~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 DETROIT LIONS PREVIEW


"Defending the Den.."


MOTOR CITY- The Detroit Lions had a up and down Season in 2014 as they ushered in the Jim Caldwell ERA. A 2-0 start turned into 2-4, rallied to 4-4, fell to 4-8, then finished with a 6-10 Record and missing the Playoffs. Franchise Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Lions struggled in the new System and missed a month with a shoulder injury. Now the Leo's will look to step forward in the second year of Caldwell's system.

General Manager: Martin Mayhew(8th Year)

Head Coach: Jim Caldwell(2nd Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Ron Prince(2nd Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Joe Lombardi(2nd Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Jim Bob Cooter(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin(2nd Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: John Bonamego(3rd Year)


Matthew Stafford is back healthy after suffering a torn shoulder and missing 4 Games. However Stafford had a decent year under Caldwell(2,552 yards, 20 Touchdowns and 9 picks.) Cooter and Lombardi are set at Quarterback with their Franchise Player. Jake Rudock, Dan Orlovsky, and Kellen Moore who filled in for Stafford will round out the Lions Quarterback Room.

USC Reggie Bush(1,537 yards and 13 Touchdowns) will lead the Lions backfield with Andrew Hale, Zach Zenner, and FB Jed Collins.

"Megatron" will look to take that second step forward in Caldwell's System. He was held to 887 yards and 4 Touchdowns last year as the Lions struggled to learn. Golden Tate(585 yards and 9 Touchdowns.) Danario Alexander, Hunter Sharp, T.J Jones, and Corey Fuller and TE Eric Ebron(2 TDs)

The Offensive Line will anchor Stafford's blind spot by LT Riley Reiff(15 Blocks and 9 Sacks allowed.) Fred Pace, Travis Swanson(2 Sacks allowed.) Larry Warford, and newly signed Right Tackle Bryan Bulaga to a 4 year/19.9m Deal. He had 14 blocks and 17 Sacks allowed last year in Green Bay.

Detroit's Defense will see Jason Jones, Keith Brunner(5 Sacks) Stud Ndamukong Suh(5 Sacks) Ashlee Palmer, Kyle Van Noy, Stephen Tulloch, Former Viking Mychal Kendricks who didn't see the field last year. Deandre Levy will help lead the Lions Front Seven.

In the Secondary the Lions will have second year man Reggie Owens(2 picks) and welcome former Browns Buster Skrine(49 Tackles in Cleveland)

Glover Quin and Jerome Parker will be the Safeties.

Nate Freese(92%) and Punter Sam Martin.

The Lions will have one PRIMETIME GAME, their annual Thanksgiving Game where they host the Chicago Bears at 12:30pm.

Week 5 BYE.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 GREEN BAY PACKERS PREVIEW


"Leading the Pack..."


TITLETOWN- The Packers 2014 Season was a drama fest. Mike McCarthy refused to change and stuck with his conservative ways which resulted in the Green and Gold finishing 9-7 after a 6-2 start and missing the Playoffs for the first time since 2008. As the year went on many Players had problems with their Head Coach and the locker room began to boil over. QB Aaron Rodgers was constantly left out to dry by McCarthy and kept calling his Head Coach out. Finally after a blowout loss in Week 17 to the Lions, McCarthy was fired along with Dom Capers who followed him to South Beach. Now with a new ERA in Title Town, one of the greatest to ever do it, Aaron Rodgers will look to lead the Packers back to the top of the North Mountain, the Playoffs, and another Super Bowl. Joe Philbin is back and he kept most of McCarthy's Staff and why not? He has a relationship with them. General Manager Ted Thompson once again sat on his hands in Free Agency only signing QB Joe Callahan to a 3 year/9.9m Deal to fill out the QB Room. He also let Bulaga walk to the Detroit Lions.

General Manager: Ted Thompson(11th Year)

Head Coach: Joe Philbin(1st Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Tom Clements(4th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Alex Van Pelt(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Jason Simmons(1st Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Shawn Slocum(7th Year)

Special Teams Assistant Coach: Ron Zook(2nd Year)


Aaron Rodgers(4,164 yards, 35 Touchdowns, 14 picks) is looking to make a rebound after throwing double digit interceptions for the first time since 2010 thanks to the outdated McCarthy system. His "Insurance Policy" Matt Flynn is gone after hitching a ride to the Bay for the 49ers. Now Rodgers must mentor Colby Cameron and Joe Callahan in the QB Room.

Rodgers will have plenty of "Firepower" at his disposal, Eddie Lacy(1,256 yards and 11 Touchdowns.) James Starks(3 Touchdowns) Brandon Evans(1 TD) and Rookie Exil Robinson. FB John Kuhn will be in the Packers Backfield.

