By Matthew Smith —
Now that the Super Bowl XLVII is over, let’s take a quick second and look at exactly how this NFL season turned out. The season included rookie quarterback sensations, 2 rejuvenated players coming from severe injuries from the previous season coaches, a crucial quarterback switch, a linebacker’s final season, and head coaches and general managers being fired. The regular season ended with two teams in the Super Bowl coached by brothers. As a whole, this season turned out to be exciting.
Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, and Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson all led their teams to the playoffs.
The 3 teams were a combined 14-34 in the 2011-12 season. This season, the 3 teams were a combined 32-16.
2012-13 was also the year of the comeback. Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning and Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson came back from injuries suffered last season. Peterson ended up just 8 yards short of the NFL single season rushing record with 2,097 rushing yards behind Eric Dickson who has 2,105. This record was set in 1984 when Dickson was playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
“I think Adrian Peterson deserves the MVP award,” said Brian Farrante, 21, History, from Cape May. “I mean last season he was out with a torn ACL and most players don’t even recover from that, but he came back and not only carried his team to the playoffs but was just 8 yards away from setting the single season rushing record.”
Coming off a season where a neck injury and multiple neck surgeries kept him sidelined, Manning went to the Broncos and had a Most Valuable Player worthy season, throwing for 4,659 yards, 37 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a QB rating of 105.4.
“I think Peyton Manning is one of the best QBs to have ever played the game,” said Craig Stalowski, 20, Criminal Justice, from Bayville.
The season also came with a controversial quarterback change for the San Francisco 49ers. In mid-season, Alex Smith went down with a concussion and was replaced by Colin Kaepernick. At the time Smith had a 104.3 QB rating, which was one of the top 3 QB ratings in the league. There was a lot of talk as to whether or not this was a smart decision and but Kaepernick led the 49ers to the NFC West title and the #2 seed in the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis said this season would be his last. He suffered a triceps injury. No one expected him to return this season but he made his comeback
on Jan. 6th.
This season there were head coaches and GMs fired. Dubbed the name “Black Monday”, the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and the Cleveland Browns all made changes.
“I was extremely saddened to see the Bears part ways with head coach Lovie Smith. It’s been an enjoyable 9 years although we never quite reached our ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl,” said Kerriann Cassearello, 22, Criminal Justice, from Keansburg. “Through the ups and downs Smith handled every situation with class. He is a solid coach, but an even better man and I have the utmost respect for him. I truly hope he gets hired rather quickly so another team can benefit from him both on and off the field.”
The NFL season concludes its 93rd year of existence. What started at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ ended at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA.