In Depth 2015: Philadelphia Eagles

by Andy | Apr 24, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

It’s too early to determine whether the Philadelphia Eagles will be better or worse in 2015 than 2014, but the team certainly isn’t going to be boring.

The Eagles started the offseason by trading the starting RB (LeSean McCoy)and QB (Nick Foles) from last season’s 10-6 team in separate deals, acquiring QB Sam Bradford and LB Kiko Alonso in those transactions. The Eagles have since added RB DeMarco Murray from Dallas and lost WR Jeremy Maclin to Kansas City for good measure.

Then, as the smoke appeared to be clearing, news broke that Chip Kelly had added the lightning rod, Tim Tebow, to his mix of potential starting QBs – which also currently includes Mark Sanchez and could by this time next week include Marcus Mariota, in the minds of many.

So how will it all shake out? Are the Eagles better or worse than they were when the new league year started? And is Chip Kelly worthy of the trust bestowed upon him to make these decisions? Brandon Lee Gowton, manager and editor-in-chief at Bleeding Green Nation, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: Philadelphia went 10-6 for the second consecutive season under Chip Kelly, but missed the playoffs this time around. What’s your assessment of the season? (more…)

In Depth 2015: Buffalo Bills

by Andy | Apr 22, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The 21^st century has not been kind to the Buffalo Bills, but things may be turning around.

A solid defense powered Buffalo to a 9-7 record in 2014, good for just the second better-than-.500 season the Bills have had since 1999.

But change is again in the air. Doug Marrone exited his job as head coach, leaving room for the large personality of Rex Ryan, whose bravado sometimes overshadows the fact that he’s coached in two AFC Championship games, to take over the top job. And the Bills traded for Matt Cassel to push EJ Manuel and provide options at QB, and for star RB LeSean McCoy, who should lead the team’s ground attack.

Can the new leadership get Sammy Watkins, McCoy and the offense to gel enough to match the team’s defensive prowess? Or is the hope of a turnaround premature? Matt Warren, an editor with Buffalo Rumblings, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: Buffalo didn’t break the playoff drought, but did finish above .500 for the first time since 2004. How would you assess the 2014 season? (more…)

In Depth 2015: Kansas City Chiefs

by Andy | Apr 17, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Injuries and a difficult schedule conspired to cause difficulty for the Kansas City Chiefs in their efforts to follow an 11-5 wild card season. But the Chiefs, despite several key losses, including veteran LB Derrick Johnson and S Eric Berry, remained competitive.

Still, the team suffered some troubling losses and, at times, the offense bogged down, as Jamaal Charles would become invisible and other weapons were not able to step up.

But Travis Kelce and De’Anthony Thomas are a year older. Dwayne Bowe is gone, having been replaced as the top WR by Philadelphia’s Jeremy Maclin. And optimism may be on the rise. How good can this team be? Matt Verderame, editor in chief of Arrowhead Addict, shares his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: The Chiefs endured a lot of injuries in finishing 9-7, down from 11-5 the year before. How would you assess the season?

Verderame: The season was a mixed bag. On one hand, Eric Berry missed most of the year and Derrick Johnson and Mike DeVito missed the whole campaign. Going 9-7 on its face isn’t terrible, although losses to the Raiders and Titans are inexcusable. Kansas City blew a golden opportunity to make the playoffs. (more…)

In Depth 2015: San Diego Chargers

by Andy | Apr 15, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The San Diego Chargers got off to a great start in 2014, but injuries contributed to a slide in the last 10 games. Now there are rumors that long-time QB Philip Rivers may be on the trading block and that the Chargers may be interested in a trade for Marcus Mariota.

So is this team a few healthy pieces from being a playoff contender? Or are the Chargers about to hit a semi-rebuilding cycle? Ernie Padaon, editor of Bolt Beat, shared some thoughts.

Zoneblitz: San Diego started 5-1 with a win over Seattle but slid to 9-7 and missed the playoffs. How would you assess the season? (more…)

In Depth 2015: Houston Texans

by Andy | Apr 8, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Injuries and inconsistent play at QB from Matt Schaub led to a 2-14 finish for the Houston Texans in 2013 that meant the end of the Gary Kubiak era and the beginning of the tenure of Bill O’Brien.

And O’Brien got things turned around quickly. Improved play from the defense, including a monster season from J.J. Watt, and solid play by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick kept the team more competitive in 2014 and while a 9-7 finish did not send the team to the postseason, it did reinvigorate the fan base.

But Fitzpatrick is gone, so the QB position is likely to be manned by one of three barely proven entities in 2015. Additionally, Andre Johnson is gone to Indianapolis and Arian Foster is aging. So while there is improvement, there also are questions. So how far is this team from revisiting the playoffs and possibly making a run?

Patrick Starr, owner and editor of the blog State of the Texans, which covers the Texans independently and for Sports Talk 790 in Houston and Scout.com, shared his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: Houston went from 2-14 to 9-7, finishing 4-1 in the last five games. How would you assess the season? (more…)

In Depth 2015: San Francisco 49ers

by Andy | Apr 6, 2015 | 2014 season, 2015 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

With San Francisco coming off three consecutive conference championships and a trip to the Super Bowl two seasons ago, hopes were high heading into 2014. But injuries, infighting and the regression of Colin Kaepernick took the 49ers down a peg.

Now, Jim Harbaugh is coaching at the University of Michigan and Jim Tomsula is taking his place. Frank Gore is gone to Indianapolis and LBers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis have retired. Reggie Bush and Torrey Smith are newly signed. Carlos Hyde steps into Gore’s role. And, perhaps most importantly, Kaepernick has another shot to take the next step in his development.

So how does this team stack up in the NFC heading into the 2015 draft?

Al Sacco, who covers the 49ers for 49erswebzone.com, Ninerfans.com and Sportsoutwest.com, returns to Zoneblitz with some thoughts.

Zoneblitz: The 49ers fell from 12-4 and conference championship game to 8-8 and out of the playoffs. What caused the problems and how would you assess the season? (more…)