Rodgers favorite trusty target Jordy Nelson(1,316 yards and 7 Touchdowns.) Randall Cobb(1,000 yards and 8 Touchdowns) Davante Adams, Chris Harper, Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis. New fan favorite Colt Lyerla(7 Touchdowns)

On the Offensive line, Rodgers blindside will be covered by "The man who chugs more Beer than Rodgers" David Bahktiari(8 Sacks allowed) Josh Sitton(4 Sacks allowed) J.C Tretter(6 Sacks allowed) TJ Lang(5 Sacks allowed) and Don Barclay will take over at RT after Bryan Bulaga signed with the Detroit Lions.

The Packers Defense struggled over the past few years as Dom Capers schemes were as bad as McCarthy's. Now with newly promoted Jason Simmons as Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay will look to fix their Defense.

Mike Neal, Mike Daniels, Tim Ward(13 Sacks), BJ Raji(27 Tackles) Julius Peppers(9 Sacks) AJ Hawk(135 Tackles) Jake Ryan, Clay Matthews(9 Sacks)

In the Secondary, Sam Shields(41 Tackles) and Tramon Williams(5 Interceptions) with Ha-Ha Clinton Dix(102 Tackles) and Morgan Burnett(5 picks)

Kicker Mason Crosby(77%) and Punter Tim Masthay

The Green Bay Packers will have 6 PRIMETIME GAMES this year with a Week 9 BYE.

MNF Week 4 VS Arizona Cardinals
SNF Week 8 @ Kansas City Chiefs
SNF Week 10 VS Chicago Bears
SNF Week 12 VS Seattle Seahawks
SNF Week 14 @ Chicago Bears
SNF Week 17 @ San Francisco 49ers

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

On a side note that's insane! 3 Primetime Games against the NFC WEST??

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers "I really like our Team this year."



7/20/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



As the Green Bay Packers move into the "Joe Philbin ERA" Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is possibly the happiest he's been in a long time.

Last year the Packers fell to a 9-7 record after a hot 6-2 start. By the end of the car accident year Head Coach Mike McCarthy was fired as he hitched a ride to Miami.

"This year I really like our Team." Packers QB Aaron Rodgers stated. "It's the same guys but the atmosphere has changed. Our system was so outdated over the past couple years that we really needed a change. Mike (McCarthy) didn't want to acknowledge it but it needed to happen. We wish him well in Miami and we're excited and comfortable with Joe being back."

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will open up the 2015 Season with a Week 1 matchup against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in Colorado.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 CAROLINA PANTHERS PREVIEW


"On the hunt...."


CHARLOTTE- The Carolina Panthers were a mess in 2014 dropping to a 1-7 start in which Franchise QB Cam Newton was benched in favor of backup veteran Derek Anderson. But even with a switch the Panthers slumped to the finish line with a 3-13 finish. Newton had just 6 Touchdowns and 15 picks before being benched at the halfway point. Rivera opted for Derek Anderson but it was nothing more than a band aid fix. However despite the terrible year, GM Dave Gettleman opened up the checkbook and signed Newton to a massive 6 year/107m Contract. Now with a new year, Newton will look to prove his worth and get Carolina back into the Playoffs.

General Manager: Dave Gettleman(3rd Year)

Head Coach: Ron Rivera(5th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Mike Shula(3rd Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Ken Dorsey(3rd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Sean McDermott(5th Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Steven Wilks(4th Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Richard Rodgers Sr. (4th Year)


Franchise QB Cam Newton(1,418 yards, 7 Touchdowns, 15 picks) has been given 107 Million Dollars. Carolina is committed to their Franchise guy and believe 2015 will be a rebound year. Derek Anderson(1,850 yards, 5 Touchdowns, 10 picks) is the backup. Carolina also picked up Blaine Gabbert who left San Francisco and signed Brett Smith to fill out the QB Room.

RB Jonathan Stewart(479 yards, 6 Touchdowns.) will look to have a much better year. Christine Michael, AJ Miller and FB Mike Tolbert.

With Newton's struggles last year, Carolina's Offense was completely terrible. Yet WR's Robert Foster, Jamal Walker, Jerricho Cotchery, Kelvin Benjamin and TE Greg Olsen(1,164 yards, 9 Touchdowns.) will look to bounce back.

The Offensive Line will be anchored by Nate Chandler(14 Sacks allowed.) Amini Silatolu, Ryan Kalil(8 Sacks allowed) Trai Turner, and Cyrus Kouandjio.

Sean McDermott's Defense will have Charles Johnson(7 Sacks) Greg Hardy(7 Sacks) Star Lotulelei(5 Sacks) Kawann Short(24 Tackles) Linebackers Thomas Davis(76 Tackles) Luke Kuechly(150 Tackles, 6 Sacks, 5 picks) will help lead the Panthers Front Seven.

In the Secondary, Carolina signed CB Chris Culliver from the 49ers and will pair him with Josh Norman.

