Looking back at the 2021 NFL season

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Jalen Flowers, staff writer

After one of the most exciting postseasons in recent memory, the Los Angeles Rams finished off their story book season with a victory in their home stadium against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The battle between the passing game duos of Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp vs Joe Burrow and Ja’marr Chase was synonymous with the way this season went — quarterback and receiver duos ruled the league.

Burrow and Chase’s connection began with their championship at LSU, and with nearly 1400 yards and 13 touchdowns between the two, the young duo is highly regarded as the best in the league, even in their first season together. However, other young duos weren’t as lucky.

Arizona’s Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins were highly anticipated and lived up to those expectations, starting the season 7-0, injuries to both Murray and Hopkins dropped the Cardinals down to a wild card team and a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the LA Rams. Arizona’s 7 game win streak ending against the Green Bay Packers, one of the biggest topics of discussion this offseason.

Even after winning his second straight MVP, Aaron Rodgers superstar connection with receiver Davante Adams might come to an end Rodgers has expressed signs of unhappiness in Green Bay. Many expect Rodgers to take the same path as Tom Brady, who recently ended his 22 year reign of success as a Patriot and a Buccaneer.

Ben Roethlisberger also ended his tenure as a Steeler this season, after a wild card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Windows of opportunity are opening up for younger duos around the league such as Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill, or Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews. Both pairs gave us some of the most exciting moments of the season such as the Chiefs 13 second touchdown drive to advance past the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, and the Ravens 19 point overtime comeback against the Colts on Monday Night Football in early October.

Among the other great moments this season were the 49ers playoff run with upset victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Packers, and Johnathan Taylor’s historic season with the Colts, which earned him Ground Player of the Year honors. With so much young talent around the league, next season is expected to shatter expectations.

It was also great to see a former BD player shine in the league as Chris Evans finished his rookie season in the Super Bowl as a backup running back and kick returner for the Cincinnati Bengals.