NFC South - Large contracts and big hopes

Article by Matt King
(Ed. note - article submitted early Sunday morning)

This was the penultimate week to begin the process of sorting out the rosters before the season , and the third week of pre-season games, arguably the most exciting week until the regular season.

The Falcons this week announced they have inked Julio Jones to an extension worth $47M with guarantees. This is a much needed boost to the team given their track record of late.
Owner Arthur Blank said in a statement via the media “We could not be more thrilled to make Julio a Falcon for life, I am extremely proud of what he has accomplished [franchise record for receiving yards] and he has barely scratched the surface in terms of potential”
CEO and president Rich McKay has been reinstated the the NFL’s competition committee following the artificial crowd noise investigation in which McKay was found to have nothing to do with it.
The Falcons could only muster 3 Field Goals in a 9-13 loss to Miami in their latest preseason game. The Falcons gave T.J Yates an extended look with the majority of pass attempts [18/28 for 187 yards with 0 INTs or TDs. Leonard Hankerson led the team with receiving yards in this game with 50 from 3 receptions. Matt Bryant was perfect with 3/3 FGs with a long kick of 50. Next up for the pre season finale, the Falcons host the Ravens.

Last week, the Saints lost narrowly to a plucky Patriots team, which prompted Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to say that “Brandin Crooks is a very good player, and I’m glad we don’t have to play him twice a year, and that he’s not in our division” via the Times . Cooks has spent most of the off season working on Routes and timing [with Brees] and seeking advice from Antonio Brown and Steve Smith.
The Saints play their third pre-season game later on Sunday as they battle JJ Watt and the Texans.

Buccaneers Doug Martin has some added swagger to his step in what is a contract year. Martin is only 26 but has struggled to make an impact over much of the previous two seasons, but all signs so far in pre-season point towards him being more like the rookie that burst onto the scene in 2012 with much hype and is one possible fantasy sleeper, and if he can pull it together, could be one of many reasons the Buccaneers will do better than most people expect.
Jameis Winston struggled in a 7-31 preseason loss to the Browns with a line of 6 completions from 15 attempts, 90 yards 0 TDs and 1 INT. Martin scored the Buccs only points from 9 rush attempts totalling 40 yards with the score [a 19 yard TD]. Vincent Jackson accumulated the most receiving yards with 38 from 2 catches [one of those being a 26 yard gain]. A side note to consider here is former Buccs QB Josh McCown was the best QB on the field this week with 17/23 for 117 yards 2 TDs and 0 INTs. The final game before the games start to matter is a tough trip to Miami.

Since Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear it’s been asked/ wondered, who can replace him? This week we got an answer as OC Mike Shula stated that “the Panthers will replace Benjamin’s production by committee [which if it has the same effect as it does in baseball the situation needs to be avoided fantasy wise] although it’s hoped Rookie Devin Funchess will be the go to guy when we get to the business end of the season. Ron Rivera said “He runs a lot of the same routes [as Kelvin], He’s almost as imposing a target, and the biggest thing with him is the confidence that he plays” via the Associated Press. The Panthers game this week ended in a one point 16-17 Loss to New England. Both teams struggled out of the gate in this one, but Cam Newton ended the game with 17 completions from 28 attempts for 160 yards and 1 TD. Carolina’s rushing game was pretty much shut down from the Patriots D, with Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whitaker breaking the 10 yards for one gain plateau [They both had an 11 yard gain]. Receiving was a brighter story Greg Olsen took 6 catches for 51 yards , Jericho Cotchery took 4 catches for 38 yards, and Mike Tolbert converted their only TD pass for 2 yards [off his only reception]. Graham Gano scored the rest of the teams’ points with a PAT and 3 FGs. Last in the preseason slate for the Panthers is a trip to the Steelers in Pittsburgh who will be hoping they too have a good final tune up before they open the regular season in New England.

