Author: Peter DiPaola (twitter: @peterssports88)
The New York Jets had a bust offseason parting ways with quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith along with players such as Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall, David Harris, Nick Mangold, ad Darrell Revis.
The Jets are going to be rebuilding this year and they will have to, at some point make the decision on who to start at quarterback, whoever will start will not have the most talented roster, which can be an issue. So who should the Jets start on opening day? Christian Hackenberg, while this might seem odd considering he was red-shirted last season it makes sense because at some point the Jets will have to (and hopefully fairly) evaluate their second year quarterback of whom they spent a 2nd round pick on in 2016.
Hackenberg will not have the best talent on paper around him, which is why the Jets should fairly evaluate him, as he is still an unknown as far as actual meaningful game play goes. So if they start him on opening day they need to focus on how he progresses through reads, his decision making and also how he commands the offense and the huddle.
If he plays well enough this season with the talent on the team it could help the Jets long term, for example if they end up with a top 3 pick and there are quarterbacks that could go there, they would have a chance to trade back and acquire more picks. Teams in recent history (Washington and the Rams) have made some big trades to move up in the draft to acquire quarterbacks. The extra picks and perhaps via trading for players as well. A team with as many needs as the Jets could use the additional picks to rebuild sooner rather than later, and if Hackenberg is the guy they can build around on offense it helps. Of course having a defense helps as well, putting less pressure on a unproven quarterback to have to do things he may not be ready for.
If Christian does not play well they can pull him and play either Josh McCown or Bryce Petty and then decide what to do at that spot once again at the seasons end unless Petty plays well, in which case they could turn to him.
New York can go one of three ways of who the opening quarterback will be on opening day, but if they want to see what Christian is made of, they have to give him a fair opportunity from day one to grow and also evaluate him. With veteran Josh McCown in New York they can have him help Hackenberg and create competition as well as third year quarterback Bryce Petty.
Opening day is about 2 months away, anything can happen between now and then, but the Jets should really give Christian a shot this year.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Saturday, June 17, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 8 of 8 NFC NORTH
AUTHOR:PETER DIPAOLA (TWITTER: @PETERSSPORTS88)
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC NORTH TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
TWITTER
Bears 47%
Vikings 27%
Lions 20%
Packers 6%
FACEBOOK
Lions 42%
Packers 42%
Bears 16%
Vikings 0%
WRITERS PICK: DETROIT LIONS
Detroit went 9-7 in 2016, and ended up as a wildcard team, losing to the Seahawks in the opening round of the playoffs. In 2016 the Lions had the following rankings in passing yards, rushing yards, total yards and points:
Offense- 11th in passing, 30th in rushing, 21st in total yards and 20th in points scored
Defense- 19th against the pass, 18th against the run, 18th total yards allowed and 13th in points allowed
This offseason the Lions have been heavily active in free agency (see for yourself here how busy they have been: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/transactions.html) as well as landing Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson in a trade. Offensive tackles Rick Wagner and Cyrus Kouandjio, cornerback DJ Hayden, tight end Darren Fells, running back Matt Asiata and guard T.J. Lang are some of the players brought in via free agency.
The Lions were able to add more talent via the draft:
Round 1- Linebacker Jarrad Davis
Round 2- Cornberback Teez Tabor
Round 3- Wide Receiver Kenny Golladay
Round 4- Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Tight End Michael Roberts
Round 5- Cornerback Jamal Agnew
Round 6- Defensive End Jeremiah Ledbetter and Quarterback Brad Kaaya
Round 7- Defensive End Pat O'Connor
Detroit managed to acquire needed pieces on both sides of the football to improve on offense and defense in order to better their record and make another attempt at the playoffs in 2017. The Vikings have made moves and the Packers have been the top dog in the NFC North for some time so the Lions needed to do their part to better themselves. Based on their offseason moves in free agency, trading and the draft, they have done just that. Matthew Stafford will have more help on the line, a running back (Asiata) who has played in the NFC North (for the Vikings) and other weapons on offense. The defense gets much needed help, a good thing considering they have to face a very talent Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay with great weapons at receiver, tight end and running back.
