The Football INN: What Chuck Pagano's Hiring Means For the Colt's De...

The Football INN: What Chuck Pagano's Hiring Means For the Colt's De...: What Chuck Pagano's Hiring Means For the Colt's Defense Out with the old, in with the new. It looks to be the Colts' 2012 motto. They hir...

What Chuck Pagano's Hiring Means For the Colt's Defense

What Chuck Pagano's Hiring Means For the Colt's Defense

Out with the old, in with the new.  It looks to be the Colts' 2012 motto.  They hired Chuck Pagano to change the culture of the locker room and the philosophy on the field, particularly on defense.  He comes over from Baltimore where he was their defensive coordinator.  He's received excellent reviews across the board.  While the main question the Indy faithful need an answer to is still to be determined, there's an "X's & O's" that Pagano will need to tend to.

What does the 3-4 defense mean to the base 4-3 personnel on the current roster?  Well, it's not a complete overhaul.  Indianapolis, provided they re-sign Mathis, will still be able to utilize Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis both off the edge.  They are athletic enough to become standup rush linebackers.  As long as Freeney and Mathis are not hesitant to rushing from a two-point stance there shouldn't be a problem.  They will have defensive tackles that convert to defensive ends.  They will line-up over (or just inside) the offensive tackle and their assignment will be to control their gaps and to keep the offensive line from getting to linebackers.  Some will be able to do it, some won't.  This is where the transition period will take effect.  They will also need a big nose tackle.  Think Terrance Cody or Halot Ngata.

Indianapolis has undersized linebackers.  The 3-4 is typically catered to big linebackers.  They will need to see who fits and who doesn't.  A guy like Phillip Wheeler is not the ideal player for a 3-4, but someone like Gary Brackett could make the adjustment.  Pat Angerer is a player who might benefit from the 3-4 defense.

The secondary is going to need to be bolstered.  Gone are the days of drafting cornerbacks who are aggressive tacklers, but limited in press coverage.  Pagano is a secondary coach and will hope to be able to rely heavily on man coverage.  Being able to cover man-to-man will be the most important thing for a corner in this scheme.  Even though Pagano is a secondary coach, expect the defensive front to be addressed first.  The Colts are in a division with Arian Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew and Chris Johnson.  Stopping the run is a priority in this division.

The problem will be finding players that fit that mold at each position.  With multiple needs offensively and defensively, 2012 could almost be a throw away year for the Colts.  If they bring in a rookie QB and a new defensive system, expectations go out the window.   

Offseason Preview: Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks' Offseason "To Do" List

Man, I love those alternate uniforms.  I am being completely serious when I say that.  They do something extra for that "12th Man" in Seattle.  But if they want to become something more than a team hard to beat at home, they'll need to rely on players, not jerseys and crowds.

Since Pete Carroll taking over in Seattle, he's put his stamp on the football team.  He's quickly shifted the 4-3 personnel to a hybrid 3-4/4-3 team.  He's added free agent skill players to his offense such as Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson and Mike Williams. He also traded for Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch.  He has brought in valuable draft picks to add youth in the skill positions such as wide receivers Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin.  Most of his work has been constructing an offensive line, now led by guru Tom Cable, fit for his preferred zone blocking scheme.  He's used recent high draft picks on offensive linemen.  He selected Tackles Russel Okung and James Carpenter with first round picks.  He drafted Center Max Unger and Guard John Moffitt.  Left Guard Robert Gallery followed Tom Cable to Seattle from Oakland.

The hybrid scheme is becoming effective as he gets players better suited for that style.  His front seven is capable of rushing any player.  Defensive End Chris Clemons is often used as a linebacker rushing from a two point stance.  K.J. Wright, who was a rookie, filled in as a starting outside linebacker because of his versatility.  The secondary is becoming the backbone of this Seahawks' defense.  Earl Thomas has quickly become a top five safety in the NFL.  Pete Carroll has an underrated cornerback duo in Brandon Browner and Richard Sermon.  Sermon is the smaller of the two corners at 6'3, 195 pounds.  There hasn't been a tandem that long since Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent were with the Eagles in 2003.  Kam Chancellor is also coming into his own at Strong Safety.

