with his career thus far.

Heading into free agency, Mayfield has vowed to simply not just "chase a paycheck". Let's hope that is true. With plenty of teams in need of a starter, it's hard to imagine Mayfield doesn't at least get a chance to compete for a starting job. Like Darnold, that window will be closing soon, unless results change. 

Josh Rosen

Rosen is hanging on by a thread in this league, bouncing between the practice squads of the Cleveland Browns and Vikings in '22-23. His last pass in a regular season game was in week 11 of the 2021 season, where he completed 1-3 passes for five yards and an interception for the Atlanta Falcons.

If there's an opportunity, perhaps Rosen looks to the USFL this spring to simply get some reps at game speed. He hasn't shown much during his NFL tenure, and what he did show was not very good. But he keeps getting chances and, if embraces the role of backup and can hone in on his natural skills, a second act could very well give him a role in this league for years to come. And finding a gig has a career backup is not a bad one to have.

Thanks for following along with this series chronicling the careers of these five quarterbacks. Be sure to check back next August as we embark on year six.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Year 5, Weeks 1-4

Year 5, Weeks 5-9

Year 5, Weeks 10-13

'Tis the season for a full blast of holiday films

 

The holiday season brings options galore when it comes to watching films with the theme of the season, whether it's something nostalgic or a Hallmark channel movie (or various clones of).

Holiday traditions have long held a special place in my heart. So much, in fact, I went and wrote an entire novella about the Christmas holiday, in which some of these traditions made appearances.

One tradition not explored was the watching of holiday films and Christmas specials. (Though I did some exploring a few years back, with an online a few years back).

Back in the day, as the hip kids say, the regular yearly rotation consisted of these five All-Stars: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Mickey's Christmas Carol, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

A Christmas Story entered the Hall of Fame a bit later for me in life. Though a hit right off the bat, it wasn't until the 24-hour showings began where it really took hold as part of a yearly tradition. Ernest Saves Christmas, the first two Home Alone films, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Santa Claus: The Movie (with John Lithgow and Dudley Moore) were all favorites of mine that entered the rotation of films I try to watch each year, which is now an ever-growing list.

Movies of the holiday season

Watching films during the holiday season, especially the aforementioned, takes me back to an age of wonderment and magic. These are among the films/specials I watch every year, though for a time in my late teens and into my 20s, focus was elsewhere and many of these fell to the wayside. Attempts would be made to watch these films but unless you had cable or the film on VHS or DVD (or LaserDisc, if really lucky), you'd just have to hope you could catch it when it was one.

Streaming services, it turns out, are a blessing and a curse.

Then, into my late-20s and early 30s, a new tradition took hold. Many Christmases during this time were spent away from home. So, Christmas Eve was spent at the bar with friends. Upon returning home, I'd settle in with a drunken view of Bad Santa. The film continues to be part of the yearly traditions, sans the alcohol-induced Christmas Eves.

There is a tendency to tie back many of these movies to memories of youth (or, in the case of Bad Santa, happy times spent with friends). Or, as reminders of events or situations where first viewed. I can still remember seeing Santa Claus: The Movie with my family in theaters. (And, very loosely, the McDonald's commercials associated with the film.)

Since the days of lost youth, the holiday film yearly watchlist continues to grow. Some, I enjoy (Love Actually, Jingle Jangle, Happiest Season). Some, I am only kind of fond for, and they mostly serve as background noise (Christmas with the Kranks, Fred Claus). Some, land somewhere in between (Surviving Christmas, The Holiday).

While I do watch the occasional Hallmark Channel movie (or six), Die Hard does not make my annual viewing list. It's a fantastic film, and one I fall on the "Christmas movie" side of the debate but simply does not fit my fancy during the holiday season.

Classics, too, I had never seen before entered into the rotation in recent years. Films like March of the Wooden Soldiers, White Christmas and Meet Me in St. Louis. 

Nerdy in my nostalgia, I've created a list over at Letterboxd. And while it contains some television specials, it does not include a list of another favorite: Christmas themed television episode

Television of the holiday season

My list barely scrapes the entire library of Christmas and holiday (November/December) themed movies. I can only imagine the plethora of television episodes centered around the Christmas I don't watch on a year basis. 

Years ago, I wrote out a list of five favorite Christmas episodes. And lately, it's been a toss-up as to whether I even get to those or not (except Saved by the Bell. That's a guarantee. MeTv, Sunday mornings).

The original run of Full House, despite its popularity, had only three Christmas episodes. The Office had a Christmas episode in seven of their nine seasons, and Brain Baumgartner (Kevin) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) even attribute season two's special from saving the show from cancelation.

I also got into The Middle when it aired and not only do they have a Christmas episode all nine season, they also have Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Roseanne, Alf, I Love Lucy, and The Brady Bunch (plus A Very Brady Christmas) are all on the viewing agenda this time of year.

Top of the television list lately, however, is It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas. This episode is required viewing and gets me laughing heartily, even after 13 years.

Whether it's a holiday classic, a Lifetime movie, a Christmas-themed ION weekend, or a hot, new title, plenty of options are to be had when it comes to holiday viewing. Perhaps you're an Eight Crazy Nights fan or enjoy Christmas Eve watching Gremlins. No matter your choice, even if it's taking a pass at the whole holiday film market, make it a fun one. 