2017 RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6, Second in the NFC North, Wildcard berth
ALL STATISTICS AND DRAFT INFORMATION ARE FROM WWW.NFL.COM
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC NORTH TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
Bears 47%
Vikings 27%
Lions 20%
Packers 6%
Lions 42%
Packers 42%
Bears 16%
Vikings 0%
WRITERS PICK: DETROIT LIONS
Detroit went 9-7 in 2016, and ended up as a wildcard team, losing to the Seahawks in the opening round of the playoffs. In 2016 the Lions had the following rankings in passing yards, rushing yards, total yards and points:
Offense- 11th in passing, 30th in rushing, 21st in total yards and 20th in points scored
Defense- 19th against the pass, 18th against the run, 18th total yards allowed and 13th in points allowed
This offseason the Lions have been heavily active in free agency (see for yourself here how busy they have been: http://www.detroitlions.com/news/transactions.html) as well as landing Rams offensive tackle Greg Robinson in a trade. Offensive tackles Rick Wagner and Cyrus Kouandjio, cornerback DJ Hayden, tight end Darren Fells, running back Matt Asiata and guard T.J. Lang are some of the players brought in via free agency.
The Lions were able to add more talent via the draft:
Round 1- Linebacker Jarrad Davis
Round 2- Cornberback Teez Tabor
Round 3- Wide Receiver Kenny Golladay
Round 4- Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Tight End Michael Roberts
Round 5- Cornerback Jamal Agnew
Round 6- Defensive End Jeremiah Ledbetter and Quarterback Brad Kaaya
Round 7- Defensive End Pat O'Connor
Detroit managed to acquire needed pieces on both sides of the football to improve on offense and defense in order to better their record and make another attempt at the playoffs in 2017. The Vikings have made moves and the Packers have been the top dog in the NFC North for some time so the Lions needed to do their part to better themselves. Based on their offseason moves in free agency, trading and the draft, they have done just that. Matthew Stafford will have more help on the line, a running back (Asiata) who has played in the NFC North (for the Vikings) and other weapons on offense. The defense gets much needed help, a good thing considering they have to face a very talent Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay with great weapons at receiver, tight end and running back.
2017 RECORD PREDICTION: 10-6, Second in the NFC North, Wildcard berth
ALL STATISTICS AND DRAFT INFORMATION ARE FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Saturday, June 10, 2017
MOST IMRPOVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 7 OF 8: NFC SOUTH
AUTHOR: PETER DIPAOLA (@peterssports88)
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC SOUTH TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
TWITTER
Saints 100%
Buccaneers 0%
Panthers 0%
Falcons 0%
FACEBOOK
Buccaneers 54%
Saints 31%
Panthers 15%
Falcons 0%
WRITERS PICK: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans went 7-9 in 2016 with a potent offense (1st in total yards, passing yards and points scored, 16th in rushing yards), their defense was an issue as they ranked 31st in points allowed, 27th in total yards, last in yards and 14th against the run.
Brandin Cooks was traded to the Patriots for the 32nd pick in the first round of this years draft and the Saints continued to work in the offseason in free agency. Running back Adrian Peterson was a big name signed, they also added wide receiver Tedd Ginn Jr to their receiving corp, offensive guard Larry Warford and quarterback Chase Daniel. On defense they added linebackers A.J. Klein and Manti Te'o, defensive end Alex Okafor and safety Rafael Bush.