Safeties Thomas DeCoud(96 Tackles) and Robert Lester(110 Tackles and 3 picks)

Kicker Graham Gano(72%) and Punter Brad Nortman.


Carolina will have 2 PRIMETIME GAMES both on Thursday Night Football.

Week 3 VS Saints
Week 5 VS New York Giants

Week 9 BYE

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CAROLINA PANTHERS: Cam Newton "New year for me and I'm getting this Team to the Playoffs."



7/21/15



Written By: Adam Schefter



The Carolina Panthers are coming off a 3-13 record where Franchise QB Cam Newton was benched for backup Derek Anderson after a 1-7 start.

"It was tough to be benched when deep down I know i'm one of the best QB's in the league. I'm back now and it's a new year for us and frankly I'm gonna be much better," Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton stated.

At 1-7, Carolina Head Coach Ron Rivera benched Newton where he had 7 Touchdowns and 15 picks. Carolina was on a 7 game skid.

"It was best for the Team at the time. We all know Cam can get out of his funk he was in and be that great leader and Quarterback we all know he can be." Rivera stated.

Carolina had faith in their Franchise QB where Newton was given a 6 year 107m Contract.

"That shows that this organization has faith in me and that's great. They made the right choice. I didn't want to go anywhere else. I'm here to get this Team some Super Bowls. We're heading back to the Playoffs. I guarantee it." Newton continued.

"We all love his passion and we believe we can go places with him as our Quarterback. That's why we gave him a extension after his rookie deal was up this year. He's our leader and our Quarterback." Panthers General Manager Dave Gettleman said.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PREVIEW


"The Dynasty rolls on...."


BOSTON- The Dynasty continued in 2014 when the New England Patriots won yet another Championship. A 38-10 blowout over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 49 where Tom Brady got his 4th ring. Without wasting any time, Brady proclaimed he wasn't finished yet and was returning to the Pats for the 2015 Season. New England lost Brady for the last month where backup Ryan Mallett came in and helped secured another AFC East Title for the Patriots and showed the NFL world once again how the Pats System can still win without Brady. "Porn Star" Jimmy was holding the clipboard learning from both Mallett and Brady. New England will hang another Championship Banner and get ready for yet another repeat year as they look for another Championship.


General Manager: Bill Belichick

Head Coach: Bill Belichick(16th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Michael Lombardi(2nd Year)

Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach: Josh McDaniels(4th Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Matt Patricia(4th Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Brian Flores(7th Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Stephen Belichick(4th Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Scott O'Brien(7th Year)

Assistant Special Teams Coordinator: Joe Judge(4th Year)


One of Greatest EVER, Tom Brady missed the last month of the 2014 Season after suffering a shoulder injury in a Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers. However Brady still finished with 3,765 yards, 33 Touchdowns and 11 picks. The Patriots then rolled on to another AFC East Title with backup Ryan Mallett who had 1,356 yards 13 Touchdowns to just 2 picks. He was given a new 3 year deal worth 10 million dollars to help The Dynasty keep winning. Jimmy G continues to hold the clipboard while he keeps learning the Patriot Way.

The Backfield will have Shane Vereen(1,525 yards and 14 Touchdowns) who just signed a new 5 year deal for 22m. Backups James White and Corey Clements with new extension James Devlin return.

"Minitron" Julian Edelman(1,567 yards and 5 Touchdowns) Danny Amendola(489 yards and 7 Touchdowns) will be Brady's favorites again. 2nd year WR Marquez North made some noise with 762 yards and 12 Touchdowns. Lets not forget about the best TE in Football Gronk(912 yards with 10 Touchdowns)

Left Tackle Nate Solder is gone after signing a massive deal with the New York Giants in Free Agency. In his place New England will turn to Cameron Fleming who spent his Rookie Year on the bench.

The rest of the Offensive Line will consist of Logan Mankins(16 Blocks/5 sacks allowed) Ryan Wendell(2 Sacks allowed) Dan Connolly(5 Sacks allowed) Sebastian Vollmer and Marcus Cannon.

The Patriots Defense which helped lead the way to another Super Bowl is back. Matt Patricia's vicious Unit will return Edge Rusher Rob Ninkovich(24 Sacks) Chandler Jones(6 Sacks) Vince Wilfork(7 Sacks) Tony McDaniel and Tommy Kelly(10 Sacks) Linebackers Dont'A Hightower(40 Tackles) Jerod Mayo(94 Tackles) and Jamie Collins(87 Tackles)

In the Patriots Secondary, Cornerback Darrelle Revis returns on a 1 year/12m Deal after winning his first ring and making a impact on the Defense. He racked up 8 picks and 51 tackles.

Brandon Browner(4 picks) Logan Ryan and Malcom Butler just to name a few.

