The Ravens are Soaring at the Right Time

Author: Peter DiPaola


The Baltimore Ravens went into their bye week in week 10 with a 4-5 record, including three straight losses, since then, they have gone 5-1, with their only loss being to the Kansas City Chiefs, which went to over time.

Their ability to rush the ball has been a big help, from weeks 11-15 they had at least 190 yards in each game, and went over 200 yards 4 times in that span, they ran for 159 in week 16. Lamar Jackson has been their starting quarterback since the bye week, tossing 5 touchdowns against 3 interceptions, along with 3 rushing touchdown in his starting tenure.

The Ravens have the leagues best defense in terms of points allowed per game (17.5), during their post bye week success they have allowed 17 points per game while averaging 25 points per game. A tough defense and running game can be dangerous any time of the season. With the playoffs being under just two weeks away, and a chance for this team to win the AFC North, the Ravens are playing solid football at the right time.

They can control the clock and play south defense, week 17 will determine if they make the playoffs, they face the Cleveland Browns, if they win they are in, if they lose, they can still clinch the AFC North if the Steelers lose to the Bengals. Both games will take place at 4:25 on Sunday, and both the Ravens and Steelers will be playing at home against AFC North opponents.

Based on how the Ravens have played as of late, it is reasonable that they can take their division crown late Sunday and ride their defense and run game into the playoffs, and perhaps make a run for the Super Bowl. Watch out NFL, the Ravens are playing sound football at the seasons end!

For all playoff scenarios click here

Statistics are from www.pro-football-reference.com

Follow us on social media!
Twitter
Facebook

We are also a proud partner of The AOSN!

www.theaosn.com

Have We Seen the Last of Dez Bryant?

Author: Peter DiPaola

Just two days after signing with the New Orleans Saints, Dez Bryant reportedly suffered a torn Achilles in practice, and he had to be helped off the field. The 30 year old wide receiver spent his first 8 years of his career in a Cowboys uniform, in his career he has caught 531 passes for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns. His career could now be in jeopardy because of his new injury.

After failing to sign with a team up until this past week, including turning down a contract with the Baltimore Ravens before the season, it is reasonable that we may have seen the last of Dez Bryant in the NFL. His production had began to slip after the 2014 season, in which he caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards and a league leading 16 touchdowns. Since then he has caught 17 touchdowns in the three seasons following his career year.

Just last season he caught 69 passes for 838 yards and 6 touchdowns, and had a career low (12.1) in yards per reception, while playing and starting all 16 games.

Due to age, an injury of this severity at this juncture of the season, and his declining numbers, Dez Bryant's last NFL action could very well be a practice with the New Orleans Saints. Maybe Dez can come back, but this could also be the end of his career.

All statistics from www.pro-football-reference.com

An "The AOSN" Partner

Is Jameis Winston's Time up in Tampa Bay?

Author: Peter DiPaola

Jameis Winston's return from his three game suspension has not been good for the fourth year signal caller. Since returning he has thrown at least 2 interceptions in all four games he has appeared in, three of which were starts. He has thrown 6 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season, and he is tied for the league lead in interceptions, which is 1 interception shy of his season total from last season.

During his tenure as a Buccaneer he has thrown 75 touchdowns, 54 interceptions, rushed for 9 touchdowns, he has lost 16 fumbles, and has a completion percentage of 61.2%. His total touchdown number is 84 and his total turnover number is 70, for a former Heisman winner and top pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the numbers do not look good.

Combine that with his off the field incident that cost him the first three games of the season, Tampa Bay could be looking to move on from Winston at the seasons end. Winston was pulled last weekend in the loss against the Bengals, and he will be on the bench in the Buccaneers tilt against the Carolina Panthers this weekend. Instead Ryan Fitzpatrick will be the starter, again, for Tampa Bay. It is possible that Jameis could have seen his last action against the Bengals. That is because if he is to get injured it works out in his favor because Tampa Bay could be on the hook for his fifth year option, which is $20.9 million.

