~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC NORTH End of the Year RECAP





Cleveland Browns(12-4)

The Browns were a Cinderella Story under new Head Coach Mike Pettine who came in and became a hero in the City of Cleveland. The Brownies clinched their first ever North Title, returned to the Playoffs for the first time since 2002, and Pettine was also a favorite for Coach of the Year. The City of BELIEVELAND came one stop of their first Super Bowl as they lost to the Dynasty in Foxboro. Now Cleveland will usher in the "Johnny Football" ERA as former QB Brian Hoyer has signed with the Bucs. The Browns will now see if Manziel can replicate the same success that the Browns had this year.




Pittsburgh Steelers(8-8)

Pittsburgh was an absolute Car Accident! Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger began throwing his Team under the bus after every loss on his Radio Show. As the year went on more and more drama began spilling out of the Steel City. Soon many Players like Chad Hall and Antonio Brown began firing back at Big Ben for not taking any blame. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was forced to put out fires all year long and now the Team must refocus for next season. A 4 Game slide dropped them to 5-8 and doomed their year as they missed the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row. WR Chad Hall is threatening to no show OTAs without a apology from Roethlisberger. Should be an interesting Off-Season in the Steel City.




Cincinnati Bengals(7-9)

The Bengals had a rough year as the Team just struggled to win games. Quarterback Andy Dalton had over 4,500 yards and 36 Touchdowns but couldn't stay away from the picks throwing 20. Cincy signed Santonio Holmes to help boost the Offense but the Team still stumbled down the stretch. Holmes is looking to remain a Tiger as WHO DEY! will look to bounce back in 2015.




Baltimore Ravens(7-9)

Baltimore's Season was over before it began. On Opening Sunday, Quarterback Joe Flacco was sacked vs the Bengals and broke his collarbone. The Blackbirds rallied behind backup QB Tyrod Taylor who kept Baltimore above water to a 4-4 Record before Flacco returned. John Harbaugh was given a pass as the Ravens stumbled to a 7-9 finish. Now they will look to bounce back next year with Flacco healthy.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC EAST End of the Year RECAP




New England Patriots(13-3)

The Dynasty continued in 2014 as the Patriots added another Super Bowl title to their resume blowing the Seahawks out 38-10 in Super Bowl 49. New England lost Tom Brady for a few games after suffering a shoulder loss in the Week 13 loss to the Packers. Backup Ryan Mallet helped lead the Pats to more wins before Brady came back in the Season finale to help New England to another East Title. In the Playoffs the Pats held Homefield Advantage beating the Chargers in the Divisional Round and the Browns in the AFC Championship. Now with Brady set to return, the Pats will look to continue their Dynasty.




New York Jets(9-6-1)

After missing the Playoffs for the past couple years, the Jets had speculation that the Rex Ryan ERA was coming to an end in New York. Geno Smith suffered a torn achillies and the Jets turned to Rookie John David Booty who was given a chance to live his NFL dream. The result was the Jets returning to the Playoffs and Ryan saved his job.




Buffalo Bills(7-9)

Under new Management after the passing of legendary Owner Ralph Wilson, Buffalo's Head Coach Doug Marrone still had the support of the organization. Buffalo had a "QB Carousel" this year as the Franchise looked for it's QB. Josh Allen, Jeff Tuel, Dennis Dixon, and EJ Manuel all took snaps this year. Now the Bills and Marrone must decide on the Franchise QB for the 2015 campaign.




Miami Dolphins(7-9)

Miami had a rough year as Head Coach Joe Philbin was fired after a 7-9 last place finish. However this came as a shock to no one as Miami Owner Stephen Ross already speculated he was hiring Mike McCarthy as new Head Coach. Over Thanksgiving, news broke that Ross was offering McCarthy a Contract. Now with Philbin out the door and McCarthy officially hired, the Dolphins will look to see if McCarthy can get the Team back to the Playoffs for the first time since 2008.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC East and North have a lot of 'down' seasons considering the teams were hovering around .500. Rest of AFC better lookout if those teams turn it around next year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC SOUTH End of the Year RECAP




Tennessee Titans(12-4)

After a 1-4 start many people wrote the Titans off before they rallied for 11 straight wins and a trip back to the Playoffs. Tennessee came together under Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt and QB Jake Locker for their first Division Title since 2008. Their dream season came to an end in the Divisional Round to the Cleveland Browns. Now Tennessee will look to continue it's quest atop the South in 2015.




