Article by: Justin Imler 

Article by: Pete Caceci 

After losing his endorsement with Nike on Thursday, and then being released by the Patriots on Friday, WR Antonio Brown went to Twitter early this morning that he will no longer be playing in the NFL.  He cited his reasoning as the poor treatment that the league owners from the teams he had recently been affiliated with.

Brown was on contract for the 2019-20 season and had an option of playing the following season depending on what happened with the current allegations.  He also had only played with the Patriots for one game against the Dolphins last Sunday, getting one touchdown and catching four passes.  Not long after the victory, a new accuser came out and stated that Brown had tried to sexually assault her.  The Patriots organization then quickly made the decision to release him, since they are still dealing with owner Robert Kraft’s massage parlor scandal.

Much to the surprise of the league, Brown took to social media to thank Patriot’s QB Tom Brady and the rest of the team for giving him the opportunity to sign him and give him a chance.  Following this move, questions began to rise as to where Brown would lean towards.  No one reached out to him, nor his agent, and after two days of silence, Brown made the final decision on Twitter.
 
With both the Raiders and Patriots releasing Brown, he has officially lost out on nearly $30 million for this season alone.  In my opinion, he deserves everything that is coming to him.  At the end of my previous article, Brown has created more problems with more organizations than any NFL player in my lifetime.  Who knows if the allegations are true, but if you put those aside, his actions with head coach Jon Gruden and the Raiders general manager Mike Mayock are despicable.  Honestly, this man could have had anything if he kept his mouth shut and just stuck to doing what he does best.  I hope this is a wake-up call for him, because his achievements that he made will now be heavily overshadowed by his immature actions.

Article by: Zach Henley

Since Jay Gruden took over in 2014, the Washington Redskins are 1-5 in season openers, with the only win coming last year against the Arizona Cardinals. Over the last six seasons, the compiled record for Washington is 35-44-1, and they've only made the playoffs once. Washington has also finished 3rd in the division the past 3 seasons and after blowing their 17 point lead yesterday, it looks like it’ll be another mediocre to below average season. The question is, why do the Redskins continue to let Jay Gruden coach? Answer: Dan Snyder.

Dan Snyder bought the Redskins in 2000 for $800 million and the team hasn’t been the same. The year before Snyder’s purchase, the Redskins went 10-6, won the division, and made the playoffs. The next year they went 8-8, coming short of the postseason. Since 2000, Washington has finished 3rd or worse in the division 15 times and have only made the playoffs 4 times. There are some theories to why the franchise has struggled in the past 18 years from inconsistent quarterbacks, like some being poor coaching to even bad drafting. Although Gruden is just another coach under who's been hired and struggled in Snyder's tenure, the fault has to go to both Dan Snyder and Jon Gruden specifically for the past 6 years.  

Now the silver lining for the Redskins is their draft class of 2019. The team drafted top QB Dwayne Haskins and his Ohio State teammate Terry McLaurin. Along with the offensive duo, the team drafted Montez Sweat. The team continues to get younger and the defense keep proving to be solid. Jay Gruden holds the team back with his poor play calling abilities and poor time management. This season is a make or break for Jay Gruden and if the team doesn’t perform well for this season, the team will and should let him go.

Article by: Justin Imler 

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (TNF)
 
The 2019-2020 NFL season kicks off with an amazing matchup. We get to watch another installment of one of the best and oldest rivalries in the league as the Aaron Rodgers and the Packers head into Chicago to take on the Bears. I have high expectations for both of these franchises heading into the season. Green Bay is coming off a disappointing 2018, but have made several adjustments in the offseason, most notably hiring new head coach Matt LaFleur, and beefing up their below average defense throughout the draft. As long as Mr. Rodgers stays heathy, I expect significant improvements for this Green Bay team. However, I still have them taking the L Thursday, and here’s why.
 
“Da Bears” just had one of the most dominant defensive seasons that we’ve seen in decades, and who’s to stop them from repeating that again this season? The Bears are coming off of an NFC South title, and don’t plan on giving that title up this year. QB Mitchell Trubisky is starting to come into his own and needs to take another step this year if they want to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender come January. With that being said, behind that ridiculous defense, and rookie RB David Montgomery (remember that name), this team will be dangerous, which is why I have them taking this matchup at home Thursday night.
 
