The Buffalo Bills, A Work in Progress

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Author: Peter DiPaola

Buffalo lost a close game, 16-10, to the New England Patriots, in a slug fest between two 3-0 AFC East rivals. Buffalo managed to hold Tom Brady to 150 passing yards while going 18 for 39 with an interception, and no touchdowns.

While playing well on defense, the Bills struggled on offense, having 4 turnovers, all interceptions, three of which belonged to Josh Allen before he left the game with an injury, the last interception was a pick thrown by backup Matt Barkley.

Turnovers have been an issue for the Bills this season, Josh Allen, second year quarterback, has thrown six interceptions and lost two fumbles, which gives him an average of two turnovers per game. His play will need to improve, otherwise his miscues could end up haunting the Bills as they look to make the playoffs and improve.

While it has only been four games, the turnovers, reasonably, have caused the Bills to need to come back in their wins over the Jets and Bengals. It is hard to win games by coughing up the football, Josh Allen still has plenty of time to improve as the Bills still have 12 games to go. He is only a second year player on a team that brought in additional talent on offense to help the young signal caller.

Defensively, the Bills have been stout this season, allowing 15.8 points and 280.8 total yards a game, if they can clean up on the turnovers on the offense, the Bills could be even more dangerous, and if they make the playoffs, they may even make some noise.

The Bills are a work in progress, and Josh Allen is still learning and growing in year two, if he can learn to play safer football, and learn how to use more touch on his passes, then watch out for this Bills team. 3-1 is a great start for a team that went 6-10 just a year ago, in what one could consider a rebuilding year.


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Most Improved Teams (Team 4 of 4): Oakland Raiders

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Author: Peter DiPaola

Jon Gruden's reunion with the Oakland Raiders (soon to be Las Vegas Raiders, come 2020) was less than stellar as the team went 4-12 and saw pass rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Amari Cooper shipped out of town via trade.

Per www.pro-football-reference.com here are the Raiders offensive and defensive rankings from 2018:

OFFENSE:

Points 290 (28th)
Total yards 5379 (23rd)
Passing yards 3751 (18th)
Rushing yards 1628 (25th)
Passing touchdowns 19 (24th)
Rushing touchdowns 9 (27th)

DEFENSE:

Points 467 (32nd)
Total yards 6102 (26th)
Passing yards 3853 (19th)
Rushing yards 2249 (30th)
Passing touchdowns 36 (32nd)
Rushing touchdowns 16 (21st)

Oakland showed struggles on both sides of the football last season, on the offensive side of the football, they had no pass catcher with more than 68 catches in 2018, and no player had 1,000 yards. Tight End Jared Cook (now a New Orleans Saint) led the team in receiving touchdowns (6), yards (896) and was tied for the team lead in receptions (68) with running back Jalen Richard.

Oakland addressed their need for pass catchers by trading for wide receiver Antonio Brown, who in 2018 caught a league high 15 touchdowns on 104 catches, and had 1297 receiving yards. They also signed free agent wide receiver Tyrell Williams who had 5 touchdowns and 653 yards on 41 catches in 2018. They added two tight ends, one in the draft, 4th round pick, Foster Moreau, and free agent Luke Wilson.

In 2018, Oakland gave up 52 sacks, they were able to sign two offensive tackles this offseason, Trent Brown and Jordan Devey, along with offensive Guard, Richie Incognito. Richie is facing a two game suspension for off field conduct.

In regards to the ground game, they drafted Alabama running back, Josh Jacobs in the first round, in spirit of this piece, we will also mention that they signed free agent running back Isiah Crowell, who is now on injured reserve.

Defensively the Raiders had a hard time getting the opposing quarterback down in 2018, they ranked dead last with 13 sacks. To give perspective on just how bad their pass rush was in 2018, the Patriots and Giants, who both had the second fewest sacks in 2018, had 30 a piece. That is just a tad over double the amount of sacks. Oakland drafted three defensive ends in the 2019 draft, the first was Chris Farrell (4th overall), the second being Maxx Crosby, a 4th round choice, and then 7th round pick Quinton Bell.

Other defensive draft picks were Jonathan Abraham, safety (27th overall), cornerbacks Trayvon Mullen (2nd round) and Isaiah Johnson (4th round). Safety Lamarcus Joyner, signed with Oakland this offseason, as well as linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Oakland's offseason moves show they are attempting to improve their team, who had issues on both sides of the ball in 2018. Now just one season away from moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders are faced with improving, with the addition of play makers on both sides of the football, the Raiders have made improvements on paper. How this will translate on the field is yet to be seen, but if they can play well this season and make strides to improve again next offseason, they could be a big attraction in a city that loves its shows.

