In Depth 2015: Buffalo Bills

by | Apr 22, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The 21st century has not been kind to the Buffalo Bills, but things may be turning around.in-depth

A solid defense powered Buffalo to a 9-7 record in 2014, good for just the second better-than-.500 season the Bills have had since 1999.

But change is again in the air. Doug Marrone exited his job as head coach, leaving room for the large personality of Rex Ryan, whose bravado sometimes overshadows the fact that he’s coached in two AFC Championship games, to take over the top job. And the Bills traded for Matt Cassel to push EJ Manuel and provide options at QB, and for star RB LeSean McCoy, who should lead the team’s ground attack.

Can the new leadership get Sammy Watkins, McCoy and the offense to gel enough to match the team’s defensive prowess? Or is the hope of a turnaround premature? Matt Warren, an editor with Buffalo Rumblings, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: Buffalo didn’t break the playoff drought, but did finish above .500 for the first time since 2004. How would you assess the 2014 season? (more…)

Zoneblitz Team Blogger Mock 2015

by | Apr 20, 2015 | 2015 season, NFL Draft

It’s that time of year again. After a couple months of dormancy, NFL fans perk up for a few weeks toward the end of April for the annual NFL draft.

There’s a lot of activity in the blogosphere regarding the draft right now too, so we decided to join the fray. This is the fourth consecutive year we’ve done this – thanks to those who have participated from the start and those who are joining anew this season.

With that, here is our fourth annual Zoneblitz Team Blogger Mock Draft.

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In Depth 2015: Kansas City Chiefs

by | Apr 17, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

in-depthInjuries and a difficult schedule conspired to cause difficulty for the Kansas City Chiefs in their efforts to follow an 11-5 wild card season. But the Chiefs, despite several key losses, including veteran LB Derrick Johnson and S Eric Berry, remained competitive.

Still, the team suffered some troubling losses and, at times, the offense bogged down, as Jamaal Charles would become invisible and other weapons were not able to step up.

But Travis Kelce and De’Anthony Thomas are a year older. Dwayne Bowe is gone, having been replaced as the top WR by Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin. And optimism may be on the rise. How good can this team be? Matt Verderame, editor in chief of Arrowhead Addict, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: The Chiefs endured a lot of injuries in finishing 9-7, down from 11-5 the year before. How would you assess the season?

Verderame: The season was a mixed bag. On one hand, Eric Berry missed most of the year and Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito missed the whole campaign. Going 9-7 on its face isn’t terrible, although losses to the Raiders and Titans are inexcusable. Kansas City blew a golden opportunity to make the playoffs. (more…)

In Depth 2015: San Diego Chargers

by | Apr 15, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The San Diego Chargers got off to a great start in 2014, but injuries contributed to a slide in the last 10 games. Now in-depththere are rumors that long-time QB Philip Rivers may be on the trading block and that the Chargers may be interested in a trade for Marcus Mariota.

So is this team a few healthy pieces from being a playoff contender? Or are the Chargers about to hit a semi-rebuilding cycle? Ernie Padaon, editor of Bolt Beat, shared some thoughts.

Zoneblitz: San Diego started 5-1 with a win over Seattle but slid to 9-7 and missed the playoffs. How would you assess the season? (more…)

Polamalu retirement expands safety backlog for Hall of Fame

by | Apr 10, 2015 | Hall of Fame, NFL History

Troy Polamalu has announced that he’s retiring after a mostly spectacular 12-year career with the Pittsburgh

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Steelers.

During his career he racked up eight Pro Bowls and four first-team All Pro awards, one behind Ravens safety Ed Reed in both categories. Polamalu also was a second-team All Decade safety on the team of the 2000s. Reed and Brian Dawkins won first-team and Polamalu shared his honors with Darren Sharper.

So Polamalu’s credentials as a Hall of Famer should be without question, right?

Probably so. He’s a year behind Reed in eligibility, so I would normally think he’s a year behind Reed in induction – though Reed could go in slightly more quickly due to the additional honors. Still, Polamalu’s credentials are solid. He becomes eligible in 2020 and one would think he’d have a pretty good shot of making it then or, at least, shortly thereafter.

However, it’s been very difficult in recent years to figure out how voters view the safety position. There are several top-notch candidates from the last three All-Decade teams – among others – who have still not been voted into the Hall – guys with similar postseason profiles to Polamalu and Reed. So how long they wait really depends on how voters decide to sort out the backlog.

Here’s at least a partial list of guys who seem to be viewed as legit candidates: (more…)