NFC South Preseason news

Article by Matt King

 

The Saints might be without RB CJ Spiller until the regular season after he underwent minor surgery on his knee, although it is reported via ESPN to be a clean-up, which should see him ready for week one. Also this week, the Saints kicked off the pre-season campaign with a high scoring 27-30 loss. New Orleans had been playing catch up for most of the game, after allowing 2 first period touchdown drives, but took the lead with 1:56 of the game left, and on another day might have won the game but ceded their advantage with 0:02 left as Bryn Renner ran home a 1 yard carry for the Ravens W. There were encouraging signs for the Saints in this one, as they were down 17-0 early in the second period, they fought back to lead with less than 2 minutes to go in a game which they might have imploded in last season, and Drew Brees didn’t get into this game, their lead passer was Ryan Griffin with 10/17 for 112 yards 1 TD and 0 INTs. The receptions were spread out pretty evenly between all receivers, and although Brandin Crooks only caught 1, he made it count for a 21 yard score.
Next up for the Saints is a home game against the Champions, New England Patriots.

 

An early practice “scuffle” didn’t derail the Panthers plans and they ran out 25-24 winners over Buffalo on the road. Cam Newton went 5/10 with 1 TD for 83 yards. The Panthers fielded 3 QBs, each registering a TD. Artis Payne carried the ball most, with 8 rushes for 24 yards. Kelvin Benjamin caught 3 passes for 36 yards with 1 TD and Rookie Rakim Cox registered a sack from 2 tackles. The whole team was performing and by the time the regular season opens, the Panthers look like they could be the team to beat again in this division.

The Buccs are high in confidence with rookie QB Jameis Winston this week telling the media that “This is the first time I’m able to play QB year round, and I’m so excited. I don’t think about hitting a [rookie] wall, I’ve never had the opportunity to just hone in on footwork, arm speed and everything, it’s been exciting”. 

Similarly, 4^th year player Doug Martin believes he can contribute to the season and carry the Buccs. Martin started his career promisingly enough with 1454 yards, but combined for just 950 the next two [combined] while struggling with injuries, but Lovie Smith commented that “it’s an important year for our football team, and Doug’s our starting back, we talk about commitment to the run, and he’s done it before, there’s no reason he can’t do it again” while the player himself said via ESPN“ The sky’s the limit. We have a lot of potential going into this year, we have a lot of weapons, and lots of guys with fire in them. I just can’t wait to get out there”. The Buccs didn’t have the best of starts in their first pre-season game, losing it 16-26 on the road to the Minnesota Vikings. Winston finished the game 9/19 for 131 yards with 0 TDs and 1 INT. Henry Melton registered a sack, but there was nothing much to shout about for the Buccs in this game and they will look to bounce back next week as they host the Bengals in Practice week 2.

The Falcons had a quiet preparation for their first game of the preseason in which they won 31-24 behind a solid effort from back up QB T.J Yates 9/15 for 105 yards effort, although starting QB Matt Ryan went 6/6 for 86 yards with a TD on his only drive. WR Julio Jones caught 4 passes for 61 yards scoring a touchdown. The Falcons were on the short side of ball possession with 26:58 of it, but were able to do much more with it which ultimately proved to be enough to get the W.  

 

 

Should he Stay and Should he Go?

Article by Rob Newell

 

The sun was shining I was listening to some retro music and enjoying some liquid refreshment when the news broke that Aldon Smith had been arrested, again?  Straight away I knew that he was done with the San Francisco 49ers, and to be fair it wasn’t long before news came that he had been released anyway.

 

You wonder at times just how many mirrors it was that Jim Tomsula broke in the off-season.  The run of luck he has experienced since being named the head man must be the worst ever experienced by a rookie head coach.  Then calmer thoughts came and I remembered that Smith had been suspended for 10 games last season and the Niners were still ranked as one of the better defences in the league.  Put quite simply they have done without him once, why not again.

 

As for Smith, being arrested again, in the off-season following that 10 game ban, he must now be looking at a season ban at least, although at time of writing no official word has confirmed this.  Is Smith then done with the NFL?  True there are many examples of problems in one franchise being given second chances and going on to make quite the career for themselves, Ray Lewis for example, but Smith was already on his second chance.  This was supposed to be the last year of his rookie deal and he seemingly was backing himself to play out this year and earn a big pay deal next year rather than negotiate a lower deal earlier this year.  He may be offered a league minimum one year deal when whatever punishment the NFL hand out is met, but in the current climate I am not sure the list of teams lining up to offer Smith that opportunity will be that long.

