Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, football, and the often unavoidable family debates. As I prepare for spirited discussions with my brothers-in-law—who one moment were criticizing the Eagles’ head coach Nick Sirianni and the next are planning trips to the Super Bowl—I reflect on how to steer these conversations into more positive territory.
The NFL, much like a Thanksgiving dinner, serves up contentious topics alongside reasons to be thankful as fans. This article highlights a few points of discussion that could make your holiday gatherings a little brighter:
– The Detroit Lions’ faith in Jared Goff
– Dawn Aponte’s rising candidacy as a general manager
– The Houston Texans’ struggles
– What might have been for the New York Giants
– The impact of Saquon Barkley on the Eagles
– Reasons for gratitude across various NFL teams
Starting with the Lions, it’s remarkable to consider the growth of Jared Goff over the past two years. After a challenging start under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions and their first-year GM, Brad Holmes, stood firm in their belief in Goff. Their faith has proven fruitful, as the Lions have turned their season around, going 32-9 since those tough initial days, with Goff now being viewed as a potential MVP candidate.
In another exciting development, Dawn Aponte has emerged as a serious candidate for a general manager position within the NFL. Her extensive experience across key organizations has made her a sought-after option for teams looking to enhance their leadership and operational efficiency. If Aponte secures a GM role, it could mark a groundbreaking moment in NFL history—becoming the first woman to hold such a position—reflecting a positive shift towards diversity in sports leadership.
Shifting gears, the Houston Texans are facing challenges on their journey after a promising start to the season. While they sit at 7-5 and have experienced some tough losses, their resilience and ongoing improvement—especially in areas like pass protection—suggest that brighter days are ahead. With C.J. Stroud leading the offense, there is hope for the Texans to turn things around as they learn and grow from these setbacks.
The New York Giants, on the other hand, find themselves at a crossroads with the departures of star players and uncertainty surrounding the team’s future. The loss of Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles has haunted the Giants, leaving fans questioning what could have been if the duo of Barkley and Daniel Jones had stayed intact. This situation underscores the importance of strategic management within NFL franchises.
Meanwhile, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens have much to be thankful for. The Eagles have seen a resurgence under Sirianni, attributed in part to a fresh new look with his shaved head setting the tone for a shift in team dynamics. The Ravens, for their part, benefited from the lack of interest in Lamar Jackson during the offseason, allowing them to retain one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s not forget the essence of community and gratitude that sports bring to our lives. This season, NFL fans across the country have reasons to reflect on remarkable recoveries, leadership changes, and partnerships that promise a more exciting future in the league.
And as we gather around tables this Thanksgiving, let’s be thankful not just for the fights we dodge but for the conversations that bring us together, fostering a spirit of unity amidst friendly rivalry. Happy Thanksgiving!