~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Solid hire for Arizona. I could see him at the helm of a team in the not so distant future.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: General Manager Kevin Colbert defends Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger "He's the leader of this Team.".



3/4/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers were a Team full of nothing but drama on and off the field. Franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was constantly airing Team "Dirty Laundry" on his Pittsburgh Radio Show 97.1 The Fan.

It didn't take long for the jabs to start as fellow Wideouts like Antonio Brown and Chad Hall let their feelings be known.

But throughout the drama, General Manager Kevin Colbert defended their Franchise Quarterback.

"Ben is the leader of this Football Team. We've won 2 almost 3 Super Bowls with him. The guys in the locker room should follow his leadership and examples. Matter fact they should ask him what they can do to be better to help him out so we can win more Championships. We've missed the Playoffs the past few years and thats not enough. I defend Ben's decisions on how he demands this Team to be the best. If no one can accept that then I got no problem moving them around to get guys in here who will follow our Quarterback and help him win." Colbert stated.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Head Coach Mike Tomlin's message to Ben Roethlisberger. "Apologize to us or don't play."



3/4/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



It appears that Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is over the 2014 drama filled season that killed the Steelers Playoff hopes.

Pittsburgh was 5-4 and in the hunt before a 4 game skid dropped them to 5-8 and the Steelers were eliminated from the Playoffs.

However the silver lining is that they did win their last 3 Games to finish 8-8.

But the Steelers missed the Playoffs for the third year in a row.

The Steel-Town Football Team was a mess with Franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger constantly taking to his Radio Show 97.1 The FAN where he aired "Dirty Laundry" throwing his Team under the bus.

Wideouts Chad Hall and Antonio Brown fired back with Hall even threatening to no show OTA's and Camp.

"He was hard to work with this year. It was always our fault never his. I'm here to help this Team win a Super Bowl." Chad Hall stated.

Hall won the AFC Best WR Award in 2014 racking up over 1,300 yards and over 10 Touchdowns.

But now today it looks like Head Coach Mike Tomlin is officially putting an end to the drama.

He was forced to put out fires all year long.

"Ben (Roethlisberger) is the leader of this Team. We all love him and support him. However this year was difficult for us all as he kept causing problems. He's very passionate about the game but now to put this behind us so we can move forward he needs to issue an apology or I will put him on the bench. It's time to bury the hatchet so that starts with Ben. Apologize or don't play." Tomlin said.

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Big Ben and Tomlin having a falling out? Could be big if true.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Ben Roethlisberger "I'm just trying to clear my head before I meet with the Team."



3/10/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is enjoying the Off-Season and some time off as the Franchise QB practices his Golf swing.

But Ben is aware of what's going on back in Steel Town.

"I'm trying to clear my head honestly. It's the Off-Season for us and I know what's going on back in Pittsburgh. Both Chad and A.B are expecting me to apologize and I probably do owe the Team one. I know this past year was rough for us and I wasn't the best Leader I know I can be for this Football Team. Give me some time let me enjoy the Off-Season and family but when it's right when I meet with the Team i'll be a better leader. Mike (Tomlin) has been in contact with me as well and we know what needs to happen." The Steelers Quarterback stated.

The Steelers went 8-8 in 2014 and missed the Playoffs for the 3rd year in a row as Roethlisberger constantly took to his Radio Show in Pittsburgh 97.1 The FAN where he aired Team Dirty Laundry.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Matt Patricia "I'm ready for a repeat."



3/11/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The New England Patriots were back on top of the mountain after beating the Seattle Seahawks in blowout fashion 38-10 in Super Bowl 49 in Glendale, Arizona.

The Dynasty won their 4th Super Bowl Title and Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia is ready for a repeat.

"Absolutely!" Exclamed Patricia. "It's amazing everytime you win a Super Bowl and you get that parade downtown in Boston. I'm ready for a repeat and I know the fans here would love to see us go back to back. We haven't done that since 2003 I believe. But being part of this Organization is something I'm proud of."

Patricia has been with the Patriots since 2004 in various Positions before taking over as Defensive Coordinator in 2012.

The last time a Team won back to back Super Bowls were the New England Patriots in 2003-2004.

New England is set to kick off the 2015 Season on Thursday September 10, 2015 in the annual kickoff against the Miami Dolphins.

[johnstone1987]

CHICAGO BEARS: Quarterback Jay Cutler early favorite to win MVP again? QB Coach Matt Cavanaugh thinks so...