Do you have a film, television special, or holiday-themed television episode you must watch every year? Feel free to comment!

photo credit: PublicDomainPictures

5 quarterbacks taken in first round of 2018 NFL Draft: Season of change

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. We check in on their progress thru week 13 of their fifth season.

The 2022-23 season for the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft has been one of turmoil.

One hasn't even seen the field. And it's been a rarity since the season's early going that even three of them have all played in the same week.

Injuries, team changes, and being benched have been at the forefront for this group of five.  Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson continue to live at the top of the class, but even they haven't been immune to struggles this season.

The winds of change also swept Baker Mayfield out of Carolina, landing the former top-pick on his third team this calendar year.

Heading into the home stretch of the 2022 season, two quarterbacks are on a path towards the playoffs, with a third possible thanks to a weak division. 

It's clear two quarterbacks have cemented their status among these five. Two others are in audition mode for their future opportunities, with the final quarterback, well, he's hoping he hasn't had his last chance in the NFL.

Josh Allen

Allen has the Buffalo Bills (9-3) atop the AFC East but it hasn't exactly been pretty since he injured his UCL in week 9.

The Bills continue to win, however, collecting three straight victories. The loss prior to the streak was a three-point defeat to the Vikings in overtime; a game in which the Bills led 27-10 and had red zone struggles by Allen and the offense.

Allen had 330 passing yards in that game but two costly red zone interceptions aided Minnesota's comeback.

That area of the field has been a bit of a hassle for this high-octane offense at times and showed up again in week 11. It was the aid of six Tyler Bass field goals that helped secure a 31-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Accuracy has been down as Allen plays through the injury. He's 64-102 for 673 yards during the win streak, with five touchdowns against only one interception. (Though he does have two lost fumbles in the last four games).

For the season, Allen is still putting up gaudy numbers. He has 3406 passing yards with a 64.1 completion percentage and 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Allen also has 581 yards on the ground, second on the team, with five touchdowns.

The final stretch isn't easy, with games against four teams fighting for the playoffs, including three divisional opponents. Buffalo has been playing with more balance on offense as of late, a good sign for these late-season, cold-weather games. As long as the victories continue to pile up, Allen and the Bills will be making a deep playoff run.

Next five weeks: vs NYJ (12/11), vs MIA (12/17), @ CHI (12/24), @ CIN (1/2/23), vs NE (1/8)

Lamar Jackson

Jackson and the (8-4) are winners in five of their last six games but, like the Bills, are struggling to find the end zone. Baltimore scored a combined 23 points in their last two wins, with a one-point loss to Jacksonville sandwiched between.

An offense that clicked in the early part of the season has stalled, thanks largely to injuries in the receiving corps and an inconsistent and healthy running game outside of Jackson.

Just as these two units were getting healthy, Jackson left last Sunday's victory early in the first quarter after suffering a knee injury.

Jackson had looked comfortable in the two games prior in moving the team downfield, throwing for 463 yards and rushing for 120. He also started decent against the Broncos, completing 3-4 for 11 yards before leaving a game.

The injury to his PCL could keep him out multiple weeks, though no timetable has been given yet. Jackson was on his way to another 1000-yard season on the ground (and could be still, depending on when he returns) with 764 yards. He's averaging 6.8 yards per carry and scored three times.

Through the air, Jackson has 2242 yards with a completion percentage at 62.3 and has tossed 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

The final stretch for Baltimore is division-heavy, with four games against the AFC North. Going 3-2 down the stretch should earn them a playoff berth. A lot of that depends on Jackson's availability. If they can find a way to win and allow him a few weeks off, it's going to be a huge positive heading into those final weeks.

Next five weeks: @ PIT (12/11), @ CLE (12/17), vs ATL (12/24), vs PIT (1/1/23), @ CIN (1/8)

Sam Darnold

The magic man from USC has earned another chance to start for the Carolina Panthers (4-8). This is no ordinary "play out the season" scenario, as the Panthers are only two games back of the first place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Buoyed by a strong running game and exceptional defense, all Sam Darnold has to do is protect the ball and the Panthers have an outside chance to make the playoffs.

Doing those things is exactly what Darnold did in his 2022 debut, leading the Panthers to a 23-10 victory over Denver in week 12. Darnold was 11-19 for 164 yards with a touchdown, rushing for another score. No overwhelming but with 0 turnovers and 0 sacks, it could be considered the best performance by a Carolina quarterback this season.

It was enough for the Panthers to move on from Mayfield. Even if the Panthers don't manage to win the NFC South, the final five weeks give Darnold the opportunity to prove his worth. And if all goes well, he could earn himself the right to start again in 2023.

Next five weeks: @ SEA (12/11), vs PIT (12/18), vs DET (12/24), @ TB (1/1/23), @ NO (1/8)

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield's season has been a roller coaster in 2022. Not so much in regards to performance level, that's been subpar, but in being on, and off, the field.

That continued in recent weeks, acting as a backup in a week 10 Carolina victory over the Falcons and the starter in week 11. 

