Here are 10 things that could (and should) happen in the NFL by 2020 based on current trends on and off the field:
1. Running is back in style: The last two seasons were the most pass-heavy campaigns in NFL history, but these things are cyclical and it’s safe to assume that we’re reaching a peak in terms of pass-run ratio. Defenses may even be wising up, as we saw points-per-game totals drop slightly last season. Watch for Chip Kelly copycats to come around as offenses attempt to keep defenses honest by reemphasizing the running game in the years to come.
2. Pocket passers continue to dominate: It seems organizations are already beginning to realize that sprinters running the read-option while lacking the ability to drop back and make all of the necessary throws just don’t get the job done. You win with quarterbacks who can run if need be, not running backs who can throw if need be.
3. Drones and virtual reality technology are embraced throughout the league: More and more teams are utilizing this technology on a yearly basis, with the latter drawing rave reviews. Drones just make perfect sense for practice film analysis, going where other cameras can’t. And virtual reality looks to be a stellar tool for game-planning.
4. Los Angeles has two franchises: Our guess? San Diego, which has the worst political situation, and St. Louis, which has far too many ties to LA to be ignored. I wouldn’t rule out Oakland, especially considering its potential pact with the Chargers and the geographical connection, but the Bolts and Rams make the most sense right now.
5. Andrew Luck is the face of the league: The stars are simply aligned for Luck, who has improved steadily on his trajectory as a future stud and perennial MVP candidate. I haven’t seen someone this good this young since Peyton Manning circa 2001. And the Colts are in position to make run after run.
6. Peyton Manning if the face of the league on television: Watch for Manning to land a massive media contract as soon as he retires and to become an absolute star analyst at one of the major networks.
7. The Jaguars play half of their home schedule in London: The team hasn’t been shy about how much it relies on the connection to London, and it seems to be building a nice fan base there. It’s just a matter of time before they’re London’s team headquartered in America.
8. The rule regarding the definition of a catch is simple and uncontroversial: A lot of folks are upset that the league has been unwilling to make sweeping changes here, but the NFL is old school and likes to take baby steps. We’ll have another controversial moment or two in each of the next few years and then we’ll reach a breaking point at which the rules will finally become clear and indisputable.
9. Pass interference is reviewable: Spot fouls for pass interference are simply too punitive against defenses, as they assume that every single pass thrown on an interference play will be caught. It’s simply an unfair rule, and it’s something the league will consider changing altogether. Ultimately, though, there might not be a better option. So in order to ensure that interference occurred and was blatant, officials should be given a chance to review those calls. The league could even consider having a minor form of the penalty which only costs the penalized team 10 or 15 yards.
10. Roger Goodell is not be the commissioner: He has simply dug too deep a hole. And the man finds major controversy every year, so there’s almost no chance he won’t screw up royally again with a dictatorial move that hurts the league’s image again in 2016, 2017 and beyond. Eventually, he’ll be forced to step down.
