Miami Welcomed Back Under New (Old) Ownership

In one of the most unsurprising events of all time, the NFL just announced the sale of the Miami Dolphins to their former General Manager who will take over the club’s operations immediately.
“The jokes will write themselves,” EP said. “But I missed the camaraderie with the guys. I didn’t miss the job of GM however, so I just bought the team instead.”
For the past few years EP’s ownership group has been involved in English Football with well-documented success. With his club’s profits needing to be spent, a venture back into American football was the next logical move.
Miami’s first order of business was hiring former Florida Offensive Coordinator and QB Coach Brian Johnson. The 34-year old Johnson quarterbacked the University of Utah in college and was on the cover of EA Sports NCAA Football game.

"Let me explain the job ahead of us very simply," Johnson said. "Our job is to line up five, seven, ten yards in front of a man and run into him full speed." 
The franchise’s leadership structure has a bit of mystery to it as the new owner made it clear that he would not be the team’s GM despite his successful history.
At the news conference were many of the Miami cornerstone players. Desmond King, George Kittle and new QB Jalen Hurts were all in attendance and seemed overjoyed at the news.
“We’re going to bring this franchise back to basics,” Hurts said. “Take care of the football, hit people, and always remember three is better than six.”

2020 Season - Super Bowl LV

 (AFC) New England Patriots vs. (NFC) GREEN BAY PACKERS

TAMPA BAY - The Green Bay Packers finished their unbelievable run with a 30-13 Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots.  The win is the 5th for the historic franchise that won the first Super Bowl back in 1967 and has a the championship trophy named after its hall of fame head coach.

The final score was not indicative of what kind of game fans were treated to at Raymond James Stadium Sunday.  In a back-and-forth affair, the Packers (14-4-1) struck first with a 36-yard touchdown run by Super Bowl MVP Damien Williams.  New England (14-6) struck back on a Damiere Byrd touchdown reception from quarterback Deshaun Watson.  From there, the teams exchanged field goals and headed into the half tied at 10.

The third quarter proved much of the same with both defenses proving their worth and again each giving up a field goal.  Then with the game tied at 13 late in the quarter, the game-defining play that occurs in every Super Bowl happened.  Pressured by the Packer pass rush, Watson rolled out to his left and tried to force something down field.  Waiting in the wings was linebacker Josey Jewell who returned the interception back for a touchdown, completely swinging the momentum in favor of Green Bay.

"Man, you could feel the air let out on their bench after that." Jewell said, "Deshaun is a great player so I just feel so fortunate to help my team win today.  Super Bowl Champs!"

From there, the Patriots struggled to move the ball and an Aaron Rodgers touchdown pass to Damien Williams in the 4th quarter sealed it.  The Green Bay Packers were Super Bowl LV Champions.

The Super Bowl win gives GM SD back-to-back rings and three overall in the 3GML.  "I'm so happy right now.  We're going to celebrate a bit and then get back to work for a busy offseason.  This one feels special." SD said.

The 2020 3GML season was one for the ages and the GMs will now turn their attention to year seven.

2020 Season - Championship Round

NFC Championship - Atlanta Falcons @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - With the snow falling at Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers punched a ticket to Super Bowl LV with their 40-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons.  The Packers (13-4-1) head back to the Super Bowl for the first time since their Super Bowl 50 loss to the 3GML Miami Dolphins.  However, for GM SD it's his second consecutive trip as GM after the Buffalo Bills won it all last year.

The game itself was a wild one early with Adrian Amos returning a Matt Ryan interception for a touchdown to kick off the scoring.  Atlanta (12-7) answered with a field goal before Tavon Austin returned the ensuing kickoff back for a 91 yard touchdown giving Green Bay a 14-3 lead.  "Oh man, we' haven't had one of those all year." Austin said, "I honestly can't believe that just happened."

