While the Bengals (10-6) started the off-season with twenty-six potential free agents, they also had the most salary cap space at $53.5 million dollars. Allowed to walk in free agency was linebacker Manny Lawson, as well as pass defense starters Nate Clements and Chris Crocker. It’s a bit surprising that these players were allowed to leave in free agency. The fact is the Bengals sported a top-ten defense, especially in the home-stretch, of the season. Indeed, the Bengals main weakness was rush defense where the team was ranked twelfth in least yards allowed. There were depth needs along the defensive line as well as in the linebacker group. However, the Bengals refuse to overpay players, and the team will let a free agent player sign elsewhere, if the market price seems too high. Continue reading →
Even though the Texans (12-4) seemed to struggle at the end of the season, missing out on a bye in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Texans were still a top team in most major categories but one — pass yards allowed. Most of the Texans free agents were on defense (including startersConnor Barwin, Shaun Cody, and Glover Quinn) with potential depth issues for both the line backers and the defensive backs. The team’s starting right tackle was an unrestricted free agent. Continue reading →
The Buccaneers (7-9) finished the 2012 season ranked in the top-half of offenses in 2012. Besides having a decision to make on re-signing Dallas ClarkandLeGarrette Blount, the Buccaneers had no free agency issues on offense. On defense, however, the Bucsallowed the tenth most points in the league, and were a league worst in pass yards allowed.The Bucs were No. 1 against the rush, however. The Buccaneers were expected to tackle Continue reading →
Catch Jim Saranteas from thefantasygreek.com talking about this week in the NFL with Chris Shanafelt of Sportsman Radio. In this show, among other things, Jim and Chris talk about news that broke this week relating to the Bears, Bills, Broncos, Colts, Giants, Patriots, Ravens, and Saints. Several premier running backs and wide receivers are discussed, as well as some of the interesting situations that have developed for teams like the Browns, Jaguars, Redskins, and Seahawks. LISTEN ANYTIME at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sportsmanradio/2013/06/15/eps-166-bob-holly-interview-nfl-nba-finals-chat FOLLOW Chris on Twitter @CLS722, Jim @JimSaranteas, Sportsman Radio @SportsManRadio, and The Fantasy Greek @TheFantasyGreek. Thanks for listening and enjoy!
The Jaguars (2-14) had one of the worst offenses and defenses in the league in 2013. It all begins with the quarterback position where the Jaguars have yet to truly find a franchise quarterback. It will likely be one more season before they do. In 2012, the Jaguars offensive line was awful, giving up 50 sacks, third most in the league. Adding quality offensive linemen was a must this off-season for the Jaguars, especially with a new coaching staff. After Maurice Jones-Drew, it is unknown whether the current set of rostered running backs can step up if Jones-Drew misses time yet again. Much like the offense, the defense needs help too. Both starting cornerbacks are expected to be free agents and there are needs at linebacker. The Jags should upgrade where they can. The Jaguars entered the off-season as a team with many needs. Continue reading →
Keith Grieve and Steve Taylor of 87 Sportsfans Radio get a visit from Jim Saranteas of TheFantasyGreek.com to talk about some of the week’s biggest football news. Everything from Ahmad Bradshaw signing with the Colts to Tim Tebow joining the Patriots is discussed. Vontae Leach could well be the most popular off-season free agent player, so where will he likely end up? Then, there is Tarvaris Jackson who was just released by the Bills. There is a bit of Broncos-talk, among other things. Listen ANYTIME at http://www.spreaker.com/user/sportsfans_radio/87_live_6_12_13 The Fantasy Greek chimes in with the stories, and his views at 63:45 of the broadcast. Enjoy!
After a rough start to the season, the Packers (11-5) pulled it together to win the division. The Packers continued to struggle at times in pass defense, and their rush defense was ranked towards the middle of all teams. Notwithstanding the fact that several of the Packers top wide receivers missed several games, the unit finished top ten in passing. In free agency, the Packers only have ten free agents, five of which are restricted. The Packers have a quality team that could take the field tomorrow. That said, the Packers will likely Continue reading →
TheVikings (10-6) finished with a much better record than many expected as they struggled in certain respects. Statistically, the Vikings were ranked No. 31 in pass yards per game. Besides Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph, Vikings wide receivers struggled. So, even before off-season reports that Harvin wanted to be traded, the Vikings had an off season need at the wide-receiver position. On defense, the Vikings struggled in pass defense, finishing with the ninth most yards allowed. As for the offense, with both Jerome Simpson and Devin Aromashadu not expected to be re-signed, the Vikings were expected to make a play for one of the top wide receivers available in free agency. In addition, the Vikings needed to re-sign starting Continue reading →
The Cardinals(5-11) had the second-worst scoring offense in the league last season. Besides being last in total yards, the Cardinals were last in rushing yards and the fifth worst in passing yards. In large part, this was due to an underperforming offensive line that had its share of protection problems, allowing 58 sacks, the most in the NFL! Also, the offensive line had problems opening up holes for an injury ridden running back group. The expectation is that this will all change in 2013. Continue reading →
The Browns (5-11) biggest problem in 2012 was getting points on the board. Despite the nay-sayers, Brandon Weeden was certainly an upgrade at the quarterback position as wasJosh Gordonat the wide receiver position. Still, offensively, the Browns can do better in both pass and rush offense. The Browns looked like a team that would add another quarterback in free agency, by way of a trade, or in the draft. A big-time, wide receiver that could help open up the field with Gordon (whether in the slot or otherwise) was a top need of the offense entering the off-season. With the tackle positions looking set, Continue reading →