Mayfield was in action thanks to an injury to P.J. Walker and Darnold not quite ready for game action. The result was more of the same for Mayfield in a week 11 loss to the Ravens. The Panthers only put up three points, with Mayfield's modus operandi of batted balls and interceptions in full effect. 

He was 21-33 for 196 yards and two picks in his last game as a Panther.

Playing in parts of seven games in 2022, Mayfield has thrown for 1313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 57.8 percent of his passes.

The Carolina era ended when Mayfield was given his release on Monday (12/5). And on Tuesday, a possible new era began when he was signed by the quarterback-needy Los Angeles Rams. With Matthew Stafford on injured reserve and current starter John Wolford banged up, there's a real possibility Mayfield could see action as soon as Thursday. And though he's likely not the Rams quarterback of the future, these final five weeks give him a chance to prove to an NFL franchise he is still worthy of that honor.

Next five weeks: vs LV (12/8), @ GB (12/19), vs DEN (12/25), @LAC (1/1/23), @ SEA (1/8)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns, is hanging out in free agency. While I don't necessarily believe his chances in the NFL have run their course, it's entirely possible Rosen shows up in another league in the coming months. Not discounting anything but the 2022 season seems to be a wash for the quarterback out of UCLA.

Continue to follow along with the progress of these five quarterbacks, with the next update coming after the completion of the 2022-23 regular season.

Year 5 preview

Two above the rest in '22

Midpoint of year 5

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

5 quarters taken in first round of 2018 NFL Draft: Season of change

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. We check in on their progress thru week 13 of their fifth season.

The 2022-23 season for the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft has been one of turmoil.

One hasn't even seen the field. And it's been a rarity since the season's early going that even three of them have all played in the same week.

Injuries, team changes, and being benched have been at the forefront for this group of five.  Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson continue to live at the top of the class, but even they haven't been immune to struggles this season.

The winds of change also swept Baker Mayfield out of Carolina, landing the former top-pick on his third team this calendar year.

Heading into the home stretch of the 2022 season, two quarterbacks are on a path towards the playoffs, with a third possible thanks to a weak division. 

It's clear two quarterbacks have cemented their status among these five. Two others are in audition mode for their future opportunities, with the final quarterback, well, he's hoping he hasn't had his last chance in the NFL.

Josh Allen

Allen has the Buffalo Bills (9-3) atop the AFC East but it hasn't exactly been pretty since he injured his UCL in week 9.

The Bills continue to win, however, collecting three straight victories. The loss prior to the streak was a three-point defeat to the Vikings in overtime; a game in which the Bills led 27-10 and had red zone struggles by Allen and the offense.

Allen had 330 passing yards in that game but two costly red zone interceptions aided Minnesota's comeback.

That area of the field has been a bit of a hassle for this high-octane offense at times and showed up again in week 11. It was the aid of six Tyler Bass field goals that helped secure a 31-23 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Accuracy has been down as Allen plays through the injury. He's 64-102 for 673 yards during the win streak, with five touchdowns against only one interception. (Though he does have two lost fumbles in the last four games).

For the season, Allen is still putting up gaudy numbers. He has 3406 passing yards with a 64.1 completion percentage and 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Allen also has 581 yards on the ground, second on the team, with five touchdowns.

The final stretch isn't easy, with games against four teams fighting for the playoffs, including three divisional opponents. Buffalo has been playing with more balance on offense as of late, a good sign for these late-season, cold-weather games. As long as the victories continue to pile up, Allen and the Bills will be making a deep playoff run.

Next five weeks: vs NYJ (12/11), vs MIA (12/17), @ CHI (12/24), @ CIN (1/2/23), vs NE (1/8)

Lamar Jackson

Jackson and the (8-4) are winners in five of their last six games but, like the Bills, are struggling to find the end zone. Baltimore scored a combined 23 points in their last two wins, with a one-point loss to Jacksonville sandwiched between.

An offense that clicked in the early part of the season has stalled, thanks largely to injuries in the receiving corps and an inconsistent and healthy running game outside of Jackson.

Just as these two units were getting healthy, Jackson left last Sunday's victory early in the first quarter after suffering a knee injury.

Jackson had looked comfortable in the two games prior in moving the team downfield, throwing for 463 yards and rushing for 120. He also started decent against the Broncos, completing 3-4 for 11 yards before leaving a game.

The injury to his PCL could keep him out multiple weeks, though no timetable has been given yet. Jackson was on his way to another 1000-yard season on the ground (and could be still, depending on when he returns) with 764 yards. He's averaging 6.8 yards per carry and scored three times.

Through the air, Jackson has 2242 yards with a completion percentage at 62.3 and has tossed 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions.

The final stretch for Baltimore is division-heavy, with four games against the AFC North. Going 3-2 down the stretch should earn them a playoff berth. A lot of that depends on Jackson's availability. If they can find a way to win and allow him a few weeks off, it's going to be a huge positive heading into those final weeks.

Next five weeks: @ PIT (12/11), @ CLE (12/17), vs ATL (12/24), vs PIT (1/1/23), @ CIN (1/8)

Sam Darnold

The magic man from USC has earned another chance to start for the Carolina Panthers (4-8). This is no ordinary "play out the season" scenario, as the Panthers are only two games back of the first place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Buoyed by a strong running game and exceptional defense, all Sam Darnold has to do is protect the ball and the Panthers have an outside chance to make the playoffs.

