PFW Preview Guide 2015 by Shaw Media

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ADMINISTRATION General Manager/Editor Hub Arkush EDITORIEDITORIAL STAFF Associate editors Kevin Fishbain Arthur Arkush Nate Atkins Contributing Editors Dan McCaleb Jon Styf Jason Bauman Jason Schaumburg Dave Lemery Eric Olson Tom Clegg Paul Wleklinski Contributing Writers Dan Arkush Art director Bob Peters ME/production R. Scott Helmchen

PREVIEW

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2 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

EW 2015 4

SEASON PREDICTIONS

THE WAY WE SEE IT/ NFL POWER RANKINGS

THE HOT TOPICS FOR THE NEW SEASON, PLUS RANKING ALL 32 NFL TEAMS

8 PFW’S TOP 10 12 STORYLINES

BREAKOUT STARS

WE PICK 22 PLAYERS WHO ARE POISED FOR BIG SEASONS IN 2015

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS .......... 34 BUFFALO BILLS ........................... 38 MIAMI DOLPHINS ....................... 42 NEW YORK JETS .......................... 46

AFC NORTH BALTIMORE RAVENS................... 50 CINCINNATI BENGALS ................ 54 PITTSBURGH STEELERS .............. 58 CLEVELAND BROWNS ................. 62

AFC SOUTH INDIANAPOLIS COLTS ................. 66 HOUSTON TEXANS...................... 70 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS .............74 TENNESSEE TITANS .................... 78

AFC WEST KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.................. 82 DENVER BRONCOS...................... 86 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS ............... 90 OAKLAND RAIDERS ..................... 94

NFC EAST PHILADELPHIA EAGLES............... 98 DALLAS COWBOYS ....................102 NEW YORK GIANTS ....................106 WASHINGTON ............................ 110 GREEN BAY PACKERS ................ 114 MINNESOTA VIKINGS................. 118 DETROIT LIONS ..........................122 CHICAGO BEARS ........................126

ROOKIE METER

NFC SOUTH

WHICH OF THIS YEAR’S DRAFT PICKS ARE LIKELY TO PRODUCE THIS SEASON?

PLAYER RATINGS

AFC EAST

NFC NORTH

WHAT WILL FOOTBALL FANS WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS SEASON?

2015 PREVIEW Projected order of finish determined by the PFW staff’s consensus.

ATLANTA FALCONS ...................130 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ..............134 CAROLINA PANTHERS................138 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS ........142

NFC WEST

RANKING THE NFL’S BEST OF THE BEST AT EACH POSITION, PLUS OUR SUPER 50.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS .................146 ARIZONA CARDINALS ................150 ST. LOUIS RAMS.........................154 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS .............158

FANTASY FOOTBALL

2015 NFL SCHEDULE ............ 176

EXCLUSIVE 2015 DRAFT BOARD

ALL ROSTERS AND DEPTH CHARTS AS OF MAY 19

2014 REVIEW Standings ................................. 162 NFL offense statistics; turnover table ....................... 163 Team statistics ....................... 164 Team rankings ......................... 166 Individual statistics ................ 168 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

EAST

1 PATRIOTS 10-6 2 BILLS 9-7 3 DOLPHINS 9-7 4 JETS 6-10

AFC

NEW ENGLAND BUFFALO MIAMI

NEW YORK

NORTH

1 RAVENS 9-7 2 BENGALS 8-8 3 STEELERS 8-8 4 BROWNS 5-11 BALTIMORE

CINCINNATI

PITTSBURGH CLEVELAND

SOUTH

1 COLTS 11-5 2 TEXANS 8-8 3 JAGUARS 5-11 4 TITANS 4-12 INDIANAPOLIS HOUSTON

JACKSONVILLE TENNESSEE

WEST

1 CHIEFS 10-6 2 BRONCOS 10-6 3 CHARGERS 9-7 4 RAIDERS 6-10 KANSAS CITY DENVER

SAN DIEGO OAKLAND

DIVISION WINNERS NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS • BALTIMORE RAVENS • INDIANAPOLIS COLTS • KANSAS CITY CHIEFS WILD CARDS DENVER BRONCOS • BUFFALO BILLS

4 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

EAST

1 EAGLES 10-6 2 COWBOYS 9-7 3 GIANTS 7-9 4 WASHINGTON 6-10

NFC

PHILADELPHIA DALLAS

NEW YORK

NORTH

1 PACKERS 12-4 2 VIKINGS 9-7 3 LIONS 7-9 4 BEARS 6-10 GREEN BAY

MINNESOTA DETROIT

CHICAGO

SOUTH

1 FALCONS 8-8 2 SAINTS 7-9 3 PANTHERS 7-9 4 BUCCANEERS 4-12 ATLANTA

NEW ORLEANS CAROLINA

TAMPA BAY

DIVISION WINNERS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES • GREEN BAY PACKERS • ATLANTA FALCONS • SEATTLE SEAHAWKS WILD CARDS DALLAS COWBOYS • ARIZONA CARDINALS

WEST

1 SEAHAWKS 11-5 2 CARDINALS 10-6 3 RAMS 8-8 4 49ERS 7-9 SEATTLE

ARIZONA

ST. LOUIS

SAN FRANCISCO

Super Bowl 50 GREEN BAY PACKERS OVER

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

’15

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

KICKOFF 2015

THE WAY WE SEE IT

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY EDITORS OFFER THEIR THOUGHTS ON SOME STORIES TO WATCH DURING THE 2015 NFL SEASON

NFL HAS A QUARTERBACK PROBLEM The NFL is facing a serious shortage of top quarterback talent on the heels of the golden era of the position. Scroll back just six seasons and you’ll find the top 11 passers in 2009 were Drew Brees, Brett Favre, Philip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Kurt Warner and Eli Manning. Brees, Favre, P. Manning and Brady are first ballot Hall of Famers and Rodgers and Warner seem certain to land in Can-

ton as well. Big Ben and Eli are probably in the conversation with their two rings each, and Rivers and Romo may gain some consideration if they claim a ring. The only era even close for outstanding quarterback play is the early ’90s, when John Elway, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Warren Moon, Steve Young and Troy Aikman were all active. Since the 2009 draft, 19 quarterbacks have been selected in the first round. Of that group, only Matt Stafford, Cam

Newton, Ryan Tannehill, Andrew Luck, Teddy Bridgewater and Blake Bortles are penciled in as certain starters this year. Add Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota to that group and then tell me, other than Luck, could any of them crack that top 11 in 2009? With the end near for Brees, Peyton and Brady, the NFL has a big problem at its biggest and most important position.

— HUB ARKUSH

● ● ●

COLTS RECEIVE EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES ON OFFENSE; WHAT ABOUT D?

WILL THE SEAHAWKS MAKE IT THREE STRAIGHT SUPER BOWLS?

The Colts have made postseason advancements in all three seasons of the Andrew Luck era, despite two consecutive playoff thrashings from the Patriots. Directed in the aftermath of a 45-7 title game defeat in New England by owner Jim Irsay to add toughness, GM Ryan Grigson achieved his directive … sort of. In signing Andre Johnson and Frank Gore, Grigson secured two of this generation’s grittiest competitors yet to reach the Promised Land. He then signed respected veterans OG Todd Herremans and rusher Trent Cole, before spending a luxury first-rounder on WR Phillip Dorsett. A few caveats: All four vets will be at least 33 by November, and none solve a perennially inadequate run defense that has been put out to pasture by the Patriots, who are 3-0 against the Colts since 2013 while averaging 219 rushing yards per game. Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano each enter contract years in a season when anything less than a trip to the Super Bowl will be deemed disappointing. Luck’s offense remains loaded and his future in Indianapolis is assured, but Irsay surprised most by allowing Pagano to enter lame duck territory. Doesn’t it seem Luck received all the help from Grigson when Pagano and his defense were the ones that truly needed it?

In one corner stands the most talented roster in the NFL, a perfect blend of youth, moxie and the achievements to back it up. In the other stands the doubt, the type that infests a chippy locker room that can’t forget the ultimate play of the last game it played. The reward is a third straight Super Bowl, the first of the salary-cap era. Can the Seahawks do it? Last year’s squad was the first team in a decade to reach the final game a year after playing in it, but through 10 games, it sat 6-4 and looked constantly challenged to score. The rest was history – of course, until that infamous play. That’s what could make this year more difficult than last, because the other concerns should wash away: Newly acquired tight end Jimmy Graham helps fill the only weakness on the roster, and Marshawn Lynch’s new contract says plenty about his relationship with brass. No coach is better than Pete Carroll at taking negative energy and turning it positive. But if players lose any faith in the process after seeing a year of work lead to the 1-yard-line of a game-winning drive in the Super Bowl only to be literally thrown away, can they respond early enough to still secure home field advantage? And can Seattle ever reach the Super Bowl without that?

— ARTHUR ARKUSH

— NATE ATKINS

6 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

PFW PRESEASON

CAN THE REST OF THE AFC EAST CATCH THE PATRIOTS?

It’s not easy being the Dolphins, Jets and Bills, what with the Patriots’ 11 division titles in the past 12 seasons. This year, the three AFC East rivals beefed up tremendously, but even with Tom Brady turning 38 and suspended for up to four games, will it be enough to catch up to the defending champs? He’ll have to evade the three best D-lines in the game. The Dolphins signed Ndamukong Suh to join Cameron Wake up front. The Jets already had a formidable duo with Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson before adding Leonard Williams. The Bills have Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus and Jerry Hughes. Still, those teams need to score points, so Miami drafted DeVante Parker, the Jets traded for Brandon Marshall and the Bills traded for LeSean McCoy. Plus, the Patriots did not re-sign Darrelle Revis or Brandon Browner, and released Vince Wilfork. Yet, will anyone pick someone other than the Patriots to win the division? No, because of Ryan Tannehill, Matt Cassel and Geno Smith. As much as the Patriots’ rivals have done to add on both sides of the ball, they each have a question at quarterback – Miami’s less-so, but Tannehill has yet to make the playoffs. This is still a quarterback league, so some signal caller needs to break out to topple Brady.

— KEVIN FISHBAIN l l l

NFL’S NEW BAD BOYS?

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has his work cut out for him. After a breakthrough 2014 season in which Dallas finished 12-4 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2009, Cowboys owner/president/GM/Grand Poobah Jerry Jones let the NFL’s leading rusher walk in free agency and proceeded to fill his locker room with talented newcomers of questionable character. During free agency, Jones added DL Greg Hardy and re-signed LB Rolando McClain. The domestic violence allegations against Hardy are well-documented, and he is suspended the first 10 games of the season as a result. During a 2013 incident, McClain was arrested after allegedly shouting an expletive at police and resisting arrest. The Cowboys then used their second-round pick in the 2015 draft on Randy Gregory, who tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine even though he knew the drug test was coming. Also on the club is RB Joseph Randle, who in separate incidents was arrested on shoplifting and drug charges and also was investigated in a domestic violence incident. And that’s not to mention Dez Bryant. ... Oh to be a fly on the wall of the Cowboys locker room.

— DAN McCALEB

POWER RANKINGS RANK / TEAM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

SB ODDS* THE SKINNY

15-2 Rodgers best player, Packers best team. 6-1 Which way is defense’s arrow pointing? SEAHAWKS 9-1 They’ve got Luck, what about the “D?” COLTS 10-1 How much will loss of Revis hurt? PATRIOTS CARDINALS 30-1 Only if Carson Palmer’s finally healthy. 38-1 Is it Alex Smith’s time now? CHIEFS 20-1 Apparently our voters think Kelly knows. EAGLES 12-1 Peyton’s last hurrah? BRONCOS 28-1 Harbaugh seems to will them here. RAVENS 12-1 Do Jerry’s high risk bets pay off? COWBOYS 50-1 Rex has a ton to work with but who’s the QB? BILLS 50-1 Could be most improved team in league. VIKINGS 40-1 “D” might dominate; can Tannehill get them over the hump? DOLPHINS 50-1 It seems we like them more than most. CHARGERS 34-1 Getting harder and harder to find the Andy Dalton love. BENGALS 28-1 Love the offense, but worried about the “D.” STEELERS 50-1 Where are they better than last year? TEXANS 35-1 Who will lead them? RAMS 45-1 Our voters make them surprising NFC South pick. FALCONS 50-1 Can Tomsula quiet the doubters? 49ERS 40-1 New-look Saints, not enough new on “D.” SAINTS 40-1 Loss of Suh, Fairley guts “D.” LIONS 35-1 Roster still tough to figure. GIANTS 45-1 Offense may pack some punch, but where’s the “D?” BEARS 45-1 Just don’t pass the eye test. PANTHERS 50-1 “D” could be great, offense could be awful. JETS 100-1 Definitely pointing north, plenty of road to cover. RAIDERS WASHINGTON 125-1 We’re not sure how they’re better. 250-1 Bortles still has a lot to prove. JAGUARS 100-1 Worst quarterback situation in the league. BROWNS 200-1 Mariota will need time, growth will be slow. TITANS BUCCANEERS 125-1 Still not seeing the plan here. GREEN BAY

PACKERS SEATTLE

INDIANAPOLIS

NEW ENGLAND ARIZONA

KANSAS CITY

PHILADELPHIA DENVER

BALTIMORE DALLAS

BUFFALO

MINNESOTA MIAMI

SAN DIEGO

CINCINNATI

PITTSBURGH HOUSTON ST. LOUIS ATLANTA

SAN FRANCISCO NEW ORLEANS DETROIT

NEW YORK CHICAGO

CAROLINA

NEW YORK OAKLAND

JACKSONVILLE CLEVELAND TENNESSEE

TAMPA BAY

* Odds from Vegas Insider as of May 15

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

KICKOFF 2015

Catch 22

CHECK OUT WHO WE THINK WILL BE THE BREAKOUT STARS OF THE UPCOMING SEASON By PATRICK

FINLEY

he biggest play in the sports universe over the past year was made by an undrafted rookie from West Alabama. And before Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler’s interception of Russell Wilson ended Super Bowl XLIX, the star Malcolm Butler of the game might have been someone even more obscure: undrafted wide receiver Chris Matthews, who posted the first catch of his career in the first half and finished with a Seahawks-best four receptions for 109 yards. Few would have expected either man to sway the game at the sport’s glittery apex, but that’s the fun of it, right? With that as pretext, we present 22 players who could become breakout stars in 2015. Few, if any, are as obscure as the Super Bowl heroes, but they represent those who fall into natural fits for a rise in production: a high draft pick after a down year, a veteran in a new system or a player promoted to a larger role. You might even recognize a certain West Alabama alum, too — after taking his star turn, Butler will be expected to start for the defending Super Bowl champions.

DAVANTE ADAMS WR | GREEN BAY PACKERS HT: 6-1 | WT: 215

Why he’ll break out: Because he’s just a kid. Adams didn’t turn 22 until Christmas Eve of last season. Less than three weeks later, he had his NFL coming-out party, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a 46-yard touchdown in the epic 26-21 playoff victory against the Cowboys. After collecting only four catches in the last month of the regular season, he led the Packers in receptions in the playoff win. That portends good things for Adams, who will be joined by

8 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

C.J. Anderson

the re-signed Randall Cobb and star Jordy Nelson to form perhaps the league’s best receiving corps.

C.J. ANDERSON

RB | DENVER BRONCOS HT: 5-8 | WT: 224 Why he’ll break out: He fits his new coach. Anderson entered the Broncos’ offseason as the starter under new coach Gary Kubiak, whose zone blocking style matches Anderson’s running abilities. He even laughed off former offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s assertion – made from his new perch in

Chicago – that the Broncos would have run Anderson even more often last season had he not been “a little chubby.” Whoever wins the job in Kubiak’s run-friendly offense is due for a big year, and Anderson is the one to bet on.

ZIGGY ANSAH

DE | DETROIT LIONS HT: 6-5 | WT: 278 Why he’ll break out: Because he finally had an offseason. Ansah missed the 2014 offseason because of shoulder surgery and spent 2013 going through the draft process. Rest this time around

Ziggy Ansah

routes on about two-thirds of them. According to Pro Football Focus, Bryant led all receivers with at least 40 targets in yards gained per route run. Five of his catches went for 40 yards or more, and his 26 catches for 549 yards in his first year could turn into something pretty amazing when extrapolated for a heavier workload.

MALCOLM BUTLER

CB | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS HT: 5-11 | WT: 190 Why he’ll break out: Because his team’s counting on it. The Super Bowl star will be asked to be a full-time starter in his second season. The Patriots are counting on him, too; since hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, the team has lost both starting corners – Darrellle Revis and Brandon Browner – as well as Alfonzo Dennard and Kyle Arrington. That means Butler will have more to worry about than what to do with his free pickup truck. Teddy Bridgewater

should benefit Ansah once the games start. The Lions better hope so, too, after losing Ndamukong Suh via free agency and George Johnson to a trade. Ansah had an underrated sophomore effort, tying for sixth in total pressures among all 4-3 defensive ends, per Pro Football Focus.

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

QB | MINNESOTA VIKINGS HT: 6-2 | WT: 210 Why he’ll break out: Because he might have done so already. In the final four weeks of last season, only one

starter – Cowboys Pro Bowler Tony Romo – posted a better completion percentage than the rookie. His 9.18 yards per attempt were tied with Geno Smith for tops in those final four games. He’s sure to have a better running game in Year 2, and the addition of Mike Wallace and returned health of Kyle Rudolph will only help.

MARTAVIS BRYANT

WR | PITTSBURGH STEELERS HT: 6-4 | WT: 211 Why he’ll break out: Bryant played only 306 snaps as a rookie, and ran

JADEVEON CLOWNEY

OLB | HOUSTON TEXANS HT: 6-5 | WT: 266 Why he’ll break out: Because – we hope – his career isn’t defined by an injury. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick was limited to just four games before having microfracture surgery on his knee Dec. 8. His third procedure in less than a year is expected to keep him out until after the start of training camp. A microfracture operation is a scary one, and it’s easy to believe he might never be the same as he was coming out of South Carolina. If remotely healthy, though, Clowney has skills. And he will only benefit from having all-universe J.J. Watt and former Patriots

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

KICKOFF 2015

Chris Watt

nose tackle Vince Wilfork on the Texans front line.

play end and perhaps even some outside linebacker in Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.

TEVIN COLEMAN

TIMMY JERNIGAN

RB | ATLANTA FALCONS HT: 5-11 | WT: 206 Why he’ll break out: He fits his new system. The former Indiana star is a one-cut runner and should mesh nicely with new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s zone rushing attack. Shanahan has played rookie rushers before, too, be it the Texans’ Steve Slaton, Washington’s Alfred Morris or the Browns’ two-headed attack last season. Coleman will have to edge out Devonta Freeman, whose 5-8, 206-pound build will never scream “bellcow back.”

JERRY HUGHES

DE | BUFFALO BILLS HT: 6-2 | WT: 254 Why he’ll break out: Because he can’t stay this unheralded forever. Fresh off a five-year, $45 million extension, Hughes might not be a Pro Bowler yet, but give him 16 more games. Here’s a good sign: Hughes had to be pulled from one of Rex Ryan’s first voluntary practices because he recorded too many sacks. Hughes – who had 10 sacks in each of his past two seasons since being traded by the Colts – will

DT | BALTIMORE RAVENS HT: 6-2 | WT: 300 Why he’ll break out: Because he’ll fill some huge shoes. The second-year stud from Florida State will take over for the departed Haloti Ngata at defensive tackle. He started four games during Ngata’s suspension last season and finished the regular season with four sacks. Despite averaging only 26 snaps per game, Jernigan had seven quarterback hits and 12 hurries. As he did last season, Brandon Williams will start at the nose tackle spot next to Jernigan. Ngata, a two-time All-Pro, was traded to the Lions, where he’ll replace Ndamukong Suh.

TRAVIS KELCE

TE | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 Why he’ll break out: Think YAC. He led all tight ends with 503 yards after the catch last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and he might be even more intimidating after being asked to gain another 10 or 15 pounds during the offseason. After playing one special teams snap before suffering an

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injury in 2013, Kelce spent his sophomore season proving to be one of the game’s up-and-coming tight ends.

JARVIS LANDRY

WR | MIAMI DOLPHINS HT: 5-11 | WT: 202 Why he’ll break out: Because he ended his rookie season on fire. The slot receiver totaled 25 catches for 255 yards during September and October. In November and December, he had 59 catches for 503 yards. The optimism for a sophomore surge is two-fold: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is getting better with each passing season and should look to Landry even more now that Brian Hartline, Charles Clay, Brandon Gibson and Mike Wallace have left. At least at first, Landry’s chemistry with Tannehill should give him an edge over new teammates DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings.

JORDAN MATTHEWS

WR | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES HT: 6-3 | WT: 212 Why he’ll break out: Because his role will keep expanding. No one ran more of his routes from the slot than Matthews’ 92.4 percent, but he’s not expected to be so limited in his second season. Matthews could be the next Jeremy

the year trying to manage the pain while playing practically one-handed. His two sacks, five quarterback hits and 20 hurries need to improve — and they should with the addition of beefy linemen Danny Shelton and Randy Starks to shoulder the load.

CALVIN PRYOR

SS | NEW YORK JETS HT: 5-11 | WT: 208 Why he’ll break out: Think strong. The hard-thumping Pryor is being moved to strong safety, a far better fit for his skill set than the coverage role he played last season. He’ll be helped, of course, by cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine anchoring the Jets pass defense. Former Charger Marcus Gilchrist will play free safety, allowing Pryor to play run support. Pryor told reporters after the move was made that it was “music to my ears.” Fans should agree.

NICK FAIRLEY

Barkevious Mingo

Maclin, perhaps, even though the Eagles used their first-round draft pick on former USC wideout Nelson Agholor. Considering he’ll be working alongside a rookie receiver, a new quarterback in Sam Bradford and two new running backs in DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, the second-year wideout is already ahead of his peers.

PERNELL McPHEE

OLB | CHICAGO BEARS HT: 6-3 | WT: 280 Why he’ll break out: He’ll buck the trend. McPhee’s five-year free agent deal, worth $40 million, hardly makes him a sleeper. But we expect McPhee to do something that departing Ravens pass rushers traditionally haven’t done — succeed with his new team. McPhee’s versatility will give new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a lot to tinker with; last year, he played at least 149 snaps at outside linebacker, defensive end and inside linebacker. The Bears’ defense still won’t be very good, but it won’t be McPhee’s fault.

BARKEVIOUS MINGO

OLB | CLEVELAND BROWNS HT: 6-4 | WT: 240 Why he’ll break out: Because he’s feeling better. Mingo injured his shoulder last summer and spent the rest of

DT | ST. LOUIS RAMS HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 Why he’ll break out: He’s due. Fairley is already 27 years old, and it seems like every year he tries, and fails, to fulfill the promise of a consistent season. The Lions didn’t pick up his option last offseason, though, perhaps motivating him toward what appeared to be his best year – until a Week 8 MCL sprain. The Rams gave him a one-year, $5 million deal, hoping that playing on the league’s best defensive line might produce a long-awaited breakout season from the former firstround pick.

TELVIN SMITH

OLB | JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS HT: 6-3 | WT: 218 Why he’ll break out: Because he gained experience. After playing more than half his team’s snaps only three times through Week 10, the rookie weak-side linebacker never dipped below 91 percent in the final six games with the Jaguars. GM David Caldwell said that if Smith played every game like he did the last six, he’d be a certifiable Pro Bowler. Now’s his chance to see for sure.

C.J. SPILLER

RB | NEW ORLEANS SAINTS HT: 5-11 | WT: 200 Why he’ll break out: Because his new team knows how to use him. The Bills didn’t know what they had in the speedy Spiller, whose versatility

makes him a unique weapon both on the ground and in the air. Spiller already has detailed his frustration in Buffalo. By filling the Darren Sproles prototypical role with the Saints, Spiller will benefit from having an above-average quarterback for the first time in an offense that will strive for balance. His career high of 43 catches in 2012 might be blown away by the midseason mark, and the Superdome turf will only highlight his speed.

CHRIS WATT

C | SAN DIEGO CHARGERS HT: 6-3 | WT: 310 Why he’ll break out: Because he survived the five. The Chargers used five centers last season, the most by any team since the AFL/NFL merger. Watt has emerged from the rubble, hoping to build on his five starts – in which the team was 3-2 – after never playing the position at Notre Dame. With Philip Rivers’ favorite, Nick Hardwick, retiring, the second-year Watt could anchor the Chargers line long past the time their franchise quarterback leaves.

IAN WILLIAMS

NT | SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS HT: 6-1 | WT: 300 Why he’ll break out: Because he’s healthy. Williams started nine games last season before breaking his leg and returns to a defense that will look much different. Linebackers Chris Borland and Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith retired, end Ray McDonald was released in December. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula became the head coach and Eric Mangini replaced Vic Fangio as the defensive coordinator.

MAXX WILLIAMS

TE | BALTIMORE RAVENS HT: 6-4 | WT: 249 Why he’ll break out: Because he’s on the Marc. New offensive coordinator Marc Trestman was the best thing to ever happen to his starting tight end, Martellus Bennett, during their two seasons together in Chicago. Bennett eclipsed his previous career highs in catches and receiving yards in each of his two years, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance after a 90-catch, 916yard 2014. The Ravens traded up to draft the former Golden Gopher, and Steelers fans might rue the day they were leapfrogged by their rivals.

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KICKOFF 2015

PFW’S

TOP TEN

STORYLINES By

ADAM L. JAHNS

HOW DOES TOM BRADY RESPOND TO ‘DEFLATEGATE’?

“Deflategate” has been a sloppy affair that’s devoured headlines, talk shows, Internet memes and Tom Brady’s legacy as one of the greatest of all time. It’s dragged Brady’s name through the mud (rightfully so on some points), and the New England Patriots did him zero favors with their farce of a rebuttal to investigator Ted Wells’ report. But there isn’t a better way for Brady to stick it to the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell, Wells and everyone who has jumped all over his back and ripped him to the moon over the Patriots’ ball-deflating controversy than playing well in how ever many games the 38-year-old gets in 2015. And Brady surely knows that. Brady still beat the Seahawks and their defense – one that wanted to stake its claim as one of the best in league history – with footballs that were

watched closer than Fort Knox in Super Bowl XLIX. Brady’s legacy – four Super Bowl victories and three Super Bowl MVPs – might be tarnished, but a stellar campaign in 2015 would surely cleanse it. The Patriots have built themselves into a dynasty with Brady under center. They’ve had “Spygate” and now “Deflategate.” They’ve often been voted one of the most hated teams in the NFL, right with the Dallas Cowboys. That said, here’s another point to consider: Brady and coach Bill Belichick have more time to win. After 2015, Brady has two more years left on his contract to silence his detractors and increase his amount of haters.

●

WHAT WILL ADRIAN PETERSON BE IN 2015?

Adrian Peterson last took a handoff on Sept. 7, 2014. That day, the future

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Hall of Fame running back had 21 carries for 75 yards and two catches for 18 yards in a 34-6 victory for the Vikings over the Rams. It was Week One of last season, and he was days away from being indicted in his child-abuse case, where he beat his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch. In November, Peterson reached a plea agreement with prosecutors in Montgomery County, Texas. Peterson, though, remained on the NFL’s exempt/commissioner’s permission list. He was reinstated in April. Peterson will be back on the field in 2015 for the Vikings, though his agent, Ben Dogra, pushed this offseason for it to be elsewhere. Dogra wanted a trade and posted peculiar messages on Facebook because of it, including one where he was wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers hat. The Vikings have been adamantly opposed to trading Peterson. Peterson, after all, has three years remaining on his contract, and the Vikings want to pair him with second-year quarterback

Tom Brady

Adrian Peterson

Teddy Bridgewater. At 30 years old, it’s worth wondering what Peterson has left in his relentless tank. But nearly a full season off – albeit for unwanted reasons – has likely done Peterson’s battered body some good.

ning, whose skills, while still better than most, have deteriorated over time and through injuries. Changes in philosophy can be rejuvenating for players. Kubiak does prefer a zone-blocking scheme with stretch runs. Manning relied on those types of runs during his long stint with the Colts before leaving for the Broncos.

WILL THIS BE PEYTON MANNING’S LAST HURRAH?

At 39 years old and having a growing list of severe injuries, quarterback Peyton Manning has two years left on his current contract with a chance to go out on top like his boss, John Elway. That said, Elway and the Broncos parted ways with coach John Fox and his staff this offseason and brought in Gary Kubiak from the Ravens. So plans have to be made, if they’re not already in motion, to move on from Manning at some point. Manning clearly wasn’t himself

4 Peyton Manning

last postseason, when the Broncos lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 24-13. It was later revealed that Manning had a torn rectus femoris, which is one of the muscles in the quadriceps. It will be interesting to see what type of offense Kubiak constructs for Man-

CAN JAMEIS AND LOVIE COEXIST?

Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith sent quarterback Jameis Winston the perfect text message after making the Florida State product with the checkered past the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. “We’re married now,’’ it read. And it’s so true. Smith, who has final say over the Buccaneers roster, has hooked his future in Tampa Bay to Winston, a head-

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KICKOFF 2015

Jameis Winston

line-grabbing player for all the wrong reasons. To his credit, Smith said he always was comfortable with drafting Winston, who was thoroughly examined for his transgressions in college, namely the sexual-assault accusation against him. Smith doesn’t exactly have a history of getting the quarterback position right. Recall, his “Rex [Grossman] is our quarterback” comments when he was in charge of the Bears. The value of the position has only increased in recent years with the league trending toward pass-heavy offenses. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will be installing a new offense and Winston’s football IQ is said to be high. But Winston apparently will be thrown right into the fire. There isn’t a capable veteran for Winston to learn behind on the Bucs roster after a bad run with Josh McCown in 2014.

●

WHAT WILL BECOME OF JOHNNY FOOTBALL?

Speaking of McCown, he’s the new starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The team is still trying to figure out what it has in Johnny Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft out of Texas A&M. Manziel completed a 10-week stint in a rehabilitation facility this offsea-

son. His party boy lifestyle from college had continued in the NFL. Now, Manziel has to revive his playing career. The Browns have been positive when speaking about Manziel, who deserves credit for addressing his issues head-on. At 36, McCown remains a stopgap, but he’s also the perfect role model for Manziel. McCown revived his career in 2013 while playing in place of an injured Jay Cutler for the Bears. He doesn’t have coach Marc Trestman in Cleveland, but his former teammates resoundingly praise his impact on the locker room. He’s the consummate professional and a family man. All of it will be good for Manziel to see and learn from.

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WILL CHIP’S CHANGES WORK?

For better or worse, coach Chip Kelly is in charge of the

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Philadelphia Eagles. In January, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie handed Kelly complete control over player personnel, while general manager Howie Roseman was “promoted” to executive vice president of football operations. Roseman is essentially in charge of contract negotiations and salary cap matters, while staying out of personnel decisions. So Kelly shook things up this offseason. He traded running back LeSean McCoy to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso and dealt quarterback Nick Foles and draft picks to the Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford. He splurged in free agency, signing running back DeMarco Murray, cornerback Byron Maxwell and running back Ryan Mathews. He let receiver Jeremy Maclin leave in free agency and also cleared salary cap room by saying goodbye to linebacker Trent Cole and others. Oh yeah, and he added quarterback

the Chargers and Raiders are financing the movement in Carson. Both would be privately financed.

Roger Goodell

Johnny Manziel

Tim Tebow and all the attention that comes with him. All of it makes the Eagles a more intriguing team to follow.

er Julian Edelman played on in Super Bowl XLIX after taking a hard hit from Seattle Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor and did not leave the game after appearing dazed. The NFL reported that concussions were down 25 percent from last season and 36 percent over a three-year span, but player safety remains a hot topic and an important one for all involved in football. 49ers linebacker Chris Borland retired after just one NFL season because of concussion concerns, a clear sign of how important players are considering their health.

WILL MEDICAL SPOTTERS HELP MATTERS?

Let’s call it the “concussion spotter” because concerns over head injuries are why the rule unanimously passed at the NFL annual meetings in Arizona earlier this year. Team owners voted to allow a certified athletic trainer at each stadium to call a medical timeout and remove a player from the game. The new rule allows spotters, who have no affiliations with teams, to communicate directly with side judges should a disorientated player go unnoticed. The rule passed after Patriots receiv-

WHEN WILL LOS ANGELES GET ITS TEAM?

It’s inevitable. The NFL will be back in Los Angeles at some point, ending its two-decade long absence in the country’s second largest city. Too many things – two competing bids, actually -are spinning in that direction. During a meeting with members of the Associated Press Sports Editors in late April, Goodell said that he thinks the stadium projects in Inglewood and Carson are “viable.” He also said that they have “the potential to be successful.” Rams owner Stan Kroenke is involved in the Inglewood project, while

WILL GOODELL’S PUNISHMENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We’ve entered the Era of Discipline in the NFL, and Goodell is presiding over it. Starting with his handling of domestic-violence cases and continuing with Deflategate, Goodell has been scrutinized for his use of power, which some have described as unwieldy. In domestic-violence matters, Goodell has said that he believes that the NFL can make a difference in broader society. To that end, the league will investigate its players with or without the help of law enforcement. In December, the league passed its new personal conduct policy, which took discipline out of Goodell’s hands but kept it on his staff. In March, the league hired Todd Jones, a former director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to handle player discipline. Nonetheless, there have been and will continue to be battles between the NFL Players’ Union and the league because of disciplinary matters. Goodell’s legacy certainly will be tied to it.

WHICH NEW HEAD COACH WILL DO BEST?

The success of new coaches with new teams always is a story line, and seven were named to new teams this offseason: Kubiak (Broncos), Fox (Bears), Jack Del Rio (Raiders), Jim Tomsula (49ers), Rex Ryan (Bills), Todd Bowles (Jets) and Dan Quinn (Falcons). Ryan’s run in Buffalo stands out, considering his gregarious style and that he’s staying in the AFC East and will play the Jets, his old team, twice a year. But Fox’s work in Chicago, where a rebuild is afoot but quarterback Jay Cutler remains, and Tomsula’s efforts in San Francisco after an ugly parting with Jim Harbaugh also bear watching.

Adam L. Jahns covers the Bears for the Chicago Sun-Times.

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KICKOFF 2015

Rookie meter

A look at the first-year players poised to produce in 2015

By KEVIN

FISHBAIN

he NFL’s Rookie of the Year awards, on offense and defense, can be strange. They are heavily weighted toward production for first-year players, so when 2013 included terrific rookie interior offensive line play, a running back won the award. Sometimes, the NFL’s rookie honor is a predictor of greatness still to come. Ben Roethlisberger, Adrian Peterson, Matt Ryan, Ndamukong Suh, Von Miller and Luke Kuechly would fall in that category. However, Cadillac Williams, Vince Young, Sam Bradford, Kendrell Bell and DeMeco Ryans might not. Our Rookie Meter is focused solely on players we think have the best chance to put up the numbers necessary to win the award. On offense, six of the past 11 Rookie of the Year winners have been quarterbacks. Eleven times since 2000, a linebacker has won the defensive award, and a defensive back hasn’t been honored as the top defensive rookie since 1998. With those caveats in mind, we present the 2015 NFL Rookie Meter, separated by offense and defense.

OFFENSE 1. JAMEIS WINSTON QB | TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS The No. 1 overall pick of the draft won the award in 2010 and 2011 (Bradford, Cam Newton), and Winston has the tools to do the same, but more importantly, he has the weapons. Often, top picks at quarterback are saddled with subpar offensive units, but Winston has Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans to throw to. It’s been a rough couple seasons for rookie signal callers, but assuming Winston stays out of trouble off the field and brings his big arm from Florida State to Tampa Bay, he should put up the best overall production of his rookie class. 2. MELVIN GORDON RB | SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Last year at Wisconsin, Gordon had 2,587 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns. Those are pretty nice fantasy numbers. Sure, he won’t come near that as a pro, but as the lead back for a pretty good offense, Gordon will have plenty of touches and therefore opportunities to get big gains and touchdowns. Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver are merely complements – Gordon, the No. 15 overall pick, should be the bellcow. His ability to catch the ball just adds to his potential of a big-time producer as a rookie. And, unlike Todd Gurley, who just misses our list, Gordon enters his rookie year 100 percent healthy.

Kevin White

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3. MARCUS MARIOTA QB | TENNESSEE TITANS Remember, we give a little more weight to the quarterback position. Even though there are questions about Mariota’s readiness for NFL defenses, he comes to Tennessee with quite the playmaking résumé from Oregon, scoring 58 total touchdowns in 2014. He doesn’t have the same weapons at wide receiver that Winston has, but Mariota

probably has a better offensive line, and he is more adept as a runner. The bar is high, as Newton rushed for 14 scores as a rookie in 2011 when he won the award. 4. AMARI COOPER WR | OAKLAND RAIDERS Being a “sure thing” means a player should be able to step into an NFL offense from Day One and be productive, and that’s the expectation with the draft’s “surest thing.” Yes, he’s going to a measly Raiders offense, but that only means more touches for Cooper, who had 124 catches last season for Alabama. Derek Carr showed some flashes as a rookie, and if he makes a second-year jump, that would likely mean major stats for Cooper. Cooper has the route running, speed, strength and athleticism to get the job done, as long as Carr gets him the ball. 5. KEVIN WHITE WR | CHICAGO BEARS The Cooper vs. White competition will be one to monitor not just as rookies but throughout the receivers’ careers. Cooper has more opportunities for catches, but White is in the better offense. He’ll have to compete with Alshon Jeffery, Eddie Royal, Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte for targets, but White has big-play ability and a quarterback in Jay Cutler who can air it deep. When the Bears offense was rolling in 2013, there was no problem having two receivers with Pro Bowl numbers. If it gets back on track, White will be a big reason, and he could enter the Rookie of the Year conversation.