Based on the moves made in free agency and trades with some controversial players, as well as three first round picks, the Raiders will be a team to keep an eye on in 2019, and beyond.

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

Free agent information from www.espn.com

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Most Improved Teams (Team 3 of 4): New York Jets

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Author: Peter DiPaola

The New York Jets went 4-12 in 2018, and following the season, they parted ways with their head coach, Todd Bowles. New York was able to land former Miami Dolphins head coach, Adam Gase, an offensive minded coach.

Per www.pro-football-reference.com here are the Jets offensive and defensive rankings from 2018:

OFFENSE:

Points 333 (23rd)
Total yards 4787 (29th)
Passing yards 3165 (25th)
Rushing yards 1622 (26th)
Passing touchdowns 18 (26th)
Rushing touchdowns 11 (23rd)

DEFENSE:

Points 441 (29th)
Total yards 6086 (25th)
Passing yards 4065 (24th)
Rushing yards 2021 (26th)
Passing touchdowns 29 (19th)
Rushing touchdowns 16 (21st)

The Jets had their struggles on both sides of the football, which helped lead to their 4-12 record, but now with a fresh start with their coaching staff, key free agent additions and their draft class, the Jets made moves to try to improve their record in 2019.

One of the most marquee, if not the top free agent, running back Le'Veon Bell, signed with the Jets after taking the 2018 season off while he sat out due to not getting a contract worked out with the Steelers. During his 5 year tenure (6 in total, but again, sat out last season), he racked up 5336 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, and caught 312 passes for 2660 yards and 7 touchdowns. Being an all around back, he will help the Jets in both the run game and passing attack. Based on their ranking for yards in 2018 and touchdown totals for the Jets, he will be a welcomed addition, as long as he can continue to play at the level he did in Pittsburgh.

They also managed to sign free agent wide receiver Jamsion Crowder, who spent the last 4 seasons in the nations capital, playing for Washington. While playing in Washington, Crowder hauled in 2628 yards and 14 touchdowns on 221 receptions.

Both players can help assist second year quarterback, Sam Darnold, who was the 3rd overall pick in 2018. In 2018 Sam Darnold completed 57.7% of his passes for 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and 2865 yards in 13 games (all starts), he also had 138 rush yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

On the defensive side of the football, the Jets were able to sign C.J. Mosley, inside linebacker, who spent his first five seasons in Baltimore. During his tenure as a Raven, he racked up 597 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, 35 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries and 2 defensive touchdowns.

Aside from adding Mosley, they signed free agent cornerback Brian Poole, who played three seasons in a Falcons uniform. In 2018 Brian had 3 interceptions and 3 sacks.

In the draft the Jets continued to add to their defense, by taking defensive lineman Quinnen Williams with the 3rd overall pick and then picked linebacker Jachai Polite in the 3rd round.

With a new coaching staff, talent added on both sides of the football in both free agency and the draft, the New York Jets continue their quest to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season, which was also the 2nd straight season in which they reached the AFC Championship game.

The AFC East has been the Patriots division since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick started their run in the 2001 season. Could this be the Jets first division title since 2002? It is possible, because anything goes in the NFL. The New York Jets made our list because of the moves they have made this offseason, a new coaching staff and addition of new players, the Jets have some new exciting talent on a team that needed it.


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Most Improved Teams (Team 2 of 4): San Francisco 49ers

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Author: Peter DiPaola

San Francisco is coming off a 4-12 season, and finished 3rd in the NFC West, in a disappointing season, which included their quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo tearing his ACL in the 3rd game of the season.

Per Pro Football Reference, here are the 49ers offensive and defensive rankings from 2018:

OFFENSE:

Points 342 (21st)
Total yards 5769 (16th)
Passing yards 3867 (15th)
Rushing yards 1902 (13th)
Passing touchdowns 26 (17th)
Rushing touchdowns 7 (30th)

DEFENSE:

Points 435 (28th)
Total yards 5546 (13th)
Passing yards 3732 (11th)
Rushing yards 1814 (14th)
Passing touchdowns 35 (31st)
Rushing touchdowns 13 (15th)

San Francisco had issues on both sides of the football, one statistic that stood out, was that they only had two interceptions on defense all season long, and neither were from cornerbacks. Another was that only one player had over 10 sacks, which was their defensive tackle, DeForest Buckner, who had 12. This offseason the 49ers traded for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford, who had 13 sacks and 7 forced fumbles in 2018. They also landed Nick Bosa, defensive end from Ohio State with the 2nd overall pick in the draft. Giving them much needed help on defense in regards to their pass rush.

