~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD




CHARGERS send CHIEFS packing with 27-20 Victory on Wildcard Weekend...







RECAP







Kansas City, MO- The Kansas City Chiefs(11-6) have suffered their second straight AFC Wildcard Playoff loss in the Andy Reid ERA.

A year after a epic 28 point Comeback by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2013 AFC Wildcard Playoff Game, the Chiefs looked poised for a decent Playoff Run in 2014.

But it wasn't meant to be.

"It's a very rough time for us. Rough loss today. We let it slip away from us and it's gonna sting for a little while. We need to be much better for next year." Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid stated.

The Chiefs suffered a Playoff Loss to their AFC West Rivals, San Diego Chargers(11-6).

After a defensive battle in the Week 17 Finale, today's Playoff Game was much of the same. Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Bob Sutton had KC ready to make the Bolts struggle.

But Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers overcame the struggles. Rivers had 253 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions. Both Touchdowns were to Rookie WR Jeff Joyce who went to College at San Diego.

"They have a really good Defense and we knew we had to take shots to give us a chance." Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers said.

San Diego took a 7-0 lead on the Opening Drive and K.C exchanged it for a Field Goal for a 7-3 score heading into the Second Quarter.

Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith struggled against John Pagano's Defense as the Bolts really took it to their rivals.

The Chiefs had just 12 First Downs and Smith had 0 Touchdowns.

"He's a really good Quarterback and the Team alone can put points on the board. Had to do the best we can to neutralize them." Chargers Defensive Coordinator John Pagano stated.

Kansas City(11-6) was held to 310 Yards Offensively, 359 Total. San Diego(11-6) had 392 yards of Offense and 462 Total..

Chiefs Running Back Jamaal Charles continued his dominance of 2014 rushing for 115 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

Quarterback Alex Smith struggled to get anything going throwing for 218 yards and a Interception.

"It was a rough one for us today. I didn't play well and I take responsibility for that." Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith said.

Down 27-20 with 15 seconds left in the Game, his hailmary pass was intercepted by Rookie Chargers Safety Jimmy Snyder.

Sean Smith and Chris Owens picked off Rivers. KC took a 17-14 lead into halftime.

San Diego bounced back in the second half outscore the Chiefs 13-3. Chargers Running Back Ryan Matthews had 110 yards and a Touchdown. It was a Defensive Battle back and fourth.

San Diego came out on top to send the Chiefs home for the Off-Season.

"Huge win for us especially against a really good Coached Team like the Chiefs. That gave us more confidence for next week." Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy stated.


UP NEXT

Chiefs(11-6) Head into their Off-Season Program...

Chargers(11-6) Head on the Road into the Divisional Round...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD

Matchup Preview *|* January 4, 2015
	@
San Francisco 49ers (12-4, 5-3 Away)		Dallas Cowboys (11-5, 7-1 Home)
Injury Report NONE Bruce Carter(LB) IR Brock Berlin(R)(QB) Shoulder Tear(4 Weeks) Game Notes ~~NFC WILDCARD PREVIEW~~ On Opening Sunday the Dallas Cowboys upset the San Francisco 49ers 34-31. Tonight the 9ers will look for some revenge as Jim Harbaugh's crew will look for another deep Playoff Run once again on the road as a Wildcard Team. The Seahawks clinched the West with a BYE. The Cowboys are back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2009 where they lost to the Minnesota Vikings. Tonight "Big D" will once again look to upset the 49ers and send them home for Jim Harbaugh's earliest Playoff exit in his Career. San Francisco will try to avenge their loss and make yet another Playoff Run.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL WILDCARD



COWBOYS shut out 49ERS 31-0 in Wildcard Win in Arlington....





RECAP






Arlington, TX- It was a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers(12-5) from the opening kickoff tonight when the 9ers and Cowboys met in the Wildcard Round. Dallas(12-5) was ready for the rematch.

It was down right ugly.

49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick had 30 Touchdowns and over 3,000 yards this year entering today's Playoff Game. 49ers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman felt confident.

"We felt like we had a Game plan coming in but Dallas was ready for us." Roman stated.

So ready that the 49ers Offense was a complete "No Show."

Kaepernick struggled bad vs the Cowboys Defense throwing 111 yards and a Interception. He completed just 33% of his passes while being sacked 7 times. He rushed for 73 yards and lost 2 Fumbles. Both times, the Cowboys returned for Touchdowns.

"It was just horrible. Downright ugly loss for us." 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh stated.

49ers RB Frank Gore had 78 yards and no Touchdowns. The Offense completely stalled and punted 3 times. San Francisco finished with 228 yards of Offense.

"We were just dominated. No other words can explain it." Harbaugh added.

Romo found Terrance Williams for a Cowboys 7-0 lead.

Anthony Spencer returned the Fumble 45 yards for a Cowboys 14-0 lead.

Dallas(12-5) took a 14-0 lead into Halftime. Dallas Quarterback Tony Romo had 168 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a pick. But San Francisco struggled to get pressure on Romo behind that "Great Wall of Dallas."

"Protected Tony (Romo) well and against a great Team like San Francisco came out with the Win. Great job by our guys today." Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett stated.

Despite allowing 31 Points, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's Defense did all they could to keep the 49ers in the Game. They allowed Murray to 101 yards, sacked Romo twice and Cornerback Tramaine Brock intercepted Romo in the end zone.

"We did what we could but the hole was to big for us." 49ers Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio stated.

On one Drive, Cowboys Linebacker Justin Durant picked off Kaepernick in the End Zone.

Cowboys Anthony Spencer, Henry Melton, Justin Durant, George Selvie, and Terrell McClain all picked up Sacks on Kaepernick.

Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Rod Marinelli was all smiles on the sidelines.

"Dominating performance by us. San Francisco is a great Team and when you look at the film, they like to run the ball. We focused on that." Marinelli stated.

Kaepernick fumbled in the final seconds and Cowboys Linebacker Will Smith returned the Fumble 93 yards for a 31-0 score.


UP NEXT

49ers(12-5) Head into their Off-Season Program...

Cowboys(12-5) Head on the Road for the Divisional Round...

>

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:

-The Wildcard Round is over and we look towards the Divisional Round and the Final 8 Teams. Can the Chargers knock off the Dynasty? Can the Bears continue their Playoff Run and knock off the defending Champs? Will Mike Pettine and the Browns get their first Playoff Win since 1994? Will the Cowboys make their first NFC Championship since 1995? Or will Josh McCown and the Bucs end that dream as they look to host the NFC Championship?




San Diego Chargers(11-6) @ New England Patriots(13-3)

On Sunday Night Football in Week 14, the New England Patriots annihilated the San Diego Chargers in Southern California when backup QB Ryan Mallet dropped 5 Touchdowns in a 41-17 Blowout. Now the Bolts will have a chance for redemption but must go through Tom Brady who is back from a shoulder injury. To make it worse the Bolts are also in hostile territory as they try to knock off the Dynasty in New England.




Tampa Bay Buccaneers(14-2) VS Dallas Cowboys(12-5)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a surprise Team in 2014 as the reconnection of Head Coach Lovie Smith and Quarterback Josh McCown has done wonders in Tampa. The Bucs clinched their first NFC South Division Championship since 2007 and clinched #1 Seed. The Cowboys have surprised people too as Jason Garrett has Dallas back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2009 where they lost to the Vikings. Last week they completely shocked and dominated the San Francisco 49ers to hand Jim Harbaugh his earliest Playoff exit since arriving in the Bay 31-0.