With the eleventh or twelfth overall draft choice (to be determined by coin flip with Chiefs) and several free agents, Seattle is getting set for a busy offseason.  I believe Tarvaris Jackson should and will be back for another season as starting quarterback.  Even with QB settled, the Seahawks have important decisions to make.  Here's there "To Do" list:

Keep "Beast Mode": Lynch has proven to be a workhorse back.  Also, he's only 25 years old.  It would be wise to get him under contract early if possible.

Explore TE situation: Tom Cable didn't just bring Gallery with him.  TE Zach Miller also came over from Oakland.  Miller's injury history has been a problem.  John Carlson, who is a free agent, hasn't been an ironman himself.  Seattle needs to decide if re-signing Carlson, and going into the season with these two is a good idea.  They could opt to go younger via the draft or sign a different free agent other than Carlson.  Miller's contract could also factor into the decision.

Add to Defensive Line: With Raheem Brock, Anthony Hargrove and Red Bryant all being free agents, and far from being stud defenders, expect defensive line to be addressed in the NFL Draft.  Expect Carroll to be his usual aggressive self in free agency.  They could possibly go defensive end with their first round pick (Melvin Ingram or Quinton Coples).

Secondary Depth: Marcus Trufant could very well be done in Seattle with the emergence of Browner and Sherman.  They will need a solid nickel back and still look to add a safety for depth.  

Find a Middle Linebacker: The defense is possibly a true "Mike" backer away from dominance.  If Carroll could manage to get a veteran such as London Fletcher from the Redskins, he could buy time to get a longer solution.

Final Thoughts

Seattle is improving.  They were a tough team to beat at season's end.  With better health and more continuity, Seattle could make a playoff push.  The roster is far from perfect but it has cornerstones to build on.  Pete Carroll has a good eye for talent.  This will be an improved roster heading into to Training Camp.

7 Signs of the Apocalypse aka Peyton Manning's Time Is Up

7 Signs of the Apocalypse (Peyton Manning's Time Is Up)

Peyton Manning will without a doubt go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.  He has played at such a high level, including four leaue MVPs, during an impressive career.  Peyton's gaudy stats should be a footnote in this "QB era" chapter of the NFL.  He (and OC Tom Moore) revolutionized the way a quarterback plays the position.  The pre-snap chess match perfected by Manning may be his greatest gift to football.

Offseason Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs' Offseason "To Do" List

The Todd Haley era is over in Kansas City.  Romeo Crennel is now the permanent head coach after turning the Chiefs' season around as the interim coach.  The Chiefs' season got off to a rocky start.  They lost arguably the best two players on their football team:  Running back Jamaal Charles and safey Eric Berry.  The team also lost starting quarterback Matt Cassel during the season.  When Tyler Thigpen couldn't get the job done, Kyle Orton was able to achieve small success after being released by Denver mid-season. 

Offseason Preview: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills' Offseason "To Do" List

Buffalo started this season off with a "bang."  They were winning games in impressive come-from-behind fashion.  Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was connecting with Steve Johnson and Scott Chandler.  Fred Jackson was once again doing his usual "I'm a top notch running back" impression (I believe he is).  That opportunistic defense was getting after people and creating turnovers.

Then something happened.  Buffalo couldn't quite capture the same Fitz-magic in the middle portion of the season.  Maybe they were playing above their heads if that's even possible.  Maybe teams were underestimating them.  Fitzgerald came down to Earth.  Fred Jackson was eventually dinged up and landed on injured reserved.  They were giving up points like a Big 12 defense during bowl season.

Most analysts would give the Bills with a passing grade.  I'm one of them.  Although the ultimate goal is the playoffs, this team showed it was capable of playing with anybody on any given Sunday.  The organization itself should not be proud of failing to make the playoffs, especially after such a hot start, but Bills' fans can appreciate that Head Coach Chan Gailey has them trending upwards.

