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2029 Preseason Week 1 Notes By DavesGang Philly held Jax to only 6 points. Looks like the linebackers over there are settling in just fine, and Van Horn is visiting in spirit. Jax signed QB Wilcox for the vet minimum after all the big contract talks.
Pittsburgh shut out Tampa. It was a clinic in ball control and time of possession. The Bucs are gonna be in for a long year if they can't do any better at stopping the run.
Coming up? Two teams that changed the looks of their respective franchises with this years draft.
Washington took QB Fox first overall, and have already handed the reigns over to this raw (but uber talented QB). He has some young talented skill players to help out (WR's MacTary, WR Shannon and a solid RB in Toliver). Will they score in bunches, or are they seasons away from being a offensive juggernaut?
Indy took monster DE Franklin to join with DE McCardell, SS Bradley, CB Haynes, OLB Joseph, and the rest of the Colts young opportunistic defense. On offense QB Moss has had plenty of time to find his groove, and has decent help at all the skill positions. Can he turn the corner, and lead this team? If so they could be a playoff darkhorse. If not it could be another painful turnover filled season.
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2029 Later Free agency news
by DavesGang
QB Nicky Wilcox may go though camp unsigned by any team this season. The prolific passer was not resigned by the Niner's in what many feel is a money move. Wilcox wants a big contract, and no one seems ready to show him the money.
All Pro center Jeremy Ciervo was nabbed up by the Tennessee Titans for a cool 36 million over 3 years. He is gets over-powered occasionally, but is still a very savvy blocker in the middle of the line.
QB Lincoln Downs came to terms with the Miami Dolphins for a one year twenty five million dollar contract (most of it is guaranteed bonus money). Miami was in the playoff hunt last year and believes the QB position is the missing piece. Look out AFC south.
Seven first round picks have still not come to terms. Teams are expected to be burning the midnight oil trying to hammer out last minute details. Many rookies seem to really benefit from their first training camp.
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2029 Late Free Agency Notes by DavesGang
QB Lincoln Downs released.
In what appears to be a serious vote of confidence for first round rookie QB Harmason, Lions management released the long time starting QB. Lions fans have questioned the move because QB Downs is much loved in Detroit, but we believe it is indicative of Detroit's new take charge leadership.
In his 8 years as the starter Downs had much success with the Detroit franchise, and some believe he had some value on the trade block. QB Downs expressed appreciation of the clean break. Saying it would be tough to play somewhere else (like Carolina, Arizona, or California) ,but the chance to be a starting QB rather than play mentor is what matters most to him.
Downs was expected to pass the 30,000 yard mark this season and has passed for 157 TDs and 104 Ints in his career. Although Downs is getting older... he still appears to be a capable qb (despite a propensity to take a few to many sacks each year), and is expected to generate serious interest in the free agency market. The 13 year vet is reportedly starting the bidding around 40 million/3 years.
Other contract news?
12 first round rookies have not signed agreements yet. Negotiations are expected to continue, but if clubs don't budge soon expect to see some camp skipping going on this season.
A number of teams actually had to withdraw contract offers due to cap constraints this week. I believe we are seeing proof that the eNFL cap system is becoming a real part of the game again.
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2029 After-Draft Report by DavesGang
Washington was in the right place at the right time, and had no hesitation taking the most promising QB we have seen. Fox will need some time to develop, but barring some unforeseen injury he should turn become a great one.
Jets...oh the pain. RB Blake Bernard has a great name and is arguably the best RB this year. Luckily no one was injured in the freak storm that shut down the draft office.
San Fransisco traded their 1.24 and two future 1st round picks to the new value conscious Tampa management. (IMO a smart move recognizing the Bucs had more than a few holes to fill. Stockpiling picks for the rebuild)...
Niners move up and grab a replacement for Poston. Some scouts liked Mays better for his size and return skills, but as a pure WR Pearson probably has the edge.
Indy passed on a shot to replace struggling QB Moss. Taking a Hulk-like prospect DE Franklin. There is no doubt Franklin is going to be a huge upgrade for the Colts at DE, but if Moss struggles again like last year... This will be remembered as the pick that should have been Montgomery.
Denver let their all time receiving leader go in free agency. True he is getting older, but Heinlein was Landry's favorite target. The top WR's are gone, and WR Mays is a bronco. Reality check... Brown really falls.
