This article is not to justify what he did, nor argue his guilt or innocence but to give reasons, between his talent and the situation he is in could put him in a prime spot to make a massive comeback.

The Case for Deshaun Watson to be Comeback Player of the Year

The first player I would like to discuss is Deshaun Watson. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past two and a half years, you know the issues that Watson has been dealing with. I will not go through the details of the off-the-field issues that he was dealing with. The main fact is that Deshaun Watson did not play football for a little over two years, on top of receiving an 11-game suspension from the NFL. He did not return to action until week 12 of the 2022 NFL season.

The Wonder Years

Before the last few games we saw from Watson last year, he was an elite talent. He was a smart quarterback with an outstanding arm and a running upside that he could also rely on when needed. The last full season Watson had with the Houston Texans was the best season in his career.

If you talk to people, a lot of them think that in the 2020 season, he still had DeAndre Hopkins as his alpha receiver, but Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals before the beginning of that season. Deshaun Watson posted a stat line of 382 completions on 544 attempts for a completion percentage of 70.2 for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns with only seven picks. He also posted 444 yards on the ground on 90 attempts and three touchdowns. If there were 17 games played two years ago, Watson would have more than likely surpassed 5,000 yards passing.

Six-Game Mirage of 2022

Fast forward to the last six games of 2022 for Watson. He did not look good at all, but it was to be expected being out for two years and having little to almost no time with the team because of the 11-game suspension that he had to serve. Watson is still young at age 27 and has a lot left in the tank. There were some underlining good takes that you can look at from last season’s performance, for instance, he is still a willing runner posting 36 attempts for 175 yards and one touchdown in six games.

The Team Around Him in 2023

This year, Watson has arguably a better cast for success around him than he had with the Houston Texans. He’ll play with Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, who was acquired in the offseason for a second-round pick, star running back Nick Chubb, and the big rookie prospect Cedric Tillman.

Another huge thing Watson did not have in Houston that he has here is a great offensive line. PFF has the Cleveland Browns’ offensive line ranked number two in the NFL right under the great offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles. The organization has really put Deshaun Watson in a position to succeed and this Cleveland Browns team will at the least be a very competitive opposition in the AFC North at least as long as they can get at least 80 percent of the vintage Deshaun Watson.

The Cleveland Browns have shown the confidence that they have in Mr. Watson. The money that they paid him shows that they believe in his talent. With the pieces around him, he is set up for success. Can Deshaun Watson take advantage of this second chance or has he been away too long and is “washed”?

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Today let’s give some much-needed attention to three underrated Jets on defense.

Most Underrated Jets on Defense Going into 2023

D.J. Reed

The New York Jets enter the 2023 season with one of the best secondaries in football, and it is headlined by the cornerbacks. Sauce Gardner is the biggest name of the three top cornerbacks for the Jets but D.J. Reed deserves a lot more attention. Reed signed a three-year contract with the Jets in the offseason of 2022 and to say he was a pleasant surprise last year is an understatement.

Last season D.J. Reed put up a career-high in tackles (80) and passes defended (12). When you compare D.J. Reed to other top cornerbacks in the NFL, he was statistically better in many categories. One of those being QB Rating allowed when targeted, Reed had allowed a QBR of (81.9). That was better than Jalen Ramsey (84.5), Darius Slay (83.9), and Trevon Diggs (86.1). Ramsey, Slay, and Diggs all went on to make the Pro Bowl last season and D.J. Reed did not. Reed will have another big opportunity this season against some of the best receiver duos in the NFL to prove and further show his ability.

Quincy Williams

The Williams family was getting paid this past offseason with both Quinnen and Quincy receiving new contracts to remain with the Jets. Quincy Williams has been one of Joe Douglas’ best finds after getting cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars in August of 2021. The Jets picked him up a few days later and he has been a very solid starting-caliber linebacker for the Jets.

In his two years in Jacksonville, he played a combined 18 games and had a combined 59 tackles. When you compare that to his two years with the Jets his production has seen a major increase. Williams has ranked second on the team in tackles each of the past two seasons with 110 in 2021 and 106 last year in 2022. Last season Williams also put up a career-high in sacks (three) and was tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (12) which was also a career-high and he was tied with his brother Quinnen Williams. Not only does Quincy Williams’ ability show in the box score it also shows on the field with his sideline-to-sideline speed.

Bryce Huff

You can throw Bryce Huff into two different categories an underrated category and an underutilized category. This has been another under-the-radar find for Joe Douglas, signing Bryce Huff as an UDFA out of Memphis in 2020. Although his snap count is minimal and he only plays primarily on third and fourth down his pass-rush ability is special.

Last season Huff appeared in 14 games after being inactive for the first three games of the 2022 campaign. In those 14 games, he made his mark, Huff’s pass-rush get-off was 0.67 seconds, the fastest of any player in the last five seasons. He also led the NFL in pass-rush win rate last season with a 25.6% win rate. Huff was able to do this even though he was only ninth among Jets defensive linemen in snaps. Pairing Bryce Huff with other edge rushers such as Carl Lawson, Will McDonald, Jermaine Johnson, and John Franklin-Myers will continue to be a main factor in the Jets’ defensive success.