 

It is a shame as Aldon Smith had the type of pass rushing talent that could and should of earned himself a long and lucrative career and possibly even a spot at Canton, but he has just about kissed that all goodbye, in the same way the Niners and the NFC West have kissed him goodbye.

 

A player staying in the West however, is new St Louis Rams QB Nick Foles.  Having being acquired as part of the Sam Bradford trade, Foles was in the last year of his initial deal.  It was thought that this was a prove it year for Foles therefore and the Rams made no secret of the fact they would be looking at QB’s in the draft as well.  Despite this and the stories of how he won't be the same without Chip Kelly etc…

 

 Foles has impressed in his limited time with the Rams since then to the point where the team feel comfortable in agreeing a 2 year extension, thus ending speculation and confirming Foles as the man in this young offence that has been assembled.  Foles is now uniquely placed as well to be QB 1 of the team that in all probability plays in Los Angeles next year and all the media opportunities that will bring him. If Todd Gurley and Tre Mason can run the ball as many expect and Foles can connect with this developing receiving crew the Rams could be about to climb the mountain again.  If not then Foles and Jeff Fisher will probably not be around much longer after this season.

 

 

News of the South

Article by Matt King

 

The Saints preparation for the first round of pre-season games began and they’ve had a very low key week with nothing of note coming out of Saints HQ this week.

The Panthers this week have had another blow, seeing Cornerback Chris Houston retiring from the game, after struggling to shake off a toe injury which had already seen him miss all of the 2014 season although neither player nor team have stated the reason why as of yet.

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht doesn’t often speak to the media, but this week after seeing 3 INTs in practice, Licht felt moved to state “ One thing we love about Jameis is he trusts his arm,  but at the same time, we want him to minimize mistakes” [NFL Preseason HQ].
Austin Sefarin-Jenkins has played down comparisons likening him to Tony Gonzalez. Jenkins this week told the Tampa Tribune “I’m Austin Sefarin-Jenkins, he’s Tony Gonzalez. I’m going to do my job and leave the comparisons to the coaches and media. I just want to be the best version of me, let’s figure out at the end of the season how good that is”.

 

The Falcons may have had reason to worry that a key player might not be ready for the pre-season games with receiver Roddy White telling ESPN via NFL.com “I’m not worried about missing time, I had the same procedure last year without issues, it’s not an issue where I’m going to miss a game because it’s such a small issue, I’m not worried about it, not at all” The issue spoken about is relating to his knee, noting, if he needed it drained on the Monday, he’d be able to practice by Wednesday.

NFC South news as Camp begins

Article by Matt King

 

With Training Camp underway this week, it is just under two weeks until the first pre-season games, and football is ever closer! Hopefully you-know-what is firmly in the rear view mirror of whenever the hell it occurred and the news from inside the NFC South continues [as it always has] to come in.

This week, the Buccaneers will be preparing for the season without cornerback CJ Wilson [probably for the season, and maybe forever] after an off season firework mishap resulted in Wilson losing two fingers [index, middle] on the same hand and is unclear when he may return to football, if at all.
The Buccs also named Jameis Winston as starting QB and he told reporters “I believe we have a great team in place, I’m looking forward to the season I can’t wait”. Winston also stated that “My job right now is to play Quarterback”. All off season, Lovie Smith has been saying that whoever plays, will need to earn the job, which is what you’d expect. [Quotes sourced via NFL.Com]

The Panthers are looking for much from Kelvin Benjamin who this week told reporters “he’s feeling healthy and in good condition”. This will provide much relief to the Panthers fans who will have been concerned that he missed time over the offseason with hamstring troubles.
Stephen Hill has had a week he’d gladly soon forget with first being issued a citation for drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop, and on Saturday he was carried off the field with a right leg injury and has undergone an MRI and will be re-evaluated later today.  

The Falcons and Julio Jones will be sure to come a deal sooner rather than later, although as of yet, a deal is yet to be reached to extend the talented receiver. Jones recently told ESPN’s Vaughn McLure “I’m not going to hold out, I’d be being selfish if I’m not here. My Team mates need me to do what I do. They handle that side [Owners, Agent] I handle playing, showing up every day and putting in work”.

