~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Quarterback Matt Flynn "Excited to be here in San Francisco."



2/12/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



As Free Agency winds down and Teams make last minute signings to fill their Rosters for Training Camps, the San Francisco 49ers signed Aaron Rodgers backup to a 1 year Deal worth 1.57M.

The 49ers let backup QB Blaine Gabbert walk and this left a void in the Quarterback room.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's Playbook is built around Quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The only backup on the Roster was Nate Montana, the oldest Son of 49ers Legend, Joe Montana. Little brother Nick just signed a 1 year Deal to return to the Minnesota Vikings.

Flynn becomes the 3rd Quarterback on the Roster as San Francisco fills out their Roster heading into Training Camp and the 2015 Season.

"Matt (Flynn) is a guy we really liked. The things he did for Green Bay when Rodgers got hurt really caught our eye." Harbaugh stated.

Flynn was just a bench warmer in 2014 but filled in for relief in the Packers 21-7 victory in Buffalo.

"Excited to be here." Flynn stated. "Happy to be a 49er. I wanna thank the Packers for everything."

Flynn was also a member of the Raiders, Bills, and Seahawks.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WASHINGTON REDSKINS: What the signing of Quarterback Christian Ponder means...



2/12/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Washington Redskins will have a new Quarterback on the roster when Training Camp and Preseason opens up.

Christian Ponder was signed to a 1 Year 1.57M Deal as the former Vikings signal caller has found a new home in our Nations Capital.

For a year.

This season, Ponder started the Vikings week 1 loss to the St. Louis Rams where he threw 4 picks in a ugly blowout loss.

New Head Coach Mike Zimmer benched the once Franchise QB and the Vikings Front Office ended Contract Negotiations soon after.

Minnesota went about the 2014 Season with Matt Cassel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Nick Montana at Quarterback.

"It was tough at first because I spent my first few years in Minnesota. I wanted to stay but I understand the NFL is a business too. I look forward to playing in Washington." Ponder said in an interview.

Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III was placed on the I.R 4 times this year and finished the horrible 2014 campaign with just 154 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 2 picks and 10 fumbles.

However, Washington has made it known that they are still committed to their #2 overall pick as he enters the final year of his Rookie Contract.

The Redskins finished at 4-12 with Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy at Quarterback. With the signing of Ponder, Washington will be set at Quarterback in case RG3 goes down again.

Ponder had just 2 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, and 299 yards last year before being shown the bench and clipboard.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK GIANTS: Welcome to Jersey Jimmy Graham



2/12/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



Since being drafted in 2010 by the New Orleans Saints, Tight End Jimmy Graham has only known New Orleans as his only Team.

Until now.

The former Saint has turned down a 2 year Deal by the Saints to sign a massive payday with the New York Giants.

A huge 7 Year/56m Contract that will keep Graham in East Rutherford through the 2021 Season with the Giants.

"He's a beast of a player. No doubt about that, the things he does and how he plays the game is why we wanted him over here." Giants General Manager Tom Coughlin said.

Graham was Drew Brees main target at times wrapping up the 2014 season with 92 catches, 1,201 yards, and 7 Touchdowns.

Now Graham will be catching passes from Franchise Quarterback Eli Manning as the G-Men will look to bounce back next season after a 7-9 finish where they missed the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row.

"I'm excited for the next chapter of my career. I enjoyed my time with the Saints but now it's a new journey to be in New York." Graham said.

Franchise Quarterback Eli Manning has already welcomed his new Weapon with a Tweet.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2/12/15

Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer: "Matt Cassel is my Quarterback."



MINNESOTA- With former Quarterback Christian Ponder out the door, Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer has made it official that Matt Cassel was the Quarterback for the Vikings.

"Matt (Cassel) is my Quarterback. The guys in the locker room responds to him well. He's got our support and is one of the leaders for this Team." Zimmer stated.

Cassel missed some games this year with injury but still had 2,471 yards, 14 Touchdowns, 11 picks.

Backup QB Nick Montana just signed a 1 year deal to return to the Vikes.

Ponder walked in Free Agency and signed with the Washington Redskins.

With a year under his belt in Zimmer's System, Cassel and Minnesota will look to bounce back from a 5-11 year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2/14/15


Dallas Cowboys extend Head Coach Jason Garrett's Contract..



Dallas, TX- Happy Valentines Day! Big news out of Dallas as Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones has retained his Head Coach.

Garrett is now signed through the 2017 Season as the Cowboys extended his Contract with a 4.26m Bonus.

And why not? Garrett led the Cowboys to a 11-5 Record this year with the NFC East crown and a trip to the NFC Championship Game in Seattle for the first time in 20 years.

"We had a great year but came up short. We're all happy to keep Jason here with us in Dallas as we try to win a Super Bowl." Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones stated.

The Cowboys lost in Seattle in the NFC Championship.