BEST OF THE REST Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon, St. Louis Rams RB Todd Gurley, Philadelphia Eagles WR Nelson Agholor, Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman

DEFENSE 1. VIC BEASLEY DE | ATLANTA FALCONS Jaguars top pick Dante Fowler would have been in this spot if he didn’t tear his ACL. A pure edge rusher hasn’t won since Von Miller in 2011, and he was the first since Shawne Merriman in 2005. Beasley had 25 sacks and 44.5 tackles for loss combined in his final two seasons at Clemson, ridiculous numbers for someone who should thrive with head coach Dan Quinn in Atlanta by rushing off the dome turf to get after the quarterback. To win, Beasley will have to be more than just a sack artist; he’ll need to put up tackle

Leonard Williams

numbers, too. 2. ERIC KENDRICKS MLB | MINNESOTA VIKINGS It was a weak draft for inside linebackers, but Kendricks is ranked this high because we’re confident he’ll be starting Day One for a pretty good Vikings front seven. Kendricks has good bloodlines and showed off great instincts to find the ball at UCLA; he had 146 tackles last season, with 11.5 coming behind the line, to go along with three interceptions. Luke Kuechly, Brian Cushing, Jerod Mayo and Patrick Willis are recent non-edge-rushing linebackers to win the award, and Kendricks should be productive behind that Vikings D-line. 3. LEONARD WILLIAMS DL | NEW YORK JETS His teammate, Sheldon Richardson, won the award in 2013, and another interior D-lineman, Aaron Donald, won it last year. That bodes well for Williams, who many considered the top rookie in the draft and the most pro-ready. Sometimes it’s tough for D-tackles to put up big numbers, which is why we don’t have Danny Shelton or Malcom Brown here, but Williams is special, coming off 21 sacks and 36.5 tackles for loss in his career. His biggest plus, though, is playing on a Jets D-line that will keep him from seeing many double-teams, allowing him to collect TFLs. 4. BENARDRICK McKINNEY LB | HOUSTON TEXANS McKinney was the 43rd overall pick,

but he was rated by several outlets as the top inside linebacker in the draft with great size (6-4, 246), and he enters a good situation in Houston. McKinney is expected to start alongside 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing and behind a D-line that features J.J. Watt and Vince Wilfork. His numbers at Mississippi State weren’t too gaudy – 71 tackles and three sacks last year – and he’ll have to get a couple interceptions if he wants to be in the running, but he should have high tackle totals. 5. BUD DUPREE OLB | PITTSBURGH STEELERS We had a few other edge rushers to consider, all with more question marks than Dupree, and, most importantly, all who should see fewer snaps. If we’re to assume Dupree wins a starting job in a group that features James Harrison and Arthur Moats, that should bode well for his sack numbers, especially in a defense like Pittsburgh’s. The Combine’s workout warrior with incredible athleticism, DuPree wasn’t all that productive at Kentucky, notching 23.5 sacks in four seasons, so he has his own question marks.

BEST OF THE REST New York Giants S Landon Collins, Minnesota Vikings CB Trae Waynes, San Francisco 49ers DL Arik Armstead, Denver Broncos OLB Shane Ray (PHOTOS BY H. RICK BAMMAN / SHAW MEDIA)

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HUB ARKUSH

ro Football Weekly’s player rankings are compiled with the help of NFL evaluators and coaches, with input from the entire PFW and Chicago Football staff. Players are ranked based on their performances at positions they’ve played and are not projected at new positions to which they may move. Rookies are not included in the rankings. NFL personnel participated on condition of anonymity. PFW editors Hub Arkush, Kevin Fishbain, Arthur Arkush, Dan McCaleb, Jon Styf and Nate Atkins contributed to this story.

t t QUARTERBACKS

1 AARON RODGERS GREEN BAY PACKERS

PLAYER

GRADE } 4.90

Rodgers is the highest rated passer in the history of the NFL by a wide margin, over the likes of Steve Young, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, while also being as athletic and mobile as any player playing the position today with the possible exceptions of Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Robert Griffin III. Rodgers’ ability to beat you with his arm, his legs and his head, combined with outstanding leadership skills, makes him the best player in the game today.

2 TOM BRADY

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.75

For the purposes of these rankings, Brady’s “Deflategate” suspension is a non-factor. Following the third week of the 2014 season, conversation around the NFL was centering on whether Brady was through, but by the time we got to the Super Bowl, he was playing better than any quarterback in the game but Rodgers. Brady is more than the ultimate winner, responding last season with 4,109 yards, 33 TDs and just

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nine interceptions. Granted, Gronk is a special target, but Brady keeps piling up numbers and rings with one of the least impressive wide receiver corps in the game.

He had 55 completions of 20 or more yards and 15 that went for more than 40 yards. Roethlisberger turned 33 in March and should have at least two or three more years in his prime.

3 BEN ROETHLISBERGER 4 DREW BREES PITTSBURGH STEELERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 4.65

GRADE } 4.60

It seems Big Ben and his polarizing offensive coordinator Todd Haley have figured each other out and found a comfort zone, as Roethlisberger is coming off his best season as a pro. Last year, he had a 103.3 passer rating, including 4,952 yards, 32 TDs and only nine interceptions.

There is no better student of the game or game manager in the NFL than Brees. He missed a fourth straight 5,000 yard passing season by just 48 yards last year but did toss 33 touchdowns while completing 69.2 percent of his passes. The one downside with Brees is he will turn

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY

SUPER R E G A R D L E S S

GRADING SCALE 4.0 to 5.0 [BLUE CHIP]

— Pro Bowl-quality player who consistently makes big plays.

3.0 to 3.99 [RED CHIP] —

Impact player who produces like a starter but falls short in at least one area.

2.4 to 2.99 [PURPLE CHIP]

— Starter who often gets the job done, or a still-developing player who has the potential to get it done.

CRITERIA FOR RATINGS

1. Performance in 2014. 2. Potential. 3. Value to team. 4. Overall career performance.

beginning with a Week Eight, 43-21 loss to Brady and the Patriots, Manning threw just 18 TDs versus 12 interceptions in his final 10 games and had four games with passer ratings of 75.5 or lower. Sadly, there may not be much left in Manning’s tank.

6 ANDREW LUCK

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.45

Luck appears to be the heir apparent to Rodgers in every sense of the words. He will turn just 26 on the day before he begins his fourth NFL season this fall, and yet he’s already thrown for 12,957 yards and 86 touchdowns in 48 regular season starts and is 3-3 in the playoffs. He averages 4.8 yards a carry on the ground and has 12 rushing touchdowns, and Luck’s 40 TD passes last season were the best in the league.

7 TONY ROMO

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.40

Romo is coming off what was probably his best season as a pro in which he led the NFL in passer rating with a 113.2 mark and threw 34 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. The difference for Romo last year was head coach Jason Garrett turned him into a game manager and a complement to one of the best running games in the league. Romo turned 35 this spring and his back is always an issue, but he might be playing his best football right now.

8 RUSSELL WILSON SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.35

Aaron Rodgers

the ball over. He’s averaging 16.5 interceptions a year over the past five seasons after throwing 17 in 2014. He will be in his 15th season this year after turning 36 last January, so wear and tear is a concern.

5 PEYTON MANNING DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.60

Peyton will retire with every major passing record and an unmatched five MVPs, but he was not the Peyton we’ve come to know in the second half of 2014. His 4,727 yards, 39 TDs and 101.5 passer rating last year were outstanding. But

Wilson is a special talent who has started two Super Bowls in his first three years in the league. He is as dangerous as any player in the game when he tucks the ball and runs, and Wilson has a habit of finding receivers no one else appears to see at clutch moments in games. He might be the best game manager in the league today, but his arm is just average and concerns about his slight stature and build will dog him as the hits pile up.

9 PHILIP RIVERS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 4.25

Rivers wasn’t quite as solid in 2014 as he was the year before, but he still managed to put up very good numbers while running for his life a

O F

P O S I T I O N

1 AARON RODGERS l GREEN BAY PACKERS 4.90 2 J. J. WATT l HOUSTON TEXANS 4.90 3 MARSHAWN LYNCH l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.85 4 TOM BRADY l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4.75 5 ROB GRONKOWSKI l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4.70 6 BEN ROETHLISBERGER l PITTSBURGH STEELERS 4.65 7 DARRELLE REVIS l NEW YORK JETS 4.60 8 DREW BREES l NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 4.60 9 NDAMUKONG SUH l MIAMI DOLPHINS 4.60 l 10 DEZ BRYANT DALLAS COWBOYS 4.55 11 JUSTIN HOUSTON l KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 4.55 12 RICHARD SHERMAN l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.50 13 CALVIN JOHNSON l DETROIT LIONS 4.50 l 14 JULIO JONES ATLANTA FALCONS 4.50 15 SHELDON RICHARDSON l NEW YORK JETS 4.50 16 ANDREW LUCK l INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 4.45 17 LUKE KUECHLY l CAROLINA PANTHERS 4.40 l 18 ANTONIO BROWN PITTSBURGH STEELERS 4.40 19 EARL THOMAS l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.40 20 TONY ROMO l DALLAS COWBOYS 4.40 21 JIMMY GRAHAM l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.40 22 ADRIAN PETERSON l MINNESOTA VIKINGS 4.35 23 RUSSELL WILSON l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.35 24 KHALIL MACK l OAKLAND RAIDERS 4.35 25 JORDY NELSON l GREEN BAY PACKERS 4.35 l 26 DEMARYIUS THOMAS DENVER BRONCOS 4.35 27 EDDIE LACY l GREEN BAY PACKERS 4.35 28 EVAN MATHIS l PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 4.35 29 GERALD McCOY l TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 4.30 30 DeMARCO MURRAY l PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 4.30 31 MARIO WILLIAMS l BUFFALO BILLS 4.30 32 ALDON SMITH l SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 4.30 33 CLAY MATTHEWS l GREEN BAY PACKERS 4.30 34 ODELL BECKAM, JR. l NEW YORK GIANTS 4.30 35 A.J. GREEN l CINCINNATI BENGALS 4.30 36 Le’VEON BELL l PITTSBURGH STEELERS 4.25 37 JAMAAL CHARLES l KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 4.25 38 PHILIP RIVERS l SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 4.25 39 JASON PETERS l PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 4.25 40 JOE THOMAS l CLEVELAND BROWNS 4.25 41 VONTAE DAVIS l INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 4.25 l 42 CAMERON WAKE MIAMI DOLPHINS 4.25 43 CALAIS CAMPBELL l ARIZONA CARDINALS 4.25 44 MARCELL DAREUS l BUFFALO BILLS 4.25 45 ANTOINE BETHEA l SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 4.25 46 JAMIE COLLINS l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4.25 47 MUHAMMAD WILKERSON l NEW YORK JETS 4.25 48 BOBBY WAGNER l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 4.20 49 VON MILLER l DENVER BRONCOS 4.20 l 50 DEVIN McCOURTY NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4.20 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

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Player ratings good chunk of the time behind an injury-depleted offensive line and with little or no help from his running game. He is at his best in big games, as attested to by his 9-4 mark in the playoffs. He should be extremely motivated in 2015 as he plays out the final year of his contract.

the league. Last season, he threw for career lows of 3,127 yards, 58.5 completion percentage and 18 TDs. He is as dangerous as any QB on the ground, but mediocre passers don’t win playoff games. His gifts are undeniable, but this is the year he has to learn how to use them.

10 MATT RYAN

14 MATTHEW STAFFORD

After a disappointing 2013, Ryan had a nice bounce-back season last year in large part due to the return of Julio Jones. Matty Ice will take over games at times and will look like he’s ready to step up into the next tier of top quarterbacks, and then all of a sudden he’ll throw in a clunker. He has great size, arm and pocket presence and can make all the throws, now he just needs the consistency that all the great ones have.

Much like Newton, Stafford appears to be running in place. He is actually entering his seventh NFL season, and his passing yards have declined each of the past three after what appeared to be a breakout 2011, when he threw for 5,038 yards and 41 TDs. With TD totals of 20, 29 and 22 since 2011, something is definitely missing from Stafford’s game. His mechanics can be awful at times, but he has as big an arm as there is in the game.

ATLANTA FALCONS GRADE } 4.10

ELI MANNING

NEW YORK GIANTS GRADE } 3.90

Eli started poorly last year and contributed more than his share to the Giants’ awful start, but he came on strong and put up some nice numbers for the season, including 30 touchdowns and a relatively-tame-for-him 14 interceptions, just more than half the 27 he threw in 2013. Over his final six games, he threw 12 TDs and three interceptions and had a passer rating well above 100. Eli needs just 245 yards and 41 TDs to reach 40,000 and 300, respectively, for his career.

JOE FLACCO

BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE } 3.85

Flacco is probably the toughest quarterback in the league to rate because he is mediocre at best for most of the regular season, and then down the stretch and in the playoffs, all he does is win. Flacco throws the deep ball as well as any QB in the league, but his short- and medium-range accuracy is just average. During the regular season, he will struggle on third down and throw costly picks. But come playoff time, how many QBs would you rather have?

CAM NEWTON

CAROLINA PANTHERS GRADE } 3.80

It’s hard to believe Newton will enter his fifth season this year and at this stage of his career is just an average quarterback. In fact, his passing yards and total yards have gone down each year he’s been in

DETROIT LIONS GRADE } 3.80

15 CARSON PALMER ARIZONA CARDINALS GRADE } 3.75

It may be written on his headstone: “What if he could have stayed healthy?” Palmer is not the athlete he was coming out of USC in 2003, but at 6-5 and 230, he’s a statuesque pocket passer with a rifle for an arm who’s learned the pro game and is highly productive when healthy. The problem is keeping Palmer on the field. It’s anybody’s guess whether he’ll have any better luck this year.

16 RYAN TANNEHILL 17 ALEX SMITH 18 COLIN KAEPERNICK 19 NICK FOLES 20 JAY CUTLER 21 ANDY DALTON 22 DEREK CARR 23 ROBERT GRIFFIN III 24 BLAKE BORTLES 25 TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

MIAMI DOLPHINS..........................3.70

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS...................3.70

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS............. 3.60

ST. LOUIS RAMS............................ 3.55

CHICAGO BEARS........................... 3.55

CINCINNATI BENGALS................. 3.55

OAKLAND RAIDERS...................... 3.45

WASHINGTON................................ 3.45

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS........... 3.35

MINNESOTA VIKINGS.................. 3.35

B E S T O F T H E R E S T MARK SANCHEZ

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

RYAN FITZPATRICK NEW YORK JETS

KIRK COUSINS WASHINGTON

JOSH McCOWN

CLEVELAND BROWNS

GENO SMITH

NEW YORK JETS

20 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RUNNING BACKS

MARSHAWN LYNCH

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.85

Lynch is a problem to rate because first, you have to take all the personality issues out of the equation. He’s a running back who just turned 29 and is entering his ninth NFL season, which has caution written all over it. But is there any other player who can take over a game like he does or who means more to his team than he does? That team, by the way, has played in the past two Super Bowls. You could argue Lynch is the best player in the game today.

ADRIAN PETERSON

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 4.35

Again, forget the off-the-field stuff. He’s a 30-year-old RB who, like Lynch, was drafted in the first round of 2007, and this is Year Nine. Until tearing his ACL and then getting sidelined with the child abuse charges, A.P. was on track to becoming the greatest back of all time based on his previous four seasons. He’s had a full year off, is angry and most likely determined to prove a point. What back would you rather have right now other than Lynch?

3 EDDIE LACY

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.35

Late last season, Lacy was looking like the next big thing. If you’re looking for a comp at the position stylistically, it has to be Lynch, although Lacy is probably a better blocker. Another benefit to Lacy is he isn’t asked to do as much as Lynch or A.P. because of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers passing game, so he won’t take the pounding they do. The only downside here is whether asthma or concussions will be an issue.

4 DeMARCO MURRAY PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

what Chip Kelly likes to do, Murray is a definite upgrade over “Shady” McCoy.

5 Le’VEON BELL

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.25

Bell was a bit of a slow starter as a rookie but came on the second half of 2013 and had a huge 2014 season. He is a tremendous threat on the ground and in the passing game and can be a home run hitter either way. Bell just turned 23 in February and does have some maturing to do, particularly making better decisions off the field. He should benefit from being backed up by DeAngelo Williams, who will bring character and experience to the RB room.

6 JAMAAL CHARLES KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.25

Charles is instant offense and possibly the most dangerous back in the game in the open field. His 5.1 yards per carry were tied for second best in the league among backs with 200 carries or more. The problem with Charles is he had just 206 attempts last year and has had more only three times in his seven seasons. Keeping him on the field has been difficult. If Charles could ever play 16 games, the sky is the limit.

7 MATT FORTE

CHICAGO BEARS

GRADE } 4.15

Forte has been one of the most dependable backs in the game, playing in all 16 games in five of his seven seasons and 15 and 12 in the other two. He is also among the most complete backs with 7,704 career rushing yards and a 4.2-yard rushing average, and last year he set the all-time NFL record for receptions by a back with 102. Forte has been among the league leaders in total yards from scrimmage in all of his seven seasons. The one negative here is Forte is not strong between the tackles.

8 LeSEAN McCOY

GRADE } 4.30

BUFFALO BILLS

The 2014 Murray can move right to the top of the list, and for all the talk about the Cowboys offensive line, the Eagles line is better if it’s healthy. On the field, he’s a beast and has been easily the most productive of the top four over the past two sesasons, both Pro Bowls. What holds him back just a notch is his injury history, both at Oklahoma and his first two years in Dallas. With

GRADE } 4.15

McCoy is highly productive and should get a chance to have a career season with his move to Buffalo this year, where quarterback continues to be a big question mark. He is as quick through the hole as any back in the league and an absolute game-wrecker on screens and bubble routes. The choice between McCoy and Murray is vanilla and chocolate. Murray is a

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Marshawn Lynch

“North-South” runner while McCoy is a make-you-miss guy.

9 JEREMY HILL

CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.10

Coming off a rookie year in which he exploded the second half of the season, Hill is the fastest riser in the league. He averaged 5.1 yards a carry on more than 200 attempts, and he’s a decent receiver with nice upside in that part of his game as well. At 6-1 and 238 pounds, Hill has great size for the position and wasn’t afraid to stick his head in blocking and in pass protection during his first season.

ARIAN FOSTER

HOUSTON TEXANS GRADE } 4.10

Foster surprised a lot of people who thought he might be heading in the wrong direction with a nice bounce-back season in 2014: 1,246 yards rushing, 38 catches for 327 yards and 13 total TDs. Foster is much bigger than most folks realize at 6-1 and 227 pounds, but durability has been an issue. Other than McCoy, he is also the only back in the top 10 with below-average blocking ability.

11 JUSTIN FORSETT BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE } 4.05

Forsett is the opposite of Hill and Foster, undersized at 5-9 and 190 pounds but a great inside runner and one of the better blocking backs

in the league. Forsett actually was a year behind Lynch at Cal and was drafted by Seattle but moved on after they traded for Lynch. Forsett showed flashes before this season but never had more than 118 carries in Seattle, Houston or Jacksonville before the Ravens made him a feature back. There might not be a ton of upside off his 2014 production.

ALFRED MORRIS

WASHINGTON GRADE } 4.00

Morris’ production has declined each year since his stunning breakout rookie campaign in 2012, in part because defenses have focused on him without having RGIII to worry about. But he’s been well above 1,000 yards each season, and his 3,962 yards and 4.5-yard rushing average in just three years is very impressive. He is capable of being a lead back and the focal point of a well-balanced offense. Morris is better on zone reads and stretch plays than he is inside, and his blocking could definitely use some work.

JONATHAN STEWART

CAROLINA PANTHERS GRADE } 3.95

Stewart is another back who would grade much higher if he could just stay on the field. In seven seasons, Stewart has more than 200 carries just once due to sharing time with DeAngelo Williams. Stewart has played in just nine, six and 13

Dez Bryant

games in ’12, ’13 and ’14, respectively. But when he is on the field, he’s a bruising inside runner with surprising quickness and change of direction. He was very effective in the passing game in 2011, but for some reason, that was it.

C.J. ANDERSON

DENVER BRONCOS GRADE } 3.90

Anderson enters just his third NFL season as another Cal RB in our top 15 and coming off a breakout second half of 2014 in which he took over the load of the Broncos’ offense from Peyton Manning. He is a 5-8, 224-pound bowling ball who excelled running between the tackles last year, but his former offensive coordinator Adam Gase offered lovingly, “C.J. was a little chubby and a bit out of shape.” Anderson will face a big challenge from Montee Ball this year to keep that job.

FRANK GORE

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS GRADE } 3.90

Off production, guts and toughness, Gore should rank much higher than this, but how much can a 32-year-old running back with two surgically-repaired knees entering his 11th year in the league have left? The Colts are hoping quite a bit, and there is reason for hope as Gore put up 255 carries for 1,103 yards and 4.3 yards per carry last season while playing in all 16 games and showing no signs of slowing down.

16 RYAN MATHEWS 17 LAMAR MILLER 18 C.J. SPILLER 19 MARK INGRAM 20 LeGARRETTE BLOUNT 21 CARLOS HYDE 22 RASHAD JENNINGS 23 STEVEN JACKSON 24 DeANGELO WILLIAMS 25 JOIQUE BELL

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES.............. 3.80

MIAMI DOLPHINS.......................... 3.75

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS................ 3.75

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS................3.70

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS...........3.70

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS............. 3.65

NEW YORK GIANTS...................... 3.60

ATLANTA FALCONS...................... 3.60

PITTSBURGH STEELERS.............. 3.60

DETROIT LIONS............................. 3.55

B E S T O F T H E R E S T REGGIE BUSH

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

CHRIS IVORY

NEW YORK JETS

GIOVANI BERNARD CINCINNATI BENGALS

FRED JACKSON BUFFALO BILLS

DENARD ROBINSON

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

t t WIDE RECEIVERS

1 DEZ BRYANT

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.55

Bryant emerged as the toughest wideout to take out of a game last year, and that makes him our top guy at the position. Others had more

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 21

Player ratings catches and/or yards, but Bryant led wide receivers in touchdowns last season with 16 and also led the group in big plays, unbelievable acrobatic catches and double- and even triple-teams defeated. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, he is a freakish athlete who high points the ball as well as any receiver in the game. He is rarely denied when the Cowboys need a big play. Off-the-field concerns are still there, but they haven’t hindered his development on the field.

and is as serious a home-run threat as any wide receiver in the game. He and Randall Cobb were the only teammates in the league last year to each have more than 90 catches, and Nelson finished with a line of 98 catches for 1,519 yards and 13 TDs. Six of Nelson’s TDs went for 45, 59, 60, 66, 73 and 80 yards, and he totaled eight catches for more than 40 yards and 19 for more than 20.

DENVER BRONCOS

CALVIN JOHNSON

DETROIT LIONS

GRADE } 4.50

This might be a bit high after Johnson was limited by a balky ankle last year that cost him three games. He tried to play through the injury in several others as well. But Johnson had more than 1,000 yards in 13 games, and when healthy he’s still impossible to cover. At 6-5 and 235 pounds, Johnson is a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. This will be the year that he either stays healthy and claims the top spot from Bryant or starts sliding down the rankings.

3 JULIO JONES

ATLANTA FALCONS

GRADE } 4.50

Jones is actually slightly bigger and a little faster than Bryant, and he had a huge comeback year with 104 catches for 1,593 yards last season after an injury-riddled 2013. But he only got to the end zone six times, and that’s what separates him from our top two. Part of the issue is that Roddy White and Harry Douglas commanded targets as well, but that also makes Jones harder to double team. Jones is still a perennial All-Pro at the position, and his best years likely are still in front of him.

ANTONIO BROWN

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.40

Brown is the exception to the rule about size in the NFL today, one of only three receivers in our top 10 who are shorter than 6-2. He is actually a mighty mite at 5-10 and 186, but he still led the NFL last year in catches and yards with 129-1,698, and he was second in TDs among wide receivers with 13. Brown also is a standout punt returner. In the passing game, he makes up for his lack of size with exceptional route running and unusual quickness in and out of his breaks.

JORDY NELSON

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.35

Nelson is one of the most underrated players in the NFL at any position

DEMARYIUS THOMAS

GRADE } 4.35

Thomas is the most productive receiver in the NFL over the past two seasons, with a receiving stat line of 203-3,049-25. Heading into his sixth season, Thomas won’t turn 28 until December. At 6-3 and 229 pounds, he is just another of the NFL’s current breed of matchup nightmares. In addition to his great size and rare speed to go with it, Thomas is one of the better blocking wideouts in the game.

7 ODELL BECKHAM JR. NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 4.30

Beckam is another mold-breaker, bigger than Brown and Cobb but at 5-11 and 200 pounds still is not one of the big wide receivers dominating the league today. He was one of the fastest risers in last year’s draft, with the Giants plucking him with the 12th overall pick. After missing training camp and the first four games, he shocked the league by grabbing 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 TDs in just 12 games. Beckam’s hands are as good as any player in the game today.

8 A.J. GREEN

CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.30

Green is capable of jumping right back to the top of this list this season, but an injury cost him the last three games of last season, and his production was off prior to getting hurt, with only 69-1,041 and six TDs. Part of the issue is the number of double-teams Green faced, and Andy Dalton did him no favors in a number of games as well. At 6-4, 207, Green is still a matchup nightmare and should put up big numbers this season.

RANDALL COBB

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.20

Cobb is very similar to Antonio Brown and only less productive because of the huge numbers he shares with Nelson, but he’s not that far off. Cobb missed about half of the 2013 season with a broken leg, but

22 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

showed no ill effects last year. More quick than fast, Cobb is extremely difficult to match up with in the slot, and he will play outside as well.

10 BRANDON MARSHALL NEW YORK JETS GRADE } 4.20

Marshall had two huge seasons in Chicago before injuries brought him down to earth in 2014 and offthe-field issues caused the Bears to move him. But on the field when healthy, Marshall is another huge body who can’t be covered when he plays inside the hash marks or gets one-on-one matchups on slants and quick outs. Marshall also is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the game. The question now is, at 31 and never having possessed great speed, how much does Marshall have left?

11 EMMANUEL SANDERS DENVER BRONCOS GRADE } 4.15

Sanders had a huge season in his first year in Denver as a free agent acquisition, catching 101-1,409 and 9 TDs. What’s hard to gauge with him is, there was nothing in his first four seasons playing with Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh to predict that kind of production, and you wonder if he’s just a late bloomer or a product of the Denver/Peyton Manning offense that forced defenses to cover Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker in addition to Sanders. He’ll be watched much more closely this year with a breakout campaign under his belt and the big tight end and slot specialist both gone.

T.Y. HILTON

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS GRADE } 4.15

Hilton is the new No. 1 wide receiver in Indianapolis, following in the footsteps of Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. He grabbed 82 passes last season for the second year in a row but increased his yardage from 1,083 to 1,345. His 16.4 yards per catch were the best in the league by half a yard among wideouts with more than 56 catches. Hilton is both quick and fast but also small at 5-9 and 178.

DeSEAN JACKSON

WASHINGTON GRADE } 4.10

With Jackson, it’s more about quality than quantity as he’s clearly a No. 2 receiver but also the most dangerous home-run hitter in the league.

Jackson caught just 56 passes last season but turned them into 1,169 yards and a 20.9-yard average. With Jackson’s speed, when he’s even, he’s leavin’. He can bring a lot more to the Washington offense if RGIII can find his game at quarterback.

14 ALSHON JEFFERY CHICAGO BEARS GRADE } 4.05

Jeffery is as good at making contested catches as any wide receiver in the game. He also has become very accomplished at the back shoulder throw. He’s 6-3 and 215 pounds, and while he is not particularly fast, he plays with great body position and goes up and gets the ball when he has to. Jeffery benefited from having Marshall on the other side, but should benefit even more with rookie Kevin White, as the Bears offered up one of the slowest wide receiver groups in the league prior to April’s draft.

15 JEREMY MACLIN KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE } 4.05

Maclin is another pass catcher in the mold of Brown, Cobb and Hilton, and may be the best route runner of the bunch. He heads to Kansas City off his best season as a pro with 85-1,31810 receiving, averaging 15.5 yards a catch, and a coach in Andy Reid who knows exactly how to get the best out of him, particularly with Jamaal Charles there to distract the defense.

16 DeANDRE HOPKINS 17 STEVE SMITH 18 LARRY FITZGERALD 19 JULIAN EDELMAN 20 RODDY WHITE 21 GOLDEN TATE 22 MIKE EVANS 23 MICHAEL FLOYD 24 KELVIN BENJAMIN 25 SAMMY WATKINS

HOUSTON TEXANS.......................4.00

BALTIMORE RAVENS....................4.00

ARIZONA CARDINALS..................4.00

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.......... 3.95

ATLANTA FALCONS...................... 3.90

DETROIT LIONS............................. 3.80

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS......... 3.80

ARIZONA CARDINALS.................. 3.80

CAROLINA PANTHERS.................. 3.75

BUFFALO BILLS............................... 3.75

B E S T O F T H E R E S T MARTAVIS BRYANT

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

ANQUAN BOLDIN

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

MICHAEL CRABTREE OAKLAND RAIDERS

VINCENT JACKSON

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

ANDRE JOHNSON

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Julio Jones

TIGHT ENDS

1 ROB GRONKOWSKI

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.70

Gronkowski is 6-6 and 265 pounds, runs a sub-4.65 40-yard dash and has hands the size of snowshoes. He is un-coverable and is that rare athlete who can take over an NFL game all by himself. The best part for Patriots fans is, even though he begins his sixth season this year, he just turned 26 in May. One thing he rarely gets credit for is that he’s also a pretty good blocker and a devastating one when he wants to be. Gronk is the new standard for the position in the NFL today.

2 JIMMY GRAHAM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.40

Graham looked to be ready to challenge Gronkowski’s supremacy at tight end until he followed a contentious contract negotiation with a 2014 season hampered by nagging injuries and a league-high eight drops for tight ends. But at 6-6 and 260 pounds, Graham is almost Gronk’s equal as a receiver, not quite as strong but perhaps a hair quick-

Rob Gronkowski

er, and he also catches pretty much anything he gets his hands on. He is not a good blocker though, and with Seattle’s offense all going through Marshawn Lynch, it will be interesting to see if and how that impacts the Seahawks.

league, as Olsen hauled in 84-1,008 with six TDs, and he just turned 30 this past March. Although it’s not his strength, Olsen is a willing blocker and a great guy to have in your huddle and locker room.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

JASON WITTEN

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.20

Heading into his 13th season at 33 years old, Witten is still the most complete tight end in the game. Although he, Gronk and Graham are almost identical in size, Witten is not the athlete the other two are, but he’s a much better blocker, arguably the best in-line blocking tight end in the league. His career 943-10,502-57 stat line should make that very clear. Witten is nowhere near the deep or big-play threats that Gronk and Graham are, but he is as dependable a third-down or red-zone target as there is in the league.

4 GREG OLSEN

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 3.90

Olsen is one of the most underrated players in the game and has been the Panthers’ top receiving threat since arriving in Carolina in 2011 following a trade with the Bears. 2014 was his best of eight seasons in the

5 JULIUS THOMAS GRADE } 3.85

Thomas is as productive a redzone target as you’ll find in the NFL and as dangerous a receiver from the tight end spot as any in the league, with the exceptions of Gronkowski and Graham. At 6-5 and 245, he’s less stout than the other top tight ends in the game and isn’t a great asset as an in-line blocker. He needs to be in a two-tight end scheme with a blocking specialist on the other side, and he needs to find a way to stay healthy. Thomas’ career has been marred by a number of different injuries.

6 ANTONIO GATES

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 3.80

Gates is one of the great pass-catching tight ends in the history of the league, but at the age of 35, he has clearly lost a half a step or so. It wasn’t enough to keep him from catching 12 TDs last year, but his overall production did fall to 69821. He is shorter than most of to-

day’s top tight ends at 6-4, but his 260 pounds of bulk allows him to play with great body position. He is the best at shielding off defenders, a skill he learned as a power forward on the Kent State basketball team. He is not a good blocker or a factor in the Chargers ground game.

7 MARTELLUS BENNETT CHICAGO BEARS

GRADE } 3.80

Bennett broke out in 2014 with his first Pro Bowl season after leading all tight ends with 90 catches and finishing third with 916 yards. He stands 6-6 and 265 and was thought to be a good in-line blocker when the Bears signed him as a free agent in 2013, but that aspect of his game has lagged as he’s become more active as a receiver. The biggest issue with Bennett is that he’s a bit of a flake, to say the least, and it’s unclear at times how endearing or distracting that is to his teammates. He also tied Graham with eight drops last year, the most by a tight end.

8 VERNON DAVIS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 3.75

Davis was one of the top three or four tight ends in the league until he suddenly and somewhat mysteriously disappeared last season, man-

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

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Player ratings aging just a 26-245-2 stat line and six dropped passes. At 6-3 and 250 pounds, Davis is one of the smaller tight ends in the league, but he also is the fastest when healthy, with 4.5 40-yard dash speed and seam-splitting ability that is unmatched. Off of 2014, this ranking is about eight or nine spots too high, but if he’s back healthy and motivated this year, it’s four or five spots too low.

9 TRAVIS KELCE

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 3.75

Kelce is just a third-year player drafted in the third round out of Cincinnati in 2013 who really bloomed last year. With 67-862 and five TDs in 2014, Kelce was Alex Smith’s favorite target by the end of the year. The comparison for Kelce would be Gronkowski, as he also graded out as one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends in 2014. He is 6-5 and 260 with better than average speed for a big man and great hands.

COBY FLEENER

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS GRADE } 3.70

Fleener ranks this high strictly as a pass catcher after leading all NFL tight ends with 25 or more receptions last year by more than a yard with 15.2 yards per catch. On the season, Fleener went 51-774-8 receiving. He has become former college teammate Andrew Luck’s security blanket with the Colts. Fleener, however, is a non-factor as a blocker and must improve to be on the field enough to pile up bigger receiving numbers.

11 DELANIE WALKER 12 JORDAN CAMERON 13 CHARLES CLAY 14 HEATH MILLER 15 ZACH ERTZ

TENNESSEE TITANS......................3.70

MIAMI DOLPHINS..........................3.70

BUFFALO BILLS.............................. 3.65

PITTSBURGH STEELERS.............. 3.65

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES.............. 3.60

B E S T O F T H E R E S T BRANDON PETTIGREW DETROIT LIONS

JERMAINE GRESHAM CINCINNATI BENGALS

JARED COOK

ST. LOUIS RAMS

DWAYNE ALLEN

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

OWEN DANIELS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

LARRY DONNELL NEW YORK GIANTS

KYLE RUDOLPH

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

1 JASON PETERS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 4.25

allowed of any tackle with more than a thousand snaps. Whitworth has great size at 6-7 and 330 pounds but can play a bit stiff at times and is not the most athletic big man around.

4 DUANE BROWN HOUSTON TEXANS

Originally a Bills undrafted rookie free agent out of Arkansas, Peters is arguably the most athletic big man in the NFL. At 6-4 and 328 pounds, he is perfectly proportioned for the left tackle spot. When healthy, he might be the most dominant offensive lineman in the league. Peters can do it all, clear lanes in the running game, move his feet to get to the second level, pass protect against the best right ends and edge rushers in the league and, other than 2012 when he ruptured his right Achilles twice and missed the entire season, he’s been very durable.

GRADE } 4.05

2 JOE THOMAS

GRADE } 3.95

CLEVELAND BROWNS

GRADE } 4.25

In eight seasons in the league, Thomas has been to eight Pro Bowls, been first-team All-Pro five times and second-team twice more. He is one of only 11 players to go to the Pro Bowl each of his first seven seasons, with Jim Brown being the only other Brown. Thomas is 6-7 and 315 pounds and checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a standout left tackle. If there is a difference between him and Peters, Thomas is a hair less athletic.

3 TYRON SMITH

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.15

Smith would appear to be the future as well as the present among NFL left tackles. As he enters his fifth season, he already has been to two Pro Bowls, been first-team All-Pro once and second-team once, and he won’t turn 25 until December. He is 6-5 and 320, and combines excellent athletic ability with unusual natural strength. What sets Smith apart is he is still relatively raw and just learning the nuance of the position, and he might have a long way to go before eventually reaching his ceiling.

ANDREW WHITWORTH

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Brown is as sound technically as any offensive lineman in the league and overcomes his lack of great size with excellent technique. He is never caught holding and yet is one of the best pass protectors in the game. He also is as durable as they come, starting all 16 games in five of his seven seasons in the league and starting 12 and 14 the other two years. He’s been to the Pro Bowl each of the past three seasons and has been All-Pro twice.

6 JOE STALEY

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Staley did not have his best season in 2014, accumulating a few more penalties than usual and occasionally struggling in pass protection. But he still went to his fourth straight Pro Bowl, and he was an All-Pro in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He has nice size at 6-5 and 315 pounds, but like Brown is more of a technician than a mauler. He is unusually quick for a man his size. At the NFL Combine coming out of Central Michigan, Staley ran a 4.8 40-yard dash. He does a great job of getting out in front of Colin Kaepernick when the 49ers QB is on the run out of the pocket.

7 RYAN CLADY

DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 3.95

From 2009 through 2012, Clady was the best left tackle in football, but in Week Two of the 2013 season, he suffered a Lisfranc injury that put him out for the rest of the year. He returned last season and was once again voted to the Pro Bowl, but that was more on reputation than his play. The good news for Clady and the Broncos is he’ll turn just 29 in September. With another full offseason to prepare, there’s no reason to believe Clady can’t return to his All-Pro form.

KELVIN BEACHUM

GRADE } 4.10

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Whitworth is one of the more underrated tackles in the league and hasn’t always been the most consistent player in the game, but he is coming off a phenomenal 2014 season in which he led the league with the fewest QB hurries, hits and sacks

GRADE } 3.90

24 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Beachum had a breakout 2014 season and is a great story. He was the 248th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of SMU. After starting seven games at right tackle as a rookie due to a flood of injuries on the Steelers

line, he started one game at right tackle and 11 on the left side in 2013. He became the full-time left tackle in Pittsburgh in 2014, starting all 16 games there. He’s undersized at 6-3 and 306 pounds and is just slightly better than average as a run blocker, but he is outstanding in pass protection.

9 WILL BEATTY

NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 3.85

Beatty has become the anchor of the Giants offensive line and, at 6-6, and 320 pounds, he has the perfect body type to play left tackle. 2014 was a big comeback season for him after a terrible 2013 in which he allowed 13 sacks. On his best days, Beatty is a better-than-average pass protector, but he excels at blocking in the running game. In spite of his limitations in pass protection, Beatty allowed just three sacks last year after his disastrous 2013 campaign.

10 TRENT WILLIAMS WASHINGTON GRADE } 3.80

Williams is massive at 6-5 and 337. He’s been to the past three Pro Bowls, but the 2014 trip might have been a gift as his play was somewhat up and down all season long. For a man his size, you would expect Williams to be a mauler in the ground game, but that is actually where he struggles at times. He’s almost always solid in pass protection. Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal, and some of his struggles last year might have been due to his inability to get a contract extension. It wouldn’t be shocking if he bounced back with a huge season this year as he prepares for free agency.

11 NATE SOLDER 12 JARED VELDHEER 13 D’BRICKASHAW FERGUSON 14 BRYAN BULAGA 15 BRANDEN ALBERT

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.......... 3.80

ARIZONA CARDINALS................... 3.75

NEW YORK JETS............................. 3.75

GREEN BAY PACKERS...................3.70

MIAMI DOLPHINS..........................3.70

B E S T O F T H E R E S T JAKE LONG FREE AGENT

SEBASTIAN VOLLMER NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

ANTHONY CASTONZO INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

LANE JOHNSON

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

DONALD PENN

OAKLAND RAIDERS

KING DUNLAP

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Jason Peters

t O F F E N S I V E G UA R D S

1 EVAN MATHIS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 4.35

Mathis was a slow starter, notching just 22 NFL starts in his first six seasons in the league with Carolina, Miami and Cincinnati. But since landing in Philadelphia in 2011, he has become the best run-blocking offensive lineman in football. His pass protection is more than adequate to earn him this No. 1 ranking. Mathis spent the first seven games of the 2014 season sidelined with an MCL sprain but picked up right where he left off when he returned to the lineup. He will turn 34 in November, but with just five seasons of wear and tear as a full-time starter, he should have a few great years left.

pocket. Sitton also plays with great leverage. In matchups where the low man almost always wins, Sitton gets the angles. Since moving into the starting lineup in Green Bay in 2009, he has missed just two starts (2011). At 29, he should remain on this list for several years to come.