They also added cornerback Jason Verrett, from the Los Angeles Chargers, who missed all of 2018, on the good side, he did make a pro bowl in 2015. While that was 4 years ago, if he can be healthy, he has the potential to help bolster their pass defense.

 On the offensive side of the football, the 49ers drafted two receivers in a row in the draft, they took Debo Samuel in the second round and Jalen Hurd in the 3rd round. Which is helpful, because no 49er receiver go over 500 yards receiving in 2018, the only player that did was tight end George Kittle. Kittle had 1,377 yards and 5 touchdowns on a 88 receptions. Kendrick Bourne was the only 49ers wide receiver to go over 30 receptions, he had 487 yards and 4 touchdowns on 42 catches. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk had the third most receptions on the team with 30.

Not only did they add talent at wide receiver, but also signed free agent running back Tevin Coleman, who in 2016 for the Atlanta Falcons, played in 49er's head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. In that season he racked up the following numbers:

Rushing-520 yards and 8 touchdowns on 118 carries
Receiving-421 yards and 3 touchdowns on 31 receptions

That was while he was splitting time with running back D'Onta Foreman.

By adding key pieces on both sides of the football the 49ers show they are looking to grow and improve, and now with those pieces and their quarterback coming back from an injury, there should buzz around this team.

While they do play in a tough division that features the Rams who made the Super Bowl last season, and the Seahawks who have had plenty of success this past decade, the 49ers on paper, could be a playoff team. The regular season is under 3 months away, keep an eye on this team. Their moves are why they made our list of the most improved teams.

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Most Improved Teams (Team 1 of 4): Buffalo Bills

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Author: Peter DiPaola

Buffalo went 6-10 in 2018, just a season after making the playoffs, they were rebuilding and had some ups and downs.

Per Pro Football Reference here are their offensive and defensive rankings from 2018

OFFENSE:

Points (269) 30th
Total yards (4778) 30th
Passing yards (2794) 31st
Rush yards (1984) 6th
Passing touchdowns (13) 32nd
Rushing touchdowns 15 (11th)

DEFENSE:

Points (374) 18th
Total yards (4706) 2nd
Passing yards (2867) 1st
Rushing yards (1839) 16th
Passing touchdowns (22) 8th
Rushing touchdowns (17) 25th

It was also quarterback Josh Allen's rookie year, he completed 52.8% of his passes for 2,074 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also ran for 631 yards, and 8 touchdowns on 89 carries. He led the Bills in rushing yards, touchdowns and yards per carry (7.1).

Buffalo struggled on offense in 2018, and the numbers show this, this offseason they not only made moves to improve the offense with adding play makers, but also by adding offensive linemen to a team that allowed 41 sacks. If you had a chance to watch any Bills games in 2018, you would have noticed how porous at times their offensive line could be.

Some notable players they added in free agency on offense were wide receivers Cole Beasley, John Brown, and Andre Roberts, they also signed two tight ends in Tyler Kroft and Jake Fisher, and they also signed running back Frank Gore. They did, as mentioned add offensive linemen: Ty Nsekhe, LaAdrian Waddle, Spencer Long, Jon Feliciano, Quinton Spain, and Mitch Morse. All this per tweet from Mike Rodak, ESPN's Buffalo Bills reporter.

Aside from adding offensive players in free agency, they took offensive lineman Cody Ford in the 2nd round of the draft, and then in the third round they took running back Devin Singletary and tight end Dawson Knox. Their first round pick was spend on defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who can help fill the shoes of now retired Buffalo Bill, Kyle Willams.

Ed Oliver can help with bolstering the Bills run defense which ranked (as shown above) 25th in rushing touchdowns allowed and the 16th most rushing yards allowed. The Bills also ranked 26th in sacks, with 36. In his collegiate career (2016-2018), the Houston Cougars defensive tackle had:

13.5 sacks
53.5 tackles for loss
192 total tackles
5 forced fumbles
1 recovered fumble
11 passes defended

Buffalo had added plenty of talent to help fix their issues on offense and defense, and did so in both free agency and the draft. Josh Allen could take a step forward now with an offensive line with some new faces, and new play makers to help him and the offense be able to move the ball and score points.