Official Prediction: Bears: 24 Packers: 20
 
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots (SNF)
 
Ohhhhh baby, here we go. As a Steelers fan, I cannot wait for this matchup Sunday night. The Pittsburgh and New England rivalry has been a great one for all NFL fans in recent years, with the Pats getting the best of the Black and Gold more times than not. However, and I’ve been preaching this for months, do not sleep on this Pittsburgh team in 2019. The Steelers did beat New England in week 15 last season 17-10, which is what gives me a lot of confidence heading into Sunday night. Pittsburgh’s defense has improved a lot over the offseason with the additions of CB Steven Nelson (signed in FA), and LB Devin Bush (drafted 10th overall out of Michigan). Their offense will be just fine with Big Ben Roethlisberger throwing the rock to his staff of young playmakers like WR Juju-Smith Schuster, Donte Moncrief (signed in FA), TE Vance McDonald, and RB James Connor.
 
Now for defending Super Bowl champs, the Patriots are back, and don’t think for a second that this is finally the year that they’ll take a step back, because it’s not. Brady is 42 years old and is somehow still in his prime. Yes, future Hall of Famer TE Rob Gronkowski has retired, but don’t be surprised if he comes back in full pads by Week 9. New England still has some talented playmakers, and they’re the prime example of the “next man up” mentality. They have a system, and it’s clearly working. This will be the first time that two franchises are facing off with six Super Bowls to their names, and both of these teams are primed and ready to be all alone at the top with seven when this season is all said and done.
 
Official Prediction: New England 28 Pittsburgh: 24
 
Houston Texans @ New Orleans Saints (MNF Pt. 1)
 
To wrap up Week 1 of the NFL season we get a double header, starting off with the Texans and Saints. These two teams were both playoff teams last season, and I’m pretty sure everyone expects them to be back this year as well. The Texans have already taken some big hits, with losing starting RB Lamar Miller to a torn ACL, and trading star DE Jadeveon Clowney to Seattle. However, with the recent retirement of QB Andrew Luck, I expect the Texans to run away with the AFC South, but will most likely have to wait until Week 2 to get onto a winning streak.
 
The Saints are just on another level. They’re absolutely stacked on both sides of the ball and playing in the Superdome is one of the best home field advantages in all of football. I like the Texans this season, but not in this matchup. Expect the Saints to dominate Monday night, and for the rest of the 2019 season.
 
Official Prediction: New Orleans: 34 Houston: 24
 
Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders (MNF Pt. 2)
 
Part two of Monday Night Football isn’t nearly as flashy as part one. These two teams are out to prove themselves in 2019, so I’m still excited to see what they bring to the table. The Raiders are obviously going to be the fan’s main focus, just to see how HC John Gruden has gotten this team to gel in his 2nd season. They have a lot of new additions this time around, most notably star WR Antonio Brown and rookie RB Josh Jacobs out of Alabama.
 
Denver on the other hand has made some changes of their own, which started by hiring former Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio as their new head coach. Denver also moved on from QB Case Keenum and traded for former Ravens QB Joe Flacco, who will be running the offense for at least the next several seasons. I’m personally not much of a believer in Flacco, but he’s been a guy who can still win football games behind a stellar defense, which Denver most certainly has. I think this game will easily be the lowest scoring of the four primetime games this week, with Denver pulling it out in the end.
 
Official Prediction: Denver: 20 Raiders: 17
 
Be sure to be on the lookout for the next Heated Sports Football Podcast episode that drops tomorrow night (Wednesday 9/4) where Kevin and I dive more into these matchups, as well as our full 2019-2020 season predictions!

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With the NFL season almost upon us, there have been reports circling that two top tier wide receivers are in talks, with their respective franchises, to get massive contract extensions by the time the regular season starts in September. Now people will obviously be asking how much they will be paid, but the real question should be; who is going to be paid first? The receivers in question are Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons and Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints. These guys are two of the top receivers in all of football and are both deserving of massive pay days. 
            
Times are changing in the NFL, especially in the realm of record-breaking contracts. These new deals are getting larger and larger every season, especially for skill players such as quarterbacks and wide receivers. Just look at what Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz are bringing home; and one can only imagine what Patrick Mahomes’ haul will look like once his rookie contract is finished. 
 
Now back to the receivers, and the question at hand, who will sign first? I still firmly believe that both deals will get done before the start of the regular season, but this is going to be a textbook waiting game. Both guys are going to demand they be the highest paid receiver in football, and rightfully so. This reminds me a lot of the waiting game we saw in the MLB this past spring when baseball fans were waiting an eternity to see where Manny Machado and Bryce Harper were going to play this season. Both high level guys, wanting to see what the value of the other was before signing their deal. 
 
Let us look at the current state of the WR position, and what I expect to see for Jones and Thomas when they finally put pen to paper. To keep things simple, we'll just look at the current salaries on a per year basis. Right now, Cleveland Browns wideout Odell Beckham Jr. is leading the pack making $18 million a year and following close behind are fellow pro-bowlers Antonio Brown ($16.7 million) and Mike Evans ($16.5 million). I think it is safe to say that both guys are going to get paid at least $20 million a year, creating a whole new milestone for the position. Now looking at both Jones and Thomas individually, I would expect Thomas’ new deal to be worth much more overall just simply because of his age. 
 