Doing those things is exactly what Darnold did in his 2022 debut, leading the Panthers to a 23-10 victory over Denver in week 12. Darnold was 11-19 for 164 yards with a touchdown, rushing for another score. No overwhelming but with 0 turnovers and 0 sacks, it could be considered the best performance by a Carolina quarterback this season.

It was enough for the Panthers to move on from Mayfield. Even if the Panthers don't manage to win the NFC South, the final five weeks give Darnold the opportunity to prove his worth. And if all goes well, he could earn himself the right to start again in 2023.

Next five weeks: @ SEA (12/11), vs PIT (12/18), vs DET (12/24), @ TB (1/1/23), @ NO (1/8)

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield's season has been a roller coaster in 2022. Not so much in regards to performance level, that's been subpar, but in being on, and off, the field.

That continued in recent weeks, acting as a backup in a week 10 Carolina victory over the Falcons and the starter in week 11. 

Mayfield was in action thanks to an injury to P.J. Walker and Darnold not quite ready for game action. The result was more of the same for Mayfield in a week 11 loss to the Ravens. The Panthers only put up three points, with Mayfield's modus operandi of batted balls and interceptions in full effect. 

He was 21-33 for 196 yards and two picks in his last game as a Panther.

Playing in parts of seven games in 2022, Mayfield has thrown for 1313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 57.8 percent of his passes.

The Carolina era ended when Mayfield was given his release on Monday (12/5). And on Tuesday, a possible new era began when he was signed by the quarterback-needy Los Angeles Rams. With Matthew Stafford on injured reserve and current starter John Wolford banged up, there's a real possibility Mayfield could see action as soon as Thursday. And though he's likely not the Rams quarterback of the future, these final five weeks give him a chance to prove to an NFL franchise he is still worthy of that honor.

Next five weeks: vs LV (12/8), @ GB (12/19), vs DEN (12/25), @LAC (1/1/23), @ SEA (1/8)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen, formerly of the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns, is hanging out in free agency. While I don't necessarily believe his chances in the NFL have run their course, it's entirely possible Rosen shows up in another league in the coming months. Not discounting anything but the 2022 season seems to be a wash for the quarterback out of UCLA.

Continue to follow along with the progress of these five quarterbacks, with the next update coming after the completion of the 2022-23 regular season.

Year 5 preview

Two above the rest in '22

Midpoint of year 5

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Five quarterbacks from the 1st-round of 2018 NFL draft: Midpoint of year 5

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft and are now at the midpoint of their fifth season.

Halfway through the 2002 season, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson continue to be the standouts among the five quarterbacks taken in the 1st-round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

And no, that's not simply because they are the only ones playing on a consistent basis (but it certainly helps).

The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are right back among the teams battling for AFC supremacy. Buffalo (6-2) and Baltimore (6-3) lead their respective divisions and are at a similar spot they were in 2021, where the Bills were 5-3 and the Ravens were 6-2.

Buffalo is hoping for a repeat of last year, where they went on to win the AFC East and advanced to the AFC Divisional Round

Baltimore is looking to avoid a repeat of last year, where the Ravens stumbled down the stretch. Jackson missed most of Baltimore's last five games and the Ravens were merely spectators in the playoffs for the first time in Jackson's career.

Injuries are again rearing their ugly head for both teams but the next few weeks should allow for both to build momentum before heading into the home stretch. 

Josh Allen

The biggest concern for Allen and the Bills at the moment is the quarterback's injured elbow. The good news is the UCL on Allen's throwing elbow is only sprained. Though he's currently listed as "day-to-day", the bad news is that Allen missed time with a similar injury in 2018.

Allen is in a two-game mini-slump, completing only 31 of 59 passes in a 10-point win over Green Bay and three-point loss to the New York Jets. The two losses for Buffalo this season have happened by a combine five points.

The loss against the Jets marked the first time in 2022 that Allen did not throw for a touchdown. Allen did have nine carries for 86 yards and two scores.

Prior to the last two weeks, Allen had been setting a blazing pace. (Did the bye week stall this team out?) Allen had four games of over 300 yards passing, and almost fifth. He's thrown for 2403 yards and 19 touchdowns but has been bitten by the interception bug, with eight so far. This puts him on pace to throw more than the 15 he threw in 2021.

Allen's completion percentage (64.1) is slightly better than last season's 63.3. He's also been sacked 16 times behind an offensive line that has been injured off-and-on this season.

Allen is also the team's top rusher, gathering 392 yards this season. Though one doesn't want to take away this attribute, seeing Devin Singletary carry more of the load might ease some of the wear on Allen. 

The schedule isn't much of a cakewalk in the coming weeks. If Allen plays in all four, a 3-1 record in this stretch is perfectly acceptable. Anything less, and the final five weeks might be pressure-packed for the Bills.

Next four weeks: vs MIN (11/13), vs CLE (11/20), @ DET (11/24), @ NE (12/1)

Lamar Jackson

Jackson and the Ravens have collected three straight wins. This, despite injuries to their top two running backs, tight end Mark Andrews, and a season-ending injury to wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

The bye week comes at a perfect time as this team tries to get healthy and build off a solid defensive effort in last Monday's win against the New Orleans Saints.