After the teams exchanged field goals, the Falcons got a pick six of their own when Foyesade Oluokun intercepted an errant Aaron Rodgers pass.  That's when things settled down and the Packers offense got to work.  From there they scored on each of their remaining drives and Atlanta couldn't keep up.  Key to the surge was once again Damien Williams.  The all league running back moved the chains when his team needed a first down and finished with 30 carries for 170 yards earning him the NFC Championship player of the game award.  "Honored to help this team win.  We going to the Super Bowl Baby!" Williams said.

Green Bay will advance to take on Deshaun Watson and the New England Patriots who are trying to make it six years in a row an AFC East team is the last one standing.  

2020 Season - Divisional Round

 Arizona Cardinals @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - The Arizona Cardinals were defeated by the Green Bay Packers 23-18 Saturday night at Lambeau Field in the NFC Divisional Round.  Green Bay (12-4-1) continued their hot streak winning their 5th game in a row and showing everyone how balanced their offensive attack is.

On the ground, All-3GML running back Damien Williams moved the chains at will, rushing 20 times for 150 yds.  In the air, Stefon Diggs caught five passes for 111 yards and a TD.  Throw in recently crowned 3GML MVP Aaron Rodgers (217 yds, 2 TDs) and you have a dangerous mix moving forward.

Arizona (11-7) looked sluggish offensively most of the game and quarterback Kyler Murray found himself scrambling after making one read.  However, with the Green Bay offense stalling in the red zone in the first half, the Cardinals were able to keep in close and headed into half up 9-6.

Green Bay received the 3rd quarter kick off and it was off to the races.  The Packers started with a 41 second drive capped by a 61 yard Diggs touchdown reception.  From there, the Cardinals continued to struggle and the Green Bay offense moved with ease.

What will likely be the talk of pundits everywhere tomorrow will be how former cornerback cast-off Sidney Jones held All-Pro wide receiver Deandre Hopkins to once catch for nine yards.  The 2nd round pick locked Hopkins down all afternoon and stymied the Cardinal passing attack.  

"I was glad coach put trust in me.  Casey [Hayward Jr.] has been the rock of this group but was needed elsewhere in the game plan.  To go from being cut to this shows what happens when you don't quit." Jones said.

Green Bay moves on to host the #2 seed Atlanta Falcons next week in the NFC Championship game with a berth in Super Bowl LV on the line.

2020 Season - Week #17

 Seattle Seahawks @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - Heartbreak in the city by the bay after the San Francisco 49ers dropped their season finale to the Seattle Seahawks 28-20.  After wins by Atlanta and Arizona, the loss knocked the Niners out of the playoffs and into the offseason.

Defensively, San Francisco (9-6-1, 2-4 NFC West) forced four turnovers from superstars quarterback Russell Wilson.  However, the 49er offense struggled to get into the end zone and Seattle (10-6, 4-2) walked away with the division.

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater struggled to find room to run all afternoon and the absence of Julio Jones compounded the offensive struggles.  Coach Kyle Shanahan wants to see his quarterback get in quality work the next few months after he faded down the stretch in his first full season since 2015.  "Teddy has to have a tremendous offseason." Shanahan said.

San Francisco was hit hard all season by injuries and the fact that they were competing for a division title week 17 was still remarkable.  GM CD will likely look back on this season as one with missed opportunities but will now look forward to improving his roster through the draft and free agency.  "I'm pissed." He said after the game, "But we will move on and work to have the best draft class we can with our picks."

The 49ers have pick 17 in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

GREEN BAY PACKERS @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - The Green Bay Packers went into the game with the Chicago Bears fully expecting to walk out with the number five seed in the playoffs regardless of the outcome.  However, an improbable Minnesota loss to Detroit combined with a 28-9 win over the Bears left Green Bay with a division title and number one seed in the NFC.

The Packers (11-4-1, 4-2 NFC North) were once again led by all-everything quarterback Aaron Rodgers who likely locked up his second consecutive 3GML MVP award.  Rodgers threw for an efficient 284 yards a four touchdowns to keep Chicago (6-10, 2-4) from ever thinking they had a shot in this one.  Rodgers ends the year with a 5,000-yard campaign and will look to keep hot in the playoffs.  "We're not done.  Our goal is to bring the Lombardi home." Rodgers said.