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Best Odds to Win 2023-24 NFL MVP

Patrick Mahomes (+650)

The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to win the Super Bowl so it’s only fitting that their superstar quarterback is the favorite to win the NFL MVP. Patrick Mahomes is going for his second connective award after putting up 5,250 yards with 41 touchdowns. His performance led Kansas City to a 14-3 record and their second Super Bowl victory in four years, winning the Super Bowl MVP in both.

Having the best connection in the league with Travis Kelce and a coach like Andy Reid by his side to add to an already gifted quarterback just elevates his play even more. If Mahomes won the award, he would be the second quarterback in a row to win back-to-back MVPs, with Aaron Rodgers doing so in 2021 and 2022.

Joe Burrow (+750)

There’s no surprise that Joe Burrow is right behind Mahomes in the race for NFL MVP. Burrow has done nothing but solidify himself as one of the best in the league since being thrust into action in 2020. He’s led the Cincinnati Bengals to the AFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl appearance. Burrow finished fourth in the MVP voting last year as he threw for 4,475 yards with 35 touchdowns and can put up even better numbers this year, that is if he can stay healthy.

He suffered a calf injury in team practice and all that was said was he’ll be out several weeks. With the talent in the hunt for the award, missing a couple of games could hurt his chances but if he’s able to start right out of the gate, you better believe he’ll come out swinging, especially with a receiving corps of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.

Josh Allen (+850)

To open up last season, Josh Allen was the favorite to win the NFL MVP but fell short of doing so, finishing in third place. In fact, that’s been the theme of Allen’s career. He’s been the front-runner to win the MVP and Super Bowl for several years yet there’s always been someone standing in his way. Allen wants to reverse that trend and put the doubters to rest who have the notion that he and the Buffalo Bills are slowly fading away from the pack.

Allen is still one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league. He’s a dangerous duel threat as not only did he throw for 4,283 yards and 35 touchdowns but he also ran for 762 yards and 7 touchdowns. Just like the quarterbacks above him, he has a lethal connection with his top wide receiver. In this case, that would be Stefon Diggs, who had 1,429 yards. Allen is a great leader and he will have a chip on his shoulder this season to finally win his first NFL MVP.

Jalen Hurts (+1100)

Having by far the best year of his career so far in 2022-23, Jalen Hurts finished as the runner-up for the NFL MVP after throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He also tallied 760 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns on the ground. Hurts went 14-1 as the starter and led the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl, just falling short by three points to the Chiefs. 

He comes into this season with still one of the best wide receiver duos in the league and all-around talent around him, maybe even better than last year’s team. Hurts has improved in every season and now that he’s entering his fourth season, it’s expected that he takes his game to another level that just might be enough to win the MVP this season.

Justin Herbert (+1200)

Justin Herbert will be the one to be overlooked as an NFL MVP favorite but in reality, he shouldn’t be. Just like last season, he enters the season at number five on this list and there’s a good reason why. Herbert is one of the most talented quarterbacks in today’s game. He won the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and followed that up with a 5,000-yard season the following year in 2021. His production did dip a little in 2022 but he still threw for 4,739 yards and 25 touchdowns. Keep in mind that Herbert was dealing with a rib injury throughout last season.

Like Hurts, Herbert is entering his fourth season at the helm with a great receiving group but features one of the best running backs in the league behind him. He’s healthy and ready to get the Los Angeles Chargers over the hump after a very disappointing loss in the Wild Card game last season. Herbert may have the biggest chip on his shoulder of any quarterback on this list to elevate his game and show why he deserves to be among the best.

Next Best Odds:

Lamar Jackson (+1500)
Trevor Lawrence (+1500)
Aaron Rodgers (+1600)
Justin Fields (+2000)
Tua Tagovailoa (+2200)
Dak Prescott (+2200)

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The Sleeper Teams That Could Win A Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens

Despite all of last year’s hardships, they still managed to make the playoffs. In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens offense will look different after the departure of Greg Roman. Lamar Jackson is healthy and they addressed their weakness, the wide receiver position. According to PFF, before the 2022 season the Ravens wide receiver group ranked 29th in the league, and that halted the success of this team.

Their wideout group didn’t have a wide receiver with over 500 yards receiving. This group was restructured with the additions of Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers. These two will add big play ability and spread the field along with Rashod Bateman while taking pressure off of Mark Andrews.

The defense will once again look to hold their weight. They finished with the third-lowest points scored against them (315). With the additions of Rock Ya-Sin and Trayvon Mullen in the secondary, the Ravens get much-needed depth in the secondary. David Ojabo is expected to play a huge role up front for the defensive line and they added Jadeveon Clowney to add depth in the trenches.

In a division where you have to face Joe Burrow twice a year and now Deshaun Watson who’s said to look like the Houston version of himself, they need enough talent on both sides of the ball to compete. It’s too early to say they can dethrone the Cincinnati Bengals in the division, but they can be good enough to make the Bengals sweat a little.

New York Jets

There’s a bad man suiting up in Gotham green which instantly makes them Super Bowl contenders. Aaron Rodgers brought hope to New York and they’re trending in the right direction. In Rodgers’ favor, this may be the best offense he’s ever played on. Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, and Mecole Hardman are a group that could be one of the best in the league. They added Dalvin Cook who can be lethal on the ground and receiving out of the backfield to pair nicely with Breece Hall who burst on the scene last season.

