After the conclusion of the NFL’s 100th season, let’s look back on the biggest storylines the year
- The Antonio Brown saga
This season, former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown left fans speechless due to his antics off the gridiron. From getting frostbite during a cryotherapy session to posting a hype video containing audio used from a phone call with Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, Brown’s tenure with the Raiders ended before he ever played a single snap.
This was followed by a short stay with the New England Patriots where he caught a touchdown in a week two blowout against the Miami Dolphins, but was released soon after due to serious sexual assault allegations brought up against him. As of now, it looks like Brown’s NFL days are well behind him, especially after a recent battery case involving a moving truck driver.
- The Browns continue to disappoint
This season was supposed to be the year that the Cleveland Browns put their losing ways behind them. Led by a young core that consisted of Baker Mayfield, Myles Garrett and Odell Beckham Jr., all signs pointed towards a playoff berth. Instead, the Browns got off to a rocky 2-6 record with Mayfield struggling to lead the offense and throwing 12 interceptions in the first half of the season.
Though they did manage to put together a three-game win streak, a season-ending suspension to Myles Garrett and a three-game losing streak to close out the season resulted in a 6-10 overall record. Looking into 2020 with new head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Browns will once again attempt to end their 17-year playoff drought.
- The 49ers’ quest for six
Coming off a 4-12 record in 2018 that included quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo tearing his ACL, it was fair to assume that 2019 wouldn’t be much better for the San Francisco 49ers. But the Niners shocked the football world with a rushing attack that averaged more than 140 yards a game and a dominant defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL, leading the team to an incredible 8-0 start. Though their quest for an undefeated season ended in an overtime battle with the Seattle Seahawks in week nine, they put the league on notice by finishing as the number one seed in the NFC with a 13-3 record.
After Easily dispatching the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, all that stood between the 49ers and a sixth Super Bowl trophy were Kansas City Chiefs. The Niners looked to have the Lombardi Trophy in hand with a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but the Kansas City Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points sending the Niners home empty handed. Though their season ended in disappointment, the 49ers managed to pull off one of the quickest turnarounds in NFL history.
- Colin Kaepernick’s “tryout”
Although it’s been more than three years since former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick played an NFL game, it seemed like the 32-year-old would finally have another chance when the league suddenly announced they were going to invite all 32 teams to a workout showcasing Kaepernick.
Initially, the workout was supposed to be held at the Atlanta Falcons training facility, but a disagreement over a waiver led Kaepernick to change it last minute to Charles Drew High School, about an hour away from Atlanta. Though his workout did show signs that he was still in NFL shape, there were only six confirmed team representatives at the session. As of right now, Kaepernick is still not on an NFL roster and it seems unlikely that he ever will be again.
- Lamar Jackson’s MVP run
This season Lamar Jackson was the definition of what a dual-threat quarterback should be. After concerns last year of his passing ability, Jackson silenced his critics by throwing for over 3,000 yards and leading the league with 36 passing touchdowns. Jackson’s legs also continued to be a problem for defenses as he ran for more than 1,200 yards, an NFL record for a quarterback.
By putting up these unprecedented stats week after week, Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens to the best record in the NFL at 14-2. Though his season was cut short after a Divisional Round loss to the Tennessee Titans, Jackson became only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history.