Green Bay will get a bye next week and wait to face the lowest advancing seed on the NFC side of the bracket.

Tennessee Titans @ HOUSTON TEXANS

HOUSTON - Comeback game of the year was locked up in this one as Houston overcame a 21-0 deficit the beat the visiting Titans 28-27 Sunday.  The Texans looked all but done after Tennessee scored it's third straight touchdown to open the game on a Derrick Henry run.  However we've seen this team fight back in games all year and this one was no different.

"There's something special about this team." Quarterback Andy Dalton said, "We just don't quit no matter the score.  I'm so proud of the men in that locker room."

After coming out of halftime down 21-3, the Texans used a quick strike 63-yard touchdown to Kenny Stills to claw back into things.  The Texans defense was a brick wall the rest of the way and the door was cracked. After the Titans pushed it to 24-13, Dalton found Sterling Shepard in the end zone to make it 24-20.  Tennessee answered with a field goal and Dalton once again led his team down the field finding little used tight end Ryan Griffin for a 24-yard touchdown giving Houston the lead for good.

GM TH said after the game, "I am so thrilled with how this team performed down the stretch.  To go from 2-9 to 7-9 shows the heart these guys have.  David [Shaw] has done a wonderful job and should be commended for getting every ounce out of his team."

The win combined with a Jacksonville loss to Indianapolis created a three-way tie at the top of the division at 7-9.  However, Houston lost the tie-breaker to the Colts and just missed out on a playoff spot.  "We didn't get in but I still think these last five games give us momentum heading into the offseason." TH Said.

Houston will have pick number 13 in April's NFL Draft.

2020 Season - Week #16

 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

PHOENIX - The race to the finish line in the NFC West is on after the Arizona Cardinals beat the visiting 49ers 23-20 Sunday.  San Francisco needed a win to lock up the division but couldn't get it done as Arizona (9-6, 3-2 NFC West) used a late field goal to win it.

San Francisco (9-5-1, 2-3) was down a large portion of their roster due to injury and it showed.  Especially detrimental to their game plan was having both Julio Jones and Tyler Boyd out with injuries.  "No excuses." Coach Kyle Shanahan said, "Next man up.  This is the NFL.  Everyone is dealing with injuries."

Alvin Kamara did what he could, rushing for 83 yards and two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough.  Now San Francisco heads into week 17 with everything on the line.  Winner of their game against Seattle (9-6) takes the division.  With a loss, the Niners would need a loss by either Arizona (9-6) or Atlanta (9-6) to get in as a wild card.

Seattle and San Francisco for the division in week 17?  Sign us up.

Tennessee Titans @ GREEN BAY PACKERS  

GREEN BAY - The Packers continued their hot second half of the season beating up the Tennessee Titans 28-3 in a snowy Sunday night game at Lambeau Field.  With the weather impacting game plans, Green Bay (10-4-1) turned to the running game and Damien Williams.  The running back out of Oklahoma did all the heavy lifting, rushing for 126 yards and 3 touchdowns.

On the other side Derrick Henry struggled to get going for Tennessee (6-9) and the Titans didn't have a game plan for playing from behind.  In a critical moment late in the 2nd quarter and Green Bay up 7-0, Tennessee decided to go for it on a 4th and goal from the one-yard line.  Henry was stuffed by rookie linebacker Zack Baun.  The Packers went down, kicked a field goal on the ensuing drive and the Titans were never close again.

The Packers (10-4-1) locked up a playoff berth with the win but now need some help if they want to win the division.  Green Bay would need to beat Chicago next week and hope for a Detroit upset of Minnesota to take the NFC North.  Anything other than exact scenario locks the Pack into the 5-seed and a trip to the winner of the NFC East in the playoffs.

Cincinnati Bengals @ HOUSTON TEXANS    

HOUSTON - The streak continues! The Texans took down the visiting Bengals 34-17 Sunday.  The win was Houston's 4th in a row and keeps their slim playoff hopes alive.  Cincinnati (7-8) was greatly impacted by the absence of first overall pick Joe Burrow.  Backup DeShone Kizer did admirably but it wasn't enough as the Texans came out hot.

