The primary week of the new NFL year has been a whirlwind, and many acquainted names have moved to unfamiliar locations.
Fan favorites have become villains, and newcomers are nearly immediate heroes.
In some elements of the nation, some followers should questioning what their groups have deliberate.
With that stated, listed here are three winners and three losers from the early days of the brand new NFL 12 months.
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The NFL brand on the sphere earlier than a sport between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium Dec. 3, 2023, in Nashville. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Photos)
Winner: New York Giants
Did the Giants lose two of their finest gamers? Sure. Did they make the appropriate choice in doing so? Additionally, sure.
Merely put, the Giants’ new management regime is not going to pay a premium at a non-premium place, therefore the departures of Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney. It is a potential nightmare for Giants followers to see Barkley twice a 12 months for the following three years in Eagles inexperienced. However Devin Singletary is a pleasant alternative after a resurgence final season.
The Giants additionally made strikes to rebuild their offensive line that has wanted assist for practically a decade.
The Giants nonetheless have loads of query marks, however after a disappointing 2023, they’re making strikes to get again to the playoffs.
Loser: New York Jets
Their quarterback, who’s 40 and recovering from a torn Achilles, might be running for office. A minimum of they acquired Tyrod Taylor.
Joe Douglas has at all times been a grasp of trades (see Jamal Adams), and he’s struck gold within the draft too (he’s additionally whiffed badly). However for a normal supervisor who has at all times been in a position to command a room, till apparently just lately with Rodgers on the town, the largest pleasure Jets followers have had is bringing in Morgan Moses for a decide swap.
The Jets stay a laughingstock, they usually aren’t doing a lot to vary it. All can be cured if Rodgers performs properly, however at this level, are we even positive he’s taking part in?
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaks to reporters in Florham Park, N.J., Jan. 8, 2024. (AP Picture/Dennis Waszak Jr.)
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
After an implosion late final 12 months, Philly is trying to completely reverse course.
The Birds added Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff and CJ Gardner-Johnson, three of one of the best obtainable gamers at their respective positions. Jason Kelce is already regretting retirement.
The Eagles in all probability might have executed nothing in free company and nonetheless been a playoff contender. However including famous person potential on either side, that are already crammed with expertise, goes to make the Eagles a legit power.
Loser: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas received the division final 12 months, and plenty of thought it was really the 12 months they’d do severe harm within the playoffs. As the second seed, they had been upset by the seventh-seeded Packers. So, how are they responding? They don’t seem to be.
The Cowboys sometimes stand pat throughout free company, so perhaps we shouldn’t be shocked. However one would suppose they’d attempt to determine a option to change Tony Pollard. Derrick Henry says they by no means even reached out to him.
The Cowboys even had replies turned off on X due to how annoyed their followers are.
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It’s laborious to dislike the present Cowboys roster and playmaking potential with CeeDee Lamb, however after a failed season, it positive looks as if Dallas is doing nothing however operating it again.
New York Giants operating again Saquon Barkley makes a play towards the Philadelphia Eagles throughout a Christmas Day sport in 2023. (AP Picture/Wealthy Schultz)
Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins is one of the best quarterback the Falcons have had since Matt Ryan, and whoever is second is a distant second. One might surprise how a 36-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tear will fare with a defensive-minded head coach, however Cousins stays probably the most underrated of our era.
Already with Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson, Atlanta also brought in Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney, each of whom have proven flashes.
The weak NFC South has been up for grabs for a pair years, and the Falcons ought to discover themselves within the combine for the crown at season’s finish.
Loser: Minnesota Vikings
From Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold. Oof.
Justin Jefferson is in line for an enormous contract, however a severe downgrade at quarterback is not precisely the easiest way to get your stud receiver to remain put.
Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings reacts after throwing a go for a landing in the course of the first quarter towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline Oct. 29, 2023, in Inexperienced Bay, Wis. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Photos)
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There may be plenty of on-line hypothesis Jefferson might head to the Cincinnati Bengals and group up along with his former LSU teammates in Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. That might be … superb.
And if that occurs, the Vikings, with T.J. Hockenson lacking a bit of the season and Darnold below middle, can be … not superb.
Winner: Chicago Bears
A late version right here! The Bears pulled off a stunner late Thursday evening once they acquired Keenan Allen for all of a fourth-round decide. When he is on the sphere, Allen remains to be a monster, as his 108 receptions had been a career-high, all whereas lacking 4 video games.
They introduced again Jaylon Johnson and likewise inked D’Andre Swift to a deal after loads of turnover with their operating sport.
And contemplating they’re nonetheless possible going to commerce Justin Fields for a haul and drafting Caleb Williams at No. 1 (oh, they’ve the ninth decide, too), we might quickly be saying the Bears had been the largest winners this offseason.
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