Exploits top list of 2019 NFL stories
The 2019 NFL season was pivotal for the league. New stars emerged, the future of the league was given the spotlight, and we even got some of the old storylines that have become ingrained into the DNA of the NFL.
From Action Jackson to the Browns Brownsing, here are the best storylines from this year in the NFL:
LAMAR JACKSON AND RAVENS RUN OVER PATRIOTS
When the Ravens beat the Patriots, 37-20, on Sunday Night Football, it felt like a passing of the torch. Baltimore looked overwhelming in the same way the Patriots have for the past two decades. Lamar Jackson ran all over them, the defense put the clamps on New England’s offense, and the Ravens established themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
That game marked the first time in a long, long time the Patriots looked like they were just another team. Of course, the Patriots could very well rack off 27 straight Super Bowls with Tom Brady playing until he’s 70, but on that day they looked just OK.
THE BENGALS ACCIDENTALLY TANK
Cincinnati hilariously fell into a tanking situation and locked up the first overall pick, which will probably be used on LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Bengals were competitive against the Seahawks to start the season, losing 21-20, and completely unraveled from there. The only win they’ve been able to grab this year was a 22-6 victory over the Jets.
Unlike the Dolphins, this was not the Bengals’ plan going into the season. They were reluctant to trade the few players of value they had for future assets, but still ended up in this situation anyway. The first year of the Zac Taylor experience was a disaster, but it might end up with a happy ending if Burrow pans out.
A REAL-LIFE NFL QUARTERBACK GETS MONO
Sam Darnold began the season with a bang when he was diagnosed with mono after the Jets’ Week 1 loss to the Bills. Now, Darnold getting sick isn’t terribly funny, but the internet content that was produced afterward was outrageous.
ESPN posted a ridiculous graphic that showed an enthused Darnold next to the words “OUT INDEFINITELY: MONONUCLEOSIS.” There were online generators where internet users could create their own diagnosis for Darnold and the creations were predictably outrageous.
THE COWBOYS FLOP DESPITE MEASURING LIKE AN ELITE TEAM
Based on how the Cowboys statistically performed, they should have absolutely run away with the NFC East crown. Their offense was arguably the best in the league outside of Baltimore for most of the season, Dak Prescott put up the best efficiency numbers of his career, and the defense was good enough to make the postseason.
Somehow, Dallas stumbled from 3-1 to 7-8. They lost a handful of close games and couldn’t overcome bafflingly conservative calls from head coach Jason Garrett, who looks like he’s on his way out of Dallas after a decade.
THE YEAR OF THE BLACK QB
Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes,
Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson all had outstanding seasons. For the first time in the history of the NFL, the position was dominated by black quarterbacks.
There’s been a history of bias against black players trying to play quarterback. Seeing a statistical explosion from black QBs this year, including all of the AFC Pro Bowl quarterbacks, is good for the league and inspiring for younger black athletes trying to play the position.
FALCONS DOING FALCON THINGS
Unsurprisingly, the Atlanta Falcons were the Atlanta Falcons.
Once again, they had a star-studded offense with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper leading the passing attack. Their defense has enough talent to be competitive, but they underachieved yet again.
Atlanta started the season 1-7 before fighting back and figuring out that they actually have a good team when everyone is on the same page. They beat the Saints and 49ers on the road, for crying out loud. It took far too long for head coach Dan Quinn to give up his defensive playcalling duties, but that’s the name of the game with the Falcons.
STEELERS BECOME AN UNWATCHABLE, HEARTWARMING STORY
The Steelers not completely imploding after Ben Roethlisberger was lost for the season is one of the most miraculous stories of the season. Not only did they lose Roethlisberger, but they also traded backup quarterback Josh Dobbs to the Jaguars. Duck Hodges, who started several games, was really the team’s fourth-string quarterback at the start of the season.
It’s been a tremendous job by Mike Tomlin and his staff, but that doesn’t mean the Steelers have been enjoyable to watch. Their defense is one of the best in the league while their offense