Although free agency was rather quiet on Monday afternoon, it was a very unique and interesting day in the NFL. Indeed, the NFL finalized an ongoing controversial topic.
What is this controversial news, you ask? Well, to the dismay of many players, the NFL has implemented its 17-game schedule model for the upcoming 2021 season. From the perspective of a football fan, we are happy with the idea of having more football. However, due to player health and safety, we are also a bit concerned. It’s hard to take sides in the argument, as everyone possesses a valid and understandable point.
Note: All AFC teams will host NFC teams in the extra crossover game for 2021
Florida Teams
Buccaneers @ Colts
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Indianapolis Colts in their extra game of the 2021 season. This game should qualify as one of the more intriguing on the Buccaneers schedule, as the Colts have built one of the most talented rosters in the AFC. The team had all the pieces needed on both the offense and defense to make a deep playoff run last year, but mediocre play from veteran QB Phillip Rivers held them back. Now, it’s up to Carson Wentz to lead the way at the quarterback position. While some say he’s washed, others say he’s a serious threat, proclaiming that Philadelphia did not properly care for the former 1st overall pick. Either way, we think the Colts will easily maintain proper playoff form for the vast future.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the longtime hatred the Colts and their fans have for Tom Brady. We acknowledge that Peyton Manning is one of the best to ever do it, but those pesky Colts fans still can’t seem to acknowledge the idea of Tom Brady being the GOAT. Throw all this tension between the two sides into one, and you have yourself some primetime football.
Dolphins vs. Giants
The Miami Dolphins will host the New York Giants in their extra game of the 2021 season. Despite being in rebuild mode, the Giants possess a slowly improving roster that should have a chance at competing in the NFC East. With Kenny Golladay and Kyle Rudolph both making their way to the Big Apple, Daniel Jones has received much more assistance on the offensive side of the football.
However, the Dolphins should also bring in a much-improved roster next season, as the team has two first-round draft picks. Tua Tagovailoa may not have played up to expectations in 2020, but an improved offense in 2021 should ensure the young quarterback some much-needed position stability.
Jaguars vs. Falcons
It can’t get any better (or worse) than this. The worst AFC team in 2020 vs. the worst NFC team in 2020, competing for supremacy in the epic TANK BOWL. Jaguars vs. Falcons, Florida vs. Georgia, and maybe even Lawrence vs. Fields III. This matchup is both ironically and unironically an NFL fan’s dream. No, this game is likely not worthy of primetime football, but it contains all that one could ask for. Despite the curses that rest on the backs of both organizations, the Jaguars and Falcons are destined to possess more entertaining and likable rosters in 2021. With the likelihood that these two teams pick highly praised quarterbacks in the NFL Draft, expect this game to at least receive some hype from the national media.
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, the upcoming games for the professional Florida football teams look very intriguing. Each team should meet a worth competitor in their crossover game, ensuring that we will see some exciting matchups in 2021. It may not benefit the players, but it’s everything a fan of the gridiron sport could ask for. With that being said, it’s a safe bet to say next year will only improve when it comes to the NFL’s level of entertainment.