Michael Thomas is coming off back-to-back pro-bowl level seasons with the Saints. Now here is one of the most fascinating stats from the entire 2018 NFL season in my opinion. Michael Thomas led the league with 125 receptions last season, the next receiver on the Saints in terms of receptions was Tre’Quan Smith with 28. I'll say again, 28 receptions! That is a 97-catch difference from the team’s #1 and #2 receivers. PAY THAT MAN! Now, I will also throw in the fact that RB Alvin Kamara had 81 receptions and tight end Ben Watson had 35 but still, you get the point. Thomas will earn every single dollar he is going to get this summer. Only being 26 years old, the Saints will have no problem giving the wide out a long-term deal to secure the star with the franchise for the prime of his career.
 
Julio Jones on the other hand just turned 30 this past offseason, and that is the magic number when it comes to running backs and wide receivers. It's not very common for teams to overpay for position players when they are over that age, but Jones can, and will, be an easy exception. This guy is still dominating on the football field hauling in 113 catches for 1,677 yards and 8 touchdowns on a struggling Falcons offense last season. I don't expect those numbers to fall in 2019, and I'm sure the Falcons don't either. Like I said, I still expect Jones to see a deal north of $20 million a year but look for Jones to be signed on more of a short-term basis, most likely spanning the next 3 or 4 years. Either way, these guys are going to set the stage for all wide receivers going forward for years to come. 
 
But Justin, who would you rather have between these two guys? Well random reader I'm glad you asked, and for me, the answer is simple. I love Michael Thomas. I think he has improved every year of his short NFL tenure and he has really emerged as a star in this league. I think the guy has so many aspects to his game that can beat you week in and week out. Julio has the size advantage, but I think Michael Thomas is slightly better at his route running and finding ways to create separation. Now this is no knock-on Julio, this guy has been dominating since he was the #6 overall pick back in 2011. Just personally, I've loved watching Thomas so far in his young career, and I don't see any signs of him slowing down. 

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With the NFL draft completed and the majority of notable free agents signed, fans have a good idea of what to expect from their team this upcoming season. I am NFL expert Kevin Eagleson, and in this article I will predict the winner of every division for the 2019 season.

NFC North - Bears 

The NFC North is a talented division, but this is an easy first prediction. The Bears defense is the best in the league, and I think their well coached offense will take another step up as Mitchell Trubisky matures even more. 

AFC North - Browns 

I’d be silly to pick anyone over the loaded Cleveland roster. Yes, the coaching and chemistry still needs to be there, but it is impossible to bet against all the talent they have accumulated. I also think Baker Mayfield has a shot to be the league MVP this year. 

NFC East - Cowboys 

Sorry Eagles fans, the Cowboys defense has proved to be elite, and their offense features the best running back in the league, along with a consistent quarterback (something Wentz has yet to prove to be). 

AFC East - Patriots 

Jets and Bills both have extremely promising futures, but it is still a little too early for the second-year quarterback lead teams. This is still Brady’s division. Maybe next year. 

NFC South - Saints 

Probably the hardest decision, but Brees is playing too well and has too many weapons. Kamara, Mike Thomas, and now Jared Cook. Come on. That defense is no joke either. The Falcons still have a good chance to make the playoffs, but the Saints certainly take the division. 

AFC South - Colts 

Andrew Luck is legit. They have weapons all over that offense and a talented young defense. This is my 100% guaranteed lock. Colts win the South. 

NFC West -  Rams

I don’t think they’re season is as successful as last year, but at the end of the day they’re just about as well coached as it gets. Gurley might be limited, but we saw the Ram’s make CJ Anderson look like a star, I think they’ll survive. Last year was almost all offense, but I think this year the defense steps up and wins some games for LA. 

AFC West - Chargers

The chargers have one of the most complete rosters in the league.  Philip River’s veteran leadership will lead the Chargers last the Pat Mahomes-lead Chiefs.

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​After two electrifying seasons as a defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Long has finally decided to end his 10-year football career by announcing the decision via social media on May 18, 2019. A must-need player for every team, Long was always the type of person to go above and beyond to reach the championship.  As much as his accomplishments were impactful on the field, it was his actions off the field that made people from all over the world look to him as an icon.