3/13/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Chicago Bears had a Cinderella Story this year where The Monsters of the Midway went 12-4 and clinched their first NFC North Title since 2010.

But their "Dream Season" came to an end in the NFC Divisional Round with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

But Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler was something out of this World last year.

Cutler had 4,736 yards, 42 Touchdowns, to just 12 picks.

Jay went on to win his first ever MVP Award as the Bears went on a tear in 2014.

Chicago's Quarterback Coach Matt Cavanaugh had Cutler playing the best Football of his Career.

"Jay is determined to be among the best. The way he grew last year really proves that. I think without a doubt he can win MVP again. We rallied behind him all the way to the Playoffs. We're looking to make the Super Bowl this year." Cavanaugh stated.

[Careless Whisper]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

I love that in this universe Cutler is the reigning MVP, while Peyton Manning is bizzaro Jameis Winston. Only thing that needs to change is for someone to knock the Pats off their pedestal!

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

I love that in this universe Cutler is the reigning MVP, while Peyton Manning is bizzaro Jameis Winston. Only thing that needs to change is for someone to knock the Pats off their pedestal!

If it makes you feel better I was playing as the Seahawks in the Super Bowl but New England was just to damn good lol.

Got my A$$ handed to me haha

[TMJOHNS18]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

I love that in this universe Cutler is the reigning MVP, while Peyton Manning is bizzaro Jameis Winston. Only thing that needs to change is for someone to knock the Pats off their pedestal!

Love that Cutler will go down as the unquestionable greatest Bears QB, first to pass 4000 yards! MVP well earned.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Head Coach Jim Harbaugh "Disappointing Year for us. Next year we need to be better."



3/20/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The San Francisco 49ers are still trying to get the bad taste out of their mouths after the earliest exit from the Playoffs in Jim Harbaugh's tenure in the Bay.

"It was a disappointing year for us honestly. We took a rough loss on Wildcard Weekend and that ended our Season." Harbaugh said.

Since his arrival in the Bay in 2011, Harbaugh had turned around the 49ers in a heartbeat and they have become a threat in the NFC.

Winning their first NFC West Title since 2002 and making the NFC Championship 3 years in a row including the Franchises first Super Bowl appearence since 1994.

San Francisco lost to the Baltimore Ravens 34-31.

In 2014 the 9ers went 12-4 to tie with the Seattle Seahawks for the West Crown.

Thanks to tiebreakers and splitting the Season Series, the Seahawks clinched the NFC West and the 49ers took the Wildcard spot with the Arizona Cardinals.

Another trip to the Playoffs clinched the 49ers fourth straight year to the Playoffs in the Harbaugh ERA.

However this year ended sooner than expected as the 49ers were shutout 31-0 by the Dallas Cowboys on Wildcard Weekend.

The Offense completely struggled.

"Rough loss. We couldn't get anything going and it was a tough pill to swallow. We need to be much better next Season. Lot of room to improve in." Harbaugh said.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 CHICAGO BEARS PREVIEW



WINDY CITY- The defending NFC North Champions have a lot to prove in 2015. Head Coach Marc Trestman has done a phenomenal job in his 2 years in the Windy City. A 8-8 Finish barely missing out on the Playoffs in 2013, to clinching their first North Division Title since 2010 last year for Da Bears. Chicago went 12-4 but lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.

Trestman has kept his Staff in Place as Chicago prepares for the 2015 Season.

General Manager: Phil Emery(4th Year)

Head Coach: Marc Trestman(3rd Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Aaron Kromer(3rd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Mel Tucker(3rd Year)

QB Coach: Matt Cavanaugh(3rd Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Joe DeCamillis(3rd Year)

Reigning MVP Jay Cutler(42 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions, 4,736 yards,114.8 Passer Rating) thrived in Trestman's System.

The Bears Quarterback will look to put up the same numbers. Backups David Fales and Nathan Stanley also return to Chicago to fill out the QB's Room and hold the clipboard.

Chicago spent some money in Free Agency as in the backfield, Matt Forte(194 Carries, 970 yards, 6 Touchdowns), Bobby Lewis(187 Carries, 798 Yards, 8 Touchdowns.) Michael Ford and Jeremy Henderson all return.

The Bears have picked up former Rams WR Kenny Britt on a 4 Year/6.2m Contract. He had 1,054 yards and 4 Touchdowns last year with the Rams.

