Offense: The team was simply abysmal last season in every phase of the game, ranking in the bottom of the league in most offensive categories. The offensive line could neither protect the quarterback (league-worst 58 sacks) or open up holes for their running backs (league-worst 3.4 yards per carry). The addition of #8 overall pick Jonathan Cooper was supposed to help, but will likely miss the season with a broken leg. Carson Palmer will take the helm at quarterback, and provides the team with a big-armed quarterback who is better equipped to take advantage of Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Rashard Mendenhall should give the running game a boost, and rookie Stepfan Taylor (6th round, Stanford) is a durable short-yardage back that provides depth behind Mendenhall.
Defense: Perhaps one of the most underrated defenses in the game, Arizona recorded 38 sacks while racking up more interceptions (22, 2nd in NFL) than passing touchdowns allowed (20). The team will miss Kerry Rhodes' production, but the combination of Yeremiah Bell and rookie Tyrann Mathieu (3rd round) should help. Daryl Washington (9.0 sacks) leads a very strong linebacking corps, which also added Kevin Minter (2nd round) to compete for a starting spot alongside Washington and Alex Okafor (4th round) as another edge-rusher in the team's 3-4 scheme. Defensive end Calais Campbell has been playing at a Pro Bowl level the last couple of years, but the team needs former Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett to return to form after a sub-par 2012 season (34 tackles, 1.5 sacks). Cornerback Patrick Peterson is also becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL (7 interceptions), and is a very big threat in the return game.
Impact Free Agent: Running back Rashard Mendenhall. The Cardinals running game has been anemic in recent seasons, and while that could be a by-product of poor offensive line play, the addition of Mendenhall could change things. Mendenhall missed time last season after suffering a torn ACL at the end of the 2011 campaign, and didn't appear 100% when playing last season. If healthy, Mendenhall gives Arizona the best running back they've had in quite some time.
Impact Rookie: Safety/cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. While he's not currently listed as a starter, Mathieu has a knack for making plays. While he's somewhat small for a safety in run support, the Cardinals will probably use him as a center field-type safety on passing downs, and might also see time covering slot receivers. Were it not for being kicked off LSU's football team for repeated drug-related problems, Mathieu probably would have been gone long before the third round.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Carson Palmer. Ever since Kurt Warner retired, the Cardinals offense has been missing the big-play ability from the passing game. While Palmer is not quite the same player that he was in the mid-2000's, he still has a big arm, and should be able to find Larry Fitzgerald more frequently and accurately than any quarterback since Warner.
Record: 5-11 (4th in NFC West)
Sunday, August 25, 2013
2013 New York Jets Season Preview
Offense: While the circus caused by Tim Tebow's lack of playing time went away after his release, the Jets still have a quarterback controversy on their hands after drafting Geno Smith in the second round. Sanchez continues to struggle with his decision-making, and head coach Rex Ryan isn't making it easier for himself in what might be a do-or-die season for both he and Sanchez. The receiving corps should see a boost from Santonio Holmes, who missed 12 games last year. The running back spot has been almost completely re-made, as the team acquired Chris Ivory from New Orleans to compete with Bilal Powell for the starting job. While the Jets did rank 12th in the league in rushing yards, they were only 25th in yards per carry, so whoever wins the job will need to provide more big plays. The offense could only must around 300 yards per game last season, and the Jets surrendered the 5th-most sacks in the league last season. The offensive line likely wasn't the problem so much as Sanchez's shaky play and Shonn Greene's lack of a second gear, but they will still need to do a better job for this offense to be successful.
2013 Miami Dolphins Season Preview
Offense: Ryan Tannehill made strides at quarterback in his rookie season, and will now have a new weapon on offense with the addition of wide receiver Mike Wallace. Both Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas figure to see time in the backfield for the 'Fins, but expect Miller to eventually beat out the plodding (and fumble-prone) Thomas to replace Reggie Bush as Miami's feature back. Along the line, the team has slid second-year tackle Jonathan Martin to the left side to replace the departed Jake Long, while Tyson Clabo was signed from Atlanta to start at right tackle.
2013 Buffalo Bills Season Preview
Buffalo Bills
Offense: New coach Doug Marrone has installed a West Coast-style offense more reliant on the run that under previous coach Chan Gailey, C.J. Spiller is now the unquestioned #1 back on the team, and his 6.0 yards-per-carry in 2012 are an indicator of the big-play potential he brings to the offense. The quarterback job was up for grabs entering training camp, but after Kevin Kolb's poor play and concussion, the job is all but Manuel's for the taking. The receiving corps was re-vamped during the draft, as the Bills selected Robert Woods (USC, 2nd round) and Marquise Goodwin (Texas, 3rd round) to add more playmakers. Woods in particular figures to play a prominent role in the offense this season. The offensive line lost left guard Andy Levitre to free agency, and while Colin Brown appears to have the job won, there will be some drop-off in play at the position.
2013 New England Patriots season preview
New England Patriots
Offense: The 2013 iteration of the Patriots will look significantly different that 2012. The team's top two wide receivers (Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd) are gone, tight end Rob Gronkowski is still recovering from another surgery on his arm, and Aaron Hernandez was released after his arrest on murder charges. Tom Brady is still running the show, and the team did sign receiver Danny Amendola to help fill the void left by Welker's departure. Julian Edelman will need to improve this season as well, as he will likely start opposite Amendola.
The offensive line returns it's entire starting lineup from last year, but will need to see continued improvement from third-year tackle Nate Solder, who is Brady's blindside protector. The running game will likely see more work this year, as Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will get an increased workload due a somewhat depleted receiving corps.
Offense: The 2013 iteration of the Patriots will look significantly different that 2012. The team's top two wide receivers (Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd) are gone, tight end Rob Gronkowski is still recovering from another surgery on his arm, and Aaron Hernandez was released after his arrest on murder charges. Tom Brady is still running the show, and the team did sign receiver Danny Amendola to help fill the void left by Welker's departure. Julian Edelman will need to improve this season as well, as he will likely start opposite Amendola.
The offensive line returns it's entire starting lineup from last year, but will need to see continued improvement from third-year tackle Nate Solder, who is Brady's blindside protector. The running game will likely see more work this year, as Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen will get an increased workload due a somewhat depleted receiving corps.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Five Buffalo Bills to watch: Preseason Week 3
In the NFL, the third week of the preseason is when starters usually receive their longest in-game action until the regular season begins. With less than two weeks until the final roster cut-down day, here are five Buffalo Bills players to keep an eye on in their preseason tilt against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday:
1) Da'Rick Rogers
Rogers has been underwhelming in both practices and games to this point of the preseason. He has the physical tools to be an asset to the team, but has struggled to make plays while some of his competition (namely Marcus Easley and Chris Hogan) has stood out on tape. How much playing time Rogers receives this week will likely give people a good idea as to whether head coach Doug Marrone believes Rogers is a better fit on the practice squad or the 53-man roster.
2) Kevin Kolb
The "boo-birds" were out in force in the his debut at Ralph Wilson Stadium, as Kolb struggled in the early-going. With first round pick E.J. Manuel sidelined the rest of the preseason, Kolb will have an opportunity to regain some confidence by getting some extended run against Washington. With Stevie Johnson expected to play this week, there is no reason people shouldn't expect a better performance from him this week.
3) Justin Rogers
Rogers missed a good portion of training camp due to an ankle injury, and has seen players like Crezdon Butler play well in his absence. With three cornerback spots already locked up (Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Ron Brooks and Butler), Rogers will need to make up his lost ground to hold off players like T.J. Heath and Nickell Robey for a spot on the final roster.
4) Da'Norris Searcy
Searcy is solid defending the run, but has struggled mightily in coverage throughout the preseason. Converted cornerback Aaron Williams seemingly has the starting strong safety spot locked up with a very strong camp, and with two mid-round draft picks at safety on the roster (Duke Williams, Jonathan Meeks), Searcy needs to perform better in coverage to avoid being placed on the chopping block.
5) Alan Branch
The team signed Branch away from the Seahawks to add depth to the defensive line rotation. Throughout training camp, he has struggled to make plays, and appears to have been passed up on the depth chart by Jay Ross. While it's unlikely Branch gets cut due to his positional versatility, he'll need to make more of an impact if he wants to see the field regularly.
1) Da'Rick Rogers
Rogers has been underwhelming in both practices and games to this point of the preseason. He has the physical tools to be an asset to the team, but has struggled to make plays while some of his competition (namely Marcus Easley and Chris Hogan) has stood out on tape. How much playing time Rogers receives this week will likely give people a good idea as to whether head coach Doug Marrone believes Rogers is a better fit on the practice squad or the 53-man roster.
2) Kevin Kolb
The "boo-birds" were out in force in the his debut at Ralph Wilson Stadium, as Kolb struggled in the early-going. With first round pick E.J. Manuel sidelined the rest of the preseason, Kolb will have an opportunity to regain some confidence by getting some extended run against Washington. With Stevie Johnson expected to play this week, there is no reason people shouldn't expect a better performance from him this week.
3) Justin Rogers
Rogers missed a good portion of training camp due to an ankle injury, and has seen players like Crezdon Butler play well in his absence. With three cornerback spots already locked up (Stephon Gilmore, Leodis McKelvin, Ron Brooks and Butler), Rogers will need to make up his lost ground to hold off players like T.J. Heath and Nickell Robey for a spot on the final roster.
4) Da'Norris Searcy
Searcy is solid defending the run, but has struggled mightily in coverage throughout the preseason. Converted cornerback Aaron Williams seemingly has the starting strong safety spot locked up with a very strong camp, and with two mid-round draft picks at safety on the roster (Duke Williams, Jonathan Meeks), Searcy needs to perform better in coverage to avoid being placed on the chopping block.
5) Alan Branch
The team signed Branch away from the Seahawks to add depth to the defensive line rotation. Throughout training camp, he has struggled to make plays, and appears to have been passed up on the depth chart by Jay Ross. While it's unlikely Branch gets cut due to his positional versatility, he'll need to make more of an impact if he wants to see the field regularly.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Bills face difficult decision with Da'Rick Rogers
It may puzzle some that there's even discussion on how an undrafted player who has clearly been out-performed by at least six receivers currently on the Buffalo Bills' roster is even in the conversation for a roster spot. The problem facing Buffalo's coaching staff and front office is that Da'Rick Rogers hardly fits the looks the part of any normal UDFA, and has the physical profile to become a very good NFL receiver.
Despite making the All-SEC second team as a sophomore, Rogers was dismissed for Tennessee due to repeated signs of immaturity and off-field issues (failed drug tests, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest). Rogers dominated the FCS in his lone season at Tennessee Tech, and also excelled at the NFL's Scouting Combine, as he was one of the top performers in several events (high jump, broad jump, 20 and 60-yard shuttles and 3-cone drill). In spite of his production and athletic profile, Rogers' baggage was enough to have him go undrafted. Shortly after the draft's conclusion, Rogers was signed by the Bills to compete for a roster spot. Along with a host of others, I believed that the physical talent Buffalo was able to acquire without spending a draft pick was worth the risk. To this point in training camp, he's failed to live up to his pre-camp hype, while players like Chris Hogan and Marcus Easley have given credence to the notion that Rogers' spot on the 53-man roster is hardly a guaranteed deal.
Buffalo will likely carry a maximum of six receivers entering this season, and four of them (Stevie Johnson, T.J. Graham, Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin) are locks. If the Bills release Rogers prior to the season, the odds he clears waivers (which is necessary for Buffalo to sign him to their practice squad) are slim, as teams which are thin at receiver wouldn't hesitate to claim him.
Should the Bills keep Rogers on the roster, it'd largely be based on his untapped potential. The team has received some significant value out of keeping a developmental guy on the roster (All-Pro tackle Jason Peters was a tight end in college and hardly saw the field his rookie season while he developed), but could be passing up on someone who would contribute more to the team right away.
My gut feeling says that Rogers will make the team, and a more deserving player (based on production) like Easley, Hogan, Brandon Kaufman or even Brad Smith hits the unemployment line. Ultimately, for a team that's still rebuilding, gambling on Rogers is the right (if risky) choice.
Despite making the All-SEC second team as a sophomore, Rogers was dismissed for Tennessee due to repeated signs of immaturity and off-field issues (failed drug tests, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest). Rogers dominated the FCS in his lone season at Tennessee Tech, and also excelled at the NFL's Scouting Combine, as he was one of the top performers in several events (high jump, broad jump, 20 and 60-yard shuttles and 3-cone drill). In spite of his production and athletic profile, Rogers' baggage was enough to have him go undrafted. Shortly after the draft's conclusion, Rogers was signed by the Bills to compete for a roster spot. Along with a host of others, I believed that the physical talent Buffalo was able to acquire without spending a draft pick was worth the risk. To this point in training camp, he's failed to live up to his pre-camp hype, while players like Chris Hogan and Marcus Easley have given credence to the notion that Rogers' spot on the 53-man roster is hardly a guaranteed deal.
Buffalo will likely carry a maximum of six receivers entering this season, and four of them (Stevie Johnson, T.J. Graham, Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin) are locks. If the Bills release Rogers prior to the season, the odds he clears waivers (which is necessary for Buffalo to sign him to their practice squad) are slim, as teams which are thin at receiver wouldn't hesitate to claim him.
Should the Bills keep Rogers on the roster, it'd largely be based on his untapped potential. The team has received some significant value out of keeping a developmental guy on the roster (All-Pro tackle Jason Peters was a tight end in college and hardly saw the field his rookie season while he developed), but could be passing up on someone who would contribute more to the team right away.
My gut feeling says that Rogers will make the team, and a more deserving player (based on production) like Easley, Hogan, Brandon Kaufman or even Brad Smith hits the unemployment line. Ultimately, for a team that's still rebuilding, gambling on Rogers is the right (if risky) choice.
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