Safeties Devin McCourty(5 picks) and Duron Harmon with Patrick Chung.

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski(74%) who just signed a new 3 year deal.

Punter Ryan Allen.


The New England Patriots will have 7 PRIMETIME GAMES with 3 of them in a row and a Week 10 BYE.

NFL Kickoff VS Miami Dolphins
Week 2 SNF @ Cleveland Browns
Week 6 MNF @ Miami Dolphins
Week 7 SNF VS Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8 TNF VS Washington Redskins
Week 12 MNF VS Tennessee Titans
Week 16 SNF @ New York Jets

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 OAKLAND RAIDERS PREVIEW


"A new ERA in the Bay..."


OAKLAND- The Oakland Raiders made history in 2014 becoming the second Team in NFL History to go 0-16 joining the 2008 Detroit Lions. As a result, Head Coach Dennis Allen, Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson, and Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver were all fired. In a new ERA! Mark Davis and Reggie McKenzie went to work to bring the Raiders back to relevancy. They hired Chargers Defensive Coordinator John Pagano as new Head Coach making it the second pair of Brothers to be in the NFL as Head Coach with the Harbaughs. Chuck Pagano is still the Head Coach in Indy. Pagano went to work filling out his Staff hiring Mike Tice as his Offensive Coordinator and Jack Del Rio as his Defensive Coordinator. He also named Derek Carr the starting Quarterback as the Silver and Black look to build something in the Bay. Rumors of relocation are also swirling in Oakland as the Raiders look for a new Stadium.

General Manager: Reggie McKenzie(4th Year)

Head Coach: John Pagano(1st Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Tony Sparano(3rd Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Mike Tice(1st Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: John DeFlippo(4th Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Jack Del Rio(1st Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Bobby April(3rd Year)


The Raiders completely struggled last year and Derek Carr(247 yards and 3 Touchdowns) has been named the Starting Quarterback. The QB Room will return all 4 Quarterbacks from last year. Matt McGloin, Nick Mullens, and Matt Schaub(1,401 yards, 5 Touchdowns, 9 picks).

The Backfield returns MJD(873 yards, 3 Touchdowns) Josh Jacobs, Andre Brown, and DMC(89 yards) who signed a new 3 year deal. FB Marcel Reese.

Oakland revamped the WR Core for Derek Carr. James Jones and Amari Cooper returns. To help out, the Raiders got Nate Washington, Jerome Simpson, and AJ Jenkins. TE Mychal Rivera, Brandon Bostick from GB.

The Offensive Line will be anchored by Donald Penn(15 Sacks allowed) Wade Smith, Trevor Robinson(4 Sacks allowed) Gabe Jackson(13 Sacks allowed) and David Stewart.

New D.C Jack Del Rio will look to turn around a Defense that allowed over 30 points a Game last year.

Lamarr Woodley(17 Sacks) Justin Tuck(3 Sacks) Pat Sims(10 Sacks) Khalil Mack(5 Sacks/83 Tackles) Kevin Burnett(115 Tackles)

Cornerback D.J Hayden(39 Tackles) along with possible #1 Overall Pick CB Trovon Crisp. Oakland also got Bill Bentley from Detroit.

Safeties Charles Woodson(83 Tackles) who is on a 1 year deal and possibly his last at 38 years of age. Tyvon Branch(107 Tackles)

Veteran Kicker Sebastian Janikowski(75%)

Punter Marquette King

The Raiders will have no PRIMETIME GAMES but a Week 5 BYE...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 ST. LOUIS RAMS PREVIEW


"A step forward..."


ST. LOUIS- The Rams began to take a step forward in 2014 where Jeff Fisher and Company finished with a 8-8 Record. Ownership gave Fisher their boost of confidence and not finishing 7-9 pretty much saved Fisher's job. The Rams made it clear that Jeff Fisher was still the man for the job and a 8-8 Finish was the Teams best record since 2006. Quarterback Sam Bradford was having his best Career year yet even after missing 4 Games. Despite being in a heavy loaded NFC West Division, St. Louis will attempt to take the next step and make a run for the Playoffs for the first time since 2004. Ownership is still behind Fisher in building something but for how much longer? It's do or die in 2015 for the Rams.


General Manager: Les Snead(4th Year)

Head Coach: Jeff Fisher(4th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Dave McGinnis(4th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Brian Schottenheimer(4th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Frank Cignetti Jr(4th Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams(2nd Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: John Fassel(4th Year)


Quarterback Sam Bradford has a big problem. He can't stay healthy. Last Season he missed 4 Games and the last time he finished a whole year was back in 2012. In fact Bradford has finished a whole year just twice in his 6 year Career. Entering year 6, Bradford is in the last year of his 6 year Deal from his Rookie Contract. Fisher is still committed to Bradford but the question is is Bradford still the guy for the Rams? If Bradford misses some time again then the Rams may not resign him. However last year Bradford was having the best year of his Career throwing for 31 Touchdowns to just 9 interceptions and 3,352 yards.