The Buccaneers still have nine games to play, and anything can happen in the NFL, but if Winston cannot get back on the field, it could signal the end of his career in Tampa Bay, even if he does get back on the field, it could still be the end.

So what can the Buccaneers do at quarterback? Ryan Fitzpatrick provides veteran leadership and is a journeyman quarterback with plenty of experience. They could do what the Jets did with Josh McCown, bring him back one more year to mentor a rookie quarterback, if Tampa Bay decides to take one in the 2019 NFL draft.

Statistics from: www.pro-football-reference.com

Potential Landing Spots for Josh Gordon

AUTHOR- PETER DIPAOLA

On Saturday the Cleveland Browns announced that they were going to part ways with wide receiver Josh Gordon. Josh, when on the field, is a talented play maker, and he could find a good market for himself once he is released, or if he gets traded. Here are some potential landing spots for Josh Gordon.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Dallas could use a talent such as Josh Gordon to help bolster their receiving corp, it could help improve their rushing attack as it would give opposing defenses a receiver to worry about. Dallas has not been able to find a replacement for their former number one receiver Dez Bryant since they cut him.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

With Julian Edelman suspended for the first four weeks, the Patriots would make sense, even after Edelman comes back as well. It would give New England a deep threat, and Gordon would be part of an organization that has high expectations from their players, which could help Gordon continue to grow and improve.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills drafted quarterback Josh Allen in the first round of this years draft, getting a young quarterback a receiver with the ability that Josh Gordon has is always a plus. Buffalo has plenty of holes to file, and if they could land Josh Gordon, it would help the Bills continue to improve by acquiring talent.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Josh would be part of a receiving group that has Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin, giving the 49ers a unique receiving corp. Their division rival Los Angeles Rams have a very talented offense and defense, if the 49ers want to compete with them and aim for the division title, it would benefit them to sign Josh Gordon.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle could use some help at this position, Doug Baldwin is banged up and it would give Russell Wilson a new threat. They also have Brandon Marshall who has had his own issues in the past, and he could be a mentor to Josh Gordon.

HONORABLE MENTIONS 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Andrew Luck would have Josh Gordon and T.Y. Hilton as his receivers, giving him a interesting receiving duo.

NEW YORK JETS- Quarterback Sam Darnold could use another weapon to work with in his rookie season and beyond.  

Quarterbacks With Something to Prove in 2018

Writer: Peter DiPaola

Each NFL season, players in every position have to prove themselves, this piece focuses on the quarterbacks that have something to prove in 2018.

JAMEIS WINSTON 

Jameis will not be starting the first three games of the 2018 season due to a suspension from an off the field incident in which Winston was accused of groping a female Uber driver. He is now entering his fourth season in the NFL, and in 45 games played since being taken with the first pick in 2015 he has compiled the following statistics:
11,636 Yards
60.8% Passes completed
69 Passing touchdowns
44 Interceptions
513 Rush yards
8 Rushing touchdowns (6 of which came his rookie season)
15 Lost fumbles

In 45 games Winston has 77 total touchdowns and 59 turnovers, and with his turnover issues, and being suspended the first three games of 2018, Winston could be in a tough spot once he comes back. The Buccaneers start off the season on the road against their division rival Saints, then they play back to back home games, one against the Eagles and the other against the Steelers. If the Buccaneers have a rocky start, when Winston comes back he will have to play smarter football by keeping the turnovers down. If he struggles when he comes back and Tampa Bay has another losing season, the young signal caller might face a tough road ahead attempting to stay in Tampa.

Keep an eye on Winston in 2018, this could be a make or break year for the former Heisman winner.

