The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

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  • Rumplebeanskin
    Rookie
    • Sep 2012
    • 376

    #16
    Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

    Year 1 15/16 - Week 12

    Last edited by Rumplebeanskin; 11-16-2015, 11:56 AM.

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    • Rumplebeanskin
      Rookie
      • Sep 2012
      • 376

      #17
      Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

      Year 1 15/16 - Week 13


      The 4 Quick Takes From This Week's NFL


      Amanda Reditch

      Hey there Sports Fans and thanks for taking some time out to check out my site. Always happy to let you know what's going on around the league! So, let's get going with the 1st down.


      1st Down - How 'bout them Panthers!

      I called them out as being a team to watch out for before the season began and they are really coming on strong down the stretch. 3rd in total defence, 1st against the run. If anyone can stop Aaron Rodgers this season, it might be this Carolina roster. The Packers hold the tiebreaker over Carolina and the Vikings look dominant so any route to a deep playoff run will end up going through a cold stadium in January, but I think these Panthers are built to win those games. Josh Norman is playing at an All-Pro level, and that might be only thing that can contain Jordy Nelson.


      2nd Down - Aaron Rodgers isn't human

      And speaking of the Packers, I don't think there's anything else that we can say about Aaron Rodgers. He averages 368.4 ypg passing, and is on course to shatter Peyton Manning's record for passing yards in a season. Providing he navigates games with the Vikings (Hunter Smith) and Cardinals (Patrick Peterson), he should have this one in the bag.


      3rd Down - Alex Boone is done. And he isn't the only one

      So, a lot of hearsay with this one at the moment but Alex Boone's arrest this week is a huge deal for the 49ers. Whilst not a great season for San Francisco, sneaking into the playoffs isn't out of the question and Boone is a high quality lineman. When the reports of an altercation at a night club emerged, Boone was suspended and remains as such. I'm hearing that the 49ers plan to cut him at the earliest opportunity (which might tell it's own story in absence of further reports), until this one plays out I don't think he'll be on an NFL roster.

      On the same topic, It doesn't appear that much can derail the Packers on the field right now but the constant reports and media attention surrounding starting corner Casey Heyward can't be good. You have to imagine the constant questioning is going to affect his play at some stage, but at the moment questioning is all there is to this one. This could be a very serious case so it I'm hesitant to speculate at the moment.


      4th Down - Boy, it's getting hot in here!

      It won't be long before we get to the end of season hiring/firing season in the NFL. So, what am I hearing about the carousel right now? A number of teams have high expectations that they feel reflect their rosters. Miami and Indianapolis fall into that category so expect heads to roll if these teams aren't near the top of the tree come the end of the season. John Fox and Todd Bowles are expected to survive poor campaigns in Chicago and NEw york respectively, but if this form continues next season their leash will be very short indeed.

      That's it from me guys, hit me up in the comments section if you want more discussion.

      Amanda
      Last edited by Rumplebeanskin; 11-16-2015, 11:54 AM.

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      • Rumplebeanskin
        Rookie
        • Sep 2012
        • 376

        #18
        Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

        Year 1 15/16 - Week 14



        Your Path To The Hottest Draft Talent!


        Lloyd Bowerman, Senior Draft Writer

        Draft Preview - Defence

        Welcome back for a further look at the draft pool for this season's draft. Having already recapped and thrown out some thoughts on the offensive players available for selection, we now turn to to defence. We'll be back before the draft rolls around to offer our final thoughts.

        DEFENCE

        DT
        • I'm falling in love with Andrew Gutierrez. A little undersized at 6'3" and 294lb, he is easily the most gifted player at the position physically. A move to DE wouldn't be out of the question, but the Michigan State man is a sure 1st rounder.
        • Behind Gutierrez for me is Jose Darman. Wisconsin have really gotten the best out of him this season and I think he will continue his torrid pace right through the season.
        • Chip Duncan from Rice appears to have given up on his season. The Owls have a lost season on their hands and Duncan for one looks to have checked out. He was a 2nd day player. I'm not sure he is now.