Houston (6-9) scored on their first two drives of the game (touchdown and field goal) then used a forced fumble on the ensuing kickoff to score again on a Le'Veon Bell touchdown.  "This team is clicking." Bell said, "I told y'all when I signed here that I was playing to win."

The Texans now sit in 2nd place in the division in a three way tie at 6-9 with Tennessee and Indianapolis.  Jacksonville is ahead of all three by one game at 7-8.  If Indianapolis can take down the Jaguars next week and the Texans can beat the Titans, there would be a three way tie at the top of the division with Jacksonville, Houston, and Indianapolis all at 7-9.  NFL tiebreakers would then come into effect, potentially causing chaos after a full 256 games have been played.

Buckle up folks.  Week 17 in the 3GML is going to be a good one.

2020 Season - Week #15

 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys

DALLAS - The Dallas Cowboys played themselves into the NFC East lead with a 24-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers.  The storyline coming into this one was the matchup between Teddy Bridgewater and Marcus Mariota.  There is quite a history with these quarterbacks.  Both were on New England last season after GM CD traded for Mariota mid-season following a poor start by Bridgewater.   Mariota ended up taking the Patriots all the way to the AFC Championship game.  When the team moved out west with CD this offseason, coach Kyle Shanahan named Bridgewater the starter, prompting the team to trade Mariota to the Cowboys.

Mariota was asked before the game if this one had any extra meaning.  "Yes and no I guess.  I mean I was disappointed they gave up on me, but I'm really just focused on getting this team to the playoffs."  Mariota said.  

Whether or not there was extra meaning, Mariota had the last word, driving the Cowboys (7-7) down the field and taking it in for the score on a 21 yard scramble.  

The score left San Francisco (9-4-1) shell-shocked after Teddy Bridgewater led his own scoring drive seconds earlier to give the Niners the lead.  "Wasn't good enough today.  Need to complete more passes." Bridgewater said after the game.

Things are getting interesting for San Francisco as they hold a 1.5 game division lead over both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks with two games left on their schedule.  Their next two opponents?  Arizona and Seattle.

Carolina Panthers @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - Aaron Rodgers continued his torrid play of late as the Packers beat the visiting Carolina Panthers 48-26.  Green Bay (9-4-1) moved the ball with ease on offense all afternoon.  Actually, Rodgers and JuJu Smith-Schuster moved the ball with ease.  Smith-Shuster was dynamic all afternoon and accounted for the majority of the offense, racking up 191 yards on 11 catches and three touchdowns.

"Happy to be a part of this team.  Just want to quietly go about my business and get the job done.  I'm not going to be flashy and dance on Instaface or TikTweet before a game or anything like that." Smith-Schuster said after the game.

Green Bay is all of a sudden within striking distance of their division and the number one seed after loses by New Orleans, Minnesota, and San Francisco.  All four teams now have four loses and if the Packers finish strong they could be looking at a division championship and playoff bye.  A lot still has to go right as the Pack do not control their own destiny, but things have changed dramatically in a week.  Green Bay will try to keep rolling next week against the Tennessee Titans at Lambeau field on Sunday Night Football.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS - Three weeks removed from a top draft pick, the Houston Texans suddenly find themselves less concerned with who they will draft and more concerned with a potential playoff spot after their third win in a row.  Houston (5-9, 3-2 AFC South) used a late 4th quarter score to down the Indianapolis Colts 27-20 and keep their slim hopes alive.

The Colts (6-8, 1-4) looked unstoppable most of the game as Philip Rivers completed his first 27 attempts and the Texans defense struggled to get off the field.  However, they did just enough to give their offense a chance.

Combined with a Jacksonville Jaguars loss, the Texans now find themselves only one game out of the division lead with two games to go.  "To quote Herm Edwards, 'You play to win the game.'" Coach David Shaw said, "I'm not concerned with draft picks in April, I'm concerned with wins in December."

Houston will look to make it four in a row next week as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals.