Who loses in cutting DeSean Jackson?

First let's examine the winners.

Eagles. Yes the Eagles are a winner. How? They save 10.5 million by cutting him. There is no reason why a team should commit that money to a player who they do not feel comfortable with. Despite his talents on the field, there has to be something we are not seeing in the behind the signs. There are reports about gang connections with DeSean Jackson, but nothing is confirmed yet.

DeSean Jackson. He loves Philly. He didn't want to leave. But he is a winner. Now he can go where he wants. He can go try to get the most amount of money he could possibly get. More importantly he can go where ever he wants to go. He can go somewhere where he will be wanted and accepted. Even if he goes to Oakland he will be going back home.

Any team that gets him. Any team that gets Jackson will be getting a dynamic player. A player who is in his prime and a player who can change a game at any time.

Now let's examine the loser.

The Eagles Fans. DeSean Jackson is loved by the fan base. He has been apart of the team for 6 years and ever since his rookie year he was considered a playmaker. Why do the fans lose? They no longer get to see one of their favorite players on Sunday anymore unless he's wearing a different color. The worst part of this is the Eagles have offered no explanation to the fans as to why this happened. Fans are just sitting in the dark, crying, and wondering why.

DeSean Jackson released by the Eagles

The day started off as ordinary as any. Another aging veteran signs with Oakland, teams try to negotiate Draft picks. However, after one two sentence tweet from the Philadelphia Eagles, everything changes. After much speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles cut their best wide receiver last year.  DeSean Jackson had his best year as a pro with Eagles last year. Immediate demand for Jackson has already been shown by a number of teams. Well it was fun was while it lasted.

Cleveland Browns Season in Review

Cleveland Browns Season In Review

The Cleveland Browns, to me played better than the 4-12 record they finished wish. At one point with all the other teams in the AFC North were struggling, the Cleveland Browns looked like they could take control of the division. But like a lot of games they played, they found it difficult to finish the season successfully. At the end of the day, to quote the great Bill Parcels, "You're only as good as your record." 

The Browns struggles weren't defensively. Defense is actually the Browns' strong point. Joe Haden is an electrifying corner. He is the cornerstone for that defense. Paul Kruger and rookie Barkevious Mingo have provided a solid pass rush and decent linebacker play. This offseason they released their leading tackler D'Qwell Jackson and let TJ Ward walk away. They replaced their young talented players with older veterans like Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner. I liked the what the Browns did. Their defense was young an up in coming but lacked two important ingredients, leadership and a winning attitude. This offseason they added to an already good defense. 

Now let's talk offense. Something the Browns haven't thought about since, well, Jim Brown. Let's be honest, this year proved defense wins championships after the Seahawks dismantled the Broncos. While defense may win championships...offense gets you there. Time to reach in the clique bucket and pull out another one. Your best defense is your offense. The only reason the defense's stats are so bad is because they are always on the field. Getting rid of Brandon Weeden was the best thing they could do. Both parties needed a fresh start. While everyone is saying the Browns need to draft a quarterback, I'm sitting here saying no. They played their best with Brian Hoyer at the helm. Prior to his injury the Browns were competitive when Hoyer played. I say draft a quarterback but give Hoyer a chance to win his job. The Browns offense will look completely different next year. They added good pieces around the ball like Andrew Hawkins, the former Bengals receiver, and Ben Tate, the former Texans running back). 

Honestly, I feel weird saying this...watch out for the Browns, could be a team on the rise. 

Carolina Panthers Season in Review

Carolina Panthers Season in Review

Wow. All I have to say about the Panthers this year is wow. Ole Cam and riverboat Rob did it this year. They beat the Saints and won the NFC South. After starting 1-3 the Panthers what went on an eight game winning streak, and finishing 12-4.

It was an awesome sight seeing Cam Newton mature the way he did. At some point Cam stopped worrying about himself and realized the old cliche was true, there is no '"I" in team. Cam stepped up and became a monster this year. He took care of the football and made all the right decisions. The only criticism I really had for Cam is he held the ball too long sometimes and didn't trust his arm enough. If you watch the film you will some receivers who weren't wide open but weren't completely covered. I believe Cam could have made those throws but instead he pulled the ball down and looked at other options. Another criticism is the same criticism all mobile quarterbacks get. Cam needs to stop taking so many hits. Yes he is a big guy, but all those hits add up.  Watching Cam mature this season was looking watching your favorite nephew grow up right before your eyes. It was an incredible sight. 

Like every other team, the Panthers suffered some injuries. Losing Charles Godfrey was a huge loss considering what he means to the team vocally and what he meant to the team physically. The Panthers had so many injuries on the back end at one point all their starting defensive backs were rookies, either drafted in the later rounds or undrafted. With a few of those players set to be free agents (Quintin Mikell, Mike Mitchell, Captain Munnerlyn) the Panthers need to find a way to replace them with effective starters. Alot of times that inexperienced secondary may have looked better than what they exactly were due to their fantastic front 7. If you don't know who Luke Kuechly is, then go to youtube and watch some of his highlights, and nothing more will need to be said. Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson might be the best tandem at rushing the passer. They had all the ingredients for a top defense in this league...more specifically top two defenses in the league.  

This offseason the Panthers are most likely saying bye to the greatest player in their franchise history Steve Smith. While I don't agree with this move, I understand it to a point. Money is clearly the main issue. Smith is set to make 7 million ( 4 million guaranteed, 3 million non-exercise fee). If Steve Smith can't be traded, then he will most likely be cut. If he is cut, they will still have to pay him 3 million. So maybe this isn't all about money? The Panthers feel Smith has lost a step or two and decided its time for them to move. I would love to hear how Cam feels about this. If Smith is cut they will need to replace him. Taking away weapons from Cam will only hinder his development. Hakeem Nicks says he wants to play with Cam, but that might be too much of a risk for the Panthers considering his medical history. Panthers need to be careful. Cam got a small taste of the playoffs, but now he wants a bigger scoop. It would be smart for the Panthers to supply him with weapons to keep moving forward. 

New Orleans Saints Season in Review

New Orleans Saints Season in Review

There was a while when many people thought the Saints were one of the best teams in the NFL this season, myself included. That before we realized that the Saints were a completely different team away from the dome. Despite that, the Saints were able to improve from their 2012 form and make the playoffs in 2013. 

Saints were offensively brilliant this year when they played in the dome, and even in some games away. However, its clear that the Saints really need a real running game. Darren Sproles is not meant to be a top rusher in this league. Darren Sproles job is to be the X-factor when he is on the field. Pierre Thomas has been the workhorse for the Saints the past few years but he is never a dominant presence. I don't want to call Mark Ingram a bust but I don't think he is playing in the right system. I share the same feelings as Jimmy Graham and Mark Ingram about the Saint's offseason moves. Letting go of Darren Sproles is not the right direction to go. Granted he is not a dominant running back, he fits this offense perfectly. The Saint's front office would fair better off cutting the Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram and signing a running back like Ben Tate in the offseason. 

Defensively the Saint's were much better under the helm of Rob Ryan. Their defense ranked 4th in yards allowed. With that said it wouldn't hurt the Saints to improve their rush defense. Signing Curtis Lofton last year was a good move but they are not done. The Saints need better safety play. Malcolm Jenkins is a free agent and the Saints need to find a way to keep him. Kenny Vaccaro, the safety they drafted in the first round year had a solid year for a rookie. Now he needs to elevate his game to become an elite safety in this league. Adding another corner would benefit the team also. Signing Keenan Lewis last year was probably one of the best moves made in free agency by any team last year, but he needs help. They need a corner to play the slot and corners who can tackle. 