They have young budding stars on both sides of the ball.  Offensively, they have two running backs with unique skill sets in Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller.  Defensive lineman Marcel Dareus and safety Jarius Byrd stand out on defense.  With a balanced spread attack on offense and a 3-4 defense they look to add more pieces to make noise in the AFC East division.  Here's a look at their offseason "to do" list:

Re-sign Demetrius Bell: Buffalo MUST re-sign Bell.  He's there best offensive tackle.  He can play left or right tackle.  He shouldn't be too high priced if he hits the open market.

Re-sign Steve Johnson: Once the Bills lock up Bell long term, they should turn there attention to Steve Johnson.  He was benched during the last game of the season due to "me" attitude.  He's a bit of a diva.  He also experiences a case of the "dropsies" occasionally.  With all that said, he's still absolutely brilliant running routes and in the red zone.  No sense in letting someone else show off your late round gem.

3-4 Rush LB?: Buffalo, you've had your fun with "Light's Out" Shawne Merriman.  He is not the premier pass rusher he was when he was on steroids in San Diego.  They need an elite pass rusher on the opposite side if they want this 3-4 to work.


Fill Out OL: Buffalo had issues along the offensive line.  If they want to give Fitzpatrick a chance, they'll need to keep him upright with a clean pocket so he has throwing lanes.  With Demetrius Bell and Eric Wood, they have something to build on, but another offensive tackle (via draft perhaps) would do wonders for their mediocre line.


Run Defense: Marcel Dareus is key in the run defense.  He's a versatile player who plays both nose tackle and defensive end.  But he needs help.  Kyle Williams will be back from injury but inside linebacker help is a must.  The roster is full of yound, undersized potential but potential just means you haven't done anything yet.  Buffalo would be wise to look for a veteran ILB with 3-4 experience like London Fletcher (Redskins) or Ahmad Brooks (49ers).

Buffalo could have a successful season next year if they continue to grow in continuity and add a playmaker or two on defense.  Offensively, Buffalo can score with an anyone on a good day.  The problem is they can't count on their defense for the bad days.  If they want to keep pace with New England, they'll need a good draft this April.  Good luck!

*Updated* Dennis Allen Has Inside Track To Be Raiders' Next Head Coach

Dennis Allen Has Inside Track To Be Raiders' Next Head Coach

Adam Schefter has reported that Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator, Dennis Allen, is the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Oakland Raiders.  They are workin engaged in the "final steps" before it becomes official.

Offseason Preview: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins' Offseason "To Do" List

Miami got off to a horrendous start to the 2011 season.  After the defense gelled and the offensive found rhythm behind , they became one the scariest teams in the NFL.  They won six of their last nine games.  

They found that Reggie Bush could be the center piece of an offense.  He is complemented by Daniel Thomas.  When healthy, was a north and south runner with exceptional power and balance.  Brandon Marshall is their clear cut number one receiver.  A stout offensive line is led by tackle Jake Long and center Mike Pouncey.

Offseason Preview: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers' Offseason "To Do" List

I can sum up the Panthers season in two words: Cam Newton.  He was electric.  He was amazing.  He stole the show.  He also turned the ball over.  As a good as Cam's rookie was, he has a lot of room for improvement.  That's what makes Carolina so dangerous.  They haven't peaked.  With early picks in each round, they stand a good chance to improve this offseason.

Their roster is loaded with talent.  Cam Newton's weapons are wide receivers Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell, tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, and running backs Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.  They have balanced attack using both spread and pro philosophies.  If Cam Newton can minimize turnovers and if they get reliable play from their offensive line, the sky is the limit for this versatile offense.

Defensively, Carolina is lacking playmakers.  Jon Beason is an elite middle linebacker who missed most of the season with a torn achilles tendon.  He's a sideline-to-sideline tackler but doesn't generate sacks or turnovers.  Charles Johnson is a good pass rusher but is best suit for strong side defensive end.  Greg Hardy is still raw.  Eric Norwood is trying to find his place in this defense.  He's a hybrid line backer/end that you find most commonly in a 3-4 defense.  Chris Gamble is the best defensive back.  He excels in man coverage, often drawing the assignment of shadowing the opposing team's best wideout.  Perhaps their biggest problem is heading into the season relying on two rookie defensive tackles.  They drafted Terrell McClain and Sion Fua in the third round.  While the two have talent, neither seemed completely ready for the starting responsibility.