Cleveland Browns(12-4) VS Tennessee Titans(13-4)

The clock will soon strike midnight on one of these Cinderella Stories. Mike Pettine's arrival in Cleveland paid imidiant dividants as the Browns clinched their first AFC North Division Championship in Franchise History, A BYE Week, the #2 Seed and a trip back to the Playoffs for the first time since 2002. The Browns rolled off winning streaks after a 0-2 start and switched between Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer at Quarterback. The Tennessee Titans were off to a 1-4 start and many people wrote off another lost Season for them. Then the Team rallied behind Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and Quarterback Jake Locker for 11 straight wins and their first South Division Championship since 2008. The Titans find themselves in a rematch against the Browns as back in Week 5, Cleveland won 29-28 in Nashville. This was the Titans last loss on their record before rattling off 11 straight W's.




Seattle Seahawks(12-4) VS Chicago Bears(13-4)

Marc Trestman has done an amazing job his second year in the "Windy City" as Da Bears are back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2010 clinching the NFC North Division Title along the way. Last week they knocked out the Arizona Cardinals who had the #1 Defense as MVP Jay Cutler dropped 4 Touchdowns and 251 yards to give the Bears faithful something to cheer about in Chicago. This week however the Bears face a tougher challenge as they meet the defending Champions Seattle Seahawks and the Legion of Boom in Seattle. The Seahawks swept Arizona and clinched their 2nd straight West Title with the #2 Seed and a BYE.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK JETS: Woody Johnson and Rex Ryan talk Contract Negotiations...



1/5/15



Written By: Adam Schefter




Despite a Wildcard Playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, the return back to the Post Season more than likely saved Rex Ryan his job in New York.

The New York Jets missed the Playoffs the past 3 years and many speculated that if Ryan failed to get "Gang Green" back to January he would be fired.

After QB Geno Smith went down with a Season ending Injury in Pre-Season, Ryan turned to John David Booty who was signed in the Off-Season.

It saved the Jets Season and Ryans job. New York returned to the Playoffs with a 9-6-1 Record and a Wildcard spot.

Despite a first round knockout, Owner Woody Johnson and General Manager John Idzik is discussing a future Contract for their Head Coach.

Ryan's Contract expires after the 2015 Season and are looking to keep him in New York.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

January 5, 2015...

Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning unsure of future after 4-11-1 Season...



DENVER- It was a Season of an absolute disaster in the Mile High City for the Denver Broncos. A year after a crushing Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos had hopes entering the 2014 Season and they got off to a good start.

But it was a cruel mirage.

After a 62-24 crushing of the Indianapolis Colts on opening Sunday Night Football in which Manning threw 7 Touchdowns, Denver fell into a slump. Manning became a turnover machine and the Broncos slumped the rest of the way.

A much anticipated Super Bowl Rematch in Seattle in Week 3 turned out to be a repeat of Super Bowl 48. A blowout loss to the Seahawks. Manning threw 5 picks as the Broncos lost 41-3.

This was just the beginning. Denver fell to (1-3) as Peyton Manning was hurt in a Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He missed the next 3 Games as Denver continued to sink.

When Manning returned, so did the Turnovers and losses. Denver slumped to a (1-6-1) Record as Manning was leading the league in Interceptions. The Broncos finished with a (4-11-1) Record with Manning having his worst statistical year in his Hall of Fame Career. Despite missing 3 Games, Manning finished with 3,223 yards, 27 Touchdowns, and 41 Interceptions.

Broncos General Manager John Elway and Head Coach John Fox made it known that they are not giving up on the "Manning ERA" yet. This however has left questions on the Hall of Fame Quarterback on if he is ready to call it a Career or come back next Season to redeem himself.

"In this league you can't force players to keep playing. There comes a time where you are ready to call it a Career. We're still committed to Peyton as long as he wants to play. We know we had a rough year this Season but Peyton is still our Quarterback as long as he wants to be." Broncos GM John Elway said.

"Absolutely Peyton is our guy. We know he's not ready to call it quits just yet. But we also know he's not sure yet either. All we can do is wait for his decision." Broncos Head Coach John Fox stated.

Manning also took some time to address "The Question."