I don't expect the Saints to be overly active in this free agent market this tear considering they are cap strapped. I would like to see them work on a deal with Jimmy Graham and sign him to a long time contract which he has earned the past year. The Saints, Panthers, and possibly Falcons rivalry will be interesting going forward. Who knows, maybe the Bucs might also be a real competitor in that division in the future.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season in Review

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season in Review

The Bucs were one of the strangest teams last year. Not because they went to a 4-12...to be honest, no one expected them to win the division last year, but because of Greg Schiano. 

Firing Schiano was the Bucs way of saying we need to rebuild. Schiano's tough methods aren't meant to be in the NFL. His no nonsense personality would work more effectively in college or maybe even the military. But his no nonsense method wouldn't work on grown men who have proven themselves by making it to the NFL. 

It was also obvious Schiano and Josh Freeman weren't going to work from the beginning of the season. Greg Schaino was never sold on Josh Freeman. He showed that by drafting Mike Glennon. As it turns out, the owner of the Buccaneers weren't sold on Schiano or Freeman. Freeman and Schiano were both given the boot by the end of the season. 

The real problem for the Bucs was their offense. The ranked 30th in points scored and dead last in passing yards and overall yards. Whether or not Mike Glennon is the franchise quarterback, the Bucs lack serious weapons. Vincent Jackson managed to build some chemistry with Mike Glennon, but one weapon isn't enough. The Bucs will get Doug Martin yet. Ironically, the Bucs were struggling to run the ball with Doug Martin, but able to run the ball effectively with different running backs in the backfield. Keep your eye on that situation. A dire need for this team is tight end. Every quarterback needs a security blanket in their tight end. Hopefully the Bucs will address that need. 

Lovie Smith said himself that this roster was not built with his system in mind. What he was trying to say is, this roster needs upgrades. I think Darrelle Revis is a guy who could play a key role during free agency. If Revis can  be moved for a fair price, the front office shouldn't hesitate to pull that trigger. That would clear a lot of cap space and allow the Bucs to sign guys to fit Lovie's system. But until that happens I expect Lovie to build a system around his roster. 

Bucs have room for improvement. Their biggest need is at quarterback but don't be surprise to see them push for Michael Johnson and Aqib Talib. 

Atlanta Falcons Season in Review

Atlanta Falcons Season in Review

Its amazing how losing can expose so much about a team. This team was picked by some to win the Superbowl prior to opening day. The Falcons only managed to pull off a  4-12 record. There are a couple of reasons why this team suffered. 

Injuries can absolutely damage a team's playoffs hope...in the Falcons case injuries destroyed the team's division hopes. Injuries were devastating, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan's three favorite targets were hurt all year. Julio Jones was placed on IR. Roddy White played through a ankle injury and Tony Gonzales played through a toe injury. Don't forget Stephen Jackson was injured most of the season. With all of Matt Ryan's toys defected, he turned to Harry Douglas, who turned in a solid season (85 receptions, 1067 yards). Matt Ryan looked like a rookie again a lot this season. 

The next reason is the Falcons had a lack of running game. In with Stephen Jackson, out with Michael Turner. They essentially did nothing to help their running game by adding Stephen Jackson last offseason. He can be a dominate running back but he is too fragile. Michael Turner had the same problem. The Falcons averaged only 77.9 rushing yards a game last season, worst in the NFL. The Falcons should look into getting a younger running back who can help the team win now.

The last reason this team struggled was one of the NFL's worst defense. They were ranked 28th in total yards allowed (379.4). Its surprising that teams found time to throw the ball on the Falcons pass defense when they were running the ball with ease. The Falcons rush defense was ranked 31st in the NFL (135.8 yards a game. Miss Curtis Lofton? How about Brent Grimes?

The most bizarre thing this season was how the handled Tony Gonzales situation. The man came back to play because he thought the Falcons had a chance to win. Out of respect for Tony Gonzales, they should have traded him mid-way through the season to a contender. There are a number of teams who could have used a tight end. It would be a win-win for both teams involved. Patriots needed a tight end, Green Bay Packers could have been a fit...or the obvious team, the Kansas City Chiefs. 