        DE
        • We might see a record for the least number of defensive ends taken in round 1. We might also see a record for the most taken in round 2. It's that kind of pool. Lots of guys to really like. Few to be crazy about.
        • We all saw THAT play from David Boone. The 22 year old blew up Youtube last time UCLA took the field, but his viral play shouldn't cover up some technical weaknesses. Still possibly the first DE off the board, though.
        • Jaylin Gilbert is dropping fast. A tough schedule has seen a number of the countries top tackles handle Gilbert with ease. This guy looked a 1st rounder only a season ago. Not now. At 6'7" he may even be suited to DT.
        • Alex Grant is a sleeper. I have the Navada prospect as a 3rd rounder right now, but that could change. He eats up space with his huge frame and makes tackles with ease when he gets to the ball. Look out for his bench press at the combine!


        OLB
        • Gordon Gooden is a man to watch. He is setting the SEC on notice with his play for Tennessee! At 6'3" and 254lb, he possesses an ideal frame for tracking down ball carriers. Best suited to a 3-4, he can evade blockers and make high impact plays.
        • Patrick Hunter is as good a player as I've seen. He is similar in style to Gooden, beating players with a quick spin move and agility. I'm not sure I can split these 3-4 guys right now.
        • This OLB class is loaded from top to bottom. I can see at least 6 first round players right now.
        • Look out for Rashawn Sampson. Rumoured to have a sub 4.5 40 time, the 6'2" 244lb can fly round the field. You don't want this guy to catch you either. Maybe a 3rd rounder right now.


        MLB]
        • Eldrin Garner stands tall above the rest. At just 6'0" that isn't technically true, but he plays like the best player at his position this season. I love his fundamentals.
        • Lenerd Bell is the man best suited to dethroning Garner. The Arkansas man is a impressive on film but lacks size at 5'11". That's not an official measurement either, he looks smaller and that will hurt him.
        • With the abundance of talent at OLB, some players may come off the board and be switched inside. There isn't too much to shout about with this bunch.


        CB
        • With Heismann talk aplenty, Jose Lunsford is the real deal. He may even go at #1 if the right team is picking there. He isn't off the charts specifically but he can play man and zone to a high level. You won't like it when he plays press either.
        • DeAntre Palmer is going to make 1 team in the NFL very happy. A scheme guy who excels in zone but has been found lacking in man, in the right set up he will play well in the NFL. Enough to knock him out of the 1st, but he shouldn't get out of the 2nd.
        • What went wrong for Matt Murphey? Maryland are falling off the cliff and Murphey is going with them. He has struggled all season in 1 on 1 situations and at this stage might even be better moving to safety. I'm not sure I see him in the first 3 rounds.
        • This might be the strongest position in the draft.


        S
        • Pershing Taylor has been a bright spot on a poor campaign for Auburn. He runs like a free safety and hits like a strong safety. Conner Blalock of UCLA is very similar in that regard.
        • Derron Scott might be the biggest hitter in the draft. The converted high school line backer still loves to tackle the ball carrier, but his coverage skills are above average. A late 1st rounder.
        • There should be help for teams needing a safety this year.
        Last edited by Rumplebeanskin; 11-12-2015, 05:41 AM.

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        • Rumplebeanskin
          Rookie
          • Sep 2012
          • 376

          #19
          Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

          Year 1 15/16 - Week 16


          The 4 Quick Takes From This Week's NFL


          Amanda Reditch

          So much going on in the NFL right now, I can't wait to get you guys caught up with my take on all things football!


          1st Down - The....London Falcons?!

          Ok, that might be going a little far, but after the NFL released their statement a little while ago saying the Falcons were flying the Atlanta nest, chatter is like wild fire for where they might end up. For alignment reasons you don't see the franchise going too far from the east coast, but London? Maybe? I don't buy it, but you just never know.


          2nd Down - Hate to say I told you so

          I patted myself on the back for my Panthers pre-season pick last week, and it turns out my little chat with Pro Football Almanac was more accurate than even I imagined. The Raiders are terrible. I don't see Jack Del Rio getting anything from these guys the rest of the way. All Raider Nation can hope for is another strong draft and something different in the water for next season. They never disappoint in Oakland.


          3rd Down - It's a QB league, but not all are buying

          I'll join the legions of NFL fans and say how tough it is to watch Peyton Manning right now. Those Broncos are limping to the line, but at least the line is in sight. Another QB in trouble is RG3. We all knew that Washington wanted out from that relationship and it looks like they finally have the way to do it. Reports surfaced last week about a hit and run incident near the Skins training facility. Details remain sketchy, but I think the team will play on it as much as possible. They'll take whatever they can get right now.