RYAN TANNEHILL

After spending all of 2017 on the injured reserve, Ryan Tannehill will be back as the Dolphins starting quarterback in 2018. Why is Tannehill on this list?  Following his first four years in the NFL, in which Tannehill improved each season in passing categories, he struggled in 2016. During the 2016 season, Tannehill played in 13 games, tossing 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and averaged 230.4 yards a game.  To be fair during 2016 he did set career highs in completion percentage (67.1%) and passer rating (93.5). So while Tannehill has shown potential in the NFL, he is coming back after missing the 2017 season due to a torn ACL he suffered in a training camp practice. Tannehill will also be missing wide receiver Jarvis Landry (traded to the Browns), who led the league in receptions  (112) in 2017. Tannehill is a quarterback to watch this upcoming season, watch him to see how he comes back from injury and how he performs with some new teammates.

MARCUS MARIOTA

Marcus Mariota is entering his fourth year in the league, and he has played in 42 games (all starts), in his career he has compiled the following statistics:
9.476 Passing yards
61.8% Passes completed
58 Passing Touchdowns
34 Interceptions
913 Rush yards
9 Rushing touchdowns
12 Lost fumbles

In total he has 67 total touchdowns and 46 turnovers in 42 games, Marcus went from 26 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 2016 to 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions on 2017. Tennessee did manage to make the playoffs in 2017 and won a road game against the Kansas City Chiefs on wildcard weekend. Tennessee now has a new head coach in Mike Vrabel, Marcus will have to show his new coaching staff that he can improve from his down season. New coaching staffs will want players that fit their system, Marcus is a quarterback worth following in 2018. Watch to see how he looks to improve and fit in the new coaches system, if Mariota can play the way he did in 2016, or better, he should not have to worry about his future.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

JOE FLACCO- Joe Flacco averaged 196.3 yards per game in 2017, his worst since his rookie season in 2018 (185.7 per game). His team, the Baltimore Ravens, traded back up into the first round and selected quarterback Lamar Jackson with the 32nd pick as well. As long as Flacco can stay healthy and improve on his numbers, he should be safe.

TYROD TAYLOR- After helping the Buffalo Bills get to the playoffs last season for the first time since 1999, he was shipped to the Cleveland Browns. Tyrod makes this list because if he performs well, the Browns could shop him if they can resign him or tag him after the season is over. That is because they have the 2017 Heisman winner and 2018 first overall pick, quarterback, Baker Mayfield on the roster.

STATISTICS AND NEWS FROM WWW.NFL.COM

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
Foxhole Sports 
Peter DiPaola 
Amos Conway

2018 NFL Season: Year of the Receiver

 Author- Peter DiPaola

Every season in the NFL, there are plenty of players that want to prove themselves to their respective teams, whether it is fighting for a roster spot, or  wanting to land a new deal.  With some of the moves at wide receiver this offseason, there are plenty of receivers looking to prove their worth.  Here are receivers to keep an eye on during the 2018 season.

COREY COLEMAN

The Cleveland Browns took Corey Coleman in the first round of the 2016 draft, then on Sunday, August 5th, the Browns traded Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills, per Adam Schefter. Schefter did state that the Bills traded their 2020 7th round pick for Coleman. Corey joins a team that made the playoffs in 2017, during his 2 year stint in Cleveland he played in19 games, catching 56 passes for 718 yards and 5 touchdowns. Corey Coleman's numbers are not great, but injury issues have hampered him since entering the NFL.  He was also part of an organization that went 1-31 the last two seasons.  He can help the Bills offense with his speed and ability, keep an eye on how he performs in 2018, if Josh Allen is the starting quarterback, Coleman could be a home run hitter for Allen, who has a strong arm.  


TAVON AUSTIN

While officially listed as a running back, per the Dallas Cowboys official website, nfl.com's Kevin Patra, wrote that Tavon has not lined up in the backfield during training camp. Tavon Austin has not played up to the level of a first round pick. Since being selected by the Rams in 2013, (when they were still in St. Louis), he has only caught 194 passes for 1,684 yards and 12 touchdowns. In two of his five seasons, he did not catch a single touchdown pass, Dallas is a fresh start for him. With the departure of Dez Bryant, the Cowboys will be leaning on their other pass catchers to make plays. Tavon Austin was drafted as a receiver, and based on how he has lined up in camp, it would be fair to assume he will be seeing plenty of action in the passing game. 