The New York Jets look to win the AFC East for the first time in 20 years. On paper, they may be the best team in the AFC but still have to prove it against the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. If these three are solidified as the top three in the conference, the Jets have more than enough to be the giant slayer.

Detroit Lions

With Rodgers out of the division, it’s time for the Detroit Lions to strike. The hype around the Lions is very much deserved and the NFL agrees. They have four primetime games and five nationally televised games for a reason. They finished the season winning eight of their last ten and were on the brink of a playoff berth.

Their units were polar opposites, which held them back from a playoff appearance. The offense was one of the best in the league, finishing in the top half in total points scored, yards per game, and PPG. The defense was the worst in total yards allowed, yards per game, and points allowed.

Going into 2023 they loaded up with talent on both sides of the ball. Offensively they added David Montgomery and Marvin Jones Jr in free agency and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs. On the defensive side, they improved drastically. They added Cameron Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was tied for first in interceptions last season (six). Expect this unit to perform a lot better than what last year’s group showed.

The Lions open up against the Chiefs and have tough road matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys but the rest of their schedule isn’t too gut-punching. A healthy and consistent Lions team has a ceiling of 12-13 wins and a great chance to win the NFC North.

New Orleans Saints

It’s been a tough road for the New Orleans Saints after the retirement of Drew Brees but Derek Carr may be the missing piece. Playing in a very favorable division, the veteran experience of Carr can be what raises the bar for this team. Last season Chris Olave showed he’s one of the best young playmakers in the NFL. Michael Thomas looks to be healthy and the rookie wide receiver, A.T. Perry, could have a huge impact. They will start the season without Alvin Kamara, but they added last year’s rushing touchdown leader, Jamaal Williams who will be a nice counterpart when Kamara returns.

The defense is returning nine starters and is capable of championship-caliber football, which they showed in the second half of the season. In their last 10 games, they’ve only allowed 14.5 points per game. Led by Cameron Jordan and Marshon Lattimore, there’s elite potential for this unit. The success of the season won’t rely solely on defense, but they will need defensive dominance in a conference loaded with offensive firepower.

There are three teams in the NFC that most feel are the teams to beat. Then it’s fair game for anyone else to fill in the four playoff spots. If the Saints get the best version of Carr the only thing standing in their way is themselves.

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Best Odds to Win Super Bowl LVlll

Kansas City Chiefs (+600)

It’s no surprise that the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites to win it all again this year. The biggest reason why is because of one name, Patrick Mahomes. That’s really all that needs to be said. He’s coming off his second MVP season by throwing for 5,250 yards with 41 touchdowns to 12 interceptions and he capped it off with his second Super Bowl. If that wasn’t enough, he has the best connection in the NFL with Travis Kelce, who just put up his seventh 1000-yard season as he had 1,338 yards with a career-high 12 touchdowns.

That duo is enough to solidify the Chiefs as Super Bowl Champions, of course along with the coaching prowess of Andy Reid. There might be worries about the defense but they’ve been there and done that, facing the same questions yet appearing in and winning Super Bowls doesn’t seem to be a problem when you have this high-powered offense. If the Chiefs are able to repeat, they would be the first team to do so since the 2003 and 2004 Patriots.

Philadelphia Eagles (+650)

Right behind them is Super Bowl LVll runner-up Philadelphia Eagles, who suffered a crushing 38-35 defeat against the Chiefs to end last season. Despite that loss, they come into this season with a vengeance and maybe even better than last year’s team. They return Jalen Hurts under center, who has taken the league by storm by leading the Eagles to a 14-3 record by throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns with only six interceptions. He also ran for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns. His great performance earned him MVP runner-up.

He’s flanked by one of the best-receiving corps in the league with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who both had over 1,000-yard seasons. Tight end Dallas Goedert would’ve gotten or been close to a 1000-yard season last year as well if he stayed healthy. They lost their lead running back with Miles Sanders but replaced him with a trade for D’Andre Swift and snagged Rashaad Penny to try to get him back to form.

The Eagles didn’t only dominate on offense last year but did on defense too. While they lost some pieces on that side of the ball, they all but made up for it by dominating the NFL Draft while still keeping a top cornerback duo on board. This Philadelphia team has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, maybe even more than last year, and it’ll be hard to keep them from making yet another showing in the big game.

Buffalo Bills (+900)

The Buffalo Bills slid down one from the early odds but that has nothing to do with them and all to do with what the Eagles did in the offseason. The Bills were the favorites to win it all last season but had an ugly outing against Cincinnati in the Divisional Round. They now come into this season with a chip on their shoulder to show everyone that they are still a team to beat on the road to Super Bowl LVlll.

Before Josh Allen became the Bills starting quarterback in 2018, this team made the playoffs once since 1999. Fast forward with number 19 under center, and the Bills have been one of the best teams in the league. They’re consistently finding themselves in the playoffs and atop of the list of favorites with a loaded roster but there’s always been some team standing in the way whether it’s the Chiefs or Bengals. Allen still has one of the best connections in the league with Stefon Diggs and a reliable secondary option in Gabe Davis with a promising TE group of Dawson Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid.

