Is This NFL Season Giving What It's Suppose to Give?

Photo Credit: ESPN

The 2022-23 NFL season has been a surprise and a bore, and it's only October. With 3 more months left of the season, here's what the NFL has shown us. 

by Simone Mitchell 

The NFL has had its ups and downs, and needless to say, changes are always on the horizon. The Philadelphia Eagles remain as the only undefeated team in the league, as the Houston Texans technically remain as the only team without an actually win. Concussion protocols and quarterback struggles have been the main theme reoccurring across the league this season. 

With players such as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffering multiple concussions within a short window of time, the league has been urge to reevaluate the concussion protocol. Tagovailoa's concussion demonstrated signs of a league's attitude of quick check ups and do what's best for the team to win at any cost. However, as we saw in week 3, the quarterback displayed gross motor instability and had to be taken out for the remainder of the game. The NFLPA has recognized immediate changes are essential for the remainder of the season. Per ESPN, the NFL released a statement agreeing to implementing changes but with no confirmation of when they would take place. 

"As we have discussed with the NFLPA, we agree that changes to the joint NFL-NFLPA protocols are necessary to further enhance player safety," the NFL's statement read. "We have already spoken to members of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee and the leadership of the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultants and Independent Certified Athletic Trainers who serve as spotters to discuss these likely changes."

Hopefully, this situation going forward will be the call for the much needed player protection. The NFL and NFLPA have both said they are committed to altering the concussion protocol based on what both parties learned during the review. 

Quarterbacks are the focal point of a team's offensive line and can be seen as the most important role on the team. Every season, we watch players move teams like a light bulb being switched out. This season's quarterback spotlight has been on none other than Russell Wilson. 

Photo Credit: NYT

Wilson has taken his talents to the Rocky Mountains to play for the Denver Broncos, where it hasn't been the best start for the seasoned quarterback. He's expected to come in and change the dynamics of the team forgetting that he is walking into a new offensive line, playbook, and fan base. Architecting the relationships with his role players such as Jerry Jeudy and Melvin Gordon III, where handling tactical plays and a vision is warranted in order to contribute the success of this team. Am I worried about Wilson's career in Denver? No, but it will take time for the adjustment and comfortability to be on display to see the Broncos as a divisional playoff team. Wilson has the football knowledge and stability to be the leader the team needs. However, the Broncos will have to continue to map out a plan to work around the early shortcomings and be patient with the quarterback's progress. 

Remember the saying, Rome wasn't built in one night, and neither is this year's Denver Broncos.