3 MARSHAL YANDA BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 4.20

Yanda is smallish by today’s NFL guard standards at 6-3 and 305 pounds, but he is a devastating run blocker. Yanda has been named to the last four Pro Bowls and was firstteam All-Pro for the first time in 2014. The Ravens offense spins around the inside run game a good deal of the time, with Yanda leading the way with his great natural strength. He is also extremely effective in pass protection, playing with outstanding technique.

4 KYLE LONG

2 JOSH SITTON

CHICAGO BEARS

Although most guards excel in the run game first, Sitton has become the best pass-protecting guard in the NFL. At 6-4 and 320 pounds, he is both athletic enough to pull and get to the second level while being more than sturdy enough to take on bigger tackles trying to collapse the

Long is entering just his third NFL season, and he has been a Pro Bowler for the Bears in each of his first two. He is the biggest of our top guards at 6-6 and 315 pounds, and it appears the only thing that will keep him from quickly moving to the top of this list is the possibility of a move to

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.20

GRADE } 4.10

Evan Mathis

left tackle. Long has rare athleticism for a man his size and great feet, but he also has unusual brute strength to stay inside. He also arguably has the most upside of any guard in the league, having played just five games on the offensive line at Oregon before being drafted by the Bears. As good as he is, Long is still just learning the position.

5 DAVID DeCASTRO

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.10

DeCastro was one of the highest-rated guards coming out of college in decades when he left Stanford three years ago. DeCastro missed all but four games his rookie year due to a preseason ACL injury, but he became a full-time starter in 2013 and has quickly developed into one of the top guards in the game. He is equally adept at run blocking and pass protection, and at 6-5 and 310 pounds, he’s likely to continue to add functional football strength and continue to improve as he matures in the league.

ALEX BOONE

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 3.90

Boone has been involved in contract squabbles with the 49ers the past couple of seasons due mainly to the fact he came to the league

as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Ohio State in 2010 and didn’t crack the starting lineup until 2012. But it hasn’t affected his play on the field, where he has been arguably the Niners’ most consistent blocker other than Joe Staley. Boone is one of the biggest guards in the league at 6-7 and 328 pounds, and he occasionally struggles to keep his pads down against shorter, fireplug-type tackles.

6 T.J. LANG

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 3.80

Lang joins Sitton to give the Packers the best guard tandem in the NFL right now, and while he is also very good in pass protection, he is an excellent run blocker and possibly the most complete guard in the league. At 6-4 and 307 pounds, he is a bit less bulky than Sitton and a tad more athletic. Lang has played some tackle, but became a full-time starter at guard in 2011 and has missed just one of the Packers’ past 64 games.

8 ZACK MARTIN

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 3.80

Martin is pretty much the prototypical NFL guard at 6-4 and 310 pounds, after being a tackle throughout his career at Notre Dame, where he started 52 games. The move to

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Player ratings guard obviously suits him though, as he was voted to the AP All-Pro team following his 2014 rookie campaign. Thanks to his experience at left tackle, he already is an accomplished pass protector inside, but he can still get better in the running game. Look for Martin to climb higher on this list the next few seasons.

LARRY WARFORD

DETROIT LIONS

GRADE } 3.70

Warford was a third-round choice of the Lions in 2013 and started every game as a rookie, actually outplaying the more heralded Kyle Long. He was solid again in 2014 but missed three games to injury. At 6-3 and 330 pounds, Warford is a bit of a different body type than many of today’s taller, more athletic guards, but he brings great brute strength to the position and is actually more adept in pass protection than in the run game. He is the third of our top nine guards with only one or two years of experience.

10 MIKE IUPATI

ARIZONA CARDINALS GRADE } 3.70

Iupati was one of the top two or three guards in the league until suffering a serious leg fracture in the 2013 NFC Championship Game at Seattle. At 6-5 and 330 pounds, he is one of the biggest guards in the league and was again one of the top run blockers in 2014. But whether it was due to the leg or just a down season, he struggled in pass protection. After playing his entire career in San Francisco, Iupati, who just turned 28 in May, got $40 million to go to the Cardinals as a free agent this spring. Following three straight Pro Bowls from 2012-2014, it seems likely he’ll climb back up this list.

11 KELECHI OSEMELE 12 JAHRI EVANS 13 BRANDON BROOKS 14 JOEL BITONIO 15 KEVIN ZEITLER

BALTIMORE RAVENS.................... 3.60

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS............... 3.60

HOUSTON TEXANS....................... 3.55

CLEVELAND BROWNS................. 3.50

CINCINNATI BENGALS................. 3.50

B E S T O F T H E R E S T ORLANDO FRANKLIN SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

CHANCE WARMACK TENNESSEE TITANS

CLINT BOLING

CINCINNATI BENGALS

BRANDON LINDER

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

RONALD LEARY

DALLAS COWBOYS

CENTERS

1 NICK MANGOLD NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.10

Mangold has been at or near the top of this list almost every season since the Jets used the 29th pick in the first round on him in 2006, but he suffered his one down season in 2013, dropping out of our top 10 before having a huge comeback season last year to once again grade out as the best center in the league. He has ideal size for the position at 6-4 and 299 pounds. Like most centers, he is stronger run blocking, but he is arguably the best pass-protecting center in the game.

2 RYAN KALIL

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.05

Kalil also has spent the bulk of his career near the top of this list, but he had to come back from a serious foot injury (Lisfranc) in 2012 that cost him all but the first five games of the season. Other than the 11 games missed that season, Kalil, the older brother of Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil, has started every game for the Panthers since 2009. Kalil bounced right back as a run blocker in 2013 but has struggled to regain his stride in pass protection until the latter part of last season. He is a bit shorter than a lot of centers at 6-2 but packs 300 pounds on a very powerful frame.

3 MAX UNGER

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 4.00

games in 2011 and another game in 2012 with nagging leg injuries. Then he tore his ACL in Week One of the 2013 season and was gone for the year. Pouncey is a phenomenal athlete at 6-4, 305 pounds, and can do everything you want an NFL center to do when you can keep him on the field. He did start all 16 games last year, and the ACL appears to be close to 100 percent.

pounds, he is a freak of an athlete. He lives on the line but could literally play anywhere in the front seven of a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He is the best pass rusher in the NFL, he’s the best run defender and an absolute game-wrecker whose motor never stops, and he just turned 26 in February.

Richardson is a shorter version of Watt and, at 6-3 and 294, he became the second-best five-technique in the league last season in just his second season. He won’t turn 25 until the end of November, and Richardson is blessed with exceptional short-area quickness that allows him to set an edge and chase down runners from behind before they get to the line of scrimmage. He does that as well as any end playing today. Richardson is one-third of the best 30-front in the game along with Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison.

JASON KELCE

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 4.00

Kelce is small at 6-3 and 290, which may or may not account for his injury history. He missed 14 games in 2012 with a knee injury and four more last year due to a sports hernia. But he’s extremely athletic and perfectly suited for Chip Kelly’s high speed, up-tempo offense, and alongside Evan Mathis and Jason Peters, they make the left side of the Eagles line one of the most dominant in the NFL. TRAVIS FREDERICK

6 7 ALEX MACK 8 RODNEY HUDSON 9 ERIC WOOD 10 COREY LINSLEY 11 JOHN SULLIVAN 12 KORY LICHTENSTEIGER 13 CHRIS MYERS 14 MIKE POUNCEY 15 JEREMY ZUTTAH

DALLAS COWBOYS......................... 3.95

CLEVELAND BROWNS.................... 3.90

OAKLAND RAIDERS......................... 3.90

BUFFALO BILLS................................. 3.80

GREEN BAY PACKERS...................3.70

MINNESOTA VIKINGS...................3.70

WASHINGTON................................ 3.65

FREE AGENT................................... 3.65

MIAMI DOLPHINS......................... 3.60

BALTIMORE RAVENS.................... 3.50

Unger has been one of the best centers in the game over the past five seasons, but he missed time and struggled with a concussion in 2013, and then missed a good deal more last year due to knee and ankle injuries.That has a lot to do with why the Seahawks were wiling to package him with their first-round draft choice this year to acquire Jimmy Graham from New Orleans. But if healthy, Unger is an outstanding run blocker and more than adequate in pass protection, a key for the Saints, who like to focus their protections in the middle with their guards and center.

B E S T O F T H E R E S T

HOUSTON TEXANS

MAURKICE POUNCEY

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.00

Pouncey should be No. 1 at center before he’s through if he can just stay healthy. After an outstanding rookie season in 2010, he missed two

26 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

SAMSON SATELE MIAMI DOLPHINS

STEFEN WISNIEWSKI JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

EVAN DIETRICH-SMITH TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

BRYAN STORK

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

LUKE BOWANKO

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

t t

DEFENSIVE ENDS

1 J.J. WATT GRADE } 4.90

It is almost impossible to argue that Watt isn’t the best player in the NFL unless you refuse to take a defensive end over a quarterback. He is clearly the best non-QB. At 6-5, 290

2 SHELDON RICHARDSON NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.50

3 MARIO WILLIAMS BUFFALO BILLS

GRADE } 4.30

Unlike our top three, Williams is more of a pure pass rusher, but he is more than solid against the run and, like Watt, can play inside or out in a 40-front or excel as a five-technique or edge-rushing 3-4 linebacker. He is 6-7, 291 pounds, and almost impossible to block one-on-one. Even though he will be playing his 10th season in the league, he just turned 30 in January. This also will be his first season with Rex Ryan, who knows a thing or two about how to use a special talent like Williams.

4 CAMERON WAKE MIAMI DOLPHINS

GRADE } 4.25

Wake is significantly smaller than any of our top five at just 6-2 and 241 pounds, and he’s 33 years old even though this will be just his seventh year in the league. But as a pure pass rusher, he is almost impossible to handle, and he has done it as both a 4-3 end and a 3-4 edge-rushing linebacker. Wake got a late start after failing as an undrafted free agent with the Giants in 2005 and then playing in Canada in 2007 and 2008. He was the CFL defensive player of the year in ’08, causing the Dolphins to give him another shot in 2009. Since then, he has totaled 63 sacks playing in all but three of 96 games.

5 CALAIS CAMPBELL ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.25

Campbell is not a household name

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Nick Mangold

among NFL fans, but talk to players, coaches and scouts and his name will come up at or near the top of every one of their lists of the best five-techniques in the league. At 6-8 and 282 pounds, he’s one of the biggest players in the NFL, and his great length and massive wingspan make it almost impossible for blockers to get into his body. No player in the game is able to make more plays while seemingly being blocked, and only a handful can set an edge like Campbell.

6 MUHAMMAD WILKERSON NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.25

Like his teammate Richardson, Wilkerson is practically a baby, turning 26 in August as he enters his fifth NFL season. And like Richardson, he’s one of the best five-techniques in the league. At 6-4 and 315 pounds, Wilkerson isn’t limited to playing outside in the 30-front, and he can play on the nose or could line up anywhere in a 4-3 front as well. As good as he is, don’t be surprised to see the Jets deal him, as the drafting of Leonard Williams and the fact that Richardson is younger and just as good makes Wilkerson the most valuable expendable player in the league today.

7 ROBERT QUINN ST. LOUIS RAMS

GRADE } 4.20

Quinn had a breakout season in 2013 with 19 QB sacks and appeared to emerge as the top 4-3 end in the league, but he took a step back last

season and struggled to make plays the first half of the year before coming on late. But Quinn still managed to finish 2014 with 10½ sacks, six passes defensed and five forced fumbles while absorbing multiple double teams after the season-ending injury to Chris Long on the other side. At 6-4 and 265, Quinn is a natural pass rusher whose best seasons are most likely still in front of him.

8 JASON PIERRE-PAUL NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 4.20

J.P.P. had an MVP-type year in the Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl season. Then he struggled in 2012 and 2013 with a balky back and the losses of Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, as he was asked to shoulder a much heavier load. But 2014 was a nice bounceback year for Pierre-Paul, who may be the only player in the NFL who can come close to matching Watt’s athleticism. If he can return to full health and get a little help around him, his best years may still be coming, although he does not appear able to match Watt’s motor.

MICHAEL BENNETT

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.15

Since Super Bowl XLVIII, Bennett has been the most disruptive player on the NFL’s best defense and almost unblockable when he’s motivated. Bennett is equally effective playing the run and rushing the passer, but he is a bit of a flake off the field and at times on it, and he does take more than his share of dumb penalties. His

J.J. Watt

14 total flags last season were the most of any defensive lineman in the game.

EZEKIEL ANSAH

B E S T O F T H E R E S T ROB NINKOVICH

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

JASON HATCHER WASHINGTON

DETROIT LIONS GRADE } 4.05

VINCE WILFORK

Ansah, or Ziggy, as he is known by his teammates and fans, is a special talent who is still just learning how to play the game. The Lions took him in the first round in 2013 even though he had less than two full seasons of college football experience. Although he began to dominate last year with 10 sacks and 34 QB hurries in just 683 snaps, the best is clearly yet to come. Ansah will have to learn how to handle the rigors of the NFL, as nagging injuries have been a problem his first two seasons. But this is a kid who will win almost every one-onone matchup he faces.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

11 DeMARCUS WARE 12 CHANDLER JONES 13 JURRELL CASEY 14 FLETCHER COX 15 EVERSON GRIFFEN 16 CHARLES JOHNSON 17 GREG HARDY 18 JERRY HUGHES 19 CAMERON HEYWARD 20 CARLOS DUNLAP

DENVER BRONCOS....................... 4.05

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS..........4.00

TENNESSEE TITANS..................... 3.95

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES.............. 3.95

MINNESOTA VIKINGS.................. 3.90

CAROLINA PANTHERS................. 3.90

DALLAS COWBOYS...................... 3.80

BUFFALO BILLS.............................. 3.80

PITTSBURGH STEELERS...............3.70

CINCINNATI BENGALS..................3.70

HOUSTON TEXANS

CLIFF AVRIL

OLIVIER VERNON MIAMI DOLPHINS

RAY McDONALD CHICAGO BEARS

t t DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1 NDAMUKONG SUH MIAMI DOLPHINS

GRADE } 4.60

Suh is the second-most dominant defensive player in the NFL behind J.J. Watt. At 6-4 and 307 pounds, Suh is an outstanding athlete with terrific natural strength and power and a non-stop motor. It is almost impossible to find a play on tape where Suh isn’t playing to and through the whistle. Blocking him with one man is a non-starter, and in addition to absorbing double-teams on almost every play, it’s not at all unusual to see a back joining a double-team to try and keep Suh from collapsing the pocket. For those who don’t know, in spite of his questionable behavior on the field at times, he is a model citizen off it.

2 GERALD McCOY

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

GRADE } 4.30

McCoy might be the last of the great three-techniques. With more

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| 27

Player ratings teams switching to 30- and odd-man fronts and less and less love around the league for the “Tampa-Two,” fewer teams are looking for the undersized tackles with lightning quick first steps to shoot gaps and play one-gap penetrating defense. But that is who McCoy is, and he does it better than anyone in the league. He is taller than most three-techniques at 6-4, but at 295 pounds, he’s quick as a heartbeat and a constant disruption for offenses around the league.

3 MARCELL DAREUS BUFFALO BILLS

GRADE } 4.25

trouble filling two gaps and occupying two or three blockers.

6 AARON DONALD ST. LOUIS RAMS

GRADE } 4.00

Donald hopes to be the heir apparent to McCoy and, as long as he stays in St. Louis with Robert Quinn, Chris Long, Michael Brockers and Nick Fairley around him, he is certain to stay at the three-technique and not have to worry about double teams. Donald is lightning quick, has a nose for the ball and is an outstanding football player, but at smaller than 6-1 and 285 pounds, he will struggle to win every matchup every week.

Dareus is the opposite of McCoy in the Bills’ 40-fronts. It will be interesting to see how Rex Ryan uses him as he can certainly be an All-Pro nose tackle in a 3-4 or play the anchor or nose tackle spot in a 40-front. Dareus can also play a five-technique in a 30-front depending on how Ryan wants to use him. He is 6-3 and 320 pounds, strong as an ox and more than capable of playing a two-gap scheme or penetrating when asked to. Dareus is not the pass rusher Suh and McCoy are, but he’s arguably the best run-stuffing tackle in the NFL.

Harrison is the third gem in the Jets’ three-diamond 30-front and certainly the biggest surprise. Although Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson are both former first-round picks, Harrison is a thirdyear player who was an undrafted rookie free agent out of William Penn College. But at 6-4 and 350 pounds, he has become the immovable object on the nose in the Jets 30-front.

KYLE WILLIAMS

DAMON HARRISON

NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 3.90

DONTARI POE

and make plays in the backfield with the best of them. He has just average size at 6-3 and 305 pounds, and he might struggle when manned up with bigger, stronger guards. Floyd does have a great first step and excellent hands, and his techniques improved dramatically last season in his second year in the league.

11 GENO ATKINS 12 JEREMIAH RATLIFF 13 STAR LOTULELEI 14 NICK FAIRLEY 15 JARED ODRICK 16 STEPHEN PAEA 17 KAWANN SHORT 18 SEN’DERRICK MARKS 19 JOHNATHAN HANKINS 20 TYRONE CRAWFORD

CINCINNATI BENGALS................. 3.80

CHICAGO BEARS............................ 3.75

CAROLINA PANTHERS.................. 3.75

ST. LOUIS RAMS.............................3.70

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS............3.70

WASHINGTON................................ 3.65

CAROLINA PANTHERS................. 3.65

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS........... 3.65

NEW YORK GIANTS...................... 3.60

DALLAS COWBOYS...................... 3.55

B E S T O F T H E R E S T DAN WILLIAMS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

AKIEM HICKS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

MICHAEL BROCKERS ST. LOUIS RAMS

BRANDON MEBANE

BUFFALO BILLS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.15

GRADE } 3.90

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Williams has been one of the bestkept secrets in the league for years, but he is a Pro Bowl tackle who was earning accolades and honors even before Dareus moved in next to him on the Bills line. He is the Bills’ three-technique at 6-1 and 295 pounds, and it remains to be seen how he will fare with Rex in town. Ryan has played both 4-3 and 3-4, but he prefers the 30-front. That will move Williams out to the five-technique, which he has played and played well but is not his best position.

Poe is a bit of an acquired taste as some decry his lack of stats in the run game, but at 6-3 and 345, his job on the nose in the 3-4 is to occupy space and blockers while Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson run free, and Poe does an excellent job at that. He also boasts 10½ QB sacks over the past two seasons, an excellent number for a nose tackle.

ATLANTA FALCONS

At the age of 31, Ngata probably has lost a bit after nine years in the league, which would explain why the Ravens dealt him to the Lions for relatively little in return other than shedding his $8.5 million salary and cap hit in the last year of his deal. But at 6-4 and 340 pounds, he is still one of the great two-gap space-eaters in the game, and he can still shed and get to the ball with the best of them.

TERRANCE KNIGHTON

WASHINGTON

GRADE } 4.00

Knighton is probably best known for his nickname, Pot Roast, but he should be better known for being arguably the most effective defensive tackle in the AFC over the past season and a half or so. Knighton was the Broncos’ best defensive player in the 2013 playoffs and was a beast in 2014, particularly against the run. Now in Washington, he will switch from the anchor or nose tackle spot he played in Jacksonville and Denver to the nose in a 30 front. At 6-3 and between 325 and 340 pounds, he should have no

HALOTI NGATA

DETROIT LIONS

GRADE } 3.90

PAUL SOLIAI

t t INSIDE LINEBACKERS

1 LUKE KUECHLY

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.40

Kuechly is an easy pick as the best inside linebacker in the game today. He’s a tackling machine who’s been first, third and first in the NFL in tackles in the three years he’s been in the league, totaling 473 stops. He is also the rare ILB who plays the pass as well as the run with six QB sacks, 27 passes defensed and seven interceptions. Kuechly is also the master of the big play, making the big stop or coming up with a takeaway whenever the Panthers need it the most.

2 JAMIE COLLINS

10 SHARRIF FLOYD

MINNESOTA VIKINGS GRADE } 3.80

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Floyd is on the rise as another three-technique who can penetrate

Collins is so versatile and such a great athlete that he’s actualy hard

28 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

GRADE } 4.25

to pigeonhole as an inside or outside linebacker, having played both in his two seasons in the league. By the time the playoffs arrived last season, Collins had become the Patriots’ second-most important defender after Darrelle Revis, finishing the season with 116 tackles, four QB sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles. Like Kuechly, he is a rare 60-minute linebacker. With Jerod Mayo and Dont’a Hightower back from injury this year, it will be interesting to see how Bill Belichick lines them up.

3 BOBBY WAGNER SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.20

Wagner is undersized at 6-0 and 240 pounds, and underrated by almost everyone but his Seahawks coaches and teammates. Wagner missed five games last season after suffering a turf toe in Week Six, and the Seahawks defense went into a bit of a funk, going 3-3 in that stretch. But Seattle closed the season on a six-game win streak following Wagner’s return. What he lacks in size, Wagner more than makes up for with speed, quickness, instincts and intensity.

4 DERRICK JOHNSON KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.20

During a stretch that included three straight Pro Bowl seasons between 2011 and 2013, Johnson had missed just one game in four years when he ruptured his Achilles in the first week of the season last year, ending his 2014 campaign. But he is another rare three-down player at inside linebacker who can stuff the run, rush the passer or drop into coverage. He is perfectly built for the position at 6-3 and 240 pounds, and he should be a difference-maker again this year.

5 DONT’A HIGHTOWER NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.15

Hightower plays the game running downhill and is the master of the big hit in the hole while also being extremely effective rushing the passer. It’s unusual to find an inside ‘backer with six sacks, 17 QB hurries and nine QB hits, as Hightower had last season. As is the case with Collins, it is difficult to know whether the Pats will be in a 4-3 or 3-4 after the return of Jerod Mayo, or who will be inside and who will be outside, but all three are outstanding

P L AY E R

football players.

6 KARLOS DANSBY CLEVELAND BROWNS

GRADE } 4.10

Old man river just keeps on running and, at 33 and in his 11th season last year, Dansby didn’t appear to slow down at all as he anchored the Cleveland defense. He has amassed more than 900 tackles, 41 QB sacks, 16 interceptions and 16 forced fumbles in his career. While Dansby is still an excellent athlete, he has excelled in recent years as much due to his great instincts and experience, whereas he used to get by on his athleticism alone.

7 LAWRENCE TIMMONS PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.10

Timmons was the Steelers’ firstround draft choice in 2007 but sat behind James Farrior and Larry Foote for two full seasons before moving into the starting lineup in 2009. He had a big year in 2010, but his production slipped a bit in ’11 and ’12. Timmons finally became the leader of the Pittsburgh defense in 2013 and made his first Pro Bowl last year. He’s a bit undersized at 6-1 and 234 pounds but plays with great quickness and packs a huge wallop.

8 NaVORRO BOWMAN SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.10

Bowman was one of the three best ILBs in the league along with Kuechly and teammate Patrick Willis until he suffered a gruesome knee injury in the 2013 NFC Championship Game in Seattle. Bowman hoped to return at some point last season but spent the entire year rehabbing his knee. Before the injury, he was as athletic and instinctive as any player in the game. At 6-0 and 242 pounds, Bowman was a great inside blitzer while ranging from sideline to sideline in the run game.

KIKO ALONSO

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 4.05

Alonso seemed certain to be the next Kuechly or Bowman after a 2013 season in which he was the Defensive Rookie of the Year, but he tore his ACL in offseason workouts prior to the 2014 season, and the Bills traded him to the Eagles this spring for RB LeSean McCoy. Alonso has perfect size at 6-3 and 240 pounds, and he covers ground as well as any linebacker in the game. In addition to

RATINGS

all of that, he has a non-stop motor that makes him truly special.

10 DARYL SMITH

BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE } 4.00

Smith turned 33 this spring and will be entering his 12th season but is still as productive as any ILB in the game. He spent his first nine seasons in Jacksonville before joining the Ravens in 2013, and other than an injury-ravaged 2012 in which he played in just two games, he’s been one of those guys who just goes about his business, racking up 100 or more tackles in most seasons while staying under the radar. But last year was his best season in the league with 128 tackles, eight passes defensed, a sack and an interception, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

11 C.J. MOSLEY 12 ROLANDO McCLAIN 13 MYCHAL KENDRICKS 14 BRIAN CUSHING 15 DARYL WASHINGTON 16 DAVID HARRIS 17 STEPHEN TULLOCH 18 JERRELL FREEMAN 19 DEMARIO DAVIS 20 KOA MISI

BALTIMORE RAVENS.................... 3.95

DALLAS COWBOYS...................... 3.90

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES.............. 3.85

HOUSTON TEXANS....................... 3.85

ARIZONA CARDINALS.................. 3.80

NEW YORK JETS............................ 3.80

DETROIT LIONS.............................. 3.75

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS.................. 3.75

NEW YORK JETS............................. 3.75

MIAMI DOLPHINS..........................3.70

B E S T O F T H E R E S T TAHIR WHITEHEAD DETROIT LIONS

BRANDON SPIKES

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

JAMES LAURINAITIS ST. LOUIS RAMS

MASON FOSTER CHICAGO BEARS

REY MAUALUGA

CINCINNATI BENGALS

t t OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

1 JUSTIN HOUSTON

Justin Houston

in 2014, which led the league. With the way the position is played in the NFL today, that by itself is enough to make him No. 1 on this list right now. He actually has been one of the league’s top OLBs for a while now, going to the past three Pro Bowls. There are no real holes in his game.

2 KHALIL MACK

OAKLAND RAIDERS

GRADE } 4.35

Mack is the opposite of Houston, a 4-3 OLB who isn’t asked to rush the passer often but plays the run as well as any linebacker in the game and also drops into coverage with the best of them. The amazing thing about Mack is that a player so young has such pure, top instincts for the position. He is one of those rare ’backers who is actually the quarterback of his defense, making the players around him better.

3 ALDON SMITH

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.30

Smith is another 3-4 edge rusher who has added value because he is also extremely adept at rushing the passer with a hand on the ground in the 49ers nickel packages and some of their hybrid schemes. Smith can make an impact from a number of different places on the field and is unique in that way. If he can overcome his demons off the field, he will eventually challenge Houston and Mack for the top spot on this list.

4 CLAY MATTHEWS

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.55

GRADE } 4.30

Some will argue that Houston is strictly a pass rusher as opposed to a complete linebacker, but that is actually not true. Houston plays the run fairly well and is a three-down player in the Chiefs “D.” But even if he is just a pass rusher, he’s now the best with a franchise-record 22 QB sacks

Matthews has been one of the best outside guys in the game the past few seasons but actually moved inside about two-thirds of the way through 2014 and made a huge impact from there for the Packers as well. When Matthews is outside, there are few players who’ve ever

played the game who can come around the end and bend the edge the way he does. He is relentless in pursuit and does a great job of leading the Packers defense. He has been a bit brittle in recent seasons and needs to stay 100 percent healthy for a full season — as he did a few years ago — to climb higher here.

5 VON MILLER

DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.20

Miler is another one-trick pony who will make an occasional play in run defense but is really a pass-rushing specialist who’s been a difference maker off the edge from both a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme. Like Smith, Miller needs to mature off the football field and stay healthy to take the next step. But when he’s in shape and focused, few players will track down the quarterback as well or as often as he does.

6 LAVONTE DAVID

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

GRADE } 4.15

David is an undersized ‘Will’ linebacker in the Derrick Brooks, Lance Briggs image in Lovie Smith’s ‘Tampa-Two’ defense. His job is to make plays all over the field. He is far more likely to drop into coverage than he is to blitz or rush the passer, and he excels running with slot receivers, tight ends and running backs. What is most impressive about David is he hasn’t had a lot of help the past few seasons other than Gerald McCoy, and yet he has still managed to consistently perform at a Pro Bowl level, including a game-changing 17 tackles for loss in 2014.

7 TAMBA HALI

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.15

Hali’s job is to play across from Houston with Derrick Johnson in

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 29

Player ratings between them and make the plays the other two don’t. He is oversized for a 3-4 edge rusher at 6-3 and 275 pounds. He played with a hand on the ground in college at Penn State, but he has developed into an excellent stand-up edge rusher with 52½ sacks over his past five seasons. He also will drop into coverage while being effective against the run, averaging about 45 solo stops a year.

DeANDRE LEVY

B E S T O F T H E R E S T JULIUS PEPPERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

CONNOR BARWIN

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

BRIAN ORAKPO

TENNESSEE TITANS

DERRICK MORGAN TENNESSEE TITANS

PERNELL McPHEE CHICAGO BEARS

BRANDON GRAHAM PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

DANNY TREVATHAN DENVER BRONCOS

DETROIT LIONS

BARKEVIOUS MINGO

GRADE } 4.15

K.J. WRIGHT

Levy is a complete player lining up at the ‘Will’ linebacker in Detroit’s 4-3. He has become one of the game’s top linebackers in coverage with 11 interceptions in the last five seasons, including six in 2013 alone. This past season, he was second in the NFL with 151 tackles (just two behind Luke Kuechly) and had 2½ sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

THOMAS DAVIS

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.15

Davis is the reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year in the NFL and also one of the great comeback stories after overcoming three career-threatening knee injuries and continuing to be one of the game’s most athletic 4-3 ‘Will’ linebackers. Davis combines great instincts with tremendous athleticism and, along with his teammate Kuechly, is one of the league’s top big-play defenders.

JEROD MAYO

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS GRADE } 4.10

Mayo is actually one of the best 4-3 ‘Mike’ linebackers in the league, but he was playing outside last season with the Patriots often lining Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower up inside when Mayo suffered his second consecutive season-ending injury, this one a torn patellar tendon in Week Six. When healthy, he is one of the league’s leading tacklers annually from the middle of the Patriots 4-3 package.

11 ELVIS DUMERVIL 12 TERRELL SUGGS 13 ROBERT MATHIS 14 RYAN KERRIGAN 15 ANTHONY BARR

BALTIMORE RAVENS.................... 4.05

BALTIMORE RAVENS....................4.00

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS................. 3.90

WASHINGTON................................ 3.85

MINNESOTA VIKINGS.................. 3.80

CLEVELAND BROWNS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

t t SAFETIES

1 EARL THOMAS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.40

Thomas is the current standard by which all NFL safeties are measured. He is equally adept against the run and in coverage, and while he is not particularly big at 5-10 and 208 pounds, he will take a ballcarrier’s head off if given the chance. What makes Thomas unique is he can play the run like an in-the-box guy but is also one of the top cover safeties in the game. He almost never gets beat over the top. Thomas benefits from the tremendous size of his secondary teammates and the physicality they all play with, but on the field it is Thomas — and not Richard Sherman — who is the leader of that group.

2 ANTOINE BETHEA

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.25

Bethea was one of the most underrated safeties in the league for nine seasons in Indianapolis and didn’t skip a beat making the transition to the 49ers’ secondary last year. Although he will be entering his 10th season in the league this year, he just turned 29 and should have plenty of football left in him. Bethea is similar in stature to Thomas, although an inch taller. Although he is not as big a hitter, he is extremely effective vs. the run and will make players pay if they try and come across the middle on him in the passing game.

3 DEVIN McCOURTY

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.20

The Patriots rarely spend big on free agents and often let their own leave if the price tag is high, but they just rewarded McCourty with a fiveyear, $47.5 million deal that includes

30 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

$28.5 million guaranteed. It’s been widely reported that he turned down more money elsewhere to stay in New England. What made McCourty so sought-after is that he is one of the best cover safeties in the game. In this new era of oversized receivers, spread offenses and three- and four-receiver routes, a safety who can cover is invaluable. How valuable? Consider Belichick let Revis walk but not McCourty.

4 ERIC BERRY

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.20

Berry is probably the second-best safety in the game and might have even challenged Thomas had he not become seriously ill. As he battles cancer, it is unclear when or if Berry will play again, but he is a bigger, stronger version of Thomas at 6-0 and 211 pounds and there is little he can’t do on a football field. More importantly, however, he is an outstanding young man who’s taken on his current challenge with great courage and grace and the thoughts and prayers of everybody in the league are with him right now.

5 ERIC WEDDLE

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 4.15

Weddle is a tackling machine and both the emotional leader of the Chargers defense and its best player. He is far from the biggest safety in the game at 5-11 and 200 pounds, but Weddle has started 80 straight games for San Diego and has missed only three starts since he took over the starting safety job to begin the 2008 season. He is that rare in-thebox safety who is equally at home playing the run and making big hits or covering in the passing game. Weddle has at least one pick in every season he’s been in the league and has 19 career interceptions, six sacks and five forced fumbles.

6 GLOVER QUIN DETROIT LIONS

GRADE } 4.15

Quin joined the Lions in 2013 as a free agent after spending his first four years in the league with the Texans. He did a decent job before becoming one of the biggest surprises of 2014 as a breakout star who led the league with seven interceptions and earned his first Pro Bowl trip. Quinn has good size at 6-0 and 206 pounds, and excelled in much the same way as McCourty as a centerfield-type safety. Quin’s emergence was particularly noteworthy because the Lions secondary had been their Achilles’ heel for years, but cornerback Darius

Slay also had a breakout season, the ageless Rashean Mathis continued his Motown resurgence and the back end was actually a strength at times.

7 HARRISON SMITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 4.10

Smith might have the biggest upside of any of the safeties in this group with great size at 6-2 and 214 pounds. He can play as a physical, inthe-box safety, but he also drops in coverage well against tight ends and bigger receivers. A former first-round pick out of Notre Dame, Smith is just 26 as he enters his fourth year in the league. He started every game in 2012 and 2014 but missed half of 2013 with a turf toe. Smith had left hand surgery following the 2014 season, but it is believed to have been minor and should have no impact on him going forward.

8 JAIRUS BYRD

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 4.10

Byrd was one of the biggest freeagent signings of the 2014 season and had been one of the game’s top safeties going to New Orleans. But he had back surgery in May 2014 shortly after signing with the Saints. After a rough training camp and slow start to the season, he tore a ligament in his knee and was shelved for the rest of the year. Byrd had been to three Pro Bowls prior to last season, and he has great bloodlines as his dad, Gill, played cornerback for 10 years in the league and is currently a secondary coach in Tampa. At 5-10 and 203 pounds, Byrd is one of the top free safeties in the league when healthy.

9 RESHAD JONES MIAMI DOLPHINS

GRADE } 4.00

Jones is probably the least wellknown of our top 10 safeties, but he’s a huge part of the Dolphins’ defense and, at 6-1 and 214 pounds, he’s an excellent in-the-box safety who’s extremely tough against the run and solid when covering tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Jones was suspended for the first four weeks of 2014 for testing positive for PEDs and returned with a vengeance, determined to prove his worth. Jones doesn’t lack confidence and is a talker both on and off the field. He loves to back that talk up with huge collisions.

10 KAM CHANCELLOR SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GRADE } 4.00

Chancellor is one of the most physical safeties in the game and

P L AY E R

also one of the biggest at 6-3 and 232 pounds. Although his trademark is big hits, he is surprisingly adept in coverage as long as he’s not asked to take on smaller, quicker receivers. Few safeties in the game match up as well on tight ends as Chancellor does, and receivers and running backs definitely think twice about going across the middle against the Seahawks’ defense due to his presence. DONTE WHITNER

11 12 ANTREL ROLLE 13 Da’NORRIS SEARCY 14 REGGIE NELSON 15 WILLIAM MOORE 16 MORGAN BURNETT 17 TASHAUN GIPSON 18 ERIC REID 19 TONY JEFFERSON 20 MIKE ADAMS

CLEVELAND BROWNS................. 3.90

CHICAGO BEARS........................... 3.85

BUFFALO BILLS.............................. 3.80

CINCINNATI BENGALS................. 3.80

ATLANTA FALCONS...................... 3.80

GREEN BAY PACKERS................... 3.75

CLEVELAND BROWNS..................3.70

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS..............3.70

ARIZONA CARDINALS.................. 3.65

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS................. 3.65

B E S T O F T H E R E S T DAWAN LANDRY NEW YORK JETS

GEORGE ILOKA

CINCINNATI BENGALS

JAMES IHEDIGBO DETROIT LIONS

ROBERT BLANTON MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MALCOLM JENKINS PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

t t

C O R N E R B AC KS

1 DARRELLE REVIS NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.60

It’s hard to imagine a corner playing any better than Revis did last season, and in the process, he made his battle with Richard Sherman for the top spot at his position pretty much a moot point. Sherman plays half the area while Revis covers the entire field and will often shadow the opposition’s best player. At 5-11 and 204 pounds, he is big enough to jam receivers and reroute them, but he excels at running with the other team’s top guy and taking him out of the game.

2 RICHARD SHERMAN SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.50

It is no slap to be rated second behind Revis. Depending on the opposi-

RATINGS

tion, there are scenarios where you might take Sherman ahead of him. But playing half the field and often having the other team’s second or third option on your side is just not as hard as being a lock-down, cover corner like Revis. Sherman can do it all when he’s allowed to in Seattle’s scheme, and there are no holes in his game. He just has a slightly easier job than some other corners.

3 VONTE DAVIS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.25

Davis was probably the best cornerback story of the 2014 season, emerging as a lock-down cover guy for the Colts. There were more than a few eyebrows raised around the league when then-rookie general manager Ryan Grigson sent a second-round draft choice to the Dolphins for Davis, who had never lived up to his potential after being drafted in the first round by Miami. If you’re going to hammer Grigson for the Trent Richardson trade, praise him for this one. Davis was the Colts’ best player on defense this year, and he was outstanding in coverage in spite of a mediocre pass rush that was without Robert Mathis all season.

AQIB TALIB

DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.20

Talib is the kind of long and big, 6-1, 202-pound corner that all teams covet, and he can be very physical while also playing tight man-to-man coverage. But he is prone to concentration lapses that occasionally get him in trouble both on and off the field. He was challenged more than usual in 2014 due to the emergence of Chris Harris Jr. on the other side. For the most part, he was up to the task. The question on Talib is now that he has the big contract in the bank, will he maintain his focus? Remember, the Patriots weren’t willing to pay him but the Broncos were.

5 CHRIS HARRIS JR. DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.15

Harris is smaller than Talib at 5-10 and 190 pounds, but he’s an exceptional athlete, extremely fluid and fast enough to run with almost any receiver in the game. Some scouts told us they thought he was the best pure cover corner in the league last season. There certainly was nothing fluky about his breakthrough season as he was challenged regularly with teams less than thrilled about going

Earl Thomas

after Talib too often.

the Texans nickel and sub packages.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

6 PATRICK PETERSON

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 4.15

GRADE } 4.05

Peterson did not have a great year in 2014 but he is still a special athlete with excellent size at 6-0 and 218 pounds to go with outstanding return ability and ball skills. He might have struggled occasionally in coverage last season, being too aggressive on the ball. He needs to dial it back a bit and focus on playing defense. But Peterson has proven he is capable of playing in Revis’ and Sherman’s league. He just turned 25 in February and should have a big bounce-back year this season.