Free agency was not the only way the Saints worked on improving their team, here is there draft from 2017:
Round 1 Marshon Lattimore, CB and Ryan Ramczyk, OT
Round 2 Marcus Williams, S
Round 3 Alvin Kamara, RB, Alex Anzalone, LB and Trey Hendrickson, OLB
Round 6 Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE
With new players on board to go along with the veterans and young players in New Orleans there should be improvement in 2017. The defense has new (and needed pieces) to aid against the run and pass, which in their division is needed based on the talent on offense in Carolina, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Offensively they got Drew Brees more protection on the offensive line (also helps the running game) and helped replace the speedy Cooks with Ted Ginn and bolstered the backfield in both the draft and free agency.
New Orleans has not had a winning season since 2013 when they went 11-5, since they they have gone 7-9 in each season and their defenses have struggled. With their activity in the offseason they have a better chance at making the playoffs in 2017 in a tough division.
2017 TEAM PREDICTION: 10-6, 2nd in the NFC South, Wildcard berth
STATISTICS, TRANSACTIONS AND DRAFT INFORMATION FROM WWW.NFL.COM
SAINTS WIN-LOSS RECORD HISTORY FROM WWW.FOOTBALLDB.COM
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC SOUTH TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
Saints 100%
Buccaneers 0%
Panthers 0%
Falcons 0%
Buccaneers 54%
Saints 31%
Panthers 15%
Falcons 0%
WRITERS PICK: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
New Orleans went 7-9 in 2016 with a potent offense (1st in total yards, passing yards and points scored, 16th in rushing yards), their defense was an issue as they ranked 31st in points allowed, 27th in total yards, last in yards and 14th against the run.
Brandin Cooks was traded to the Patriots for the 32nd pick in the first round of this years draft and the Saints continued to work in the offseason in free agency. Running back Adrian Peterson was a big name signed, they also added wide receiver Tedd Ginn Jr to their receiving corp, offensive guard Larry Warford and quarterback Chase Daniel. On defense they added linebackers A.J. Klein and Manti Te'o, defensive end Alex Okafor and safety Rafael Bush.
Free agency was not the only way the Saints worked on improving their team, here is there draft from 2017:
Round 1 Marshon Lattimore, CB and Ryan Ramczyk, OT
Round 2 Marcus Williams, S
Round 3 Alvin Kamara, RB, Alex Anzalone, LB and Trey Hendrickson, OLB
Round 6 Al-Quadin Muhammad, DE
With new players on board to go along with the veterans and young players in New Orleans there should be improvement in 2017. The defense has new (and needed pieces) to aid against the run and pass, which in their division is needed based on the talent on offense in Carolina, Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Offensively they got Drew Brees more protection on the offensive line (also helps the running game) and helped replace the speedy Cooks with Ted Ginn and bolstered the backfield in both the draft and free agency.
New Orleans has not had a winning season since 2013 when they went 11-5, since they they have gone 7-9 in each season and their defenses have struggled. With their activity in the offseason they have a better chance at making the playoffs in 2017 in a tough division.
2017 TEAM PREDICTION: 10-6, 2nd in the NFC South, Wildcard berth
STATISTICS, TRANSACTIONS AND DRAFT INFORMATION FROM WWW.NFL.COM
SAINTS WIN-LOSS RECORD HISTORY FROM WWW.FOOTBALLDB.COM
Sunday, June 4, 2017
POTENTIAL LANDING SPOTS FOR JEREMY MACLIN
AUTHOR: PETER DIPAOLA
Kansas City released Jeremy Maclin two days ago, after 2 seasons as a Chief, he is entering his 9th year in the NFL, Maclin has played in 102 games and has caught 474 passes for 6,395 yards and 46 touchdowns. Whoever signs him will be adding a talented veteran to their roster, here are some potential suitors for the veteran wide receiver.
BUFFALO BILLS
Jeremy Maclin is a former teammate of Bills running back LeSean McCoy, who per ESPN's Mike Rodak is recruiting Jeremy Maclin to come to the Bills. Buffalo lost wide receivers Robert Woods (L.A. Rams) and Marquise Goodwin (49ers) in free agency, even with Sammy Watkins and rookie second round pick Zay Jones they could still use a talent like Maclin. It would give the Bills more stability at receiver as Watkins has had health issues since entering the league in 2014 and Zay Jones is a rookie. A veteran like Maclin would be a boost to a team that is looking to make the playoffs in 2017 and he could be a needed piece of the puzzle to get the Bills there along with opening up the passing attack.
