~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CLEVELAND BROWNS Off-Season Preview


-The Browns were a Cinderella Story in 2014 under first year Head Coach Mike Pettine. Cleveland went on to win their first AFC North Division Title with a 12-4 Record and had a magic carpet ride all the way to the AFC Championship. The Browns would eventually lose to the New England Patriots.

Now things are changing in "Believeland" as Quarterback Brian Hoyer is out the door after leading the Brownies back to the Playoffs. Hoyer should be a top Quarterback on the Market for any team in need of a QB.

Speaking of Quarterback, Johnny Manziel is now ready to be given the "Keys to the Car." Money also contributed to the Browns Playoff Run and looks to be the face of the Franchise.

GM Ray Farmer could use the Franchise Tag on TE Jordan Cameron while he works out new Deals with Tashaun Gipson, Miles Austin, Nate Burleson and Buster Skrine.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Off-Season Preview


- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in for a busy Off-Season as numerous Players are in need of new Deals. Their #1 priority is resigning their star Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy who racked up 38 Tackles and 6 Sacks in 2014. Of course it was Defensive Coordinator's Leslie Frazier first year in Tampa.

The Bucs are coming off a 14-2 Record and held the #1 Seed in the NFC Playoffs. However a loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round showed theres still work to be done. But now that Quarterback Josh McCown has got the "Playoff jitters" out of his system, the Bucs could be a great Team after clinching the NFC South Title and a trip back to the Playoffs for the first time since 2007.

General Manager Jason Licht could use the Franchise Tag on McCoy but that would only serve as a quick fix. The Defensive Stud would eventually want to get paid. There's tons of other Defensive stars looking for new Contracts after helping the Bucs to the best Record in the NFL.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ARIZONA CARDINALS Off-Season Preview



- The Arizona Cardinals tried to become the first Team in history to host their own Super Bowl. Racing out to a 11-2 Record they looked to do just that before collapsing and losing their last 3 Games against NFC West Rivals dropped them to an 11-5 Record and a Wildcard spot.

Arizona would lose in Chicago over Wildcard Weekend ending any dreams of playing in the Super Bowl.

But now the Cards must get ready for the long Off-Season as Arizona had the #1 Defense under Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles all year long. They lost John Abraham to retirement and Linebacker James Harrison is open on returning to the Desert even at 37 years old. DE Johnny Jolly is also interested in returning.

If Arizona can keep it's core Defense together then next Season they might get over the hump. But Running Back Jonathan Dwyer is in need of a Contract and so is Franchise Quarterback Carson Palmer.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Off-Season Preview


- The Bolts reached the Playoffs for the 2nd year in a row with a Wildcard berth and a 10-6 Record. San Diego beat Kansas City in the Wildcard Round before getting crushed in Foxboro 45-7 in the Divisional Round.

This is still Mike McCoy's Team...For now...Another Divisional Round loss might be enough for the Chargers to pull the trigger.

With the retirement of TE Antonio Gates following a rough knee injury, the Bolts will need to throw some cash at TE Jermichael Finley who contributed to the Chargers Playoff run.

Both Running Backs Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead are in need of new Deals.

San Diego's Defensive Coordinator John Pagano left to be Oakland's new Head Coach.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Off-Season Preview

- The biggest decision for the Kansas City Chiefs is resigning their Franchise Quarterback Alex Smith. Smith, 31, missed a few games this year to injury but in 12 Games he helped the Chiefs win their first AFC West Division Title since 2010.

Kansas City will look to rebound in 2015 after a early Playoff exit in the Wildcard Round to the Chargers.

On the Defensive side of the ball, LB Justin Houston should get paid. The question is for KC who gets the Franchise Tag?

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Off-Season Preview


The Colts had a terrible 2014 year in which Franchise Quarterback Andrew Luck broke his Collarbone in a Week 4 loss to the Tennessee Titans missing 8 Games.

To help save the sinking ship, Indy acquired Quarterback Thad Lewis from the Buffalo Bills for a Linebacker (Jonathan Newsome) and a 5th Round Pick.

Despite Matt Hasselbeck, Thad Lewis, and Rookie Sean Mannion's efforts, the Colts sunk to a 4-12 Record and Head Coach Pagano was given a pass.

But after Matt Hasselbeck announced his Retirement, Indy should look into placing the Franchise Tag on QB Thad Lewis given how at the end of next Season QB Andrew Luck will be looking for a massive Payday. Luck is entering the final year on his Rookie Deal.

Backup RB Ahmed Bradshaw is in need of a new Contract and the Colts will be in the market for a Kicker as Veteran Adam Vinatieri decided to hang up the cleats.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ATLANTA FALCONS: Hire Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn as next Head Coach...



2/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Atlanta Falcons have their next Head Coach in place as Arthur Blank has officially announced they have hired Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn.

"We have hired Dan Quinn to be our next Head Coach of the Falcons. We watched his success in Seattle and are excited to see what he can do for us." Falcons Owner Arthur Blank stated.

Quinn's Defense was completely dominated by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.

"Excited to begin the next chapter of my Career as a Head Coach of the Falcons. Excited for the opportunity." Quinn stated.

The Falcons fired Mike Smith after a Week 16 20-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints and they stumbled to a 4-12 Record.