SEAN SMITH

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.10

Of all the top big corners, Smith is the biggest other than Sherman. Smith actually resembles the Seahawks superstar in stature and physique. He’s not as physical as Sherman, but he is extremely fluid and smooth and adept at rerouting receivers. Smith benefits from the Chiefs’ outstanding pass rush and is able to play a little more aggressively knowing he doesn’t have to stay in coverage as long as most, with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali always a threat to get to the quarterback.

8 KAREEM JACKSON HOUSTON TEXANS

GRADE } 4.05

Jackson has been a starter in Houston since being drafted out of Alabama in the first round of the 2010 draft. He had a very good year in 2012 but slipped a bit in 2013 before bouncing back with his best season as a pro last year. He does tend to be a bit brittle and hasn’t started 16 games since his 2010 rookie campaign. He missed three games with a knee injury last year. Jackson is more of a zone-cover guy than a shutdown corner and will move into the slot in

9 BRANDON FLOWERS Flowers had a big year in San Diego last year, playing on a one-year, prove-it deal after leaving Kansas City the year before. He was so impressive in 2014 that the Chargers gave him a four-year, $36 million deal with more than $20 million guaranteed. Flowers isn’t particularly big at 5-9 and 190 pounds, and while his strength is in coverage, he will play the run and isn’t afraid to stick his head in and get physical.

10 ALTERRAUN VERNER TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GRADE } 4.00

Verner signed a big free-agent deal to leave Tennessee and join the Bucs last season. Rather than sit back and count his money, he had arguably his best year as a pro. One of the best things about him is that, while he’s not a big corner at 5-10 and 189 pounds, he is one of the toughest in the league. He loves to come up and force the action and is one of the best corners in the game playing the run. Verner is solid in coverage as well, and receivers will keep their heads on a swivel when he’s in the area.

11 SAM SHIELDS 12 DESMOND TRUFANT 13 JOE HADEN 14 DARIUS SLAY 15 TRAMON WILLIAMS 16 RASHEAN MATHIS 17 ORLANDO SCANDRICK 18 JOHNATHAN JOSEPH 19 TIM JENNINGS 20 XAVIER RHODES

GREEN BAY PACKERS.................. 3.90

ATLANTA FALCONS...................... 3.85

CLEVELAND BROWNS................. 3.85

DETROIT LIONS............................. 3.80

CLEVELAND BROWNS................. 3.80

DETROIT LIONS.............................. 3.75

DALLAS COWBOYS....................... 3.75

HOUSTON TEXANS........................ 3.75

CHICAGO BEARS............................3.70

MINNESOTA VIKINGS.................. 3.65

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P L AY E R

RATINGS

Stephen Gostkowski

B E S T O F T H E R E S T CASEY HAYWARD GREEN BAY PACKERS

BRANDON BOYKIN

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

PRINCE AMUKAMARA NEW YORK GIANTS

DOMINIQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE NEW YORK GIANTS

STEPHON GILMORE BUFFALO BILLS

Johnny Hekker

in Buffalo fairly regularly and was just one kick behind Gostkowski in 2014, hitting 34 of 38 while demonstrating a big leg, hitting on 6 of 8 outside the 50 and 13 of 16 from beyond 40. Carpenter also is not asked to handle kickoffs.

5 MATT BRYANT

ATLANTA FALCONS

GRADE } 3.75

t t P L AC E K I C K E R S

1 STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.10

Gostkowski long has been one of the NFL’s most dependable kickers, and 2014 was no exception. He led the league in field goals and was second in accuracy, converting 94.6 percent of his attempts. He hit his only try outside of 50 yards and was 13 of 14 from outside of 40 yards. Gostkowski also faces tricky conditions fairly regularly late in the season when the kicks are the biggest.

ADAM VINATIERI

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.10

Vinatieri was actually the most accurate kicker in the league last year, hitting on 30 of 31 attempts, including all three from beyond the 50 and 10 of 11 outside of 40. He is behind Gostkowski in the ratings because he kicks indoors at least half the time and isn’t asked to handle kickoffs.

JUSTIN TUCKER

BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 3.85

Tucker was 29 of 34 last year, and all five misses were outside of 50 yards, although he did hit four of 50+. He is known as one of the best clutch kickers and has hit a number of game-winners for the Ravens.

4 DAN CARPENTER BUFFALO BILLS

GRADE } 3.75

Carpenter faces tricky conditions

Bryant had the biggest leg in the league last year, hitting 7 of 10 tries outside of 50. Those three 50+ failures were his only misses, as he was 29 of 32 for the season. Bryant does benefit from kicking indoors at least nine times a year and has two more games in reasonably tame Carolina and Tampa. He also does not handle kickoff duties.

t t PUNTERS

JOHNNY HEKKER

ST. LOUIS RAMS

GRADE } 4.10

Punter is the one position in the game where one stat clearly separates the best from the rest. At the end of the day, net average is usually a clear indication of who best changed the field position for his team. Hekker has become the dominant punter in the game leading the league in net average at 42.9 yards and finishing third in punts inside the 20 and fourth in lowest percentage of punts returned. The Rams do play their home games indoors.

PAT McAFEE

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.00

McAfee was fourth last year in net average, just one tenth of a yard behind Hekker at 42.8. He was fifth in punts downed inside the 20 and he also handles kickoff chores for the Colts. He also has the advantage of playing all his home games indoors.

32 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

3 SAM KOCH

BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 3.90

Clearly the Ravens value special teams, as they and the Colts are the only teams to have both their placekicker and punter ranked in the top five. Koch actually tied Hekker for best net average at 42.9. He has one of the league’s biggest legs with the second-best gross average at 47.0, and only 38.3 percent of his punts were returned last year.

4 THOMAS MORSTEAD NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 3.85

Morstead was third in the NFL last year with a 42.8-yard net average, although he did not stick out in the category of kicks downed inside the 20 with just 19. Morstead was among the best in the league with only five touchbacks, and seven punts landed out of bounds.

5 DREW BUTLER

ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 3.80

Butler is the only punter on our list who was not among the top finishers in net average, but he is here for sticking out in perhaps the second-most important category: punts downed inside the 20. Butler had 42 last year, five better than any other player in the league, and only five others had more than 32.

t t RETURN SPECIALISTS

ADAM JONES

CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.00

He no longer goes by “PacMan,” but Adam Jones is as dangerous as any returner in the game today. Jones was second among kick returners with at least 14 attempts last year, finishing with a 31.3-yard average and he was eighth returning punts with an 12.0-yard average. Jones did not have a score in 2014, but he had

Adam Jones

a long of 97 yards on kickoffs and 47 on punts.

2 DEVIN HESTER ATLANTA FALCONS

GRADE } 4.00

Hester cemented his crown as the greatest returner of all time in 2014, returning a punt 60 yards for his 20th return TD, breaking the record formerly held by Deion Sanders. He finished second in 2014 with a 13.3yard average returning punts and was equally dangerous on kickoff returns with a long of 66 yards and 25.1-yard average.

3 JACOBY JONES

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 3.90

Jones is a big play waiting to happen in the return game. In Week Nine against the Steelers, he returned a kickoff 108 yards for a TD. He averaged 30.6 yards a return on 32 kickoff returns and 9.2 yards per return on 30 punts. Unlike Jones and Hester, who add incredible short-area quickness and burst to their great speed, Jones is a sprinter who is gone if he can make the first man miss.

4 DARREN SPROLES PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 3.75

Sproles is the only returner on the list who is strictly a punt returner, but he took two to the house last year, averaged 13.0 yards per return on 39 attempts and had an 82-yarder. He is also the best contributor on offense among these five specialists.

5 DeANTHONY THOMAS KANSAS CITY CHARGERS

GRADE } 3.70

Thomas is that rare player in today’s NFL who was drafted high (fourth round last year) almost exclusively for the purpose of returning kicks. He was a running back at Oregon and, at 5-9 and 174 pounds, he brings explosive speed and quickness to the Chiefs return game. Thomas averaged 30.6 yards on kickoff returns as a rookie and 11.9 on 34 punt returns, including an 81-yarder and one TD.

Fantasy draft board BASED ON A PERFORMANCE SYSTEM (FOUR POINTS FOR PASSING TOUCHDOWNS, SIX POINTS FOR RUSHING/RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS, PLUS YARDAGE BONUSES).

QUARTERBACKS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers 7 2. Andrew Luck, Colts 10 3. Russell Wilson, Seahawks 9 4. Drew Brees, Saints 11 5. Peyton Manning, Broncos 7 6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers 11 7. Tony Romo, Cowboys 6 8. Cam Newton, Panthers 5 9. Eli Manning, Giants 11 10. Matt Ryan, Falcons 10 11. Philip Rivers, Chargers 10 12. Tom Brady, Patriots 4 13. Matthew Stafford, Lions 9 14. Sam Bradford, Eagles 8 15. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins 5 16. Joe Flacco, Ravens 9 17. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers 10 18. Derek Carr, Raiders 6 19. Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings 5 20. Andy Dalton, Bengals 7 21. Nick Foles, Rams 8 22. Jay Cutler, Bears 7 23. Robert Griffin III, Washington 8 24. Carson Palmer, Cardinals 9 25. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers 6 26. Alex Smith, Chiefs 9 27. Blake Bortles, Jaguars 8 28. Marcus Mariota, Titans 4 29. Geno Smith, Jets 5 30. Matt Cassel, Bills 8

RUNNING BACKS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs 9 2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings 5 3. LeVeon Bell, Steelers 11 4. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks 9 5. Matt Forte, Bears 7 6. Eddie Lacy, Packers 6 7. DeMarco Murray, Eagles 8 8. Arian Foster, Texans 9 9. LeSean McCoy, Bills 8 10. Jeremy Hill, Bengals 7 11. C.J. Anderson, Broncos 7 12. Lamar Miller, Dolphins 5 13. Alfred Morris, Washington 8 14. Melvin Gordon, Chargers 10 15. Todd Gurley, Rams 6 16. Carlos Hyde, 49ers 10 17. Mark Ingram, Saints 11 18. Frank Gore, Colts 10 19. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 5 20. Justin Forsett, Ravens 9 21. Latavius Murray, Raiders 6 22. Tevin Coleman, Falcons 10 23. Joique Bell, Lions 9 24. C.J. Spiller, Saints 11 25. Giovani Bernard, Bengals 7 26. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars 8 27. Rashad Jennings, Giants 11 28. Isaiah Crowell, Browns 11 29. Andre Ellington, Cardinals 9 30. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots 4 31. Darren McFadden, Cowboys 6 32. Doug Martin, Buccaneers 6 33. Shane Vereen, Giants 11 34. Chris Ivory, Jets 5 35. Bishop Sankey, Titans 4 36. Joseph Randle, Cowboys 6 37. Devonta Freeman, Falcons 10 38. Ameer Abdullah, Lions 9 39. Ryan Mathews, Eagles 8 40. David Johnson, Cardinals 9

41. Charles Sims, Buccaneers 6 42. Tre Mason, Rams 6 43. Reggie Bush, 49ers 10 44. Roy Helu. Raiders 6 45. David Cobb, Titans 4 46. Denard Robinson, Jaguars 8 47. Terrance West, Browns 11 48. Fred Jackson, Bills 8

WIDE RECEIVERS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Antonio Brown, Steelers 11 2. Dez Bryant, Cowboys 6 3. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants 11 4. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos 7 5. Calvin Johnson, Lions 9 6. Julio Jones, Falcons 10 7. Jordy Nelson, Packers 7 8. A.J. Green, Bengals 7 9. Randall Cobb, Packers 7 10. Alshon Jeffery, Bears 7 11. Mike Evans, Buccaneers 6 12. Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers 5 13. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos 7 14. T.Y. Hilton, Colts 10 15. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans 9 16. Jordan Matthews, Eagles 8 17. Keenan Allen, Chargers 10 18. Brandin Cooks, Saints 11 19. DeSean Jackson, Washington 8 20. Golden Tate, Lions 9 21. Brandon Marshall, Jets 5 22. Andre Johnson, Colts 10 23. Sammy Watkins, Bills 8 24. Julian Edelman, Patriots 4 25. Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers 6 26. Amari Cooper, Raiders 6 27. Michael Floyd, Cardinals 9 28. Martavis Bryant, Steelers 11 29. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 9 30. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs 9 31. Roddy White, Falcons 10 32. Mike Wallace, Vikings 5 33. Eric Decker, Jets 5 34. Jarvis Landry, Dolphins 5 35. Brandon LaFell, Patriots 4 36. Torrey Smith, 49ers 10 37. Pierre Garcon, Washington 8 38. Charles Johnson, Vikings 5 39. Steve Smith, Ravens 9 40. Marques Colston, Saints 11 41. Kevin White, Bears 7 42. Nelson Agholor, Eagles 8 43. Anquan Boldin, 49ers 10 44. Kenny Stills, Dolphins 5 45. Percy Harvin, Bills 8 46. Allen Robinson, Jaguars 8 47. Victor Cruz, Giants 11 48. Kendall Wright, Titans 4

TIGHT ENDS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots 4 2. Jimmy Graham, Saints 9 3. Greg Olsen, Panthers 5 4. Travis Kelce, Chiefs 9 5. Martellus Bennett, Bears 7 6. Antonio Gates, Chargers 10 7. Julius Thomas, Jaguars 8 8. Jordan Cameron, Dolphins 5 9. Zach Ertz, Eagles 8 10. Jason Witten, Cowboys 6 11. Delanie Walker, Titans 4 12. Coby Fleener, Colts 10 13. Jordan Reed, Washington 8

14. Owen Daniels, Broncos 7 15. Josh Hill, Saints 11 16. Larry Donnell, Giants 11 17. Tyler Eifert, Bengals 7 18. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Bucs 6 19. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings 5 20. Dwayne Allen, Colts 10 21. Vernon Davis, 49ers 10 22. Mychal Rivera, Raiders 6 23. Eric Ebron, Lions 9 24. Charles Clay, Bills 8

PLACEKICKERS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots 4 2. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks 9 3. Justin Tucker, Ravens 9 4. Adam Vinatieri, Colts 10 5. Mason Crosby, Packers 7 6. Dan Bailey, Cowboys 6 7. Cody Parkey, Eagles 8 8. Connor Barth, Broncos 7 9. Matt Bryant, Falcons 10 10. Nick Novak, Chargers 10 11. Matt Prater, Lions 9 12. Phil Dawson, 49ers 10 13. Blair Walsh, Vikings 5 14. Shaun Suisham, Steelers 11 15. Dan Carpenter, Bills 8 16. Shayne Graham, Saints 11 17. Caleb Sturgis, Dolphins 5 18. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals 9 19. Robbie Gould, Bears 7 20. Greg Zuerlein, Rams 6 21. Josh Brown, Giants 11 22. Graham Gano, Panthers 5 23. Mike Nugent, Bengals 7 24. Randy Bullock, Texans 9

DEFENSES/ SPECIAL TEAMS RK PLAYER / TEAM

1. Seattle Seahawks 2. Buffalo Bills 3. Houston Texans 4. New York Jets 5. Miami Dolphins 6. Denver Broncos 7. St. Louis Rams 8. Arizona Cardinals 9. New England Patriots 10. Carolina Panthers 11. Baltimore Ravens 12. Green Bay Packers 13. Kansas City Chiefs 14. Philadelphia Eagles 15. Minnesota Vikings 16. Detroit Lions 17. Cleveland Browns 18. San Francisco 49ers 19. Indianapolis Colts 20. Dallas Cowboys 21. New York Giants 22. San Diego Chargers 23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24. Cincinnati Bengals 25. Chicago Bears 26. New Orleans Saints 27. Washington 28. Atlanta Falcons 29. Tennessee Titans 30. Pittsburgh Steelers 31. Jacksonville Jaguars 32. Oakland Raiders

BYE

9 8 9 5 5 7 6 9 4 5 9 7 9 8 5 9 11 10 10 6 11 10 6 7 7 11 8 10 4 11 8 6

TOP 150 REGARDLESS OF POSITION RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. RB Jamaal Charles, Chiefs 9 2. RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings 5 3. RB Le’Veon Bell, Steelers 11 4. RB Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks 9 5. RB Matt Forte, Bears 7 6. RB Eddie Lacy, Packers 6 7. RB DeMarco Murray, Eagles 8 8. WR Antonio Brown, Steelers 11 9. WR Dez Bryant, Cowboys 6 10. TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots 4 11. RB Arian Foster, Texans 9 12. RB LeSean McCoy, Bills 8 13. RB Jeremy Hill, Bengals 7 14. WR Odell Beckham Jr., Giants 11 15. WR Demaryius Thomas, Broncos 7 16. TE Jimmy Graham, Saints 9 17. QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers 7 18. RB C.J. Anderson, Broncos 7 19. WR Calvin Johnson, Lions 9 20. WR Julio Jones, Falcons 10 21. QB Andrew Luck, Colts 10 22. RB Lamar Miller, Dolphins 5 23. WR Jordy Nelson, Packers 7 24. WR A.J. Green, Bengals 7 25. RB Alfred Morris, Washington 8 26. WR Randall Cobb, Packers 7 27. RB Melvin Gordon, Chargers 10 28. WR Alshon Jeffery, Bears 7 29. WR Mike Evans, Buccaneers 6 30. WR Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers 5 31. WR Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos 7 32. RB Todd Gurley, Rams 6 33. RB Carlos Hyde, 49ers 10 34. QB Russell Wilson, Seahawks 9 35. RB Mark Ingram, Saints 11 36. QB Drew Brees, Saints 11 37. QB Peyton Manning, Broncos 7 38. WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts 10 39. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Texans 9 40. WR Jordan Matthews, Eagles 8 41. RB Frank Gore, 49ers 10 42. WR Keenan Allen, Chargers 10 43. WR Brandin Cooks, Saints 11 44. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers 11 45. QB Tony Romo, Cowboys 6 46. WR DeSean Jackson, Washington 8 47. WR Golden Tate, Lions 9 48. RB Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 5 49. RB Justin Forsett, Ravens 9 50. RB Latavius Murray, Raiders 6 51. QB Cam Newton, Panthers 5 52. WR Brandon Marshall, Jets 5 53. WR Andre Johnson, Colts 10 54. RB Tevin Coleman, Falcons 10 55. RB Joique Bell, Lions 9 56. WR Sammy Watkins, Bills 8 57. WR Julian Edelman, Patriots 4 58. WR Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers 6 59. RB C.J. Spiller, Saints 11 60. RB Giovani Bernard, Bengals 7 61. WR Amari Cooper, Raiders 6 62. WR Michael Floyd, Cardinals 9 63. QB Eli Manning, Giants 11 64. QB Matt Ryan, Falcons 10 65. WR Martavis Bryant, Steelers 11 66. WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 9 67. RB T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars 8 68. RB Rashad Jennings, Giants 11 69. RB Isaiah Crowell, Browns 11 70. RB Andre Ellington, Cardinals 9 71. WR Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs 9 72. QB Philip Rivers, Chargers 10 73. WR Roddy White, Falcons 10

74. QB Tom Brady, Patriots 4 75. TE Greg Olsen, Panthers 5 76. QB Matthew Stafford, Lions 9 77. RB LeGarrette Blount, Patriots 4 78. WR Mike Wallace, Vikings 5 79. WR Eric Decker, Jets 5 80. TE Travis Kelce, Chiefs 9 81. QB Sam Bradford, Eagles 8 82. TE Martellus Bennett, Bears 7 83. RB Darren McFadden, Raiders 6 84. RB Doug Martin, Buccaneers 6 85. RB Shane Vereen, Giants 11 86. RB Chris Ivory, Jets 5 87. WR Jarvis Landry, Dolphins 5 88. QB Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins 5 89. WR Brandon LaFell, Patriots 5 90. RB Bishop Sankey, Titans 4 91. RB Joseph Randle, Cowboys 6 92. TE Antonio Gates, Chargers 10 93. TE Julius Thomas, Jaguars 8 94. WR Torrey Smith, Ravens 10 95. WR Pierre Garcon, Washington 8 96. QB Joe Flacco, Ravens 9 97. DEF Seattle Seahawks 9 98. RB Devonta Freeman, Falcons 10 99. WR Charles Johnson, Vikings 5 100. TE Jordan Cameron, Dolphins 5 101. WR Steve Smith, Ravens 9 102. WR Marques Colston, Saints 11 103. QB Colin Kaepernick, 49ers 10 104. RB Ameer Abdullah, Lions 9 105. RB Ryan Mathews, Eagles 8 106. RB David Johnson, Cardinals 9 107. TE Zach Ertz, Eagles 8 108. TE Jason Witten, Cowboys 6 109. RB Charles Sims, Buccaneers 6 110. QB Derek Carr, Raiders 6 111. WR Kevin White, Bears 7 112. WR Nelson Agholor, Eagles 8 113. WR Anquan Boldin, 49ers 10 114. WR Kenny Stills, Dolphins 5 6 115. RB Tre Mason, Rams 10 116. RB Reggie Bush, 49ers 6 117. RB Roy Helu, Raiders 118. QB Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings 5 119. RB David Cobb, Titans 4 120. RB Denard Robinson, Jaguars 8 121. QB Andy Dalton, Bengals 7 122. WR Percy Harvin, Bills 8 123. WR Allen Robinson, Jaguars 8 11 124. WR Victor Cruz, Giants 125. WR Kendall Wright, Titans 4 126. RB Terrance West, Browns 11 127. RB Fred Jackson, Bills 8 128. QB Nick Foles, Rams 8 129. TE Coby Fleener, Colts 10 130. QB Jay Cutler, Bears 7 131. TE Jordan Reed, Washington 8 132. DEF Buffalo Bills 8 133. RB Dan Herron, Colts 10 134. RB Andre Williams, Giants 11 135. WR Michael Crabtree, Raiders 6 136. WR Davante Adams, Packers 7 137. DEF Houston Texans 9 138. RB Danny Woodhead, Chargers 10 9 139. RB Knile Davis, Chiefs 140. WR Breshad Perriman, Ravens 9 141. TE Owen Daniels, Broncos 7 142. WR Dwayne Bowe, Browns 9 143. WR Cody Latimer, Broncos 7 144. RB Stevan Ridley, Jets 5 145. QB Robert Griffin III, Washington 8 146. WR DeVante Parker, Dolphins 5 147. RB Duke Johnson, Browns 11 148. RB Montee Ball, Broncos 7 149. WR Terrance Williams, Cowboys 6 150. RB Jay Ajayi, Dolphins 5

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 33

AFC

EAST

1 Patriots NEW ENGLAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RB Travaris Cadet, TE Scott Chandler, CB Chimdi Chekwa, CB Bradley Fletcher, CB Robert McClain, ILB Brandon Spikes.

PREDICTION

10-6

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Brandon Browner, OG Dan Connolly, CB Darrelle Revis, RB Stevan Ridley, RB Shane Vereen, DT Vince Wilfork.

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL Nick Caserio HEAD COACH Bill Belichick OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Josh McDaniels DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Matt Patricia STADIUM Gillette Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 68,756 | FieldTurf By

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE The beauty of Josh McDaniels’ offense, and what makes it so hard to defend, is that the Patriots will beat teams in a variety of ways. Take the 2014 playoffs, when they rushed 13 times for 14 yards against Baltimore and then 40 times for 177 yards the next week to beat the Colts. The spread offense still relies heavily on Tom Brady’s ability to make quick decisions to get the ball to his playmakers in space, but will hone in on an opponent’s weakness for that week’s game plan.

 QUARTERBACKS Just when you think he’s finally lost a step, Tom Brady goes out and wins Super Bowl MVP after throwing 33 touchdowns to nine picks in the regular season. However, this offseason has been all about the balls he was “aware” were being deflated, not the ones he threw for touchdowns, as he faces a fourgame suspension to start the year. A

 RUNNING BACKS Their 2011 draft picks, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, had fine and productive seasons in New England, but this is the Patriots, after all, and they moved on, declining to re-sign either back. The torch falls to LeGarrette Blount. He is a strong runner with an impressive burst in the open field for his size but is facing a one-game suspension to start the year. Jonas Gray epitomized the Pats’ offense and running game, going off for 201 yards against Indianapolis in Week 11 but then sitting out as an inactive player in the Super Bowl. He is another in-between-thetackles runner, just smaller than Blount, and the Patriots also have Brandon Bolden for shortyardage situations. The three wild-cards to watch are James White, a 2014 fourth-rounder who could be a third-down back; former Saint Travaris Cadet, who caught 38 passes last season; and Tyler Gaffney, who was productive at Stanford but spent last year on IR with a knee injury. The Pats also use fullback James Develin.

B-

 RECEIVERS Julian Edelman has had no problem becoming the “Wes Welker” of the offense the past two seasons. The precise route runner with great open-field elusiveness led the team in receptions for the second year in a row. Brandon LaFell gave Brady a nice outside threat with his length, going for 953 yards and seven

34 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

scores. Danny Amendola’s biggest knock remains his durability, but he’s another middle-of-the-field option. The battle will be at No. 4 receiver, where Aaron Dobson is facing a crucial offseason. Josh Boyce and former Dolphins slot man Brandon Gibson figure to factor in as well. The Patriots don’t need much production at the bottom of the WR depth chart because they have the best tight end in the game, Rob Gronkowski. A freakish athlete with great size and speed, Gronk remains the best pass-catching tight end in the league and can excel as a run blocker to boot. Tim Wright, a receiver in college, isn’t going to provide much in the blocking game but could be more of a slot receiver with an increased value in the red zone. Michael Hoomanawanui is the team’s H-back who can be a shortyardage player. The Patriots went out and signed Scott Chandler, who beat up the seam when with the Bills. He doesn’t have great speed, but he has the size and hands to pair with Gronk. Former Washington TE Fred Davis could be a factor.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Robert Kraft

GRADE

2014 RECORD 12-4

tall, strong-armed, smart quarterback, Brady runs the Patriots’ offense with ease. He has fantastic footwork in the pocket and limits his mistakes. His deep ball has lost some zip and he made more mistakes early last year than we’re accustomed. Jimmy Garoppolo has a lightning-quick release and the necessary intangibles for the position, and that will be tested when he has to start for Brady.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Left tackle Nate Solder had his option picked up for 2015, making it a contract year for Brady’s blind-side protector the past four seasons. He’s massive and athletic but can get beat around the edge by speed rushers. He gave up six sacks last year per Pro Football Focus. His bookend, RT Sebastian Vollmer, might have had his best season in 2014. It helped that he stayed healthy, starting 15 games and then all three playoff contests. With great length and footwork, Vollmer was one of PFF’s toprated tackles. Bryan Stork took over as the center as a rookie last season, showing his ability to be a quick learner to handle the complex offense. Guard is a bit of a question mark, unless Dan Connolly is re-signed. Former center Ryan Wendell returns, and he can play

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC EAST

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Tom Brady

Chandler Jones

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Jonas Gray DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB Malcolm Butler POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RB and OG: Open competitions

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 10 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Pittsburgh at Buffalo Jacksonville BYE at Dallas at Indianapolis N.Y. Jets Miami Washington at N.Y. Giants Buffalo Bills at Denver Philadelphia at Houston Tennessee at N.Y. Jets at Miami

TIME

8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

Tom Brady

DEFENSE Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia run a defense that won’t lead the league in fewest yards allowed, but they’ll confuse teams and win the turnover battle – they were second in the NFL with a +12 turnover margin. In recent seasons, the

Patriots have played four up front, but they will move players around and use disguises at the line. After losing three key players, there will be more pressure on the scheme as well as the young players stepping into new roles.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN With Vince Wilfork gone, Rob Ninkovich is the veteran and leader of the D-line. The high-motor edge rusher has made a name for himself after toiling on practice squads earlier in his career. Ninkovich doesn’t give up on the play and led the Pats in sacks last season. His bookend is the future of the Patriots’ front seven, Chandler Jones. The fourth-year player has a great sizestrength-speed combo and had six

GRADE

on the right side. He’s undersized but a versatile and smart player. Fourthrounder Tre’ Jackson started 43 games for Florida State but was better in 2013 than he was last year. He’s a powerful run blocker. The strong Shaq Mason, also a fourth-rounder, can play either interior spot. Youngsters Jordan Devey and Josh Kline are available, and Cameron Fleming – last year’s extra tackle – could kick inside. Marcus Cannon is a solid reserve OT.

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 at Miami Sept. 14 at Minnesota Sept. 21 Oakland Sept. 29 at Kansas City Oct. 5 Cincinnati Oct. 12 at Buffalo Oct. 16 N.Y. Jets Oct. 26 Chicago Nov. 2 Denver Nov. 16 at Indianapolis Nov. 23 Detroit Nov. 30 at Green Bay Dec. 7 at San Diego Dec. 14 Miami Dec. 21 at N.Y. Jets Dec. 28 Buffalo POSTSEASON Jan. 10 Baltimore Jan. 18 Indianapolis Feb. 1 Seattle All times Eastern

RESULT

L 20-33 W 30-7 W 16-9 L 14-41 W 43-17 W 37-22 W 27-25 W 51-23 W 43-21 W 42-20 W 34-9 L 21-26 W 23-14 W 41-13 W 17-16 L 9-17 W 35-31 W 45-7 W 28-24

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 35

AFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TOM BRADY CMP

56 21 37 23 35 37 37 35 53 30 53 35 44 35 35 16 582

29 14 24 14 23 27 20 30 33 19 38 22 28 21 23 8 373

PASSING YDS TD

249 149 234 159 292 361 261 354 333 257 349 245 317 287 182 80 4109

JULIAN EDELMAN

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ MIA WK 2 @ MIN WK 3 OAK WK 4 @ KC WK 5 CIN WK 6 @ BUF WK 7 NYJ WK 8 CHI WK 9 DEN WK 11 @ IND WK 12 DET WK 13 @GB WK 14 @ SD WK 15 MIA WK 16 @ NYJ WK 17 BUF SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 7 13 8 8 12 9 4 10 8 15 10 12 10

6 95 6 81 10 84 4 23 5 35 9 91 4 44 1 14 9 89 5 50 11 89 7 48 8 141 7 88 Inactive Inactive 134 92 972

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 4

1 1 1 1 2 4 3 5 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 0 33

INT

RTG

0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 9

69.7 103.1 91.5 59.9 110.7 139.6 103.5 148.4 97.4 85.0 94.0 102.7 90.8 93.4 76.1 64.6 97.4

ROB GRONKOWSKI

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 6 6 3 11 9 10 9 10 5 10 12 11 8 10

4 40 1 4 32 0 3 44 1 2 31 1 6 100 1 7 94 0 5 68 0 9 149 3 9 105 1 4 71 1 5 78 0 7 98 0 8 87 1 3 96 1 6 31 1 Inactive 131 82 1124 12

sacks last season. New England added Jabaal Sheard, who can spell Jones to help stop the run. Inside, the Pats have veteran Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga, who was very stout against the run in 2014. The long-term option to replace Wilfork is first-round pick Malcom Brown. A sizespeed-athleticism interior lineman, he has good hands and will win one-on-one battles at the point of attack. Dominique Easley, last year’s first-rounder, could be dominant if healthy as an interior pass rusher or edge player. Rookies Geneo Grissom — a raw, quick D-end — and Trey Flowers, a high-motor player with good hands, could be contributors. Youngsters Joe Vellano, Michael Buchanan, Zach Moore and Jake Bequette round out the D-line rotation.

 LINEBACKERS When Jerod Mayo went down last year, it was Jamie Collins who stepped up in a big way in his second season. He led the Patriots in tackles and added four sacks, four forced fumbles and two picks. A fast, athletic player, Collins can handle the strong side. Opposite him is Dont’a

STEVAN RIDLEY

ATT

RUSHING YDS

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 3 12 0 17 86 0 12 33 0 37 201 4 Active, Did Not Play 1 4 0 2 9 0 11 62 0 6 5 1 Inactive 89 412 5

7 6 7 8 9 5 11 5 11 1 8 3 1 6 6 2 96

36 40 20 26 90 4 43 22 29 18 12 6 1 5 38 1 391

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

ATT

RUSHING YDS

SHANE VEREEN

BRANDON LaFELL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 46 10 6 119 4 1 20 6 4 97 5 4 55 11 11 124 13 6 53 4 3 62 12 9 98 7 5 38 9 4 41 8 6 66 10 7 64 6 4 70 119 74 953

0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 7

SHANE VEREEN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 35 1 0 0 6 4 17 5 5 41 3 3 18 3 1 3 8 5 71 5 3 23 10 5 38 4 4 59 9 8 48 2 1 26 4 3 30 3 1 12 2 1 12 4 3 14 77 52 447

0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

ATT

RUSHING YDS

LeGARRETTE BLOUNT TD

8 21 0 25 101 1 19 54 0 5 28 0 27 113 1 10 23 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 94 340 2

DANNY AMENDOLA

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 16 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 0 0 3 1 19 2 2 5 3 2 35 2 2 13 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 3 7 1 1 11 11 8 63 7 4 24 42 27 200

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

ATT

RUSHING YDS

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 12 78 10 58 20 66 8 17 Inactive 10 62 60 281

2 0 0 1 0 3

TIM WRIGHT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 3 15 1 0 0 1 1 20 0 0 0 5 5 85 1 1 1 0 0 0 7 7 61 0 0 0 2 1 2 6 5 36 1 1 12 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 12 3 1 15 33 26 259

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 6

Hightower, who also excelled last year, tallying six sacks and 13 QB hits. He has the desired strength and physicality to be a playmaker. Mayo, the stalwart and leader in the middle, has been limited to 12 games over the past two seasons because of injury, but few players have a knack for finding the ballcarrier like him. The Patriots brought back run-stopper Brandon Spikes. Specialteamers Jonathan Freeny and Darius Fleming are among the top reserves.

an option to start. The one key player the Patriots did re-sign this offseason was safety Devin McCourty, one of the game’s better ball hawks with the size, range and physicality to patrol center field. Patrick Chung is solid in the box and also possesses good instincts. Tavon Wilson and Duron Harmon are the top reserves at safety, and both fared well against the pass in limited snaps last season. Secondround pick Jordan Richards has good instincts and ball skills to make up for not having the best size-speed combo.

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

SPECIAL TEAMS

A-

Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner left via free agency, giving one starting corner job to Logan Ryan. Ryan has shown flashes but will have more on his plate this season. Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler might be able to carve out a bigger role this year as well, possibly even as a starter, and Justin Green could play a role in the competition. Free-agent additions Bradley Fletcher and Robert McClain will try to make the squad, with Fletcher being

36 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Matthew Slater is one of the steadiest special-teamers in the league. The speedy wideout led the team in coverage tackles last season. Nate Ebner and the reserve DBs also contribute. Stephen Gostkowski was nearautomatic last year, converting 35-of-37 field goals, his best rate as a pro. Ryan Allen was consistent in his second year punting. Julian Edelman is always a threat for a big punt return, while Danny Amendola can return kickoffs.

