In depth: San Diego Chargers

by | Feb 16, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

For the last several years the San Diego Chargers have had tantalizingly good talent, but they just haven’t been able to get it done in the playoffs.

I was a believer in 2011. But a rough stretch by Philip Rivers and injuries to Antonio Gates, several offensive linemen and others led to a six-game slide that scuttled a promising 4-1 start.

The lack of a playoff berth raised questions about Head Coach Norv Turner’s job security and about the overall direction of the organization. But despite the disappointing season and the inevitable turnover, Turner will be back in 2012 and so will a talented core of players.

So do the Chargers have what it takes to make a run in 2012? We contacted John Gennaro, who manages the blog Bolts From the Blue, to fill us in. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: On paper this team looked good heading into 2011 and it had the second-highest scoring offense in the AFC. What happened to prevent the Chargers from making the playoffs? (more…)

In depth: New York Jets

by | Feb 14, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

After advancing to consecutive AFC Championship games, the New York Jets had every reason to approach 2011 with confidence that the team could make the next step.

But by the end of the season, the Jets were out of the playoffs and the team was in disarray, with Santonio Holmes getting benched at the end of a must-win game and Mark Sanchez leaving doubts about his status as the quarterback of the future.
So can Head Coach Rex Ryan right the ship and get his troops back on track? Or have his bravado run its course? Joe Caporoso, owner, editor-in-chief and head writer for Turn on the Jets, shared his thoughts with Zoneblitz. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Three years in, what is your assessment of Rex Ryan as Jets head coach? (more…)

In depth: Philadelphia Eagles

by | Feb 8, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

When Philadelphia traded Kevin Kolb for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, backup quarterback Vince Young anointed the Eagles as the “Dream Team” for 2011. But the season quickly turned into a nightmare, as the team crawled out to a 1-4 start.

The Eagles rebounded at the end of the season to finish 8-8, but by that point chances of making the playoffs were lost and Philadelphia had clinched being the most disappointing team of the year.

What went wrong? And, more importantly at this point, what needs to happen for Philly to turn it around in time for 2012? JasonB, who leads Bleeding Green Nation, talked with Zoneblitz about 2011 and what the Eagles must do to avoid the same problems in 2012. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Was keeping Andy Reid the correct move?

(more…)

In depth: Dallas Cowboys

by | Feb 6, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Few teams have been harder to figure out in recent years than the Dallas Cowboys. The team often has tons of talent on the field only to self-destruct in strange ways and the 2011 season was no different. After 11 games, Tony Romo was clicking and DeMarco Murray was running hard.

Then Dallas lost two heartbreakers to Arizona and the New York Giants late and the Cowboys were on their way to a 1-4 finish.
So what’s ahead for Jerry Jones, Jason Garrett and crew? Steven Mullenax, editor and head writer at The Landry Hat blog, recently shared his thoughts with Zoneblitz.

Zoneblitz: Are Jason Garrett and his current coaching staff the right mix for the Cowboys? (more…)

Voters, fans frustrated with Hall of Fame announcement

by | Feb 6, 2012 | Hall of Fame, NFL Random Thoughts

Well, the 2012 season is over. By and large the Twittersphere would seem to indicate that people are reasonably satisfied with the Super Bowl they just finished watching. New York and New England put on quite a show again as Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning once again edged out Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in an exciting game that came down to the last play.

That result seemed more satisfying to people than the results of Saturday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame voting. From the exclusion of Cris Carter, Andre Reed, Bill Parcells and Will Shields to the inclusion of Cortez Kennedy or Chris Doleman, most fans seemed to be upset about something – and with the immediacy of the Internet, many of them decided to let the voters know they were upset.

Some spewed epithets. Others called for entirely new voting panels. Most would benefit their arguments by at least spelling correctly the names of the candidates they support … but I digress.

At least a couple of voters invited discussions with the fans, acknowledging both the voters’ frustrations and, notably in some cases, even their own. Peter King from Sports Illustrated noted that all six players who were selected ultimately deserve to be inducted to the Hall – and on that I agree with him. There isn’t anyone going to Canton in 2012 who I would argue does not belong there. (more…)