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Season in Review: NFL 2021

My second season covering professional football

By Matt Pendleton Photography

May 13^th, 2022

Season In Review: NFL 2021

This was an incredible second season covering the NFL. With the COVID-19 pandemic calming, we were permitted to shoot on-field.

This season I shot for USA TODAY Sports and the Atlanta Falcons. I was even able to shoot at the NFL Divisional Playoff Championship game! Thank you to both organizations for these special opportunities.

Scroll down to see my favorite photos from each game I covered this season and make sure to tap the LIKE button in the top right to show some love.

Preseason Week 1: Browns at Jaguars

The NFL season kicked off for me on assignment for USA TODAY Sports covering the Browns and Jaguars.

A lot of firsts in this game: first game of the season, first game for Tebow with the Jags, first game for new head coach Urban Meyer.

This was Urban Meyer's first preseason game as a NFL Head Coach.

Tim Tebow even made an appearance with the Jaguars

Week 2: Falcons at Buccaneers

On assignment as one of three team photographers for the Atlanta Falcons, I had some incredible access during warm-ups: right on the field (socially distant of course).

I loved watching both QBs battle and also a familiar face, Kyle Pitts (former Florida Gators tight end), line up against the Bucs.

Views from warmups

Brady to Gronk ... classic!

Kyle Pitts, the Falcons rookie star

Week 5: Titans at Jaguars

On assignment for USA TODAY Sports, the Jaguars continued to search for their first win of the season.

The Titans defeated the Jaguars 37-19 for the Jaguars fifth straight loss.

My favorite image from the game.

Week 12: Falcons at Jaguars

The Falcons came to Jacksonville and left with a W. The Falcons escaped 21-14 although Trevor Lawrence elevated his game.

This was Urban Meyer's last home game with the Jaguars. He was fired on December 15, 2022.

Week 15: Texans at Jaguars

The Texans visited the Jaguars getting a 30-16 win. The Jaguars had more pep in their step after the firing of Urban Meyer.

New interim head coach Darrell Bevell took the field for the first time after being promoted on December 16, 2022.

Loved this play and this image.

Week 18: Colts at Jaguars

Carson Wentz and the Colts battled with the Jaguars.

The Jaguars got their 3rd and final win of the season beating the Colts 26-11.

A story emerged after the Urban Meyer firing that the former coached kicked one of his players during a practice. The Jaguars let their team know how they felt about Trent Baalke including wearing clown costumes.

NFC Divisional Playoff: Rams at Buccaneers

This was an incredible experience! Brady and Stafford playing at their peak with a chance for Super Bowl berth. Ultimately, the Rams won (eventually winning the Super Bowl) in a crazy last second play.

The stands were packed and the atmosphere was electric. I was part of a team of four from USA TODAY Sports transmitting live during the game with a dedicated photo editor. Technology + Photography: my two favs.

The NFL superstars were everywhere on the field.

Gronk had a great game.

Running back Leonard Fournette scored a touchdown to tie the game. The Bucs thought they were going to overtime but a last minute play from the Rams ended their season.

Thank You

Thank you again to Kristi Guerriero from USA TODAY Sports and Brandon Magnus/Dakota Williams from the Atlanta Falcons for allowing me the opportunity to capture images for their organizations.

Footnotes

Photos by Matt Pendleton for USA TODAY Sports and the Atlanta Falcons. Shot using Canon 1D-X Mark III bodies and Canon 200-400mm f/4L w 1.4x / Canon 600mm f/4L lenses.

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FootNotes

Photos by Matt Pendleton for USA TODAY Sports and the Atlanta Falcons. Shot using Canon 1D-X Mark III bodies and Canon 200-400mm f/4L w 1.4x / Canon 600mm f/4L lenses.