NFL Predictions: David Wilson Is Done
By Erik Lambert
Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs with the ball against the Denver Broncos during a game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
So much is already happening and the NFL season hasn’t even started yet. What are a few predictions to be made from the chaos?
Wilson likely through with New York Giants
There was too much talent and promise to properly quantify when David Wilson came into the NFL with the New York Giants. It flashed consistently during his first preseason action and seemed only a matter of time before he became the main guy in the Big Apple. Then he lost a fumble in his very first game against Dallas, and it seems like everything has gone to hell since then. Wilson has barely cracked 500 total rushing yards in two seasons and is coming back from a dangerous neck injury that continues to plague him. Such an ailment can be lifethreatening to a common athlete, but a football player? In all likelihood, Wilson will be forced to retire before he even turns 24.
Teddy Bridgewater is going to start in Minnesota
One of the popular questions every year is which rookie quarterback is going to start first in the pros. There are plenty of options to watch such as Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr but the name that has become a big favorite of late is Teddy Bridgewater. The Louisville product has looked sharp in every practice for the Minnesota Vikings, putting serious heat on veteran Matt Cassel. Based on the whisperings going on, it will be a bigger surprise if Bridgewater doesn’t start opening day at this point.
Jay Cutler will go to Pro Bowl but not win MVP
Meanwhile, across the NFC North, another quarterback received a major endorsement when All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall proclaimed Chicago Bears passer Jay Cutler would go on to win the NFL MVP award for 2014. From a talent standpoint it is not impossible, especially with weapons like Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. However, based on history it isn’t likely. Cutler has never been that kind of quarterback. His greatest successes have involved late-game heroics more than statistical excellence. He won’t win MVP, but expect the 31-year old to reach his second career Pro Bowl.
Patrick Peterson will outpace Richard Sherman in interceptions
As of the time being the Twitter war between Pro Bowl cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Richard Sherman has been fierce. From an objective standpoint one must hand the advantage to Sherman, who not only has a ring now with the Seattle Seahawks but has posted more interceptions in each of the past two seasons than Peterson (16 to 10). Still, 2014 could prove to be a breakthrough for Peterson who has a new contract and some extra help around him on defense in Arizona. It will be a tight race, but he will outpace Sherman in interceptions.