Football Archives - Page 10 of 41

What do I need to know about the 2015 Indianapolis Colts?

National Football League (NFL) previews abound at this time of year. We’re close to the start of the 2015 NFL season and basically everyone in the sports world is in a tizzy, anticipating another great season of the country’s favorite sport. Whether you’re a beginning NFL fan, the family member, friend or partner of an NFL fan, or simply someone who doesn’t follow the league during the offseason, our team previews should get you ready for the season to begin.

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Indianapolis Colts?

How are Indianapolis Colts fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Frustrated

When are the Indianapolis Colts on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 2 – vs. the New York Jets on Mon, Sep 21 at 08:30 PM.
Week 5 – vs. the Houston Texans on Thu, Oct 8 at 08:25 PM.
Week 6 – vs. the New England Patriots on Sun, Oct 18 at 08:30 PM.
Week 8 – vs. the Carolina Panthers on Mon, Nov 2 at 08:30 PM.
Week 13 – vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sun, Dec 6 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Indianapolis Colts bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 10

What was the Indianapolis Colts record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

11 – 5

Who are the Indianapolis Colts most important departed characters?

Reggie Wayne was the most significant bridge between the Peyton Manning era and the Andrew Luck era. That bridge is finally broken with Wayne’s retirement. Also missing is running back Trent Richardson who was a massive disappointment for the Colts and will not be missed.

Who are the Indianapolis Colts most important new characters?

The Colts signaled their intent to win now by signing two 30+ year-old veterans from other teams. Running back Frank Gore comes over from the San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Andre Johnson from the Houston Texans. They’ve both certainly declined but just how far remains to be seen.

Who are the Indianapolis Colts most important characters?

Andrew Luck is the rock that this team’s offense is built around. The Colts don’t have a great offensive line, they have sub par running backs, and their wide receivers are not wonderful. Somehow, Luck makes it all work, or at least he has so far.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Indianapolis Colts?

The Colts season ended last year in New England when the Patriots decided they could simplify football into a game of strength and beat the Colts defense into submission. Can the defense get stouter? Otherwise, New England will just pile-drive them again.

How will the 2015 Indianapolis Colts fare?

Gore and Johnson will be respectable enough to help Luck drag the team back to the playoffs again. The defense can’t improve enough to promise any more than that.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Houston Texans?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Houston Texans?

How are Houston Texans fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Ready for defensive havoc

When are the Houston Texans on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 5 – vs. the Indianapolis Colts on Thu, Oct 8 at 08:25 PM.
Week 10 – vs. the Cincinnati Bengals on Mon, Nov 16 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Houston Texans bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 9

What was the Houston Texans record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

9 – 7

Who are the Houston Texans most important departed characters?

Veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson left in free agency to go to the Indianapolis Colts. This will likely hurt long-time fans more than it hurts the team on the field. Johnson is far enough past his prime that he’s no longer the elemental force he once was. Still, to leave and play for one of the Texans rivals is a hard pill to swallow.

Who are the Houston Texans most important new characters?

Vince Wilfork, the rotund heart and soul of the championship winning New England Patriots defense joins J. J. Watt and company on the Texans fearsome defensive line. Less fearsome has been the Texans choice of quarterbacks over the past several years. This year, Brian Hoyer, who started some games for the Cleveland Browns during the past two years, joins the team.

Who are the Houston Texans most important characters?

J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in the NFL and it’s not that close. He’s won NFL defensive player of the year twice in the past three years and was a legitimate NFL Most Valuable Player candidate at times last year.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Houston Texans?

Is Hoyer’s blandness enough to push them over the top? A league average quarterback might be enough for the Texans to make the playoffs. Can Hoyer be average?

How will the 2015 Houston Texans fare?

A fearsome defense plus a mere average offense is all they need. If you want average, Hoyer is the quarterback for you! The Texans go 9-7 or 10-6 and sneak into the playoffs.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Green Bay Packers?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Green Bay Packers?