GRADE

WK 1 @ MIA WK 2 @ MIN WK 3 OAK WK 4 @ KC WK 5 CIN WK 6 @ BUF WK 7 NYJ WK 8 CHI WK 9 DEN WK 11 @ IND WK 12 DET WK 13 @GB WK 14 @ SD WK 15 MIA WK 16 @ NYJ WK 17 BUF SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

GRADE

OPP

GRADE

GAME

JONAS GRAY

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 19 LaFELL 80 Amendola 18 Slater OLT 77 SOLDER 61 Cannon OLG 65 DEVEY Jackson* 64 Barker C 66 STORK 62 Wendell Mason* ORG 62 WENDELL 67 Kline ORT 76 VOLLMER 71 C. Fleming 61 Hauptmann TE 87 GRONKOWSKI 88 Chandler Derby* TE 47 HOOMANAWANUI 81 Wright Davis WR 11 EDELMAN 84 Tyms 82 Boyce QB 12 BRADY 10 Garoppolo 8 Gilbert RB 29 BLOUNT 35 Gray 39 Cadet DEFENSE

DLE 50 NINKOVICH 99 Buchanan Grissom* DT 97 BRANCH 96 Siliga 74 Easley DT BROWN* 72 Vellano 94 Jones DRE 95 JONES 93 Sheard 90 Moore SLB 91 COLLINS 52 Freeny 58 D. Fleming MLB 51 MAYO Spikes 49 Morris WLB 54 HIGHTOWER 45 Gordon 44 Skinner CB 26 RYAN 24 Fletcher 22 McClain SS 23 CHUNG Richards* 43 Ebner FS 32 McCOURTY 27 Wilson 30 Harmon CB 21 BUTLER 31 Green SPECIALISTS

P 6 ALLEN PK 3 GOSTKOWSKI H 3 ALLEN PR 11 EDELMAN 80 Amendola KR 80 AMENDOLA 19 LaFell 18 Slater LS CARDONA* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Bill Belichick, head coach; Steve Belichick, coaching assistant; Josh Boyer, cornerbacks; Moses Cabrera, assistant strength and conditioning; Brian Daboll, tight ends; Brendan Daly, defensive assistant; Dave DeGuglielmo, offensive line; Ivan Fears, running backs; Brian Flores, safeties; Patrick Graham, linebackers; Joe Judge, special teams; Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks; Harold Nash, strength and conditioning; Chad O’Shea, wide receivers; Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator; Jerry Schuplinski, coaching assistant; Ray Ventrone, special teams assistant.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT S DE DE OG C LS OLB TE CB DE

Texas Stanford Oklahoma Arkansas Florida State Georgia Tech Navy Mississippi State Arkansas Marshall Alabama

32 64 97 101 111 131 166 178 202 247 253

1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 7

Malcom Brown Jordan Richards Geneo Grissom Trey Flowers Tre’ Jackson Shaq Mason Joe Cardona Matt Wells AJ Derby Darryl Roberts Xzavier Dickson

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Patriots have no troubles replacing Wilfork and Revis on defense while getting a boost from the return of Mayo. On offense, Brady is steady, Gronk continues to dominate and someone emerges as a go-to running back. The O-line does its job, helping the Pats return to the Super Bowl.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The run defense is not the same without Wilfork and the pass defense takes a big step back without Revis and Browner. Brady’s age starts to show, the offensive line has leaks and injuries ravage the offensive side of the ball. Depth is an issue, and worst case is they miss out on the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

POS

6 Allen, Ryan P 80 Amendola, Danny WR Andrews, David C 64 Barker, Chris OL 92 Bequette, Jake DE 29 Blount, LeGarrette RB 38 Bolden, Brandon RB 82 Boyce, Josh WR 12 Brady, Tom QB 97 Branch, Alan DL Brown, Malcom DL 21 Butler, Malcolm CB 39 Cadet, Travaris RB 61 Cannon, Marcus OL Cardona, Joe LS 88 Chandler, Scott TE 34 Chekwa, Chimdi CB 23 Chung, Patrick S 91 Collins, Jamie LB Derby, A.J. TE 46 Develin, James FB 65 Devey, Jordan T Dickson, Xzavier LB 17 Dobson, Aaron WR 4 Easley, Dominique DL 43 Ebner, Nate DB 11 Edelman, Julian WR 71 Fleming, Cameron OL 58 Fleming, Darius LB 24 Fletcher, Bradley CB Flowers, Trey DL 52 Freeny, Jonathan LB 36 Gaffney, Tyler RB 10 Garoppolo, Jimmy QB 13 Gibson, Brandon WR 8 Gilbert, Garrett QB 45 Gordon, Cameron LB 3 Gostkowski, Stephen K 35 Gray, Jonas RB 31 Green, Justin DB Grissom, Geneo DL 87 Gronkowski, Rob TE 30 Harmon, Duron DB Harper, Chris WR 68 Hauptmann, Caylin OL 54 Hightower, Dont’a LB 47 Hoomanawanui, Michael TE Jackson, Tre’ OG Jean, Jimmy DB 98 Johnson, Antonio DL 55 Johnson, Rufus LB 95 Jones, Chandler DE 94 Jones, Chris DT King, Brandon DB 67 Kline, Josh OL 16 Krause, Jonathan WR 19 LaFell, Brandon WR 33 Lewis, Dion RB 53 Martin, Eric LB Mason, Shaq OL 51 Mayo, Jerod LB 22 McClain, Robert CB 32 McCourty, Devin DB 90 Moore, Zach DL 49 Morris, James LB 50 Ninkovich, Rob DE Patterson, Eric DB Richards, Jordan DB Roberts, Darryl DB 26 Ryan, Logan CB 93 Sheard, Jabaal DL 96 Siliga, Sealver DL 18 Slater, Matthew WR 77 Solder, Nate OT Spikes, Brandon ILB 66 Stork, Bryan OL 41 Swanson, Dax DB Taylor, Vince DL 84 Tyms, Brian WR 72 Vellano, Joe DL 76 Vollmer, Sebastian OT Wells, Matt LB 62 Wendell, Ryan OL 94 White, Chris LB 28 White, James RB 27 Wilson, Tavon DB 81 Wright, Tim TE

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

6-2 215 25 3 Louisiana Tech 5-11 195 29 7 Texas Tech 6-3 294 22 R Georgia 6-2 310 24 2 Nevada 6-5 265 26 3 Arkansas 6-0 250 28 6 Oregon 5-11 220 25 4 Mississippi 5-11 205 24 2 Texas Christian 6-4 225 37 16 Michigan 6-6 325 30 9 Michigan 6-2 320 21 R Texas 5-11 190 25 2 West Alabama 6-1 210 26 4 Appalachian State 6-5 335 27 5 Texas Christian 6-2 236 23 R Navy 6-7 260 29 8 Iowa 6-0 190 26 4 Ohio State 5-11 210 27 7 Oregon 6-3 250 25 3 Southern Mississippi 6-4 255 23 R Arkansas 6-3 255 26 3 Brown 6-6 317 27 2 Memphis 6-3 266 R Alabama 6-3 200 23 3 Marshall 6-2 290 23 2 Florida 6-0 210 26 4 Ohio State 5-10 200 28 7 Kent State 6-6 325 22 2 Stanford 6-2 255 25 4 Notre Dame 6-0 200 28 7 Iowa 6-2 266 21 R Arkansas 6-2 254 25 4 Rutgers 6-0 220 24 2 Stanford 6-2 225 23 2 Eastern Illinois 6-0 210 27 7 Washington State 6-4 221 23 1 Southern Methodist 6-3 240 23 2 Michigan 6-1 215 31 10 Memphis 5-10 225 24 2 Notre Dame 5-11 195 24 2 Illinois 6-3 252 22 R Oklahoma 6-6 265 25 6 Arizona 6-1 205 24 3 Rutgers 5-11 175 21 R California 6-3 300 23 2 Florida International 6-3 270 25 4 Alabama 6-4 260 26 6 Illinois 6-4 330 22 R Florida State 6-3 180 26 R Alabama-Birmingham 6-3 328 30 8 Mississippi State 6-5 272 24 1 Tarleton State 6-5 265 25 4 Syracuse 6-1 309 24 3 Bowling Green State 6-2 213 21 R Auburn 6-3 295 25 3 Kent State 5-11 190 23 1 Vanderbilt 6-3 210 28 6 LSU 5-8 195 24 4 Pittsburgh 6-2 250 23 3 Nebraska 6-1 300 21 R Georgia Tech 6-1 250 29 8 Tennessee 5-9 195 26 5 Connecticut 5-10 195 27 6 Rutgers 6-6 275 24 2 Concordia-St. Paul 6-2 240 23 2 Iowa 6-2 260 31 10 Purdue 5-10 193 22 R Ball State 5-11 210 R Stanford 6-0 182 R Marshall 5-11 195 24 3 Rutgers 6-3 264 26 5 Pittsburgh 6-2 325 25 4 Utah 6-0 210 29 8 UCLA 6-8 320 27 5 Colorado 6-2 255 27 6 Florida 6-4 310 24 2 Florida State 5-11 191 24 1 Sam Houston State 6-2 310 22 R Vanderbilt 6-3 204 26 3 Florida A&M 6-2 300 26 3 Maryland 6-8 320 30 7 Houston 6-2 215 24 R Mississippi State 6-2 300 29 7 Fresno State 6-3 238 26 5 Mississippi State 5-10 206 23 2 Wisconsin 6-0 215 25 4 Illinois 6-4 235 25 3 Rutgers

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| 37

2 Bills

AFC

EAST

BUFFALO

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS QB Matt Cassel, TE Charles Clay, WR Percy Harvin, OG Richie Incognito, RB LeSean McCoy.

PREDICTION

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES LB Kiko Alonso, QB Kyle Orton, S Da’Norris Searcy, LB Brandon Spikes, RB C.J. Spiller.

GENERAL MANAGER Doug Whaley HEAD COACH Rex Ryan OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Greg Roman DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dennis Thurman STADIUM Ralph Wilson Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 73,967 | A-Turf Titan

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Rex Ryan plus Greg Roman equals lots of running the football. Roman’s 49ers offenses were in the top 10 in rushing in each of the past four seasons, and we know about Ryan’s affinity for grounding and pounding. Without a franchise quarterback, look for a passing game that focuses on high percentage throws, and a stable of backs opening things up for some misdirection in the backfield. Roman is very creative and sure to use all the skill players at his disposal.

 QUARTERBACKS Ryan inherits EJ Manuel, who has a long way to go to live up to his billing as the first quarterback taken in the 2013 NFL Draft, let alone get back into the starting role, which is Matt Cassel’s for now. The 33-year-old started nine games in the past two seasons for the Vikings and has a career passer rating of 80.1. His play has slipped since a very impressive

 RUNNING BACKS Ryan made the splash of the offseason when he traded for LeSean McCoy, arguably the league’s best dual-threat back. A shifty, speedy and elusive runner, McCoy has the vision, feet and durability to be an every-down back in the Bills’ offense, but he won’t have to be. McCoy is coming off back-to-back seasons of 300 carries. He has rushed for 1,300 yards in three of the last four seasons. As good as McCoy is in space, the Bills also have Fred Jackson to do some work in between the tackles, and Jackson is also adept at pass catching and pass protection, but he’s 34 years old. Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown have each shown flashes in their careers, Dixon in shortyardage situations and Brown in the open field, as the Bills have done plenty to replace C.J. Spiller, including drafting Karlos Williams, a former safety who is good in short-yardage situations. Former Vikings fullback Jerome Felton figures to play a role in the rushing attack.

RECEIVERS Doug Whaley mortgaged two firstrounders last year to move up and grab Sammy Watkins, who led the Bills with 982 yards receiving at 15.1 yards a catch as a rookie. Maybe more consistency at quarterback will help Watkins make a Year Two jump. Watkins was an outside receiver only last year, and could show

38 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

more versatility, but he’s an electric player who can stretch defenes and make defenders miss. Those qualities used to describe Percy Harvin, who is on his fourth NFL team. Can he still take the top off a ‘D?’ Look for Roman to get creative with Harvin, who needs to stay healthy. Robert Woods has quietly put together two solid seasons. He’s a fluid route runner and physical enough to make up for not having the size-speed combo that Watkins possesses. There’s a drop-off after the top three at wideout. Chris Hogan is a strong possession receiver. Marquise Goodwin has track speed, along with Marcus Thigpen, while Marcus Easley offers good size. At tight end, the Bills snatched Charles Clay from the rival Dolphins. He has been a very adept pass catcher, using his size, fluidity and speed to create mismatches. Keep an eye on MarQueis Gray, a college quarterback who could find a spot in the rotation on offense, along with rookie tight end Nick O’Leary, a productive college player who can block and catch passes, but isn’t great at either.

GRADE

OWNER/CEO Terry Pegula

GRADE

2014 RECORD 9-7

2010 in Kansas City, but he is experienced, gets rid of the ball quickly and will be smart enough to get the ball into the hands of his playmakers. Cassel is coming off a broken foot. Manuel will have to be more accurate and consistent and use his mobility to his advantage if he wants to overtake Cassel at some point during the season. Former Joe Flacco backup Tyrod Taylor and Jeff Tuel will be involved in the summer competition, too.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The rock and leader of this group remains center Eric Wood, and while his metrics weren’t great last year via Pro Football Focus, he is still a tough, dependable player to help the O-line with the new offense. Left tackle Cordy Glenn is coming off another impressive season, with a PFF grade of +6.5, despite eight sacks allowed. He is in the final year of his rookie deal. He is light on his feet, has vines for arms and his frame should bode well for a run-first offense. There will be some position battles, including right tackle. Seantrel Henderson struggled mightily in his first year. He is massive but will likely compete with last year’s second-rounder Cyrus Kouandjio, another player with great size who could improve his footwork. The controversial

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC EAST

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

LeSean McCoy

Mario Williams

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Sammy Watkins DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Nigel Bradham POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OG: Richie Incognito vs. Chris Williams vs. Cyril Richardson

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 12 Nov. 23 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Indianapolis 1:00 p.m. New England 1:00 p.m. at Miami 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m. at Tennessee 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati 1:00 p.m. at Jacksonville (London) 9:30 a.m. BYE Miami 1:00 p.m. at N.Y. Jets 8:25 p.m. at New England 8:30 p.m. at Kansas City 1:00 p.m. Houston 1:00 p.m. at Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. at Washington 1:00 p.m. Dallas 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Mario Williams DATE

DEFENSE With Ryan bringing Dennis Thurman over from the Jets, it is safe to assume the Bills will return to a 3-4 defense, but they have the personnel to be hybrid and play several fronts, and Ryan has said it will be multiple. He even started using more 40-fronts in New York in the past few seasons. Although the front seven will have some different looks, expect

an aggressive defense and press-man coverage in the back end. Ryan loves his cornerbacks.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The best D-line in the game? Ryan goes from a pretty formidable front with the Jets to this group, which features defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, who plug the middle better than most, but what sets them apart is their pass rushing. Kyle Williams is 32 but still has the hands and leverage to make up for his 6-foot-1 height to beat offensive linemen off the snap. Dareus, who is seeking a longterm contract, is very athletic, quick and productive for his size and posted 10 sacks last season. We’ll get to Mario

GRADE

Richie Incognito comes to town with a nasty, mauling style as a run blocker. If he can stay under control with Ryan, he could return to form after a year away from the game. Chris Williams and Cyril Richardson figure to factor in the competition to start at guard, along with third-round pick John Miller, a powerful finisher with a high motor.

TIME

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Chicago *W 23-20 Sept. 14 Miami W 29-10 Sept. 21 San Diego L 10-22 Sept. 28 at Houston L 17-23 Oct. 5 at Detroit W 17-14 Oct. 12 New England L 22-37 Oct. 19 Minnesota W 17-16 Oct. 26 at N.Y. Jets W 43-23 Nov. 9 Kansas City L 13-17 Nov. 1 at Miami L 9-22 Nov. 24 N.Y. Jets W 38-3 Nov. 30 Cleveland W 26-10 Dec. 7 at Denver L 17-24 Dec. 14 Green Bay W 21-13 Dec. 21 at Oakland L 24-26 Dec. 28 at New England W 17-9 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 39

AFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS KYLE ORTON WK 1 @ CHI WK 2 MIA WK 3 SD WK 4 @ HOU WK 5 @ DET WK 6 NE WK 7 MIN WK 8 @ NYJ WK 10 KC WK 11 @ MIA WK 12 NYJ WK 13 CLE WK 14 @ DEN WK 15 GB WK 16 @ OAK WK 17 @ NE SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

43 38 43 17 48 39 32 31 57 27 49 23 447

CMP

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 30 308 1 1 24 299 2 1 31 283 2 1 10 238 4 0 29 259 1 0 22 193 0 0 24 230 2 0 17 190 1 2 38 355 1 2 14 158 0 1 32 329 3 2 16 176 1 0 287 3018 18 10

C.J. SPILLER

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ CHI WK 2 MIA WK 3 SD WK 4 @ HOU WK 5 @ DET WK 6 NE WK 7 MIN WK 8 @ NYJ WK 10 KC WK 11 @ MIA WK 12 NYJ WK 13 CLE WK 14 @ DEN WK 15 GB WK 16 @ OAK WK 17 @ NE SEASON TOTALS 

RUSHING ATT YDS

15 53 12 69 10 25 15 60 10 8 6 19 1 53 Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR 4 -4 5 17 78 300

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 4 10 7 9 6 3 5

0 0 0

4 4 14 6 12 3 90

Returning to the outside linebacker position is athletic freak Mario Williams, who notched 14.5 sacks last season. Williams is a physical specimen who hasn’t missed a start with the Bills. Look for him to also rush with his hand in the dirt as a D-end in the hybrid front. Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown can step in for Kiko Alonso. Brown played for Alonso last year on the weak side and showed good game speed and some ability in coverage. He led the team in tackles and had six behind the line. Bradham is the other starter, a smart, downhill thumper who can stop the run. He also showed his cover abilities with

ATT

22 26 39 44 88.1 94.1 95.4 142.8 81.9 69.7 115.4 57.2 74.8 54.2 87.9 106.4 87.8

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

GRADE

RTG

FRED JACKSON

Williams in the LB section, where Jerry Hughes will also play. Re-signed to a big contract, Hughes has tallied 10 sacks in back-to-back seasons with his quick getoff. Reserve D-end Jarius Wynn had a pair of sacks last year, defensive tackle Stefan Charles had three and there’s tackle Corbin Bryant, who has good length.

INT

3 13 2 27 8 78 6 52 7 58 4 17 3 16 Inactive 4 39 Inactive 3 13 3 27 10 37 3 27 9 93 1 4 66 501

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

131

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

FRED JACKSON

INT

16 173 1 16 202 1 23 238 1 21 225 2 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 76 838 5

ROBERT WOODS

1 0 0 2

80.3

SAMMY WATKINS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 4 78 3 1 5 8 3 19 12 3 17 4 3 37 10 7 78 5 4 10 3 3 50 8 6 52 5 2 15 11 9 118 7 4 71 4 3 36 5 2 22 9 7 52 4 4 39 104 65 699

4 3 31 11 8 117 8 2 19 9 4 30 12 7 87 3 2 27 14 9 122 6 3 157 10 4 27 7 3 32 5 3 35 9 3 11 12 7 127 6 1 28 7 3 75 5 3 57 128 65 982

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 5

 DEFENSIVE BACKS Ryan’s former team, the Jets, got Darrelle Revis back, but he gets a pretty good No. 1 in Buffalo with Stephon Gilmore, a long, agile and physical corner. The team’s most productive corner last year, though, was veteran Corey Graham, who had 16 passes defensed. He’s a smart and physical corner who had the secondary’s best grade via PFF. The speedy Leodis McKelvin is another experienced cover man for the team’s nickel package. Secondround pick Ronald Darby has great speed, athleticism and physicality with his jam, but will need to improve his ball skills. Another fast corner, Nickell Robey logged good game experience last year. At safety, Aaron Williams will make a receiver remember a hit that he hands

40 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

91.7 98.6 85.2 59.4

RUSHING ATT YDS

7 12 6 7 10 10 3 3

six passes defensed. Veteran SLB Manny Lawson has position versatility and good instincts. Third-year pro Ty Powell offers the Bills depth at an inside linebacker position, while Randell Johnson can back up Lawson and be another pass rusher.

RTG

0 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6

10 21 8 20 6 18 141

ANTHONY DIXON TD

ATT

RUSHING YDS

0 0 0 0 0 1 0

5 2 0 0 0 7 13 22 9 10 12 6 3 6 3 7 105

60 3 0 0 0 23 51 44 62 35 54 25 15 26 7 27 432

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2

61 24 34 33 49 26 12 Inactive 10 Inactive 32 70 35 71 10 58 525

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

SCOTT CHANDLER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 0 2 2 27 5 5 74 5 2 15 6 4 21 9 6 105 5 3 36 2 1 12 6 3 17 3 0 0 3 3 28 3 3 2 11 8 81 2 2 22 6 4 37 1 1 20 70 47 497

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3

CHRIS HOGAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 27 6 5 72 6 5 63 1 1 14 7 5 57 9 7 74 3 2 5 4 2 8 9 7 54 2 1 6 9 3 43 3 1 3 61 41 426

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4

out with his physicality. A college corner, Williams can cover, too, but wasn’t too productive in pass defense. Taking over as the starter for the departed Da’Norris Searcy next to Aaron Williams is Duke Williams, who had a positive PFF grade in 551 snaps in his second season. He has athleticism and upside for the position. Reserve safeties include Bacarri Rambo and Jonathan Meeks.

SPECIAL TEAMS Big legged Dan Carpenter hit a 58yard field goal last season and is 67 of 74 (90.5 percent) in his two seasons in Buffalo, an improvement from his last seasons in Miami. Jordan Gay can handle kickoffs if there’s a roster spot. In his rookie season, Colton Schmidt had a 38.7-yard net punting average. With Spiller gone, the Bills will need a new primary kickoff returner, which could go to Goodwin or Thigpen. McKelvin and Thigpen are both adept punt returners. Corner Ron Brooks and Easley led the team in special teams takedowns last season.

GRADE

OPP

EJ MANUEL

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

B+

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 WOODS 15 Hogan 80 Thompson OLT 77 GLENN OLG 74 C. WILLIAMS 68 Richardson 62 Kupper C 70 WOOD 60 Urbik ORG 68 INCOGNITO 76 Miller* 62 Campbell ORT 66 HENDERSON 71 Kouandjio TE 85 CLAY 89 Gragg 84 O’Leary* WR 14 WATKINS 88 Goodwin 15 Brown WR 18 HARVIN 81 Easley 11 Thigpen QB 16 CASSEL 3 Manuel 5 Taylor RB 25 McCOY 22 Jackson 26 Dixon DEFENSE

DLE 94 M. WILLIAMS NT 99 DAREUS DT 95 K. WILLIAMS DRE 55 HUGHES SLB 53 BRADHAM MLB 57 POWELL WLB 58 R. JOHNSON CB 21 McKELVIN SS 23 A. WILLIAMS FS 27 D. WILLIAMS CB 24 GILMORE

92 Wynn 97 Bryant 96 Charles 90 Towns 91 Lawson 93 B. Johnson 52 Brown 45 Gaines 50 Steward* 20 Graham 28 Darby* 30 Rambo 36 Meeks 31 Ladler 37 Robey 33 Brooks SPECIALISTS

P 6 SCHMIDT 4 Gay PK 2 CARPENTER 4 Gay H 6 SCHMIDT PR 21 McKELVIN 22 Jackson KR 88 GOODWIN 14 Watkins LS 65 SANBORN * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Rex Ryan, head coach; Kurt Anderson, assistant offensive line; Bobby April III, linebackers; Eric Ciano, head strength and conditioning; Danny Crossman, special teams; Karl Dunba, defensive line; Donnie Henderson, defensive backs; Aaron Kromer, offensive line; Sanjay Lal, wide receivers; David Lee, quarterbacks; Anthony Lynn, assistant head coach/running backs; D’Anton Lynn, defensive assistant; Tim McDonald, defensive backs; Chris Palmer, senior offensive assistant; Jason Rebrovich, assistant defensive line; Greg Roman, offensive coordinator; Eric Smith, special teams assistant; Tony Sparano, tight ends; Jeff Weeks, assistant defensive line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB OG RB OLB TE WR

Florida State Louisville Florida State Clemson Florida State Central Arkansas

50 81 155 188 194 234

2 3 5 6 6 7

Ronald Darby John Miller Karlos Williams Tony Steward Nick O’Leary Dez Lewis

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The longest playoff drought in football comes to an end. With the best offensive playmakers the franchise has had in years, the quarterback play won’t have to be superb, just efficient. McCoy has another big year while Watkins makes the Year Two jump. The league’s most ferocious defensive front continues to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, and Ryan’s energy helps Buffalo finally break through and grab a wild-card berth in the AFC.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The inconsistent quarterback play continues, something Bills fans (and Ryan, from his time with the Jets) are too familiar with. It stunts the offense again, keeping McCoy and Watkins from being productive. We start to notice the age on the D-line and offenses find a way to protect against the Bills’ front, while the young secondary struggles, keeping the Bills home for the postseason again.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

53 Bradham, Nigel 33 Brooks, Ron 46 Broomfield, Deon 35 Brown, Bryce 19 Brown, Justin 52 Brown, Preston 97 Bryant, Corbin 87 Burton, Clay 30 Butler, Mario 62 Campbell, William 2 Carpenter, Dan 98 Carrington, Alex 16 Cassel, Matt 79 Chandler, Tyson 96 Charles, Stefan 85 Clay, Charles 29 Cockrell, Ross 28 Darby, Ronald 99 Dareus, Marcell 82 Davis, Andre 26 Dixon, Boobie 81 Easley, Marcus 42 Felton, Jerome 45 Gaines, Jimmy 4 Gay, Jordan 24 Gilmore, Stephon 77 Glenn, Cordy 88 Goodwin, Marquise 89 Gragg, Chris 20 Graham, Corey 48 Gray, MarQueis 72 Hamilton, Justin 18 Harvin, Percy 66 Henderson, Seantrel 15 Hogan, Chris 86 Holley, Caleb 54 Hudson, Andrew 55 Hughes, Jerry 64 Incognito, Richie 22 Jackson, Fred 93 Johnson, Bryan 63 Johnson, Darryl 58 Johnson, Randell 43 Knox, Corey 71 Kouandjio, Cyrus 61 Kupper, Alex 31 Ladler, Kenny 69 Larsen, BJ 91 Lawson, Manny 13 Lewis, Dezmin 47 Manhertz, Chris 3 Manuel, EJ 25 McCoy, LeSean 21 McKelvin , Leodis 36 Meeks, Jonathan 76 Miller, John 73 Morrell, D.J. 38 Noel, Merrill 84 O’Leary, Nick 17 Palmer, Tobais 57 Powell, Ty 30 Rambo, Bacarri 56 Reed, Cedric 68 Richardson, Cyril 37 Robey, Nickell 9 Roth, Spencer 65 Sanborn, Garrison 6 Schmidt, Colton 50 Steward, Tony 44 Sweeting, Rod 59 Tarpley, AJ 5 Taylor, Tyrod 11 Thigpen, Marcus 41 Thomas, Cam 80 Thompson, Deonte 90 Towns, Jeremy 7 Tuel, Jeff 60 Urbik, Kraig 14 Watkins, Sammy 23 Williams, Aaron 74 Williams, Chris 27 Williams, Duke 67 Williams, Erik 40 Williams, Karlos 95 Williams, Kyle 94 Williams, Mario 70 Wood, Eric 10 Woods, Robert 92 Wynn, Jarius

LB CB S RB WR LB DT TE CB OG K DT QB OT DT TE CB CB DT WR RB WR FB LB K CB OT WR TE CB TE DT WR OT WR WR LB DE OG RB DE OG LB FB OT OG S DE DE WR TE QB RB CB S OG OG CB TE WR LB S DE OG CB P LS P LB CB LB QB WR CB WR DT QB OG WR S OG S DE RB DT DE C WR DE

6-2 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-7 6-5 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-6 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-7 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-0 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-5 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-6 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-5 5-8 6-5 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-1 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-6 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-0 6-3

241 190 206 220 209 251 300 253 187 311 228 301 228 354 323 255 190 193 331 205 233 217 248 240 200 190 345 179 244 196 242 310 184 331 220 200 246 254 319 216 250 295 245 225 322 299 200 275 240 212 255 240 208 185 209 312 325 175 247 178 249 211 272 343 165 220 240 225 235 187 241 208 200 190 203 290 221 324 211 199 320 201 270 225 303 292 310 190 285

25 26 23 23 24 22 27 22 26 23 29 27 32 24 26 26 23 21 25 21 27 27 28 21 25 24 25 24 24 29 25 21 26 23 26 24 22 26 31 34 26 24 24 25 21 25 22 26 30 22 23 25 26 29 25 21 23 23 22 25 27 24 22 24 23 22 29 24 22 24 23 25 28 24 26 26 24 29 21 25 29 24 23 22 31 30 29 23 28

4 4 1 4 2 2 3 R 2 1 8 5 11 R 3 5 2 R 5 R 6 5 8 1 2 4 4 3 3 9 3 R 7 2 3 1 R 6 9 9 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 R 10 R 1 3 7 8 2 R 1 R R 1 3 3 R 2 3 R 7 2 R 2 R 5 4 R 4 1 2 7 2 5 8 3 R R 10 10 7 3 7

Florida State LSU Iowa State Kansas State Oklahoma Louisville Northwestern Florida Georgia Tech Michigan Montana Arkansas State USC NC State Regina (Canada) Tulsa Duke Florida St. Alabama South Florida Mississippi State UConn Furman Miami (FL) Centre South Carolina Georgia Texas Arkansas New Hampshire Minnesota Louisiana-Lafeyette Florida Miami (FL) Monmouth East Central (OK) Washington TCU Nebraska Coe College West Texas A&M New Mexico Florida Atlantic Buffalo Alabama Louisville Vanderbilt Utah State NC State Central Arkansas Canisius Florida State Pittsburgh Troy Clemson Louisville Old Dominion Wake Forest Florida St. North Carolina State Harding Georgia Texas Baylor USC Baylor Florida State California-Davis Clemson Georgia Tech Stanford Virginia Tech Indiana Western Kentucky Florida Samford Washington State Wisconsin Clemson Texas Vanderbilt Nevada Bethune-Cookman Florida St. LSU NC State Louisville USC Georgia

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 41

AFC

EAST

3 Dolphins MIAMI

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

TE Charles Clay, OG Daryn Colledge, CB Cortland Finnegan, WR Brian Hartline, RB Knowshon Moreno, DT Jared Odrick, OG-C Samson Satele, DT Randy Starks, RB Daniel Thomas, WR Mike Wallace, LB Philip Wheeler, DB Jimmy Wilson.

3RD PLACE IN AFC EAST

2014 RECORD 8-8 CHAIRMAN Stephen M. Ross GENERAL MANAGER Dennis Hickey HEAD COACH Joe Philbin OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bill Lazor DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Kevin Coyle STADIUM Sun Life Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 75,540 | Natural grass

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Bill Lazor coaxed big improvements from the offense last season, as the Dolphins finished 11th in points scored, the team’s best ranking since 2001, and they went from 27th to 14th in total offense. Lazor spreads things out in a zone-read system that gives Ryan Tannehill several options pre-snap and at the mesh point. A different group of pass catchers this year should add an extra dynamic.

GRADE

 QUARTERBACKS In the new system, Tannehill had his best season as a pro, completing 66.4 percent of his passes (accuracy was an area of improvement discussed prior to the season) for 27 touchdowns and only 12 picks. Now he needs to take that to another level to get the Dolphins back to the playoffs, and show he deserves the big contract he

signed in May. Tannehill has outstanding size and athleticism for the position as well as a strong arm. His deep ball hasn’t been too effective, but Joe Philbin puts some of that blame on an O-line that has allowed 114 sacks the past two seasons. Tannehill has good feet and seems to be ascending. Matt Moore returns as Tannehill’s backup. Moore has been in Miami since 2011 and has only thrown 31 passes in the past three seasons, but he is a reliable backup with the confidence to make plays. Former first-round pick Josh Freeman will be a player to watch in training camp as he tries to get his career on a better path.

 RUNNING BACKS Lamar Miller had his career year in 2014 and, like Tannehill, is in position for big money (at least, for his position) if he can do it again. Miller averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored nine times last year. He’s a runner who relies on his speed and one-cut running to get through the hole. He is quick and had 38 catches last year. He did bulk up a bit this offseason, but the Dolphins added a power back in the draft in Jay Ajayi. At Boise State, Ajayi rushed for 3,796 yards. He has good size and is a physical runner who complements his between-thetackles style with good vision, burst and receiving skills – he had 50 catches last season. Damian Williams is an average back as the No. 3. He had 36 carries last year and has good balance. 2013 fifth-rounder Mike Gillislee and former 49ers burner LaMichael James will also compete for roster spots.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

 RECEIVERS Last year at this time, we talked about Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, and then Jarvis Landry led the team in receptions, but Landry enters this year again as the No. 3 target behind two newcomers, DeVante Parker and

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Kenny Stills – and Greg Jennings will be a factor as well. The third-best wideout in a loaded class, Parker has the size-strength-athleticism combo to be a dynamic outside receiver. He is physical and should adapt well to the NFL to get open. Stills comes over from New Orleans after 931 receiving yards last season. He might not have track speed but he can track the deep ball to make big plays down the field. Jennings is on his third team in four years, and while he’ll never get back to his 1,000-yard receiving days in Green Bay, he’s still a reliable, middle-of-the-field wideout. That brings us to Landry, who shouldn’t be forgotten, as he has the rapport with Tannehill and the hands to continue to be the Dolphins’ go-to possession receiver. After losing Charles Clay to Buffalo, the Dolphins added TE Jordan Cameron from Cleveland. He has basketball player size but battled injuries last year and his production took a nosedive. He will be a good redzone threat along with Dion Sims, who has a good frame and can block.

GRADE

9-7

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

TE Jordan Cameron, QB Josh Freeman, WR Greg Jennings, OG Jeff Linkenbach, CB Brice McCain, LB Spencer Paysinger, WR Kenny Stills, DT Ndamukong Suh, C J.D. Walton.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN If the Dolphins are to make the postseason, this group needs to take a big step forward. Only Branden Albert had a positive grade from Pro Football Focus, and he missed seven games. An athletic lineman with great wingspan for the position, Albert has to stay healthy to help protect Tannehill’s blind side. He is far and away the veteran of the unit, but center Mike Pouncey is entering that part of his career. Pouncey got his big pay day in April with a six-year contract, making him the highest-paid center. A strong center with a good base to anchor in the run game, Pouncey is one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball. The questions loom at guard, where the Dolphins have Dallas Thomas, Billy Turner, fourth-rounder Jamil Douglas

GRADE

PREDICTION

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Ryan Tannehill

Cameron Wake

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Jarvis Landry DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Jelani Jenkins POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH No. 2 CB: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Oct. 29 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3 DATE

DEFENSE Kevin Coyle’s aggressive defense has relied on a ferocious defensive line,

which obviously will be even tougher to contend with this season. The hope is the D-line can make things easier for the corners to man up in coverage. Coyle’s job was in jeopardy in the offseason after a rough end to the 2014 season, and like the rest of the staff and key players, this is a key year for him and the ‘D’. Philbin reportedly asked Coyle to “simplify” things on his side of the ball.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The most feared defensive lineman in the game got a massive payday to come to South Beach, as Ndamukong Suh joins an already formidable defensive front. A strong, powerful, productive player, Suh uses his hands well to win at the point of attack and gets into the backfield with ease. Joining Suh on the interior is Earl

TIME

1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Cameron Wake and former Chief Jeff Linkenbach with Samson Satele and Daryn Colledge gone. Thomas had the team’s worst grade per PFF, allowing seven sacks. He’ll need to improve his quickness and take advantage of his strength to improve. Turner had an essential redshirt year and could start at right guard. Turner is massive with big hands. Douglas has some position versatility and athleticism but has to get more aggressive. Last year’s first-rounder, Ja’Wuan James, will man right tackle. He started every game, but allowed 12 QB hits. He might still be raw but has the size. Veterans Jason Fox and J.D. Walton are the reserves.

OPPONENT

at Washington at Jacksonville Buffalo N.Y. Jets (London) BYE at Tennessee Houston at New England at Buffalo at Philadelphia Dallas at N.Y. Jets Baltimore N.Y. Giants at San Diego Indianapolis New England

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 13 Nov. 23 Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

OPPONENT

New England at Buffalo Kansas City at Oakland Green Bay at Chicago at Jacksonville San Diego at Detroit Buffalo at Denver at N.Y. Jets Baltimore at New England Minnesota N.Y. Jets All times Eastern

RESULT

W 33-20 L 10-29 L 15-34 W 38-14 L 24-27 W 27-14 W 27-13 W 37-0 L 16-20 W 22-9 L 36-39 W 16-13 L 13-28 L 13-41 W 37-35 L 24-37

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AFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS ATT

WK 1 NE WK 2 @ BUF WK 3 KC WK 4 @ OAK WK 6 GB WK 7 @ CHI WK 8 @ JAX WK 9 SD WK 10 @ DET WK 11 BUF WK 12 @ DEN WK 13 @ NYJ WK 14 BAL WK 15 @ NE WK 16 MIN WK 17 NYJ SEASON TOTALS 

32 49 43 31 31 32 29 34 38 34 36 35 33 47 47 39 590

CMP

18 31 21 23 20 25 16 24 27 26 26 25 23 29 35 23 392

178 241 205 278 244 277 196 288 207 240 228 235 227 346 396 259 4045

MIKE WALLACE

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 NE WK 2 @ BUF WK 3 KC WK 4 @ OAK WK 6 GB WK 7 @ CHI WK 8 @ JAX WK 9 SD WK 10 @ DET WK 11 BUF WK 12 @ DEN WK 13 @ NYJ WK 14 BAL WK 15 @ NE WK 16 MIN WK 17 NYJ SEASON TOTALS 

11 7 81 1 8 5 56 1 12 5 74 0 4 3 35 1 9 5 67 1 8 5 46 1 7 2 59 0 8 3 50 0 8 5 51 1 7 4 38 0 5 4 35 1 11 6 69 0 4 3 39 0 7 5 104 1 5 5 58 2 1 0 0 0 115 67 862 10

2 1 1 2 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 0 1 1 4 1 27

RTG

1 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 0 12

79.9 73.6 70.4 109.3 83.3 123.6 73.3 125.6 81.8 114.8 104.9 77.7 98.9 73.5 118.8 87.4 92.8

CHARLES CLAY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 8 4 4 5 5 3 8 9 6 3 7 10 6 84

Mitchell. The veteran had seven tackles for loss last season. Second-rounder Jordan Phillips is athletic for his size and has all the tools to be an effective D-tackle. Off the edge, Cameron Wake has good bend and a burst off the snap to get around offensive tackles. He notched 11.5 sacks last season. Wake is 33, but has missed only one game in the past five seasons. Olivier Vernon, who is coming into his own as an athletic pass rusher, had 13 QB hits in 2014. Derrick Shelby, Terrance Fede, Anthony Johnson and A.J. Francis are the D-line reserves. This group will be without the suspended Dion Jordan.

GRADE

INT

 LINEBACKERS The Dolphins have had issues finding the right trio at linebacker but know what they have in Koa Misi, who is the man in the middle entering his sixth season. He isn’t flashy but gets the job done and was one of the top-graded players last season. Misi could also play on the strong side. Jelani Jenkins, the weakside linebacker, led the team in tackles

2 27 7 31 3 21 2 32 3 35 4 58 1 1 5 65 7 45 5 31 Inactive Inactive 2 41 6 59 6 114 5 45 58 605

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

11 11 15 12 14 18 14 11 4 15 12 13 12 16 19 19 216

RYAN TANNEHILL

59 46 108 64 53 61 78 49 10 86 59 56 53 47 92 178 1099

0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 8

BRIAN HARTLINE

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 2 26 8 5 36 7 3 25 7 6 74 2 0 0 3 3 35 4 1 19 7 5 50 1 1 1 4 3 55 2 2 39 1 1 9 4 2 11 2 0 0 1 0 0 6 5 94 63 39 474

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

3 4 1 5 3 6 5 4 2 4 4 4 2 3 6 0 56

-2 11 9 35 49 48 48 47 0 16 15 13 6 21 -5 0 311

5 4 19 5 2 7 5 4 24 2 2 3 3 3 40 3 2 22 3 3 21 2 1 8 2 1 -4 2 2 12 1 1 8 3 2 11 5 5 36 2 1 10 7 5 58 2 0 0 52 38 275

 DEFENSIVE BACKS Although there are some personnel changes in the front seven, the top three members of the secondary return, led by cornerback Brent Grimes. He wasn’t as “shut-down” as he was in 2013, but Grimes is still a physical, ballhawking corner who can man up opposing No. 1 receivers. The new nickel corner is expected to be Brice McCain, who has been productive in his career (39 passes defensed). Will Davis played sparingly last season but could step into the starter’s role opposite Grimes.

44 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

LAMAR MILLER

B-

DANIEL THOMAS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

while showing a nose for the ball, and he had nine tackles behind the line. He is undersized but has good athleticism to range sideline to sideline. Former Bill and Colt Kelvin Sheppard and Jake Knott back up Misi, while ex-Giant Spencer Paysinger and last year’s fifth-rounder, Jordan Tripp, contribute on special teams. Keep an eye on Chris McCain and undrafted rookies Mike Hull, Zach Vigil and Jeff Luc.

GRADE

OPP

LAMAR MILLER

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

Not on Team Not on Team 2 15 5 35 Inactive 7 25 4 18 9 8 5 14 5 23 3 19 1 5 0 0 2 5 Inactive 1 1 44 168

JARVIS LANDRY

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2

DION SIMS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 5 4 3 1 3 4 36

1 9 0 0 0 0 1 18 1 5 2 33 2 51 Inactive Inactive 2 11 4 31 4 58 2 18 0 0 3 35 2 15 24 284

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 0 6 5 49 7 3 24 4 4 38 8 6 75 5 4 46 3 3 23 6 5 46 10 7 53 5 5 46 11 7 50 11 8 68 6 6 55 11 8 99 9 8 31 9 5 55 112 84 758

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 5

BRANDON GIBSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 4 4 4 3 2 2 3 6 3 3 4 5 7 51

1 9 3 27 1 3 2 26 Inactive Inactive 1 7 1 18 2 20 2 13 5 42 2 17 1 7 3 29 2 50 3 27 29 295

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Also factoring in the competition will be veteran Zack Bowman, 2013 secondrounder Jamar Taylor and a pair of fifthround picks this year in Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett. Reshad Jones has been patrolling the back end in Miami since 2010. The strong safety was second on the team in tackles last year and added three picks, showing sound ball skills and athleticism. Louis Delmas, the free safety, is coming off a torn ACL. Durability has been an issue, but when healthy, Delmas can patrol center field with good range.

