This summer was a hot one for the NFL – with plenty of high-ticket acquisitions, jaw-dropping deals, and intriguing new destinations for star players. But, all of that has passed now – and here we are, nearing the NFL midseason point. You know what that means – we’re starting to get a genuine meter on the yard stick for how good, or bad, each team is. Sure, the season is still early and full of surprises, but when it comes to players, it’s evident who came out to play in 2022, and who was in for a rude surprise.
Not to mention, it’s Halloween time, of course! So, for this spooky season, join me as we play another Halloween-inspired game. We’ll take a look at some of the players who joined new squads this offseason, and rate their fit, impact, and overall performance as it pertains to their new team.
MIDSEASON REPORT
NFL Treat: Tyreek Hill
Oftentimes, it will take a player at least half of a season to be plugged into a new system and become effective – especially when you’re on the offensive of the ball. Playing with a new QB is tough, let alone when you’ve been used to one of the best QB’s of this generation. But, Tyreek Hill put all of the doubters and haters to rest. And the truest test of all? The fact that he’s STILL performing at an ELITE level with Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater… This guy is legit, and it’s changed the whole scene in Miami (pre-concussions, at least).
NFL Trick: Russell Wilson
Probably the most obvious bust here, but Broncos Country has certainly not enjoyed the ride thus far. Russell Wilson came in as the answer to Denver’s long standing woes at QB. The player who would finally get them over the hump. But, almost the exact opposite has happened – we’ve seen Lock-led teams play better. And that’s the worst part of it, too – it’s not like the Broncos D is giving away games, or Russ has no supporting cast around him; he’s mostly the one to blame here. It’s normal for a quarterback to take a little time to get used to a new system – only, it’s a bit different when you’re trying to build a ballot for the HOF. Cough, cough – Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.
NFL Treat: Khalil Mack
Despite the tag of a trick looming in the air for the Chargers’ other high-ticket defensive acquisition, JC Jackson, Khalil Mack’s impact has been undeniable. Coming into the season, the Chargers looked forward to boasting one of the greatest edge rushing tandems in the league. And Khalil Mack proved his worth in a huge bounce back performance in the first game of the season, with 2 sacks and one forced fumble (to ice the game, mind you). But, the plan went a little astray when Joey Bosa went down and was placed on the IR. And yet, it hasn’t mattered for Mack, in fact – he’s not only kept up his performance, but he’s solidified himself as a leader in the Bolts’ Defense next to Derwin James.
NFL Trick: Matt Ryan
Much like Russell Wilson, but to a lesser degree – Matt Ryan came in to Indianapolis as the missing piece to a team who had already proven to be quite dangerous with Carson Went at the helm. Their only problem was, Carson Wentz was at the helm. Not any more, the Colts got the Canton-bound vet at a low price, and the expectations were immediately set pretty high for the Colts. However, it’s pretty clear that the years have gotten the best of Matt Ryan – it’s just been…. bad. He’s lost a ton of fumbles, and it really looks as though his team has looked even worse with him. Side note – the Colts did beat Russell Wilson and the new-look Broncos, so there’s that… I guess?
NFL Treat: Von Miller
For some reason, people had actually began to doubt Von Miller during what are now his last days in Denver. Injuries? Father Time? Whatever it was, Von Miller shut people up pretty quickly by making an immediate impact to help the Rams to a Super Bowl championship. And the same swing of momentum has continued into Buffalo, too. Von Miller may be getting old, but he’s still dominant. In fact, it was Von Miller who almost single-handedly willed the Bills Defense to stopping Patrick Mahomes late in the game last week. And that’s exactly what the Bills acquired Von Miller to do. Even this early in the season, it’s clear that their investment (and faith in an all time great veteran) has paid off already.
NFL Treat, That’s Been a Trick: Davante Adams
We’ll end the holiday-inspired game with a bit of a toss up. Adams himself has been a treat, no doubt – he’s been playing up to par with his enormous standards; but it hasn’t shown in the win-loss column, the most important column. There was SO much hype surrounding the reuniting of Fresno State buddies Derek Carr and Davante Adams, and to be fair – they have been on the same page. The only thing is, Raider Nation expected the duo to cure the rest of the Raiders’ problems. Davante Adams doesn’t fix their defense, nor their offensive line. So while the acquisition itself is a treat, no doubt – the whole situation has turned into one giant trick. Hype, followed by disappointment. Isn’t that the new Raiders way?