Among The Telltale Signs That The NFL Regular Season Is Near: The Hall Of Fame Game Preview

The anticipation for the NFL regular season reaches a crescendo every year with the arrival of the annual Hall of Fame Game. This prestigious event marks the kickoff of the NFL’s preseason and sets the stage for the thrilling action ahead while honoring the gridiron legends of the past. In this year’s Hall of Fame Game, the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns will go head-to-head, a preview of their Week 17 clash in the regular season.

Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium: A Historic Venue

Thursday night’s game will take place at the iconic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, nestled in Canton, Ohio, just steps away from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This historic stadium, with a seating capacity of 23,000, exudes a unique atmosphere that takes football fans back to the golden era of professional football. The ambiance in this stadium is electric, packed with ardent football enthusiasts who have eagerly awaited six months for the return of NFL action, even if the game itself doesn’t officially count in the regular season win-loss records.

How to Watch the Hall of Fame Game

Date: Thursday, August 3
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium (Canton, Ohio)
TV Channel: NBC (commentators: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark)
Live Stream: fuboTV, NBCSports.com, Peacock

A Preview of the Thursday Night Showdown

The Hall of Fame Game couldn’t have asked for a better team to grace its opening than the New York Jets, who have been making headlines throughout the offseason. The most significant acquisition in their roster was none other than four-time league MVP, Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers joining their ranks, the Jets, who finished with a 7-10 record last season, are now being touted as serious contenders for a playoff spot this year. Moreover, their defense, which ranked fourth in points allowed in the NFL last season, is a force to be reckoned with.

Although Aaron Rodgers won’t be taking the field on Thursday night, fans will still be treated to the debut of Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wilson, eager to prove his mettle to a national audience, will be keen on making a lasting impression. He showed promise last year, posting a 5-4 record as a starter despite losing his starting job later in the season. Additionally, Jets fans will get a glimpse of their first-round pick, Will McDonald IV, an edge rusher who left his mark with 34 sacks during his tenure at Iowa State.

On the other side of the field, the Cleveland Browns, who finished with the same 7-10 record last year, are also vying for a spot in the AFC playoffs this season. The Browns will be led by Deshaun Watson, who, during his six starts last season, completed just 58.2 percent of his throws. With a full season ahead, he aims to lead his team to new heights. Watson will heavily rely on the Pro Bowl running back, Nick Chubb, who has consistently delivered stellar performances for the past four years. Last season, Chubb amassed a career-high of 1,525 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and a remarkable 5 yards-per-carry average.

Browns fans have an exciting prospect in rookie Cedric Tillman, their third-round pick. During his final season at Tennessee, Tillman exhibited immense potential, catching 64 passes for an impressive 1,081 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns. Additionally, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, a fifth-round pick, and quarterback extraordinaire, will also make his NFL debut for the Browns. He had a remarkable college career at UCLA, throwing for 3,154 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the team to a commendable 9-4 record.

With both teams eager to showcase their new talent and build momentum for the regular season, the Hall of Fame Game promises to be an exhilarating contest that no football fan should miss.

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