Mock Reactions – my thoughts on the 2014 first round

by | May 7, 2014 | 2014 season, NFL Draft

Let me make clear right from the get go – I am not a draft expert. I do not sit around watching hours of film and, while I consider myself an educated fan, I’m not going to be able to give you any insight as far as the impact of 40 times, high jumps or cone drills as they relate to the success of future NFL players.

But I do read a lot of people who spend considerable time on that. So maybe I’ve got as good a third-hand handle on it as the next guy who does the same – and maybe I don’t. Nonetheless, following our Team Blogger Mock Draft, I threw together a quick mock using the info from our blogger friends and from other experts at various sites around the Interweb. Most other people’s mocks are probably better than mine – but given trades – and I expect there will be many this year – none of none of us have much more chance of being correct than anyone else out there throwing names at virtual paper.

But coordinating these two projects did lead to some observations. Here are a few: (more…)

In Depth 2014: Carolina Panthers

by | May 6, 2014 | 2013 season, 2014 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Carolina stumbled out of the gate in 2013 and at the quarter pole it looked like coach Ron Rivera might be headed in-depthtoward an ugly exit. Then, all of a sudden, the team came together, winning 11 of 12 and chasing down the Saints to win the NFC South title. Carolina even notched a playoff win to cap a turnaround season.

But the offseason has produced considerable change. Left tackle Jordan Gross retired and GM Dave Gettleman has allowed a complete turnover of the wide receiver depth chart. Free agency and cap issues cost the Panthers several key defensive cogs that were instrumental in the 12-4 run.

So where do the Panthers sit heading into this week’s draft and the 2014 campaign? Ken Dye, lead writer for Carolina Cat Chronicles, says the holes created by the roster change have not yet all been filled. But he’s got high hopes based on what he’s seen thus far from Gettleman.

Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Carolina stumbled out of the gate before catching fire, winning 11 of 12, winning the NFC South and making a playoff run – what created the turnaround and what’s your assessment of the 2013 season? (more…)

In Depth 2014: New Orleans Saints

by | May 4, 2014 | 2013 season, 2014 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

In 2012 New Orleans went 7-9 with one of the worst defensive performances in NFL history. A year later, Sean Payton in-depthreturned and the team experienced a turnaround, winning 11 games in the regular season and a wild card playoff.

The Saints eventually fell to Super Bowl champ Seattle in the second round of the playoffs, but a rejuvenated squad left fans buzzing heading into 2014. There have been some big names brought in and some prominent vets that left the team in free agency and trades, as well. So is the 2014 version of the Saints primed for another run? Travis Dauro, a writer with Canal Street Chronicles, shares his thoughts on what has to happen for New Orleans to take that next jump.

Tellijohn: In the first year back at full strength with Sean Payton the Saints won the division and a playoff game. How do you assess 2013? (more…)

In Depth 2014: Indianapolis Colts

by | May 3, 2014 | 2013 season, 2014 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

In 2012, Indianapolis had a new QB, a new coach and a cause. The Colts in-depthrallied around Chuck Pagano when he was diagnosed with leukemia and rode the emotion to an 11-5 record and a first round playoff game. Some doubted the team was really nine games better than the disastrous 2011 2-14 campaign, but Indy followed up in 2013 with another 11-5 season and an exciting playoff comeback win against Kansas City.

This team, however, is far from a finished product. When Reggie Wayne went down with a knee injury, Andrew Luck struggled to find his consistency. The switch from Bruce Arians to Pep Hamilton as offensive coordinator proved at times a challenge. And there are holes on the offensive line and the defensive side of the ball that must be addressed.

Still, with some well placed pieces and some good fortune, Colts Authority Editor Kyle Rodriguez says the Colts aren’t far from joining the league’s elite teams in a deep playoff run.

Zoneblitz: What is your overall assessment of the 2013 Colts season that saw two playoff games and a division title? (more…)

In Depth 2014: San Diego Chargers

by | Apr 30, 2014 | 2013 season, 2014 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

At 4-6 and then 5-7 it looked like San Diego was headed toward another in-depthpostseason watching on the Barcalounger. But something seemed to click the last quarter of the season and the Chargers rewarded Mike McCoy with four straight wins to close out the regular season – and a postseason upset of Cincinnati to boot.

San Diego’s luck ran out in the divisional round as Super Bowl-bound Denver ended the 2013 season. But the five-game win streak, during which the team never scored fewer than 26 points, had to leave Chargers fans and players optimistic about the future.

So can San Diego repeat its late-season success in 2014? And how far are the Chargers from making a run at the Super Bowl? Ernie Padaon, editor of Bolt Beat, shares some thoughts with Zoneblitz.

Zoneblitz:  The Chargers came from an off year in 2012 to make the playoffs in 2013. How would you assess the season? (more…)