In order for this team to get back to its 2012 form, the Falcons need to get healthy, find a running back, and improve that defense. The Falcons can be a scary team offensively when they are clicking. It's time for them to have fearful defense. They need to upgrade every position on that defense. 

AFC South Top Needs

Indianapolis Colts:
Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, Inside Linebacker, Defensive Line
A wide receiver could make sense. Give Andrew Luck another weapon and watch him go. Andrew Luck is the franchise. Without him the team be looking at another 2-14 season. Colts have to sure up his protection. Signing D'Qwell Jackson was  a good move, but there's still room for improvement. That defense was easy to run on. They need to focus on bring in some talent to help stuff the run. I would expect them to address the D-line during the draft.


Tennessee Titans:
Safety, Corner, Inside Linebacker, Outside Linebacker, Running back, Wide Receiver
They managed to resign Pollard but not Verner. Maybe a Cortland Finnegan reunion is bound to happen. They lost out on D'Qwell Jackson, so they need to address the situation, maybe a Darryl Smith. They need to help to rush the passer, that is obvious. Chris Johnson is gone. From what I am hearing, Donald Brown is viewed as a favorite of the Titan's front office. Kenny Britt is gone. They need to add a real threat at the wide receiver position.


Jacksonville Jaguars:
Everything. Pretty much anyone they get during free agency and the draft would be an upgrade from what they actually got.


Houston Texans:
Safety, Corner, Offensive Line, Wide receiver, Quarterback, Tight End
Obviously the glaring need is at quarterback. Good quarterback play can cover up a lot of holes. Every team can use help at offensive line. With a deep wide receiver draft this year I expect the Texans to draft someone to help Andre Johnson. The Texans are letting go of both their tight ends, they need to find a security blanket for whoever plays quarterback for them. After the failed Ed Reed experiment, the Texans need to someone to cover the back end for them.

Indianapolis Colts Season in Review

Indianapolis Colts Season Review

It isn't fair when you think about. The Colts let go of arguably the greatest quarterback of all time in Peyton Manning to enter a rebuilding year and they draft one of the young quarterbacks on the rise in Andrew Luck. Although he looks like a caveman, the man can play football. The Colts were able to go 11-5 this season, only to lose in the divisional round in the playoffs. After a successful season for the Colts, we can take a step back and see that their stats were just average and need to upgrade a few positions to maximize their potential.

The Colts were an odd team. They could beat some of the best teams and look amazing, but then lose to some average or subpar teams and look out of place at times. They would beat Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco but fall short to the Rams, Dolphins, and Chargers. The Colts can continue to make the playoffs but will never really be a contender unless they are more consistent. 

The lack of a real running game truly hurt the Colts. Their 3rd leading rusher on the team was Andrew Luck. Despite his athleticism, he shouldn't be a leading rusher. As I said from the moment it happened the trade for Trent Richardson was a disaster. Trent Richardson is not an elite running back in this league. He only managed to average 2.9 yards a carry and only had 458 yards for the Colts. The offense was a complete different person when Donald Brown was in the game. The first order of business is to get him resigned. It took a while, but Donald Brown is starting to blossom both in the passing and running game. His ability to pick up blitzes and then sneak out behind the defensive line and make plays is uncanny. He rushed for 537 yards and averaged 6.4 yards a carry. Clearly this offense is better with Donald Brown in the lineup. I am curious to see how Ahmad Bradshaw will bounce back from his injury. That could be interesting if the Colts can get him rolling again.

