In depth: Carolina Panthers

by | Jan 25, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Few 6-10 teams will finish a season with as much enthusiasm and excitement for the future as the Carolina Panthers. That’s because few teams have Cam Newton. The consensus 2011 Rookie of the Year threw for 4,000 yards and ran for 14 touchdowns during a season where he silenced doubters and burst upon the scene.

The six win season is a four game improvement over 2010. And the Panthers’ offense performed like a unit headed in the right direction.

The defense is still a work in progress. But Jaxon, who manages the blog Cat Scratch Reader, says the unit will get some key contributors back from injuries. With a few solid moves, he says Carolina could find itself in the wild card mix as soon as next season. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: Will Cam Newton duplicate his success from 2011? (more…)

In depth: Jacksonville Jaguars

by | Jan 23, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

While there wasn’t a lot for fans to cheer about on the field in 2011, the Jacksonville Jaguars did usher in a new era as the team introduced to its fans a new owner and a new quarterback. Change has continued into the early offseason with Mike Mularkey being named the Jags’ new head coach.

There’s even a new era at the Jaguars fan blog Black and Teal, where Luke Sims recently signed on as the new editor and lead writer. And he tells us Jacksonville’s future on the field may be on the way toward success sooner rather than later. Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: What are your first impressions of new owner Shahid Kahn? Are fans getting behind his efforts to rejuvenate the team and keep it in Jacksonville? (more…)

In depth: Cleveland Browns

by | Jan 21, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

It’s been nearly 30 years since the Cleveland Browns were playoff contenders on a regular basis and now a decade since the last postseason appearance. But the new Cleveland Browns might not be that far from a return to relevance.

The defense stepped it up big time in 2011. And despite a 4-12 record, the team was in a majority of its games until the very end. They need a dramatic infusion of talent on offense. But Steve DiMatteo, editor and lead writer of the Dawg Pound Daily, tells us he thinks the team is definitely on the right track.

Here’s what he had to say:

Zoneblitz: The Browns lost 12 games, but six were by a touchdown or less. What was your overall impression of the 2011 season? (more…)

NFL Best Bets 2011 season, Championship Sunday

by | Jan 20, 2012 | NFL Gambling

The games have gotten tougher and tougher to pick over the last few weeks and that just continues getting truer this weekend. And it’s not like I’m coming in on a hot streak either. I improved on my 1-3 wild card weekend picks, hitting two of the four predictions I made during the divisional round. But 3-5 isn’t going to win you anything in Las Vegas except maybe a couple broken legs.

Maybe I can turn it around this weekend. (more…)

In depth: Washington Redskins

by | Jan 20, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The Washington Redskins are 15-33 in the three seasons since Jim Zorn led the team to an 8-8 record in 2008. So it’s been awhile since Washington has been a huge factor in the playoffs.

But there are reasons for hope. The defensive line has improved and the team has a stable of running backs who should be able to help move the offense forward for the next few years. With a few breaks the Redskins might even be a factor in 2012.

Kevin Ewoldt, managing editor of Hogs Haven, shared a few thoughts about what he thinks the team should do in order to make that turnaround happen this year.

Zoneblitz: What went wrong in 2011? (more…)