The NFL’s 2022 season had some of the biggest controversies the league has ever seen, along with a number of surprises that helped to make it a year of football to remember.
Playoffs
Starting off last season in January, the playoffs were nothing short of electric and had its underdogs. The San Francisco 49ers after barely making it into the playoffs as a 6th seed managed to defy all odds by going on an impractical run (where they beat the #1-seeded Packers) up until the NFC Championship game. Where you can say the same about the Cincinnati Bengals, making it to the Super Bowl as a 4th seed for the first time since 1989 with their second-year quarterback Joe Burrow leading them as underdogs.
The Los Angeles Rams ended both the 49ers and Bengals dream runs, with them hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. After trading two first-round picks last season, the new quarterback at the helm, Matthew Stafford helped lead the Los Angeles Rams over the Bengals by a score of 23-20. The Superbowl MVP was awarded to star emerging wide receiver, Cooper Kupp which earned him a hefty extension in the offseason. Kupp finished the game with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, with one being the game-winner.
Awards
Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, won the MVP award for his second consecutive career barely beating Tom Brady in a close race, it was Rodgers’ third of his career. The AP Offensive Player of the Year was awarded to Cooper Kupp after having the second most receiving yards in a single season at 1,947. T.J. Watt of the Steelers, who had finished in the top three in voting for the previous two seasons, was given the AP Defensive Player of the Year award after tying the single-season sack record of 22.5. The rookie of the year awards consisted of offensive rookie receiver, Ja’Marr Chase and defensive rookie linebacker, Micah Parsons.
Hall of Fame
The newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame consisted of: Tony Boselli (LT), LeRoy Butler (SS), Sam Mills (LB), Richard Seymour (DE), Bryant Young (DT), Cliff Branch (WR), Referee Art McNally, and Coach Dick Vermeil.
Offseason moves
There were many blockbuster reports in 2022 including: Sean Payton stepping away from the Saints; Tom Brady almost retiring; Aaron Rodgers committing to Green Bay; however, his star receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders; Tyreek Hill heads to Miami; Russell Wilson to Denver; Deshaun Watson traded to the Cleveland Browns amid investigations; and resulting Baker Mayfield being selected first overall to be traded to the Carolina Panthers.
NFL Draft
Beginning the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive end Travon Walker as the first overall choice for the second year in a row. Afterward Aidan Hutchinson heads back to his hometown team the Detroit Lions with their second overall pick. This NFL Draft wasn’t believed to be a quarterback-heavy class which is why only one was selected in the first round. Superstar cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who went fourth to the Jets, and Derek Stingley, who went third to the Texans, were among the noteworthy selections that were closely contrasted.
Later in the draft, the Eagles made a shocking trade for star receiver AJ Brown from the Titans, where the Titans moved up to the first round of the draft in the process selecting wide receiver, Treylon Burks.
Season so far
The Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champions who were hoping to win it all again, unexpectedly regressed and are unlikely to make the playoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs, a perennial challenger, and the unexpected Philadelphia Eagles are currently the best teams in the NFL according to their conference standings.
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, a rookie cornerback for the New York Jets, has already established himself as one of the best in the league. He has so far only allowed one touchdown in his collegiate and NFL careers, making him a lock for the ROTY award. Here’s what devoted Jets fan Dylan Maltez had to say about his rookie season so far “He has over-achieved and has already proven to be a top cornerback in the league, you couldn’t ask more from a player with a position that difficult to already thrive in a city like New York.”
