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
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
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
Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @SL_Journalists
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SidelineJournalists/
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
Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @SL_Journalists
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SidelineJournalists/
Thursday, May 18, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 3 OF 8: AFC WEST
Author: Peter DiPaola
Here are the results of the online polls on who the most improved team in the AFC West is:
Twitter Poll:
Chargers 55%
Raiders 35%
Chiefs 10%
Broncos 0%
Facebook Poll:
Raiders 67%
Chargers 25%
Broncos 8%
Chiefs 0%
Writer's Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Following a 5-11 season which included 8 losses decided by 7 points or less, since then the Chargers have made some moves to improve their roster and hopefully improve their record in 2017 in their new home city, Los Angeles.
What has really stuck out in the Chargers offseason was their draft. In the first round they obtained another target for Philip Rivers when the picked wide receiver Mike Williams out of Clemson, they then drafted a guard in rounds 2 and 3 to help improve the offensive line. San Diego allowed 36 sacks last season, which was middle of the pack for sacks allowed, but their run game struggled in 2016 as they ranked 26th in rush yards per game. Bolstering the offensive line the draft can possibly help a run game improve, which in turn means the Chargers can run the ball better and take more time off the clock which can help them win those close games they struggled with in 2016.
After helping quarterback Phillip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon in the first three rounds by acquiring pieces to help build the offense up they drafted a safety in rounds 4 and 5 to add talent their secondary that allowed the 20th most passing yards per game in 2016. That was the issue with their secondary last season, but on the bright side they allowed just 21 touchdown passes and were tied for 1st place for most interceptions with 18.
Los Angeles drafted well by adding talent to their receiving corp, beefing up their offensive line and obtaining more depth and talent in their secondary, which had solid statistics from the 2016, the Chargers have improved. This was a tough division to make a pick for a team that has improved the most, but L.A. has shown it wants to improve in 2017 by adding the pieces to the puzzle that they needed.
2017 Record Prediction: 9-7 3rd in AFC West
ALL STATS ARE FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Here are the results of the online polls on who the most improved team in the AFC West is:
Twitter Poll:
Chargers 55%
Raiders 35%
Chiefs 10%
Broncos 0%
Facebook Poll:
Raiders 67%
Chargers 25%
Broncos 8%
Chiefs 0%
Writer's Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Following a 5-11 season which included 8 losses decided by 7 points or less, since then the Chargers have made some moves to improve their roster and hopefully improve their record in 2017 in their new home city, Los Angeles.
What has really stuck out in the Chargers offseason was their draft. In the first round they obtained another target for Philip Rivers when the picked wide receiver Mike Williams out of Clemson, they then drafted a guard in rounds 2 and 3 to help improve the offensive line. San Diego allowed 36 sacks last season, which was middle of the pack for sacks allowed, but their run game struggled in 2016 as they ranked 26th in rush yards per game. Bolstering the offensive line the draft can possibly help a run game improve, which in turn means the Chargers can run the ball better and take more time off the clock which can help them win those close games they struggled with in 2016.
After helping quarterback Phillip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon in the first three rounds by acquiring pieces to help build the offense up they drafted a safety in rounds 4 and 5 to add talent their secondary that allowed the 20th most passing yards per game in 2016. That was the issue with their secondary last season, but on the bright side they allowed just 21 touchdown passes and were tied for 1st place for most interceptions with 18.
Los Angeles drafted well by adding talent to their receiving corp, beefing up their offensive line and obtaining more depth and talent in their secondary, which had solid statistics from the 2016, the Chargers have improved. This was a tough division to make a pick for a team that has improved the most, but L.A. has shown it wants to improve in 2017 by adding the pieces to the puzzle that they needed.
2017 Record Prediction: 9-7 3rd in AFC West
ALL STATS ARE FROM WWW.NFL.COM
Thursday, May 11, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 2 OF 8: AFC NORTH
Author: Peter DiPaola
Here are the results of the online polls to see who improved the most in the AFC North:
Twitter Poll:
Browns 50%
Ravens 25%
Steelers 25%
Bengals 0%
Facebook Poll:
Browns 71%
Steelers 29%
Ravens 0%
Bengals 0%
Writer's Pick: Cleveland Browns
This was an easy pick, not just because the Browns are coming off a season where they went 1-15 and the only way they can go is up, but because of how they have done since their season ended.