How are Green Bay Packers fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Mad at the world but still harboring some positivity

When are the Green Bay Packers on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 2 – vs. the Seattle Seahawks on Sun, Sep 20 at 08:30 PM.
Week 3 – vs. the Kansas City Chiefs on Mon, Sep 28 at 08:30 PM.
Week 8 – vs. the Denver Broncos on Sun, Nov 1 at 08:30 PM.
Week 12 – vs. the Chicago Bears on Thu, Nov 26 at 08:30 PM.
Week 13 – vs. the Detroit Lions on Thu, Dec 3 at 08:25 PM.

When is the Green Bay Packers bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 7

What was the Green Bay Packers record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

12 – 4

Who are the Green Bay Packers most important departed characters?

The Packers lost their best wide receiver, Jordy Nelson, for the year to an ACL injury in the preseason. That’s going to hurt. Less important on the field, perhaps, but more telling about how last season ended, is the departure of backup tight end, Brandon Bostick. Bostick was the player whose mistake on an onside kick helped the Seattle Seahawks complete their shocking comeback against the Packers in the NFC Championship game. He claimed he was scapegoated by the team for an honest mistake. I believe him.

Who are the Green Bay Packers most important new characters?

The Packers didn’t really add anyone major in the offseason, although they did take a late flyer on quarterback Brett Hundley in the draft. Aaron Rodgers is only 31 and seems invulnerable but perhaps, just perhaps, the Packers have begun to think about life after Rodgers.

Who are the Green Bay Packers most important characters?

Head coach Mike McCarthy has coached the Packers for nine seasons. During that time, he’s accumulated a record of 94-49-1 and won a Super Bowl. He has a wealth of job security but he’s never faced a challenge like he does this year. The Packers were virtually celebrating a return trip to the Super Bowl last year before the Seahawks stole it literally and figuratively out of their hands. How will McCarthy lead his team in the aftermath of that loss?

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Green Bay Packers?

In basketball, the San Antonio Spurs rallied around a bad loss in the finals one year and won the championship the next year. That may be harder to replicate in football partially just because there are so many more people and personalities involved. The Packers seem to already have scapegoated Brandon Bostick. Is that enough to move on? What will their team hangover be like?

How will the 2015 Green Bay Packers fare?

Hangover or no, they’ll win the division. The Bears are terrible and the Lions are moving backwards. Only the Vikings seem to be improving but they’ve got a long way to go to reach the Packers.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Detroit Lions?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Detroit Lions?

How are Detroit Lions fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Sweating

When are the Detroit Lions on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 3 – vs. the Denver Broncos on Sun, Sep 27 at 08:30 PM.
Week 4 – vs. the Seattle Seahawks on Mon, Oct 5 at 08:30 PM.
Week 8 – vs. the Kansas City Chiefs on Sun, Nov 1 at 09:30 AM.
Week 12 – vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Thu, Nov 26 at 12:30 PM.
Week 13 – vs. the Green Bay Packers on Thu, Dec 3 at 08:25 PM.
Week 15 – vs. the New Orleans Saints on Mon, Dec 21 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Detroit Lions bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 9

What was the Detroit Lions record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

11 – 5

Who are the Detroit Lions most important departed characters?

Ndomokong Suh, Nick Fairley, and C.J. Mosely took turns wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines last year. This year, all three will play for other NFL teams. The biggest loss by far is Suh, who is one of the top five defensive linemen in the league.

Who are the Detroit Lions most important new characters?

The Lions brough in former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata to replace Suh, Fairley, and Mosely. Ngata may be almost as good as Suh, but asking him to replace the production of three good players is not fair. He won’t be able to do it alone.

Who are the Detroit Lions most important characters?

Calvin Johnson, nicknamed Megatron, is a quiet superstar wide receiver. He set the NFL single season receiving record in 2012 with just under 2,000 yards. Since then, his production has declined radically due to leg injuries. Lions fans hope and pray that he’ll stay healthy this year.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Detroit Lions?

The Lions defensive success last year was built on an attacking defensive line and a surprisingly superior linebacking core. Most of the defensive line is gone which will expose the linebackers to greater stress from opposing offenses. They’ll either wilt under the pressure or prove themselves once again to be better than expected. The Lions season hangs on the result.

How will the 2015 Detroit Lions fare?

The Lions won’t be able to repeat their success from last year without Suh and company. 9-7 smells like the most likely outcome.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Denver Broncos?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Denver Broncos?

