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.