L.A. RAMS
The Rams could use more help on their offense, especially with quarterback Jared Goff entering his second season in L.A. Sean McVay, heacd coach of the Rams has spent the last 3 seasons as an offensive coordinator in Washington before landing a gig as the Rams coach. In 2016 the Rams ranked dead last in points per game and yards per game and 31st in passing yards (all on offense), despite having Tavon Austin, free agent Robert Woods and spending a 3rd and a 4th round on receivers they could still use a receiver with a solid resume.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Third year receiver Breshad Perriman and veteran Mike Wallace are the top receivers on the Ravens now that Steve Smith Sr has retired from the NFL, Jeremy Maclin would be a welcomed addition to a team in need of help at receiver. Baltimore spent plenty of picks on defense in they draft, they need more firepower on offense.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Larry Fitzgerald and Jeremy Maclin together would be special in Arizona, and just two seasons ago the Cardinals were playing in the NFC Title Game, if they can get back to their 2015 form it could mean Maclin is playing for a chance to be in a Super Bowl. Jeremy Maclin is also just 29 years old, Larry will be 34 before the start of the season, so it gives the Cardinals a player in Maclin (if they sign him) that could end up being the proven veteran presence at receiver once Larry retires.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is an offensive mind, and Maclin would be yet another veteran receiver added to the 49ers via free agency this offseason. The 49ers are looking to improve off a 2014 season, and with a new regime in place they could use another play maker to improve their roster. He would be playing with Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Andrew Luck could always use a little more help on offense, especially with all of their division rivals having improved this offseason.
CHICAGO BEARS- Whoever starts in Chicago could use all the help they can get while they look to improve off of their 2016 campaign.
ALL STATISTICS AND PLAYER INFORMATION FROM WWW.NFL.COM
COACHING HISTORY FROM WWW.PRO-FOOTBALL-REFERENCE.COM
Kansas City released Jeremy Maclin two days ago, after 2 seasons as a Chief, he is entering his 9th year in the NFL, Maclin has played in 102 games and has caught 474 passes for 6,395 yards and 46 touchdowns. Whoever signs him will be adding a talented veteran to their roster, here are some potential suitors for the veteran wide receiver.
BUFFALO BILLS
Jeremy Maclin is a former teammate of Bills running back LeSean McCoy, who per ESPN's Mike Rodak is recruiting Jeremy Maclin to come to the Bills. Buffalo lost wide receivers Robert Woods (L.A. Rams) and Marquise Goodwin (49ers) in free agency, even with Sammy Watkins and rookie second round pick Zay Jones they could still use a talent like Maclin. It would give the Bills more stability at receiver as Watkins has had health issues since entering the league in 2014 and Zay Jones is a rookie. A veteran like Maclin would be a boost to a team that is looking to make the playoffs in 2017 and he could be a needed piece of the puzzle to get the Bills there along with opening up the passing attack.
L.A. RAMS
The Rams could use more help on their offense, especially with quarterback Jared Goff entering his second season in L.A. Sean McVay, heacd coach of the Rams has spent the last 3 seasons as an offensive coordinator in Washington before landing a gig as the Rams coach. In 2016 the Rams ranked dead last in points per game and yards per game and 31st in passing yards (all on offense), despite having Tavon Austin, free agent Robert Woods and spending a 3rd and a 4th round on receivers they could still use a receiver with a solid resume.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Third year receiver Breshad Perriman and veteran Mike Wallace are the top receivers on the Ravens now that Steve Smith Sr has retired from the NFL, Jeremy Maclin would be a welcomed addition to a team in need of help at receiver. Baltimore spent plenty of picks on defense in they draft, they need more firepower on offense.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Larry Fitzgerald and Jeremy Maclin together would be special in Arizona, and just two seasons ago the Cardinals were playing in the NFC Title Game, if they can get back to their 2015 form it could mean Maclin is playing for a chance to be in a Super Bowl. Jeremy Maclin is also just 29 years old, Larry will be 34 before the start of the season, so it gives the Cardinals a player in Maclin (if they sign him) that could end up being the proven veteran presence at receiver once Larry retires.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is an offensive mind, and Maclin would be yet another veteran receiver added to the 49ers via free agency this offseason. The 49ers are looking to improve off a 2014 season, and with a new regime in place they could use another play maker to improve their roster. He would be playing with Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Andrew Luck could always use a little more help on offense, especially with all of their division rivals having improved this offseason.