How are Denver Broncos fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Descending the mountain of hope

When are the Denver Broncos on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 2 – vs. the Kansas City Chiefs on Thu, Sep 17 at 08:25 PM.
Week 3 – vs. the Detroit Lions on Sun, Sep 27 at 08:30 PM.
Week 8 – vs. the Green Bay Packers on Sun, Nov 1 at 08:30 PM.
Week 12 – vs. the New England Patriots on Sun, Nov 29 at 08:30 PM.
Week 16 – vs. the Cincinnati Bengals on Mon, Dec 28 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Denver Broncos bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 7

What was the Denver Broncos record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

12 – 4

Who are the Denver Broncos most important departed characters?

Tight end touchdown scoring freak Julius Thomas left in free agency for the more lucrative but surely browner and uglier fields of Jacksonville. The Broncos hope that Thomas’ production was more a product of quarterback Peyton Manning’s brilliance than it was his own skill.

Who are the Denver Broncos most important new characters?

Gary Kubiak takes over from Jon Fox as head coach this year. Kubiak is a known quantity in Denver, having played there as a quarterback during his NFL career. He was an effective head coach in Houston from 2006 – 2013 and it will be interesting to see how he meshes with Peyton Manning. Unlike Fox, who is more of a defensive coach and could therefore let Manning have free rein on the offensive side, Kubiak and Manning will need to collaborate on offense.

Who are the Denver Broncos most important characters?

Peyton Manning is the nerdiest quarterbacking legend ever. His attention to detail approaches that of an obsessive compulsive demon. As long as he is healthy, he’s virtually impossible to beat. The problem is, at 39, can he be expected to remain healthy for the whole season? Even though he’s played complete seasons the last couple years, his play has declined dramatically later in the year. It’s possible that the best thing for him and the team would be to simply sit out the first four games of the season. Maybe he can trade places with Tom Brady

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Denver Broncos?

Are Manning’s late season swoons the result of bad luck or age? If it’s age, then the Broncos have no hope. If it’s bad luck in the form of normal football injuries, then they have a real chance to get to the Super Bowl again.

How will the 2015 Denver Broncos fare?

Father time is undefeated. The Broncos will win early in the season and fade late.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Dallas Cowboys?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Dallas Cowboys?

How are Dallas Cowboys fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Cocky

When are the Dallas Cowboys on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 1 – vs. the New York Giants on Sun, Sep 13 at 08:30 PM.
Week 4 – vs. the New Orleans Saints on Sun, Oct 4 at 08:30 PM.
Week 9 – vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Sun, Nov 8 at 08:30 PM.
Week 12 – vs. the Carolina Panthers on Thu, Nov 26 at 04:30 PM.
Week 13 – vs. the Washington Redskins on Mon, Dec 7 at 08:30 PM.
Week 15 – vs. the New York Jets on Sat, Dec 19 at 08:25 PM.

When is the Dallas Cowboys bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 6

What was the Dallas Cowboys record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

12 – 4

Who are the Dallas Cowboys most important departed characters?

DeMarco Murray, the best running back in the league by far last year, left in free agency and is now playing for the rival Philadelphia Eagles. There’s one theory in the NFL that running backs are entirely replaceable since most of their production is a result of the offensive line, not their own talent. Dallas still has the best offensive line in the league. This season will be a good case study for the theory of the replaceable running back.

Who are the Dallas Cowboys most important new characters?

In the offseason, the Cowboys made waves by signing two players with severe “”character issues.”” The first, a veteran defensive lineman, Greg Hardy, is suspended for the first ten games of this season for domestic assault. The second, a rookie offensive lineman, La’el Collins, is one of the stranger stories of the year. Collins was likely to have been a first round draft pick this year before rumors that he was somehow involved in his girlfriend’s death surfaced. Police eventually assured teams that Collins was not a suspect but the timing of the incident so close to the date of the draft left Collins undrafted and free to sign with any team that would take him. The Cowboys gobbled him up.

Who are the Dallas Cowboys most important characters?

Tony Romo has always been a polarizing figure. A converted baseball player who started his career later than most, it doesn’t seem like he should be 35 already, but he is. After a broken collarbone and several back problems over the past few years, the clock is ticking on how long he can remain healthy and effective. Cowboys fans have to be hoping for at least one more year of peak Romo — they don’t have much of a second option.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Dallas Cowboys?