WILL FULLER V

Will Fuller was picked with the 21st pick in the 2016 NFL draft, by the Houston Texans, since then he has caught 75 passes for 1,058 yards and 9 touchdowns in 24 games. His touchdown receptions did improve from 2 in 2016, to 7 in 2017. His yards did decline from 635 (2016) to 423 in 2017, and he caught 28 passes in 2017, compared to 47 in 2016. It should be noted that all 7 touchdowns in 2017 came during  a four week span in 2017 when Deshaun Watson was the quarterback. If Watson is fully healthy when he comes back and is able to find that connection with Fuller again, Fuller could be due for his breakout season. 

TERRELLE PRYOR 

Terrelle Pryor posted a 1,000 yard season in 2016 with the Cleveland Browns, he caught 77 passes for 1,007 yards and 4 touchdowns that season in 16 games. Last year he was in the nations capitol playing for the Washington Redskins and caught 20 passes for 24 yards and just 1 touchdown (in 9 games played), a big drop off, even though he played in 7 less games than in 2016.  Pryor is now a New York Jet, how he will fit in on the Jets offense, and how much playing him he will get, will be something to watch this season. Will he be closer to the 2016 version of himself? Only time will tell.

Honorable mentions:

Kelvin Benjamin- With his recent rumblings about the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton, which irked his head coach, Sean McDermott, and this being his contract year in Buffalo, it is arguable that he would have to prove himself to stay on the Bills. There has been a change at quarterback, and the Bills just traded for wide receiver Corey Coleman.

Danny Amendola- For the first time since the 2012 season, Amendola is playing for a team not named the New England Patriots, he is now part of the Patriots division rival Miami Dolphins. 

ALL STATISTICS AND INFORMATION FROM WWW.PRO-FOOTBALL-REFERENCE.COM, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

Follow us on twitter at @foxholesports1

Kings of the Conference: AFC South

Author- Amos Conway

The 2018 NFL Season is right around the corner with the HOF (Hall Of Fame) Game set to kick off on Thursday, August 2nd 2018 at 8:00 PM on NBC. A game that will showcase some new talent with the Chicago Bears playing the Baltimore Ravens in Canton, OH to officially kick off the NFL Preseason.  

Hang in there Football Fans, we’re almost there.

With that being said, every year we have the discussion about the best division in football. Last year we had the NFC South have 3 representatives in the 2017 NFL Playoffs with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers all thrusting themselves into the postseason. In the AFC it looked like the AFC West may have 3 teams being the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and the newly minted Los Angeles Chargers finding their way as well, with only the Chiefs sliding in for a brief appearance.

So much can change throughout the season with the volatility of the NFL.  Teams have to overcome many obstacles from injuries to suspensions, holdouts and so much more. This year, I believe one division that sent 2 teams to the 2017-2018 NFL Playoffs will once again have multiple teams represent them and take the title for the toughest and best division in football. This division will be the AFC South who saw the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans both make the playoffs last season; with both teams falling to the New England Patriots who would go on to represent the AFC  and eventually fall to the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles (41-33) in Super Bowl LII.

