While the months between the NFL Draft and the onset of training camps are generally regarded as being the least eventful of the NFL off-season, there’s no denying that there’s always plenty of developments surrounding the sport we love. Each week, the news cycle produces several relevant headlines that need to be analyzed in more detail. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the bigger stories around the sport.
NFL News: Bullet Points and Extra PointsNFL News: Bullet Points and Extra Points
-The NFL’s move to Los Angeles seems more likely than ever before. Currently, its seems as though at least one (and possibly two) of the St. Louis Rams, the Oakland Raiders, and the San Diego Chargers could be playing in L.A. as early as 2016. The general details: Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke is pursuing a stadium project in Inglewood, California, while the Raiders and Chargers are working on a joint stadium deal in Carson. There is, however, a great deal of uncertainty about what the endgame of these two distinct projects will be. It goes without saying that these three franchises won’t all relocate to the L.A. market, so it comes down to which deal is finalized first. Even if the Rams complete the deal in Inglewood, it isn’t necessarily a guarantee that they would inhabit that stadium all on their own, as one of the other two clubs could possibly join them. With that said, a Carson deal would block Kroenke from moving the Rams, in all likelihood. There are a lot of issues to be worked out, but one thing looks to be certain: Los Angeles will have an NFL franchise (or two) for the first time since the 1994 season when (you guessed it) the Rams and Raiders left for their new cities.
-Michael Sam is headed to the CFL after signing a two-year contract with the Montreal Alouettes. This was a wise decision on Sam’s part, as a productive stint north of the border could open some eyes in the NFL and possibly propel the former SEC co-defensive Player of the Year back to the big leagues. Sam’s skill set will likely transition well to the CFL and here’s hoping he can make an immediate impact for his new club, and get back on the road to chasing his NFL dreams.
-Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcel Dareus will miss the club’s season opening contest against the Indianapolis Colts after receiving a one-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. The ban stems from an arrest last year for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Although a one-game suspension is the best outcome the Bills could have hoped for, even one contest without an impact DT like Dareus is too many, especially when facing off with a high-powered offense like Indy’s. Dareus will return to the field for an important Week Two contest with the New England Patriots.
-After much debate, the NFL has changed the nature of extra points. Starting this season, the extra point will now be kicked from the 15-yard line instead of the two-yard line, significantly lengthening the attempt. Two point tries will continue to take place at two-yard line, however. There is no telling what impact moving the attempt back will really have on the outcome of games, as the 15-yard line is still a very make-able distance for kickers, but fans and players alike will find out soon enough.