Can DeMarco Murray’s replacements Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar, and Darren McFadden provide most, if not all of his production from last year? If so, the Cowboys will succeed.

How will the 2015 Dallas Cowboys fare?

They’ll win a lot.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Cleveland Browns?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Cleveland Browns?

How are Cleveland Browns fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Bewildered

When are the Cleveland Browns on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 9 – vs. the Cincinnati Bengals on Thu, Nov 5 at 08:25 PM.
Week 12 – vs. the Baltimore Ravens on Mon, Nov 30 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Cleveland Browns bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 11

What was the Cleveland Browns record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

7 – 9

Who are the Cleveland Browns most important departed characters?

The Browns top two receiving weapons from last year, tight end Jordan Cameron and wide receiver Josh Gordon are both gone. Cameron left in free agency and Gordon has been suspended for the entire season for his umpteenth positive drug test.

Who are the Cleveland Browns most important new characters?

When a free agent punter, Andy Lee formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, is the most exciting offseason addition, you know things are dire. To be fair, the Browns also drafted a speedy runner with a great name, Duke Johnson, who may provide a spark of excitement.

Who are the Cleveland Browns most important characters?

The biggest character on the Browns is quarterback Johnny Manziel. Manziel was a highly regarded rookie last year, whose “”character flaws”” of drinking and generally behaving like an idiot 21 year-old man were dismissed as unimportant by hopeful Browns fans. Either they really did get in his way or he was revealed to have the more damaging character flaw (in football terms, anyway) of not being very good at football. This summer he made a show of going to rehab and is now back and showing some small signs of being a better player. Time will tell.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Cleveland Browns?

Last year, the Browns were one of the best teams at running the ball until their starting center, Alex Mack, broke his leg. From that point on, their rushing ability cratered and their season ground to a halt. Was Mack that important? Or did something else change when he left? Will his return this year get the team’s running game running gamely again? If so, the Browns will at least have one elite skill to lean on.

How will the 2015 Cleveland Browns fare?

Last year’s seven wins are going to be hard for the Browns to match.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Cincinnati Bengals?

How are Cincinnati Bengals fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Bored

When are the Cincinnati Bengals on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 9 – vs. the Cleveland Browns on Thu, Nov 5 at 08:25 PM.
Week 10 – vs. the Houston Texans on Mon, Nov 16 at 08:30 PM.
Week 15 – vs. the San Francisco 49ers on Sun, Dec 20 at 08:30 PM.
Week 16 – vs. the Denver Broncos on Mon, Dec 28 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Cincinnati Bengals bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 7

What was the Cincinnati Bengals record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

10 – 5 – 1

Who are the Cincinnati Bengals most important departed characters?

For Bengals fans, this year’s team is just more of the same. It’s hard to find a meaningful player who departed this year. 36-year old defensive back Terrance Newman would once have counted, but at that age, his leaving is no surprise or great loss. Often injured tight end Jermaine Gresham has name recognition among hard-core fantasy football players but that’s about it.

Who are the Cincinnati Bengals most important new characters?

Even more frustrating for Bengals fans is that the team didn’t bring in any major new players this year. They spent both their high draft picks on offensive linemen who are not expected to start this year. Their biggest free agent signing was former Green Bay Packers linebacker A. J. Hawk who hasn’t been an impact player in the past couple years.

Who are the Cincinnati Bengals most important characters?

Quarterback Andy Dalton and coach Marvin Lewis are stable parts of the Bengals story. Too bad they aren’t dynamic.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals?

It’s hard to see how this team could improve greatly or why it would fall off a cliff. I suppose that makes the pivotal pivot The Unexpected.

How will the 2015 Cincinnati Bengals fare?

They won’t go 10-5-1 again, but only because ties are so rare. Pencil them in at 10-6 or 9-7 and then go get your pen a few weeks from now.

What do I need to know about the 2015 Chicago Bears?

If you’re curious about the history and culture surrounding the team, and not just the plot and characters of this edition of the team, read What’s special about the Chicago Bears?

How are Chicago Bears fans feeling heading into the 2015 NFL season?