CHICAGO BEARS- Whoever starts in Chicago could use all the help they can get while they look to improve off of their 2016 campaign.
ALL STATISTICS AND PLAYER INFORMATION FROM WWW.NFL.COM
COACHING HISTORY FROM WWW.PRO-FOOTBALL-REFERENCE.COM
Saturday, June 3, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 6 OF 8: NFC WEST
Author: Peter DiPaola (twitter @peterssports88)
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC WEST TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
TWITTER
49ers 71%
Seahawks 18%
Rams 11%
Cardinals 0%
FACEBOOK
49ers 82%
Rams 18%
Seahawks 0%
Cardinals 0%
WRITER'S PICK: 49ers
San Francisco went 2-14 in 2016 but they have silently won this offseason, they brought in Kyle Shanahan to be their head coach, this is his first gig as a head coach in the NFL and they brought in former NFL safety John Lynch to be their general manager.
The 49ers did not just add a new coach and GM but they added plenty of talent during the offseason before the draft, quarterback Brian Hoyer, wide receiver Pierre Garcon and tight end Logan Paulsen all who have played for Shanahan were signed. Those were not the only players brought on board, they also signed Marquise Goodwin (WR, Bills), FB Kyle Juszczyk (FB, Ravens), Tim Hightower (RB, Saints) Malcolm Smith (LB, part of the Seahawks Super Bowl winning team) and Matt Barkley (QB, Bears). Both Hoyer and Barkley were on the Bears last season.
Free agency was not the only area in which the 49ers improved, they added talent via the draft, they traded down from the 2nd pick to the 3rd pick in the first round (trade with the Bears) and acquired more draft picks by doing so and ended up taking Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford). Then they ended up trading back up into the first round (pick 31, traded with the Seahawks who got the pick via the Falcons) and picked Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. With their third round picks they selected cornerback Ahkeelo Witherspoon and quarterback C.J. Beathard, in the forth round they picked running back Joe Williams. Tight End George Kittle and wide receiver Trent Taylor were selected in the fifth round, in round six they picked defensive tackle D.J. Jones and linebacker Pita Taumoepenu. With their seventh round pick (and final pick of their draft class) they picked defensive back Adrian Colbert.
San Francisco added pieces on both sides of the football in both free agency and the draft, San Francisco's new regime brought in players that will help improve off their 2-14 record from 2016.
While 2013 was not long ago, that was the last time the 49ers had a playoff appearance as well as a winning record, but with wholesale changes from the front office to the coaching staff and roster it is feasible that the 49ers record will be better in 2017.
2017 Record Prediction: 7-9, 3rd in the NFC West
ALL TRANSACTION AND DRAFT INFORMATION IS FROM WWW.NFL.COM
ONLINE POLL RESULTS OF WHICH NFC WEST TEAM HAS IMPROVED THE MOST THIS OFFSEASON:
49ers 71%
Seahawks 18%
Rams 11%
Cardinals 0%
49ers 82%
Rams 18%
Seahawks 0%
Cardinals 0%
WRITER'S PICK: 49ers
San Francisco went 2-14 in 2016 but they have silently won this offseason, they brought in Kyle Shanahan to be their head coach, this is his first gig as a head coach in the NFL and they brought in former NFL safety John Lynch to be their general manager.