Philadelphia is gonna have the most impressive young LB core ever gathered. The selection of LB Kendall Tate surprised some, but should go a long way to improving this defense.
Buffalo takes QB Montgomery. Perhaps the steal of the draft? Or undersized thrower with no pocket presence? Time will tell.
New England finally ends Rob Browns fall. That being said he is a Olineman, and I just can't get excited about him right now. RB Gallery and whichever QB wins the starting job like it very much though.
Zona likes the new look secondary they were sporting last year that featured ex Bear CB Cole. SS Isiah Porter has the speed and agility to play any secondary spot plus he hits and tackles like a bear. Good fit and I called it.
Pittsburgh, meet your new star DE... Ronald Carter, meet opposing QB's often and violently.
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2029 Top-10 Mock Draft by DavesGang 1.Washington has made no secret that they will be taking Terrance Fox. He is the best looking QB prospect since Weaver came into the league. Already some are comparing him to Dustin Grossman... probably early, but he could be in that kind of company in 10 years.
2.New York Jets are again sitting at #2 when a franchise QB is being taking at the 1 spot. This time though there is a viable #2 QB. Although there are plenty of holes to fill and arguably better talent available the JETS know better than anyone how rarely you get a chance to draft a franchise QB. Trevor Montegomery is a undersized and has had issues avoiding the rush, but is a far more gifted thrower than any QB the Jets have had in camp for years.
3.Tampa Bay brought in new management just for this draft so I don't have any idea what they do historically, but we all know Patton is a Freakish Iron Man that gets sacked far to many times each year. So they could go with uber tackle Brown, or his yardage has suffered since losing his favorite target Williamson... I think Tampa gets down to rebuilding the Dline with one of the great looking DE prospects. The tastefully named James Franklin goes here.
Breaking News Bulletin *** Tampa trades pick to San Fransisco*** maybe Franklin still?
4.Indy really struggled on offense last year with QB Moss regressing and OJ getting old. Unfortunately the QB's are gone and the RB's are not top 10 quality. OT Brown is tempting here, but WR Bernard Mays has freakish game changing ability that the Colts need, or I could go for that kicker Boo too.
5.Denver looks to be content to let their all time receiving leader go in free agency. True he is getting older, but Heinlein is still Landry's favorite target. The top WR's go back to back, and WR Jerome Pearson is a bronco. Reality check... Will Brown really fall this far?
6.Philadelphia already has two young talented tackles with Andrews and Nass. That's OK. They still get a steal with DE Ronald Carter. This pass rushing terror out of Kentucky brings some ferocity back to the Eagles D.
7.Buffalo is collecting some fine football players these last few drafts, and I think that trend will continue Saturday. OT Rob Brown somehow falls out of contention for the second pick and makes it all the way to 7. He is a massive body with athletic ability that shouldn't be. The training camp battles between him and Colville will be legendary.
8.New England is becoming a mean looking defensive team led by Gibbs, Matlock, Joslin, and Asher. The only question is who to add to that mix. The biggest need is DT so I'm gonna take a flier on the Maryland dual threat DT Kendrick Martin.
9.Arizona likes the new look secondary they were sporting last year that featured ex Bear CB Cole. SS Isiah Porter has the speed and agility to play any secondary spot plus he hits and tackles like a bear. Good fit.
10.Pittsburgh struggled, and finished under 500 last year. That's not ok in Steeler town. What else is not ok in Steeler town is to have no linebacker of note. MLB Kecham "caught you" Davis.
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2029 Free Agency News
by DavesGang
At first glance free agency spending in the 2029 season is conservative. We are not seeing some of the huge money offers like in past years. The tweaks to make the salary cap tighter, and more meaningful seem to be working progressively.
GM's and coaches are looking for talent that fits their team, philosophy, and budget.
For example?
Charles Allin is a solid if unspectacular 8th year guard. He played RG for the 2026 SB championship Saints, and signed this weeks biggest contract with a relatively modest $13/3yrs contract.
In addition some journeymen players like Eagles backup DT Kyle Davidson are taking less money to stay with the home team.
There are a few free agency bidding wars developing (most notably Olinemen Geason, Lai, and Grant) so things will heat up some in the coming weeks, but don't expect to see to as much crazy money this off season.
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Seahawks Win 2029 Superbowl!!! Fireworks might have been lacking in the Seattle Seahawks' 8-3 win over the Miami Dolphins, but a win is a win and back-to-back championships are back-to-back championships.