Bitter

When are the Chicago Bears on national television?

Use this to know when you should host a party with locally (or favorite team-ily) themed food!

Week 9 – vs. the San Diego Chargers on Mon, Nov 9 at 08:30 PM.
Week 12 – vs. the Green Bay Packers on Thu, Nov 26 at 08:30 PM.

When is the Chicago Bears bye week?

Use this to know when to plan that camping trip you’ve been wanting to go on.

Week 7

What was the Chicago Bears record last season, in 2014?

Expressed as: wins – losses – ties (if any).

5 – 11

Who are the Chicago Bears most important departed characters?

The Bears tried to make an innovative move work by bringing in a winning Canadian Football League coach reputed to be an offensive mastermind in Marc Trestman. It didn’t work. Either head coach in the NFL was too big of a job for Trestman or the defense-first culture in Chicago just wouldn’t take to such an offensively slanted coach. Regardless of the reason, the Bears crashed and burned last year and now Trestman, along with skilled and outspoken wide receiver Brandon Marshall, is gone.

Who are the Chicago Bears most important new characters?

New head coach John Fox comes straight from Denver, where he had nothing but success. Unfortunately for him, nothing but success on a team with a rapidly aging superstar quarterback was not good enough to retain his job. The Broncos are determined to win a Super Bowl and didn’t think Fox could get them there. Obviously, the Super Bowl is the ultimate goal in Chicago as well, but realistically, if Fox could replicate just the regular season success he had in Denver, Bears fans would be thrilled.

Who are the Chicago Bears most important characters?

Quarterback Jay Cutler is one of the oddest characters in the league. His sulky demeanor has inspired internet memes. His erratic play has inspired Bears fans everywhere to take turns throwing their hands in the air and throwing their remotes at their televisions. At 32, Cutler should be a known quantity already, but it still seems like his career could go any which way at any moment.

What is the most pivotal pivot point for the 2015 Chicago Bears?

While Trestman was focused on offense, the once great Chicago Bears defense quietly fizzled. Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio need to rebuild this defense from almost the ground up. How well they’re able to do that on the fly will go far to deciding the result of this season.

How will the 2015 Chicago Bears fare?

Too much improvement is needed all over the field too quickly. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bears take _another_ step backwards this year.

Why was our legal system even involved in Deflategate?

Dear Sports Fan,

I saw that a U.S. federal judge overturned the NFL’s suspension of Tom Brady the other day. This leads to my question: why was our legal system even involved in Deflategate? Don’t they have better stuff to do than rule on a football player’s suspension?

Thanks,
Marcie

Dear Marcie,

You’re right to be skeptical. The government does sometimes get involved in the sports world in strange and semi-ludicrous ways. Take, for example, the College Football Playoff Act of 2011 or the spectacle of baseball sluggers in suits testifying in front of Congress about whether they stuck needles into their butts. In this case, however, despite the judge’s reluctance to rule on the matter, there is a good legal reason for him to have been involved.

Football players are unionized. Their organization, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) periodically negotiates with the owners of the 32 NFL teams over the terms of their employment. This is called collective bargaining. Among the terms they negotiate are the penalties for various infringements and the process by which players may be penalized. Once the two sides (owners and players association) agree, the result should be a nice little self-contained world where every potential dispute between employer and employee has a prearranged solution. The only time the real legal system should get involved is when one side claims that the other side isn’t following the rules they agreed to as part of the original collectively bargained deal. That’s exactly what Tom Brady claimed – that the NFL was not following the rules they agreed to follow the last time they collectively bargained with the players union – and that’s what Judge Richard Berman of the United States District Court ruled.

Throughout the time the case was in Judge Berman’s court, he pushed the two sides to agree on a settlement rather than rely on him to make a judgement. To some extent, that’s probably a normal practice in contract disputes such as this, but another motivation may have been that he, like you, felt a little sheepish about a U.S. federal judge ruling on a football player’s suspension. Don’t let the football fool you though, if you ignore what Brady does for a living, you’re left with an employee claiming that his employer tried to unfairly and unlawfully punish him in a way which would not only damage his professional reputation but also cost him $1,882,352. That’s worth dealing with in court, isn’t it?

Thanks for your question,
Ezra Fischer