Chicago will return Brandon Marshall(1,514 Yards and 14 Touchdowns.) Alshon Jeffery(1,194 Yards and 10 Touchdowns.) Along with Ernest Harris, Aaron White, and Marquess Wilson. Lets not forget star Tight End Martellus Bennett (695 yards and 7 Touchdowns.) Justin Kelly and Tom Crabtree as well.

Jermon Bushrod, Brian Hicks, Matt Slauson, Brian De La Puente, Roberto Garza, Kyle Long, Charles Leno Jr., Cody Booth, and newly signed Jason Fox(2 YR/1.48m) anchor the Offensive Line.

Last year Cutler was sacked 38 times.

General Manager Phil Emery spent cash on the Free Agent Market signing DE Robert Ayers(2 Year/2.6m) LB DJ Williams(2 Year/7.58m) DT Nick Fairley(5 Year/29.3m)

Meanwhile Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, David Bass, Roger Coleman, Jack Barnes, Jon Bostic, Jerry Franklin, Lance Briggs, Jordan Senn, Rookie Chase Gardner will help anchor the Front Seven.

Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman will co anchor the Defensive Backfield with the help of Second year man Kyle Fuller, Kenny Gregory, Joe White. Chris Conte, Barry Kerr(R), Shawn Butler and Ryan Mundy will be the Safeties.

Kicker Robbie Gould and Punter Pat O'Donnell also return.

The Chicago Bears will have 7 Primetime Games in 2015 with 2 of them in the first 2 Weeks.

Week 1 Sunday Night Football VS Rams.

Week 2 Monday Night Football VS Cowboys.

Week 4 BYE

Week 5 Sunday Night Football @ Buccaneers

Week 7 Monday Night Football VS 49ers.

Week 10 Sunday Night Football @ Packers.

Thanksgiving Day @ Lions.

Week 14 Sunday Night Football VS Packers

Week 17, Chicago will wrap up the 2015 Season at Home vs the Vikings.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CINCINNATI BENGALS: Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn named General Manager of Team...


7/4/15

Written By: Ian Rapoport



With the 2015 Season just around the corner the Cincinnati Bengals have officially made VP Katie Blackburn the new General Manager. Blackburn has been with the Team since 2001 where she helped her Father Mike Brown in negotiating Contracts for Players.

Mike Brown will be assisting his Daughter in the Front Office however he's made it clear that Katie will get the final say over the Roster.

"It's exciting to be the new Bengals General Manager heading into the future." Blackburn said. "I been around the Team since 2001 and helped negotiate Contracts with the Players over the years. I feel right at home in the Front Office and been around the Players we have now and connect well with them I think. We're excited about the future here in Cincinnati."

Bengals Owner Mike Brown has been acting as the Team's GM since 1991 and will now hand it over to his Daughter.

Katie has already released her first Tweet as Bengals General Manager.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 CINCINNATI BENGALS PREVIEW




CINCINNATI- The Bengals had an up and down year in 2014 faltering to a 7-9 Record and missing the Playoffs for the first time since 2010 where they went 4-12.
Head Coach Marvin Lewis has retained his Staff and Bengals Ownership has stayed in place.

General Manager: Katie Blackburn(1st Year)

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis(13th Year)

Offensive Assistant Coach: Paul Alexander(13th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Hue Jackson(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Paul Guenther(2nd Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Vance Joseph(2nd Year)

QB Coach: Ken Zampese(13th Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Darrin Simmons(3rd Year)

Bengals Quarterback Andy Dalton was given a 4 Year Extension worth over 21 Million Dollars by new General Manager Katie Blackburn. In 2014 in the final year of his Rookie Contract, Dalton threw 4,692 yards with 36 Touchdowns but had a bad habit of throwing 20 picks. AJ McCarron, Benton Robertson, and Jeff Rowe will fill out the Bengals QB Room.

Cincy faltered to a 7-9 Record and looks to rebound.

In the backfield, Giovanni Bernard(1,343 yards and 8 Touchdowns) and Benjarvis Green-Ellis(272 Yards and 1 Score) return.

Going into 2015, The Bengals went right to work in retaining their Core. Resigning WR AJ Green(1,147 Yards and 11 Touchdowns.) to a 6 Year 42 Million Dollar Contract.