Being the son of famed defensive end Howie Long, Chris harnessed his father’s appetites of football by continuing the legacy.  In 2008, Long was drafted as the second pick to the St. Louis Rams.  During his 7-year tenure on the team, Long was found to be a “natural fit” to the defensive schemes, averaging 35.1 combined tackles a season, and starting every game for much of his time there.  Unfortunately, his last two seasons were very minimal due to injuries, and he would be let go at the end of the 2015 season.

Long would then continue making his mark on the league by signing a 1-year deal with the powerhouse New England Patriots.  Again, he started every game, and would help his new team post a formidable 14-2 record to go to Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons.  Losing going into the third quarter, Long would aid Tom Brady by leading the defense to holding Matt Ryan’s offense.  His efforts would award him his first title, along with a combined 35 tackles for that season alone while also accumulating 4 sacks.

One title would not be enough for a hungry dog like Chris Long, who along with fellow ex-Patriot LeGarrette Blount, would move to the Philadelphia Eagles, a team who was desperately trying to be a contender.  Following his signing, Long announced that he would be donating his entire 2017 salary to different charities throughout the season.  Long would say shortly after the decision, “I hope it won’t stop here, but that more people will become inspired to commit energy and resources to our educational system.  It will be the number of people invested in this cause that will be the difference maker for a quality education for every student in America.”

His two seasons with the Eagles would be very hard to forget, as his experience and depth with opposing defenses would aid to 28 combined tackles along with 5 sacks.  Going into the offseason, it was an awkward moment for Long, as he would be facing his former team in Super Bowl LII.  Nevertheless, Long and the Eagles defense came in clutch by defeating Tom Brady’s last attempt to win the game, sealing the deal for his back-to-back Super Bowl titles. His following season with the Eagles was just as great, although without another deep playoff appearance, with the leadership and his hard-work on and off the field, he would post 23 combined tackles with 6.5 sacks to finish off his fantastic career.

The NFL has watched closely to what Long has done off the field to help the surrounding communities.  Aside with donating his entire salary, Long has established The Chris Long Foundation, which helps underprivileged countries by providing necessary resources such as fresh drinking water, military appreciation, and helping the lives of the homeless and youth with better living standards and financial support. For his extremely dedicated actions, Long was awarded the 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year, gaining an endless amount of respect from many different players around the league.

As an Eagles fan, I will miss Chris Long’s domination against opposing offenses. After last season, I just felt as if there was something to finish, perhaps a second Super Bowl title.  He was someone who again could unite the locker room, and push everyone around him to 110%.  Every single game that I watched him play, he always had a smile on his face, and in the game of football, that is a rarity.  I hope that the current Eagles defense will take it upon themselves to replicate his spirit both on and off the field, as he will find himself in Canton, Ohio someday.  

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The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson for the first 6 games of the 2019 season for violating the league’s PED policy. This suspension is a major blow to the already rebuilding Cardinals, but it could have a much greater impact than people realize.

28-year-old Patrick Peterson has established himself as one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league and was a huge pillar in the Cardinals defense over the last few years. He has earned eight Pro Bowl selections and has consistently locked down the opposing team’s best receiver. Peterson effectively covers half of the football field with minimal help, making the jobs of every other defenders much easier.

Peterson will miss the first game of his accomplished career week one, and it could not have come at a worse time. The Cardinals are currently in one of the biggest turnarounds a franchise has made in recent years. The Cardinals decided to move on from quarterback Josh Rosen (their first-round pick from last year) and draft his replacement Kyler Murray first overall to pair with their new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The defense will also look different after signing veterans Terrell Suggs, Jordan Hicks, and Robert Alford. With all the adjustments to the roster, the Cardinals were counting on their leader, Peterson, to be one of their only established pieces throughout the season.   

Fortunately, the Cardinals drafted cornerback Byron Murphy with the first pick in the second round (which means they may have foreseen the suspension coming). However, rather than having Murphy paired opposite of Peterson, the rookie will likely become their top cornerback immediately and be forced to defend some of the league’s best receivers. Murphy is talented and will certainly be a capable corner, but he will not replace Patrick Peterson’s talent and experience.
A six-game suspension is substantial, and it's certainly possible that the Cardinals' season could be decided by the time Peterson returns. The star corner will miss games against the Lions, Ravens, Panthers, Seahawks, Bengals, and Falcons. The Cardinals will certainly miss his presence as they face some talented quarterbacks and wide receivers during this stretch. Peterson will not be eligible to play until week seven against the rebuilding New York Giants. 

​Patrick Peterson’s suspension is the last thing the Cardinals needed to face this coming season. While their off-season additions made the defense look promising, they were planning on having Peterson to surround their newcomers. There is just no way the defense will play the same without him, and Arizona fans can only hope they adjust quickly and are able to still play solid defense until he returns.

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