What: WBOC Kickoff Special

When: Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016

Time: After a shorter version of WBOC News at 7.

Week one of the 2016 NFL season has arrived.  The team at WBOC will get you ready for the upcoming campaign with our WBOC Kickoff Special.  During the show we will give viewers an insight to the Ravens, Eagles, and Redskins.  Of course we will cover the X’s and O’s but we also feature something unique about each franchise.

Ravens:

Injuries were the theme for Baltimore in 2015 as key players missed significant time away from the team.  As a result, the Ravens finished with just a 5-11 record.  Quarterback Joe Flacco is back after a December surgery to repair an ACL tear.  Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. planned to retire at the end of 2015.  He then tore his achilles last November.  Smith went through rehabilitation to give it a go for one more season in 2016.

One defense, linebacker Terrell Suggs suffered an achilles tear in last season’s first game.  In the 2016 “dress rehearsal” third preseason game last month against the Lions, Suggs showed no effects of the injury.  The big off-season acquisition was the signing of Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle who looks to improve the Ravens NFL worst six interceptions by its defense in 2015.

Part of the Ravens game day experience is the Marching Ravens Band.  One member, Trever Santora, is from Salsibury.  We spent time with him and got a glimpse into what it takes to be a member of this Maryland institution.

Eagles:

Just a week prior to the start of the season, the Eagles made a drastic change to their offense.  Last season’s starting quarterback Sam Bradford was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.  On Monday, the Eagles announced their second overall pick in the 2016 draft, Carson Wentz will be their starting quarterback.  Joining Wentz in that starting line-up, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham.  The Eagles traded with the Tennessee Titans to acquire the second year player.  During his rookie season Green-Beckham caught 32 passes for  549 yards with four touchdowns.

After hold-out threats during the off-season, the Eagles demonstrated just how valuable they believe defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is to the team.  Cox signed a six year deal with 63 million dollars in guaranteed money.  2015 was a career year for Cox as he registered 9.5 sacks.

For over 35 years, Merrill Reese has been the radio voice of the Eagles.  We got to spend some time with Reese both at a game and away from the stadium.

Redskins:

The Redskins are out to defend their NFC East title.  To do that, they will need quarterback Kirk Cousins to continue his progress.  Last year, his first as a full time starter, Cousins set the franchise record for passing yards (4,166) in a season.  It helps to have one the NFL’s best tight ends as a pass target.  In 2015, Jordan Reed had 87 receptions for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Like the Ravens, the Redskins went to the defensive backfield for their big free agent signing.  In 2015 cornerback Josh Norman achieved first-team All Pro honors with the Carolina Panthers.  Following last season, Norman and Carolina could agree to a new contract.  Norman became a free agent when the Panthers rescinded the franchise tag and the Redskins immediately signed a player they hope improves the defense.

We also go nostalgia with the Redskins as former members of the Hogettes are featured.