Alright, one last NFL season preview piece for me to get through before I can cross everything off of my 2022 season preview content plan, so let’s just dive right into it because I have absolutely nothing creative to say about this one…
Dark Horse NFL Playoff Contenders (2022)
Detroit Lions – That’s going to be a tough division, and the NFC is crowded as hell, but there’s something to be said for Dan Campbell and the way he’s leading this team – put him in the mold of Mike Vrabel and Mike Tomlin as a leader of men who instills a culture that makes guys want to play for each other. I don’t know who’s going to be making the plays for this team on either side of the ball but they’ve done a solid job in building out the trenches, and Jared Goff was a lot better down the stretch in 2021 than he was given credit for. They’re going to be a tough out this year.
Houston Texans – If you’ve been paying attention to SoBros Network this summer, then you already know that I’m high on the Texans. Davis Mills has the arm to run an explosive offense, and they have some interesting pieces on that side of the ball to go with him. Dameon Pierce could be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. I love the promotion of Pep Hamilton to offensive coordinator, and if Lovie Smith can stop being so stubborn with his traditional defensive formations, they could make strides there too. They had a hell of a haul from the NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. They were more competitive in 2021 than people gave them credit for, and I think they’re poised for a coming out party in 2022.
Miami Dolphins – It all comes down to Tua Tagovailoa, but there’s a lot of talent on this roster and Mike McDaniels looks like the guy to get the most creativity out of all these pieces on offense. The defense was among the best in the league in 2021, and though that spot could be threatened with the loss of Brian Flores, I still think there’s reason to believe this will still be a good defense too. This team is quietly complete.
Minnesota Vikings – I do think that Kirk Cousins has been slept on throughout the bulk of his career. Dude is one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the NFL year in and year out. Something about his pairing with Mike Zimmer always felt like a square peg and a round hole. Well, now they’ve got a head coach who may be a little more suited to harness that offensive prowess into wins.
New York Giants – *sigh* I can’t believe I’m actually putting this on the internet. I will just say that I think the Giants have one of the more underrated defensive fronts in football, they have some talent at wide receiver, and Saquon Barkley is finally *fingers crossed* healthy. But, for me, it’s about the hiring of Brian Daboll that gives the Giants real potential. If he can get it together quickly, this could be a surprise team in the crowded NFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers have some major question marks at quarterback, and it appears as though they’re going to roll with Mitch Trubisky for the time being until he either stinks up the joint so bad that they have to move on, or until Kenny Pickett catches up to a point where he’s undeniable the better quarterback option. But, there’s still a ton of talent on this team, and they should once again field a good defense. I don’t think the AFC North is going to be all that great this year, so they could surprise some people. For my full predictions and Super Bowl pick for the season, check out this piece.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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