SPECIAL TEAMS Brandon Fields has a big leg and is one of the more consistent punters in the league, but his net average was 25th in the NFL last year. Caleb Sturgis was 29-of-37 on field goals in his second pro season. Jarvis Landry is a solid and elusive return man, and his big role in the passing game didn’t seem to keep him from being productive as a returner. Michael Thomas, Walt Aikens and Don Jones are among the top coverage players.

GRADE

RYAN TANNEHILL

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 STILLS OLT 71 ALBERT OLG 63 THOMAS C 51 POUNCEY ORG 77 TURNER ORT 70 J. JAMES TE 84 CAMERON WR 14 LANDRY WR 11 PARKER* QB 17 TANNEHILL RB 26 MILLER

85 Jennings 68 Baucus* 75 Douglas* 65 Brenner 59 Walton 72 Linkenbach 69 Liedtke* 74 Fox 64 Asper 80 Sims 85 Robinson 14 Preston 18 Matthews 83 Hazel 8 Moore 6 Bethel-Thompson 33 Ajayi* 34 Williams

DLE 91 WAKE DT 90 MITCHELL DT 93 SUH DRE 50 VERNON WLB 53 JENKINS MLB 55 MISI SLB 58 C. McCAIN CB 21 GRIMES SS 20 JONES FS 25 DELMAS CB 29 DAVIS

79 Shelby 66 Dieke 76 A. Johnson 97 Phillips* 96 Francis 78 Fede 42 Paysinger 57 Tripp 56 Knott 52 Sheppard 45 Hull* 22 Taylor 28 Bo. McCain* 35 Aikens 31 Gary 44 Kovacs 38 Jones 24 Br. McCain 30 Bowman

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 2 FIELDS PK 9 STURGIS H 2 FIELDS PR 14 LANDRY 18 Matthews KR 14 LANDRY 34 Williams LS 92 DENNEY * Rookie COACHING STAFF Joe Philbin, Head Coach; Blue Adams, Assistant Defensive Backs; Lou Anarumo, Defensive Backs; John Benton, Offensive Line; Jack Bicknell Jr., Assistant Offensive Line; Charlie Bullen, Assistant Defensive Line; Jeff Burris, Defensive Assistant; Dan Campbell, Tight Ends; David Corrao, Assistant Linebackers; Kevin Coyle, Defensive Coordinator; Mark Duffner, Linebackers; Ben Johnson, Assistant Quarterbacks; Darren Krein, Head Strength And Conditioning; Bill Lazor, Offensive Coordinator; Marwan Maalouf, Assistant Special Teams; Ben Martin, Offensive Assistant; Phil McGeoghan, Assistant Wide Receivers; Jeff Nixon, Running Backs; Ken O’Keefe, Wide Receivers; Dave Puloka, Assistant Strength And Conditioning; Dave Regan, Sports Science Analyst; Darren Rizzi, Special Teams Coordinator; Zac Taylor, Quarterbacks; Terrell Williams, Defensive Line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR DT OG CB RB S WR

Louisville Oklahoma Arizona State Memphis Boise State Minnesota Michigan State

14 52 114 145 149 150 156

1 2 4 5 5 5 5

DeVante Parker Jordan Phillips Jamil Douglas Bobby McCain Jay Ajayi Ced Thompson Tony Lippett

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

This is (probably) the last chance for Joe Philbin and his staff, and they’re relying on Ryan Tannehill to take that step. If he does, thanks in part to a new receiving corps and an improved O-line, a dominant defensive line will complement the offense and get the Dolphins back to the playoffs. The big-money acquisitions and top two draft picks make expected contributions, but in the end, it’s Tannehill that gets Miami to the postseason.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Tannehill either takes a step back or stays the same. The O-line remains too leaky, which hinders Tannehill’s ability to push the ball downfield to his new playmakers. Suh isn’t the force he was in Detroit and the Dolphins can’t find a reliable No. 2 corner. The linebacker and safety positions struggle, the Dolphins miss the playoffs, and Stephen Ross has no choice but to start over with another new coaching staff.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

35 Aikens, Walt 33 Ajayi, Jay 71 Albert, Branden 61 Asper, Mark 68 Baucus, Mickey 16 Bethel-Thompson, McLeod 30 Bowman, Zack 65 Brenner, Sam 81 Byrd, LaRon 84 Cameron, Jordan 62 Coleman, Deandre 4 Darr, Matt 29 Davis, Will 25 Delmas, Louis 92 Denney, John 98 Dieke, Emmanuel 75 Douglas, Jamil 47 Drew, Ray 78 Fede, Terrence 2 Fields, Brandon 74 Fox, Jason 96 Francis, A.J. 3 Franks, Andrew 5 Freeman, Josh 32 Gary, Shamiel 23 Gillislee, Mike 21 Grimes, Brent 83 Hazel, Matt 46 Hewitt, Neville 45 Hull, Mike 70 James, Ja’Wuan 27 James, LaMichael 53 Jenkins, Jelani 85 Jennings, Greg 76 Johnson, Anthony 73 Johnson, Kamal 1 Jones, Christion 38 Jones, Don 20 Jones, Reshad 7 King, Nigel 56 Knott, Jake 44 Kovacs, Jordan 14 Landry, Jarvis 69 Liedtke, Michael 72 Linkenbach, Jeff 36 Lippett, Tony 48 Luc, Jeff 88 Lynch, Arthur 18 Matthews, Rishard 28 McCain, Bobby 24 McCain, Brice 58 McCain, Chris 94 McCarthy, Ellis 66 McClendon, Jacques 15 McDonald, Tyler 26 Miller, Lamar 55 Misi, Koa 90 Mitchell, Earl 67 Montgomery, Kendall 8 Moore, Matt 11 Parker, DeVante 42 Paysinger, Spencer 97 Phillips, Jordan 51 Pouncey, Mike 19 Preston, Michael 89 Robinson, Gerell 64 Savage, Dionte 37 Seamster, Sammy 79 Shelby, Derrick 52 Sheppard, Kelvin 80 Sims, Dion 10 Stills, Kenny 86 Stoneburner, Jake 9 Sturgis, Caleb 93 Suh, Ndamukong 17 Tannehill, Ryan 22 Taylor, Jamar 82 Taylor, Ryan 63 Thomas, Dallas 31 Thomas, Michael 41 Thompson, Cedric 57 Tripp, Jordan 77 Turner, Billy 50 Vernon, Olivier 49 Vigil, Zach 91 Wake, Cameron 60 Walker, Aundrey 59 Walton, J.D. 34 Williams, Damien

S RB OT OG OL QB CB C WR TE DT P CB S LS DE OG DE DE P OT DT K QB S RB CB WR LB LB OT RB LB WR DT DT WR S S WR LB S WR OL OL CB LB TE WR CB CB LB DT OL WR RB LB DT DE QB WR LB DT C WR TE OL CB DE LB TE WR TE K DT QB CB TE OG S S LB G DE LB DE OL OL RB

6-1 6-0 6-5 6-6 6-8 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-5 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-1 6-6 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-6 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-3 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-0 5-9 5-9 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-3 5-11

210 23 221 21 310 30 321 29 293 23 230 26 196 30 310 25 220 25 249 26 315 24 220 22 190 25 210 28 252 36 257 24 304 276 22 282 23 249 30 310 27 330 25 205 22 240 27 205 24 216 24 190 31 202 23 219 22 232 23 318 22 195 22 245 23 195 31 304 22 314 23 187 22 205 24 215 27 210 22 243 24 210 24 202 22 305 23 325 27 192 22 256 23 255 24 215 25 195 21 187 28 250 23 325 20 324 27 190 24 224 24 252 28 310 27 262 22 220 30 209 22 236 26 329 22 305 25 213 25 220 25 343 23 205 24 282 26 252 27 260 24 194 23 249 25 190 25 305 28 220 26 200 24 254 27 315 25 201 26 208 22 240 24 313 23 268 24 240 24 262 33 315 22 305 28 221 23

2 R 8 2 R 1 8 2 3 5 1 R 3 6 11 1 R R 2 9 6 1 R 6 1 3 9 1 R R 2 4 3 10 2 1 R 3 6 R 2 3 2 R 6 R R 1 4 R 7 2 R 4 1 4 6 6 R 8 R 5 R 4 2 1 R R 3 4 2 3 2 2 6 3 2 4 2 2 R R R 3 R 6 R 6 R

Liberty Boise St. Virginia Oregon Arizona Sacramento State Nebraska Utah Miami (Fla.) Southern California California Tennessee Utah State Western Michigan Brigham Young Georgia Tech Arizona State Georgia Marist Michigan State Miami (Fla.) Maryland Rensselaer Polytechnic Kansas State Oklahoma State Florida Shippensburg Coastal Carolina Marshall Penn State Tennessee Oregon Florida Western Michigan Louisiana State Temple Alabama Arkansas State Georgia Kansas Iowa State Michigan Louisiana State Illinois State Cincinnati Michigan St. Cincinnati Georgia Nevada Memphis Utah California UCLA Tennessee South Carolina State Miami (Fla.) Utah Arizona Bowling Green Oregon State Louisville Oregon Oklahoma Florida Heidelberg Arizona State Oklahoma Middle Tennessee State Utah Louisiana State Michigan State Oklahoma Ohio State Florida Nebraska Texas A&M Boise State North Carolina Tennessee Stanford Minnesota Montana North Dakota St. Miami (Fla.) Utah State Penn State Southern California Baylor Oklahoma

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| 45

AFC

4 Jets

EAST

NEW YORK

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

GENERAL MANAGER Mike Maccagnan HEAD COACH Todd Bowles OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Chan Gailey DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Kacy Rodgers STADIUM MetLife Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 82,566 | FieldTurf

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Todd Bowles spent time in the AFC East coaching against then-Bills head coach Chan Gailey, and now he’s bringing the offensive mind to run his Jets offense. Gailey will do what best suits his personnel. He spread things out in Buffalo, using a two-back set and an intermediate passing game. Look for Gailey to try to simplify things for Geno Smith and continue a Jets tradition of relying on the run. He has work to do – the Jets haven’t been in the top 10 in total offense since 1998.

C-

 RUNNING BACKS John Idzik was not a successful GM, and that’s an understatement, but his trade for Chris Ivory worked and gives Gailey and Bowles a No. 1 back. A violent, strong runner, Ivory can break tackles and is fast for his size in the open field. He had six touchdowns last season. Former Patriot Stevan Ridley rushed for 1,263 yards in 2012 but played in only six games last season because of a torn ACL. Like Ivory, Ridley is an inside runner without much receiving experience. Fumbles were an issue at times in New England. Bilal Powell is the pass-catching back of the group, though he was not very productive last season. He turns 27 in October and had 36 catches in 2013. The Jets also have a pair of former Rams, Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson. Stacy is a compact, inside runner. Tommy Bohanon returns as the fullback.

 QUARTERBACKS

 RECEIVERS

This regime did not draft Geno Smith, but he will get the first shot at quarterbacking the Jets in his third pro season. Smith has the physical tools, with his athleticism and a strong arm, but like many young quarterbacks has struggled with decision-making, reading defenses and turnovers. His career

The Jets have never had a player in franchise history catch 100 passes in a season. Brandon Marshall has done it five times. Enter the sometimes-controversial veteran, the Jets’ best offensive weapon. A strong, physical, hard-working wideout, Marshall is fantastic getting in and out of his breaks. He’s an adept route runner

46 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Woody Johnson

and has a big catch radius. He battled injuries last season (rib, ankle) and had his least productive year since 2006. How he handles the New York spotlight will be heavily scrutinized. Marshall’s presence should open things up for Eric Decker; the big 2014 signing is another impressive and athletic route runner with good hands and is quicker than he is fast. Speedy slot receiver Jeremy Kerley has been quietly productive for a bad offense. The speed on the outside can come from second-round rookie Devin Smith, who had a ridiculous yards-per-catch average at Ohio State (20.7) and can be the Jets’ deep threat. The Jets’ reserve wideouts include track stars Saalim Hakim and T.J. Graham, the intriguing Chris Owusu, physical Quincy Enunwa and last year’s fourth-rounder, Shaq Evans. Jeff Cumberland has great size and can stretch the seam at tight end and has a thick base to help in blocking. Jace Amaro, last year’s second-rounder, has the upside but had drops last year and still needs to develop his blocking.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson still anchor the Jets’ O-line and remain as steady as ever as they enter the later parts of their careers. Mangold was Pro Football Focus’ top-rated center last season. He has a mean streak and is rock solid manning the middle of the line. Ferguson has made a living on the blind side with his long arms and good feet. He still has yet to miss a game in his career, starting 144 consecutive contests. Right tackle Breno Giacomini played every snap last season. He has a nasty temperament for the position and is aggressive. Former first-round pick of the Seahawks James Carpenter hopes to improve in a new environment and is expected to start at left guard. Several players will compete for the other guard spot. Veteran Willie Colon was not strong in the run game last season. Last

GRADE

2014 RECORD 4-12

accuracy is 57.5 percent and he has thrown 34 picks to 25 touchdowns. How much competition Smith faces in camp is dependent on Ryan Fitzpatrick’s recovery from a broken leg. Fitzpatrick, 32, had productive seasons with Gailey in the Bills’ offense. He is an intelligent, move-thechains quarterback who won’t beat teams deep, but can efficiently run an offense and has familiarity with the new offensive coordinator. Fourth-round rookie Bryce Petty brings his quick release to the third-string competition with Matt Simms.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Percy Harvin, RB Chris Johnson, S Dawan Landry, WR David Nelson, CB Kyle Wilson.

GRADE

6-10

4TH PLACE IN AFC EAST

OG James Carpenter, CB Antonio Cromartie, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, ILB Jamari Lattimore, WR Brandon Marshall, ILB Joe Mays, CB Darrelle Revis, CB Buster Skrine, DT Kevin Vickerson.

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Brandon Marshall

Darrelle Revis

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Jace Amaro DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT S Calvin Pryor POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ILB: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 12 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Cleveland at Indianapolis Philadelphia at Miami (London) BYE Washington at New England at Oakland Jacksonville Buffalo at Houston Miami at N.Y. Giants Tennessee at Dallas New England at Buffalo

DATE

Woody Johnson didn’t stray from defensive-minded when he hired Bowles to take over for Rex Ryan. Bowles brings Kacy Rodgers up from Miami as his defensive coordinator. Expect to see the 3-4 defense remain, and Ryan’s aggressiveness will easily transfer to Bowles and Rodgers, along with pressman coverage in the defensive backfield. Unlike the ineptitude on offense, the Jets

have ranked in the top 11 in total defense in each of the past six seasons.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Rodgers’ background is in the defensive line, and he had a pretty good one in Miami but now gets one of the best in New York. Muhammad Wilkerson, who is seeking a long-term contract as of press time, had 13 tackles for loss and 21 QB hits last season. He is a strong, athletic D-end with a great frame and first step to get into the backfield. Wilkerson was PFF’s third-ranked 3-4 defensive end, right behind his teammate, Sheldon Richardson. An agile and long defensive lineman, Richardson uses his strength to win at the point of attack and speed to get

GRADE

DEFENSE

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Darrelle Revis year’s Week 1 starting left guard, Brian Winters, is coming off a knee injury. Oday Aboushi stepped in for Winters and graded well in run blocking. There is also 2014 fourth-rounder Dakota Dozier. Veteran journeymen Corey Hilliard, James Brewer and Ben Ijalana, and rookie Jarvis Harrison make up the reserves.

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Oakland W 19-14 Sept. 14 at Green Bay L 24-31 Sept. 22 Chicago L 19-27 Sept. 28 Detroit L 17-24 Oct. 5 at San Diego L 0-31 Oct. 12 Denver L 17-31 Oct. 16 at New England L 25-27 Oct. 26 Buffalo L 23-43 Nov. 2 at Kansas City L 10-24 Nov. 9 Pittsburgh W 20-13 Nov. 24 at Buffalo L 3-38 Dec. 1 Miami L 13-16 Dec. 7 at Minnesota *L 24-30 Dec. 14 at Tennessee W 16-11 Dec. 21 New England L 16-17 Dec. 28 at Miami W 37-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 47

AFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

CMP

28 32 43 33 12 43 34 8

23 16 26 17 4 23 20 2

INT

RTG

ATT

221 1 1 176 1 1 316 1 2 209 1 1 27 0 1 190 2 1 226 1 0 5 0 3 Inactive Active, Did Not Play 10 89 0 0 7 65 0 1 18 254 1 1 16 179 1 0 17 210 1 1 20 358 3 0 219 2525 13 13

96.6 64.1 71.5 68.9 7.6 70.9 88.6 0.0

1 0 0

WK 1 OAK WK 2 @ GB WK 3 CHI WK 4 DET WK 5 @ SD WK 6 DEN WK 7 @ NE WK 8 BUF WK 9 @ KC WK 10 PIT WK 12 @ BUF WK 13 MIA WK 14 @ MIN WK 15 @ TEN WK 16 NE WK 17 @ MIA SEASON TOTALS 

12 13 29 28 27 25 367

GAME

RUSHING ATT YDS

GENO SMITH

OPP

WK 1 OAK WK 2 @ GB WK 3 CHI WK 4 DET WK 5 @ SD WK 6 DEN WK 7 @ NE WK 8 BUF WK 9 @ KC WK 10 PIT WK 12 @ BUF WK 13 MIA WK 14 @ MIN WK 15 @ TEN WK 16 NE WK 17 @ MIA SEASON TOTALS 

10 7 3 4 1 2 7 1

ERIC DECKER

38 0 26 1 20 0 4 0 3 0 11 0 37 0 0 0 Inactive Active, Did Not Play 2 4 0 4 19 0 6 33 0 4 16 0 3 9 0 5 18 0 59 238 1

7 7 1 10 10 7 11 12 4 8 4 8 11 4 11 115

 LINEBACKERS ILB David Harris returns, instead of following Ryan to Buffalo, and remains one of the league’s steadiest, most consistent yet unheralded inside linebackers. He has a knack for stopping the ballcarrier. Calvin Pace is 34 and hasn’t missed a game since 2010. He had five sacks, as his productivity continues to slip. Quinton Coples could be used on the D-line or at linebacker. Coples, who has the size-strength-speed combo, had 19 QB

GRADE

97.6 35.7 87.4 88.2 83.9 158.3 77.5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

to the ballcarrier. Those two alone were enough to make this group dominant, and then the Jets drafted Leonard Williams, a strong, athletic penetrator who can shed offensive linemen with ease and was considered by many to be the top prospect in the draft. Damon Harrison wasn’t as dominant against the run as he was in 2013 by PFF’s metrics, but he is still a stout nose tackle to plug the middle. The Jets have solid veterans for rotational purposes, like tackle Kevin Vickerson, an adept run stopper, and Stephen Bowen and T.J. Barnes.

MICHAEL VICK

5 74 4 63 1 19 4 48 Inactive 6 54 4 65 7 40 9 63 3 24 4 63 2 18 6 89 7 100 2 21 10 221 74 962

0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5

19 0 36 28 18 19

0 121

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

JACE AMARO

1 2 4 53

INT

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play 8 47 0 Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 18 153 0 21 196 1 10 132 2 7 76 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 64 604 3

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 1 4 5 3 12 5 5 0 5 2

CHRIS IVORY

2 7 1 6 3 54 5 58 3 19 10 68 3 22 5 51 0 0 2 6 0 0 Inactive Inactive 1 20 0 0 3 34 38 345

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

39.6 0 0

49.7

0 1 0 0 1

0 49.9 105.7 116.0 27.5

0 2

0 68.3

JEREMY KERLEY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 5 38 8 3 22 11 7 81 3 1 3 6 3 24 7 1 4 5 2 29 5 2 25 4 2 11 1 0 0 5 5 66 1 1 2 4 2 17 2 0 0 6 3 54 2 1 33 75 38 409

 DEFENSIVE BACKS Rex is gone, but his cornerback tandem is back. The Jets again have Darrelle Revis in the Gang Green, along with Antonio Cromartie. Revis is still in the conversation of the league’s best cover men, with his athleticism, speed, physicality and instincts. Revis is hard to beat — if a QB throws his way. Cromartie has the wheels, size and ball skills and played for Bowles in Arizona. Free-agent addition Buster Skrine figures to play inside in the nickel. He had 18 passes defensed and four picks in 2014. Dee Milliner is now a backup, which

48 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

B+

RTG

0 0 0

hits last year. Demario Davis, who is better making plays downhill than in coverage, will face competition at inside linebacker. Veterans Joe Mays, Erin Henderson and Jamari Lattimore will challenge for that starting job or for a rotational role. Off the edge, veteran Jason Babin and intriguing youngsters IK Enemkpali and Trevor Reilly will be other camp players to monitor, along with third-round rookie Lorenzo Mauldin, a high-motor pass rusher.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

10 13 10 17 9 8 21 13 8 14 7 16 16 12 11 13 198

102 44 44 84 44 7 107 43 22 51 31 62 73 25 53 29 821

CHRIS JOHNSON TD

ATT

RUSHING YDS

1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6

13 12 10 6 7 3 13 3 11 7 7 17 16 10 10 10 155

68 21 34 44 24 9 61 7 69 23 40 105 53 55 30 20 663

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

PERCY HARVIN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 9 3 22 13 11 129 5 3 23 5 1 2 3 1 6 9 6 124 3 0 0 5 4 44 Inactive 52 29 350

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

JEFF CUMBERLAND

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 4 50 2 1 14 6 3 18 1 0 0 6 2 12 2 2 10 4 3 50 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 5 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 22 5 3 43 3 2 23 47 23 247

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3

could be good, as he can use the time to develop under Bowles. Corners Darrin Walls and Dexter McDougle will factor in as well. At safety, 2014 first-rounder Calvin Pryor is a big hitter but will need to hone his awareness and channel the aggressiveness that made him a high pick. Former Charger Marcus Gilchrist is a converted corner with solid cover skills for the position and can cover pass catchers out of the slot. Reserves Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett both have starter experience.

SPECIAL TEAMS Nick Folk took a slight step back, missing seven field goals last year compared to only three in 2013, his career year, but he’s still very efficient. Ryan Quigley’s net punting average of 39.9 yards was in the upper half of the league. The Jets have plenty of options in the return game, with Kerley usually handling punts. On kickoffs, Hakim – if he makes the team – will compete with Graham and Walter Powell.

GRADE

GENO SMITH

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 MARSHALL OLT 60 FERGUSON OLG 66 COLON C 74 MANGOLD ORG 77 CARPENTER ORT 68 GIACOMINI TE 85 CUMBERLAND TE 88 AMARO WR 87 DECKER QB 7 SMITH RB 33 IVORY

11 Kerley 14 Owusu 71 Ijalana 79 Qvale 67 Winters 69 Brewer 63 Freeman 72 Johnson 70 Dozier 64 Harrison* 75 Aboushi 61 Hooey 44 Sudfeld 47 Davis 84 Smith* 10 Graham 14 Fitzpatrick 9 Petty* 29 Powell 38 Stacy DEFENSE

DLE 96 WILKERSON 62 Williams* 92 Vickerson NT 94 HARRISON Simon* DRT 91 RICHARDSON 99 Barnes 72 Bowen ROLB 98 COPLES 58 Babin 51 Enemkpali RILB 56 DAVIS 53 Mays LILB 52 HARRIS 61 Young LOLB 97 PACE 55 Mauldin 57 Reilly CB 24 REVIS 27 Milliner 30 Walls SS 21 GILCHRIST 37 Jarrett FS 25 PRYOR 39 Allen 45 Miles CB 31 CROMARTIE 41 Skrine 23 McDougle SPECIALISTS

P 4 QUIGLEY 6 Schum PK 2 FOLK 8 Furney H 4 QUIGLEY PR 11 KERLEY 18 Powell KR 10 GRAHAM 18 Powell LS 46 PURDUM * Rookie COACHING STAFF Todd Bowles, Head Coach; Bobby April, Special Teams Coordinator; Robby Brown, Offensive Quality Control; Mike Caldwell, Assistant Head Coach/Inside Linebackers; Mark Collins, Outside Linebackers; Joe Danna, Defensive Backs; Karl Dorrell, Wide Receivers; Chan Gailey, Offensive Coordinator; Justus Galac, Head Strength and Conditioning; Steve Hagan, Assistant Special Teams; Ron Heller, Assistant Offensive Line; Jimmie Johnson, Tight Ends; Pepper Johnson, Defensive Line; Kavan Latham, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Steve Marshall, Offensive Line; Daylon McCutcheon, Assistant Defensive Backs; Aaron McLaurin, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Kevin Patullo, Quarterbacks; Kacy Rodgers, Defensive Coordinator; John Scott Jr., Defensive Quality Control; Marcel Shipp, Running Backs; Ryan Slowik, Assistant Defensive Line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE WR OLB QB OG DT

USC Ohio State Louisville Baylor Texas A&M Northwestern State

6 37 82 103 152 223

1 2 3 4 5 7

Leonard Williams Devin Smith Lorenzo Mauldin Bryce Petty Jarvis Harrison Deon Simon

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

It all comes down to quarterback play, and in a perfect world, Geno Smith elevates his game in Year Three, thanks in part to Brandon Marshall’s arrival. He cuts down the turnovers and thrives in Chan Gailey’s offense, which also features a solid rushing attack. The pass defense is one of the league’s best, combining pass rush and coverage. David Harris doesn’t lose a step helping stop the run, and the Jets earn a wild-card berth.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The quarterback play continues to falter. Smith’s struggles lead Gailey to go to his trusted former player, Ryan Fitzpatrick, who can’t get the job done. We start to see the effects of age on the offensive line and injuries hamper a defense that has to try to serve as the offense. Without stable quarterback play, the Jets have suffered for years, and it’d be a nightmare for Todd Bowles’ first season if they can’t get it on track.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

75 Aboushi, Oday 39 Allen, Antonio 88 Amaro, Jace 93 Babin, Jason 99 Barnes, T.J. 40 Bohanon, Tommy 72 Bowen, Stephen 69 Brewer, James 36 Brown, Curtis 77 Carpenter, James 66 Colon, Willie 98 Coples, Quinton 31 Cromartie, Antonio 85 Cumberland, Jeff 56 Davis, Demario 47 Davis, Kellen 87 Decker, Eric 44 Deion, Barnes 78 Douzable, Leger 70 Dozier, Dakota 51 Enemkpali, Ikemefuna 82 Enunwa, Quincy 35 Eskridge, Durell 81 Evans, Shaquelle 60 Ferguson, D’Brickashaw 14 Fitzpatrick, Ryan 2 Folk, Nick 63 Freeman, Dalton 8 Furney, Andrew 68 Giacomini, Breno 21 Gilchrist, Marcus 10 Graham, T.J. 19 Hakim, Saalim 52 Harris, David 94 Harrison, Damon 64 Harrison, Jarvis 58 Henderson, Erin 43 Henderson, Greg 61 Hooey, Sean 59 Howsare, Julian 71 Ijalana, Ben 33 Ivory, Chris 37 Jarrett, Jaiquawn 76 Johnson, Wesley 49 Jones, Taiwan 11 Kerley, Jeremy 54 Lattimore, Jamari 34 Lewis, Keith 74 Mangold, Nick 15 Marshall, Brandon 55 Mauldin, Lorenzo 53 Mays, Joe 23 McDougle, Dexter 45 Miles, Rontez 27 Milliner, Dee 16 Owusu, Chris 97 Pace, Calvin 42 Perkins, DeMarkus 9 Petty, Bryce 32 Phillips, Dashaun 89 Posey, DeVier 29 Powell, Bilal 18 Powell, Walter 25 Pryor, Calvin 46 Purdum, Tanner 4 Quigley, Ryan 79 Qvale, Brent 57 Reilly, Trevor 24 Revis, Darrelle 35 Richardson, Daryl 91 Richardson, Sheldon 22 Ridley, Stevan 86 Saxton, Wes 6 Schum, Jacob 5 Simms, Matt 65 Simon, Deon 41 Skrine, Buster 84 Smith, Devin 7 Smith, Geno 38 Stacy, Zac 44 Sudfeld, Zach 95 Talley, Ronald 92 Vickerson, Kevin 30 Walls, Darrin 76 Walls, Davon 96 Wilkerson, Muhammad 79 Williams, Jordan 62 Williams, Leonard 20 Williams, Marcus 67 Winters, Brian

OL S TE LB DT FB DE OL CB G G LB CB TE LB TE WR LB DT OL DE WR S WR T QB K C K T S WR WR LB DL OL LB CB T LB T RB S OL LB WR LB CB C WR LB LB CB S CB WR LB S QB CB WR RB WR FS LS P T LB CB RB DT RB TE P QB NT CB WR QB RB TE DE DT CB DL DL DE DL CB G

6-5 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-7 6-1 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-0 6-6 6-2 6-1 6-5 5-10 6-7 5-10 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-3 5-11 6-9 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-3 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-5 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-4 5-9 6-0 6-3 5-9 6-7 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-7 6-4 6-4 6-5 5-11 6-4

308 210 265 267 364 247 300 330 185 321 315 290 210 260 239 265 214 255 284 312 272 225 207 210 310 223 222 291 210 318 198 188 188 250 350 330 244 185 304 255 322 222 196 297 252 188 229 190 307 230 259 244 196 202 201 200 265 219 230 182 210 204 189 208 270 188 315 225 198 206 294 220 235 211 210 332 185 196 221 224 260 282 328 190 290 315 287 302 196 320

23 26 22 34 24 24 31 27 26 26 32 24 31 28 26 29 28 22 28 24 23 22 22 24 31 32 30 24 23 29 26 25 25 31 26 23 28 22 24 22 25 27 25 24 21 26 26 26 31 31 22 29 24 26 23 25 34 24 23 24 25 26 23 22 29 25 24 27 29 25 24 26 21 26 26 24 26 23 24 24 26 29 32 26 24 25 22 20 24 23

3 4 2 12 2 3 10 5 3 5 10 4 10 6 4 8 6 R 8 2 2 1 R 2 10 11 9 2 1 8 5 5 3 9 4 R 7 R 1 R 5 6 4 2 R 5 5 1 10 10 R 8 2 1 3 4 13 R R 1 4 5 2 2 6 3 1 2 9 3 3 5 R 1 3 R 5 R 3 3 3 4 10 5 R 5 R R 2 3

Virginia South Carolina Texas Tech Western Michigan Georgia Tech Wake Forest Hofstra Indiana Texas Alabama Hofstra North Carolina Florida State Illinois Arkansas State Michigan State Minnesota Penn State Central Florida Furman Louisiana Tech Nebraska Syracuse UCLA Virginia Harvard Arizona Clemson Washington State Louisville Clemson North Carolina State Palomar Coll. CA (J.C.) Michigan William Penn Texas A&M Maryland Colorado Cincinnati Clarion Villanova Tiffin University Temple Vanderbilt Michigan State TCU Middle Tennessee State Virginia U. of Lynchburg Ohio State Central Florida Louisville North Dakota State Maryland California (PA) Alabama Stanford Wake Forest Florida International Baylor Tarleton State Ohio State Louisville Murray State Louisville Baker Boston College Nebraska Utah Pittsburgh Abilene Christian Missouri LSU South Alabama Buffalo Tennessee Northwestern St. (LA) Tennessee-Chattanooga Ohio St. West Virginia Vanderbilt Nevada Delaware Michigan State Notre Dame Lincoln Temple Tennessee USC North Dakota State Kent State

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| 49

AFC

NORTH

1 Ravens BALTIMORE

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Kyle Arrington, SS Kendrick Lewis, QB Matt Schaub.

PREDICTION

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES TE Owen Daniels, RS Jacoby Jones, OLB Pernell McPhee, DT Haloti Ngata, WR Torrey Smith.

1ST PLACE IN AFC NORTH

HEAD COACH John Harbaugh OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Marc Trestman DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dean Pees STADIUM M&T Bank Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 71,008 | Sportexe Momentum Turf

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE The Ravens had a productive and balanced year of offense under former coordinator Gary Kubiak, when they finished 12th overall, 13th in passing and eighth in rushing. It was good enough to get Kubiak the head job in Denver. The philosophies are about to change a little under Marc Trestman, who was just fired from his head coaching spot with the Bears. Trestman prefers more of a spread passing attack, which might fit Flacco’s skill set but is dependent upon Baltimore finding the receivers to replace what they lost in Torrey Smith and Owen Daniels. Luckily for Trestman, he has one of the league’s top offensive lines to work with.

QUARTERBACKS Joe Flacco isn’t elite, no matter what he or his contract tell you, but he’s still better than most teams have to offer. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl, but he has

B+

RUNNING BACKS The Ravens mixed it up well at running back during the fire drill that was the Ray Rice fallout, but they didn’t exactly emerge into this season with a clear-cut answer for the position. It’s partly why they used a draft pick here. Justin Forsett was the most impressive back last season, totaling 1,266 yards on a staggering 5.4 yards per carry, but he’ll turn 30 this season and is unlikely to hold up forever at 5-foot-8 and 197 pounds – even though his receiving skills will play nicely into Trestman’s system. Lorenzo Taliaferro is more of the bruiser mold at 226 pounds and should receive short-yardage looks. Fourthround rookie Javorius Allen out of USC should provide more of an athletic type of backup for Forsett.

B-

RECEIVERS A position of strength turned to a position of weakness overnight for the Ravens. They recently said good-bye to Torrey Smith, their deep threat who signed with the 49ers after scoring 11 touchdowns in his last of four seasons in Baltimore. He was a terrific pairing with Steve Smith, whom the Ravens signed away from Carolina and who finished with a team-high 1,065 yards to go with six touchdowns to rejuvenate his career. However, he’s now 36. And the Ravens’ third-leading receiver, tight end Owen Daniels, left for Denver when Kubiak took the head job there. That’s why the Ravens went to the

50 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

B-

draft, where they spent their first pick on blazing Central Florida receiver Breshad Perriman and their second pick on athletic tight end Maxx Williams out of Minnesota. They’ll hope Dennis Pitta can return from his second hip dislocation to become a starting tight end again. Second-year player Crockett Gillmore is another option, as owner Steve Bisciotti has said he expects him to follow up last year’s 10-catch campaign with 30 to 40 receptions this year.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Whereas the skill positions are seeing a good amount of turnover, the Ravens can feel good about what they have going up front. The line finished as the seventhbest unit with the pass and the fourth-best with the run last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Right guard Marshal Yanda was PFF’s highest-rated lineman at any position. His guard counterpart, another bruising downfield blocker in Kelechi Osemele, finished seventh best. Center Jeremy Zuttah and right tackle Ricky Wagner also received positive grades from PFF. That leaves left tackle Eugene Monroe as the only one with a negative grade, and it was a rough -12.9, good for 63rd in the league. These are the same five expected to start this season. James Hurst, an undrafted rookie in 2014, was a regular backup for Monroe last season, and his play was flashes of good and bad. Another rookie backup, fifth-round guard John Urschel, also has some starting experience at guard heading into Year Two.

GRADE

GM, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ozzie Newsome

GRADE

OWNER Stephen J. Bisciotti

GRADE

2014 RECORD 10-6

started all 112 games of his career. Last year, he set career highs with 3,986 yards and 27 touchdowns. He hasn’t needed a backup, but the Ravens ensured he’d have an experienced one when they signed Matt Schaub to a one-year deal. Schaub has really fallen off since his days in Houston, and he attempted all of 10 passes last year in Oakland.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

DEFENSE 2014 was another year, another top-10 defense for the Ravens, but you can bet Dean Pees wasn’t completely satisfied. The Ravens finished eighth in total defense but were much better against the run (fourth) than against the pass (23rd). That style of play fits well in the rugged AFC North, but not as much against the elite quarterbacks in the rest

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Joe Flacco

Terrell Suggs

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Maxx Williams DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Timmy Jernigan POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Matt Elam vs. Kendrick Lewis

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 1 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Denver at Oakland Cincinnati at Pittsburgh Cleveland at San Francisco at Arizona San Diego BYE Jacksonville St. Louis at Cleveland at Miami Seattle Kansas City Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

DATE

The Ravens will have to replace arguably the leader of their front line in tackle Haloti Ngata, whom the Ravens dealt to the Lions in exchange for fourthand fifth-round picks. That was in part to make room for Timmy Jernigan, who is in his second year out of Florida State. Jernigan has major shoes to fill but showed all kinds of promise as a rookie, playing just 26 snaps per game but

finishing the year with four sacks. With Ngata gone, the best lineman left on the team is nose tackle Brandon Williams, who is coming off a breakout year in his second in the pros after coming from small Missouri Southern State. He registered 47 tackles and finished as the fourth-best run-stuffing defensive tackle in any scheme, according to PFF. The third spot on the line will be Chris Canty’s to lose. He struggled with injuries last season, missing five games. He also is 32, but the Ravens brought him back on a more capfriendly deal despite other teams expressing interest. His leadership is said to be as valuable as anything else, and it will become more critical with how young the rest of the line is. DeAngelo Tyson and third-round rookie Carl Davis

GRADE

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Joe Flacco of the conference. The Ravens made it a priority this season, going to the draft and looking to free agency to sign former Texans strong safety Kendrick Lewis. They parted with longtime defensive lineman Haloti Ngata in the process, as well as pass-rushing specialist Pernell McPhee, so this Ravens defense will be a little greener than we’ve seen in the past.

TIME

4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Cincinnati Sept. 11 Pittsburgh Sept. 21 at Cleveland Sept. 28 Carolina Oct. 5 at Indianapolis Oct. 12 at Tampa Bay Oct. 19 Atlanta Oct. 26 at Cincinnati Nov. 2 at Pittsburgh Nov. 9 Tennessee Nov. 24 at New Orleans Nov. 30 San Diego Dec. 7 at Miami Dec. 14 Jacksonville Dec. 21 at Houston Dec. 28 Cleveland POSTSEASON Jan. 3 at Pittsburgh Jan. 10 at New England All times Eastern

RESULT

L 16-23 W 26-6 W 23-21 W 38-10 L 13-20 W 48-17 W 29-7 L 24-27 L 23-43 W 21-7 W 34-27 L 33-34 W 28-13 W 20-12 L 13-25 W 20-10 W 30-17 L 35-31

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| 51

AFC

NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS JOE FLACCO ATT

62 29 31 31 38 28 25 34 45 27 24 31 33 30 50 36 554

CMP

35 21 19 22 22 21 16 17 30 16 18 19 25 20 21 22 344

345 166 217 327 235 306 258 195 303 169 243 225 269 221 195 312 3986

TORREY SMITH

GAME

OPP

WK 1 CIN WK 2 PIT WK 3 @ CLE WK 4 CAR WK 5 @ IND WK 6 @ TB WK 7 ATL WK 8 @ CIN WK 9 @ PIT WK 10 TEN WK 12 @ NO WK 13 SD WK 14 @ MIA WK 15 JAX WK 16 @ HOU WK 17 CLE SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 3 3 1 8 2 3 2 8 3 5 4 5 3 2 0 7 4 8 5 6 5 8 6 0 0 3 2 12 5 7 4 92 49

50 0 10 0 25 0 53 1 38 0 51 2 81 1 0 0 63 1 75 1 98 0 65 2 0 0 16 0 59 2 83 1 767 11

1 2 1 3 0 5 2 0 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 27

71.0 109.3 79.6 137.4 65.1 149.7 91.8 43.1 91.3 89.9 120.7 104.9 106.8 99.4 41.7 107.6 91.0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 5 1 6 7 3 9 9 4 5 3 2 9 6 4 79

LINEBACKERS Although the Ravens had to see one talented leader leave the defense this offseason in Ngata, they made sure to keep another in Terrell Suggs. Baltimore re-signed the 32-year-old six-time Pro Bowler to a four-year deal, keeping a fiery rush man who notched 12 sacks last season, his fourth season in the past five years with a double-digit sack total. He provides a great rush opposite Elvis Dumervil, who tied a careerhigh with 17 sacks last season. Dumervil always has been extremely limited outside of clear passing downs, however, as he measures only 5-foot-11 and 255 pounds. That’s why he trades snaps with Courtney Upshaw, who has just four sacks in three seasons but received a +5.0 rating against the run from Pro Football Focus last season. He might have to develop into more of a rusher this season in the absence of Pernell McPhee, another speed rusher who finished as

GRADE

RTG

1 0 1 0 1 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 12

OWEN DANIELS

should be able to provide depth at all three positions on the line.