They will be dangerous yet again on offense but the defense also is what makes this team who they are. Their secondary is one of the best with Jordan Poyer and a returning Micah Hyde at safety along with Tre’Davious White at corner. The Bills are also looking to get back a healthy Von Miller who had eight sacks in 11 games last season. Many are saying the Bills are slowly declining from their dominant status but they still have the power to prove people wrong.

San Francisco 49ers (+1000)

With the Eagles dominating headlines all offseason in terms of their roster, the San Francisco 49ers fall to second as NFC favorites for the upcoming season. Even with multiple options at the quarterback position, Brock Purdy will be looked at as the starter come week one. Unfortunately for San Fransisco, Purdy suffered an arm injury in the first quarter of last year’s NFC Championship Game and Trey Lance was already injured so they had to go with their third-string. They were in the mud from the start but hope to regain form this season.

Now that Purdy is healthy, the 49ers are ready to challenge for the Super Bowl yet again this season. They have one of the best overall rosters in the league and a system made for just about any capable quarterback. Purdy is surrounded by Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle as well as superstar running back Christian McCaffrey. A step further is taken with this defense, headlined by Nick Bosa and that scary defensive line.

The 49ers have made it to the NFC Championship Game three of the last four years, even with people pointing out weakness at the quarterback position. With the mastermind Kyle Shanahan leading the charge, this team is set up perfectly to succeed in almost any situation and is still a strong favorite to win Super Bowl LVlll. 

Cincinnati Bengals (+1100)

There is a trio of tier-one teams in the AFC who seem to be fighting for the right to play in February and the Cincinnati Bengals are one of them. They’ve been on the cusp of their first Super Bowl in franchise history in each of the last two seasons but have fallen just short. They lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl two years ago while losing to the Chiefs by three points in the AFC Championship Game last year. There’s no coincidence that Cincinnati became instantly one of the best teams in the league over the last two years with Joe Burrow.

With him being surrounded by wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins along with running back Joe Mixon, the Bengals aren’t going anywhere anytime soon and are poised to represent the AFC in the big game again real soon. They also have been upgrading their offensive line to accommodate Burrow, recently bringing Orlando Brown Jr. into the mix.

They’re lethal on the offensive side of the ball but questions however do remain of the defensive side. They lost key starters along the secondary but are hoping the pass rush with Trey Hendrickson and 2023 Draft pick Myles Murphy will hide some of that inexperience back there. But as we’ve seen with other teams, having a high-powered offense such as the one in Cincinnati can mask some of the weaknesses on the other side of the ball and that’s exactly why they’re one of the favorites to win it all.

Next Best Odds:

Dallas Cowboys (+1400)
New York Jets (+1600)
Baltimore Ravens (+1800)
Detroit Lions (+2200)
Miami Dolphins (+2500)

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But every so often, we’ve seen second, third, or even fourth-string names rise to the occasion and become the next big thing on the gridiron. 2023 could be the year that more backups will become Pro-Bowl caliber players than we’ve seen in years.

For this list, we will not be counting names who have been announced as starters in 2023. We will be talking about the ones currently sitting as backups right now.

Here are a few current backups that could have a breakthrough in the 2023 NFL season.

NFL Backups Who Could Shine in 2023

Jamaal Williams: New Orleans Saints

Jamaal Williams is coming off a career season with the Detroit Lions in 2022. He broke the franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a season (17) and posted his first 1,000-yard outing. Of those 17 games he played in last year, he only started in nine of them. Now, he’s moved south to dawn the black and gold in the upcoming campaign.

Needless to say, his arrival is most opportune; Alvin Kamara, a five-time Pro-Bowler, will be dealing with a three-game suspension due to an off-the-field incident in Las Vegas. During the current preseason, the Saints have been sorting out who will take over in the meantime.

Expect to hear from #30 a lot more often this year. If Williams can build upon his work in 2022, the Saints could have at least an impact player, and hopefully, another Pro-Bowl running back to utilize.

Gardner Minshew: Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have recently announced that rookie, Anthony Richardson, will be the starter coming into 2023. However, the fourth overall pick better be ready to hit the ground running. The NFL never fails to weed out the contenders from the pretenders. God forbid the Richardson experiment doesn’t play out this season, Minshew will be more than capable to rise to the occasion.

People seem to forget that Minshew can ball. During his two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he has completed over 60 percent of his passes and threw a combined 37 touchdowns to only 11 combined interceptions. Few people remember this because the Jaguars were turning into a laughing stock as the 2020’s arrived.

Minshew and Colts heads coach, Shane Steichen, do have history with each other. Steichen was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles while Minshew was on the team last season. If the opportunity presents itself, we could see a potential return of “Minshew Mania.”

Bailey Zappe: New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have found themselves at a crossroads at the quarterback position. Do they continue to roll with Mac Jones? Or do they hand the keys to Bailey Zappe? The 2022 season did not help the former’s case. Not only did the Patriots fail to reach the post-season, but also Jones suffered a slight slump in comparison to his rookie outing.

Keeping their options open, coach Bill Belichick and company gave backup signal caller, Bailey Zappe, the wheel for a couple of games. Going 2-0 as a starter, Zappe threw for almost 800 yards while completing almost 71 percent of his passes. His 5-3 touchdown to interception ratio is not the best. But the sample size shows Zappe’s hunger to win.