          Staying on the Quarterback trail, I'm hearing about positive discussion between Sam Bradford's camp and the Eagles, he's got them close to .500 and they could still eek out Dallas in that NFC East. I'm also hearing that Carson Palmer might hang them up if he can't get the Red Birds into the playoffs. You heard it here first.


          4th Down - Sirens everywhere

          It doesn't seem like I can go a single column without writing about someone being in trouble with the law. Jason Pierre Paul appears to have bought a ticket out of New York after that domestic violence issue last week. As reported, it doesn't appear like this one is going to make it to trial, but the Giants and the Mara family aren't going to take it. Expect him to be cut at the earliest opportunity, but I wonder if someone takes a punt on him?

          Following on from my recent posts, Alex Boone has been cut by the 49ers and will begin legal proceedings next month. Casey Heyward has also left the Packers to clear his name. Whilst not the accused, the details surrounding the incident and Hayward's involvement remain murky at best. It's not known if the former Vanderbilt man will be back before next season.

          A pleasure as always to bring you more NFL talk, leave me a comment if you want to chat more!

          Amanda
          Last edited by Rumplebeanskin; 11-18-2015, 11:34 AM.

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          • Rumplebeanskin
            Rookie
            • Sep 2012
            • 376

            #20
            Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL


            NFL Standings - Year 1 2015/16
            NFC EASTWLTDraftOverall
            4 - Dallas Cowboys1060?86
            New York Giants8801477
            Philadelphia Eagles8801384
            Washington Redskins5110675
            NFC NORTHWLTDraftOverall
            1 - Minnesota Vikings1240?77
            5 - Green Bay Packers1240?90
            Detroit Lions6100783
            Chicago Bears2140175
            NFC SOUTHWLTDraftOverall
            2 - Carolina Panthers1150?80
            6 - New Orleans Saints1060?78
            Atlanta Falcons8801277
            Tampa Bay Buccaneers6100974
            NFC WESTWLTDraftOverall
            3 - Seattle Seahawks1150?91
            Arizona Cardinals9701882
            San Francisco 49ers8801678
            St Louis Rams4120578
            AFC EASTWLTDraftOverall
            2 - New England Patriots1060?91
            6 - Miami Dolphins1060?81
            Buffalo Bills9701979
            New York Jets4120276
            AFC NORTHWLTDraftOverall
            1 - Baltimore Ravens1240?85
            5 - Cincinnati Bengals1060?84
            Cleveland Browns9701775
            Pittsburgh Steelers8801584
            AFC SOUTHWLTDraftOverall
            4 - Tennessee Titans880?72
            Indianapolis Colts8801187
            Houston Texans8801079
            Jacksonville Jaguars4120473
            AFC WESTWLTDraftOverall
            3 - San Diego Chargers1060?82
            Kansas City Chiefs9702082
            Denver Broncos6100889
            Oakland Raiders3130374


            *Number Denotes Playoff Seeding

            Season Leaders

            Passing
            Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
            5,441 yards, 46 touchdowns, 13 interceptions

            Rushing
            Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions
            333 rushes, 1,556 yards, 6 touchdowns

            Receiving
            Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
            130 catches, 1,802 yards, 13 touchdowns

            Tackles
            Paul Posluszny, Jacksonville Jaguars
            178 Tackles

            Sacks
            Justin Houston, Kansas City Chiefs
            14.5 Sacks

            Interceptions
            Brent Grimes, Miami Dolphins
            7 Interceptions

            Comment

            • Rumplebeanskin
              Rookie
              • Sep 2012
              • 376

              #21
              Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

              Year 1 15/16 - Wildcard

              Comment

              • megarover
                Rookie
                • Mar 2013
                • 414

                #22
                Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                Who would have thought that the Vikings would finished with the best record in the NFC. Peterson must be getting some serious MVP talk.
                Yep Yep.......I'm just that good

                Comment

                • Rumplebeanskin
                  Rookie
                  • Sep 2012
                  • 376

                  #23
                  Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                  As I'm still finding my feet with what I want to record/report, what is likely to be interesting, and balancing all that with time to record/report, I didn't have much raw data from year 1 in terms of stats. From memory, they didn't have anyone that excelled particularly, they just had a lot of solid contributors. They do have one of the best O-lines in the league though. Harrison Smith is an elite safety, and Everson Griffen is one of the best D-ends in the league.

                  Smith is a free agent at the end of this season though, so they need to keep him around.

