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…)

In depth: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by | Jan 17, 2012 | 2011 season, 2012 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

It was an ugly and disappointing season in Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers got off to a slow start and then completely collapsed, largely throwing in the towels late in the year.

But the cupboard is not completely bare. With Josh Freeman and several skill position players to build around on offense, this team could rebound in 2012 with the right new coach and some defensive pieces.

Patrik Nohe, lead writer and editor for The Pewter Plank blog, joined us to share his thoughts on how Tampa can return to competitiveness next season.

Zoneblitz: Was firing Raheem Morris the right move one season after nearly making the playoffs and earning consideration for being coach of the year? (more…)

NFL Lockout may have saved 49ers season

by | Jan 16, 2012 | 2011 season, NFL Lockout, NFL Random Thoughts

After the San Francisco 49ers went 6-10 during the 2010 season, firing Coach Mike Singletary along the way, Alex Smith was clearly ready to move on.

The 2005 first-overall pick was talking in the locker room with a reporter from the San Jose Mercury News who asked him if he could see himself coming back for a seventh season in San Francisco.

His response, according to this story, was: “Are you being serious? … Uh, no.” (more…)