In depth 2013: Oakland Raiders

by | Feb 21, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The first year of the post Al Davis–era in Oakland ended much the same way as much of the previous decade – with the Raiders on the outside of the playoff picture looking in. After a promising 2011 saw Oakland hit the .500 mark, salary cap issues and a lack of draft picks caused the Silver and Black to take a large step back in 2012.

Those same issues continue to plague the Raiders heading into 2013, as does a roster full of injury prone (Darren McFadden) and head case (Rolando McClain) athletes. So what can coach Dennis Allen and General Manager Reggie McKenzie do to get this team on the right track? And how long will it take?

Chris Shellcroft, editor of Just Blog Baby, tells Zoneblitz it could be a couple years or more before better times return to the Bay Area.

Zoneblitz: The Raiders dropped to 4-12 in 2012. What went wrong with the season and how did the results compare with your expectations heading into the year? (more…)

Where is Tebow destined to end up in 2013?

by | Feb 19, 2013 | 2013 season, NFL Random Thoughts

Okay, the Tim Tebow frenzy always drives me crazy. It got particularly overblown this last season while he played the role of benchwarmer in the league’s largest media market. And he has started all of 14 games at quarterback during his three-year tenure in the NFL.

But he is a phenomenon and, now that the season is over and a new league year is on the brink of beginning, his believers will soon start wondering where he’ll land for season number four of his career.

For the record, I like Tebow as a person. I think he’s a decent man with a lot to offer the world. I also agree with those who say he is severely lacking as a passer. He works incredibly hard and he’s someone I’d like to see do well, but I’m not convinced he’s ever going to be much more than he was in Denver — a guy who, when teamed with a strong defense, a great running game and a kicker who can hit clutch, late field goals to tie and win games, can succeed.

But since we’re about to start hitting the time of year when people hunger for the latest on the NFL – whether it is tremendously newsworthy or not – we, too, will temporarily join the “Where will Tebow end up in 2013” fray.

Here are a few options: (more…)

In depth 2013: Jacksonville Jaguars

by | Feb 19, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

A new owner, a second-year quarterback with his first shot at a full offseason of training, a new head coach and a defense that had played well in 2011 had fans and observers intrigued to see how 2012 would unfold for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Instead of rewarding the optimism, however, the Jaguars struggled mightily once again, dropping to a 2-14 mark that cost a bevy of team officials their jobs.

The 2013 season brings more change. Owner Shahid Khan immediately unveiled a new logo and hired Gus Bradley away from Seattle to become the new head coach. So what does the team need to do to make the improvements that will allow Jacksonville to contend for a playoff spot in the near future? Adam Stites, manager of Jaguars blog Big Cat Country, shared his thoughts with Zoneblitz.

Zoneblitz: What do you make of the Jaguars hiring Gus Bradley as head coach and David Caldwell as general manager? (more…)

In depth 2013: Kansas City Chiefs

by | Feb 17, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Two years ago the Kansas City Chiefs were in the playoffs. I thought heading into the 2012 season, the Chiefs had a chance to rebound from a down 2011 season and chase the playoffs again. I have rarely been more wrong.

Last season was a disaster in Kansas City and it took down yet another coach. Andy Reid was brought in from Philadelphia as Romeo Crennel’s successor and the Chiefs have the top pick in the draft. Can a potentially exciting offseason rekindle the momentum this team had after the 2010 season?

Patrick Allen, senior editor of the Arrowhead Addict blog, joined us to share his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: This team had six Pro Bowlers but went 2-14. What went wrong in 2012? (more…)

HOF Committee deserves credit for solid class

by | Feb 4, 2013 | Hall of Fame, NFL Random Thoughts

Critics, including Zoneblitz.com, have been hard on the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee over the past few years for perceived shortcomings in their votes. So I think it is only fair to give them credit for the class they chose to induct in 2013.

That’s not to say I agreed with every selection they made. There were others I thought should have gotten in, but the 2013 class included no borderline candidates and nobody who wouldn’t otherwise have gotten in within another year or two had it not happened this season.

Family responsibilities kept me from watching the announcement last weekend, so this is the first chance I’ve had to truly take an in depth look at their choices. And I think it’s one of the strongest in years. (more…)

Fantasy football expert Boser shares early 2013 wisdom

by | Jan 14, 2013 | 2013 season, Fantasy Football, NFL Random Thoughts

There are playoff fantasy leagues taking place across the country, but the bulk of players have shut ‘er down for the season. Thus we’ve started turning our attention toward next year as well.

What sleepers are going to take off in 2013? What stars from 2012 look like they might be on the downside?

Ryan Boser is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association and he contributes to both LeagueSafePost.com and FantasyVictory.com. He’s also joined Zoneblitz.com on occasion to share his thoughts on fantasy football. We thank him again for sharing some time.

Zoneblitz: Who surprised you in a good way in 2012?

Boser: Alfred Morris’ top-three finish in carries, yards and touchdowns was probably the shocker of the year, especially considering that he did it for notorious running back shuffler Mike Shanahan.

I (and many others) really thought Frank Gore’s best days were behind him, and that San Francisco would be moving into a running back by committee situation this season. His borderline top-10 year was a pleasant surprise for anyone who snagged him in the middle rounds.

Recently buried on Denver’s depth chart, Knowshon Moreno’s late-season surge won many a title, and who knew Danario Alexander’s knees would miraculously hold up and that he’d become the best fantasy option in San Diego?

James Jones ranked 37th in yardage, which is probably about what we expected, but he led the league with 14 receiving touchdowns.

At tight end, Heath Miller’s career year could not have been predicted. (more…)