The 49ers did not just add a new coach and GM but they added plenty of talent during the offseason before the draft, quarterback Brian Hoyer, wide receiver Pierre Garcon and tight end Logan Paulsen all who have played for Shanahan were signed. Those were not the only players brought on board, they also signed Marquise Goodwin (WR, Bills), FB Kyle Juszczyk (FB, Ravens), Tim Hightower (RB, Saints) Malcolm Smith (LB, part of the Seahawks Super Bowl winning team) and Matt Barkley (QB, Bears). Both Hoyer and Barkley were on the Bears last season.
Free agency was not the only area in which the 49ers improved, they added talent via the draft, they traded down from the 2nd pick to the 3rd pick in the first round (trade with the Bears) and acquired more draft picks by doing so and ended up taking Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford). Then they ended up trading back up into the first round (pick 31, traded with the Seahawks who got the pick via the Falcons) and picked Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. With their third round picks they selected cornerback Ahkeelo Witherspoon and quarterback C.J. Beathard, in the forth round they picked running back Joe Williams. Tight End George Kittle and wide receiver Trent Taylor were selected in the fifth round, in round six they picked defensive tackle D.J. Jones and linebacker Pita Taumoepenu. With their seventh round pick (and final pick of their draft class) they picked defensive back Adrian Colbert.
San Francisco added pieces on both sides of the football in both free agency and the draft, San Francisco's new regime brought in players that will help improve off their 2-14 record from 2016.
While 2013 was not long ago, that was the last time the 49ers had a playoff appearance as well as a winning record, but with wholesale changes from the front office to the coaching staff and roster it is feasible that the 49ers record will be better in 2017.
2017 Record Prediction: 7-9, 3rd in the NFC West
ALL TRANSACTION AND DRAFT INFORMATION IS FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 5 OF 8: NFC EAST
Author: Peter DiPaola
Results of online polls of which NFC East team has improved the most this offseason:
TWITTER:
Philadelphia 54%
Washington 42%
New York 4%
Dallas 0%
FACEBOOK:
Philadelphia 74%
New York 13%
Dallas 13%
Washington 0%
Writer's Choice: Eagles
Philadelphia wasted no time in the offseason as they obtained players on both sides of the football to improve from their record of 7-9 in 2016.
On the offensive side of the football the Eagles signed center Chance Warmack to help give added protection for Carson Wentz, they also added wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith which adds talented players to an offense that was 24th in passing yards on offense in 2016. Free agent running back LeGarrette Blount, who was signed on May 18th to add a power back to their backfield.
Defensively in free agency the Eagles signed defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson to add some more veteran presence to their roster. Baltimore traded defensive tackle Timmy Jerigan to the Eagles this offseason to give the Philadelphia more talent up front.
Philadelphia also added pieces to offense and defense in the draft, they spent their first 3 picks on defensive players, defensive end Derek Barnett (round 1), cornerback Sidney Jones (round 2) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (round 3). In round 4 they picked wide receiver Mack Hollis and running back Donnel Pumphrey and then in round 5 they selected wide receiver Shelton Gibson. Philly finished the draft off with two defensive players, in round 5 they took safety Nate Gerry and then in the 6th round with their last pick they took defensive tackle Elijah Qualls. The draft was a good finish to a strong offseason for the Eagles.
Philadelphia will have plenty of new talent to help improve in the NFC East, which could be up for grabs this year as it seemingly has been for some time. The players they added not only help benefit the team in regards of needs but helps when you look at the teams in their division. Adding defensive pieces to slow down the opposing offenses with plenty of big names and also offensive pieces to open their offense up in the event they get into a shoot out.