INT

4 34 5 28 1 8 4 43 5 70 2 34 6 58 Inactive 6 53 2 20 2 7 2 30 2 27 4 62 1 7 2 46 48 527

0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4

RUSHING ATT YDS

11 8 11 14 6 14 23 17 9 20 22 24 13 16 10 17 235

70 56 63 66 42 111 95 68 38 112 182 106 71 48 19 119 1266

BERNARD PIERCE

RUSHING ATT YDS

LORENZO TALIAFERRO

1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 8

17 0 96 0 Inactive Active, Did Not Play 4 30 0 15 32 1 8 21 1 Inactive 1 2 0 8 31 0 7 28 0 6 16 0 3 50 0 6 37 0 1 -2 0 6 8 0 93 366 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

JUSTIN FORSETT

6 5 14 4 4 16 5 4 2 4 3 31 8 7 55 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 3 17 8 5 67 1 0 0 2 2 8 3 2 17 2 2 7 2 1 -1 4 4 13 4 2 17 59 44 263

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 22

KAMAR AIKEN

4 4 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 22 1 1 8 2 2 20 1 1 18 6 2 15 1 1 12 1 1 13 0 0 0 4 3 51 7 6 65 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 13 32 24 267

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 18 15 5 2 4 7 7 3 0 0 7

0 0 91 58 18 29 3 27 21 10 0 0 35 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team 68 292

STEVE SMITH

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

MARLON BROWN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 3 5 5 1 31

0 0 0 0 1 15 3 31 0 0 Inactive Inactive 1 2 3 27 2 18 1 14 3 25 3 30 5 66 1 10 1 17 24 255

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

15 7 118 10 6 71 7 5 101 10 7 139 7 5 34 6 5 110 5 3 67 9 3 35 8 5 36 7 3 17 6 4 89 4 1 2 11 7 70 5 5 37 12 5 49 12 8 90 134 79 1065

1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 6

KYLE JUSZCZYK

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 54 2 2 8 2 0 0 3 2 29 1 1 4 1 1 21 2 1 12 3 3 26 3 3 21 2 0 0 2 2 3 1 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 27 19 182

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

the second-best 3-4 outside linebacker in PFF’s ratings. The inside linebackers, Daryl Smith and C.J. Mosley, are both exceptional cover linebackers who have shown steady improvement against the run. Backup ILB Albert McClellan led the Ravens with 12 special teams tackles last season.

faith that he’s taking care of his off-field issues. With 2013 first-round pick Matt Elam’s struggles in coverage, the Ravens signed former Texans safety Kendrick Lewis, another run-first defender, to try to shore up the play at strong safety. The two should make for one of the more interesting position battles in camp.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

SPECIAL TEAMS

This is the one spot that sparks some legitimate concern – and the Ravens showed that by addressing the secondary in the draft. Jimmy Smith, 27, has shown steady improvement at corner but spent time recovering from a nagging Linsfranc injury he suffered in Week 8. Backups Lardarius Webb and Asa Jackson both played significantly last season and suffered immensely, both finishing outside of the top 75 corners rated by PFF. Safety Will Hill is a very talented player but has struggled to stay on the field with a few different suspensions. The Ravens re-signed him this offseason while letting other key defenders go, however, perhaps indicating they have

52 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Justin Tucker continues to be one of the better kickers in the NFL, as well as the one with the strongest leg. He converted on 29 of 34 field goals last season and hit eight of more than 40 yards. Sam Koch, once in danger of losing his punting spot, emerged as a reliable threat last season, finishing third in yards per punt at 47.4, only one-tenth off the league lead. Jacoby Jones signed with the Chargers, so the Ravens are in the market for a new return man. That shot could go to wide receiver Michael Campanaro, a second-year player out of Wake Forest who once posted a 4.45 40yard dash time. Webb is also a contender for this spot.

GRADE

OPP

WK 1 CIN WK 2 PIT WK 3 @ CLE WK 4 CAR WK 5 @ IND WK 6 @ TB WK 7 ATL WK 8 @ CIN WK 9 @ PIT WK 10 TEN WK 12 @ NO WK 13 SD WK 14 @ MIA WK 15 JAX WK 16 @ HOU WK 17 CLE SEASON TOTALS 

JUSTIN FORSETT

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

A-

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 89 SMITH SR. OLT 60 MONROE OLG 72 OSEMELE C 53 ZUTTAH ORG 73 YANDA ORT 71 WAGNER TE 87 M. WILLIAMS* WR 18 PERRIMAN* QB 5 FLACCO RB 29 FORSETT FB 44 JUSZCSYK

14 M. Brown 15 Campanaro 74 Hurst 63 Clausell* 76 Reid 70 Myers* 77 Jensen 79 Easton* 64 Urschel 62 Johnson* 78 Jones 61 Baldwin* 80 Gillmore 82 Boyle* 11 Aiken 12 Waller* 8 Schaub 9 Renner 37 Allen 34 Taliaferro 40 Small

DT 97 JERNIGAN NT 98 B. WILLIAMS DE 99 CANTY OLB 55 SUGGS ILB 57 MOSLEY ILB 51 D. SMITH OLB 91 UPSHAW LCB 21 WEBB RCB 22 J. SMITH SS 23 LEWIS FS 33 HILL

67 Guy 94 Davis* 93 Tyson 90 Z. Smith* 59 A. Brown 50 McClellan 58 Dumervil 27 Jackson 38 Melvin 26 Elam 31 Brooks

DEFENSE

79 C. Walker 68 Bilukidi 95 Lewis-Moore 56 Means 40 DePriest* 54 Orr 45 Beyer* 25 T. Walker* 42 Greenwood 41 Levine 28 Trawick

SPECIALISTS

P 4 KOCH PK 9 TUCKER 3 Manton H 4 KOCH PR 15 CAMPANARO 21 Webb KR 15 CAMPANARO 21 Webb LS 48 SCALES 47 McDermott 46 Cox * Rookie COACHING STAFF John Harbaugh, Head Coach; Richard Angulo, Tight Ends; Juney Barnett, Assistant Strength & Conditioning; Andy Bischoff, Offensive Quality Control; Clarence Brooks, Defensive Line; Randy Brown, Kicking Consultant; Juan Castillo, Offensive Line; Bobby Engram, Wide Receivers; Thomas Hammock, Running Backs; Chris Hewitt, Defensive Backs; Mike Macdonald, Defensive Assistant; Don Martindale, Inside Linebackers; Megan McLaughlin, Executive Assistant / Football Information Manager; Ted Monachino, Linebackers; Marty Mornhinweg, Quarterbacks; Dan Parsons, Assistant To Head Coach; Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator; Bob Rogucki, Strength & Conditioning; Jerry Rosburg, Special Teams Coordinator/Associate Head Coach; Marc Trestman, Offensive Coordinator; Craig Ver Steeg, Senior Offensive Assistant; Todd Washington, Assistant Offensive Line; Matt Weiss, Cornerbacks; Drew Wilkins, Defensive Coaching Assistant.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6

Breshad Perriman Maxx Williams Carl Davis Za’Darius Smith Javorius Allen Tray Walker Nick Boyle Robert Myers Darren Waller

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR TE DT DE RB CB TE OG WR

UCF Minnesota Iowa Kentucky USC Texas Southern Delaware Tennessee State Georgia Tech

26 55 90 122 125 136 171 176 204

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

If the new additions at wide receiver and running back can be quick contributors – and with Joe Flacco at quarterback and Baltimore’s offensive line, that’s not asking a lot – the Ravens could be where they were last year, which was a play or two from beating the eventual-champion New England Patriots. The losses were tough on defense, but the secondary should be improved with the offseason acquisitions. The Ravens could contend for the AFC.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Losing Ngata and McPhee could mean a step back at those positions on defense, which will only place more pressure on a patchwork secondary. The Ravens are pushing some rookies into prominent skill roles, and they might take more time than the Ravens would like. And if Steve Smith starts to decline, whom will Flacco rely on? The Ravens could miss the playoffs in a tough division.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

11 Aiken, Kamar 47 Allen, Darius 37 Allen, Javorius 61 Baldwin, Darryl 45 Beyer, Brennen 68 Bilukidi, Christo 82 Boyle, Nick 31 Brooks, Terrence 59 Brown, Arthur 14 Brown, Marlon 17 Butler, Jeremy 15 Campanaro, Michael 99 Canty, Chris 16 Carter, DeAndre 63 Clausell, Blaine 46 Cox, Morgan 94 Davis, Carl 40 DePriest, Trey 58 Dumervil, Elvis 79 Easton, Nick 26 Elam, Matt 5 Flacco, Joe 29 Forsett, Justin 80 Gillmore, Crockett 42 Greenwood, Chris 67 Guy, Lawrence 33 Hill, Will 74 Hurst, James 27 Jackson, Asa 39 Jacobs, Tramain 77 Jensen, Ryan 97 Jernigan, Timmy 62 Johnson, Kaleb 78 Jones, Marcel 44 Juszczyk, Kyle 4 Koch, Sam 41 Levine, Anthony 95 Lewis-Moore, Kapron 23 Lewis, Kendrick 7 Lovelocke, Jerry 30 Magee, Terrence 3 Manton, Justin 50 McClellan, Albert 56 Means, Steven 38 Melvin, Rashaan 60 Monroe, Eugene 57 Mosley, C.J. 70 Myers, Robert 54 Orr, Zachary 72 Osemele, Kelechi 18 Perriman, Breshad 36 Perry, Nick 88 Pitta, Dennis 32 Pointer, Quinton 76 Reid, Jah 85 Reisner, Allen Renner, Bryn 86 Reuland, Konrad 13 Robinson, Aldrick 48 Scales, Patrick 8 Schaub, Matt 35 Small, Kiero 89 Smith Sr., Steve 51 Smith, Daryl 22 Smith, Jimmy 90 Smith, Za’Darius 55 Suggs, Terrell 84 Supernaw, Phillip 34 Taliaferro, Lorenzo Thompson, Zach 43 Toussaint, Fitzgerald 28 Trawick, Brynden 9 Tucker, Justin 93 Tyson, DeAngelo 91 Upshaw, Courtney 96 Urban, Brent 64 Urschel, John 71 Wagner, Rick 79 Walker, Casey 25 Walker, Tray 12 Waller, Darren 21 Webb, Lardarius 10 Wenning, Keith 77 Wesley, De’Ondre 98 Williams, Brandon 87 Williams, Maxx 42 Wilson, Julian 81 Worthy, Cam 73 Yanda, Marshal 53 Zuttah, Jeremy

WR OLB RB OT OLB DE TE S ILB WR WR WR DL WR OL LS DT ILB OLB C/OG S QB RB TE DB DT FS OT CB/RS DB C DT OG OT FB P S DE FS OB RB P LB DE CB OT ILB OG LB OG/OT WR S TE DB OT TE QB TE WR LS QB FB WR LB CB OLB OLB TE RB DE RB S K DE OLB DE OG/C OG/OT DT CB WR CB/RS QB OL DT TE CB WR OG/OT OG/C

6-2 6-2 6-0 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-5 6-2 5-9 6-7 5-8 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-1 5-11 6-3 5-10 6-6 5-8 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-5 5-10 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-4 6 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-4 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-9 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-5 5-10 6-4 6-6 5-8 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-5 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-7 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-2 6-6 5-10 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-4

215 25 229 23 221 23 305 23 256 22 320 25 270 22 200 24 235 24 214 24 218 24 185 24 317 32 185 329 233 29 320 23 258 21 255 31 305 22 200 23 245 30 197 29 251 23 193 25 318 25 207 25 308 23 182 25 182 22 306 23 300 22 305 22 320 26 248 24 222 32 203 28 310 25 198 26 248 22 214 22 199 22 248 28 260 24 193 25 300 28 235 22 330 23 237 22 330 25 212 21 201 23 245 29 194 27 320 26 255 26 228 25 260 28 184 26 228 27 235 33 244 26 195 35 250 33 209 26 275 260 32 248 25 226 23 265 24 205 25 225 25 189 25 315 26 272 25 295 24 308 23 310 25 335 25 191 240 22 182 29 222 24 313 22 335 26 250 21 205 23 212 23 305 30 300 28

3 R R R R 4 R 2 3 3 2 2 11 R R 6 R R 10 R 3 8 8 2 3 5 4 2 4 2 2 2 R 2 3 10 4 3 6 R R R 5 2 2 7 2 R 2 4 R R 6 3 5 3 1 3 3 2 12 R 15 12 5 R 13 2 2 1 2 3 4 4 4 2 2 3 2 R R 7 1 R 3 R R R 9 8

Central Florida Colorado State-Pueblo USC Ohio State Michigan Georgia State Delaware Florida State Kansas State Georgia Tennessee-Martin Wake Forest Virginia Cal State-Sacramento Mississippi State Tennessee Iowa Alabama Louisville Harvard Florida Delaware California Colorado State Albion Arizona State Florida North Carolina Cal Poly Texas A&M Colorado State-Pueblo Florida State Rutgers Nebraska Harvard Nebraska Tennessee State Notre Dame Mississippi Prairie View A&M LSU Louisiana-Monroe Marshall Buffalo Northern Illinois Virginia Alabama Tennessee State North Texas Iowa State Central Florida Alabama Brigham Young Nevada-Las Vegas Central Florida Iowa North Carolina Stanford Southern Methodist Utah State Virginia Arkansas Utah Georgia Tech Colorado Kentucky Arizona State Ouachita Baptist Coastal Carolina Wake Forest Michigan Troy Texas Georgia Alabama Virginia Penn State Wisconsin Oklahoma Texas Southern Georgia Tech Nicholls State Ball State BYU Missouri-Southern State Minnesota Oklahoma East Carolina Iowa Rutgers

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| 53

AFC

NORTH

2 Bengals CINCINNATI

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS LB A.J. Hawk, DE Michael Johnson, WR Denarius Moore, QB Terrelle Pryor, DT Pat Sims.

PREDICTION

PRESIDENT Mike Brown DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL Duke Tobin HEAD COACH Marvin Lewis OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Hue Jackson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Paul Guenther STADIUM Paul Brown Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,515 | FieldTurf

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE The Bengals took on the identity of their signal-caller and were the definition of average last season, finishing 15th in the NFL in both yards and points. (Andy Dalton, meanwhile, ranked 16th with 3,398 yards and 17th with 19 touchdowns.) They received a boost from the addition of power back Jeremy Hill, who piled up 1,124 yards and nine scores as a rookie. And they fell off a little in the passing game with injuries to their top two receivers, A.J. Green and Marvin Jones. This year’s unit largely will look the same, except that Jones will be back after missing the whole year with foot and ankle issues and the Bengals will have to find a new tight end to replace Jermaine Gresham, whom they let walk.

QUARTERBACKS Maintaining the status quo is a popular approach in Cincinnati these days, and that’ll be the case at quarterback for

B-

RUNNING BACKS Jeremy Hill’s breakout rookie campaign of 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry not only showed that he could share the backfield with Giovani Bernard, but it also gave him the keys to the running game. Bernard was the one providing a nice complement to Hill, as he added 680 yards and five touchdowns on 4.0 yards per carry. Both will run behind Ryan Hewitt, who has developed into one of the league’s best fullbacks. Hewitt played the third-most snaps at the position last season and finished with the fifth-best overall rating, according to Pro Football Focus.

RECEIVERS A.J. Green is still as sure-handed as they come in the NFL. Even with various injuries keeping him out of three games and the team’s playoff game, he still finished with 1,041 yards and six touchdowns, both team highs. The more devastating injury came to Marvin Jones, previously Green’s big-play complement at wideout who missed all of last season with foot and ankle injuries. That thrust Mohamed Sanu into a starting spot, and while he added 790 yards and five touchdowns, he led the NFL in drops and is better suited for the team’s slot role going forward. The Bengals will turn to Tyler Eifert to take over at tight end for the departed

54 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Jermaine Gresham, but he has his own injury history to shake after missing all of last season with a dislocated elbow. That explains the third-round selection of the athletic Tyler Kroft of Rutgers and the fifth-round pick of the large CJ Uzomah of Auburn.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The offensive line finished as Pro Football Focus’ eighth best unit last season, but the play varied greatly by position and by opponent. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth has become a franchise player, as he made PFF’s and the Associated Press’ All-Pro second teams last year. Right guard Kevin Zeitler had another top-10 season by PFF’s standards. Left guard Clint Boling had a decent year, finishing No. 19 in those rankings. But the line had a tendency of being overpowered at times in the rugged AFC North, yet the same starters will be back to try it again this season. Center Russell Bodine improved upon his 2013 play but still struggled at times. Right tackle Andre Smith has shown flashes of the talent that made him the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft but has yet to put it all together. The struggle at RT, as well as Whitworth’s impending free agency, led the team to spend its first- and second-round picks on tackles in Cedric Ogbuehi of Texas A&M and Jake Fisher of Oregon. Of those, Ogbuehi looks more of the future LT mold.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 10-5-1

another year. The Bengals somewhat solidified that with the seven-year, $97 million contract they gave Dalton just before last season. He followed that up with a 19-touchdown, 17-interception campaign that seems to be the norm for a player with a high floor and a low ceiling. The Bengals went with Jason Campbell as the backup last year, but he left in free agency, allowing A.J. McCarron to move up to the No. 2 spot for this season.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC NORTH

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Robert Geathers, TE Jermaine Gresham, S Taylor Mays, CB Terence Newman, OG Mike Pollak.

GRADE

8-8

B+

DEFENSE After finishing third in yards allowed in 2013, the Bengals took an enormous step back, ending the year at No. 22. Part of the problem was the transition under a first-year coordinator in Paul Guenther following Mike Zimmer’s promotion to the top job in Minnesota. Part of it was injuries to the unit’s leaders at each level in Geno Atkins, Vontaze Burfict and Leon Hall. But a lot of it was just a real regression in play up front that left

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

A.J. Green

Vontaze Burfict

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Tyler Eifert DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Marquis Flowers POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RT: Andre Smith vs. Jake Fisher

2015 SCHEDULE

Not long ago, this was the foundation of the Bengals’ defense. Now it appears to be the unit that is holding the team back. After three straight seasons finishing in the top 10 in sacks, the Bengals were

C+

at Oakland San Diego at Baltimore Kansas City Seattle at Buffalo BYE at Pittsburgh Cleveland Houston at Arizona St. Louis at Cleveland Pittsburgh at San Francisco at Denver Baltimore

DATE

dead last this past year with just 20. The Bengals brought back one of the stalwarts on those previous defensive lines, Michael Johnson, but that’s only after he struggled mightily on a big paycheck with the Buccaneers and was cut. The team finally parted ways with end Robert Geathers, so Johnson and the D-line’s bright spot last year, Carlos Dunlap, likely will be the ones to attack off the edge. Margus Hunt and Wallace Gilberry possess pass-rushing talents and should challenge Johnson for playing time. Inside, Geno Atkins took a huge step back last season in trying to come back from an ACL tear he suffered at the end of the 2013 season. He’ll be back along with another struggling veteran, Domata Peko, to try to improve the Bengals’ push in the

GRADE

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

OPPONENT

TIME

4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

A.J. Green the Bengals with the fewest sacks in the entire league. That soft play made it tough in certain AFC North battles and might have cost the Bengals the division. This year, the Bengals are banking on many of the same players returning to form, and since some of the injuries are now in the distant past, they might be right in that thinking. They’ve added a couple of sure-to-play rookies, and the big freeagent signing was bringing veteran A.J. Hawk back home to play for a team where linebacker depth is crucial.

DATE

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 16 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Jan. 3

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Baltimore W 23-16 Sept. 14 Atlanta W 24-10 Sept. 21 Tennessee W 33-7 Oct. 5 at New England L 17-43 Oct. 12 Carolina *T 37-37 Oct. 19 at Indianapolis L 0-27 Oct. 26 Baltimore W 27-24 Nov. 2 Jacksonville W 33-23 Nov. 6 Cleveland L 3-24 Nov. 16 at New Orleans W 27-10 Nov. 23 at Houston W 22-13 Nov. 30 at Tampa Bay W 14-13 Dec. 7 Pittsburgh L 21-42 Dec. 14 at Cleveland W 30-0 Dec. 22 Denver W 37-28 Dec. 28 at Pittsburgh L 17-27 POSTSEASON Jan 4 at Indianapolis L 26-10 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 55

AFC

NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS

OPP

WK 1 @ BAL WK 2 ATL WK 3 TEN WK 5 @ NE WK 6 CAR WK 7 @ IND WK 8 BAL WK 9 JAX WK 10 CLE WK 11 @ NO WK 12 HOU WK 13 @ TB WK 14 PIT WK 15 @ CLE WK 16 DEN WK 17 @ PIT SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

38 23 23 24 43 38 28 31 33 22 35 27 29 24 25 38 481

25 15 15 15 33 18 21 19 10 16 24 19 21 14 17 27 309

301 252 169 204 323 126 266 233 86 220 233 176 302 117 146 244 3398

JERMAINE GRESHAM

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ BAL WK 2 ATL WK 3 TEN WK 5 @ NE WK 6 CAR WK 7 @ IND WK 8 BAL WK 9 JAX WK 10 CLE WK 11 @ NO WK 12 HOU WK 13 @ TB WK 14 PIT WK 15 @ CLE WK 16 DEN WK 17 @ PIT SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 1 4 7 12 4 6 6 3 6 5 4

2 16 3 25 1 5 2 15 6 68 10 48 4 34 5 36 3 29 2 13 4 33 5 33 3 23 Inactive 10 9 62 3 3 20 79 62 460

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 5

1 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 3 1 1 2 0 2 2 19

RTG

0 0 1 0 2 0 1 2 3 0 1 3 0 1 1 2 17

98.7 116.6 68.9 117.4 93.5 55.4 89.3 79.1 2.0 143.9 84.6 60.6 128.8 53.6 93.1 83.7 83.5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 4 36 4 3 84 8 5 44 9 5 70 14 10 120 9 3 54 9 5 125 8 4 95 7 2 20 6 3 23 7 5 48 3 2 19 3 2 16 3 1 4 2 1 16 1 1 16 98 56 790

LINEBACKERS The Bengals will be happy to get back Vontaze Burfict, one of the league’s most electric 4-3 outside linebackers whose season was cut short after just five games last year. Those injuries led to two different knee surgeries, so the jury is out on whether he can return to the player who peaked at 170 tackles in 2013. The Bengals are aware of the risk going forward, which explains the signing of Ohio St. product A.J. Hawk, one of the most durable veteran linebackers in the league. Hawk likely will embrace the move from the 3-4 to the 4-3. On the strong side, Emmanuel Lamur should return to a starting position where he really struggled last season, receiving a Pro Football Focus grade of -12.5. Marquis Flowers could be a backup to watch on the outside after making a name for himself on special teams. Starting middle linebacker Rey

GRADE

INT

MOHAMED SANU

center. Backup DTs Pat Sims and Brandon Thompson have plenty of playing experience and should add needed depth.

B-

JEREMY HILL

0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 15 7 2 8 4 10 24 12 27 18 13 8 25 22 23 222

19 74 39 1 22 15 25 154 55 152 87 40 46 148 147 100 1124

GIOVANI BERNARD

0 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 9

GIOVANI BERNARD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 6 3 3 5 5 2

3 1 5 3 5 8 59

6 62 5 79 1 7 2 10 4 20 2 -1 2 2 Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 22 1 4 3 19 3 24 5 45 7 56 43 349

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

14 27 14 13 18 7 16

17 10 6 15 8 3 168

48 90 47 62 137 17 45 Inactive Inactive Inactive 45 49 17 79 36 8 680

0 0 2 2 0 0 4 3 4 4 1 0 4 4 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 3 1 1 0 0 3 2 32 27

0 22 00 68 13 0 28 9 6 13 9 12 21 4 0 10 215

Leon Hall is yet another Bengal defender who was once great but has regressed due to injury. It’s remarkable he returned as quickly as he did from his second Achilles injury, but his play last year was mediocre at best. He finished as Pro Football Focus’ 55th best cornerback, behind PFF’s 39th rated CB Adam “Pacman” Jones, the other projected starter following Terence Newman’s departure to Minnesota. The age and health of those two should soon open the door for Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard, first-round picks in the 2012 and 2014 drafts, respectively. At safety, 31-year-old Reggie Nelson had

56 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 1 2 0 1 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 5

JEREMY HILL

DEFENSIVE BACKS

B+

ANDY DALTON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Maualuga had some injury issues that led to missing four games last season, and he has never been a real impressive player, but the Bengals opted to keep him with a new three-year deal this offseason. He’ll be backed up by Vincent Rey, who had a tough season when he stepped in during injuries last year, and third-round rookie Paul Dawson out of TCU.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 3 3 2 4 1 6 2 3 5 7 3 4 2 6 3 60

3 6 3 16 25 0 14 11 8 12 6 7 22 3 25 8 169

A.J. GREEN

0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4

BRANDON TATE

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 3 1 0 5 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 3 26

4 1 1 0 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 17

19 50 5 0 38 7 30 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 22 193

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 0 9 7

6 10 8 16 8 15 11 4 13 116

6 131 0 0 6 102 5 81 Inactive Inactive Inactive 3 44 3 23 6 127 12 121 4 57 11 224 5 49 0 0 8 82 69 1041

1 0 0 1

1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 6

RYAN HEWITT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 6 15

0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 10

0 0 6 0 0 0 5 7 0 0 0 3 0 34 0 31 86

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

a nice bounce-back year with 95 tackles. The other starting safety, George Iloka, had an even better year, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ 12th best safety and allowing only 38.7 percent of passes thrown into coverage to be caught, the best among full-time starting safeties. These two have held it down so well in the back end that the Bengals have yet to see what they have in Shawn Williams, a physical and aggressive third-year player whom Marvin Lewis has raved about.

SPECIAL TEAMS Eleven-year veteran kicker Mike Nugent has been serviceable, but it’s alarming that his conversion percentage has declined in three straight seasons. Kevin Huber is coming off the best punting season of his seven-year career, having finished fifth in the league in average. Adam “Pacman” Jones continues to be one of the most exciting return men in the league, as he’s coming off a year in which he averaged 31.3 yards per kick return. Pro Football Focus rates him the NFL’s No. 1 returner.

GRADE

ANDY DALTON

B+

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 18 GREEN 12 Sanu 17 Moore OLT 77 WHITWORTH 70 Ogbuehi* OLG 65 BOLING C 61 BODINE 60 Johnson 63 J. Smith* ORG 68 ZEITLER 73 Hopkins ORT 71 A. SMITH 74 Fisher* 73 Winston TE 85 EIFERT 81 Kroft* 87 Uzomah* WR 82 M. JONES 19 Tate 87 Hamilton QB 14 DALTON 5 McCarron Pryor RB 32 HILL 25 Bernard 33 Burkhead FB 89 HEWITT DEFENSE

DE 96 DUNLAP DT 94 PEKO DT 97 ATKINS DE 90 JOHNSON OLB 59 LAMUR ILB 58 MAUALUGA OLB 55 BURFICT LCB 29 HALL RCB 24 P. JONES SS 20 NELSON FS 43 ILOKA

99 Hunt 98 Thompson 92 Sims 95 Gilberry 53 Flowers 57 Rey 50 Hawk 27 Kirkpatrick 21 Dennard 36 Williams 40 D. Smith*

91 Pole* 76 Geathers 91 Hardison* 93 Clarke 51 DiManche 47 Dawson* 56 Porter 26 Shaw* 37 Lewis-Harris 44 Keo 41 Raven*

SPECIALISTS

P 10 HUBER PK 2 NUGENT 4 Obarski* H 10 HUBER PR 24 P. JONES KR 24 P. JONES LS 46 HARRIS * Rookie COACHING STAFF Marvin Lewis, Head Coach; Paul Alexander, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line; Brian Braswell, Offensive Assistant/Quality Control; Matt Burke, Linebackers; Mark Carrier, Defensive Backs; Kyle Caskey, Running Backs; Brayden Coombs, Assistant Special Teams/ Quality Control coach; Jeff Friday, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Paul Guenther, Defensive Coordinator; Jay Hayes, Defensive Line; Jonathan Hayes, Tight Ends; Hue Jackson, Offensive Coordinator; Vance Joseph, Defensive Backs; Marcus Lewis, Defensive Assistant/Quality Control; David Lippincott, Assistant Linebackers/Quality Control; Chip Morton, Strength and Conditioning; Darrin Simmons, Special Teams Coordinator; James Urban, Wide Receivers; Ken Zampese, Quarterbacks.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT OT TE OLB S DT TE S WR

Texas A&M Oregon Rutgers TCU USC Arizona State Auburn Fresno State West Virginia

21 53 85 99 120 135 157 197 238

1 2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7

Cedric Ogbuehi Jake Fisher Tyler Kroft Paul Dawson Josh Shaw Marcus Hardison C.J. Uzomah Derron Smith Mario Alford

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Bengals are set to contend, and if they can return Geno Atkins to form and find a formidable end complement to Carlos Dunlap, they will be one of the few teams in the NFL that has no real weakness. With Andy Dalton’s limitations, this team is probably already close to its ceiling, but some year it will break through with a playoff win.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Age and injuries on defense could continue for another year, and Dalton and the offensive line aren’t good enough to have to win shootouts on a consistent basis. If the Bengals aren’t stronger up front this year, they could be on the wrong side of the majority of their division games in what is becoming a really physical and challenging AFC North. A .500 season could be in the cards.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

15 Alford, Mario 97 Atkins, Geno 25 Bernard, Giovani 61 Bodine, Russell 65 Boling, Clint 83 Brock, Kevin 55 Burfict, Vontaze 33 Burkhead, Rex 49 Carter, Chris 93 Clarke, Will 14 Dalton, Andy 47 Dawson, P.J. 21 Dennard, Darqueze 51 DiManche, Jayson 96 Dunlap, Carlos 85 Eifert, Tyler 74 Fisher, Jake 53 Flowers, Marquis 64 France, Dan 76 Geathers, Kwame 22 Ghee, Brandon 95 Gilberry, Wallace 18 Green, A.J. 29 Hall, Leon 11 Hamilton, Cobi 91 Hardison, Marcus 46 Harris, Clark 50 Hawk, A.J. 72 Hawkinson, Tanner 89 Hewitt, Ryan 32 Hill, Jeremy 28 Hill, Troy 73 Hopkins, Trey 10 Huber, Kevin 99 Hunt, Margus 43 Iloka, George 62 Jasperse, Chris 8 Johnson, Josh 90 Johnson, Michael 52 Johnson, Nico 60 Johnson, T.J. 24 Jones, Adam 82 Jones, Marvin 44 Keo, Shiloh 27 Kirkpatrick, Dre 81 Kroft, Tyler 84 Kumerow, Jake 59 Lamur, Emmanuel 88 Lengel, Matt 37 Lewis-Harris, Chris 58 Maualuga, Rey 23 McCalebb, Onterio 5 McCarron, AJ 67 Montgomery, Sam 17 Moore, Denarius 80 Murphy, Jake 20 Nelson, Reggie 2 Nugent, Mike 79 O’Donnell, Matthew 4 Obarski, Tom 70 Ogbuehi, Cedrick 30 Peerman, Cedric 94 Peko, Domata 56 Porter, Sean 41 Raven Sr., Floyd 16 Reese, Tevin 57 Rey, Vincent 45 Roach, Trevor 12 Sanu, Mohamed 26 Shaw, Josh 92 Sims, Pat 71 Smith, Andre 40 Smith, Derron 63 Smith, Jake 75 Still, Devon 19 Tate, Brandon 98 Thompson, Brandon 87 Uzomah, C.J. 31 Watson, Terrell 35 Weisman, Mark 77 Whitworth, Andrew 34 Wilder Jr., James 69 Williams, DeShawn 36 Williams, Shawn 73 Winston, Eric 86 Wright, James 68 Zeitler, Kevin

WR DT HB C G TE LB HB LB DE QB LB CB LB DE TE T LB OT DT CB DE WR CB WR DT LS LB OT H-B HB R G P DE S C/G QB DE ILB C CB WR S CB TE WR LB TE CB LB CB QB DE WR TE S K OT K OT HB DT LB S WR LB LB WR CB DT OT FS C DT WR DT TE HB FB OT HB DT S OT WR G

5-9 6-1 5-9 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-6 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-1 6-8 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-8 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-9 5-10 6-5 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-1 5-11 6-7 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-7 6-1 6-4

180 303 27 208 23 306 22 310 26 264 29 248 24 215 24 248 26 271 24 220 27 235 22 202 23 244 24 280 26 250 24 306 22 240 23 315 24 335 24 200 27 275 30 207 26 195 30 197 24 307 23 245 30 235 31 300 24 254 24 235 22 182 23 310 22 214 29 290 27 220 25 292 205 28 270 28 249 24 310 24 186 31 198 25 208 27 190 25 246 24 209 23 240 25 272 24 186 26 255 28 175 25 220 24 270 24 190 26 252 25 210 31 190 33 340 26 177 22 300 23 214 28 322 30 242 24 202 22 170 24 255 27 237 23 210 25 201 23 310 29 340 28 200 23 306 23 310 25 195 27 315 25 264 242 242 23 330 33 232 23 295 22 216 23 302 31 201 23 315 25

R 5 3 1 5 3 3 3 4 2 5 R 2 3 6 3 R 2 1 3 6 8 5 9 2 R 7 10 3 2 2 R 2 7 3 4 R 7 7 3 2 9 4 4 4 R R 4 R 3 7 1 1 2 5 1 9 11 1 R R 6 10 3 R 1 5 R 4 R 8 7 R R 4 7 4 R R R 10 1 R 3 9 2 4

West Virgnia Georgia North Carolina North Carolina Georgia Rutgers Arizona State Nebraska Fresno State West Virginia Texas Christian TCU Michigan State Southern Illinois Florida Notre Dame Oregon Arizona Michigan State Georgia Wake Forest Alabama Georgia Michigan Arkansas Arizona State Rutgers Ohio State Kansas Stanford Louisiana State Oregon Texas Cincinnati Southern Methodist Boise State Marshall San Diego Georgia Tech Alabama South Carolina West Virginia California Idaho Alabama Rutgers Wisconsin-Whitewater Kansas State Eastern Kentucky Tennessee-Chattanooga Southern California Auburn Alabama Louisiana State Tennessee Utah Florida Ohio State Queen’s (Canada) Concordia-St. Paul Texas A&M Virginia Michigan State Texas A&M Texas A&M Baylor Duke Nebraska Rutgers USC Auburn Alabama Fresno State Louisville Penn State North Carolina Clemson Auburn Azusa Pacific Iowa Louisiana State Florida State Clemson Georgia Miami (Fla.) Louisiana State Wisconsin

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AFC

NORTH

3 Steelers PITTSBURGH

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RB DeAngelo Williams.

PREDICTION

8-8

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Lance Moore, DE Brett Keisel, S Troy Polamalu, LB Jason Worilds.

3RD PLACE IN AFC NORTH

HEAD COACH Mike Tomlin OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Todd Haley DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Keith Butler STADIUM Heinz Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,050 | Natural grass

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE The Steelers are coming off their best offensive season that just about anyone can remember. Todd Haley’s unit finished second to the Saints in total offense, boasting the second-best passing attack to the Colts and the league’s 16th best ground game. They were a little inconsistent along the way – they piled up six points on the Ravens in one game and 43 the next – but it was an allaround big step forward for a unit that is relatively young. Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown all had career years, and not coincidentally, the offensive line was the best the Steelers have had in a decade.

 QUARTERBACKS The Steelers inked Ben Roethlisberger to a new five-year contract this offseason, so they’ll plunge into their 11th straight season with him as their starting signalcaller. Last season, he had some of the

 RUNNING BACKS The good news for Le’Veon Bell coming into this year is that he’s fresh off a breakout, All-Pro season in which he totaled 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.7 yards per carry to go along with 854 yards receiving. The bad news is that, pending appeal, he won’t be available for the first three games after violating the league’s substance-abuse policy with a DUI arrest last offseason. That’s partly why the Steelers added former Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams for their only marquee free-agent signing. The 31-year-old Williams will start the games in Bell’s absence and should provide veteran depth throughout the season, even though he is coming off his worst season as a pro, when he totalled 219 yards and no scores on 3.5 yards per carry. Thirdstringer Dri Archer ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the 2014 Combine but at 5-foot-8 and 173 pounds was only able to touch the ball 17 times for 63 total yards on offense last season. Second-year player Josh Harris received some play in Bell’s absence in last year’s Wild Card loss to the Ravens and will battle with Archer for the third spot.

B+

 RECEIVERS Part of Big Ben’s big year last season was the emergence of receivers not named Antonio Brown. Brown did turn in his best campaign yet with 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns to earn All-Pro honors, but it was the constant presence

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GRADE

GENERAL MANAGER Kevin Colbert

of targets that really gave Roethlisberger room to work. Markus Wheaton had just six receptions in his rookie season in 2013 before he became Pittsburgh’s No. 2 option. In 2014, Wheaton totaled 644 yards and two touchdowns in a very mid-range kind of game. Martavis Bryant, Clemson’s lesser-known receiver to Sammy Watkins, was a fourth-round pick in 2014. He ourperformed his draft status, turning in a rookie season of 549 yards and eight touchdowns. He established himself as a top-notch red zone target at 6-foot-4 and 211 pounds. This offseason, the Steelers made an attempt at establishing more depth at the position in drafting Auburn speed man Sammy Coates in the third round and re-signing the speedy Darrius Heyward-Bey. The Steelers also signed 6-foot-4 L’Damian Washington. At tight end, 32-year-old Heath Miller remains steady as always after one of his better seasons of 761 yards. Veteran Matt Spaeth is more of a blocking specialist.