Cleveland brought in Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator back in January which was a good move by a team that needs help on defense. Not long after that happened the Browns gave linebacker Jamie Collins a 4 year contract to retain him and give Williams a nice piece to work with on defense.
The Cleveland brass managed to land three offensive linemen, they signed signed guard Kevin Zeitler who played for their division rival Bengals, they also signed Matt McCants, a tackle who played for the Bears last season. The third lineman they signed Marcus Martin, a center, off waivers from the 49ers. Aside from signing linemen the Browns landed wide receiver Kenny Britt in free agency which helps because they lost Terrelle Pryor to Washington, they also added receiver James Wright from the Bengals by claiming off waivers.
Free agency has not been the only way the Browns have improved, they drafted well to continue to build their team and help head coach Hue Jackson acquire talent. Cleveland ended up drafting three players in the first round and gained an extra first round pick in 2018 by trading back from 12th to 25th with the Texans. They picked Myles Garrett, defensive end from Texas A&M with the 1st pick, then with the 25th pick they drafted Michigan's safety/linebacker Jabrill Peppers. They then acquired a third pick in the first round by trading for the Packers 1st round pick and they drafted David Njoku, tight end from the University of Miami. What was great was the the Browns did not pull the trigger on a quarterback until the second round when they picked Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer, it was smart to wait to take one until after they picked up other pieces first in order to bring more talent to the Browns.
Cleveland has made some great moves and it appears they could be heading in the right direction with the decisions they made. They added plenty of talent to both sides of the football both in free agency and the draft. There should still be growing pains in Cleveland, but with what they have done as of late should help those growing pains be a little less painful.
2017 Record Prediction: 6-10, 4th place in the AFC North
Draft information from www.nfl.com/draft
Transaction information from: http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions.html
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter @SL_Journalists
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Here are the results of the online polls to see who improved the most in the AFC North:
Twitter Poll:
Browns 50%
Ravens 25%
Steelers 25%
Bengals 0%
Facebook Poll:
Browns 71%
Steelers 29%
Ravens 0%
Bengals 0%
Writer's Pick: Cleveland Browns
This was an easy pick, not just because the Browns are coming off a season where they went 1-15 and the only way they can go is up, but because of how they have done since their season ended.
Cleveland brought in Gregg Williams as their defensive coordinator back in January which was a good move by a team that needs help on defense. Not long after that happened the Browns gave linebacker Jamie Collins a 4 year contract to retain him and give Williams a nice piece to work with on defense.
The Cleveland brass managed to land three offensive linemen, they signed signed guard Kevin Zeitler who played for their division rival Bengals, they also signed Matt McCants, a tackle who played for the Bears last season. The third lineman they signed Marcus Martin, a center, off waivers from the 49ers. Aside from signing linemen the Browns landed wide receiver Kenny Britt in free agency which helps because they lost Terrelle Pryor to Washington, they also added receiver James Wright from the Bengals by claiming off waivers.
Free agency has not been the only way the Browns have improved, they drafted well to continue to build their team and help head coach Hue Jackson acquire talent. Cleveland ended up drafting three players in the first round and gained an extra first round pick in 2018 by trading back from 12th to 25th with the Texans. They picked Myles Garrett, defensive end from Texas A&M with the 1st pick, then with the 25th pick they drafted Michigan's safety/linebacker Jabrill Peppers. They then acquired a third pick in the first round by trading for the Packers 1st round pick and they drafted David Njoku, tight end from the University of Miami. What was great was the the Browns did not pull the trigger on a quarterback until the second round when they picked Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer, it was smart to wait to take one until after they picked up other pieces first in order to bring more talent to the Browns.
Cleveland has made some great moves and it appears they could be heading in the right direction with the decisions they made. They added plenty of talent to both sides of the football both in free agency and the draft. There should still be growing pains in Cleveland, but with what they have done as of late should help those growing pains be a little less painful.