All 4 teams in the AFC South have the potential, the coaching along with the talent to all reach the 2018 playoffs. Let’s make the case for the AFC South to tak the Crown for Best Division in Pro Football with a team by team analysis.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts struggles have been followed over the last couple seasons from mistakes in the front office to the mismanagement of their Star Quarterback, Andrew Luck. However, 2018 looks bright for this team with new HC Frank Reich and 2nd Year GM Chris Ballard. With Andrew Luck being healthy, the Colts will have a shot at the division title and its hard to dispute that considering what we seen out of Andrew when he is healthy. They get back 2nd year man and potential star Safety Malik Hooker, a potential break out corner in Quincy Wilson from Florida along with a healthy Ryan Kelly and they got arguably the best player in the draft with the 6th  overall pick in Guard; Quentin Nelson from Notre Dame. This team has a lot of young talent on defense to blend in with some veterans like Jabaal Sheard, Jon Simon and Jonathan Hankins. This maybe one of the best Colts defenses we have seen in the last 17 years. Yes, there are questions on the offense at receiver outside of T.Y. Hilton and the RB Position, but as mentioned before a healthy Andrew Luck can mask a lot of those problems especially with his come from behind ability. This Colts team has a mix of talent, and as the 2018 season progresses they should gel together and become a formidable team and even have a chance to make a push for the playoffs. Don’t underestimate these Colts; they definitely have a horse in this race.

Houston Texans

The Texans are a team that have been hard to gauge over the last couple of seasons, some critics argue they have underachieved or have overachieved and a lot of that has been on the coach, Bill O’Brien whose seemingly tried to win with a carousel of QB’s that he thought he could develop in his system. Last year they moved up in the draft and struck gold with Deshaun Watson and in a small sample size showed the mold of a Champion with his flashes of brilliance in decision making, accuracy and arm strength that surprised a lot of people. We all should have seen this coming, Nick Saban had 6 or so weeks over 2 seasons to prepare for him and Watson simply looked ready for everything, along with edging the Tide in an epic 2nd half come back and got the W over the feared Tide in his 2nd shot against them in the National Title Game. The 2018 Season will show case a (hopefully) healthy Watson coming off the ACL tear, Nuk Hopkins who is a top 3 receiver with a new contract that was well deserved, Will Fuller who Watson hooked up with 5 tds over 3 games with in the 2017 season including 2 against the Legion of Boom in Seattle and maybe the most important of all a revamped defense that acquired Tyrann Mathieu from the Cardinals, a healthy JJ Watt and a line backing core spewing with talent with former 1st overall pick Jadaveon Clowney whose put it all together and become a complete Linebacker, Whitney Mercilus is year after year an underrated pass rusher  if he can stay health and 2nd year man Zach Cunningham is a tackling machine out of Vanderbilt.  Get your Battle Red out Houston; the Texans are set to explode onto the scene in this 2018 season.

Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans are a 1 of 2 AFC South Teams that made the 2017 playoffs and had one of the most memorable plays when QB Marcus Mariota caught his own deflected pass and proceeded to punch in it the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs where en route to a 2nd half comeback that they would complete and eventually advance and fall to the Patriots in the divisional round. Speaking of the Patriots, the Titans seem to clearly trying to model themselves after arguably the most successful Franchise since 2000, and possibly in Sports History by adding former  Patriot Linebacker ,Ohio State and Houston Texans Defensive Coordinator and 3x Super Bowl Champion Mike Vrabel to be their Head Coach, as well as bringing in Super Bowl 49 Hero Malcolm Butler to play opposite of Adoree’ Jackson and Swiss Army Knife Running Back Dion Lewis also acquired from the Patriots to split carries with battering ram Derrick Henry. The best way to describe the 2018 Titans without actually seeing them hit the field yet for the 2018 season is balanced. They are the only team in the AFC South that have a reliable Quarterback, a Solid run game and as long as Delanie Walker and 2017 top 10 draft pick Wide Receiver Corey Davis stay health they should have a sound passing game. It’s the same story on the on the defensive side of the ball, this team can stop the run with the help of DT Jurrell Casey, and rush the passer with the likes Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan along with Wesley Woodyard helping plug up the run as well. The key to their success is with QB Marcus Mariota who is a dual threat; passing the ball and being able to take off running, and more importantly he makes good decisions when running the ball. This two tone tank should be carried into the playoffs by a defense that will play sound, disciplined football under first year Head Coach Mike Vrabel and an offense led by a QB who is looking to take the next step along with a 2nd year RB in Derrick Henry who’s size, speed and ability to finish games should be invaluable come December and January. The hidden key to this team however; maybe the special teams that has starting corner Adoree’ Jackson who has the ability to catch fire and change the outcome of any game, on any given kick or punt return.  