Do not be surprised if the Patriots give Zappe more playing time in 2023. His eagerness to compete cannot be underlooked.

Deuce Vaughn: Dallas Cowboys

Deuce Vaughn made his presence known to the football world as a Kansas State Wildcat. There, among a plethora of accomplishments, the Unanimous All-American played a pivotal role in upsetting TCU in last year’s Big-12 Conference Championship game.

Then came the 2023 NFL Draft. His five-foot-five frame made him the shortest running back drafted ever since the NFL started tracking the combine. But that did not stop the Dallas Cowboys from picking him up in the 6th round, commissioning Deuce’s father, who works as a scout for the Cowboys, to make that phone call and submit that pick.

Vaughn has his cut out for in Dallas. Tony Pollard and Ronald Jones II will mostly likely be taking most of the carries on offense. But Vaughn’s utility on special teams and in the receiving game could present him as a secret weapon for Dallas down the road. Who knows? If coach Mike McCarthy utilizes Deuce effectively, we could see his name in the “Rookie of the Year” conversation.

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Throughout the playoffs, Tampa Bay showcased its mettle, conquering opponents with a combined score of 86-37 across three games. This remarkable achievement was the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and overcoming the hurdles that had marked the team’s history. The championship win served as the pinnacle of their arduous journey, a testament to the hard work and unwavering commitment of every member of the organization.

A Look Back at the 2002 Buccaneers

The story of the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers begins with the pivotal decision to hire Jon Gruden as head coach. Known for his offensive prowess and unparalleled determination, Gruden injected a new energy into the team, igniting a fire that would propel them towards greatness.

From there, the Bucs embarked on a season filled with moments of triumph, resilience, and camaraderie, all leading up to their unforgettable Super Bowl victory. We will unravel the tapestry of triumph and heartache that ultimately defined this legendary team.

The Hiring of Jon Gruden

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced success in the NFL under the guidance of head coach Tony Dungy. Despite multiple playoff appearances, however, the team fell short of capturing the ultimate prize. Following a disappointing loss in the wildcard round of the playoffs in 2001, the Bucs made a bold and decisive move. They opted to part ways with Dungy and sought to bring in a new coach who could potentially lead them to victory.

After weeks of careful consideration and extensive negotiations, the long-awaited hiring of Jon Gruden finally came to fruition. With his impressive track record, Gruden’s appointment as the new head coach brought a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation to the team and its devoted fanbase.

The decision to hire Gruden did not come without its costs. The Bucs relinquished a significant number of valuable draft picks and cash to the Oakland Raiders in order to secure Gruden’s services. This move showcased the team’s unwavering belief in Gruden’s potential and the impact he could have on their fortunes. It was a high-stakes gamble that would ultimately shape the future of the franchise.

Gruden, a young and energetic coach known for his offensive-minded approach, brought a fresh perspective to the team. His reputation as a strategic mastermind and his ability to harness the full potential of his players made him an attractive candidate for the Bucs. The team believed that Gruden’s innovative thinking and aggressive play-calling would breathe new life into their offense and propel them to greater heights.

“The thing that (Gruden) helped us with is now our offense was accountable for every snap we took. There was no more three yards and a cloud of dust. This man was such an offensive nut. He’d say, ‘We’re gonna go up and down the field,’ and we’d look at him and laugh.” Warren Sapp to The Dan Patrick Show when asked about Jon Grudens impact on the team.

Upon his arrival, Gruden immediately made his mark on the team. His passion and intensity were evident from the very beginning, leaving a lasting impression on both the players and the organization. He wasted no time in instilling a winning mentality and demanding excellence from everyone involved. The Bucs embraced Gruden’s vision wholeheartedly, recognizing that his unique coaching style had the potential to transform them into a championship-caliber team.

The Regular Season

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The Buccaneers kicked off the season with sky-high expectations and they certainly delivered. Led by the offensive genius Jon Gruden and backed by a dominant defense, this team was primed for a deep playoff run. Throughout the regular season, the Buccaneers showcased their strengths and weaknesses, ultimately securing an impressive 12-4 record.

Undoubtedly, the Buccaneers’ defense was an unstoppable force. Anchored by defensive legends Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch, they wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. With a relentless pass rush, impenetrable run defense, and a penchant for creating turnovers, the defense played a pivotal role in the team’s victories. By the end of the regular season, they boasted the top-ranked defense in terms of points allowed, total yardage allowed, and turnovers.

But it wasn’t just the defense that shone during the regular season. Under Gruden’s expert guidance, the offense found its rhythm and consistently put points on the board. Quarterback Brad Johnson proved to be the leader the team needed with his smart decision-making. The Buccaneers’ receiving corps, featuring standout players like Keyshawn Johnson and Joe Jurevicius, provided reliable targets for Johnson to connect with, further bolstering the team’s offensive firepower.

A standout moment for the offense came in Week 9. Despite playing with two fractured ribs, Brad Johnson wore a flak jacket underneath his jersey to protect himself. In an incredible display of determination, Johnson threw five touchdown passes and amassed over 300 yards. The Buccaneers dominated the visiting Vikings, sealing a resounding 38-24 victory. This win improved their record to 7-2, matching the best start in franchise history.

