by Paul Wanecski
As we roll through the 2nd of AFC East teams (see NY Jets Article), this year poses a very interesting wrinkle for the future of the Miami Dolphins. 2015 will mark the start of an exceptionally pivotal year in the history of the franchise. They are working with limited resources, having only $1.68 million in projected salary cap space. While they have several players to extend or restructure, the free agency class has to bring consistent starters.
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by Mario Granata
With all the talk swirling around the Buffalo Bills and especially trying to resign Jerry Hughes, there are some decisions that have to be made. One of the ideas that are being thrown around is the franchise tag. Now, Bills fans are well aware of this as recent history has shown the effect it had on Jairus Byrd, but for those of you who want a more detailed breakdown of the franchise tag and the elements that are included, lets take a look at what would happen if the Bills decide to go this route. by Paul Wanecski
The New Orleans Saints salary cap issues have long been chronicled here at Hashtag Sports (see last season’s articles ‘Tis the Season and The Jimmy Graham Saga). Currently projected $25.1 million over salary cap, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has given the impression that the cap number is a little inflated and will be easy to bring down. We beg to differ. Head coach Sean Payton will have to reinvent the wheel with his offense this season along with paying attention to the team’s glaring defensive needs. by Mario Granata
The Cleveland Browns of 2014 seemed to fall apart near the end of the season dropping their last 5 games of the season after starting an impressive 7-4. First year Head Coach Mike Pettine brought his tough, attacking defense to northeast Ohio and for the most part, proved to be very successful. The defense went from being ranked 23rd in 2013 to 9th this season in points surrendered per game. Much of that could be the offseason moves that were made, but the ultimate question in Cleveland is what are the Browns going to do with their offense? by Mario Granata
After going 7-9 in his inaugural season in Minnesota, Mike Zimmer had to deal with some unfortunate media in the form of Adrian Peterson. The news that followed Peterson and the Vikings overshadowed what Zimmer accomplished. With a rookie quarterback, playing home games at TCF Bank Stadium (where they will again in 2015), and circling controversy with his All-Pro running back, Zimmer took a defense that was ranked 32nd in 2013 in points allowed, and brought them all the way to 11th in 2014. What other holes will he have to fill in 2015? By Paul "the Closer" Wanecski
Holding the 10th overall selection in the NFL draft will always put you in a special light with Hashtag Nation. With the structure of the Rookie Wage Scale, picking 10th is known as the "fat chick pick", because this is the last of the large 5th year option contracts remaining in the first round. This is perhaps the least coveted draft slot. Congratulations St.Louis. by Paul Wanecski
The New York Giants have fallen on hard times. They have been unable to sustain a consistent ground attack due to injuries, some being career-ending. Along with substantial injury issues, they have not drafted exceptionally well. The offensive line, which several seasons ago was seen as the strength of the team has all but completely evaporated. The question is what piece of this broken puzzle do you pick up first? by Paul "Closer" Wanecski
An unhappy owner is a dangerous owner and that is exactly how fans should perceive Arthur Blank this offseason. While the Atlanta Falcons weren’t the most aggressive team when looking for a new head coach, they settled on Dan Quinn, fresh off two consecutive Super Bowl appearances with the Seattle Seahawks. Along with Quinn will follow Kyle Shanahan, most recently the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator. The Falcons will have $23.5 million to work with in salary cap space for 2015 to go along with the 8th overall selection in this upcoming NFL draft. While they have made significant front office changes, the look on the field may not change. by Mario "Game" Granata
The Chicago Bears, on paper, look to have a very explosive offense, and one that could make some noise in the NFC North. With weapons such as Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett, how could Da Bears only manage a 5-11 season? Well, when the defense ranks 31st in the league in points allowed, its not that much of a mystery. The Bears have started from the top down, cleaning out their coaching staff and starting new, but the staff isn’t the only change that has to be made for the Bears to succeed in 2015. |