This is a team loaded with talent in almost every area.  Carolina can quickly become contenders with an improved run defense and cutting down on turnovers.  Newton has the locker room believing they can be something special.  With Jon Beason back to run the defense, the Panthers could make a push for the playoffs.  But before Carolina can do that, they need to do their homework this offseason.  Let's check out their "To Do" list:

Draft Playmakers: This team is in position for the eighth or ninth overall draft pick (depending on coin flip w/ Miami).  They need to take best player available.  If an elite receiver (Blackmon, Jeffery or Floyd) is on the board to play opposite Steve Smith, they could take one.  If they deem a cornerback such as Dre Kirkpatrick or a defensive end like Melvin Ingram as the highest rated player on their board, they have to pull the trigger.  Same goes in later rounds.  They need to search for impact players.

Sign Safety via Free Agency: The NFL Draft is not deep with safeties.  They should take a dip in the free agency pool.  Thomas DeCoud (Atlanta), Dashon Goldson (San Francisco) and LaRon Landry (Washington) headline a safety deep class.

Sign a Veteran Defensive Tackle: While McClain and Fua will be in year two, they are still developing.  Carolina needs to bring in a proven run stopper to ease some of the growing pains.  It will also free up Beason and company to make plays.

Offensive Line Help?: Jordan Gross is good.  Ryan Kalil is too.  The organization needs to decide whether or not Lee Ziemba and Jeff Otah are going to be reliable going forward.  If they are confident in the health of their young offensive linemen, there isn't much to address other than potential depth.  If they aren't sure, it would be wise to be aggressive in free agency for replacements.

Get a Clipboard Holder: Although Jimmy Clausen is doing an excellent job, (Actually, I don't have a clue.) the Panthers will need to add another quarterback to the roster.  Clausen has no thoughts of making a career of backing up Superman.  Also, Carolina has a bit of "Tim Tebow" issue.  If Newton goes down, there goes half the playbook unless they get a player with a similar skill set.  Newton is a "MASTER of all trades," so it's fantasy to think they'll land another one.  They should, however, look for a dual threat QB to be back-up so if Cam goes down, he doesn't take half the playbook with him.  They could look to a veteran QB such as Josh Johnson (Tampa Bay) or Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh).  If they think they can fit the egos of Newton and Vince Young in one locker room, he'd be a perfect choice.  There are also rookies such as Darron Thomas (Oregon) and Chris Relf (Mississippi State) that could be a viable option.

The blueprint the Panthers laid out for the 2011 season was simple.  Ride Cam Newton to victory.  They put the offense almost squarely of his shoulders.  Carolina looks poised to be contenders behind Newton.  If they become a more consistent team, there's a strong chance they become a playoff team.

Offseason Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars' Offseason "To Do" List

Jacksonville has suffered through another subpar season.  They have experienced only mild success since becoming an NFL franchise in 1995.  The question surrounding Jacksonville this offseason is, "Is it going to get better any time soon?"

The Jaguars were led by NFL's leading rusher, Maurice Jones-Drew.  It's not often a team with the league's leading rusher is drafting in the top 10.  The offense was so inept it really highlights Jones-Drew's ability to dominate as a rusher and receiver on a bad football team.   It also makes you wonder what went wrong.

Jacksonville drafted Blaine Gabbert with the 10th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.  It looks like they didn't have a solid plan in place to groom Blaine Gabbert, and get him ready to be the franchise quarterback a top 10 pick suggests.  It looked from the outside like Jacksonville would be content with Gabbert sitting the bench and learning for an entire season.  Then on the eve of the regular season, Jacksonville cut long time starter David Garrard.  Gabbert started his first game in Week 3.  Limited pre-season snaps and transitioning to a pro style offense, along with one of the league's worst receiving corps has grumbles of Gabbert not being the guy for the Jags.

Defensively, they have a struggled at times but this is a solid group.  They've been stout in run defense.  Their passing game has been the weak link in recent seasons.  Without Kampman, their outside pass rush has suffered.  He's likely not to be back next season.  Rashean Mathis has not aged well and is a free agent.  He is also likely not to return.  Expect this year's draft to focus on the passing game (offensively and defensively).

