~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Fire Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers after Season Finale loss to Lions...



12/29/14



Written By: Gregg Rosenthal





It appears that the Green Bay Packers will be ushering in a new ERA for next Season as the Team has officially removed Dom Capers as their Defensive Coordinator.

"We've been in a funk for a few years and it's about getting back to the Super Bowl. We haven't met our expectations." Packers Owner Mark Murphy stated.

The Packers are apparently looking for changes after a disastrous 9-7 finish.

More to come...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK GIANTS: Plan to name Tom Coughlin as the next General Manager..



12/29/14



Written By: Adam Schefter




Earlier this morning, New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin announced his retirement from Coaching. Speculation has risen within the Giants Organization that with the firing of General Manager Jerry Reese, Coughlin will be named the new General Manager.

"Absolutely, we have had that conversation today. It's in the works and we would love to have Tom step in to the General Manager Role." Giants Owner John Mara stated.

"Black Monday" still going around the NFL today and the G-Men appear to be naming their new General Manager soon.

Next will be who takes over as Head Coach?

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK GIANTS: To interview Mike Smith as Head Coach....



12/29/14



Written By: Adam Schefter



The New York Giants are set to interview former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith for their Head Coach spot..

Smith was fired following a Week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BALTIMORE RAVENS: A tale of adversity from the starting line ...



12/29/14



Written By: Adam Schefter




The 2014 Baltimore Ravens were a Team faced with adversity out of the starting gate. Franchise Quarterback Joe Flacco broke his Collarbone on the first snap of the Week 1 Game vs the Cincinnati Bengals.

Baltimore rallied behind backup QB Tyrod Taylor for half the year as Taylor kept the Ravens afloat for a 4-4 Record by the Seasons halfway point.

"We took adversity head on as it came and we didn't expect it at all. We got Tyrod (Taylor) in and we rallied." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

Baltimore got Quarterback Joe Flacco back but the Ravens still stumbled to a 7-9 Record and missing the Playoffs for the 2nd year in a row.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL Awards...December 30, 2014....
Lovie Smith Wins first COTY, Cutler Wins first MVP





COACH OF THE YEAR: Lovie Smith (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)(14-2)




NFL MVP: Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)

2014 NFC AWARDS
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Offensive Player of the Year	DeMarco Murray	RB	Dallas Cowboys
Defensive Player of the Year	Aldon Smith	EDGE	San Francisco 49ers
Best Defensive Back	Richard Sherman	CB	Seattle Seahawks
Best Defensive Lineman	Robert Quinn	DE	St. Louis Rams
Best Kicker	Robbie Gould	K	Chicago Bears
Best Offensive Lineman	Tyron Smith	OT	Dallas Cowboys
Best Quarterback	Jay Cutler	QB	Chicago Bears
Best Running Back	DeMarco Murray	RB	Dallas Cowboys
Best Wide Receiver	Brandon Marshall	WR	Chicago Bears
Defensive Rookie of the Year	Deone Bucannon	CB	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Offensive Rookie of the Year	Mike Evans	WR	Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014 AFC AWARDS
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Offensive Player of the Year	Jamaal Charles	RB	Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Player of the Year	D'Qwell Jackson	LB	Indianapolis Colts
Best Defensive Back	Lardarius Webb	CB	Baltimore Ravens
Best Defensive Lineman	Rob Ninkovich	LB	New England Patriots
Best Kicker	Justin Tucker	K	Baltimore Ravens
Best Offensive Lineman	Joe Thomas	OT	Cleveland Browns
Best Quarterback	Tom Brady	QB	New England Patriots
Best Running Back	Jamaal Charles	RB	Kansas City Chiefs
Best Wide Receiver	Chad Hall	WR	Pittsburgh Steelers
Defensive Rookie of the Year	Terrance Brooks	S	Baltimore Ravens
Offensive Rookie of the Year	Terrance West	RB	Cleveland Browns

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BLACK MONDAY Tracker: UPDATED December 30, 2014....


Miami Dolphins Fire Head Coach Joe Philbin...

Green Bay Packers Fire Head Coach Mike McCarthy...

New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin Retires from NFL Coaching...

New York Giants Fire General Manager Jerry Reese..

New York Giants Fire Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell...

Oakland Raiders Fire Head Coach Dennis Allen...

Oakland Raiders Fire Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson...

Oakland Raiders Fire Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver...

Raiders, Falcons, Giants to Interview Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn for Head Coach Position...

Oakland Raiders to Interview Broncos Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio for unknown position...