"Excited to be here in Dallas as we keep building. Had a deep Playoff run but came up short. We keep building for that ultimate goal. I'm excited for our future." Garrett stated.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Vikings better invest in the OL. Can't protect the Cassell without a strong wall.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Vikings better invest in the OL. Can't protect the Cassell without a strong wall.

Yeah solid point considering both Cassel and Bridgewater went down with severe injuries. Another huge problem was the Defense was absolute garbage. Bled yards and points.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

END OF THE YEAR RECAP
NFC NORTH





Chicago Bears(12-4)

Chicago has been on a tear in 2014 clinching their first NFC North Title and a trip to the Playoffs for the first time since 2010. Trestman has really turned Da Bears around in just his second year at the helm and was a favorite for Coach of the Year. The Monsters of the Midway swept Aaron Rodgers and Company, and knocked off the Arizona Cardinals in the Wildcard Round before having their hearts broken in Seattle to the Seahawks in the Divisional Round. Quarterback Jay Cutler won his first MVP Award and the Bears have something in the making with Marc Trestman heading into next season.




Green Bay Packers(9-7)

The Packers were an absolute train wreck in 2014. Despite racing out to a 6-2 record, the Green and Gold crashed and burned to a 9-7 record in which Mike McCarthy packed his bags for South Beach. After a Week 3 victory over the Lions, McCarthy claimed he turned over a new leaf. But it was a lie as the next week in Chicago he was back to his old ways costing the Pack games. As the year went on, drama began spilling in the Packers locker room. Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson, among others were constantly arguing with their Head Coach on the sidelines and soon many Coaches across the league began calling McCarthy out. Over Thanksgiving, McCarthy was spotted in Miami meeting with Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross for a job. Now heading into the 2015 campaign, McCarthy has a new home in South Beach, Capers is out the door and Philbin will look to get Green Bay back into the Playoffs.




Detroit Lions(6-10)

New Head Coach Jim Caldwell's first year in the "Motor City" was a year of rebuilding. And it was up and down from the start. Detroit was 2-0, 2-4, 4-4, before finishing with a 6-10 record. Franchise Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed some time with injuries but with a year under their belts, next year the Leos should have a much better campaign defending their den.




Minnesota Vikings(5-11)

New Head Coach Mike Zimmer went right to work with the Vikings implementing his vision for SKOL Nation. His changes showed Minnesota a glimpse of it's future. QB Christian Ponder is gone signing with the Redskins in Free Agency. Matt Cassel, Teddy Bridgewater, and Nate Montana are at QB. But the area the Vikings are focused on mostly? Defense. We caught some glimpses of how good a Zimmer's Defense can actually be throughout the year. Now as the Vikings prepare for the Off-Season they will look to rebuild the Defense. Next season Minnesota should make some noise.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NFC EAST End of the Year Recap



Dallas Cowboys(11-5)

Big D' had a great year as Head Coach Jason Garrett's Team won their first NFC East Title since 2009. Dallas also returned to the Playoffs and went on a magic carpet ride shutting out the 49ers in the Wildcard Round, shocking the #1 Seed Buccaneers in Tampa before blowing a 10 point lead and losing to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship. Dem Boyz will look to regroup and make another run next season. Jerry just extended Garrett's Contract and Dallas is poised for another great year with Romo back healthy.




Philadelphia Eagles(8-8)

The Birds had a inconsistent year as many Players like Nick Foles, Shady McCoy, etc all went down with severe injuries. Foles returned later and kept Philly above water but the Eagles still limped to the finish line. Now a year after winning the East and missing the Playoffs in 2014, Chip Kelly will look to bounce his Team back in 2015.




New York Giants(7-9)

The Giants were 4-1 as October rolled around and first in the East. What happened next was just a epic meltdown. The G-Men proceeded to lose 8 of their last 11 Games. New York stumbled to a 7-9 Record after a epic collapse. By Seasons end, Coughlin retired and became the new GM after Jerry Reese was fired. Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell was also shown the door. Coughlin hired Steve Spagnuolo and Todd Bowles to be the Giants new Defensive Coordinator and Head Coach respectively.




Washington Redskins(4-12)

The Skins' ushered in the "Jay Gruden ERA" and it was a year of rebuilding in a new System. Washington is committed to Robert Griffin III but he was on IR 4 times this year. He finished with no Touchdowns, 2 picks, and 10 fumbles as the 2012 #2 Pick was always hurt. Washington rallied behind Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy. Now questions have risen on RG3 as Washington signed former Vikings QB Christian Ponder. If RG3 continues to get hurt, Gruden and the Skins may pull the trigger on him. Needless to say come Pre-Season, RG3 will be the topic of conversation.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2/16/15


OAKLAND RAIDERS could be on the move in a couple years..



OAKLAND- As the Raiders prepare for the Off-Season, Owner Mark Davis is left once again negotiating a new Stadium for his Father's Football Team. Oakland Coliseum is the one of the oldest Stadiums in the National Football League.

"The Black Hole" has seen better days.

"It seems like for the past couple years we've been trying to figure out this whole thing. Oakland has been great to us but it's an old building and we share with the Athletics." Owner Mark Davis stated.