Defensively, with Ed Oliver coming in via the draft, signing two cornerbacks (E.J. Gaines and Kevin Johnson), and linebacker Maurice Alexander, the Bills made sure to help work on both sides of the football.

Buffalo's offseason shows they have made moves to improve themselves, at the very least on paper, now they have training camp and the preseason to get this team ready to improve from a 6-10 record. Perhaps the Bills could even make a run for the playoffs, they are a team to keep an eye on moving ahead into the 2019 season.

All NFL statistics are from www.pro-football-reference.com
Ed Oliver's college statistics are from www.sports-reference.com
 
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New York Giants Quarterback Options: Draft or Trade

Author: Peter DiPaola

The 2019 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 25th, and the New York Giants hold the 6th and 17th picks in the first round. Eli Manning is still the starter for the Giants. Giants GM Dave Gettleman stated that the Giants have to address the quarterback situation, they could draft a quarterback, or maybe even trade for one.

2019 DRAFT

Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Dwayne threw for 4,831 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions while completing 70% of his passes. While he only has one full season of starting under his belt, the statistics look great, and the Giants could use a pocket passer with his skill set. The Giants might not need to move up to draft him, and if they did they might not need to trade up to far.

Daniel Jones, Duke 

Daniel Jones was a three year starter at Duke, in his time starting there, he completed 59.9% of his passes for 8,201 yards, 52 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. He also ran for 1,323 yards on 406 carriers (3.3 average) and 17 touchdowns. He provides athleticism at quarterback, and his coach, David Cutcliffe has coached both Peyton Manning and Eli Manning when they were in college. If the Giants want to pass on a quarterback with the 6th pick, they could end up landing Jones at the 17th pick in the draft.


TRADE

Josh Rosen, Arizona Cardinals

FS1's Joel Klatt was on Undisputed on Wednesday March 27th and stated that the Giants were one of the teams interested in Josh Rosen. He also said one of the three teams (Giants, Patriots, and Chargers) offered a second round pick for him. In 2018 Rosen threw 11 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 2,278 yards and completed 55.2% of his passes, and he fumbled 10 times. He did play behind an offensive line that gave up 45 sacks in the 14 games (13 starts) that Rosen played in. So perhaps a fresh start for him would be good, and the Giants could use their first round picks for other areas of need.

Teddy Bridgewater, New Orleans Saints

Giants head coach Pat Shurmur was on the Vikings staff in 2016 and 2017 seasons on the offensive staff, Teddy Bridewater was also on the roster those two seasons. In 2017 when Teddy was coming back from his injury that took the whole 2016 season away, Shurmur was the offensive coordinator. Teddy only threw two passes that season, but having been in Shurmur's system, it would give the Giants a signal caller with experience in their offense. This could be hard to pull off because perhaps the Saints feel that Teddy could be the eventual replacement for Drew Brees.

Statistics and coaching history taken from:

www.pro-football-reference.com
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb

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Odell Beckham Trade Takeaways and Thoughts

Author Peter DiPaola

On Tuesday the New York Giants made a surprise trade, shipping wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for 2 picks, 2019 1st round pick (17th) and 3rd round pick and 2017 1st round pick, safety Jabrill Peppers. 

Odell will reunite with former his former LSU Tiger teammate, wide receiver Jarvis Landry, giving the Browns another dynamic play maker for their offense. Odell caught 77 passes for 1,052 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2018, which helps the Browns, who did not have a receiver go over 1,000 yards in 2018. His former college teammate Jarvis Landry lead the Browns in receptions (81) and yards (976). Odell's skill set can help the Browns passing game open up, and it gives Baker Mayfield, who is entering his second season more help. Cleveland has had back to back good offseasons so far, obtaining talented players in free agency, the draft and via trade.

As for the Giants, they now have more picks to help move up in the draft if they so choose so to obtain a quarterback, if that is their plan in this upcoming draft, after opting for running back Saquon Barkley in last years draft. Or the Giants could even land a quarterback at the 6th pick and a receiver, if they decide to draft one in the first round with the 17th pick. While this move can be head scratching for the Giants fans, it would appear the Giants are continuing their rebuild, and that Beckham was viewed as being expendable. The Giants also get safety help after losing Landon Collins to free agency, and Peppers was picked in the first round just two years ago, giving them a young talented high picked player.

The Browns will be an exciting team to watch in 2019 based on the team they continue to build, as for the Giants, keep an eye on them during the remainder of free agency and the draft.

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