                  Comment

                  • Rumplebeanskin
                    Rookie
                    • Sep 2012
                    • 376

                    #24
                    Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                    Year 1 15/16 - Wildcard


                    The Worldwide Leader in Sport


                    Ed Shakespear, NFL Analyst

                    Peyton Manning Retires, but Broncos in Turmoil

                    We knew this day would come and it was becoming more and more likely the longer this season wore on. Peyton Manning announced his retirement from professional football during a heartfelt press conference this morning at Sports Authority Field, Denver. The mood from Manning was certainly humble, appreciating the road he had traveled and thanking the people who enabled it to happen.

                    Manning walks away from the game with Hall of Fame numbers. A sure-fire first round selection to Canton, Manning finished his career with 74,174 passing yards, 552 touchdowns and 260 interceptions. His QB Passer rating was 95.9. That puts Manning at the top of the NFL record books for passing yards in a career, as well as passing touchdowns. He was 6th all time in passes intercepted, and 2nd in both passes completed and attempted. Statistics aside, Manning will no doubt be remembered for his commitment to the game and mental readiness. A real student of the sport, his legacy is most likely to live on through the bar that he set with regards to his preparation and mental approach to the quarterback position.



                    Sport doesn't always write fairy tale endings for us, it has been a less than poetic end to Manning's NFL career. Blighted by an inconsistent offensive line and a defence that never really lived up to it's potential, the Broncos finished this season 6-10, 2nd worst in the AFC West and 8th worst in NFL overall. It wasn't meant to end this way for a man who left Indianapolis in 2012 to have one last shot at a title in Denver. The best Manning could achieve with the Broncos was a trip to Superbowl 48 where his side were soundly beaten by the Seahawks, a now distant pinnacle of his time in Denver.

                    Whilst it is never easy to move on as a franchise from a player of Manning's caliber, the Broncos were rocked this week by another blow. Brock Osweiler, back up to Manning during his time in Denver and heir apparent to his position, also announced his retirement. It is thought that a lingering shoulder injury has continued to deteriorate throughout the year and upon further medical advice, Osweiler has taken the decision to walk away from the game. With such an opportunity presenting itself, that can't have been easy to do.

                    That leaves Trevor Siemian as the only QB currently on the Broncos' roster. It is hard to believe GM John Elway will stick with Siemian next season, but he is their answer at the moment. With both free agency and the draft on the horizon, what Denver do at the quarterback position post Manning and Osweiler could be one of the the most intriguing stories to follow this off-season.

                    Ed Shakespear
                    ESPN

                    Comment

                    • Rumplebeanskin
                      Rookie
                      • Sep 2012
                      • 376

                      #25
                      Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                      Year 1 15/16 - Wildcard

                      Comment

                      • Rumplebeanskin
                        Rookie
                        • Sep 2012
                        • 376

                        #26
                        Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL


                        New England Patriots vs Carolina Panthers - Superbowl 50
                        Feb 7, 20161ST2ND3RD4THSCORE
                        New England Patriots (10-6)0371020
                        Carolina Panthers (11-5)7371027
                        New England Patriots
                        PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                        Tom Brady29/4130311
                        RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                        LeGarrette Blount12524.31
                        Dion Lewis6101.60
                        Tom Brady1330
                        RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                        Rob Gronkowski8658.11
                        Julius Edelman260300
                        Brandon LaFell55911.80
                        Danny Amendola6457.50
                        Aaron Dobson4389.50
                        Dion Lewis32790
                        Scott Chandler1990
                        DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
                        Dante Hightower9200
                        Patrick Chung7000
                        Rob Ninkovich5000
                        Jerod Mayo5100
                        Jonathan Freeny4000
                        Justin Coleman4000
                        Malcom Brown3000
                        Chandler Jones2000
                        Jabaal Sheard2000
                        Alan Branch2000
                        Dominique Easley2000
                        Devin McCourty1000
                        KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                        Stephen Gostkowski2/22/2840
                        PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
                        Ryan Allen134341
                        KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                        Danny Amendola0000
                        PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                        Danny Amendola113130
                        Carolina Panthers
                        PASSINGC/AYDSTDINT
                        Cam Newton19/2523030
                        RUSHINGATTYDSAVGTD
                        Jonathan Stewart7628.80
                        Cam Newton6172.80
                        Mike Tolbert6142.30
                        Fozzy Whittaker4102.50
                        RECEIVINGRECYDSAVGTD
                        Greg Olsen48320.80
                        Kelvin Benjamin7598.41
                        Ted Ginn55210.41
                        Devin Funchess125251
                        Mike Tolbert2115.50
                        DEFENSETACKSACKINTTD
                        Luke Kuechly17000
                        Roman Harper12000
                        Thomas Davis7000
                        AJ Klein6000
                        Jared Allen5000
                        Josh Norman3010
                        Thomas Davis3000
                        Kurt Coleman3000
                        Bene' Benwikere2000
                        Tre Boston2000
                        Charles Tillman1000
                        Charles Johnson1100
                        Kawann Short1100
                        KICKINGFGXPPTSLONG
                        Graham Gano2/23/3940
                        PUNTINGNOYDSAVGIN20
                        Brad Nortman148480
                        KICK RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                        Fozzy Whittaker35016.60
                        PUNT RETURNRETYDSAVGTD
                        Ted Ginn0000