Miami Dolphins set to Hire Packers former Head Coach Mike McCarthy as new Head Coach..

Green Bay Packers Fire Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers..

New York Giants set to hire Tom Coughlin as the new General Manager and Interview Falcons former Head Coach Mike Smith for Head Coach..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD





JETS fall in the Music City to the TITANS once again in Wildcard Loss 28-13...




RECAP





Nashville, TN- The New York Jets(9-7-1) Season is officially over with another loss in the Music City to the Tennessee Titans(13-4).

"It's a tough pill to swallow for us. We lost here weeks ago and had the same result today. Titans have been great all year and we needed the win today but instead we're going home and done for the year." Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan stated.

New York(9-7-1) bounced back in 2014 after missing the previous 3 Seasons of Playoffs. Many questioned whether or not the Jets would move on from Ryan if they failed to make the Playoffs for the 4th Year in a Row.

Despite backing into the Wildcard Round by losing their last 3 Games, New York still clinched a Wildcard Berth and possibly saved Rex his job for at least another year.

"We made the Playoffs and had some growth this year. The Players and Coaches really responded to Rex and it got us a Playoff Game. We had a tough loss but we feel we can go up from here." Jets Owner Woody Johnson stated.

Rookie Quarterback John David Booty saw his first Playoff Game and did decent enough for "Gang Green".

"He really stepped in with that kind of atmosphere and did pretty well. Very proud of him." Ryan added.

Booty had 258 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 Interceptions.

New York struggled vs Ray Horton's Defense as the Jets struggled to move the ball.

Jets RB Chris Johnson had 71 yards off 18 carries. Booty threw 2 picks, one was returned 63 yards for a Touchdown by Titans CB Jason McCourty.

That put Tennessee(13-4) up 14-3 at just the start of the 2nd Quarter. The Jets will trail at Halftime 21-6.

"Fell behind at Half kinda did us in. We couldn't get our footing afterwards." Rex Ryan stated.

"Played great in the first half, really came together in the second." Titans Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt stated.

Titans Quarterback Jake Locker had 205 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions. Ryan's Defense showed up to do their part as well. Rookie Jets Safety Calvin Pryor and CB Dee Milliner both picked off Locker to try and keep New York in the Game.

"Got those Turnovers but we failed to do anything with them. That's on us." Jets Rookie Quarterback John David Booty stated.

Backup Veteran Running Back Leon Washington rushed for 76 yards and a Touchdown as the Titans pulled away in the 4th for good 28-13.


UP NEXT

Jets(9-7-1) Head into their Off-Season Program

Titans(13-4) Head on the Road for the AFC Divisional Round Next Week..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK JETS: General Manager John Idzik "We have work to do."



1/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter





Moments after the New York Jets Wildcard Playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, General Manager John Idzik took a couple moments to address the Media..

"Tough loss for us. We have work to do. I feel like we took that first step this Season in getting back to the Playoffs. Now we need to focus on taking that next step. That begins with me. I need to do a better job in giving Rex (Ryan) the pieces to work with. The Staff too." Idzik stated.

New York will have many Question Marks heading into the Off-Season surrounding their Staff and Players.

Despite missing the Playoffs the past 3 Years, Rex Ryan was able to get his Jets back to January. Doing so with a Rookie Quarterback and possibly saving his job in the process for another year.

Owner Woody Johnson has announced that both Idzik and Ryan are set to return for the 2015 Season. But Rex's seat might of just gotten hotter since the Jets couldn't get past the Wildcard Round.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

~BREAKING~ January 3, 2015-



G-Men Name Tom Coughlin new General Manager....



East Rutherford- The New York Giants are kicking off the New Year by naming possibly one of their greatest Head Coaches in Franchise History as their next General Manager.
Tom Coughlin retired from Coaching after the Giants collapsed to a 7-9 Record after a 4-1 start. New York finished 3rd in the NFC East and missing the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row after a Super Bowl 46 Victory over the New England Patriots in 2011.
After 3 straight years of no Playoffs, the Giants took drastic measures and made changes after the 2014 Season. General Manager Jerry Reese and Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell were both fired. Coughlin retired and was soon hired to be the next G.M.

"Very excited for this next chapter in my Career with the New York Giants." Coughlin stated in his Press Conference.

The Man who took the Giants to the Super Bowl in 2007 and 2011 was seen by Ownership as the Man who could return the G-Men back to the Super Bowl.