"It was a tough year for us and me personally. It kind of put things into perspective honestly. I'm just kind of taking my time and spending it with family. The Broncos Organization are real supportive. I have no decision yet." Manning said.

Manning is under Contract with the Broncos through the 2016 Season.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes shots at entire Team in Season Ending Press Conference...



1/5/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



It's no surprise that Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was throwing his Team under the bus on Monday's Season Ending Press Conference. The Steelers finished 2014 with a 8-8 Record and missing the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row.

"This year was just down right awful honestly. Nobody else knew how to do their job. We missed the Playoffs yet again and as the Quarterback and leader of this Team it's my job to hold people accountable." Roethlisberger said.

It's been the story of the 2014 Steelers all year long. Pittsburgh was 5-4 and still alive in the Playoff hunt before a 4 game skid doomed their Season.

Roethlisberger blamed everyone but himself and even took to his Radio Show in Pittsburgh.

"We should of won Games where we lost but I did my job. The receivers need to run their routes." He added.

After losses, the Steelers began to fire back at their Quarterback. Mainly Antonio Brown and Chad Hall who signed a 2 year Deal this past Off-Season.

Brown and Hall took shots at their Quarterback after losses for blaming them when Ben was throwing picks.

Hall went on to win the WR Of the Year Award with 84 Catches, 1,208 yards, and 13 Touchdowns.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin was forced to put out fires throughout the year caused by his Quarterback. Roethlisberger wrapped up his Press Conference with a positive remark for the future of the Steelers.

"We need to get back to work this Off-Season and blend better as a Team to get back to making the Playoffs." He stated.

But the 2014 Steelers was a train wreck with drama in the locker room caused by Roethlisberger. Tomlin did his best to keep the Team focused on their way to an 8-8 record. Pittsburgh will have a lot of work to do to get on the same page and that starts with their Franchise Quarterback.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Rolling with the Pats, Titans, Cowboys, and Seahawks this round!

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick upset after Wildcard Loss in Season Ending Press Conference...



1/5/15



Written By: Adam Schefter




24 hours after the San Francisco 49ers 31-0 Wildcard loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Quarterback Colin Kaepernick showed his frustration during his Season Ending Press Conference.

"I didn't play well. I need to be better. Play better. This Team depends on me." The 49ers QB said.

Kaep had his best Season yet as the 49ers starting Quarterback throwing for over 3,000 yards and 30 Touchdowns in 2014.

Kaepernick thrived in Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman's and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's System.

But the Offense was a no show in yesterday's Wildcard Loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

"We didn't execute to do our best. No excuses we just need to be better." Kaepernick continued.

Kaepernick struggled in yesterday's loss throwing for 111 yards and a Interception. San Francisco was shut out 31-0 and Jim Harbaugh's Crew had their earliest Playoff exit in his tenure.

The 49ers reached the NFC Championship the past 3 years in a row including the Super Bowl in 2012 losing to the Baltimore Ravens.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

OAKLAND RAIDERS: Request Interview for San Diego Chargers Defensive Coordinator John Pagano for Head Coach..



1/5/15



Written By: Adam Schefter




The Oakland Raiders continue their search for their next Head Coach as the Team requests a Interview with San Diego's Defensive Coordinator John Pagano.

The Chargers are coming off a Wildcard Win over the Kansas City Chiefs and prepare for the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

But John Pagano will be meeting with the Raiders today for a Interview for the open Head Coach position after the Raiders fired Dennis Allen after a 0-16 Season.

If Pagano is offered the job he would have to wait until the San Diego Chargers Playoff Run is over before signing the dotted line...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

OAKLAND RAIDERS: Plan to Interview 49ers Tight End Coach Eric Mangini for Head Coach....



1/5/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Raiders announced that they will be meeting with San Francisco 49ers Tight Ends Coach Eric Mangini for a interview for their vacant Head Coaching spot.

Mangini has been with the San Francisco 49ers since 2013.