Houston Texans(7-9)

The Texans ushered in the Bill O' Brien ERA and finished strong to a 7-9 Record. Houston had it's doses of "Fitz Magic" as Fitzpatrick was the QB. Now the Texans will look to take the next step in 2015 in getting back to the Playoffs.



Indianapolis Colts(4-12)

The Colts season was officially over after a Week 3 loss to the Titans when Quarterback Andrew Luck broke his Collarbone. Luck was out for 8 Games where Indy turned the "Keys to the Car" over to backups Matt Hasselbeck, Thad Lewis, and Sean Mannion. Chuck Pagano was given a pass as Indy continued to sink. Now they look to turn things around in 2015.




Jacksonville Jaguars(3-13)

The Jags Season was up and down as the Team caught a glimpse of their Future with Rookie QB Blake Bortles. However he has already raised some eyebrows as he went down with a injury in Pre-Season. Gus Bradley was given a pass to work with a losing year but now Jacksonville could place him on the hot Seat if Bortles doesn't improve next year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC WEST End of the Year RECAP




Kansas City Chiefs(11-5)

Andy Reid has KC as West Champions for the first time since 2010 but were upset on Wildcard Weekend by the San Diego Chargers. A Season that looked so promising came to a bitter end. Now KC is looking to regroup and make another run in 2015.




San Diego Chargers(10-6)

San Diego returned to the Playoffs as a Wild Card and upset the Chiefs on Wildcard Weekend. However the next week they were absolutely crushed in Foxboro 45-7 by the Patriots. The Bolts will look to rebound next year and try to get Rivers his first Super Bowl.




Denver Broncos(4-11-1)

Denver was an absolute Train Wreck in 2014 with Peyton Manning throwing 41 picks. The Broncos completely stumbled all year long with Manning turning the ball over like he's handing out candy on Halloween. However Manning wasn't ready to call it quits yet and announced he's returning to the Mile High City. Now Denver will look to redeem themselves in 2015 as Wade Phillips will revamp the Defense and Peyton will try to redeem himself.




Oakland Raiders(0-16)

Oakland became the Second Team in NFL History to finish 0-16 joining the 2008 Detroit Lions. By Season's end, Head Coach Dennis Allen, Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson, and Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver were all fired. The Raiders have hired Chargers D.C John Pagano as new Head Coach, Mike Tice as O.C, and Broncos DC Jack Del Rio as Defensive Coordinator. Oakland will usher in a new ERA come 2015 but it looks to be a year of more rebuilding.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 Top Games to look forward to in 2015...


New England Patriots VS Miami Dolphins
2015 NFL Kick-Off. Thursday Night Football..

The New England Patriots will kick off the 2015 Season by hanging another Super Bowl Banner and hosting the Miami Dolphins. However, Miami will be ushering in the "Mike McCarthy ERA" as Stephen Ross has hired the former Packers Head Coach. In Week 13 Green Bay beat the Patriots at Lambeau Field. Now McCarthy will get another chance on Primetime to beat Belichick once again with the Dolphins.


Green Bay Packers VS Denver Broncos
Week 1

The Packers will usher in the "Joe Philbin ERA" as they welcome Peyton Manning and the Broncos to Lambeau Field in Week 1. It's almost criminal that the NFL Gods didn't put this Game on Primetime for the world to watch 2 of the best QB's in the game today. Denver had a rough year in 2014 with Manning throwing 41 picks. In 2015 the Broncos will look to redeem themselves and that starts with a trip to Green Bay against Aaron Rodgers.


Cleveland Browns VS New England Patriots
Week 2 Sunday Night Football

In the AFC Championship the Patriots knocked off the Browns thanks to a Brady Game Winning Drive. It's only fitting that these two will get a rematch on Sunday Night Football. There won't be a Super Bowl on the line however but a victory over the Dynasty in Cleveland should leave some satisfaction for now in "BelieveLand".


Tennessee Titans VS New York Jets
Week 2

The Jets lost twice to the Titans last year with a Wildcard loss ending their season in the "Music City." Ryan is still at the helm and now thanks to the NFL Gods, Gang Green will get a chance for revenge but once again will be on the road in Tennessee. Could the third time be the charm?