The Buccaneers’ strengths on both offense and defense, coupled with their ability to overcome challenges, set the stage for an extraordinary playoff journey. They proved themselves to be a formidable force in the league, leaving fans and opponents alike eagerly anticipating their postseason performance.

With their eyes set on the ultimate prize, the Buccaneers were ready to make their mark in the playoffs.

The Playoffs

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The NFL playoffs are a crucible that separates the contenders from the pretenders, and the Buccaneers embraced the challenge with unwavering determination. Their performance against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round showcased their dominance on both ends of the field. With a potent offense led by quarterback Brad Johnson and an impenetrable defense anchored by Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, the Buccaneers left no doubt about their superiority. The game ended with a resounding victory for the Buccaneers, setting the stage for their next hurdle.

The conference championship clash between the Buccaneers and the Eagles was eagerly anticipated by fans and pundits alike. The Buccaneers sought redemption after a regular-season loss to the Eagles, and they delivered a performance for the ages. The game was a fierce battle, with both teams leaving everything on the field.

During the opening kickoff, Brian Mitchell, the return man for the Eagles, took the ball to the Buccaneers’ 25-yard line. The Tampa Bay defense seemed to struggle as Duce Staley, the running back for the Eagles, broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run, putting the Eagles ahead 7-0 early in the game.

The Buccaneers responded with a successful field goal drive. On the subsequent kickoff, Mitchell had another impressive return, giving the Eagles excellent field position for their second drive.

This time the Bucs’ defense held strong and the roller coaster ensued. The next drive for the Bucs resulted in a costly interception thrown by Brad Johnson, giving the Eagles another opportunity with favorable field position. From there, the game took a turn as Tampa Bay outscored Philadelphia 27-3 for the remainder of the game.

This game, dubbed “Black Sunday” in Philadelphia, was considered the worst loss in the history of Philly sports. Throughout the playoffs, the Buccaneers demonstrated the power of teamwork and the ability to rise to the occasion. Each player played a vital role, from Mike Alstott‘s powerful runs to John Lynch’s bone-crushing tackles.

The Superbowl

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The long-awaited Super Bowl matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Oakland Raiders was finally here. The Buccaneers had made it to their first Super Bowl in franchise history, while the Raiders were back for the first time since their loss in Super Bowl XXXVII.

The game got off to a slow start, with both teams exchanging field goals early on. However, the tide quickly turned in favor of the Buccaneers thanks to their dominant defense. The Buccaneers intercepted Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon a record-breaking five times, with safety Dexter Jackson earning the game’s MVP award for his two interceptions in the first half alone.

But it wasn’t just the defense that shone for the Buccaneers. Quarterback Brad Johnson and his offense were able to capitalize on the turnovers, with reliable running back Michael Pittman and standout receiver Joe Jurevicius both making crucial plays throughout the game. The Buccaneers were also able to take advantage of their opponent’s lack of strategic changes. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, who had recently left the Buccaneers to lead the Raiders, had installed many of the same plays and signals with both teams, leading to Tampa Bay being able to anticipate their opponent’s moves.

Despite the Raiders managing to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Buccaneers were able to secure a convincing 48-21 victory. The win marked the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history for the Buccaneers.

Looking back on the game, it’s clear that the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory was the culmination of an exceptional season. Under the leadership of head coach Jon Gruden, the team had assembled a roster of talented players who were able to come together in pursuit of a common goal. From their early-season struggles to their playoff victories and ultimately their Super Bowl triumph, the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will forever be remembered as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ journey to Super Bowl glory was a testament to strategic gameplay, unified team effort, and exemplary individual performances. Their ability to adapt, anticipate, and capitalize on opportunities throughout the season, culminating in a thrilling Super Bowl victory, etched their name in the chronicles of NFL greatness. This remarkable journey raises an intriguing question: Who in today’s NFL landscape has the potential to replicate such an extraordinary season?

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5 Sleeper Running Backs to Keep an Eye on This NFL Season

Alexander Mattison

With Dalvin Cook gone to the Jets, Alexander Mattison now gets the chance to be the lead back for the Minnesota Vikings. A 3rd round pick in 2019 out of Boise State, Mattison has shown flashes of talent in his tenure as the rock-solid second-string back. While his 1,670 rushing yards in four seasons don’t necessarily stand out, the games in which he took over as the lead back due to Cook’s injuries certainly do. In the five NFL games that Mattison has had 20 or more carries in, he has rushed for at least 90 yards in each and has averaged 4.6 YPC collectively. He has shown that he is capable of a more significant role and should not be overlooked this season.

Miles Sanders

From the Philadelphia Eagles to the Carolina Panthers, not quite the upgrade Miles Sanders was probably hoping for, but a great opportunity nonetheless. With the departure of Christian McCaffrey and D’Onta Foreman, the rebuilding Panthers were left with a large void at running back. With Sanders now at the helm, he has a chance to prove that he deserved the longevity that the Eagles denied him. Having already rushed for nearly 4,000 yards in his four seasons in the NFL, Sanders should play a prominent role in the new-look Panthers offense (if he can stay healthy, of course).