2017 Season Prediction: 10-6, NFC East Champions
ALL STATISTICS, TRANSACTION INFORMATION AND DRAFT INFORMATION IS FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Results of online polls of which NFC East team has improved the most this offseason:
TWITTER:
Philadelphia 54%
Washington 42%
New York 4%
Dallas 0%
FACEBOOK:
Philadelphia 74%
New York 13%
Dallas 13%
Washington 0%
Writer's Choice: Eagles
Philadelphia wasted no time in the offseason as they obtained players on both sides of the football to improve from their record of 7-9 in 2016.
On the offensive side of the football the Eagles signed center Chance Warmack to help give added protection for Carson Wentz, they also added wide receivers Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith which adds talented players to an offense that was 24th in passing yards on offense in 2016. Free agent running back LeGarrette Blount, who was signed on May 18th to add a power back to their backfield.
Defensively in free agency the Eagles signed defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson to add some more veteran presence to their roster. Baltimore traded defensive tackle Timmy Jerigan to the Eagles this offseason to give the Philadelphia more talent up front.
Philadelphia also added pieces to offense and defense in the draft, they spent their first 3 picks on defensive players, defensive end Derek Barnett (round 1), cornerback Sidney Jones (round 2) and cornerback Rasul Douglas (round 3). In round 4 they picked wide receiver Mack Hollis and running back Donnel Pumphrey and then in round 5 they selected wide receiver Shelton Gibson. Philly finished the draft off with two defensive players, in round 5 they took safety Nate Gerry and then in the 6th round with their last pick they took defensive tackle Elijah Qualls. The draft was a good finish to a strong offseason for the Eagles.
Philadelphia will have plenty of new talent to help improve in the NFC East, which could be up for grabs this year as it seemingly has been for some time. The players they added not only help benefit the team in regards of needs but helps when you look at the teams in their division. Adding defensive pieces to slow down the opposing offenses with plenty of big names and also offensive pieces to open their offense up in the event they get into a shoot out.
2017 Season Prediction: 10-6, NFC East Champions
ALL STATISTICS, TRANSACTION INFORMATION AND DRAFT INFORMATION IS FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Sunday, May 21, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 4 OF 8: AFC EAST
Author: Peter DiPaola
Here are the online results of the polls on which AFC East team has improved the most this offseason:
TWITTER POLL:
Bills 54%
Patriots 38%
Dolphins 8%
Jets 0%
FACEBOOK POLL:
Patriots 64.5%
Bills 21.5%
Jets 7%
Dolphins 7%
Writer's Pick: Buffalo Bills
Before the last game of the 2016 season, the Bills fired head coach Rex Ryan, which signaled changes for the Bills, who went 7-9 in 2016 following an 8-8 campaign in 2015. Buffalo replaced Rex by hiring Panther's defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as their head coach, prior to becoming the Panthers defensive coordinator in 2011 he had part of the Eagles coaching staff from 1999-2010. He was an assistant to the head coach, defensive assistance coach, assistant defensive backs coach, safeties coach, linebackers coach and defensive coordinator while in Philadelphia. While he was in Philly he was part of a coaching staff that help coach the Eagles to 5 NFC Title games and Super Bowl appearance, in Carolina he was part of a coaching staff that turned the Panthers organization around which helped them to a Super Bowl berth in 2015.
Buffalo was also able to acquire pieces in free agency, like former Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert and wide receiver Corey Brown, former Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes and former Packer Micah Hyde. Other free agent acquisitions included defensive end Ryan Davis, wide receiver Corey Davis and cornerback Leonard Johnson (played for Carolina in 2016), there were other free agent signings as well on both sides of the football to add with the players mentioned above.
Outside of the free agency signings and before the draft, the Bills were able to re-structure Tyrod Taylor's contract so it would not be a burden on the salary cap.