                        Post Season Review

                        Wildcard
                        NFC
                        New Orleans Saints 14 @ 31 Seattle Seahawks
                        Green Bay Packers 41 @ 24 Dallas Cowboys
                        AFC
                        Miami Dolphins 9 @ 14 San Diego Chargers
                        Cincinnati Bengals 21 @ 17 Tennessee Titans

                        Divisional
                        NFC
                        Green Bay Packers 27 @ 28 Minnesota Vikings
                        Seattle Seahawks 19 @ 31 Carolina Panthers
                        AFC
                        Cincinnati Bengals 6 @ 34 Baltimore Ravens
                        San Diego Chargers 14 @ 38 New England Patriots

                        Conference
                        NFC
                        Carolina Panthers 14 @ 13 Minnesota Vikings
                        AFC
                        New England Patriots 28 @ 17 Baltimore Ravens

                        Superbowl
                        New England Patriots 20 vs 27 Carolina Panthers

                        Comment

                        • Rumplebeanskin
                          Rookie
                          • Sep 2012
                          • 376

                          #27
                          Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL


                          NFL Draft Year 1 15/16 - Round 1 Recap
                          PickTeamPlayerPos
                          1Chicago BearsJose LunsfordCB
                          2New York JetsJack RileyQB
                          3Oakland RaidersEldrin GarnerMLB
                          4Jacksonville JaguarsPatrick HunterOLB
                          5St Louis RamsTy ThomasOLB
                          6Washington RedskinsGordon GoodenOLB
                          7Detroit LionsOscar MasonWR
                          8Denver BroncosAntwan BurtonWR
                          9Tampa Bay BuccaneersAndrew GutierrezDT
                          10Houston TexansJared LucasTE
                          11Indianapolis ColtsConnor BlalockS
                          12Atlanta FalconsScott TurnerT
                          13Philadelphia EaglesLatevin PrestonWR
                          14New York GiantsJavien TravisOLB
                          15Pittsburgh SteelersDorian AustinCB
                          16San Francisco 49ersLuis YoungT
                          17Cleveland BrownsMack MossT
                          18Arizona CardinalsBrenton GriffinCB
                          19Buffalo BillsDavid BooneDE
                          20Kanses City ChiefsRashawn NelsonDT
                          21Tennessee TitansParker TaylorOLB
                          22Miami DolphinsQuinterrius ScottWR
                          23New Orleans SaintsDerron ScottS
                          24Dallas CowboysAli StarksT
                          25Cincinnati BengalsGilbert MillsWR
                          26San Diego ChargersChrishon KellyOLB
                          27Seattle SeahawksJermichal JordanDT
                          28Green Bay PackersNico McClendonTE
                          29Minnesota VikingsMike BuchananWR
                          30Baltimore RavensMalcolm NarcisseWR
                          31New England PatriotsStuart PattersonCB
                          32Carolina PanthersTaylor PatrickOLB

                          Comment

                          • megarover
                            Rookie
                            • Mar 2013
                            • 414

                            #28
                            Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                            Glad to see the Panthers win their first Superbowl. They are one of the few NFC teams I like to watch.


                            Surprised only one QB went in the first round. He does have the perfect quarterback name though. It don't get no better than JACK RILEY
                            Yep Yep.......I'm just that good

                            Comment

                            • Rumplebeanskin
                              Rookie
                              • Sep 2012
                              • 376

                              #29
                              Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                              It was a really strange draft class with it being loaded at RT and at LB, specifically OLB. 2 QBs went early in round 2, just so you're aware. I'm hoping that isn't a sign of things to come.