Coughlin sat in with the Interviews with Owners John Mara and Steve Tisch as they Interviewed Dan Quinn and Mike Smith for their next Head Coach.

Coughlin who is now officially the General Manager has been given full control over the Giants Football Team.

"It's his Team absolutely. We have given him full oversight of the Giants and he's free to build the Team the way he sees fit. That goes for Coaches as well. It's his decision who he wants to hire as the next Head Coach of the New York Giants. He has our full support." John Mara stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CHICAGO BEARS: A bright glimpse into the Future....



1/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



Last year the Chicago Bears hired CFL's Marc Trestman to be the next Head Coach. The 2013 Bears finished with a 8-8 Record and out of the Playoffs.

But the North Division Title came down to a Wek 17 Matchup with the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers on a chilly windy Chicago night.

Rodgers had a epic Game Winning Drive that sent the Packers into the Playoffs as the NFC North Division Champions.

This left the Bears on the outside looking in.

Then came the 2014 Season. A Season of redemption for the Monsters of the Midway.

And they were up to the task. Da Bears shined in the second year System under Trestman as Quarterback Jay Cutler tossed 40 Touchdowns on his way to his first ever MVP Award.

In 2014, the Bears swept the Packers and clinched their first North Division Title since 2010. This also marks Chicago's first Trip back to the Playoffs since 2010 where they lost to the Packers in the NFC Championship.

Marc Trestman has done an amazing job in his second year as the Bears Head Coach. Chicago went 12-4, won the NFC North Division, and are back in the Playoffs as the 3rd Seed.

Chicago narrowly missed out on a First Round BYE thanks to Tie-Breakers by the Seattle Seahawks.

As the Bears prepare for their First Playoff Game at Soldier Field against the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago appears to have a bright future ahead with Marc Trestman at the helm...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD

Matchup Preview *|* January 3, 2015
	@
Arizona Cardinals (11-5, 4-4 Away)		Chicago Bears (12-4, 7-1 Home)
Injury Report Kevin Minter(LB) Broken Collarbone(4 Weeks) D.J Williams(LB) Broken Collarbone(5 Weeks) Carson Palmer(QB) Shoulder Tear(4 Weeks) Game Notes NFC Wildcard Preview... The Chicago Bears have proved people wrong all year as Second Year Head Coach Marc Trestman has "The Monsters of the Midway" NFC North Champions and back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2010. Da Bears have been rolling all Season long as Quarterback Jay Cutler has won his first ever MVP with 42 Touchdowns and Chicago is looking for a deep Playoff Run. They face their toughest Challenge yet when they host the Arizona Cardinals Saturday Night in a cold chilly Chicago night inside Soldier Field. The Cardinals have been making noise all year with Todd Bowles Defense ranking #1 Overall. The Cards Ball hawking Defense has led the way for Arizona this year as the Cardinals have relied on them to win games. Quarterback Carson Palmer has just been a Game Manager throwing 24 Touchdowns and Running Back Jonathan Dwyer has carried the Offense for points with 14 Touchdowns. Arizona's Defense has been forcing Turnovers and holding Points off the Board as they raced out to a 11-2 Record and nearly clinched Home Field. Crucial losses down the stretch to West Rivals Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers dropped them down to the 6th Seed. Arizona is looking to make History in becoming the first Team to host their own Super Bowl. That Dream is still possible but now the Cardinals must win on the Road to achieve it. Their first test is facing the MVP Jay Cutler on a cold chilly night in Chicago...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD




BEARS knock off CARDINALS 31-24 in Wild Card Round....







RECAP







Chicago, IL- The Chicago Bears(13-4) continue to surprise people in 2014.

They have now proven they are a serious Contender after knocking off the Arizona Cardinals(11-6) who had the #1 Defense all year long.

Now the Cardinals are on the plane ride home back to Phoenix and are preparing for the long Off-Season ahead.

"We got a bad taste in our mouths after this loss. It's a rough one for us for sure." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated.

The Cardinals(11-6) collapsed down the stretch losing 3 straight Divisional Games which dropped them from clinching the West Division Title to the #6 Seed.

"Losing those Games and collapsing like that did us in. We had everything in our grasp and just let it slip it away. Disappointing finish for us absolutely." Arians continued.

The Bears(13-4) rode the momentum of their MVP Quarterback Jay Cutler. "Smoking Jay" didn't disappoint. Picking apart the Cardinals #1 Defense for 251 yards and 4 Touchdowns.

Chicago never turned the ball over once. A very impressive stat against the Ball hawking Defense of Todd Bowles and the Cardinals.