Jackson is again finding ways to get things done with his feet. He's only found the end zone twice but he's collected 635 yards, almost double that of leading running back Kenyan Drake. More impressive is the 7.4 yards per carry Jackson is averaging. If this holds up, it would go as the best of his career. 

Jackson's passing has been consistent, despite the injuries. After throwing at least one interception in five of Baltimore's first six games, he hasn't thrown one in the three games since. In two of those games, Jackson failed to reach 25 pass attempts and crack 150 yards but Baltimore still has found ways to win.

On the season, Jackson is completing 62.3 percent of his passes while throwing for 1768 yards. He has 16 touchdown passes and six interceptions, with already 20 sacks taken on this year's resume.

After the bye week, Baltimore comes backs with three very winnable games. This would set them up in prime position, with a playoff spot firmly in view.

Next four weeks: BYE, vs CAR (11/20), @ JAX (11/27), vs DEN (12/4)

Baker Mayfield

A fresh start with the Carolina Panthers has been a disappointment so far for Baker Mayfield. 

An injury to his ankle derailed an already tough beginning in a week five loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Mayfield sat out the following three weeks, acting as a backup to PJ Walker. 

And, even in a decent showing in relief of Walker in a 42-21 loss in week nine to the Cincinnati Bengals, Mayfield will again be the backup this week against the Atlanta Falcons. 

Mayfield had his best game of the season, completing 14-20 for 155 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.  He's thrown for 1117 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per attempt (the lowest of his career). Mayfield has thrown over 200 yards only twice in 2022, with six touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Panthers essentially tore everything down midseason, with the trade of Christian McCaffrey and the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. Mayfield, barring a major turn of events, will likely see the field again this season. 

Injuries have plagued Mayfield the last two years as he looks to recapture that All-Pro worthy season of 2020. But there remains an opportunity for him to prove himself as a valuable player and teammate, and if that happens in '22, it best be an opportunity not wasted. 

Next four weeks: vs ATL (11/10), @ BAL (11/20), vs DEN (11/27), BYE

Sam Darnold

The debut for Sam Darnold could arrive sooner rather than later for the struggling Carolina Panthers (2-7).

Carolina activated Darnold for the first time in 2022. Though it might not come in week 10, with Walker getting the start, a chance to get Darnold some reps could be on the horizon. It's hard to imagine him not getting any playing time this season, unless Walker shines or Mayfield gets on the field and stays healthy as well as being productive. 

Darnold has the tools to still be a starter in the league but that window is quickly closing, especially for a player that hasn't played a full season to date.

Next four weeks: vs ATL (11/10), @ BAL (11/20), vs DEN (11/27), BYE

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen spent the first six weeks of the 2022 season on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns. In early October, with the suspension of quarterback Deshaun Watson close to coming to end, Rosen was released by the Browns. 

A free agent, it could be until the offseason that Rosen gets another shot, if indeed that happens. While the on-field product wasn't too great since his arrival in the NFL, Rosen also was given up on rather quick in both of his starting opportunities. Perhaps a career as a backup still awaits but for now, it truly is a waiting game.

Follow along in following the careers of these five quarterbacks, with the next update coming after week 13 of the 2022 season.

Year 5 preview

Two above the rest in 2022

photo credit: Flickr

1st-round QBs from 2018 draft: Two above the rest

 

Series continues on the five quarterbacks taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft, through four weeks of their fifth-season.

The first four weeks of the 2022-23 NFL season have already brought plenty of intrigue for quarterbacks taken in the 1st-round of the 2018 draft. Three of the five have been fairly active in slinging around the football around the field. Two of them are even doing it with accuracy.

Highlights in these first four weeks include one playing against his former team and a marquee match-up between two early-season frontrunners for MVP. In a rainy day affair, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson delivered in leading their teams to a slugfest of a game.

Fireworks by the exciting quarterbacks were limited as both somewhat underperformed compared to previous weeks. Allen struggled early while Jackson shined, with the script flipped after halftime.  In the end, it was some questionable decision-making by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh that saw the Bills prevail 23-20.

This game might very well serve as an AFC title game preview. Both teams have some issues to address and work on. For the Bills, establishing a running game and overcoming some early-season injuries. And for Baltimore, improving on defense, though signs of life from the unit coming to life were present against Buffalo.

Jackson and Allen have both shown signs of improvement, with small frustrations, through the first four games. But continuing down this path should have both quarterbacks in MVP contention, while building towards a Super Bowl ring.

Josh Allen

Allen has been a superman for the Buffalo Bills (3-1). One wonders not if the pressure will to him, but if he can survive the wear-and-tear. Allen has hoisted this team onto his shoulders and, as it often goes with the great players, as Allen goes so do the Bills. 

Allen has proven he can handle it but will need more help in the running game to help keep the passing lanes open. They have two talented runners plus a rookie getting touches. It's about finding consistency and keeping opposing defenses off-balance with at least the threat of the run.