He has been Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets and is a branch off Bill Belichicks Coaching Tree where he was with the Patriots during their first 3 Super Bowls.


..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL DIVISIONAL

Matchup Preview *|* January 10, 2015
	@
San Diego Chargers (11-6, 5-3 Away)		New England Patriots (13-3, 7-1 Home)
Injury Report Shareece Wright(CB) Fractured Foot(IR) NONE Kendall Reyes(LE) Pectoral Tear(IR) Antonio Gates(TE) Dislocated Knee(IR) Game Notes ~~NFL Divisional Playoff~~ Back in Week 14 on Sunday Night Football, the New England Patriots blew out the San Diego Chargers 41-17 off backup Quarterback Ryan Mallet's 5 Touchdown passes in Southern California. Today the Bolts will look to get some revenge as they travel to Foxboro to face a returning Tom Brady and the Patriots. Brady went down in a Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers with a torn shoulder. He returned Week 17. Rivers and the Chargers upset the Kansas City Chiefs on Wildcard Weekend and hope to knock off the Dynasty as Brady and the Pats look for yet another AFC Championship Game at home.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL DIVISIONAL




PATRIOTS crush CHARGERS 45-7 in Blizzard Conditions off strong Defense and Brady's 3 Touchdowns... Host AFC Championship..






RECAP







Foxboro, MA- For the 4th straight year, the New England Patriots(14-3) are in the AFC Championship Game.

But this year it's at Gillette Stadium.

"Always a good feeling to be back here and have the Super Bowl go through us." Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick stated.

The Pats crushed the Chargers(11-7) 45-7 when after a 0-0 Halftime and a Ryan Matthews Touchdown run put San Diego up 7-0 at the start of the third.

Tom Brady and the Pats found their rhythm. Knocking off 45 straight points in the Second half.

"Took us a half to get going but once we did we didn't let up. San Diego is a tough Team and they deserved to be here too." Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady stated.

In a huge Blizzard that rocked the Boston area, Tom Brady was Tom Brady. Arguably the Greatest of All Time pounded the Chargers Secondary with 252 yards and 3 Touchdowns.

"Best Ever. GOAT." Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels stated.

Patriots Running Back Shane Vereen rushed for 144 yards and a Touchdown as backup James White had a TD of his own.

The Chargers(11-7) struggled in the Snow. Quarterback Phillip Rivers was held to 153 yards and a Interception.

Running Back Ryan Matthews had just 44 yards.

"We couldn't get anything going. We had a lot against us from the weather and a really good Football Team." Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy stated.

Now for the 4th straight year the "Dynasty" are back in the AFC Championship.

They lost last year in Denver in the AFC Championship.


UP NEXT

Patriots(14-3) Host Browns/Titans in the AFC Championship...

Chargers(11-7) head into their Off-Season Program...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2014 NFL DIVISIONAL

Matchup Preview *|* January 10, 2015
	@
Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 4-4 Away)		Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14-2, 7-1 Home)
Injury Report Bruce Carter(LB) IR John Barton(R)(DE) Broken Collarbone(2 Weeks) Brock Berlin(R)(QB) Shoulder Tear(3 Weeks) Game Notes ~~NFL Divisional Playoff~~ Last week the Dallas Cowboys shocked the 49ers in a 31-0 Shutout handing Jim Harbaugh and Company their worst Playoff loss in the "Harbaugh ERA". The Boyz are one game away from their first NFC Championship Appearence since 1995 where they went on to win the Super Bowl. Jason Garrett has Dallas back in the Playoffs for the first time since 2009. Tonight they look to knock off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who finished 14-2 and dominated everyone. Tampa is back in the Playoffs for the first time since Jon Gruden's 2007 Team. Lovie Smith and Quarterback Josh McCown reunited in Tampa and has the Bucs on the verge of hosting the NFC Championship Game. All eyes will be on QB Josh McCown who is making his first Playoff Start...

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