"They're a very great Defense and for us to beat them and get points on the board is just huge for our confidence. Arizona was a tough test for us and now we have to focus on next week and where we're playing at." Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman stated.

Cardinals Quarterback Carson Palmer injured his Shoulder in a Week 17 loss vs the 49ers so backup Drew Stanton got the start.

Stanton had 336 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions. Both Picks, Chicago put up Points and took a 21-14 halftime lead.

"Bad passes by me." Stanton stated. "Chicago read it all the way."

The Bears Defense sacked Stanton 6 times as well as picking him off twice by Ryan Mundy and Tim Jennings.

"We knew how good their Defense was too so we needed to make sure we had our own monster going in." Bears Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker stated.

Arizona quickly tied it up at the start of the 3rd Quarter but then Cutler found Brandon Marshall in the Endzone for a 28-21 lead.

Running Back Matt Forte rushed for 150 yards as Chicago was able to run out the clock for a 31-24 victory and a trip to the Divisional Round in either Seattle or Tampa Bay next Weekend.

"The fans of this great City deserves a great Playoff Run and they been behind us all year long." Bears Head Coach Marc Trestman stated.

Chicago racked up 518 Total Yards against the Cardinals. Arizona had 416.

Arizona's Season has come to an end as they will head into their Off-Season Program.

The Chicago Bears will get ready for the NFC Divisional Round as they will head to either Seattle or Tampa Bay.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ARIZONA CARDINALS: A Collapse in the Desert...



1/4/15



Written By: Adam Schefter





The 2014 NFL Season was very unique and special for the Arizona Cardinals since the league announced Super Bowl 49 would be played at University of Phoenix Stadium.

This gave the Cards a shot at making history in becoming the first Team in NFL History to host their own Super Bowl.

"We saw it was here and the guys all got excited." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated.

And the Cardinals were up to the challenge. Racing out to a 11-2 Record and leading the NFC West Division the whole year. Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles had the Cards Defense a monstrous, hard hitting, ball hawking Unit all Season.

They forced Turnovers and kept points off the Board all year. Arizona was close to clinching their first NFC West Division Championship since 2009.

But then Arizona had a epic collapse as they lost their last 3 Games all against Division Opponents. A loss to the Seahawks in Week 16 clinched the West for the defending Champions Seattle Seahawks.

Arizona fell down to the 6th Seed with a Week 17 loss in San Francisco.

"We let it slip away from us. We had everything in our grasp and let it slip away." Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles stated.

Arizona was still in the Playoffs as a Wild Card and needed to win on the Road to host their own Super Bowl.

A rough Wildcard Loss last night to the Chicago Bears ended that dream.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles granted permission for Interviews after Season Ending loss...



1/4/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



After last night's Wildcard Loss to the Chicago Bears, Arizona Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles has been granted permission to Interview for Head Coaching Gigs across the NFL.

Bowles had the Cardinals Defense ranked #1 Overall this Season as the Cards D was a Ball hawking Unit,

He's already been reached out by the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and the New York Giants.

If Bowles isn't offered a Head Coaching Gig then General Manager Steve Keim announced that he is welcomed back for the 2015 Season.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD

Matchup Preview *|* January 4, 2015
	@
San Diego Chargers (10-6, 5-3 Away)		Kansas City Chiefs (11-5, 6-2 Home)
Injury Report Shareece Wright(CB) Fractured Foot(IR) NONE Kendall Reyes(LE) Pectoral Tear(IR) Antonio Gates(TE) Dislocated Knee(IR) Game Notes ~~AFC WILDCARD PREVIEW~~ Chargers/Chiefs ROUND 3... In Week 7 the Kansas City Chiefs blew out the San Diego Chargers in Southern California 48-14. The Bolts had to wait until Week 17 for Revenge. As the Season rolled on it was a 2 Horse race to the finish line to claim the AFC West Division. Denver sank thanks to Peyton Manning. By the Seasons end, the Chiefs claimed the West Title while San Diego claimed the 6th Seed despite losing in New England. But the Bolts got a measure of payback on Andy Reid's Team as a upset over the Chiefs in ArrowHead Stadium thanks to a Nick Novak Game Winning Field Goal. With the Victory, the Chargers sent the Chiefs to Wildcard Weekend and missing the BYE. Now today on Sunday Afternoon, it's Round 3 between these two AFC West Rivals. Can the Chiefs avenge their Week 17 loss? Or Does San Diego knock them out for good?