Santonio Holmes(909 yards and 7 Touchdowns) has been resigned on a 1 Year Deal. Marvin Jones(942 yards, 7 Touchdowns) Mohamed Sanu(336 Yards and 4 Touchdowns.) Rookie Bill Shead and Kris Durham(490 Yards and 2 Touchdowns.) TE's Tyler Eiffert(790 Yards and 2 TD's) Jermaine Gresham(104 Yards with 1 TD) and former Bronco Jacob Tamme(48 Yards and a score.)

The Offensive Line will be anchored on the left side by Veteran Andrew Whitworth. (Allowed just 5 Sacks in 2014)
Helping him out will be former Packer Daryn Colledge and Matt Pollak.
Daniel Kilgore, Kevin Zeitler, Andre Smith, Tanner Hawkinson will all round the O-Line out.

Dalton was sacked 37 times in 2014.

The Bengals Defense will return Carlos Dunlap(42 Tackles and 11 Sacks), Geno Atkins(54 Tackles and 9 Sacks.) Bruce Smith(39 Tackles), Rey Maualuga(101 Tackles) Vontaze Burfict(97 Tackles and 4 Sacks) will help anchor the Front Seven.

In the Secondary, Veterans Leon Hall(6 Interceptions) and Pacman Jones(67 Tackles) will lead the Defensive Backfield with Reggie Nelson and George Iloka.

Kicker Mike Nugent and Punter Kevin Huber also return.

Thanks to a losing Record in 2014, the Bengals will have just 1 Primetime Game this year. A Week 11 Monday Night Football matchup against the 49ers in Cincinnati.

Bengals BYE Week 7.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 BUFFALO BILLS PREVIEW



BUFFALO- The Bills entered 2014 in a new era as legendary Owner Ralph Wilson passed away in late spring. The Bills ended the campaign with a 7-9 Record under Doug Marrone who was in his second year at the helm. The Pegula Family gave Doug his confidence as the Bills prepare to build something. The main storyline for Buffalo in 2014 was "Musical QB's" as Marrone shuffled Quarterbacks Josh Allen, EJ Manuel, Jeff Tuel, and Dennis Dixon in a search of finding the Franchise's Quarterback. If Buffalo can't decide on the Franchise QB by the start of the Season then Marrone's seat may get hotter with new Ownership.

General Manager – Doug Whaley(3rd Year)

Head Coach: Doug Marrone(3rd Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Nathaniel Hackett(3rd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Jim Schwartz(2nd Year)

QB Coach: Todd Downing(2nd Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Pepper Johnson(2nd Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Crossman(3rd Year)


BILLSMafia looks to keep building in 2015 as Marrone and Company must decide on who QB1 is for the Season. Recent news out of Camp is that EJ Manuel is leading the race. However he struggled in 2014 (4 TDs 4 Picks and 803 yards)

The Bills will have possibly the best Backfield in the League as CJ Spiller, Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, and Peyton Hillis return. However Spiller and Jackson enter the final year of their Contracts.

Whoever Buffalo decides at Quarterback, the returning Cast of Danny Williams, Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, TJ Graham, and Marquise Goodwin return. Not to forget Scott Chandler, former Packers Matthew Mulligan on a 1 year Deal, and Chris Gragg at TE. Second year Watkins led with 873 yards and 7 Touchdowns.

Cordy Glenn entering the final year of his Contract and Bruce Campbell will anchor the blindside at Left Tackle. The duo allowed just 3 Sacks combined in 2014. Mark Asper(Final year of Contract), Eric Wood(5 Sacks allowed) Chris Hairston will anchor the Offensive Line..

Offensive Coordinator Nathaniel Hackett should have a field day on Defenses with this lineup.

Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz will have plenty to work with as we saw glimpses of how good his Defense can be in 2014.

Edge Rushers Jarius Wynn, Alan Branch, Mario Williams(12 Sacks), Kyle Williams(5 Sacks), Manny Lawson, Brandon Spikes(132 Tackles) who just signed a 5 Year Deal, and Kiko Alonso.

In the Defensive Backfield Stephon Gilmore enters the last year of his Contract. Corey Graham, Former Browns Tashaun Gipson who signed a 3 year Deal with Aaron Williams.

Dustin Hopkins returns while newly signed 1 year Punter Zoltan Mesko makes his Bills Debut.

Buffalo will have 2 PRIMETIME Games this year with a Week 8 Monday Night Football Matchup in Tennessee vs the Titans. A Week 10 Thursday Night Football in Baltimore vs the Ravens.

The Bills will have a nice 3 Game Homestand to open up the Season followed by 4 straight on the road with a Week 6 BYE.