2017 Record Prediction: 6-10, 4th place in the AFC North
Draft information from www.nfl.com/draft
Transaction information from: http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/transactions.html
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter @SL_Journalists
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SidelineJournalists
Sunday, May 7, 2017
MOST IMPROVED TEAMS, DIVISION BY DIVISION, PART 1 of 8: AFC SOUTH
Author Peter DiPaola
Here are the results of voting on who the most improved team is in the AFC South:
Twitter Poll:
Titans 28%
Jaguars 27%
Colts 27%
Texans 18%
Facebook Poll:
Titans 37.5%
Jaguars 25%
Texans 25%
Colts 12.5%
Writer's Pick: Tennessee Titans
This was a tough pick because the Jaguars and the Texans improved as well, but the Titans really went after their areas of need in the draft and free agency. Tennessee went 9-7 in 2016 and missed the playoffs, but now with Marcus Mariota coming back from an injury he suffered in week 16 in the 2016 season an improved roster the Titans could make the playoffs this season.
Tennessee did well on the ground on offense (3rd in rush yards per game) and against the run (2nd in rush yards allowed per game), the passing attack (25th) and passing defense (30th in yards allowed) were a different story. Tennessee acquired two time Super Bowl champion cornerback, Logan Ryan from New England in free agency and Demontre Hurst from the Bears (also a free agent signing), which helped because they released Jason McCourty, a cornerback they had.
Tennessee also spent a first round pick on cornerback when the selected USC's Adoree' Jackson with the 18th pick. The Titans should see an improvement in pass defense with their signings and the draft pick, which helps in a division with plenty of offensive fire power in the passing attack. Tennessee did address their need for pass catchers in the draft as well by taking Western Michigan's wide receiver Corey Davis with the 5th overall pick (from the Rams). Both 3rd round picks were spent on weapons for Marcus Mariota, they seleceted Taywan Taylor, wide receiver from Western Kentucky and tight end Jonnu Smith from Florida International.
Titans fans will have plenty to be excited about, as will the team, with all the improvements on offense in the passing game and the defense in the same category with the players acquired, Tennessee can improve on their 9-7 record from 2016. A strong running game with added weapons to throw to for Mariota is great for Tennessee as is the mixture of veterans and rookie cornerbacks to the team.
2017 Record Prediction: 11-5 and AFC South Title
All statistics and draft pick information are from www.nfl.com
Here are the results of voting on who the most improved team is in the AFC South:
Twitter Poll:
Titans 28%
Jaguars 27%
Colts 27%
Texans 18%
Facebook Poll:
Titans 37.5%
Jaguars 25%
Texans 25%
Colts 12.5%
Writer's Pick: Tennessee Titans
This was a tough pick because the Jaguars and the Texans improved as well, but the Titans really went after their areas of need in the draft and free agency. Tennessee went 9-7 in 2016 and missed the playoffs, but now with Marcus Mariota coming back from an injury he suffered in week 16 in the 2016 season an improved roster the Titans could make the playoffs this season.
Tennessee did well on the ground on offense (3rd in rush yards per game) and against the run (2nd in rush yards allowed per game), the passing attack (25th) and passing defense (30th in yards allowed) were a different story. Tennessee acquired two time Super Bowl champion cornerback, Logan Ryan from New England in free agency and Demontre Hurst from the Bears (also a free agent signing), which helped because they released Jason McCourty, a cornerback they had.
Tennessee also spent a first round pick on cornerback when the selected USC's Adoree' Jackson with the 18th pick. The Titans should see an improvement in pass defense with their signings and the draft pick, which helps in a division with plenty of offensive fire power in the passing attack. Tennessee did address their need for pass catchers in the draft as well by taking Western Michigan's wide receiver Corey Davis with the 5th overall pick (from the Rams). Both 3rd round picks were spent on weapons for Marcus Mariota, they seleceted Taywan Taylor, wide receiver from Western Kentucky and tight end Jonnu Smith from Florida International.
Titans fans will have plenty to be excited about, as will the team, with all the improvements on offense in the passing game and the defense in the same category with the players acquired, Tennessee can improve on their 9-7 record from 2016. A strong running game with added weapons to throw to for Mariota is great for Tennessee as is the mixture of veterans and rookie cornerbacks to the team.
2017 Record Prediction: 11-5 and AFC South Title
All statistics and draft pick information are from www.nfl.com
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