Jacksonville will also have a new Head Coach, Mike Mularkey.  He is regarded as forward-thinking and offensive minded.  It is his first job as a head coach since 2005 with the Buffalo Bills.  He was previously offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.  Mel Tucker, who was the interim coach after Jack Del Rio was fired, is returning as defensive coordinator.  With the coaching staff ironed, Jacksonville will look to get in full offseason swing.  Here's there "To Do" list:

Re-sign Marcedes Lewis: Jacksonville has one "must sign" free agent.  Tight End Marcedes Lewis.  He's there only red zone threat if MoJo can't punch it in on the ground.  He's 6'6 with hands surely made from Charmin.

Get a Wide Receiver: Blaine Gabbert wasn't as successful as fellow rookies Cam Newton and Andy Dalton (both made Pro Bowl).  Part of the problem was Gabbert didn't get to throw to Steve Smith or A.J. Green.  A legit #1 receiver would go along to establishing Gabbert in the passing game.

Find Pass Rushers: If Jacksonville is to compete in this day and age, they will have to get to the quarterback.  Tyson Alualu has been better than expected (I thought he was a reach in the '10 draft).  He still need helps along the defensive front.  The Jags can't get to opposing quarterbacks enough. In 2011 they were ranked 25th in sacks.  They will need to make this a priority during the draft and free agency.

Revamp Secondary: Once the Jaguars bolster their pass rush, they will need to turn their attention to the secondary.  With Rashean Mathis possibly on his way out of town, the need for cornerbacks has increased dramatically.  With the new breed of receivers, corners are in higher demand than ever before. Drafting Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama) or Morris Claiborne (LSU) if available may be a good idea.  Carlos Rogers could become a free agent if San Francisco doesn't place the franchise tag on him.

Running Back By Committee: Maurice Jones-Drew is possibly the best back in the game.  Unless they want him to wear out, they should look to lighten his load.  No more thirty carry games.  It will be a hard thing to do with him meaning so much to the offense, but as we seen with Indianapolis this year, relying on one guy is a bad thing.  This will strengthen the entire roster and increase MoJo's longevity in the NFL.

The reason I didn't offensive line to the "To Do" is because they used early draft picks in recent years.  There have been obvious health issues at offensive tackle.  With the organization having obvious holes in other places, Jacksonville should give the offensive line another full year to see if it can gel.  The only thing they could do is add depth through free agency.

Jacksonville will likely spend their top pick on a wide receiver or cornerback.   Other than receiver, it looks to be a defense heavy draft.  The AFC South is an extremely competitive division.  I believe if Jacksonville plays their cards right, they will be able to compete with Houston, Tennessee and Indianapolis but they are definitely in the backseat.

Could Alabama Be Better Next Year?

Could Alabama (Really) Be Better Next Year?

This college football season has ended like the previous five, with a SEC team winning the BCS National Championship.  Alabama has claimed it's second title in three years.  Nick Saban became the first coach to win three BCS Championships (two with Bama, one with LSU).

The uncommon theme this year, was Alabama didn't win their conference.  Instead they faced the team that did win the conference and handed them their only defeat, LSU.  However, Alabama proved to be the best team in the nation with a 21 - 0 win in the rematch at the Super Dome.  It marked the first time two teams from the same conference played in a BCS Championship.

Could Sergio Kindle's Status Put Baltimore In a Bind?

Could Sergio Kindle's Status Put Baltimore In a Bind?

Sergio Kindle has experienced many ups and downs in a brief pro football career.  He was a highly coveted after playing his college ball at Texas, but injuries and perhaps character concerns caused him to slip out of the first round (which his play surely suggested he'd land).  He was tabbed by the Baltimore Ravens, as the 43rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.  

Kindle was not able to participate in training camp because he fell down a flight of stairs and suffered a head injury.  Because of the unknown health issues involved, he signed a one year contract for the rookie minimum and was placed on the injured reserve/non-football injury list.

