Reviewing our Playoff Preview

by Andy | Jan 3, 2014 | 2013 season, NFL Random Thoughts

As the playoffs begin I thought it would be a good idea to provide some accountability for our preseason selections by taking a look back at our playoff previews to see where we hit and what we missed.

You can find the playoff preview by clicking here. And at the bottom of that page, you can click on each of our individual division previews, should you desire.

I was surprised to see that I hit six of the eight division champions, including nailing all four in the AFC. Just as anyone does when making preseason projections, I also had a couple humbling picks, as well. I failed miserably, as did the rest of us at ZoneBlitz, in predicting the ascensions of Carolina in the NFC South and Philadelphia in the NFC East.

Tony hit five of eight division champs. His biggest miss was Houston – a reasonably excusable oversight, I think, since most thought the team would be pretty good and it’s hard to predict injuries. If you predicted a 2-14 season for the Texans heading into the season, I tip my cap.

Fantasy editor Anthony Maggio hit half of his predictions on division champs while contributing writers Tim Madsen and Rich Larson each hit three.

Again, the biggest misses across the board seemed to be not predicting that Philadelphia and Carolina would rise from the ashes to division titles and not seeing the falloffs in Houston, Washington and Atlanta. (more…)

2013’s new coaches fare pretty well in first years

by Andy | Dec 30, 2013 | 2013 season, NFL Random Thoughts

It’s Black Monday. Early indications are that Mike Shanahan, Leslie Frazier and, surprisingly, first year Browns coach Rob Chudzinski are among those packing their bags and moving on.

Overall, however, the crop of new coaches in 2013 did quite well in their first seasons. Three led their teams to the playoffs and two more led near misses. And those who were leading the worst of the 2012 squads almost all gave their players and fans reason for hope.

Here’s a synopsis:

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Metrodome memories – Vikes prepare to close the building for good

by Andy | Dec 29, 2013 | 2013 season, NFL Random Thoughts

I’m semi-glued this afternoon to the Minnesota-Detroit game. It’s a pretty

Photo credit: Bobak Ha’Eri via Wikipedia

meaningless game being played by two teams who, for the most part, look like they’d just like to get on with their off-seasons.

Today’s versions of the Vikings and the Lions are pretty much playing out the string. Calvin Johnson and Adrian Peterson are sitting while Matt Asiata and … Kris Durham? … attempt to replicate their results while playing for coaches who are likely to be fired tomorrow.

This is a pretty dull affair, bringing with it a similar amount of emotion that seems to be felt among the citizenry, who don’t seem terribly broken up that this domed stadium will soon be a part of the state’s ancient history.

I’ve been a Vikings fan since 1981, though at six-years-old, my understanding back in the early days was at a bit of a lower level. Still, as I prepare to see the Vikings close down a second stadium in my lifetime, I’m surprised at how little emotion I feel about this. I actually vaguely remember being more bummed that old Metropolitan Stadium, where my Dad took me at least a couple times, was closing than I am that the Metrodome’s days are coming to an end. I have vague recollections of a Vikings/Bucs game at the Met in 1981 and even more vague memories of a Packers game that I think was a year earlier. And I remember watching the last game – a 10-6 loss to Kansas City that sent the team and the stadium out on a whimper – on television in our living room.

That said, I have been present for a number of memorable moments at the Dome. This list is not meant to be a top five all-time list – it’s just a few of my own personal favorites. (more…)