Injuries have piled up at receiver but haven't hurt Allen and the Bills a whole lot. The position is one of the deepest on the team and when Stefon Diggs and Allen are doing their thing, Buffalo is nearly impossible to defeat.

Allen had a 400-yard passing game in a two-point loss to the Miami Dolphins. While Allen did connect with 11 different receivers, he also had three fumbles (one lost) and was sacked four times.

This loss came after the Bills won their first two games by a combined scored of 72-17.

Allen struggled some with accuracy (19-36) against the Ravens but overall has been his usual self. He's thrown for 1227 yards while completing 67.3 percent of his passes. Allen has tossed 10 touchdowns and thrown three interceptions.

The ground game has also been strong with Allen, rushing for a team-leading 183 yards and two touchdowns. 

More marquee match-ups await, with games against the Chiefs and Packers on the horizon. And if all goes well, it will be two more notches for Allen in his pursuit for MVP.

Next five weeks: vs PIT (10/9), @ KC (10/16), BYE, vs GB (10/30), @ NYJ (11/6)

Lamar Jackson

Jackson and the (2-2) are a few bad plays and unlucky bounces away from being undefeated. Their two losses are by a combined seven points. In addition to the Buffalo loss, Baltimore, like the Bills, lost to the Dolphins.

That game, fault lies mostly in the Ravens blowing a 35-14 lead. Jackson was nearly flawless in completing 21-29 passes for 318 yards. He threw for three touchdown passes and added another on the ground, scoring on a 79-yard touchdown run. Jackson had nine carries for 119 yards and did not commit a turnover or get sacked on the day.

Jackson has been sacked eight times this season but four of those came in the victory over the New England Patriots.

Accuracy and progression have improved for Jackson. Having one of the game's top tight ends in Mark Andrews helps. So, too, has Jackson been helped by a healthier running back stable behind him.

Jackson has completed 65 percent of his passes, throwing for 893 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also tossed four interceptions, two coming against the Bills. 

Things started off slow on the ground for Jackson, carrying only six times for 17 yards. But he has two 100-yard games since and leads the Ravens with 316 yards and two touchdowns.

Some tricky games await the Ravens, starting Sunday night against Cincinnati. It's a stretch that could define what the Ravens will truly be this season. A 4-1 stretch is entirely possible but with the NFL, it's easy to see Baltimore going 1-4 during this span as well. 

Next five weeks: vs CIN (10/9), @ NYG (10/16), vs CLE (10/23), @ TB (10/27), @NO (11/7)

Baker Mayfield

A change of scenery for Baker Mayfield has quickly developed from a dream into a nightmare. Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers are 1-3 but could very well be 3-1 if only quarterback play was better.

Mayfield has been mostly pedestrian in his new threads. Two of his games have seen Mayfield complete less than 50 percent of his passes. And he hasn't cleared 200 yards passing since his debut for the Panthers, a 26-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Those first two losses were by a combined five points, fortunes that might have changed if Mayfield played better.

Passes are getting batted down at the line of scrimmage and Mayfield is getting sacked (11 times) far too often. There's also been the problem of holding onto the ball, with Mayfield fumbling five times already (though he's only lost one).

Mayfield has thrown for 747 yards, completing passes at a 54.7 percent clip. He's thrown one touchdown in each game for a total of four but has also three interceptions (two came against in last week's loss to Arizona).

Defense and the running game have been carrying this team so far. If Mayfield doesn't recapture some of his rookie year (or 2020) magic, the starting job might not be his for much longer. The talent is there. It's best he re-capture it soon or it's going to be another long year for the former top-pick.

Next five weeks: vs SF (10/9), @ LAR (10/16), vs TB (10/23), @ ATL (10/30), @ CIN (11/6)

Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold had already lost the quarterback race in Carolina when he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the preseason. Darnold was eligible to come off the IR this week, but according to sources, he's not close to making a return.

If, and when, he does, Darnold could very well get a chance to unseat Mayfield as the top guy. At this point, just being healthy might be more than enough to do exactly that.

Next five weeks: vs SF (10/9), @ LAR (10/16), vs TB (10/23), @ ATL (10/30), @ CIN (11/6)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen continues to hang on by a thread in the NFL. After spending the preseason with the Cleveland Browns, Rosen was one of the final roster cuts. No other takers came calling, so he landed on the practice squad for the Browns.

Cleveland currently sits at 2-2, with their losses by a combined four points.

Next five weeks: vs LAC (10/9), vs NE (10/16), @ BAL (10/23), vs CIN (10/31), BYE

Follow along as the progress of these quarterbacks is tracked, with the next update coming after week 9.

1st-round QBs taken in 2018 NFL draft: Year 5 preview

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Quarterbacks from the 1st-round 2018 NFL draft: Charting into year 5

 

Chronicling the careers of the five quarterbacks taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft. Now preparing for year five.Entering their fifth year in the league, the five quarterbacks selected in the first-round of the NFL draft have established a clear pecking order.
Questions have been answered regarding talent and leadership, skills, and ability.  They have turned into franchise leaders, while some are hoping for a franchise to latch onto (or hope one doesn't give up on them).
Josh Allen tops this list heading into the 2022 season, with the Buffalo Bills serious Super Bowl contenders.  The Bills were a defensive stop away from getting closer to the promised land last season. And with Allen handed more weapons on offense, truly magic numbers can occur for this MVP candidate.
Beset by injuries and inefficiencies, the other four quarterbacks from this 1st-round class have fallen behind. No longer can they be considered best of class.  A few might still be there when their careers are all said and done, while two are looking at careers as backups, if even that.
For now, the title of "Best in Class" is Allen's to lose.

