Paget's Pick-Six: Hope springs eternal
A look around the NFL with Brian Paget
We’ve made it. Week 1 is here. Let’s take a look at six of the biggest storylines around the league.
1 — Quarterback Comebacks
The quarterbacks are always the story. But the theme in 2023?
Comebacks.
After a down year, Aaron Rodgers — at 39 years old — is looking to prove that his New York rebirth is no joke. He’s still just one year removed from his back-to-back MVP seasons.
In Denver, Russel Wilson — at 34 years old — will look to similarly revitalize his career following a humbling inaugural campaign.
In Cleveland, Deshaun Watson is out to prove that his unimpressive performances at the conclusion of 2022 were simply a result of rust.
And in Arizona, Kyler Murray — who likes to use his legs quite a bit — appears to be angling for a midseason return from his torn ACL.
Paget’s Picks:
I’m expecting Rodgers to have a Brady-esque revival with his new surroundings.
And while Nathaniel Hackett should get the most out of Rodgers, Sean Payton should find ways to accentuate Russel Wilson’s strengths in ways that Hackett couldn’t. I’m still skeptical, though, that we’ll see the Seattle version of Wilson.
Watson should rebound to a degree, but I’m also not sold that he’ll return to his pre-suspension level of dominance.
In terms of Murray, well, will he even play at all? The tanking will make things dicey over there. If he does, it’s not as if Jonathan Gannon will tell us anyways.
2 — Rookie Ramblings
Bryce Young has got the goods, but he’s gonna struggle out the gate with that supporting cast and offensive line. More importantly, he’s got the right coaches around him.
I’m still not sold on CJ Stroud and really the entire operation in Houston led by Nick Caserio. I do believe in DeMeco Ryans, though. And at least they’ve got a strong offensive line.
Anthony Richardson is a perfect fit in Shane Steichen’s offense. It may take a few years, but there’s a real path toward becoming the next Jalen Hurts. If only he had an All-Pro running back alongside him.
At this point, we can only hope that Bijan Robinson’s usage is not as erratic as that of Kyle Pitts. You never know with Arthur Smith and the Falcons these days.
If Jaxon Smith-Njigba hits the ground running, the Seahawks’ offense is gonna be really tough to slow down.
With Todd Monken calling plays, the Ravens are gonna throw the ball a lot more than we’ve seen in past years. By the end of the season, Zay Flowers might just be the No. 1 target.
Preseason hype around the exciting usage of a certain young running back is nothing new. It just doesn’t typically come to fruition. Well, Jahmyr Gibbs is the guy this time around, but if any offensive coordinator can execute this hybrid-type role, it’s Ben Johnson.
Rookies of the Year: Anthony Richardson & Christian Gonzalez.
3 — Narrow NFC
Are there any true playoff locks in the NFC outside the 49ers and Eagles? I don’t think so.
Perhaps some would put the Cowboys and Vikings in that category, but in my eyes, it’s pretty wide open.
Two teams that I see filling the void: the Lions and Seahawks.
Detroit’s offense should be even better in 2023, and its defense should be able to build on last year’s strong finish.
Seattle’s defense should make strides, too, and the offense should improve with added playmakers.
The rest is a hodgepodge of mediocrity.
4 — Hindering Holdouts
With running backs stealing the headlines, other significant holdouts have been glossed over for much of the summer, but things have certainly gotten interesting between the Chiefs and Chris Jones & the 49ers and Nick Bosa.
Both are integral pieces in their respective defenses, of course, so you have to assume this gets figured out at least within the next two weeks. Yet it could get interesting — especially in Kansas City — if it lingers.
Remember, Brett Veach had no issue trading Tyreek Hill en route to another Super Bowl. In reality, though, he can’t afford to do the same with Jones.
*UPDATE: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Nick Bosa has agreed to a five-year, $170 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
5 — Winner Winner
AFC North: Ravens
AFC East: Jets
AFC South: Jaguars
AFC West: Chiefs
NFC North: Lions
NFC East: Eagles
NFC South: Saints
NFC West: 49ers
Caleb Williams Bowl: Cardinals
Super Bowl: Eagles
Paget’s Pick: Howie Roseman swings a trade for Jonathan Taylor and Philadelphia ultimately gets redemption.
6 — Paget’s Pick-Six
The tide has turned, and the Seahawks are now just more talented and well-rounded than the Rams.
It’s only Week 1, so the new-look Saints won’t be quite ready for a still-feisty, Mike Vrabel-led squad.
Mike Tomlin always has his team ready to roll in Week 1; meanwhile, the 49ers tend to start a bit slow. Oh, and they might be without Bosa and George Kittle.
I don’t feel great about this one, but I think Jordan Love is going to surprise some people in a back-and-forth battle in Chicago.
Simple as this: Brian Daboll outduels Mike McCarthy in a classic NFC East showdown.
How ‘bout a primetime sweep for New York? I can’t shake the feeling that the Jets kick-off the Rodgers era in style.