Seattle Seahawks VS San Francisco 49ers
Week 3 Sunday Night Football

The first time this hot rivalry will meet will be on Sunday Night Football in Week 3. Last year they split with each Team winning on their home fields. Get ready for another battle in this epic Harbaugh-Carroll rivalry.


Green Bay Packers VS Arizona Cardinals
Week 4 MNF

Last year the Cardinals held the #1 Defense and tried to become the first Team in NFL history to host their own Super Bowl. A loss to the Bears on Wildcard Weekend ended that dream. Now Todd Bowles is out the door and Arizona will try once again to continue their quest. A Monday Night Football matchup against Aaron Rodgers will be a good test to see if their Defense has taken a step forward or a step back.


Seattle Seahawks VS Chicago Bears
Week 6

In the NFC Divisional Round, Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson found a man free in the End Zone for the Game Winning TD. Chicago would of host the NFC Championship if it wasn't for a blown coverage. Now thanks to the NFL Gods, the rematch is back in Seattle where Da Bears will look for some redemption.


New Orleans Saints VS Green Bay Packers
Week 6

It will be another Chapter in the Aaron Rodgers VS Drew Brees rivalry. In 2014 the Packers beat the Saints on Sunday Night Football. Brees and Company will host Rodgers and the Pack again in Week 6.


Green Bay Packers VS Chicago Bears
Week 10 Sunday Night Football

The oldest rivalry in the NFL will kick off another chapter as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will look to get some redemption on Jay Cutler and the Bears. Last year Chicago swept Green Bay thanks to Mike McCarthy. Now Green Bay under Joe Philbin will look to get some revenge on the Monsters of the Midway.


Dallas Cowboys VS Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 10 Monday Night Football

The Buccaneers went 14-2 and were upset by the Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Round of the Playoffs. Josh McCown retired and now reigning Coach of the Year Lovie Smith will turn to Brian Hoyer and look forward to some payback when Tampa heads to "Jerry's World" for a Primetime Matchup.


Green Bay Packers VS Seattle Seahawks
Week 12 Sunday Night Football

The Seahawks hosted the Packers on Opening Night of 2014 where Seattle edged past Green Bay. Now Seattle will travel to historic Lambeau Field on a cold chilly night in November for a epic showdown on Sunday Night Football.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Has the league made a decision on McCarthy's fate for Week 1? Thursday Night Football shaping up to be the Tampering Bowl.

[mvpstax]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

The week 12 matchup is going to be REALLY interesting

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NFL announces Week 17 Sunday Night Football.. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS and GREEN BAY PACKERS close out the 2015 Season...



2/25/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



As the NFL heads into Spring Camps and OTA's, we celebrate the 2015 NFL Schedule. Some interesting matchups through the year but now NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced the Week 17 Sunday Night Football matchup.

And get your popcorn ready NFL fans.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will head to Levi's Stadium for a huge Primetime Game against Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers have beaten the Packers 4 straight times including 2 in the Playoffs with their most recent one over a cold day in Green Bay 23-20 on Wildcard Weekend in 2013.

"They've had our number for awhile. Well Coached Team. Jim (Harbaugh) really is one of the best. It be nice to go in there and get a win. We kinda owe them that." Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated.

"When you beat a Team multiple times in a row, each time becomes a new challenge. It will be a big game for both of us. Aaron (Rodgers) is just one of the best to ever do it." 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh stated.

The 49ers suffered their earliest Playoff exit ever in Harbaugh's tenure when they were shutout 31-0 to the Cowboys on Wildcard Weekend.

Green Bay is coming off a 9-7 Season in which Mike McCarthy and Dom Capers will not be returning to the Packers.

New Head Coach Joe Philbin will look to beat Jim Harbaugh.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Ranking the NFC Teams entering 2015 Season....


16. Carolina Panthers- Coming off a horrible 3-13 year in which QB Cam Newton was benched, that didn't stop the Panthers from opening up their wallet and giving their Franchise Quarterback 107 Million Dollars.


15. Washington Redskins- First Year Head Coach Jay Gruden had a up and down year. Washington lost QB Robert Griffin III 4 times this year to multiple injuries. However, the Skins rallied behind Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy.


14. Atlanta Falcons- The Dirty Birds were a loss cause as Head Coach Mike Smith's System was officially stale. Atlanta was dead from the start and after a horrible year Arthur Blank fired Smith. Now Dan Quinn will start the new ERA of Falcons Football.


