Top 5 Questions facing AFC South Teams

HO 5Can the pass D hold up to get the Texans deep into the playoffs?
4Will Jadeveon Clowney provide the pass rush opposite Watts?
3Will WR Will Fuller take pressure off WR Hopkins?
2Can the Run game become a force without a QB?
1Who will play QB this year?
IN 5Can the run D ever stop anyone?
They added DT Hankins, DE Sheard, DT Woods, OLB Simon.
4Can Indy build a run game to take pressure off Luck?
Will Frank Gore continue to run like Al Gore?
3Will the D backfield improve enough to get IN back to the playoffs?
2Can the improved O line protect QB Luck 44 sacks last year?
1Can QB Luck stay healthy all year? Concussions & surg on shoulder kept him out.
When will he be ready to play after surg on throwing shoulder?
JK 5Is this the year that JK finally improves? Many said last year but it was not.
4Can the additions on D improve the performance?
They added CB Bouye, DE Campbell, SS Church, & ILB Cole & OLB McCray
3Will RB Chris Ivory finally provide a run game?
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The Eagle D is coming around

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The Eagle D is coming around.

NOTE: On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I discussed the news of the day, injuries from week 6, our views of all week 6 games including the Browns/Broncos.

On Monday night the Giants scored a TD on their 1st possession. But then the Eagle D shut them down. While the Eagle O is still trying to fit all the new gadgets into the game, the D has figured it out and is playing very well. The early issues on defense were primarily caused by the lack of rest. When the O can’t convert 3rd downs in a no huddle O, the D is on the field a lot.

The team has missed ILB Mychal Kendricks for a couple of weeks. Despite that the D is playing aggressive defense. Rookie 3rd round pick Jordan Hicks has been outstanding. He has helped the D continue to improve. His instincts are outstanding.

Two early interceptions, one of which was a pick 6, made Giant QB Eli Manning tentative. That combined with WR Odell Beckham Jr. being the primary target made the job of the Eagle D much easier. … Read more at FryingPanSports

What’s wrong with the Eagles?

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NOTE: On NNR Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports and I discussed the news of the day, previewed week 3 in the NFL including the Browns & Raiders. Check it out on fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

In short, there is a lot wrong with the Eagles.
The offense is the biggest issue. They have not been able to convert 3rd downs. In game 1 they were 3 for 12 and just 2 of 11 at home against Dallas. Without converting 3rddown, the Chip Kelly speed up offense wears down the Eagle D not the opponent.
A big reason that the running game is not working. It was a bad idea to bring in RB DeMarco Murray. He had almost 500 touches last year in Dallas. Running backs that have had 400+ touches have not done well the following year. But an even bigger issues is the running system. Kelly wants to pull 2 O linemen for runs at the edge. That works in college but in the NFL the D linemen are way too fast and experienced. The Eagle runners are caught in the backfield way too often by a D linemen or linebacker
Read more at FryingPanSports

Browns are somewhat guilty for the Gordon suspension.

Gordon

Note: On NNR today Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports & I discussed the many issues facing the Browns and NFL. The podcast is on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

There is no question that WR Josh Gordon has a major problem. Time and time again he has put his career at risk from pot or in the latest case alcohol. He has cost himself a couple of million dollars because he does not have the self control to stay away from those things that can get him suspended.

The common belief is that Gordon is suspended for a year. That is not the case. Under NFL rules, it is an indefinite suspension. He will continue to be tested during the suspension. He must stay violation free for at least a year to apply for reinstatement. 

But in my opinion the Browns are nearly as guilty as the player. When Dallas had problems with the player formerly known as Pacman, they hired a guy to keep him out of trouble. While the babysitter did not solve the issue for the Boys, it could have with Gordon. Gordon has shown no violence tendencies.

Had the Browns done that after Gordon’s career season of 2013, Read more at FryingPanSports

News, Notes & Rumors for 07/18/14

NNR

Monday on NNR we will present the results of my Browns Season Simulation. Please join us at 6 PM EDT on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/.

News:

Saints TE Jimmy Graham got his money. He is a first round pick in any fantasy draft.

Browns WR Josh Gordon did not help his cause with a 2nd legal issue since he appealed his indefinite suspension. Both issues show he has major issues. After failing a test for weed, he was caught speeding with a friend smoking pot. Then he was arrested for DUI. At this point I doubt he can stay clean for a year to qualify for reinstatement. He may never play again.

49er RT Alex Boone says he won’t attend training camp unless he gets a new deal. The way he played in 2013 he should be more than happy with his salary. He missed way too many blocks to get a raise.

Flying J/Pilot President Jimmy Haslam signed an agreement with the fed. It will cost the company 92 million dollars. All Browns fans should buy as much gas as possible because Haslam needs the money.

Panthers DE Greg Hardy was found guilty of assaulting a female and … Read more at FryingPanSports

A few after Christmas Gifts for the NFL

Christmas Gifts for the NFL

by Bill Smith

I have some gift ideas for those of you that need to buy something for the NFL player, coach or administrator that has everything.

TO Romeo Crennel, the ex-coach of the Browns: A fire extinguisher. Given how hot your seat has been after the abysmal season you perpetrated on Browns fans, you need it. You are a nice guy but nice guys finish last. And the Tans are last after they lost to the Bagels and to Pittsburgh while Cincy beat KC. By the way, your back pants pocket is currently smoldering.

Romeo Crennel 2008

TO Phil Savage, GM of the Browns: An email editing program to delete expletives from your responses to fans and a financial advisor to help you invest your contract payoff. You really need to get a grip. The fans are your customers and we pay your salary. Before you write another email that would choke a dock worker, take a moment to appreciate your life. You may not have any job for quite awhile so spend your money wisely.

TO Mike Brown, owner of the Cincinnati Bagels: A long distance calling card. Face it, you are going to need … Read more at FryingPanSports