The NFL season is a whirlwind, moving at a rapid pace that keeps fans engaged and on the edge of their seats. It’s one of the many reasons why football remains our national religion. With so much happening in such a short span of time, every moment feels important and significant. Unlike other sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, or MLB, where it takes months for a team to make a significant impact, the NFL allows teams to turn their fortunes around in just a few good weeks. Even a seemingly gimmicky strategy can become a stroke of genius that propels a team to success, sometimes even spanning over a season and a half.
Take Mike McDaniel, for example. He had seemingly cracked the code to offensive success not long ago. With sprint motions, receivers schemed wide open, and a push-button quarterback play, everything seemed simple and effective. But then it became apparent that Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for McDaniel’s team, couldn’t make plays that were off-script and lacked the arm strength to make long passes. Despite beating only one winning team throughout the season, they lost the division at home on Sunday night. Now they face the daunting task of going up against Kansas City next week, a challenge that no team would willingly choose.
Similarly, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a plan in place. They had the most highly regarded quarterback prospect on his rookie deal, which allowed them to spend big on free agents. It seemed like the perfect advantage in football. However, they have struggled to win 10 games in a season, despite being in a relatively weak division. They even surrendered a playoff spot to a Titans team that was going nowhere. To make matters worse, they may no longer have the best quarterback in the division moving forward, as two other teams in the AFC South also have promising quarterbacks on rookie deals who could potentially mimic their strategy and do it better.
The Philadelphia Eagles, once a formidable team, have also fallen from grace. After a strong showing last year and a promising start to this season, their quarterback Jalen Hurts proved to be incapable of making crucial plays. The team became hesitant to rely on him, and they now find themselves being thoroughly beaten by the Giants in the last week of the season, with a chance to take the division still within reach. They have lost five of their last six games and appear to be a shadow of their former selves. It’s a stark contrast to their Super Bowl win just a year ago.
The NFL is a ruthless business. Teams can experience a surge of success for a few weeks, but eventually, time runs out on their tricks and strategies. The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, with their quality quarterbacks, consistently perform well. The Dallas Cowboys always have talented players on the field, giving them a chance to be competitive in most seasons, even if they often find a way to blow it. However, for the majority of teams, success in the NFL requires some sleight of hand and misdirection. But eventually, the league catches on and exposes their methods, leaving only a handful of teams standing at the end of each season.
In contrast to the rapid changes and unpredictability of the NFL, the MLB seems to have settled into a pattern where the Los Angeles Dodgers dominate. The Dodgers, who won 100 games last season, continue to make moves to strengthen their roster. They recently signed Teoscar Hernandez to a one-year deal, adding depth to their lineup. While other teams could have benefited from Hernandez’s skills, it seems that the Dodgers are the only ones actively pursuing players who can contribute to their success. It’s a testament to the Dodgers’ commitment to winning and their willingness to continually improve their roster.
In conclusion, the NFL season is a fast-paced rollercoaster that keeps fans hooked and engaged. Teams that can string together a few good weeks can quickly turn their fortunes around and become contenders. However, the league is unforgiving, and eventually, the tricks and gimmicks lose their effectiveness. Only a select few teams with quality quarterbacks and talented rosters can consistently perform well. Meanwhile, in the MLB, the Los Angeles Dodgers stand out as the dominant force, continuously adding talent to their roster in their pursuit of victory.