The Coliseum hosts both the Raiders and the A's. It's been a never ending negotiation for years and the City of Oakland has yet to put out money for a new Stadium.

The A's Ownership is also negotiating as much as Davis.

"Oakland needs to help us out but we might also be looking for a relocation and keep the "Raider" name. " Davis stated.

Time will tell if the City of Oakland will fork out the funds for a new Stadium or if the Raiders may leave town. The Team will take the Field this August for the 2015 Season and Pre-Season.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NFC SOUTH End of the Year Recap




Tampa Bay Buccaneers(14-2)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a surprise Team this year with former Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith arriving in Florida. With him, Quarterback Josh McCown signed a Contract to be the starting QB. It worked wonders as the Bucs raced out to the NFL's best record at 14-2 and McCown had himself a Career Year throwing for 38 Touchdowns. The Bucs won their first South Division Title since 2007. Tampa had their dream season crushed with a 28-14 loss to the Cowboys in the Divisional Round. TB will look to make another run next year but McCown walked away from Football forcing the Bucs to find another signal Caller in Brian Hoyer.





New Orleans Saints(8-8)

After a 3-0 start, the Saints looked poised to clinch the South Division. However Brees became a Turnover machine and WHO DAT! dropped 4 straight. The skid would prove costly as the Saints rallied to finish with an 8-8 Record but missing the Playoffs. New Orleans lost TE Jimmy Graham in Free Agency so Brees and Company will look to bounce back in 2015.




Atlanta Falcons(4-12)

The Falcons were a mess this year. Mike Smith's System has ran stale and the results showed on the field as Matt Ryan and Company struggled bad. The Team was completely manhandled by opposing squads that fans booed them and Head Coach Mike Smith was fired after a 20-10 Week 16 loss to the Saints. Owner Arthur Blank hired Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn as the Teams next Head Coach.




Carolina Panthers(3-13)

Carolina won Week 1 but then proceeded to lose 11 straight with Cam Newton being benched for Derek Anderson in Week 9. Newton had more Turnovers than Touchdowns and the Panthers picked up 2 more wins behind Anderson. Rivera is safe and Newton was awarded a massive 6 Year/107m Contract. Carolina is committed to their Franchise QB and believe they can bounce back next year. Question is will Cam have a rebound year after being given the bank?

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NFC WEST End of the Year Recap




Seattle Seahawks(12-4)

The defending Champions Seahawks clinched their second straight West Title and held the #2 Seed in the NFC Playoffs. The Hawks went unbeaten at home and clinched the Division when they beat the Cardinals Week 16. Russell Wilson has started to become his own man as the signal caller had 27 Touchdowns and the Legion of Boom Defense led the way once again. Seattle clinched the BYE, beat the Bears in the Divisional Round, came back from 10 down to beat the Cowboys in the NFC Championship. However their Season ended in Super Bowl 49 at the hands of Tom Brady and The Dynasty in a blowout 38-10 loss.




San Francisco 49ers(12-4)

The 49ers had a great year with Kaepernick thriving in Roman's Offensive System tossing 30 TDs and over 3,000 yards. San Francisco made the Playoffs for the 4th year in a row under Jim Harbaugh but the 9ers were upset in Dallas 31-0 on Wildcard Weekend. The shocking shutout was the 9ers earliest Playoff exit in Harbaughs tenure.




Arizona Cardinals(11-5)

The Cards looked to make history this year becoming the first Team in history to host their own Super Bowl. Arizona looked poised to clinch a BYE and the West Title but losing 3 straight Division Games dropped them to 11-5 and a Wildcard spot. The next week they were defeated in Chicago ending any hopes of a Super Bowl. Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles became the Giants Head Coach and now Arizona will look to regroup for 2015.




St. Louis Rams(8-8)

Jeff Fisher is still the man for the job in St. Louis according to the Kroenke Family. The Rams made it clear that Fisher isn't going anywhere just yet as they finished without a losing Record for the first time since 2006 when they finished 8-8. Franchise Quarterback Sam Bradford missed time again with broken ribs so as St. Louis prepares for the Off-Season, questions have risen on if Bradford is still the man for the job.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Interested to see if Fisher can keep it above his 7-9 tendencies with or without Bradford.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Interested to see if Fisher can keep it above his 7-9 tendencies with or without Bradford.

Yeah going 8-8 pretty much saved his job lol

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2/17/15


MIAMI DOLPHINS: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill excited for McCarthy hiring...




SOUTH BEACH- As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the Mike McCarthy ERA, Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has defended the hire as the Fins prepare for next season.

"I know the guys here, myself included are really excited for Mike (McCarthy) to be here. He's a Super Bowl Winning Coach, he came in here this Season and I remember his plan worked perfectly. They beat us pretty good. I'm excited myself. I think with a new Team, new changes may do us all good. I know the Packers had some problems but sometimes a change of scenery can do us all good. We're excited to get to work this Spring and see where we can go." Tannehill stated.