Josh Allen

Allen, in two playoff games last season, officially stamped himself as a franchise quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. He was already established in this position but despite a loss in the Divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs, Allen truly arrived.

A 47-17 win in the Wildcard round saw the Bills score touchdowns on each of their first seven drives. And if it weren't for a Chiefs team that matched offensive prowess, and perhaps a change in overtime rules, Allen and the Bills would have been playing for a berth in the Super Bowl.

Allen was 48-62 in the playoffs, throwing for 637 yards and 9 touchdown passes without an interception.

The talent and efficiency basically mirrored Allen's regular season, though struggles did occur. He set career-highs in completions and attempts (409-646), while throwing for less yards (4407) and (36) touchdowns than the previous season.

Allen also had a career-high in interceptions, with 15. But, he also let his ground game doing much of the talking, racking up 763 yards (6.3 ypc) and six touchdowns.

The sky continues to be the limit for Allen and the Bills. Buffalo went 11-6 last season as Allen improved to 39-21 as a starter. The Bills, as long as Allen stays healthy and continues to put up solid numbers, should win an improved AFC East. The next step this season? An AFC Championship Game appearance, and with any luck, a Super Bowl berth. First, though, a harrowing road trip and tough schedule to open the season.

First four games: @ LAR (9/8), vs TEN (9/19), @ MIA (9/25) @ BAL (10/2)

Lamar Jackson

For the first time in his career, Lamar Jackson did not lead the Baltimore Ravens to a playoff berth.

Jackson had his fair share of struggles last season, battling injury and other health issues. Playing in only 12 games, Jackson had a 7-5 record but that came after a 6-2 start in which the wheels slowly came off the Ravens.

Jackson has a career-record as a starter of 37-12.

Playing with a limited running game, Jackson managed to put up (or was on track to) passing numbers on par with the rest of his career. He completed 64.4 percent of his passes, throwing for 2882 yards. Jackson had 16 touchdown passes but his 13 interceptions were the most of his career.

Handling the bulk of the running attack, at least in the early going, Jackson ran for 767 yards but only two touchdowns. 

The Ravens start the season with an even split of road and home games, all against AFC East teams. A healthy Jackson and others should allow Baltimore to get back to their winning ways. And a fantastic season from the team could go a long way in Jackson and the Ravens finally agreeing on the long-awaited contract extension. Hopefully it's that, and not a season-long distraction for both.

First four games: @ NYJ (9/11), vs MIA (9/18), @ NE (9/25), vs BUF (10/2)

Baker Mayfield

Fresh digs was not exactly how Baker Mayfield imagined things going a year ago.

Coming off a season in which Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to a playoff victory, the future looked bright. That mostly unraveled in 2021-22 as Mayfield battled injury and the Browns couldn't quite recapture the magic of the previous season.

That led to an offseason filled with drama and a new quarterback in Cleveland, with Mayfield eventually finding his way to the Carolina Panthers. And earning a new starting job to go with it. 

Mayfield started three (plus) seasons for the Browns, compiling a record of 29-30. He went 6-8 as the starter last season, playing through a shoulder injury (among other things). Mayfield's accuracy was off at key points, and indecision and bad decisions often hampered outstanding drives. 

Dropped balls were also an issue, helping stall out promising chances at scoring.

Mayfield completed 60.5 percent, with 3010 yards. He tossed 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions

A change of scenery might re-invigorate Mayfield. Plus, he has some big-name receivers and a talented running back, when healthy, to help ease the transition. This season might be Mayfield's best chance to prove he can be a consistent, above-average quarterback in the NFL. And of course, it all starts with a week 1 matchup against his former team.

First four games: vs CLE (9/11), @NYG (9/18), vs NO (9/25), vs ARI (10/2)

Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold and his string of bad luck continued in recent weeks. First, he lost out to Mayfield in the race to be starter for the Panthers.

And in Carolina's most recent preseason game, Darnold suffered a nasty high-ankle sprain and will likely miss the first 4-6 weeks of the season.

Darnold's career has been bumpy at best. Peaks of greatness have been followed by deep, deep valleys of despair. Injuries and illness have prevented Darnold from playing a full season through his first four years. He's played in a total of 50 games, starting 49 of them. Darnold is 17-32, going 4-7 in 2021-22.

A change of scenery when arriving in Carolina seemed to suit Darnold well, as he and the Panthers started off in a blaze of glory. However, struggles and injuries doomed the team and, once he made a return, couldn't quite locate that early-season mojo.

Darnold finished with a 59.9 completion percentage, throwing for 2527 yards. He also threw nine touchdown passes (five in the first four weeks) against 15 interceptions. 

The running game of Darnold did take hold last season, with 222 yards and five touchdowns.