St. Louis let Shaun Hill walk to Cleveland in Free Agency but resigned Matt Simms on a 1 year Deal and Garrett Gilbert will round out the QB Room.

The Backfield will be lead by Zac Stacy(1,454 yards and 11 Touchdowns.) Former Boise State Ian Johnson will look to contribute more after just 174 yards and a Score in his Rookie year. Tre Mason and FB Collin Mooney round out.

Bradford's Weapons returns Jaxon Shipley(2 Touchdowns) Brian Quick(7 Touchdowns) and Tavon Austin(8 Touchdowns) Kenny Britt signed with Chicago. To fill his void, The Rams signed former Patriot Aaron Dobson who was on the bench last year as New England won another Super Bowl. TE Jared Cook(1,122 yards and 9 Touchdowns) with Lance Kendricks and Justice Cunningham.

The Offensive Line will be anchored by LT Jake Long(6 Blocks and 9 Sacks allowed) with Greg Robinson(8 Blocks and 5 Sacks allowed) Scott Wells(4 Sacks allowed) Rodger Saffold and Joe Barksdale(11 Sacks allowed)

The "Bounty Hunter" Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams Unit was pretty solid in 2014. Edge Rusher Chris Long(13 Sacks) Robert Quinn(24 Sacks) Michael Sam, Aaron Donald(8 Sacks) with Linebackers Alec Ogletree(60 Sacks) James Laurinaitis(107 Tackles)

In the Secondary, Cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins(61 Tackles and 2 picks) and Trumaine Johnson(6 picks)

Safeties 2nd year man Davon Ross(106 Tackles and 2 picks) and T.J McDonald(76 Tackles)

Kicker "The Leg" Greg Zuerlien 72%

Punter Johnny Hekker

St. Louis will have 2 PRIMETIME GAMES this year with a Week 8 BYE.

SNF Week 1 @ Chicago Bears
TNF Week 9 VS Minnesota Vikings

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 BALTIMORE RAVENS PREVIEW


"Return of the Flock..."


BALTIMORE- The 2014 Ravens Season was doomed from the start when Quarterback Joe Flacco went down on Opening Sunday to the Bengals. Baltimore rallied behind Backup QB Tyrod Taylor for half the Season and he kept the Ravens above water with a 4-4 Record until Flacco returned. However Flacco couldn't save the Flock as the Ravens sunk to a 7-9 Record and missed the Playoffs for the second year in a row after winning Super Bowl 47 back in 2012. Now the Flock looks to return to the Playoffs with a healthy Joe Flacco.


General Manager: Ozzie Newsome(15th Year)

Head Coach: John Harbaugh(7th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Gary Kubiak(2nd Year)

Offensive Assistant: Jay Harbaugh(4th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Rick Dennison(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Dean Pees(4th Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Jerry Rosburg(15th Year)


Quarterback Joe Flacco(1,892 yards, 10 Touchdowns, 5 picks) will look to rebound after missing half of 2014 with a herniated Disk in his back. Backup Tyrod Taylor(2,223 yards, 11 Touchdowns, 8 picks) was signed to a 1 year deal as "Insurance Policy" and Keith Wenning rounds out the QB Room.

Ravens Backfield welcomes back Ray Rice(945 yards and 5 Touchdowns) who missed some time as well. Backup Bernard Pierce(11 Touchdowns) Justin Forsett and FB Kyle Juszczyk.

Steve Smith is still the "Heart and Soul" of the Ravens. The Veteran WR is 36 years old and has possibly his final 2 years left on his legendary Career. Smith racked up 1,137 yards and 5 Touchdowns in 2014. Torrey Smith is also back and the rest of the Wideouts will consist of Jacoby Jones, Javon Griffin and newly acquired Quinton Patton(1 Year/590k) who spent last year on the bench in San Francisco. Tight End Dennis Pitta (1,022 yards and 4 Touchdowns.)

The Ravens Offensive Line will be anchored by Eugene Monroe(12 Blocks and 3 Sacks allowed) who did a phenomenal job watching Flacco's back. Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah(6 Blocks, 2 Sacks allowed) Marshall Yanda(12 Blocks and 10 Sacks allowed) and Rick Wagner will look to rebound after allowing 17 sacks last year.

Dean Pees Defense will resemble a new look as EDGE Rusher Brandon Williams, Chris Canty(22 Tackles) Haloti Ngata(24 Tackles) Terrance Cody, The Heart of the Defense Terrell Suggs(7 Sacks,96 Tackles) Daryl Smith, Elvis Dumervil(48 Tackles)

In the Secondary Baltimore will have CBs Lardarius Webb(8 Picks) and Jimmy Smith(4 Interceptions) Safeties Omar Brown(12 Tackles) and Matt Elam(96 Tackles)

Kicker Justin Tucker 92% and Punter Sam Koch.