Jamaal Williams

The Detroit Lions‘ decision not to re-sign Jamaal Williams after leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season was a bit of a head-scratcher. A goal-line menace and more than competent 3-down back, Williams possesses the all-important combination of speed and power. With a new home with the New Orleans Saints, Williams should have plenty of touches now that star running back Alvin Kamara is suspended for the first six games of the season. Look out for Williams to provide the bulldozer mentality that made the Kamara and Mark Ingram duo so lethal a few seasons ago.

Rachaad White

There have been so many changes within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ offense over the past few seasons that it is almost hard to keep up with them all. One of which, is the recent promotion of second-year running back Rachaad White to starter. White rushed for nearly 500 yards in his rookie campaign and showed a lot of athleticism in the process. One of the main reasons White landed on this list is because there is a lot of uncertainty about the Bucs’ quarterback play this season, which undoubtedly will mean the rushing attack will need to be relied on heavily in critical situations. Can White take this opportunity and run with it? There is certainly reason to believe so.

Ezekiel Elliott

Where there is lightning, there is thunder. No running back group have embodied this motto more than the New England Patriots in recent years. With an emphasis on fresh legs and a strong committee approach, the Patriots will look to Rhamondre Stevenson and newly signed Ezekiel Elliott to keep that strategy in effect. Ezekiel Elliott has already proven himself in recent years with the Dallas Cowboys, but perhaps a change of scenery is what the doctor ordered. Look for Elliott to play with a chip on his shoulder this season after many counted him out following a string of down years.

As the 2023-24 NFL season gets underway, it would be wise to keep an eye on these five sleeper running backs. Alexander Mattison, Miles Sanders, Jamaal Williams, Rachaad White, and Ezekiel Elliott are all expected to be significant contributors and will likely be fantasy studs by the end of the season. Can these five sleeper running backs stay healthy enough to capitalize on the opportunities given to them? We will soon find out.

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Today let’s take a look at this roster and break down the two biggest strengths on offense and the two biggest strengths on defense.

Biggest Strengths on Offense and Defense for the Jets

Quarterback

Starting on offense, this is one of the easiest choices for the Jets and that’s QB. For many years now the Jets have struggled to find a QB, that however changed in a big way this offseason. Striking a trade for Aaron Rodgers puts this offense on the map for real. Rodgers is a Super Bowl Champion, 4x NFL MVP, 10x Pro Bowler, and a future Hall of Famer. Last season four different Jets QBs saw playing time in the regular season Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White, and Chris Streveler.

Having stability finally at the position will be huge for the Jets that have desperately needed it for what seems like forever. Rodgers will be able to spread the ball around, utilize every weapon he has and get the most out of the talent on the offense. Expect key players like Garrett Wilson, Mecole Hardman, Allen Lazard, and Corey Davis to all have big productive seasons for this Jets offense. Randall Cobb as well even though he won’t get many snaps he has chemistry with Rodgers and is a reliable target in the red zone. Also, with the offensive system that offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and Rodgers are implementing expect the tight end room to see an uptick in production.

Running back

This was a tough choice between running back and receiver because both positions are extremely talented. However, with the recent signing of Dalvin Cook the Jets RB room is complete with lots of talent. The Jets have five very qualified running backs but only four spots available on the 53-man roster. The newest addition of Cook provides much-needed veteran experience to a very young room. Before the signing of Cook, Michael Carter was the “veteran” in the room even though he is only entering his third season.

Now with the addition of Cook, you pair him with rookie standout Breece Hall and the potential is there to be one of the most lethal 1-2 punches in the game. Some may have forgotten but Hall was on his way to Offensive Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL ending his rookie campaign in Denver in week seven. Hall and Cook are your top two backs going into week one. Add new rookie RB from Pitt Israel Abanikanda and either Michael Carter or Bam Knight and you are set with a very talented and explosive RB room.

Defensive line

Where do you even start with how talented and deep this defensive line room is? Many fans coming up with names for it like Sack Exchange 2.0 and many others. Let’s just say the excitement level is very high for this defensive line. Joe Douglas has put together a nice mix of young talent and veteran talent.

Quinnen Williams is the biggest name on the defensive line fresh off of getting paid. Coming off a 12-sack season in year number two in Robert Saleh’s system he blossomed as one the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. The Jets also added veterans like pass rusher Quinton Jefferson and run-stopper Al Woods from Seattle in free agency. EDGE rusher Will McDonald who was the Jets’ 2023 first-round pick has shown lots of flashes so far in Preseason action. Another EDGE rusher in Jermaine Johnson is primed for a breakout year in year number 2 after primarily being used in a developmental role last season. He put on a lot of muscle in the offseason and has had a fantastic Training Camp and Preseason. Also, can’t forget about other pieces like Carl Lawson, John Franklin-Myers, Micheal Clemons, Solomon Thomas, and Bryce Huff.

Cornerbacks

For many years the Jets have had major holes in their secondary specifically at corner but that has finally changed. The Jets last season statistically had three top 25 cornerbacks in the NFL. Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II quickly made their mark on this Jets’ defense last season.