The Falcons still have a full staff intact but with the Off-Season now in full force changes may be coming.

Quinn gets to work with Quarterback Matt Ryan and the high power Offense.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MIAMI DOLPHINS: New Head Coach Mike McCarthy could miss first 4 Games of new Season while suspended for violating NFL Policy..



2/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The "Mike McCarthy ERA" in Miami could be off to a rocky start as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had announced that Dolphins Head Coach Mike McCarthy could miss the first Month of the 2015 Season.

While under Contract with the Packers, McCarthy was spotted in South Beach over Thanksgiving meeting with Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross for a job.

More information to come....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CHICAGO BEARS: Head Coach Marc Trestman "My Staff is in place."



2/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Chicago Bears had a remarkable season despite losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round. Da Bears won their first North Division Title since 2010.

The City of Chicago cheered loud for their Football Team after their Wildcard Round win over the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field.

Fans high fived Trestman.

"It was a great feeling for our fans to see us win a Playoff Game. We fell short of our goal but just means we have some work to do this Off-Season. My Staff is in place." Trestman stated.

And his Staff was solid this year as Offensive Coordinator Aaron Kromer's Schemes had Chicago scoring points.

Quarterback Coach Matt Cavanaugh helped Quarterback Jay Cutler win his first MVP Award after tossing 42 Touchdowns this year.

Defensive Coordinator Mel Tucker had Chicago almost in the NFC Championship Game if it wasn't for a blown coverage.

As we enter the Off-Season the Bears will return all Staff members for the 2015 Campaign.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

DALLAS COWBOYS Off-Season Preview


- Perhaps no Team is gonna be busier this Off-Season than the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones is gonna have his hands full as Head Coach Jason Garrett is negotiating a new Contract and after leading the Cowboys to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1995, Jerry would be stupid to let his Coach walk.

Dallas also has a lot of Players interested in resigning including Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray, Cole Beasley, Brandon Flowers and Lance Dunbar.

With over 74m in Cap Space, Jones should be able to get most of his stars back.

Dem Boyz look to be really busy this Off-Season..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MIAMI DOLPHINS Off-Season Preview



-The Dolphins are entering a new ERA after the Fish finished with a 7-9 Record in which Head Coach Joe Philbin was shown the door. Owner Stephen Ross has hired former Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy.

Ross is 100% confident that Miami could make a Playoff run with a Super Bowl winning Coach at the helm. Ross is prepared to give McCarthy whatever he wants after reports of Packer Players having drama with him over the year including QB Aaron Rodgers.

But as Miami prepares for the McCarthy ERA, General Manager Dennis Hickey and VP Don Shula will have their hands full as they prepare for the resigning stage. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is entering the final year of his Rookie Contract and will be looking for a massive Payday next Off-Season.

Backup QB Matt Moore could be let go to fill Tanny's pockets.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Off-Season Preview



- A year after a NFC East Title, the Birds came crashing down in 2014. Quarterback Nick Foles, RB Shady McCoy, among others all got hurt and Philly limped to the finish line with a 8-8 Record.

As the Eagles enter the Off-Season, GM Howie Roseman will look to make new Deals for TE Brent Celek, WR Jeremy Maclin, DE Cedric Thornton, CB Bradley Fletcher. QB's Carson Wentz and Mark Sanchez are also looking to stay in Philly.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ATLANTA FALCONS Off-Season Preview



- The Falcons wrapped up a horrible 4-12 season and Mike Smith is out of Hotlanta. As the Falcons prepare for the Dan Quinn ERA, GM Thomas Dimitrioff will look to keep players like Jacquizz Rodgers, Patrick DiMarco, and Bear Pascoe.

But after having a terrible Defense as well, Players like Corey Peters and Sean Weatherspoon is in need of new Deals.

Atlanta will also have to decide on what Staff to keep or fire after the Falcons Offense was stale and Defense struggled to stop people.

The Falcons placed the Franchise Tag on Julio Jones while negotiating Contract Extensions with Roddy White and Matt Bosher.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Off-Season Preview


- The 49ers made the Playoffs for the 4th year in a row under Jim Harbaugh. However they suffered their earliest exit after a 31-0 loss in Dallas in which the Offense struggled. Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman is safe as Quarterback Colin Kaepernick had his best year yet tossing 30 Touchdowns.

But now in the Off-Season General Manager Trent Baalke must focus on keeping Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio happy. Their main priority will be signing star Defensive Player, Linebacker Aldon Smith who set the new All Time NFL Record in Sacks with 30.

49ers Fan Favorite Frank Gore is also in need of a new Deal.

QB Blaine Gabbert has no interest of playing backup to Kaep so he will probably be cut and 49ers Legend Joe Montana's Son Nate will be the permanent backup.

With 2 on the Roster, San Francisco may draft a QB for Camp and Preseason. San Fran will also be in the market for a Kicker after Phil Dawson retired.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK GIANTS: To interview Todd Bowles as Head Coach....



2/3/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants will be meeting with Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles for an interview to be the G-Men next Head Coach.

Bowles spent the 2014 Season as the Arizona Cardinals Defensive Coordinator and had them ranked #1 Defense in the league.

Arizona went 11-5 and lost in the Wildcard Round to the Chicago Bears.