                              Comment

                              • Rumplebeanskin
                                Rookie
                                • Sep 2012
                                • 376

                                #30
                                Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

                                Year 1 15/16 - Preseason


                                Your One Stop Shop For Everything Pro Football!



                                Craig Costello, Editor in Chief

                                Greeting fellow Football enthusiasts! What an off-season we have had. Lots of exciting player movement, well known names in new places, some players deciding to stay where they are. It would be remiss of us at Pro Football Almanac if we didn't give you a run down of all the key moves for each team and how we expect every team to shape up in 2016/17!

                                NFC North


                                Chicago Bears - Last Season 2-14

                                The best pieces of business for the Bears involved keeping their stars in town despite a dismal 2 win season. Alshon Jeffrey and Matt Forte (despite his off field issues) both signed on the dotted line to stay in Chicago. #1 draft pick Jose Lunsford will have a lot to live up to at corner. With numerous holes still existing in this Bears roster, especially at Guard and across the front 7 on defence, Lunsford will need to show why the Bears passed on everybody else with that #1 pick. Defensive end Ray McDonald should help after moving over from the 49ers, but if the rest of the front 7 can't pressure, Lunsford and the Bears DBs are going to have to cover for a long time. I would expect another sub-par season, but they are at least moving in the right direction in a tough division.

                                Notable Resignings - WR Alson Jeffrey, RB Matt Forte
                                Notable Additions - DE Ray McDonald
                                Notable Losses - DT Jeremiah Ratliff (retired - injury)
                                Draft Pick - CB Jose Lunsford


                                Detroit Lions - Last Season 6-10

                                Is this the season that Detroit really puts it together? Key free agent signings and important returning players suggest that the Lions might be players in the NFC North despite the quality of Green Bay and Minnesota. QB Matt Stafford is on the decline in his career but should still have more than enough weapons around in him in Calvin Johnson and reigning rushing champ Ameer Abdullah to get things done. A concern continues to be the offensive line, especially centre, yet this wasn't addressed in the draft. On defence the Lions also look formidable and they let an aging Haloti Ngata walk to save cap room. With a great LB tandem in Levy and Whitehead, both players resigned in the off-season rather than testing free agency. Up front, Spencer and Ansah can get to the QB off the edge, and their corners are above average should pressure create errant throws. I like this Lions team to surprise people this season.

                                Notable Resignings - OLB DeAndre Levy, MLB Tahir Whitehead
                                Notable Additions - DE Mike Devito, DE Anthony Spencer, CB Leon Hall
                                Notable Losses - DE Haloti Ngata (age)
                                Draft Pick - WR Oscar Mason


                                Green Bay Packers - Last Season 12-4

                                The Packers will be looking to go a few steps further in the playoffs and ride an already potent offence. New Head Coach Chuck Pagano has the luxury of top QB and WR from a year ago in Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson, plus wide outs Randall Cobb and DeVonte Adams. This is easily the strongest receving corps in the NFL. A strong o-line anchored by elite centre Corey Linsley allows Rodgers the freedom to let plays develop downfield. If there are question marks for this team its on the other side of the ball. Despite the dominance of Clay Matthews, the rest of the linebacker group is below average. Similarly at cornerback, beyond Sam Shields the depth is poor. Casey Hayward's need to move away from the game to address his legal issues could haunt this Packers team.

                                Notable Resignings - FB John Kuhn
                                Notable Additions - None
                                Notable Losses - CB Casey Hayward (legal)
                                Draft Pick - TE Nico McClendon
                                New Coach - Chuck Pagano


                                Minnesota Vikings - Last Season 12-4

                                The Vikings will look to follow up a surprise NFC title game visit with another strong season. Adrian Peterson continues to anchor an offence with a strong o-line and an improving Teddy Bridgewater. Wide receive is a question mark, but free agent acquisition Coby Fleener will be an asset. Like the Packers, the Vikings have stars on defence, such as Hunter Smith at safety and Everson Griffin at DE, but clear holes also remain. Robert Blanton was released by the club after legal troubles in the off-season, but there is no obvious replacement on the roster at strong safety. Cornerback is an issue beyond Rhodes, and middle linebacker is a problem. The club also decided to move on from former #4 overall pick LT Matt Khalil. He can be considered a bust at this point.

                                Notable Resignings - FS Hunter Smith
                                Notable Additions - TE Coby Fleener
                                Notable Losses - SS Robert Blanton (legal)
                                Draft Pick - WR Mike Buchanan

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