Bama NT, NFL Hopeful Josh Chapman played with Torn ACL

Bama NT, NFL Hopeful Josh Chapman Played with Torn ACL

If you've seen the Crimson Tide defense, you've seen plenty of NFL talent.  You've probably noticed Mark Barron flying around the field hitting anything that moved.  You may have seen Dont'a Hightower wrecking the run game like a sixteen year old driving a dually truck while blindfolded or even Courtney Upshaw knifing through the backfield, killing the play before it starts.

What could have gone unnoticed was the 315 pound nose tackle.  That would be often underrated Josh Chapman.  He's had the honors of clogging everything up the middle since Terrance Cody headed to the league.  He even filled in when Cody was out with an injury or just fatigued.

Players Leaving Early For NFL Draft

***FINAL LIST***
Underclassmen Who Have Declared for NFL Draft

QBs: Robert Griffin III (Baylor), Andrew Luck (Stanford), Brock Osweiler (Arizona State), Darron Thomas (Oregon)

RBs: Alvester Alexander (Wyoming), Edwin Baker (Michigan State), Mike Ball (Nevada), Bryce Brown (Kansas State), Jewel Hampton (Southern Illinois), Ronnie Hillman (San Diego State), LaMichael James (Oregon), LaMar Miller (Miami), Bernard Pierce (Temple), Chris Polk (Washington), Trent Richardson (Alabama), Darrell Scott (South Florida), Robert Turbin (Utah State), David Wilson (Virginia Tech)

OffSeason Preview: Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins Offseason "To Do" List

What did Mike Shanahan bring with him to Washington?  His Super Bowl rings?  The "anybody can break 1,000 yards in this scheme" system?  That dreaded deep ball off the naked bootleg?  So far, none of the above (unless you count the sporadic deep ball from Grossman).  It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for the Redskins.  The Jim Haslett led 3-4 defense, aided by rookie Ryan Kerrigan, was a stingy and sometimes shutdown defense.

OffSeason Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason "To-Do" List

What happens to the head coach of a team when it exceeds expectations one year, only to fall stunningly short the next?  If "coach loses his job" was your answer, congratulations! You won the $6 million (minus $6 million) question.  That exactly what happened to Raheem Morris.  This Bucs team fell one game shy of the playoffs in 2010 behind young quarterback, Josh Freeman and running back Lagarrett Blount.  Most of their team was back, plus plenty of young draft picks, including first round selection Adrian Clayborn and fellow rookie defensive end DaQuan Bowers.  The Bucs ended the 2011 season losing nine straight games which handed them a "back to the beginning" 4-12 record.

Plenty of questions are still floating around.  Did they put too much on Josh Freeman?  Is the defense in need of a total re-haul or will getting defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price restore enough order?  How much rebuilding needs to take place to have a solid offensive line?

The first order of business is selecting a new coach.  They've interviewed candidates from Packers' OC Joe Philbin to ex-Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer.  With the fifith overall pick in this April's draft and a potential stud at quarterback, you'd think Tampa Bay would be a very attractive job. What seems clear to me, is that it is unclear to the Tampa Bay organization in the direction they want to go.  I get the feeling they'd want a young coach to match this young team, but given how the Morris experiment turned out, they could shy away from that possibility.  So, other than a coaching staff, what does Tampa's "To Do" list look like? 

Let Ronde Walk: I like Barber as much as the next guy.  He's still an instinctive corner who might have gas left in that 15-year veteran tank of his.  The problem with keep him is if you pay him what he's worth, you may end up being stuck with a bad contract.  It's always better to let a cornerback go a year early, as opposed to a year late.  Tampa could draft a cornerback like Morris Claiborne of LSU or Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick with their top pick.  Tracy Porter, Carlos Rogers and Brandon Carr are all unrestricted free agents and would be considered an upgraded over Barber.

Fix Running Back Stable: After a superb rookie season in which Lagarrett Blount was able to amass over a thousand yards and average 3.5 yards per carry AFTER CONTACT, he had a lack luster performance of only 781 yards in his sophomore campaign.  It was partly due to falling behind early in games.  He also needs to work on pass protection and receiving skills to earn more third down opportunities.  Most rushing attacks in this era are two-headed.  Finding another back should be in the game plan going into the NFL Draft.  If they could re-sign Graham at a decent price, it's not a bad idea considered how consistent he is, he makes a nice third option.