Buffalo's additions help because they did lose wide receiver Robert Woods in the offseason as well as cornerback Stephon Gilmore who signed with the division rival Patriots. Buffalo added more talent via the draft, the picked Tre'Davious White, cornerback out of USC with the 27th pick in the first round, a pick from the Chiefs who moved up to the Bills spot at 10. Buffalo was able to obtain an additional first round pick in the 2018 NFL draft from that trade which will only help improve the Bills over time. Buffalo picked twice in the second round, they drafted wide receiver Zay Jones Guard Dion Dawkins, giving the Bills another weapon on offense and more stability on their offensive line. Buffalo then picked linebacker Matt Milano and quarterback Nathan Peterman in round 5 and linebacker Tanner Vallejo in round 6.
Nathan Peterman will have a shot at the starting job in 2017, according to a tweet by Jay Skurski, all the quarterbacks on the roster will compete to start. The added talent on both sides of the football will benefit whoever is the starter for the Bills in 2017 and the team as a whole as they move forward with a new coaching regime for the upcoming season.
2017 Record Prediction: 10-6, second in the AFC East and wildcard berth.
Draft information from www.nfl.com/draft
Transaction information from www.espn.com
Sean McDermott information from: https://pro-football-history.com/coach/1184/sean-mcdermott-bio
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Here are the online results of the polls on which AFC East team has improved the most this offseason:
TWITTER POLL:
Bills 54%
Patriots 38%
Dolphins 8%
Jets 0%
FACEBOOK POLL:
Patriots 64.5%
Bills 21.5%
Jets 7%
Dolphins 7%
Writer's Pick: Buffalo Bills
Before the last game of the 2016 season, the Bills fired head coach Rex Ryan, which signaled changes for the Bills, who went 7-9 in 2016 following an 8-8 campaign in 2015. Buffalo replaced Rex by hiring Panther's defensive coordinator Sean McDermott as their head coach, prior to becoming the Panthers defensive coordinator in 2011 he had part of the Eagles coaching staff from 1999-2010. He was an assistant to the head coach, defensive assistance coach, assistant defensive backs coach, safeties coach, linebackers coach and defensive coordinator while in Philadelphia. While he was in Philly he was part of a coaching staff that help coach the Eagles to 5 NFC Title games and Super Bowl appearance, in Carolina he was part of a coaching staff that turned the Panthers organization around which helped them to a Super Bowl berth in 2015.
Buffalo was also able to acquire pieces in free agency, like former Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert and wide receiver Corey Brown, former Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes and former Packer Micah Hyde. Other free agent acquisitions included defensive end Ryan Davis, wide receiver Corey Davis and cornerback Leonard Johnson (played for Carolina in 2016), there were other free agent signings as well on both sides of the football to add with the players mentioned above.
Outside of the free agency signings and before the draft, the Bills were able to re-structure Tyrod Taylor's contract so it would not be a burden on the salary cap.
Buffalo's additions help because they did lose wide receiver Robert Woods in the offseason as well as cornerback Stephon Gilmore who signed with the division rival Patriots. Buffalo added more talent via the draft, the picked Tre'Davious White, cornerback out of USC with the 27th pick in the first round, a pick from the Chiefs who moved up to the Bills spot at 10. Buffalo was able to obtain an additional first round pick in the 2018 NFL draft from that trade which will only help improve the Bills over time. Buffalo picked twice in the second round, they drafted wide receiver Zay Jones Guard Dion Dawkins, giving the Bills another weapon on offense and more stability on their offensive line. Buffalo then picked linebacker Matt Milano and quarterback Nathan Peterman in round 5 and linebacker Tanner Vallejo in round 6.
Nathan Peterman will have a shot at the starting job in 2017, according to a tweet by Jay Skurski, all the quarterbacks on the roster will compete to start. The added talent on both sides of the football will benefit whoever is the starter for the Bills in 2017 and the team as a whole as they move forward with a new coaching regime for the upcoming season.
2017 Record Prediction: 10-6, second in the AFC East and wildcard berth.
Draft information from www.nfl.com/draft
Transaction information from www.espn.com
Sean McDermott information from: https://pro-football-history.com/coach/1184/sean-mcdermott-bio
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