In order for the Colts to be an elite team, they have to upgrade a few positions. First, wide reciever. Yes they have Reggie Wayne and Ty Hilton. Yes I love both of those players, Reggie Wayne is aging (still might have the best hands in football) and Ty Hilton could use some help. This is a talented wide receiver group. Not to mention Hakeem Nicks openly expressed his interest in playing with Andrew Luck. Statistically this offense was average last season. Ranked 14th in total points(24.4), 15th in yards per game(341.8), 17th in passing yards(232.8), and 21 in rushing yards(108.9). Upgrades are needed on the offensive line. But more importantly they need to focus on the defense. Vontae Davis is a free agent. Profootballtalk reports that Colts and Davis are close on a deal. Signing the former Brown's linebacker D'qwell Jackson will help the NFL's 26th ranked rushing defense. Look for the Colts to address the defense line through free agency and the draft. 

Colts won the division in 2013...they are just a few upgrades away from winning a super bowl in the near future. 

Tennessee Titans Season in Review

Tennessee Titans Season in Review 

There is no denying the fact that the Titans were a pleasant surprise this year. Most people would not pick them to go 7-9. After starting 3-1, the Titans finished the season going 4-8. It seems there is always one team each season who starts off great but somehow just falls off. Maybe it was over confidence after a few wins, and then lack of confidence after a few losses. The problem is some teams don't know how to respond to a loss. Or maybe they just weren't good enough to begin with. So which problem did the Titans have last season? Maybe a little of both.

Take a look at the Titans schedule. Their first four games were against average teams. Week 1, they won against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who finished the season strong but did not start strong by any means. Week 2, the Titans lost to division rival, Houston Texans (which was the last Texans win of the season). Week 3, they beat the San Diego Chargers who put together a late run later in the season but was nothing special early in the season. Week 4 was a win against the New York Jets...need I say more?  These wins were gave the Titans some confidence, as winning should do, but the Titans may have been getting cocky. To be honest during these first few weeks I was impressed by Jake Locker. He stepped when he needed too and took control of the offense. I think the Titans were starting to buy into what the coaching staff was preaching. However, the next three games against the Chiefs, Seahawks, and 49ers, took that confidence away. Once they lost their confidence, they stopped believing in the coaching staff, and it was all downhill from there.

Like I said earlier some teams don't know how to respond to a loss. What I mean is after losing...some teams just don't know how to bounce back. It weighs in their mind and they dwell on it. When they continue to think about the past game, they don't focus on future games. For the Titans, their losses came in bunches. They would win a games, then lose a game, then lose another game, then win a game, then lose a game, and then lose another game. One loss was most likely accompanied by or accompanying another game. 

Maybe some times are not good enough. Well in the Titans case...there are making improvements each year to get better. they were better in 2013 then they were in 2012. However, they are not good enough to challenge the Colts for the division title yet. So how can they get better? First they need to decide how to handle Chris Johnson who has seen is numbers decrease ever since his 2000 yard season. Trading him seems to be the most attractive option. There will be teams who are looking for a running back. Trading him to a team who is just a running back away from being real contenders maybe their best option. Bringing in Ken Whisenhunt was a step in the right direction and getting Ray Horton to be defensive coordinator will be a great addition for the 20th ranked rush defense. Getting rid of Kenny Britt is something that also needs to be done. Resigning Bernard Pollard is also a good move. Finding a way to keep Verner is also a necessity but difficult. If the Titans can trade Chris Johnson, they should look into signing Donald Brown or Ben Tate. last but not least they need to a threat to an average wide receiver group. 

Titans are a few moves away from challenging the Colts. Let's not forget Jake Locker did get injured last year. Titans played well with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but it will be interesting to see how Locker will bounce back from injury.

Jacksonville Jaguars Season in Review

Jacksonville Jaguars Season in Review

Jaguars showed significant improvement throughout 2014. What evidence do I have to make this claim? Well...they don't have the first pick in the 2014 draft. If you would have asked any NFL fan which team would be picking first in April after week 1 of the regular season, most would have said the Jaguars. 

Unlike their rivals, the Houston Texans, the Jaguars have little talent everywhere. The one bright spot on the Jags was Justin Blackmon, who played on four games in 2013 due to a substance abuse suspension for the rest of the season. It's time Jacksonville. It's time for the Jaguars to start rebuilding...I mean actually rebuilding. 