Things look bleak for Darnold at the moment. He has shown flashes throughout his career of having what it takes to be a starter in this league. Inconsistency and staying healthy have been Darnold's main obstacles to overcome. If he can find that, Darnold could have one hell of a back half of his career.

If not, the backup slot on teams will be his to lose. 

First four games: vs CLE (9/11), @ NYG (9/18), vs NO (9/25), vs ARI (10/2)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen could soon find himself again looking for a new team.

Hopes were that Rosen could stick with the Cleveland Browns, especially with Deshaun Watson suspended for the first 11 games. A special preseason might have even seen him wrestle the starting job away from Jacoby Brissett.

Instead, Rosen struggled, was outplayed by Joshua Dobbs, and could be facing a release as teams make cuts to reach the 53-player limit.

Rosen played sparingly last season with the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in four games. He was 2-11 for 19 yards, throwing two interceptions. Rosen was never going to supplant Matt Ryan last year but a lost opportunity to perform well in blowouts was lost.

If he doesn't stick with the Browns, opportunities might be running low for a quarterback who is 3-13 as a starter. Not exactly the plan that was in place when entering the league. At best, it looks like a career as a backup for Rosen at this point. At worst, well, there's always a couple of fledgling pro leagues in the United States for Rosen to try and latch onto.

First four games: @ CAR (9/11), vs NYJ (9/18), vs PIT (9/22), @ ATL (10/2)

Follow along for the 2022-23 season and the progress of these five quarterbacks, with updates following weeks 4, 9, 13, and 18.

picture credit: Wikimedia Commons

2018 NFL draft 1st-round QBs, year 1

2018 NFL draft 1st-round QBs, year 2

2018 NFL draft 1st-round QBs, year 3

2018 NFL draft 1st-round QBs, year 4

The Walking Dead finds ways to hack away at suspense of final season

The Walking Dead is close to calling it a career, when the final eight episodes air beginning October 2 on AMC, but plenty of stories remain to be told in TWD universe.

Eleven seasons and 177 episodes of The Walking Dead will be the important totals when the series reaches the finish line late in autumn of 2022. Heroes and villains have graced our screens, even as audiences left in a mass exodus once Negan finally arrived. (While that's due to the violent nature of those episodes, or the characters who met their demise, well, that's up to you to decide.)

The series did have a renaissance in recent years, thanks to harkening back to stories and character development that made many fans fall in love with the show in the first place.

Well, that and creative zombie kills galore.

Popularity soared with the arrival of The Walking Dead television show, helping to spawn a universe of zombie-related shows. Fear the Walking Dead is somewhat limping along after seven seasons, especially with the exit of original cast member Alycia Debnam-Carey (Alicia Clark). However, Kim Dickens (Madison Clark) made a return.

Spin-offs from the original series, and standalone shows set in the same universe, are beginning to pile up. We already had The World Beyond and are getting Tales of the Walking Dead, a show focused on Daryl (Norman Reedus), plus spin-offs involving Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) and Isle of the Dead with Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan).

The trouble with the announcement of these spin-offs is that we lose some of the drama that should be associated with the show's final season.

Who lives, who dies, that's not the story

This is not to say the final season of The Walking Dead has been lacking in suspense. One of the main storylines, however, is what exactly would happen between Maggie and Negan as they learn to work together.

Tension has been high between the two as they learn to navigate the sins of the past while working toward a better, safer future for those around them. Heading into the final episodes, I was looking forward to how their dynamic played out.

Suffice to say, after the announcement at San Diego Comic Con last weekend, there is little of that intrigue left.

To be fair, I thought neither character was going to meet a bloody fate by time the show faded to black.  It might have been nice, however, to see the final episodes play out with the potential for death hanging over those character's heads.

Now, interesting angles could play out in order to get them to a place that correlates to their upcoming series. And I get that SDCC is the exact place to hype up and announce future projects, like Isle of the Dead, but there is also something to be said about waiting until a current series is finished with its run.

The same can be said for what once was the Daryl/Carol (Melissa McBride) spin-off. That one had been in the works for some time, though eventually it turned into a Daryl standalone as McBride exited the project.

The same idea held here, too, where I believed both characters to be safe from death, as they are two original characters that have powered through since the beginning. But, even keeping that possibility in play helped the tension and the story arcs moving forward.

Creators of The Walking Dead, and its subsidiaries, have taken careful care to balance the world building. And the last couple of seasons of the flagship show in this universe have returned to a recipe that worked so well in the early going. While there are definitely storylines and character arcs to keep the story moving forward these final eight episodes, I wish AMC might have held off on making these announcements. 

Tease out the tension of these characters as you build towards finality. In knowing that certain characters will hop about in this now expanding universe, these episodes will now be viewed with a different lens. Not necessarily a bad lens but one that holds a little less anticipation and expectation. 

This is also not to say that universe building is necessarily bad. In this instance, better ways could have been done to go about announcing these shows with some of our favorite TWD characters.

In many ways, part of the fun of The Walking Dead is guessing and predicting which characters will meet their demise. Many of those options have now been taken off the table, leaving fans will an assortment who have already been on the chopping block for multiple seasons. Suppose now, as the end path winds near, the surprises will not be who will die but how. And while still fun, not as supersized and unpredictable as they could have been.

photo credit : Wikimedia Commons