The Ravens will have 3 Primetime Games with a Week 5 BYE.

MNF Week 1(First Game) @ Cleveland Browns
TNF Week 10 VS Buffalo Bills
TNF Week 12 VS Cleveland Browns

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 WASHINGTON REDSKINS PREVIEW


"Paving the way..."



DC- The Washington Redskins ushered in the Jay Gruden ERA in 2014 and it was a process from the start. The Skins finished last in the NFC East with a 4-12 Record but the main concern was QB Robert Griffin III was injured 4 times over the year and spent most of the Season on Injured Reserve as Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy took swaps at QB. However the Redskins have made it known that they are still committed to RG3 and questions have risen on if the #2 Overall pick can stay healthy as Washington enters year 2 in Grudens System. GM Bruce Allen was very busy in Free Agency making possibly the biggest splash signing the likes of QB Christian Ponder, WRs Chris Hogan, Dwayne Harris, Michael Crabtree, and Rod Streater among others.


General Manager: Bruce Allen(6th Year)

Head Coach: Jay Gruden(2nd Year)

Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach: Sean McVay(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Jim Haslett(6th Year)

Defensive Assistant Coach: Raheem Morris(4th Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Brian Kotwica(2nd Year)


This is still RG3's Team.....For now. If he gets hurt and continues to miss time then Washington may be forced to move on from the promising Quarterback out of Baylor, Texas. Bruce Allen already is planning ahead as he picked up former Vikings Quarterback Christian Ponder(289 yards, 2 Touchdowns, 6 picks in Minnesota last year)

RG3 finished with 2 picks and 10 Fumbles as the #2 overall pick was on IR majority of 2014.

Washington went on with Colt McCoy(1,566 yards, 9 Touchdowns, 4 picks) and Kirk Cousins(2,171 yards, 15 Touchdowns, 19 picks) at Quarterback.

RB Alfred Morris(1,379 yards and 5 Touchdowns) will look to find the End Zone more often. Donald Brown, Chris Thompson, and FB Darrel Young will round out the Backfield.

Plenty of Weapons are suiting up for Washington this year. Former Buffalo Bill Chris Hogan(1 Year/730k) 49er Michael Crabtree(5 Year/16m)(4 Touchdowns in SF) Rod Streater(3 Year/2.97m)(Came from OAK) Dwayne Harris(4 Touchdowns in DAL)(1 Year/730k) not to mention Pierre Garcon(1,016 yards, 6 Touchdowns) and DeSean Jackson(3 Touchdowns) Tight End Jordan Reed(3 Touchdowns) return after missing some time.

The Redskins Offensive Line will be anchored by LT Trent Williams(12 Sacks allowed) Veteran Travelle Wharton, Kory Lichtensteiger(4 Sacks allowed) Chris Chester, and Tyler Polumbus(7 Sacks allowed)

New Defensive End Alan Bailey(4 Year/6.2m)(Spent last year with KC) Jason Hatcher(40 Tackles) Barry Cofield(28 Tackles) Ryan Kerrigan(99 Tackles, 12 Sacks) Joe Mays, Perry Riley Jr., Brian Orakpo(66 Tackles, 8 Sacks)

In the Secondary, Veteran Deangelo Hall(75 Tackles) and Tracy Porter(44 Tackles)

Safeties Will Hill and newly acquired M.D Jennings(1 Year/770k) who was on the bench in Chicago but had 92 Tackles in 2013 with the Green Bay Packers.

Resigned Kicker Kai Forbath(3 Year/2.2m) 73%

Punter Ryan Malone.

Washington will have 2 Primetime Games with a Week 4 BYE.

Week 2 TNF @ New York Giants
Week 8 TNF @ New England Patriots

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS PREVIEW


"The Saints are marching in...."



THE BIG EASY- The New Orleans Saints were a disappointment in which many picked Sean Payton and Company to win the NFC South and make the Playoffs for the second year in a row. New Orleans raced out to a 3-0 start but then they dropped 4 straight in which Drew Brees was a turnover machine. They got out of their funk and finished with a 8-8 Record missing the Post-Season. In the Off-Season Sean Payton added to his Staff hiring former Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen as Assistant. Now Drew Brees will look to make it back to the Super Bowl and get another ring to his name.


General Manager: Mickey Loomis(14th Year)

Head Coach: Sean Payton(10th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Dennis Allen(1st Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Joe Vitt(10th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael, Jr(7th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Mike Neu(2nd Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Rob Ryan(3rd Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Greg McMahon(8th Year)


Franchise Quarterback Drew Brees(5,410 yards, 44 Touchdowns, 16 picks) blew up the league last year but it wasn't enough to get the Saints to the Playoffs. WHO DAT! will look to bounce back in 2015. Taysom Hill and Ryan Griffin return to the QB Room.