Jaguars struggled on both sides on the ball last year, ranking last in points scored and 28th in points against. Clearly they struggled scoring and keeping the other team from scoring. Jaguars struggled particularly with stopping the ranking 29th in the league allowing 131.8 yards per game. Don't forget this is the team who let Darryl Smith, who quietly had a solid year with the Ravens, walk away after the 2012 season. Opposing teams were also able to throw the ball easily on the Jags defense considering they were allowing a league 27th worst 379.4 yards a game. Remember this was the team that allowed corner-back Rashean Mathis walk away after the 2012 season. See the pattern?

Its the same story offensively. They couldn't run the ball. Either that offensive line was being man-handled every time or MJD just couldn't get going. Then there's Blaine Gabbert. Blaine showed minor improvement this year but did master the chuck and duck. It is clear Blaine Gabbert is not meant to be a starting quarterback in this league and its only a matter of time till his career is over. Chad Henne did a better job operating the offense then Gabbert, but he is not the answer either. Thankfully this draft is deep in quarterbacks.

 The problem with the Jaguars is they hold onto to their few talented players until their contract expires and then either they let them walk, or the player is to tired of losing that he decides to leave. They Jaguars have been in a rebuilding state for a few seasons now...the only problem is...I don't know if the Jaguars know they are in a rebuilding state. They had chances to trade away players who would have costed too much to keep in previous years like Rashean Mathis and Darryl Smith for draft picks but decided not to. This year they are doing the same with MJD. Sorry Jag fans but it doesn't like MJD will be returning but the Jags do seem to be high on Denard Robinson the former Michigan quarterback.

In short the Jaguars did show improvement, but not enough to be

a competitive team in the AFC South. The Jaguars need to rebuild. With Gus Bradley having a full year of experience of being a head coach, I expect this team to continue to improve, as long as they have the mindset of rebuilding this unit. 

Houston Texans Season in Review

Houston Texans Season in Review

And the winner of the most disappointing 2013 season goes to...the Houston Texans. But in all seriousness how does such a talented team go 2-14, especially going 12-4 and making it to the divisional round in 2012? 

This team has serious talent in multiple positions but clearly lacked major talent in other positions which lead to a 14 game demise. To understand this, we must examine the quarterback position. Matt Schaub lead the team in passing, but was plagued with interceptions...interceptions that turned into touchdowns for the other team. The worst part about those interceptions is they came in critical parts of the game (remember Richard Sherman picking off Matt Schaub to win the game). While many 'experts' question Matt Schaub's arm strength and accuracy I don't. The real question is Matt Schaub's mental toughness. After throwing that many pick sixes, we have to wonder where he is mentally. Maybe that played a role in his decline. I think Matt Schaub has the ability to play quarterback, and we have been told head coach Bill O'Brien did say he liked Schaub. Whether we will ever get to see him play again is still up for debate. 

Poor quarterback play could be the main result there is one another reason I believe this team failed to perform. Arian Foster has a problem staying healthy. He was off the field so much, the leading rusher was soon to be free agent back up running back Ben Tate. Ben Tate already said he is not returning to the Texans. The front office has to make a decision what to do with Arian Foster who is undoubtedly a weapon on th field. If they choose to trade him, they should be able to get decent value for a 27 year old back who can still produce in both the passing game and running game. Potential suitors could be the Patriots or the Broncos, both of who could use some talent at the position. If the front office decides to keep him, that's great, just find a way to build around the guy. 

The Texans don't have an identity anymore either. As the season winded down the team lost its toughness. That doesn't mean they didn't battle in games, it means they lacked the physical and mental toughness to be able to finish games. The Texans are in struggle. The front office has to decide whether its time to rebuild by trading away some aging veterans and drafting young new players, or if they want to add around the roster they have now. With either decision it will be an up field battle. 

On the bright side, the Texans have the first pick in the 2014 draft.