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
Saturday, June 17, 2017
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