13. Minnesota Vikings- Despite one of the worst Defenses in the League in 2014, Head Coach Mike Zimmer has the Vikings headed in the right direction with Matt Cassel at Quarterback.


12. Detroit Lions- The Lions struggled in Jim Caldwell's System with QB Matthew Stafford missing time. However, a year under their belts, Detroit should take that step forward.


11. New York Giants- Missing out on the Top 10 are the G-Men and for good reason. New York had a 4-1 Record before the Giants collapsed to a 7-9 finish. After the rough year, Coughlin retired and became the new General Manager as Jerry Reese was fired. Now the Giants enter a new ERA with a new Staff.


10. Philadelphia Eagles- Philly had a rough year as the Birds lost players like Nick Foles and Shady McCoy. Chip Kelly and Philly will look to rebound in 2015.


9. St. Louis Rams- Jeff Fisher is still the man for the job according to the Rams. I mean they did finish 8-8 which is a upgrade from Fisher's 7-9 pattern. Well, that and they did beat the Seahawks in St. Louis before being slaughtered in Seattle in a shutout.


8. New Orleans Saints- Drew Brees is back. This spells trouble for the NFC. But after a 8-8 Finish, WHODAT! will have a lot to prove this Season.


7. Green Bay Packers- The Mike McCarthy-Packers Feud resulted in a 9-7 finish after a 6-2 start. Throughout the year McCarthy cost the Pack games. New Season, New Era.
Exit McCarthy.
Enter Philbin.


6. Arizona Cardinals- Arizona will look to bounce back after having a epic collapse that held them from hosting a Playoff Game. The Cards missed out on hosting their own Super Bowl. Todd Bowles is gone, John Abraham retired. It's redemption time in the Desert.


5. Dallas Cowboys- Luck gets you far. Clapping your hands gets you to the NFC Championship Game. Head Coach Jason Garrett will attempt to clap his hands harder in 2015.


4. San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers have never missed the Playoffs since Jim Harbaugh arrived in the Bay. 2015 should be no different.


3. Chicago Bears- Marc Trestman has Chicago a serious threat in the NFC. This Team came one play away from hosting the NFC Championship and Jay Cutler won his first ever MVP Award.


2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Despite losing Josh McCown to retirement, Tampa will look to replicate 2014 with Brian Hoyer at Quarterback. If Tampa needs motivation they host Super Bowl 50.


1. Seattle Seahawks- The Legion of Boom Defense. Enough said.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

MIAMI DOLPHINS: New Head Coach Mike McCarthy suspended for first 4 Games... QB Coach Zac Taylor to be named Interim Head Coach.



2/28/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced today that new Dolphins Head Coach Mike McCarthy has been suspended for the Dolphins first 4 Games of the 2015 Season.

"We have made the decision on going through with the suspension of Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McCarthy. He will be allowed at practices and facilities for Training Camp and Preseason. But he will not be allowed on the sidelines until Week 5." Goodell stated.

The Dolphins have announced that Quarterbacks Coach Zac Taylor will be named Interim Head Coach for McCarthy's suspension.

McCarthy was in South Beach last year over Thanksgiving meeting with Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross while the Packers prepared for the New England Patriots.

"I accept the penalty honestly." McCarthy said. "I mean I was still under Contract with the Packers and came out here to Miami and met with the Dolphins. I will take this one on the chin. I'll be back Week 5."

McCarthy lost the locker room in Green Bay and was being called out by Aaron Rodgers and other Coaches across the league.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Uh-oh. .

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Ranking the AFC Teams entering 2015 Season....



16. Oakland Raiders- Becoming the second Team in NFL History to go 0-16, Oakland enters 2015 with a new Staff mostly. This Team won't win more than 4 Games with the roster they have.


15. Denver Broncos- Manning threw 41 picks in 2014 and is coming back for redemption. However Denver will have a lot to prove in 2015 and that starts with Peyton Manning. Can he redeem himself?


14. Jacksonville Jaguars- It's now or never for the Jags as Gus Bradley will now see just how good Blake Bortles can be in his second year. Another rough year for the Jags and Bradley may find himself out the door.


13. Houston Texans- A year under O'Brien's belt, the Texans should come together in 2015. A dose of Fitz-Magic once again and Houston should take the next step.