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags are the team to beat in this division, understandably so people will point to the 2 losses to divisional rival Tennessee last year. This is a different season, another year that this defense will be together led by their 2 Corners who are arguably, and in my mind the #1 and #2 corners in the NFL with Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye that both have the ability and will shut down every duo of receivers they see in the upcoming 2018 season, they also have a pair of instinctual safeties in Barry Church and Tashaun Gipson that surprised last year by covering the middle of the field and helping keep everything in front of them thrown to slot receivers and tight ends. At the linebacker core you have Myles Jack that before the knee concern would have been a top 5 pick but ultimately slipped to the 2nd round for Jacksonville to grab and his counterpart Telvin Smith who is equally as talented and just received a long term extension. Both of these guys have the ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and drop in zone coverage and even play man coverage against number of tight ends, running backs and even some slot receivers they will encounter this upcoming 2018 season.  Now, let’s talk about the bread and butter of this defense, the extremely versatile defensive line led by All-Pro DE Calais Campbell and includes talented pass rushers, along with run stuffers like Yannick Ngakoue, former 3rd overall pick Dante Fowler Jr, Malik Jackson, Marcell Dareus, Abry Jones and 2018 1st round pick Taven Bryan who experts and scouts have compared the likeness of JJ Watt to if he is able to stay health and motivated. This defense is unbelievably talented, and the window for them is now.  They could easily shatter records held by other great defenses like the 85 Bears, 2013 Seahawks, 2015 Broncos and the Purple People Eaters of the Minnesota Vikings. The Defense is clearly where this team will find their dominant run with Malik Jackson already proclaiming “16-0”. With that said, all the offense has to do is not make more mistakes then their defense will create. Blake Bortles was efficient last year, and played extremely well in the playoffs and probably should have beaten the Patriots in New England in the Conference Title game. They drafted Leonard Fournette who is coming off a 1000 yard and 9 touchdown rookie campaign last season behind a revamped offensive line that in 2018 should be even better than they were in 2017 with Cam Robinson in his 2nd year, Andrew Norwell coming over from Carolina and Jeremy Parnell from Dallas. At the skill positions they did lose big time receiver Allen Robinson to the Chicago Bears, however they acquired tight ends Austin Seferian-Jenkins from the New York Jets Niles Paul came over from Washington to help in both the running and passing game. We should also expect continuing progression out of WR Marqise Lee, Dede Westbrook, and Keelan Cole along with Donte Moncrief who they stole away from the Colts and has a lot of untapped potential. Jacksonville is relevant again thanks to Tom Coughlin, Doug Marrone and this team has a 3-5 year window to claw, rip and tear through the NFL led by their league wrecking defense. The Jaguars and their fans have a lot to roar about.

As you can see, this Division is loaded with Super Start talent, efficient players, great role players and guys hungry to win. The AFC South will be competitive, hard-nosed and fun to watch for years to come but. But the dominance will begin this year thanks to the patience of Owners, GM’s and Head Coaches alike, the stars are aligned for the AFC South Division, once this group of teams grabs the Crown for the Best Division in Football, it could be a run for the ages before we see them relinquish it.  Let’s just all enjoy the ride, while it last.