The Saints this week released Brodrick Bunkley due to a failed physical stemming for a failure to overcome a torn quad which ended his season in November. Bunkley should eventually land another within the NFL when healthy but could be a big loss to the Saints plans this season.
TE Orson Charles will miss the first game of the season against the Cardinals due to violating the league’s personal conduct policy, although he will be permitted to participate in all preseason practices and games in the build-up to the new season.

Bobby Signs Up!

Article by Rob Newell

 

Less than 48 hours after locking up Russell Wilson to a 4 year deal, the Seattle Seahawks have been at it again.  This time a 4 year deal has been done with Middle Linebacker Bobby Wagner, this one for $43million with $22million in guarantees.

 

Many people see Wagner as a vital cog in the Seahawks defence, and even though the Legion of Boom as a group and Earl Thomas III and Richard Sherman tend to dominate the media headlines, it is difficult to ignore the impact Wagner had on the Seahawks defence upon his return from injury last season.  Tony Dungy even went as far as to vote for Wagner as league MVP.

 

That may have been a little extreme, but his performance in the Super Bowl in what was ultimately a losing effort was extraordinary and had the Seahawks converted that play from the one yard line, there would have been a very real possibility that he might have walked off with that MVP award, although Russell Wilson would probably have got it due to the QB bias that affects these things.

 

This move from the Seahawks has solidified their efforts to develop and hold on to their own talents and ensures that their on fields captains will be staying in the North West for a while longer yet.  Something that the rest of the league may well have cause to regret when the season gets underway next month.  Seattle have made their free agency moves early, obviously Jimmy Graham being the big move coming in, and have only really lost one DB, that being Maxwell to the Eagles.

 

The Seahawks may not yet have competed their off season business, rumours continue about a possible new deal for safety Kam Chancellor before we arrive at opening day, but I think we can safely assume new deal this year or not Chancellor is not going anywhere anytime soon.

 

So Maxwell and coach Dan Quinn aside, the Seahawks for a team coming off a Super Bowl appearance are very much intact, sure questions remain about the OL and that may well be a very real area of concern, but the Seahawks with Beast Mode back for one more year at least are as equipped as any team to overcome that issue.  It would be folly to nail on a Super Bowl prediction at this early stage, but the Seahawks will start the season as favourites in the NFC and will take some beating to stop them playing in San Francisco come next February.

Ding Dong, The Deal Is Done!

Article by Rob Newell

 

Apart from the debate of what Tom Brady may have probably known (don’t worry, this will now be a Patriots free zone) the most recurring theme of the offseason seems to have been the contract situation in Seattle of Quaterback Russell Wilson.

This seems mainly to have been a storm in the media tea cup, Wilson said he was going to play this year, if he made $1.5million or $25million and based on what we have seen from him so far I think it fair to say he was telling the truth.  Sure a starting QB who has been to two Super Bowls, winning one and probably should have won the other, who is making $1.5million in this day and age was being vastly underpaid, and I do not feel the Seahawks were ever in danger of letting him test the Free Agency market, as some have recently suggested might happen.

This was however a rather prolonged contract negotiation that everybody was expecting to be complete a long time ago.  The stalling point in the negotiation process seems to have come down to the level of guaranteed money, but on Friday just gone (31^st July) the Seahawks announced that the deal had been struck for 4 years and $87.6million, which when broken down into yearly salary does put Wilson right up there with Aaron Rodgers at Green Bay.  As a sidebar, the Indianapolis Colts now have an idea of the type of money that are going to need to set aside for the Andrew Luck contract when negotiations start, probably next offseason.

This contract probably acts as the indicator too that 2015 is going to Beast Mode’s last ride in Seattle.  There are many who will happily tell you that Marshawn Lynch is still the key cog in the Seattle machine, and right now that may still be true, but the Seahawks are putting more and more responsibility on the shoulders of their young play caller and for the large part he has well and truly delivered.  This year they have finally addressed the Receiving corp, but with all due respect to Doug Baldwin etc… the addition of Jimmy Graham to the Hawks has instantly elevated the standing of their overall receiving group, and given Wilson a true number one option.

So with the ink dry on this deal, Wilson knows he will be paid like the Super Bowl winner he is and not s third round draft selection anymore.  It will be upon him now to ensure that this team returns to the big game.