7 Unexpected Incidents That Have Already Turned the NFL Upside Down This Season
We're only done with two weeks of the 2019 NFL regular season, and the drama has reached an all-time high for the league. I mean, did football fans really expect half the stuff that has occurred to really go down?
Here are the seven most unexpected incidents that have truly rocked the football world.
7. Dolphins Orchestrating the Biggest Tank Job in History
Not only have the Dolphins gotten off to an 0-2 start, but they've been outscored 102-10 in their defeats. What, 102-10? That almost seems made up. To make matters worse, multiple players have reportedly asked to be traded. Former first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick has already been dealt to Pittsburgh and more moves could be on the way. Miami already looks like they'll be in line to draft Tua Tagovailoa next season and we're still in September. Yup, it's looking to be a horrific campaign in Miami.
6. Lamar Jackson Has Been Truly Dominant
He's not looking too bad for a guy who should have switched to wide receiver, right? Holy smokes, Lamar Jackson has been brilliant for the 2-0 Baltimore Ravens thus far in 2019. The strides he's made are the ones folks figured Baker Mayfield would've been making. On the year, Jackson has thrown for 596 yards and seven touchdowns, while adding another 126 yards on the ground. With LJ looking so sharp, Baltimore looks like the best team in the AFC North and it's not even close.
5. Antonio Brown's Daily Drama
Imagine being in a coma for the last three months and then finally waking up on Tuesday to see Antonio Brown is now a member of the New England Patriots. Not only that, you'd also see Brown is wearing No. 17 instead of No. 84 and is facing multiple sexual assault allegations. What started off as a fresh new start with the Raiders for Brown has turned into a daily soap opera that's spilled over into New England.
4. Jalen Ramsey Requesting a Trade
Jalen Ramsey is one of the best young defensive backs in the league, and he's all about winning. Well, things have gotten so bad in Jacksonville that he reportedly wants out of town. After signing Nick Foles to a massive deal in the offseason, many expected the Jags to be a contender in the AFC. Well, Foles broke his collarbone and the team is now 0-2 after a loss to Houston. Teams have reportedly reached out to the Jags with trade offers, some which include a first-round pick. Will he end up getting shipped out of town? It's looking that way.
3. Drew Brees to Miss Significant Time
The injury bug has hit the New Orleans Saints early on this season, with Drew Brees suffering a thumb injury against the Rams in Week 2. Unfortunately for the team from NOLA, Brees will miss around six weeks. The team will have to rely on Teddy Bridgewater to run the offense. The dropo-ff between No. 9 and Teddy B sure is massive. This is not good for New Orleans whatsoever and they need Brees back ASAP or else the entire complexion of the NFC is going to change.
2. Ben Roethlisberger Out for the Season
If you think Brees' injury is bad, don't talk to Steelers fans. Big Ben Roethlisberger is not only out for the season, but his future with the team could be in jeopardy after he suffered a season-ending elbow injury against the Seattle Seahawks. Roethlisberger has been the face of the organization for years. Now, the team must see what they have in young QB Mason Rudolph.
1. Andrew Luck Retiring
It goes without saying, but this has been the most shocking incident of 2019. In the prime of his career, Luck retired during the preseason after throwing for 36 touchdowns last season. After battling so many injuries, the Pro Bowl signal caller decided enough was enough and he was ready for life after football. His retirement came out of the blue, with fans still stunned by his decision.