The 2014-15 NFL season is about to kick-off. Maybe the melodrama that draws Hispanics to novelas is what also makes the NFL so appealing: action, deep voice-overs and over the top story lines that culminate in a season-ending crescendo. Well, the “NFL Game Changers” novela has some pretty mesmerizing characters that will keep us glued to our flat screens, tablets and phones. Check out the cast members to watch this season.
El Jefe – Ron Rivera
Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera’s “game changing” moment came last year when he decided to trust franchise Quarterback Cam Newton and go for more critical fourth downs. The result for “Riverboat Ron” was a 12-4 record, an NFC South title, NFL Coach of the Year and a 3-year contract extension. Nuff’ said.
El Empresario – Victor Cruz
New York Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz is the gold standard for NFL “slot receivers” and salsa dancers alike. Pundits expect Cruz’ game changing ways to continue under new Offensive Coordinator Ben McAdoo. “Eli Manning and Cruz have great chemistry and their new ‘West Coast Offense’ will make Cruz and the Giants dangerous,” comments sports blogger Monte Perez.
Los Hijos Prodigos – Arian Foster and Mark Sanchez
Houston Texans’ Running Back Arian Foster dominated the NFL with three consecutive Pro Bowls before an injury plagued 2013 led to the Texans disastrous 2-14 record. Foster says he’s healthy, but can he still make a difference after offseason back surgery? After a strong preseason with the Philadelphia Eagles, Quarterback Mark Sanchez is again a hot commodity. A trade or injuries will likely put Sanchez back in the spotlight soon. “Sanchez just needed to get back to basics. He can do special things again,” observed former NFL QB Alex Espinosa.
El Viejo (The O.G.) – Roberto Garza
Chicago Bears Center Roberto Garza has started 164 games over 13 seasons and blocked for seven 1,000 yard rushers. Bears re-signed Garza to a 1-year, $1.4M contract to protect QB Jay Cutler and provide stable leadership to Bears locker room.
El Asesino – Knowshon Moreno
The Miami Dolphins need Running Back Knowshon Moreno to be the silent “game changer”. Moreno scored 13 total touchdowns for Denver last season. “Moreno is the most complete running back on the roster. His pass catching and blocking skills will be critical to quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s success,”believes Dolphins super fan Alex Easdale.
Los Machos – Willie Colon & Breno Giacomini
New York Jets offensive linemen Willie Colon and Breno Giacomini are both former Super Bowl Champions and incredibly feisty. “Colon and Giancomini are players teams hate to play, but coaches and teammates love. They bring needed grittiness to the Jets Offense,”analyzes Monte Perez.
Las Fuerzas – Louis Vasquez & Manny Ramirez
Quick, the only Latino to make last year’s Pro Bowl was? Denver Broncos Right Guard Louis Vasquez who was both a Pro and Super Bowler. He joined Center Manny Ramirez on the best offense in NFL history.
“The Broncos’ allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL, but the Seahawks exposed them badly. Can Ramirez recover from that botched snap in the Super Bowl?” A valid question raised by Latino Sports Talk’s Rene Gomez.
Photo Credits:
Mark Sanchez – ©Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
Vasquez/Ramirez – © Ray Stubblebine/Reuters/Corbis
Ron Rivera – © Don Kelly / Corbis
Victor Cruz- ©Al Bello/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images