49ers, Seahawks strengthen positions as NFC elite

by | Mar 11, 2013 | 2013 season, NFL Breaking News, NFL Random Thoughts

 

The new NFL league year kicked off with a bang today as word leaked around lunchtime that the Vikings were shipping Percy Harvin to Seattle.

That made Seattle the early leader in the race for “who had the best offseason” as long as the Seahawks can get Harvin signed to a contract that will keep the diva wideout’s whining to a minimum.

Not to be outdone, Super Bowl runner up San Francisco pulled the trigger a couple hours later on a deal that brought Anquan Boldin to the Bay Area in exchange for a sixth round pick.

Minnesota understandably got a better package for Harvin (A first and a seventh this year and, reportedly, a third next year) than Baltimore got for Boldin, but it was stunning to me that the Ravens couldn’t get more than they got for Anquan, who stepped up his play big time once Cam Cameron was replaced as offensive coordinator.

But the Ravens, coming off of a Super Bowl win, are cash-strapped and they got something for someone they otherwise would have cut. They are the day’s biggest loser, but they made a move they likely had to – the only question now is, with the Boldin trade and the retirements of Matt Birk and Ray Lewis, how far do they fall into rebuilding mode in 2013? (more…)

In depth 2013: San Diego Chargers

by | Mar 10, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

When the clock struck 0:00 on a 7-9 season that had, for all intents and purposes, ended in late November, San Diego ownership was quick to cut the cord on the Norv Turner/A.J. Smith era. And so a new run begins in 2013 – and this team is not devoid of talent.

Philip Rivers has been down the last couple years, but with some help at some key spots (offensive line anyone?), we may find that he still has game. Other pieces are injury prone and inconsistent. So who knows what this Chargers team is really all about.

Ernie Padaon, editorial director for Bolt Beat, told us what he thinks the Chargers need to do to get back on track.

Zoneblitz: What were your thoughts on the firings of Norv Turner and A.J. Smith? (more…)

In Depth 2013: Tennessee Titans

by | Mar 8, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

A 9-7 record in2011 under first-year coach Mike Munchak and the presumed development of second-year quarterback Jake Locker had fans and observers intrigued by the Tennessee Titans chances of a playoff run in 2012.

Injuries to Locker and several other key players quickly scuttled those hopes, however. And despite scoring 50 more points in 2012 than 2011, Tennessee’s defense collapsed, allowing 471 points, the most in the NFL – and 154 more than the season prior.

There’s plenty of talent on this roster though. Locker has a trio of wide receivers and a resurgent Chris Johnson, who showed in 2012 that he has at least something left in the tank. Justin Stewart, editor and lead writer for Titan Sized, says if the Titans can avoid the injury issues of 2012, this team could once again challenge for a postseason berth.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on the development of Jake Locker and will he be the starting quarterback in 2013? (more…)

In Depth 2013: New York Jets

by | Mar 6, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Rex Ryan’s first two seasons as coach of the New York Jets ended with losses in the AFC Championship game. But that’s been quickly forgotten as the team finished its past two seasons a combined 14-18.

In the process, the Jets have become almost a sideshow, with an appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks and the acquisition of Tim Tebow providing at least some of the several memorable punch lines. The 6-10 2012 season cost Mike Tannenbaum his job as general manager and it has to have Ryan on the hot seat heading into 2013 as well.

So how bad off are the Jets? Joe Caporoso, owner, head writer and editor in chief of Turn on the Jets, says a talent-barren roster likely leaves the Jets more than one offseason away from competing for a playoff spot.

Zoneblitz: After another disappointing season, the Jets fired Mike Tannenbaum as general manager yet kept Rex Ryan as head coach. Were those the right moves and, if so, why did Ryan deserve another year? (more…)

In Depth 2013: Buffalo Bills

by | Mar 4, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

A middle-of-the-road offense led by a quarterback who made too many mistakes and a defense that could not stop opponents doomed the Buffalo Bills to a 6-10 record, extending the team’s stretch of non-playoff seasons to 14.

But this is not a team devoid of talent. C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson could be a potent running back combo and Stevie Johnson is a solid wide receiver. Mario Williams heads a defense that is already getting reworked.

So just what kind of a project did new head coach Doug Marrone get himself into? Jack Goods, co-editor of BuffaLowDown tells us the Bills could be a quarterback away from being a pretty good team.

Zoneblitz: What did you think of the decision to fire head coach Chan Gailey and keep Buddy Nix as general manager? (more…)