Mark Ingram(3 Touchdowns) and Pierre Thomas(1,256 yards, 10 Touchdowns) along with newly acquired Joique Bell(4 Year/11m)(Depth player in Detroit) and FB Erik Lorig.

#1 Target Marques Colston is back. (1,480 yards, 11 Touchdowns.) Brandin Cooks, Kenny Stills, Joseph Morgan among Rookies. #1 Tight End Benjamin Watson(5 Touchdowns) will fill the #1 Role after Jimmy Graham hitched a ride to the New York Giants.

The Saints Offensive Line allowed Brees to be sacked 40 times last year. Left Tackle Terron Armstead(16 Blocks) Ben Grubbs(5 Sacks allowed) Tim Lelito(1 Block) Jahri Evans(3 Sacks allowed) Zach Strief(5 Sacks allowed)

Rob Ryan's Defense was a monster unit last year. However thanks to the inconsistencies of Brees and the Offense, Ryan's Unit had to much pressure on them in games.

Akiem Hicks(8 Sacks) Cam Jordan(8 Sacks) Junior Gallette(12 Sacks and 77 Tackles) Curtis Lofton(45 Tackles) David Hawthorne(98 Tackles) Parys Haralson(9 Sacks) and newly acquired LB Jacquian Williams(4 Yr/4m)(108 Tackles, 8 Sacks with New York Giants)

In the Secondary Veteran CB Champ Bailey(68 Tackles and 4 picks) and Keenan Lewis(80 Tackles)

Safeties Jarius Byrd(4 picks) and Kenny Vaccaro(116 Tackles)

New Orleans brought back Kicker Garrett Hartley(4 Yr/3.6m) who last kicked for the Saints in 2012 after Shayne Graham retired this Off-Season.

Punter Thomas Morstead.

The Saints will have 2 PRIMETIME GAMES with a Week 9 BYE..

Week 3 TNF @ Carolina Panthers
Week 15 SNF VS Dallas Cowboys

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PREVIEW


"Dominating the NFC with a BOOM..."


SEATTLE- The Seattle Seahawks continued 2014 where they left off in 2013. Dominating the league with that Legion of Boom Defense and their "Never Say Die" attitude as they clinched their 2nd straight NFC West Division Title with a 12-4 Record. They beat Chicago in the NFC Divisional Round thanks to a Russell Wilson Game Winning Touchdown pass and a Bears blown coverage. Then because Tampa Bay lost, Seattle got to host the NFC Championship in front of the 12's where they broke the hearts of the Dallas Cowboys and punched their ticket to the Super Bowl for the 2nd straight year. However they were blown out 38-10 by the New England Patriots leaving a bad taste in their mouths. Now with a new year, Seattle made some changes as Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn left for his first Head Coaching Gig in Atlanta and DB Coach Kris Richard got the promotion for DC.


General Manager: John Schneider(6th Year)

Head Coach: Pete Carroll(6th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Tom Cable(5th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Nate Carroll(6th Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Darrell Bevell(5th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Carl Smith(5th Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Kris Richard(1st Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Brian Schneider(6th Year)


Quarterback Russell Wilson(3,756 yards, 27 Touchdowns, 9 picks) had his best year yet as the young QB is coming into his own. He also picked up 7 scores on the ground as he helped Seattle to their 2nd straight Super Bowl appearence. Wilson is entering a Contract year as backups Terrelle Pryor and Brady Quinn will be on the bench for support.

BEAST MODE(1,654 yards and 15 Touchdowns) Robert Turbin, Thomas Rawls, and FB Spencer Ware will be in the Seahawks Backfield...

Wilsons Weapons will be Doug Baldwin(3 Touchdowns) Percy Harvin(6 Touchdowns) Sidney Rice(3 Touchdowns) Arrelious Benn(2 Touchdowns in Philly) Jermaine Kearse, AJ Carson and TE Zach Miller(6 Touchdowns)

The Seahawks Offensive Line will be anchored by Russell Okung(9 Sacks allowed) James Carpenter(12 Blocks) Max Unger(5 Sacks allowed) JR Sweezy(10 Sacks allowed) and Michael Bowie(10 Sacks allowed)

But the Seahawks Defense is what the Team is known for and the Legion of Boom returns everyone.