The CB room is headlined by Sauce Gardner who took home Defensive Rookie of the Year leading the league in passes defended (20) last year. Sauce who was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft exceeded expectations last season for the Jets. Causing receivers to get “Lost in the Sauce.” Another big piece is Michael Carter II who took a real big leap from year 1 to year 2. Coming out of last season he solidified himself as one of the better slot cornerbacks in the NFL. D.J. Reed is the most underrated out of the three corners when you look at his production last season. Joe Douglas signed Reed in the 2022 offseason, after just one year he’s turned into one of Douglas’ best free agent signings. Reed has also been a really good leader for this Jets’ secondary and defense as a whole.

Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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MORE: The Thursday/Friday Rookie Performances

Reacting to the Other Rookie Quarterbacks in Preseason Week One

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

Grade: D

Richardson started the game for the Colts with high expectations and had a rough first drive, which ended in an interception and led to excellent field positioning for the Bills. He couldn’t seem to get in a rhythm with his receivers, frequently overthrowing them, but showed glimpses of his raw talent by extending plays. Richardson was subbed out for Gardner Minshew in the middle of the second quarter, and the Colts were down 0-10. He ended the game with seven completions on twelve attempts for 67 yards and an interception, and he added only seven yards on the ground. Minshew had a much better day, showing why he should be the regular-season starter.

Notice: The Colts have named Richardson as the Week One starter for the regular season. They must have a lot of faith in his development to justify this move.

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans

Grade: C-

Levis came in after Malik Willis took the first drive of the game, a two-yard touchdown run by Willis. He led a solid drive that ended in a one-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins after having great field placement from a Chicago turnover early in the second quarter. He seemed to not have enough time to make the correct reads or was going through his progression too slowly, as he was sacked four times. Willis and Levis would trade drives for most of the game. Levis ended with nine completions on fourteen attempts for 85 yards, with a late-game desperation interception. It could be better for the second-round pick, but Willis got the bulk of the opportunities. 

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Grade: C

The number one overall pick started the game for the Panthers. He played three drives, completing four of six passes for 21 yards and getting sacked once. Young looked comfortable in the pocket and aware of his surroundings, making the right throws at the right time. He had a few passes that were overthrown, but otherwise, Young was proficient with his timing and touch on the ball. The Panthers are easing the rookie into NFL action and are being cautious with his reps. Hopefully, we will see more of Young in week two of the preseason.

Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B

McKee entered the game at the beginning of the second quarter. His first drive ended in a field goal, but he left some on the table as his pass on third down sailed over the receiver’s head. McKee looked comfortable with his protection upfront and was able to connect on some deep throws. He was subbed out at the beginning of the fourth quarter, ending an excellent showing for the rookie. McKee had ten completions on twenty attempts for 148 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per pass. McKee will be challenging Marcus Mariota for the second-string role throughout the preseason. This was a positive game for his case. 

Stetson Bennett, Los Angeles Rams

Grade: B+

Bennett had his first NFL drive at the beginning of the second quarter. He looked composed and almost lackadaisical in the pocket as he dished out significant gains to his receivers. Although three of his first four passes were almost “house calls” for the defense. Bennett finished with 17 completions on 29 attempts for 191 yards and a touchdown, one of the better stat lines out of this rookie class. With his performance, Bennett has a real shot at the second-string role behind Matthew Stafford if he continues this level of play.

Max Duggan, Los Angeles Chargers

Grade: C

Duggan made his debut after halftime for the Chargers. He only attempted three passes and made much more of an impact on the ground, where he had 20 yards. He had trouble going through progressions due to the offensive line giving up three sacks. The Chargers were comfortably in the lead the whole time, not allowing Duggan to showcase his skills. Hopefully, he will get more playing time in the next two preseason games.

Jake Haener, New Orleans Saints

Grade: C+

After halftime versus the Chiefs, Haener took the reins from Jameis Winston and Derek Carr. He played the entirety of the second half but couldn’t seem to get anything going until late, as the Saints offense stalled after scoring 17 points in the first half. Late in the fourth quarter, he led a solid drive that ended in a touchdown pass to Ellis Merriweather to pull close to the Chiefs. Haener finished with ten completions on seventeen attempts with 105 yards, an interception, and a touchdown. It’s okay for the current third-stringer but not enough to surpass anyone in the depth chart, as the Saints already have a competent backup in Jameis Winston. 

Aidan O’Connell, Las Vegas Raiders

Grade: A

O’Connell started the game for Las Vegas, marking his first start in the NFL. He started hot, completing four passes on four attempts in the first quarter. He unleashed a 35-yard pass to Tre Tucker toward the end of the second quarter, but it was unfortunately called back as Tucker couldn’t maintain possession.

O’Connell was relaxed in the pocket and made good decisions to drive his team down the field. He finished with fifteen completions on eighteen attempts for 141 yards and a touchdown, the best overall stat line out of all the rookies. O’Connell has a real shot at starting if Jimmy Garoppolo gets injured after this week’s performance. Let’s hope he can keep this level of proficiency up. 

Aiden O’Connell, by far, had the best performance, but he also had more playing time than Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson combined. Stetson Bennett and Tanner McKee also had solid games showcasing their skills and could be emergency starters after this week. Richardson did not live up to the expectations that come with being a top-five draft pick, but he has plenty of time to grow and learn the ropes, as this is what the preseason is for. 

Main Image:  Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

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