12. Miami Dolphins- After another year of missing the Playoffs Miami fired Joe Philbin for Mike McCarthy. Now McCarthy will try to get the Fins back to the Playoffs after leaving the Packers.


11. Buffalo Bills- A year after playing "QB Carousel" Buffalo must now pick who QB1 is heading into 2015. Marrone must now get the Bills closer to the Playoffs if he wishes to keep his job with the new Owners.


10. Baltimore Ravens- Losing Joe Flacco for half the year did Baltimore in. Despite Taylor's backup performances, Baltimore must rebound in 2015.


9. Indianapolis Colts- Andrew Luck broke his collarbone in Week 4 and missed 8 Games. Indy was a sinking ship afterwards. Luck is healthy and back and now Indy will look to rebound this Season.


8. Cincinnati Bengals- Cincy missed out on the Playoffs but Andy Dalton still had one of his best years. With returning Santonio Holmes, the Bengals will try to rebound and make the Playoffs after a year absence.


7. Pittsburgh Steelers- Roethlisberger threw his Team under the bus throughout 2014 causing a bunch of drama in the Steel City. As a result the Steelers missed the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row despite being in the hunt. Now Ben must get on the same page as his Team for 2015 but Chad Hall, Antonio Brown, and others are still pissed.


6. New York Jets- Rex Ryan and the Jets returned to the Playoffs in 2014 and with a new Quarterback at the helm, New York could be building something...


5. San Diego Chargers- Phillip Rivers and the Bolts will look to prove that 2014 was no fluke when they made the Playoffs. Now with a new Season, San Diego will look to take that next step and try to get Rivers a ring.


4. Kansas City Chiefs- Andy Reid is upset. Kansas City clinched their first West Title since 2010 just to be upset by San Diego on Wildcard Weekend. But that can be motivation as KC will look to repeat as West Champions. Easier said than done with Manning coming back in Denver.


3. Tennessee Titans- Ken Whisenhunt and Jake Locker put together a inspiring Cinderella Story rattling off 11 straight wins to clinch the South Title. The Titans returned to the Playoffs for the first time since 2008. Expectations are high in the Music City.


2. Cleveland Browns- Believeland is ready for a Super Bowl Party. Mike Pettine took the Browns to the AFC Championship and will now look to get over the hump.


1. New England Patriots- Tom Brady. Bill Belichick. The Dynasty... Enough said....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Promote DB Coach Kris Richard to new Defensive Coordinator...



3/2/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



With former Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn heading to Atlanta for his first Head Coaching Gig, the Seattle Seahawks are promoting from within their Organization.

The defending NFC Champions have named Kris Richard as their new Defensive Coordinator.

"Kris has been with us for awhile and the guys on that side of the ball respond to him well. We're excited for him to step up and get it." Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll stated.

Richard has been with the Seahawks since 2010 under Carroll before becoming the Defensive Backs Coach in 2012.

He, along with Dan Quinn and Pete Carroll help formed the Legion of Boom Defense that the Hawks are known for.

"We all love Kris. The guys here respond to him well. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we're excited for next Season." Seahawks Cornerback Richard Sherman stated.

Seattle has the entire L.O.B Defense returning as the Seahawks look to bounce back from being blown out in the Super Bowl by the New England Patriots.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Hire Jaguars Robert Saleh as new Defensive Coordinator...



3/2/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Arizona Cardinals have found their new Defensive Coordinator.

With Todd Bowles becoming the New York Giants new Head Coach, Arizona has announced today that Jaguars Robert Saleh is their new Defensive Coordinator.

Saleh, was the Jaguars Linebackers Coach in 2014 under Head Coach Gus Bradley and was a Defensive Coach with the Seahawks from 2011-2013 contributing to the Seahawks monster 2013 Defensive Unit.

"Robert was someone who just blew us away in the interview process. His attention to detail was bar none." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated.

This makes Robert Saleh's first gig as a Defensive Coordinator in the NFL.

"I'm excited honestly. I've been around for a little while in the NFL and to be a Defensive Coordinator is a huge chance for me. I'm excited to be here in Arizona." Saleh stated.

Last year Todd Bowles had the Cardinals as the #1 Defense in the NFL but the Cards came up short over Wildcard Weekend in Chicago with a loss to the Bears.