Michael Bennett(6 Sacks) Cliff Avril(6 Sacks) Brandon MeBane(6 Sacks) and Jesse Williams(6 Sacks) with Linebackers Malcolm Smith(35 Tackles) Bobby Wagner(92 Tackles) KJ Wright(37 Tackles) Heath Farwell, and Bruce Irvin(66 Tackles)

The LoB returns in the Secondary with Richard Sherman(60 Tackles, 9 picks) Byron Maxwell(37 Tackles and 7 picks)

Safeties Earl Thomas III(69 Tackles, 4 picks) and Kam Chancellor(83 Tackles and 3 picks)

Seattle also added depth to the LoB by signing Safeties Dawan Landry(1 Yr/850k)(138 Tackles in 2013 with the New York Jets) and Marcus Gilchrist(4 Yr/8m)(32 Tackles in San Diego).

Kicker Steven Haushka(93%) and Punter Jon Ryan.

The Seahawks will have 5 PRIMETIME GAMES with a Week 9 BYE

Week 3 SNF VS San Francisco
Week 4 SNF VS Tampa Bay
Week 12 SNF @ Green Bay
Week 13 SNF @ San Francisco
Week 15 MNF VS Arizona

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

2015 PITTSBURGH STEELERS PREVIEW


"Forging a new bond..."


PITTSBURGH- The Steelers were nothing more than a soap opera in 2014 thanks to bad leadership by Franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who began throwing teammates and coaches under the bus after losses. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was forced to put out fires caused by his QB, and as the year went on, Wideouts Antonio Brown and Chad Hall began firing back at Ben. A week 14 blowout loss to the Bengals, Pittsburgh fired longtime Defensive Coordinator Dick Lebeau. But the drama kept coming and the Steelers finished at 8-8 after falling to 5-8 during a 4 game slide where tensions were really high in the locker room. Roethlisberger was airing Team Dirty Laundry on his Radio Show in the Steel City. In the Off-Season, Hall and Brown were demanding apologies and threatening to no show Camp. Coach Tomlin even threatened to bench Roethlisberger if he didn't apologize. Now things look to be good in Pittsburgh as Ben apologized to the Team and Tomlin has promoted Keith Butler to full time D-Coordinator. The Steelers will now look to move forward in 2015 after missing the Playoffs for the past 3 years.

General Manager: Kevin Colbert(6th Year)

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin(9th Year)

Assistant Head Coach: Mike Munchak(2nd Year)

Offensive Coordinator: Todd Haley(4th Year)

Quarterbacks Coach: Randy Fichtner(6th Year)

Defensive Coordinator: Keith Butler(1st Year)

Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Smith(3rd Year)


Franchise Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger(4,211 yards, 30 Touchdowns, 23 Interceptions) returns after apologizing to the Team in the Off-Season. He's in a Contract year and it's no surprise GM Colbert wants to keep his star player. Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones return in backup roles.

The Steelers Backfield returns Le'Veon Bell(1,131 yards and 7 Touchdowns) and LeGarrette Blount(8 Touchdowns) with Kendall Hunter and FB Will Johnson.

The Weapons are stacked for Ben as A.B(1,393 yards and 8 Touchdowns) Best AFC WR last year Chad Hall(1,208 yards and 13 Touchdowns) who is entering the final year of his 2 year deal in Pittsburgh he signed last Off-Season. If Ben and Hall can be on the same page then Chad may be interested in signing an extension to stay in Pittsburgh. CJ Miller, Markus Wheaton, and TE Heath Miller.

The Steelers Offensive Line will be anchored by Kelvin Beachum. Ramon Foster, David Snow, Maurkice Pouncy(5 Sacks allowed) David Decastro(9 Blocks and 5 Sacks allowed) and Marcus Gilbert.

Keith Butlers Defense returns LeBeau's system. Cameron Heyward(11 Sacks) Frostee Rucker(Signed in Off-Season/2014 Free Agent.) Steve McClendon(4 Sacks) Arthur Moats(70 Tackles) Lawrence Timmons(85 Tackles) Ryan Shazier(95 Tackles) and Jason Worilds(8 Sacks)

In the Secondary we may see some changes for the Steelers. Cortez Allen(52 Tackles) and Ike Taylor(60 Tackles) may start, however GM Kevin Colbert picked up Asante Samuel(1 Year/3.21)(Spent 2013 with Atlanta Falcons)

Colbert also signed Safety Ryan Clark(91 Tackles and 1 pick last year in Washington)(1 Year/1.9m) Clark may be having his last hoorah in the Steel City where he spent 2006-2013 winning a ring.

Troy Polamalu(3 picks and 84 Tackles)

Kicker Shaun Suisham(85%)

Punter Brad Wing

The Steelers will have 3 PRIMETIME GAMES with a Week 10 BYE.

Week 1 MNF @ San Diego
Week 4 TNF VS Denver
Week 5 MNF @ Houston

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

A/N So the Internet crashed on me as I was finishing up the last 3 Previews for the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, and the Minnesota Vikings.

So I decided to skip it after that hiccup. Instead however I decided for the last 3 TEams i missed I will do a detailed Week 1 Preview for them.