It was a Super Bowl that saw two teams that were almost mirror images of one another -- both had questionable quarterbacks, superstar running backs, and great defenses. The nature of the game came as no surprise. They played each other in Week 16 when Seattle managed to eek out a 3-0 victory in a preview of what was to come.
Once again, the game was more of a chess match than anything. The tone was set on the third play of the game when Dolphins' QB Tommy Fauber threw an interception to his former teammate, MLB Myron Poston. Miami's defense held its ground, however, and from there it was back and forth, back and forth, the defenses dominating until both teams managed to score on field goals late in the 2nd quarter, leaving it 3-3 at the half.
The second half picked up where the first left off. The Dolphins looked like they would take the lead in the 3rd quarter but Fauber threw another interception once they got inside the Seahawks' 10-yard line. That was when the Seahawks responded with a clock-eating 62-yard drive and a field goal to take a not-quite-commanding 6-3 lead.
In the end that turned out to be enough. With less than a minute left the Dolphins made a last ditch effort but got called for holding in the end zone for a safety to end the game with the unusual score of 8-3.
In keeping with the defensive nature of the game, Seahawks' MLB Myron Poston was named Super Bowl MVP.
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2028 Superbowl Preview by DavesGang
Congrats to all the playoff teams this year. There have been some epic battles, great rivalries, and great stories this year. Right now let's looks at the paths of the two superbowl bound teams.
Miami is a 6 point favorite according to the odds makers. They have overcome losing their starting QB Vince Marshall in week 6. FA Tommy Fauber came in and has had more success thaan 31 other teams thought he would have. The Dolphins have helped take the weight off the qb position by putting the majority of the offense on the shoulders of last year's rushing leader RB Jake Henson. He has understandably seen a drop in his ypc this year, but is still is one of this year's best. The other thing the Phin's are good at? Defense. CB J Lee has been an outstanding addition to sack artist OLB Langen. Other notable performers include DT Tedder, and SS Reed. Their return game ain't bad either... Seattle also funnels its offense through the hands of an amazing RB, and had a struggling qb controversy. Backup QB Hoover won the job midyear from last year's SB winner Orlando Kappe, despite a pedestrian 77 qb rating.
RB Wooden became a household name in last year's super bowl, and will have huge expectations in this game. This team also plays has a very gutty defensive unit that has helped drag this team back into playoff contention when it was all in doubt earlier this season. Their return game ain't bad either...
Congrats again to all the playoff teams, and Good luck to this year's Superbowl squads.
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2028 Wild Card Weekend by DavesGang
Game of the week has to be the OT nail biter between Hawks and Vikings.
It seems like QB Weaver's health has been in question every time he has gotten the Bolts to the playoffs.
Upcoming Conference Semi-Final games
KC at Oakland... Epic. One of the biggest rivalries meets again in the playoffs. Will KC conjurer the magic again, or will Oakland make it a clean sweep of KC this year?
Miami at Houston features two of the very best power running/tough defensive teams. Smashmouth ball at its best. Who wants it more?
San Fran at Dallas is all about will Coleman start or sit? Doubtful and very likely to re-injure is the official report. If he plays will he be effective? If he sits can they keep up with the high flying Niners? The Niners are playing for the win ether way.
Seattle at St. Louis... The Rams won the division, but now have to prove it again on the big stage.
The first division title in forever is great, but will not be satisfying if they lose to the Hawks in their first playoff game.
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2028 Week 17 Notes
by DavesGang
Congrats to all the Wild Card teams.
KC at Cleveland pits two of the premier AFC teams against each other for the honor of moving into the next round. The Browns boast a prolific offense that generated the most yardage of all teams this year. The Chiefs bring a very well rounded team that is one of the best at stopping the run.
San Diego at Miami features two very extreme offenses. Each one has stars and a style that is based on very different philosophies. The weather may be the deciding factor.
San Fran at Carolina... The Niner's have the high flying star power, and the Panthers have a lot of question marks. The Cats are backing into the playoffs losing their last 4 games while the Niner's have won 5 of the last 6.
Seattle at Minnesota should be a battle. Last years super bowl winner and this years highest scoring team tangle. Can Wooden and the Hawk's gritty D make another playoff run? Or will the Vike's scoring machine grab a early lead, and put the Hawks down?
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