In depth 2013: Carolina Panthers

by | Mar 17, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

In a season where Carolina hoped to build on optimism created by Cam Newton’s electric rookie season, the Panthers stumbled to a 1-6 record out of the gate in 2012. Newton himself started slowly as well, throwing just five touchdowns to go with eight interceptions through those first seven games.

But the Panthers and Newton both went on a run during the season’s second half. The team won five of its last six to finish at 7-9 and Newton improved to 14 touchdowns and four picks in the second half of the season.

Furthermore, seven of Carolina’s nine losses were by six or fewer points. So what do the Panthers have to do to start winning some of those close games and turn themselves into a playoff contender? Slate Schwertner, freelance Panthers analyst and former editor of Cat Crave, shared his thoughts on what has to happen before that can become reality.

Zoneblitz: Cam Newton was a different quarterback the second half of the season than he was the first. What are your thoughts about his development and how good he can be? (more…)

In depth 2013: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by | Mar 14, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The 2012 season was full of ups and downs for Tampa Bay. Josh Freeman was great at times but then had stretches of futility. The run defense was as good as any in the league, but the pass defense was equally as bad. The team won four in a row and five of six between mid-October and mid-November, but then lost five in a row after that stretch.

Overall, the 7-9 finish in Greg Schiano’s first season as head coach was an improvement over 2011 and it should provide Bucs fans with plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2013, but there are enough questions left unanswered where there is some trepidation, as well.

The Bucs acted quickly in free agency, pouncing on San Francisco safety Dashon Goldson to start shoring up one of their main needs. Steve Isbitts, co-founder of JoeBucsFan.com, talked with Zoneblitz about that move and what he thinks the team has to do the rest of this offseason to take the next step forward.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on Greg Schiano after his first season in Tampa? (more…)

In depth 2013: Miami Dolphins

by | Mar 12, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

The Miami Dolphins finished 7-9 in 2012, comfortably out of the playoff picture yet again while riding an offense that scored just 288 points all season. But for the first time since Dan Marino was wearing teal, it did look like the team had a quarterback of the future. Ryan Tannehill showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season in Florida.

Pair him up with a couple new wide receivers and the Dolphins might have an offense that can complement a solid defense, says Brian Miller, the editor of Phin Phanatic, adding that this team might not be more than a season from being pretty darn good.

Zoneblitz: What did you think of Joe Philbin’s first year as coach? (more…)

In depth 2013: San Diego Chargers

by | Mar 10, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

When the clock struck 0:00 on a 7-9 season that had, for all intents and purposes, ended in late November, San Diego ownership was quick to cut the cord on the Norv Turner/A.J. Smith era. And so a new run begins in 2013 – and this team is not devoid of talent.

Philip Rivers has been down the last couple years, but with some help at some key spots (offensive line anyone?), we may find that he still has game. Other pieces are injury prone and inconsistent. So who knows what this Chargers team is really all about.

Ernie Padaon, editorial director for Bolt Beat, told us what he thinks the Chargers need to do to get back on track.

Zoneblitz: What were your thoughts on the firings of Norv Turner and A.J. Smith? (more…)

In Depth 2013: Tennessee Titans

by | Mar 8, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

A 9-7 record in2011 under first-year coach Mike Munchak and the presumed development of second-year quarterback Jake Locker had fans and observers intrigued by the Tennessee Titans chances of a playoff run in 2012.

Injuries to Locker and several other key players quickly scuttled those hopes, however. And despite scoring 50 more points in 2012 than 2011, Tennessee’s defense collapsed, allowing 471 points, the most in the NFL – and 154 more than the season prior.

There’s plenty of talent on this roster though. Locker has a trio of wide receivers and a resurgent Chris Johnson, who showed in 2012 that he has at least something left in the tank. Justin Stewart, editor and lead writer for Titan Sized, says if the Titans can avoid the injury issues of 2012, this team could once again challenge for a postseason berth.

Zoneblitz: What are your thoughts on the development of Jake Locker and will he be the starting quarterback in 2013? (more…)

In Depth 2013: New York Jets

by | Mar 6, 2013 | 2012 season, 2013 season, NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Random Thoughts

Rex Ryan’s first two seasons as coach of the New York Jets ended with losses in the AFC Championship game. But that’s been quickly forgotten as the team finished its past two seasons a combined 14-18.

In the process, the Jets have become almost a sideshow, with an appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks and the acquisition of Tim Tebow providing at least some of the several memorable punch lines. The 6-10 2012 season cost Mike Tannenbaum his job as general manager and it has to have Ryan on the hot seat heading into 2013 as well.

So how bad off are the Jets? Joe Caporoso, owner, head writer and editor in chief of Turn on the Jets, says a talent-barren roster likely leaves the Jets more than one offseason away from competing for a playoff spot.

Zoneblitz: After another disappointing season, the Jets fired Mike Tannenbaum as general manager yet kept Rex Ryan as head coach. Were those the right moves and, if so, why did Ryan deserve another year? (more…)