Shore Up Middle of D: Defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price haven't shown they are the answer.  They need to show they can stay healthy first and foremost.  The Bucs brought in Albert Haynesworth who didn't play terrible but he was on the team for the last seven of the season ending nine-game skid.  If his condition and attitude are in order, he could be worth bringing back.  Also, they experienced issues at middle line backer.  They need to decide whether or not Mason Foster is going to be the guy moving forward.  Also, safety has been an issue.  This Bucs defense gave up plenty of big plays during the season.  They have three talented safeties in Tanard Jackson, Sean Jones and Ahmad Black but all are more natural strong safeties.  They need to find the "center fielder" free safety to limit those big plays.

Add a Red Zone Target: Mike Williams is a solid deep threat, but undersized.  Desmond Briscoe is turning into a good pro.  Arrelious Benn has a good frame (although health is an issue with him).  Neither is a consistent red zone threat.  Kellen Winslow, Jr. is a good threat but he's not good enough to beat double coverage.  I expect Tampa to attempt to get Freeman a reliable target to line up outside the numbers through draft or free agency.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay is looking to head in a new direction.  This is a young team.  One season ago, they looked to be on the doorstep of a playoff berth.  A new regime and some confidence may be just what this organization needs.  Can Josh Freeman and Lagarett Blount lead this team to be competitive once again?  Will the defense play consistently, and give itself a chance to get after the quarterback with a ferocious pass rush?  It may not take much to get back on track, but it will take focus.

Off-season Preview: Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings Off-Season "To-Do" List

2011 was a season of frustration and disarray.  This proud purple and gold team has a few to many stars to end the season with a record of three wins and thirteen losses.  They have arguably the best back in football (even though he went down with an injury late in the season that we'll get to later.).  Jared Allen, star defensive end, led the NFL in sacks.  His 22 sacks fell one shy of breaking the single season record.  Percy Harvin was an absolute stud making plays at receiver, from the backfield and in the kicking game.  Also, Chad Greenway has turned into one of the best outside linebackers in the league.

Off-Season Preview: Cleveland

Minnesota Vikings Off-Season "To-Do" List

Ah, the Cleveland Browns...  The best about the 2010 season for Browns' fans?  It's over.  This is a team that saw all three of their divisions foes make the playoffs.  So, Mike Holmgren (who is Cleveland's Vice President/General Manager/Football Czar) knows he has tough task ahead of him this off-season.

Off-season Preview: St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams "To-Do" List

Our second installment preview is of a team with no obvious direction right now: Your St. Louis Rams.  For the record, not knowing what direction your franchise is headed isn't necessarily a bad thing.  The direction could be north.

The Rams are under ownership of Stan Kroenke.  His first order of business will be deciding on the structure of his football team.  He needs to select a new head coach (they fired Steve Spagnuolo) and General Manager.

Raiders have fired Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson is Out As Raiders' Head Coach

Just when it looked like Jackson was safe, he's been fired.  Jackson was a rookie head coach.  He took control of a team that was 8-8 the previous (He served as offensive coordinator a year ago.).   He did improve on the 8-8 record.  The Raiders set a new records for penalties and penalty yards in a season.  He gave up a first and second round pick for a quarterback who threw more interceptions (16) than touchdowns (13).  He did have his boss, Al Davis, die during the season.

Off-season Preview: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts "To-Do" List

Owner, Jim Irsay is surely scratching his head right now pondering such questions as; Wow, is Peyton Manning really that good?   Was he making the receiving corps look like pro bowlers?  Did he really mask the defensive deficiencies that well?Is the secondary that pitiful?  Did the front office that many roster moves? 

All questions you were probably asking while watching the Colts get off to a 0-13 start.  Indianapolis did earn (and by earn, I mean played to horrible) the number one pick in April's 2012 NFL Draft.  

This will be an off-season of change in Indy.  It appears that Jim Caldwell will stick around for another year.  However, Vice Chairman Bill Polian and General Manager Chris Polian were fired in the wake of the worst season since 1991.  So, first order of business will be to find someone to run the day-to-day operations for Indianapolis.