Four Players that Could be Traded this Training Camp

Author- Peter DiPaola

Teddy Bridgwater

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is entering his fifth NFL season in 2018, and with veteran Josh McCown sticking around for another season in New York, and Jets 2018 first round pick Sam Darnold on the roster, Teddy could be the odd man out. Teddy Bridgewater might not cost much for a team looking for depth or even a starter. It would benefit the Jets to move him to help acquire more draft picks, they do not have a second round pick in the 2019 draft due to moving up from the 6th pick to the 3rd pick in this years draft (traded up to the Colts pick). 

Mike Gillislee

Mike Gillislee played in 9 games for the Patriots last season, scoring 5 touchdowns, however 3 of those came in week 1. Following the Patriots 8th game of the season, he did not see the field again until their 15th game of the year, on December 24th. With the new additions in 2018 first round pick Sony Michel and Jeremy Hill, Gillislee could be on the outside looking in at a crowded backfield in New England. If a team is looking for a running back, Gillislee could a cheap option, and New England can add more draft stock. 

Paxton Lynch

Paxton Lynch was picked in the first round of the 2016 draft by the Denver Broncos, in his two seasons in Denver he has played in 5 games (starting 4 of those) and has thrown 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The numbers and sparse play time is not good for a player picked in the first round, and with Case Keenum in town, Lynch's days in a Bronco uniform could be numbered.

Tevin Coleman

Tevin is entering his 4th year in the NFL, Atlanta's starting running back, Devonta Freeman, is signed through 2022, and Coleman could find a fair market after this upcoming season is up. Atlanta might not want to resign Coleman come the offseason if he could find higher offers elsewhere, because matching offers could mean they are paying two running backs a good chunk of change. Atlanta could find a trading partner during training camp, and pull the trigger to ship him off in order to gain compensation in picks or players over losing him in free agency, or having to use the franchise tag on him, and hope to resign him or trade him next offseason.

All information used in this post is from www.pro-football-reference.com

Five Players to Watch During Training Camp

Author- Peter DiPaola

NFL teams will start to attend training camp at the end of this month in preparation for the 2018 season.  With the training camp season upon us, here is a list of players to keep an eye on this year.

Tavon Austin

Tavon Austin who spent his last five seasons with the Rams finds himself on a new team, the former top 10 pick who was drafted as a wide receiver is listed as a running back, per the Dallas Cowboys website. Since being drafted Tavon Austin has caught 194 passes for 1,689 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he has also ran for 1,238 yards and 9 touchdowns on 184 carriers. Tavon is a dual threat on offense catching and running the football, and while he did not seem to fit in Sean McVay's offense in Los Angeles last season, his skill set can help the Dallas offense. With the release of Dez Bryant during the offseason, and the Dallas Cowboys rushing attack on offense, Tavon could be a perfect fit in Dallas. He could help spell Ezekiel Elliot, and help in the passing game as well, Dallas was ranked 26th last season.

Teddy Bridgewater  

Former first round pick Teddy Bridgewater is entering his fifth season in the NFL. He spent his previous four seasons in Minnesota, he spent one season sidelined (2016) following a gruesome injury during a non-contact drill during a team practice in August in which he tore his ACL and dislocated his knee.  Bridgewater only attempted 2 passes in 2017, during his first seasons (2014 and 2015) he threw for 28 touchdowns and 21 interceptions while completing 64.8% of his passes for 6,150 yards.  He also ran 91 times for 301 yards and 4 touchdowns during his first two seasons. He will be competing with Josh McCown and Sam Darnold during camp and the preseason, but if he shows promise and good health he could be a starter for the Jets in 2018, or maybe even traded if a team needs a quarterback.

Richard Sherman 

After spending his first seven years in a Seahawks uniform, Sherman is now playing for the division rival 49ers. Richard Sherman only played into early November during the 2017 campaign due to a ruptured Achilles injury. Now 8 months removed from the injury that ended his season, and on a new team, keep an eye on Sherman, he knows the NFC West, how to play championship football, and he has been regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the game.  Aside from what he brings to the table regarding his play making ability, his recovery from his injury will be a story to follow.  During his career he has 32 interceptions, 2 pick sixes and 5 fumble recoveries.  His work ethic and play over his career makes him a welcomed addition to the 49ers.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Jameis Winston is suspended the first three games of the season due to violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, which now means that Ryan Fitzpatrick will be starting those games. This is Fitzpatrick's second year in Tampa Bay, last season he started three games (played in six), throwing for 1,103 yards, 7 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and completed 58.9% of his passes. He brings plenty of NFL experience with him as he has played for 7 different teams during his career, he is now entering his 14th NFL season with 133 games played (119 of those are starts). How he performs during camp and the preseason will be important for the Buccaneers to keep an eye on, he has had his ups and downs in the NFL. Tampa Bay cannot afford a slow start to their season if they want to make the playoffs in 2018.

Josh Gordon

Josh Gordon was finally able to find the field last season after being suspended the prior two seasons, and part of the 2014 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. 2013 was his best season in which he led the league in receiving with 1,646 yards in just 14 games, and he has two 200 yard performances that season. Based on his skill set and what he was able to do in 2013, he can be on the best receivers in the NFL, and he is part of a receiving corp. that features Jarvis Landry and Coleman. Keep a look out for how he looks during camp and to see how the Browns will use him in an offense with plenty of talent at receiver, tight end and running back. If he can play as well as he did in 2013, or close to it, the Browns will be able to move forward from their losing ways and attempt to make their way back to winning games and making the playoffs. 

Statistical and suspension information from www.pro-football-reference.com

Injury news from www.nfl.com

Follow us on twitter:

Foxhole Sports

Peter DiPaola

Amos Conway




 






 

Making the Case: Why the Cleveland Browns Could Make the Playoffs in 2018

Author: Peter DiPaola

In our recent twitter poll asking if the Cleveland Browns could make the playoffs this season, 80% of the voters said no.   That is an understandable number considering that Browns are coming off an 0-16 season, and a total record of 1-31 since current head coach Hue Jackson took over in 2016.

However the Browns have added this offseason in free agency, trades and the draft and acquired offensive coordinator Todd Haley who was on the Steelers staff as their offensive coordinator.

Cleveland added quarterbacks Tyrod Taylor (trade with the Buffalo Bills), and Baker Mayfield (1st overall pick in the draft), traded for Jarvis Landry (Miami Dolphins) and inked running back Carlos Hyde who had been a 49er until signing with the Browns.  Cleveland also added cornerback Denzel Ward out of Ohio State with the 4th overall pick in this years NFL draft.

Cleveland also has wide receivers Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon along with tight end David Njoku and running backs Duke Johnson, and 2018 second round pick Nick Chubb.

With all the weapons at Tryod Taylor's disposal (he is currently the starter, per Hue Jackson), the Browns can look to improve on their offense which ranked dead last in points scored and turnovers.

They have new additions to their defense via free agency with cornerbacks E.J. Gaines, Terrance Mitchell and T.J. Carrie, to help fix a pass defense that had just 7 interceptions in 2017 (ranked 31st in that category).

The Browns could have a long road ahead to make the playoffs, but they will only face 5 teams that made the playoffs in 2017 (Steelers, Panthers, Chiefs, Saints, and Falcons), and the Steelers were the only team the made the playoffs from their division in 2017.  It would be hard to imagine a team that went 0-16 being able to overcome the Steelers for the division, but it is feasible for them to make the playoffs as a wild card team, based on their schedule.

Their GM John Dorsey added plenty of talent during the offseason, and their new offensive coordinator spent the previous six years in Pittsburgh as their offensive coordinator, so he has knowledge of what it takes to win in the AFC North.

Keep an eye on the Browns this season, they just might have something special brewing in Cleveland, the changes in the front office, coaching staff, and their roster are why the Browns could make the playoffs in 2018.

*All statistics and Information used in this piece came from www.pro-football-reference.com*

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER- @FOXHOLESPORTS1