A-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN After years of letting Roethlisberger get knocked around behind an aging, subpar offensive line, the Steelers have found a good, young unit and have kept it together. Pittsburgh had the fifth-best pass blocking line and the eighth-best run blocking unit last year, according to Pro Football Focus, and four of the starters are 25 or younger. The other starter, Ramon Foster, is 29 and was rated the 39th best guard by PFF. Left tackle Kelvin Beachum was the fifthbest tackle and Maurkice Pouncey was the sixth-best center, according to PFF. Right guard David DeCastro and right tackle Marcus Gilbert also received positive grades. There’s quite a drop-off to the backups, however, as Cody Wallace really struggled when he filled in for Foster, and it seemed to affect the play of the rest of the line.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN Daniel M. Rooney

GRADE

2014 RECORD 11-5

best surrounding talent in years and the result was his best season as a pro, as he set or tied career highs with 4,952 yards, 32 touchdowns and 67.1 completion percentage. Bruce Gradkowski will be his backup for a third straight season, although he has yet to attempt a pass for the Steelers. Newlysigned second-year quarterback Tajh Boyd will compete with Landry Jones for third string.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Ben Roethlisberger Lawrence Timmons OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Martavis Bryant DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Ryan Shazier POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH WR: Markus Wheaton vs. Martavis Bryant

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 10 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 1 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at New England San Francisco at St. Louis Baltimore at San Diego Arizona at Kansas City Cincinnati Oakland Cleveland BYE at Seattle Indianapolis at Cincinnati Denver at Baltimore at Cleveland

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN In his fourth season since becoming

GRADE

Finally, the Steelers defense is getting a facelift, and that’s probably a good thing. Dick LeBeau had a great run as coordinator, but his units began to struggle, and the 77-year-old departed for the Titans. Then, safety Troy Polamalu decided to retire after 12 seasons, and Jason Worilds surprisingly retired after just five. The Steelers also released longtime defensive end Brett Keisel. So under new defensive coordinator Keith Butler, promoted from linebackers coach, the Steelers will try to infuse some young blood (see the first two picks of the 2015 draft) to improve a unit that finished 18th in the league and badly needs to get back to its pressuring ways of the past.

a first-round pick, Cameron Heyward finally reached his potential. The fivetechnique provided a nice rush through the double teams, recording 7.5 sacks and consistently redirecting running plays. Pro Football Focus rated him the sixth-best 3-4 end in the league. At 25, his best days are still ahead of him. At the other spot, the Steelers rotated through Keisel, Stephon Tuitt and Cam Thomas without finding anything they liked too well. With Keisel gone, it looks like the next shot will go to Tuitt, who has yet to flash the athleticism that got him drafted in the second round last season. Thomas can provide depth at any position on the line, including nose, where Steve McLendon does solid work but has his snaps limited and is now 29.

4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Lawrence Timmons

DEFENSE

TIME

8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Cleveland W 30-27 Sept. 11 at Baltimore L 6-26 Sept. 21 at Carolina W 37-19 Sept. 28 Tampa Bay L 24-27 Oct. 5 at Jacksonville W 17-9 Oct. 12 at Cleveland L 10-31 Oct. 20 Houston W 30-23 Oct. 26 Indianapolis W 51-34 Nov. 2 Baltimore W 43-23 Nov. 9 at N.Y. Jets L 13-20 Nov. 17 at Tennessee W 27-24 Nov. 30 New Orleans L 32-35 Dec. 7 at Cincinnati W 42-21 Dec. 14 at Atlanta W 27-20 Dec. 21 Kansas City W 20-12 Dec. 28 Cincinnati W 27-17 POSTSEASON Jan. 3 Baltimore L 30-17 All times Eastern

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2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

WK 1 CLE WK 2 @ BAL WK 3 @ CAR WK 4 TB WK 5 @ JAX WK 6 @ CLE WK 7 HOU WK 8 IND WK 10 BAL WK 11 @ NYJ WK 12 @ TEN WK 13 NO WK 14 @ CIN WK 15 @ ATL WK 16 KC WK 17 CIN SEASON TOTALS 

34 37 30 40 36 42 33 49 37 43 32 58 39 35 25 38 608

CMP

23 22 22 29 26 21 23 40 25 30 21 32 25 27 18 24 408

365 217 196 314 273 228 265 522 340 343 207 435 350 360 220 317 4952

Le’VEON BELL

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 CLE 7 6 88 WK 2 @ BAL 5 5 48 WK 3 @ CAR 4 2 10 WK 4 TB 7 6 46 WK 5 @ JAX 6 5 36 WK 6 @ CLE 6 4 23 WK 7 HOU 8 8 88 WK 8 IND 7 6 56 WK 10 BAL 6 5 38 WK 11 @ NYJ 10 8 33 WK 12 @ TEN 4 2 18 WK 13 NO 11 8 159 WK 14 @ CIN 9 6 50 WK 15 @ ATL 7 5 72 WK 16 KC 2 1 9 WK 17 CIN 6 6 80 SEASON TOTALS  105 83 854

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

1 0 2 3 1 1 2 6 6 1 1 2 3 0 1 2 32

RTG

1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 9

100.7 64.8 112.6 120.2 103.1 64.4 113.8 150.6 136.3 81.8 81.1 76.4 118.5 109.2 112.1 96.1 103.3

HEATH MILLER

4 3 7 4 5 4 11 10 4 3 4 2 1 1 8 7 2 1 3 3 5 5 14 8 3 1 5 4 8 7 7 3 91 66

No position on the Steelers has deteriorated quite the way linebacker has over the years, although last year’s unit showed its flashes. Lawrence Timmons continues to be a tackling machine, notching his fourth season with at least 100 stops. He finished as Pro Football Focus’ 11th best inside linebacker and has gained the confidence of the staff to move around to a couple different spots inside with varying responsibilities. The other inside linebacker, Ryan Shazier, was a first-round pick in 2014 and can hit like a bullet but struggled with various ankle and knee injuries. He finished the year without forcing a turnover. Harrison came back from retirement last season and played reasonably well with 5.5 sacks in seven games, but he’s now 37. The last linebacker spot is Arthur Moats’ to lose. He played reasonably well in spurts last season and has the versatility to play inside or out. The Steelers got one of the steals of the 2015 first round when Kentucky’s Bud DuPree, who flashed lots of athleticism at the Combine, fell into their laps. Jarvis

GRADE

INT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

B-

Le’VEON BELL

26 35 51 85 46 19 13 112 14 29 71 82 1 68 68 41 761

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

21 11 21 19 15 18 12 24 10 11 33 21 26 20 20 8 290

LeGARRETTE BLOUNT

109 59 147 63 82 82 57 92 20 36 204 95 185 47 63 20 1361

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 0 8

MARKUS WHEATON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 6 97 8 5 38 5 4 35 6 4 57 2 1 17 11 4 33 2 0 0 5 5 56 4 2 62 7 4 41 5 1 6 9 5 61 3 2 31 5 5 66 3 2 27 4 3 17 86 53 644

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 7 5 8 5 4 6 5 2 2 49

After finishing with the 26th best pass defense and seeing Polamalu retire, the Steelers knew they had to address the secondary in the offseason. They opted to do that in the draft. Their goal should be to limit the snaps of Cortez Allen, who finished as Pro Football Focus’ 103rd-best cornerback. He’ll back up William Gay, known for dropping interceptions but playing otherwise decent coverage, as he finished 31st in those same rankings. Second-round rookie Senquez Golson and thirdrounder Doran Grant should compete for spots right away. At safety, Mike Mitchell returns after his first season in Pittsburgh didn’t go so well, when he finished as the 61st best safety, according to PFF. Shamarko Thomas will have the

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RUSHING ATT YDS

1 2 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 8

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 1 10

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0

0 1 3 2 0 1 0 0 1

4 Inactive Inactive 0 2 24 7 0 4 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive 0 -1 40

ANTONIO BROWN

6 5 116 1 12 7 90 0 10 10 90 2 11 7 131 2 12 5 84 0 10 7 118 0 13 9 90 0 13 10 133 2 16 11 144 1 9 8 74 0 11 9 91 1 12 8 97 2 14 9 117 0 10 10 123 0 9 7 72 1 13 7 128 1 181 129 1698 13

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 40 5 83 3 44 4 143 2 11 1 23 4 109 3 31 1 44 1 21 26 549

DRI ARCHER

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MARTAVIS BRYANT

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

C+

4 6 3 8 10 118 4 25 8 29 8 27 7 9 6 21 10 23 5 0 0 0 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 65 266

Jones, a 2013 first-round pick, inches closer to bust status with just three sacks in 860 career snaps. He’ll provide depth on the outside. Depth on the inside will be provided by Sean Spence, who filled in admirably for Shazier last year, as well as a two-down player in Vince Williams.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

LANCE MOORE

0 1 1 6 2 3 1 2 1 5 2 2 0 0 26

Inactive Inactive 0 0 1 12 1 26 1 26 2 12 2 33 1 4 2 28 1 15 2 13 1 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 198

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

JUSTIN BROWN

4 4 4 2 3 4

3 38 1 6 2 10 1 5 3 26 2 9 Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 21 12 94

0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0

first crack at replacing Polamalu at the strong safety spot. Thomas was a special teamer who in limited safety play was a quality run-stopper but who struggled in coverage.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Shaun Suisham put his best foot forward for another year, converting 29 of 32 field goals, with two of those misses coming beyond 50 yards. The punter spot is a little more shaky. The Steelers signed former Western Kentucky punter Jordan Berry, fresh off a year developing in Australia; and second-year player Richie Leone out of Houston to compete with incumbent starter Brad Wing, whose rookie year ended with the league’s 31st best average yards per punt at 43.7. Antonio Brown doubles as one of the league’s top punt returners, where he averaged 10.6 yards a return and took one back for a touchdown last season. Markus Wheaton, on the other hand, is only an average kick returner; his 24.7 yards a return last season were good for 14th among players with at least 20 attempts.

GRADE

BEN ROETHLISBERGER

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 84 BROWN 11 Wheaton 18 Goodwin OLT 68 BEACHUM 76 Adams 71 Whimpey* OLG 73 FOSTER 74 Hubbard C 53 POUNCEY 72 Wallace 67 Finney* ORG 66 DeCASTRO 65 Dieffenbach* ORT 77 GILBERT 64 Van Dyk 78 Villanueva TE 83 MILLER 89 Spaeth 81 James* WR 10 BRYANT 14 Coates* 85 Heyward-Bey QB 7 ROETHLISBERGER 5 Gradkowski 3 Jones RB 26 BELL 34 Williams 13 Archer FB 46 JOHNSON DEFENSE

DT 97 HEYWARD NT 90 McLENDON DE 91 TUITT OLB 55 MOATS ILB 50 SHAZIER ILB 94 TIMMONS OLB 92 HARRISON LCB 22 GAY RCB 28 ALLEN SS 29 THOMAS FS 23 MITCHELL

96 Thomas 62 McCullers 71 Geathers 95 Jones 51 Spence 98 Williams 48 DuPree* 27 Golson* 41 Blake 20 Allen 21 Golden

78 Walton* 69 Conrath 79 Hemer 40 Chickillo* 56 Zumwalt 45 Nix 65 Kruger 24 Grant* 39 Webb 31 Holliman* 42 Dangerfield

SPECIALISTS

P 9 WING 4 Berry PK 6 SUISHAM H 9 WING PR 84 BROWN 13 Archer 11 Wheaton KR 11 WHEATON 13 Archer 40 Harris LS 60 WARREN * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Mike Tomlin, Head Coach; Keith Butler, Defensive Coordinator; Terry Cousin, Player Engagement Coordinator; James Daniel, Tight Ends; Randy Fichtner, Quarterbacks; Garrett Giemont, Strength and Conditioning; Todd Haley, Offensive Coordinator; Carnell Lake, Defensive Backs; Richard Mann, Wide Receivers; John Mitchell, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line; Mike Munchak, Offensive Line; Jerry Olsavsky, Inside Linebackers; Joey Porter, Outside Linebackers; Shaun Sarrett, Offensive Assistant; James Saxon, Running Backs; Danny Smith, Special Teams Coordinator.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OLB CB WR CB TE DT DE S

Kentucky Mississippi Auburn Ohio State Penn State Central Michigan Miami (Fla.) Louisville

22 56 87 121 160 199 212 239

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7

Bud Dupree Senquez Golson Sammie Coates Doran Grant Jesse James L.T. Walton Anthony Chickillo Gerod Holliman

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

If the starting linebackers can stay healthy, Ryan Shazier could come into his own and really propel the Steelers into a solid run-stopping unit. The youth movement in the secondary has to make some difference, and so long as DeAngelo Williams can be serviceable during Le’Veon Bell’s suspension, there’s no reason to believe the offense can’t be great again. The Steelers could repeat in the AFC North and push for the AFC title.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The defense could still be a real work in progress, with young players starting at several key positions, such as DE, ILB and CB. If Le’Veon Bell misses any time beyond his three-game suspension, the Steelers could be in a tough spot to run the ball, and the offensive line cannot afford an injury. They could go 7-9 in a transitional year that includes a defensive coordinator not named Dick LeBeau for the first time in forever.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

76 Adams, Mike 28 Allen, Cortez 20 Allen, Will 13 Archer, Dri 68 Beachum, Kelvin 26 Bell, Le’Veon 4 Berry, Jordan 41 Blake, Antwon 87 Blanchflower, Rob 2 Boyd, Tajh 84 Brown, Antonio 10 Bryant, Martavis 19 Chancellor, Brelan 40 Chickillo, Anthony 85 Clear, Cameron 14 Coates, Sammie 69 Conrath, Matt 61 Crawford-Kinney, Nigel 42 Dangerfield, Jordan 33 Darby, Alden 67 Davis, Niko 66 DeCastro, David 65 Dieffenbach, Miles 61 Dismukes, Reese 48 Dupree, Bud 80 Egnew, Michael 67 Finney, B.J. 30 Fogg, Kevin 73 Foster, Ramon 57 Garvin, Terence 22 Gay, William 96 Geathers, Clifton 77 Gilbert, Marcus 21 Golden, Robert 27 Golson, Senquez 18 Goodwin, C.J. 5 Gradkowski, Bruce 24 Grant, Doran 48 Green, Shayon 25 Harris, Josh 92 Harrison, James 48 Hartson, Brandon 79 Hemer, Ethan 88 Heyward-Bey, Darrius 97 Heyward, Cameron 31 Holliman, Gerod 74 Hubbard, Chris 81 James, Jesse 46 Johnson, Will 44 Jones, Howard 95 Jones, Jarvis 3 Jones, Landry 65 Kruger, Joe 54 Lemon, Shawn 8 Leone, Richie 37 Lewis, Isaiah 62 McCullers, Daniel 90 McLendon, Steve 83 Miller, Heath 23 Mitchell, Mike 55 Moats, Arthur 16 Murphy, Tyler 45 Nix, Roosevelt 53 Pouncey, Maurkice 64 Prate, Brandon 69 Rahrig, Collin 7 Roethlisberger, Ben 17 Rogers, Eli 40 Scheuerman, Ross 50 Shazier, Ryan 89 Spaeth, Matt 51 Spence, Sean 6 Suisham, Shaun 93 Thomas, Cam 29 Thomas, Shamarko 94 Timmons, Lawrence 91 Tuitt, Stephon 64 Van Dyk, Mitchell 35 Ventrone, Ross 78 Villanueva, Alejandro 72 Wallace, Cody 78 Walton, L.T. 60 Warren, Greg 15 Washington, L’Damian 39 Webb, B.W. 11 Wheaton, Markus 71 Whimpey, Kevin 38 Wild, Ian 34 Williams, DeAngelo 98 Williams, Vince 9 Wing, Brad 56 Zumwalt, Jordan

OT CB S WR/RB OT/OG RB P CB TE QB WR WR WR LB TE WR DE DT S S DE OG OG OG LB TE C CB OG LB CB DE OT S CB WR QB CB LB RB LB LS DE WR DE S OG TE FB LB LB QB DL LB P S DL NT TE S LB WR FB C DE OG QB WR RB LB TE LB K DT S LB DE OT S OL C/OG DE LS WR CB WR OT S RB LB P LB

6-7 6-1 6-1 5-8 6-3 6-1 6-5 5-9 6-4 6-1 5-10 6-4 5-8 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-7 6-5 5-11 5-10 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-4 5-10 6-6 6-3 5-10 6-8 6-6 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-4 6-7 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-7 5-11 6-0 6-4 5-9 6-1 6-5 6-7 5-8 6-9 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-5 6-0 5-9 6-1 6-3 6-4

323 196 200 173 303 244 210 198 256 222 186 211 188 267 277 212 306 300 200 192 285 316 303 296 269 260 318 185 325 221 190 325 330 202 176 190 220 200 255 210 242 238 282 219 288 218 286 261 238 238 245 221 287 250 214 211 352 320 256 210 250 213 260 304 285 285 241 180 204 237 260 231 200 330 217 234 303 299 195 277 300 319 252 200 190 182 295 205 215 250 205 235

25 26 32 23 25 23 24 24 24 24 26 23 22 22 22 22 25 23 24 22 24 25 23 22 22 25 23 24 29 24 30 27 27 24 21 25 32 22 23 24 37 25 24 28 26 21 24 20 26 25 25 26 22 26 23 23 22 29 32 27 27 23 23 25 23 23 33 22 22 22 31 24 33 28 24 28 21 24 28 26 30 23 33 24 25 24 24 25 32 25 24 23

4 5 12 2 4 3 1 4 1 1 6 2 1 R R R 3 R 1 1 R 4 R R R 3 R 1 7 3 9 6 5 4 R 1 10 R 1 1 13 1 1 7 5 R 2 R 4 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 2 6 11 7 6 R 1 6 R R 12 R R 2 9 4 11 6 3 9 2 1 3 1 6 R 11 1 3 3 R 1 10 3 2 2

Ohio State The Citadel Ohio State Kent State SMU Michigan State Eastern Kentucky Texas-El Paso Massachusetts Clemson Central Michigan Clemson North Texas Miami (Fla.) Texas A&M Auburn Virginia Saint Augustine’s Towson Arizona State Liberty Stanford Penn State Auburn Kentucky Missouri Kansas State Liberty Tennessee West Virginia Louisville South Carolina Florida Arizona Mississippi California University (PA) Toledo Ohio State Miami Wake Forest Kent State Houston Wisconsin Maryland Ohio State Louisville UAB Penn State West Virginia Shepherd Georgia Oklahoma Utah Akron Houston Michigan State Tennessee Troy Virginia Ohio James Madison Boston College Kent State Florida Illinois State Indiana Miami (Ohio) Louisville Lafayette (Pa.) Ohio State Minnesota Miami Bowling Green North Carolina Syracuse Florida State Notre Dame Portland State Villanova Army Texas A&M Central Michigan North Carolina Missouri William & Mary Oregon State Utah State Mercyhurst Memphis Florida State LSU UCLA

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AFC

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4 Browns CLEVELAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Brian Hartline, TE Rob Housler, QB Josh McCown, DE Randy Starks, CB Tramon Williams.

PREDICTION

5-11

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Miles Austin, TE Jordan Cameron, QB Brian Hoyer, NT Ahtyba Rubin, OLB Jabaal Sheard.

GENERAL MANAGER Ray Farmer HEAD COACH Mike Pettine OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR John DeFilippo DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jim O’Neil STADIUM FirstEnergy Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 73,200 | Natural grass

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE The Browns will have their sixth offensive coordinator in six years in John DeFilippo, whom they hired after his impressive work with Derek Carr as Oakland’s quarterbacks coach last season. He’ll take over an offense that started last season hot before free-falling to 23rd in the league in yards by season’s end. DeFilippo will have some veterans out wide and up front but also a huge question mark at quarterback: Will Johnny Manziel be ready after missing so much time while in rehab? Will he ever be ready for the NFL?

 QUARTERBACKS Per tradition, the Browns enter minicamp with no idea who their starting quarterback will be. With Brian Hoyer now in Houston, they might try to ride it out with Manziel, who was never really prepared to play last season but also missed so much time this offseason

 RUNNING BACKS The Browns look like they’re going to roll with two diamonds they plucked out of last year’s rookie crop in third-round pick Terrance West and undrafted free agent Isaiah Crowell. Both showed promise despite all the injuries up front.West led the team with 673 yards to go with two touchdowns on 3.9 yards per carry. Crowell had a team-high eight rushing touchdowns to add to his 607 yards on 4.1 yards per carry. The team added Miami’s Duke Johnson in the third round, and he should come right in and serve as the team’s third-down ’back. He’s only 5-foot-9 and 207 pounds but flashes lightning speed and a quick change of direction.

B-

 RECEIVERS The receiving corps has seen as much turnover as any Browns position unit since last season, and that’s probably a good thing. With Josh Gordon suspended for the entire season after another substance abuse violation, Cleveland went out and signed local product Brian Hartline, formerly of the Dolphins, and Dwayne Bowe, formerly of the Chiefs. Both are coming off their worst seasons as pros, combining for 1,228 yards and just two touchdowns. However, both have posted multiple 1,000-yard seasons in their careers and both are younger

62 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

than 31, so perhaps a change of scenery will be good. The best returning Browns receiver is Andrew Hawkins, a riser who led the team with 824 yards last season and fits the slot role perfectly. Taylor Gabriel should provide solid relief after he finished with 621 yards as an undrafted rookie last season. Sixth-round rookie Vince Mayle will be a developmental player. At tight end, newly-signed Rob Housler brings lots of speed potential and will battle with backup regulars Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray. Sixth-round rookies Malcolm Johnson and Randall Telfer and undrafted free agent EJ Bibbs will battle for roster spots.

GRADE

OWNER Jimmy Haslam

GRADE

2014 RECORD 7-9

due to rehab. Or they could try a steadier hand with a lower ceiling in Josh McCown, whom they signed after Tampa Bay released him after just one year. Early indications are that the latter will be the first option. Manziel just has too far to go, both in making up for lost time dating to the entire 2014 season and in developing the parts of the pro game that always were going to be a transition from the scrambling, wild game he played at Texas A&M.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN No position on the team was a greater strength to start the year or a bigger worry to end it than the offensive line. The left side of perennial Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas, standout rookie guard Joel Bitonio and two-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack was a force until Mack suffered a season-ending broken fibula in a Week 6 win over the Steelers. That loss created a massive jumbling of parts that included moving starting right guard John Greco to center for some games, which only greater weakened what had been a suspect right side. If Mack can stay healthy this year, as he did for every game of his first five seasons, the line should return to being a real strength of the team. He, Thomas, Bitonio and Greco each graded out in the top 11 at their positions last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The fifth starter, right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, is a guy they hope to eventually move to guard, which might explain the selection of Florida State’s Cam Erving with the team’s second pick in the first round. Erving can play all five line positions and might be the player they’re grooming to replace Mack if the center opts out of

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN AFC NORTH

A-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Joe Thomas

Joe Haden

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Isaiah Crowell DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Barkevious Mingo POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH DE: Randy Starks vs. John Hughes

2015 SCHEDULE

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

DEFENSE

This unit was really exposed last season, and major injuries to Phil Taylor, Armonty Bryant and John Hughes were only partly to blame. Long-time run-stuffing nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin massively underperformed and left via free agency at season’s end. The Browns needed youth here, which is why they got some in the draft, starting with their first of two first-round picks going toward Danny Shelton. The 6-foot-2, 339-pound mauler played in the 3-4 last season at Washington and was one of the most ready-to-play prospects in the draft. Two rounds later, the Browns traded up for Washington State’s Xavier Cooper, a raw

GRADE

his contract after this season.

B-

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at N.Y. Jets Tennessee Oakland at San Diego at Baltimore Denver at St. Louis Arizona at Cincinnati at Pittsburgh BYE Baltimore Cincinnati San Francisco at Seattle at Kansas City Pittsburgh

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Joe Thomas

Overall, the Browns had a decent season on defense last year, finishing 9th in points and 23rd in yards, but the unit was incredibly unbalanced. Led by Pro Bowlers at cornerback in Joe Haden and safety in Donte Whitner and Tashaun Gipson, the secondary finished ninth in the league in yards and second in interceptions. But Jim O’Neil’s 3-4 unit struggled mightily against the run, finishing dead last in the league due to a mix of injuries and mediocre play on the line. The unit will see little change in personnel beyond adding cornerback Tramon Williams from Green Bay and drafting huge nose tackle Danny Shelton in the first round.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Pittsburgh L 27-30 New Orleans W 26-24 Baltimore L 21-23 at Tennessee W 29-28 Pittsburgh W 31-10 at Jacksonville L 6-24 Oakland W 23-13 Tampa Bay W 22-17 at Cincinnati W 24-3 Houston L 7-23 at Atlanta W 26-24 at Buffalo L 10-26 Indianapolis L 24-25 Cincinnati L 0-30 at Carolina L 13-17 at Baltimore L 10-20 All times Eastern

RESULT

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AFC

NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS GAME

OPP

PASSING YDS TD

ATT

CMP

INT

RTG

30 40 25 37 17 41 28 34 23 50 40 30 30

18 222 1 0 24 204 1 0 19 290 1 0 21 291 3 1 8 217 1 0 16 215 0 1 19 275 1 0 21 300 2 2 15 198 0 0 20 330 1 1 23 322 0 3 18 192 0 2 13 136 0 2 Active, Did Not Play 7 134 1 1 Inactive 242 3326 12 13

94.0 81.7 127.1 97.9 113.0 46.3 111.5 85.4 92.3 61.2 52.3 51.0 29.3

WK 1 @ PIT WK 2 NO WK 3 BAL WK 5 @ TEN WK 6 PIT WK 7 @ JAX WK 8 OAK WK 9 TB WK 10 @ CIN WK 11 HOU WK 12 @ ATL WK 13 @ BUF WK 14 IND WK 15 CIN WK 16 @ CAR WK 17 @ BAL SEASON TOTALS 

438

GAME

RUSHING ATT YDS

BEN TATE

OPP

WK 1 @ PIT WK 2 NO WK 3 BAL WK 5 @ TEN WK 6 PIT WK 7 @ JAX WK 8 OAK WK 9 TB WK 10 @ CIN WK 11 HOU WK 12 @ ATL WK 13 @ BUF WK 14 IND WK 15 CIN WK 16 @ CAR WK 17 @ BAL SEASON TOTALS 

JOHNNY MANZIEL

41 Inactive Inactive 22 124 25 78 16 36 15 26 10 3 10 34 2 -9 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 106 333

0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0

13 5 3 7 4 4 7 112

8 18 8

76.5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 12 10 9 2 9 9 8

1 0

83.5

ANDREW HAWKINS

ATT

8 87 6 70 7 87 3 26 0 0 5 112 7 88 3 34 Inactive 6 97 5 93 2 24 4 38 2 7 1 28 4 33 63 824

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

TERRANCE WEST

INT

Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 5 63 0 Active, Did Not Play 10 80 0 3 32 0 Not on Team 18 175 0

MILES AUSTIN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 20 10 6 44 7 6 51 3 2 54 3 2 29 8 3 53 2 2 34 5 3 54 6 5 48 8 3 31 8 6 64 9 7 86 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 72 47 568

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0

39.6 0.0

87.0

2 0

27.3 50.0

42.0

TAYLOR GABRIEL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 1 5 4 3 13 2 2 81 6 4 95 4 1 24 7 3 39 3 2 60 6 5 87 5 3 31 13 5 92 2 1 13 1 0 0 3 1 12 2 1 2 2 1 1 7 3 66 72 36 621

prospect they’ll look to groom at the fivetechnique spot behind steady veterans Desmond Bryant, Hughes and Randy Starks, the latter coming from playing the 4-3 in Miami.

hole created when Jabaal Sheard left via free agency. Another year of playing together under O’Neil should pay off for this group.

 LINEBACKERS

It’s amazing to think about the struggles of last year’s No. 8 overall pick, Justin Gilbert, yet the Browns still got a strong performance from their loaded secondary. The other three positions in the defensive backfield each qualified for the Pro Bowl, from Joe Haden to the freshly signed Donte Whitner to Tashaun Gipson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 12 but still finished second in the NFL in interceptions. The newly signed Tramon Williams is an upgrade over the corner he’s replacing, Buster Skrine. Gilbert might or might not turn it around, but the Browns have to like what they saw in their other rookie cornerbacks, Pierre Desir and K’Waun Williams, who should provide solid depth again this season. Many analysts felt the steal of the draft was the Browns’ seventh-round

B+

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

GRADE

One of Cleveland’s bright spots on defense was the emergence of Paul Kruger, who signed a bloated contract in 2013. Kruger recorded 11 sacks, more than a third of the team’s season total of 31. Another veteran, Karlos Dansby, made the most of his first year with the team, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ eighthbest inside linebacker after a 93-tackle campaign. Barkevious Mingo, the team’s 2013 first-rounder and the starter opposite Kruger, really improved last year, looking like an every-down linebacker. Craig Robertson was a surprise last season, notching 99 tackles, and Chris Kirksey has shown he can make plays. The team spent its second-round pick in 2015 on Utah’s Nate Orchard, a college sack-master who is limited against the run. He will fill the

64 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RTG

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

ISAIAH CROWELL

ATT

RUSHING YDS

100 0 68 1 36 1 31 0 Inactive 5 8 0 7 11 0 15 48 0 26 94 1 5 12 0 14 62 0 7 32 0 15 54 0 5 23 0 Active, Did Not Play 18 94 1 171 673 4

5 11 11 6 11 7 1 0 12 14 12 17 14 7 16 4 148

32 54 55 19 77 18 1 0 41 61 88 29 54 17 55 6 607

2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 8

16 19 12 7

TRAVIS BENJAMIN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 20 4 1 6 1 1 43 4 4 48 1 1 31 4 0 0 2 0 0 4 2 52 5 3 46 3 1 23 2 0 0 2 0 0 5 1 27 1 1 9 2 0 0 3 1 9 46 18 314

1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

JORDAN CAMERON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 7 5 6 5

5 1 5 6 48

2 47 Inactive 1 23 3 33 3 102 1 5 3 40 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 41 1 4 3 88 3 41 24 424

0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 1 0 2

selection of Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who has first- or second-round talent but might need the equivalent of an NFL redshirt year to recover from the ACL he tore in December. With Cleveland’s talent up and down the corner position, this won’t hurt the unit.

SPECIAL TEAMS What used to be a strength has all of a sudden become one of the team’s bigger weaknesses. The team cut kicker Billy Cundiff late in the year to switch to Garrett Hartley, who was cut May 11. That leaves two first-year kickers, Carey Spear and Travis Coons, competing for the job. Spencer Lanning finished 23rd in the league in punting average. The Browns hope they’ll find a steady return man, which has been a constant challenge ever since Josh Cribbs left town. They’ll open up the competition to wide receiver Travis Benjamin, who’s shown flashes of good return skills in the past, and Jordan Poyer, who has made plays all around on special teams.

GRADE

BRIAN HOYER

C-

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 80 BOWE 16 Hawkins 11 Benjamin OLT 73 THOMAS 62 Seymour 62 Seymour OLG 75 BITONIO 69 Painter 69 Painter C 55 MACK 74 Erving* 68 McDonald ORG 77 GRECO 63 Barton 63 Barton ORT 72 SCHWARTZ 61 Bowie 61 Bowie TE 84 HOUSLER 82 Barnidge 81 Dray WR 83 HARTLINE 18 Gabriel 85 Mayle* QB 13 McCOWN 2 Manziel 3 Lewis RB 34 CROWELL 28 West 29 Johnson* WR 16 HAWKINS DEFENSE

DT 92 D. BRYANT NT 71 SHELTON* DE 94 STARKS OLB 51 MINGO ILB 56 DANSBY ILB 53 ROBERTSON OLB 99 KRUGER LCB 23 HADEN RCB 22 T. WILLIAMS SS 31 WHITNER FS 39 GIPSON

93 Hughes 66 Meder 98 Taylor 67 Kitchen 90 Winn 96 Cooper* 95 A. Bryant 59 Carder 50 Eubanks 58 Kirksey 40 Pullard* 48 Orchard* 54 Solomon 36 K. Williams 43 Gaines* 21 Gilbert 26 Desir 24 Bademosi 30 Campbell* 33 Poyer SPECIALISTS

P 5 LANNING 6 Coons PK 6 COONS 4 Spear H 5 LANNING PR 33 POYER 11 Benjamin 18 Gabriel KR 11 BENJAMIN 21 Gilbert 18 Gabriel LS 57 YOUNT 47 Hughlett * Rookie COACHING STAFF Mike Pettine, Head Coach; Brian Angelichio, Tight Ends; Bobby Babich, Assistant Secondary/ Safeties; John DeFilippo, Offensive Coordinator, George DeLeone, Assistant Offensive Line; Chuck Driesbach, Linebackers; Frank Edgerly, Assistant Wide Receivers; Brian Fleury, Outside Linebackers; Aaron Glenn, Assistant Secondary/Corners; Jeff Hafley, Secondary; Derik Keyes, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Michael McCarthy, Offensive Quality Control; Shawn Mennenga, Special Teams Assistant; Andy Moeller, Offensive Line; Wilbert Montgomery, Running Backs; Kevin O’Connell, Quarterbacks; Jim O’Neil, Defensive Coordinator; Joker Phillips, Wide Receivers; Paul Ricci, Strength and Conditioning; Kurt Roper, Senior Offensive Assistant; Chris Tabor, Special Teams Coordinator; Tony Tuioti, Defensive Quality Control; Anthony Weaver, Defensive Line; Mike Wolf, Assistant Strength and Conditioning.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 1 2 3 3 4 4 6 6 6 7 7

Danny Shelton Cameron Erving Nate Orchard Duke Johnson Xavier Cooper Ibraheim Campbell Vince Mayle Charles Gaines Malcolm Johnson Randall Telfer Hayes Pullard Ifo Ekpre-Olomu

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT C OLB RB DT S WR CB TE TE ILB CB

Washington Florida State Utah Miami (Fla.) Washington State Northwestern Washington State Louisville Mississippi State USC USC Oregon

12 19 51 77 96 115 123 189 195 198 219 241

BEST-CASE SCENARIO If the Browns avoid too many injuries, the offensive line and overall defense should be major strengths. If DeFilippo can find an offense suited for Manziel, the Browns could push for one of the Wild Card spots like they did for much of last season.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Manziel still could prove to be nowhere near an NFL quarterback, stagnating everything on an offense with several decent but no great skill players. That and key injuries on defense could have the team picking in the top five again.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

24 Bademosi, Johnson 91 Barnett, Calvin 82 Barnidge, Gary 63 Barton, Karim 89 Bates, Phil 11 Benjamin, Travis 75 Bitonio, Joel 80 Bowe, Dwayne 61 Bowie, Michael 95 Bryant, Armonty 92 Bryant, Desmond 30 Campbell, Ibraheim 59 Carder, Tank 88 Cone, Kevin 6 Coons, Travis 96 Cooper, Xavier 34 Crowell, Isaiah 56 Dansby, Karlos 26 Desir, Pierre 20 Draughn, Shaun 81 Dray, Jim 25 Ekpre-Olomu, Ifo 74 Erving, Cameron 50 Eubanks, Darius 18 Gabriel, Taylor 43 Gaines, Charles 21 Gilbert, Justin 39 Gipson, Tashaun 77 Greco, John 23 Haden, Joe 10 Hartley, Garrett 83 Hartline, Brian 16 Hawkins, Andrew 84 Housler, Rob 93 Hughes, John 47 Hughlett, Charley 37 James, Kendall 29 Johnson, Duke 44 Johnson, Malcolm 58 Kirksey, Chris 67 Kitchen, Ishmaa’ily 99 Kruger, Paul 5 Lanning, Spencer 3 Lewis, Thaddeus 55 Mack, Alex 2 Manziel, Johnny 85 Mayle, Vince 13 McCown, Josh 60 McDaniel, Jacobbi 79 McDonald, Andrew 68 McDonald, Nick 66 Meder, Jamie 51 Mingo, Barkevious 15 Moore, Marlon 27 Nelson, Robert 48 Orchard, Nate 70 Painter, Vinston 38 Pellerin, Micah 52 Pough, Keith 33 Poyer, Jordan 40 Pullard, Hayes 53 Robertson, Craig 72 Schwartz, Mitchell 62 Seymour, Ryan 9 Shaw, Connor 71 Shelton, Danny 17 Smith, Rodney 54 Solomon, Scott 35 Sonie, Varmah 4 Spear, Carey 94 Starks, Randy 98 Taylor, Phil 86 Telfer, Randall 73 Thomas, Joe 78 Tupou, Christian 28 West, Terrance 31 Whitner, Donte 36 Williams, K’Waun 22 Williams, Tramon 90 Winn, Billy 41 Winston, Glenn 57 Yount, Christian

DB DL TE OL WR WR OL WR OL DL DL DB LB WR K DL RB LB DB RB TE DB OL LB WR DB DB DB OL DB K WR WR TE DL LS DB RB FB LB DL LB P QB OL QB WR QB DL OL OL DL LB WR DB LB OL DB LB DB LB LB OL OL QB DL WR LB DB K DL DL TE OL DL RB DB DB DB DL RB LS

6-0 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-6 5-11 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 5-9 6-5 6-2 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-11 6-4 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-7 6-5 6-2 6-4 5-11 5-9 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-3 5-8 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-6 6-4 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-1

200 317 250 313 220 175 305 222 320 265 310 208 235 216 200 300 225 251 206 205 255 194 313 222 167 180 202 205 318 195 200 200 180 250 320 248 180 210 231 235 330 270 200 219 311 210 225 218 293 310 306 295 240 190 175 255 310 202 236 191 240 234 320 305 210 339 220 260 180 190 305 335 250 312 305 225 208 183 192 300 220 250

24 23 29 23 25 25 23 30 23 24 29 22 26 27 23 23 22 33 24 27 28 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 30 26 28 28 29 27 26 24 23 21 22 22 26 29 26 27 29 22 23 35 25 26 27 24 24 27 25 22 25 26 25 24 23 27 25 25 23 21 25 26 24 23 31 27 22 30 26 24 29 23 32 26 26 26

4 1 8 1 1 4 2 9 3 3 7 R 4 3 1 R 2 12 2 3 6 R R 3 2 R 2 4 8 6 7 7 5 5 4 1 1 R R 2 4 7 3 3 7 2 R 13 1 2 4 1 3 6 2 R 2 2 1 3 R 4 4 2 1 R 3 4 1 1 12 5 R 9 2 2 10 2 9 4 2 5

Stanford Oklahoma State Louisville Morgan State Ohio Miami (Fla.) Nevada LSU Northeastern State (OK) East Central (OK) Harvard Northwestern Texas Christian Georgia Tech Washington Washington St. Alabama State Auburn Lindenwood North Carolina Stanford Oregon Florida St. Georgia Southern Abilene Christian Louisville Oklahoma State Wyoming Toledo Florida Oklahoma Ohio State Toledo Florida Atlantic Cincinnati Central Florida Maine Miami Mississippi St. Iowa Kent State Utah South Carolina Duke California Texas A&M Washington St. Sam Houston State Florida State Indiana Grand Valley State Ashland LSU Fresno State Arizona State Utah Virginia Tech Hampton Howard Oregon State USC North Texas California Vanderbilt South Carolina Washington Florida State Rice Northern Iowa Vanderbilt Maryland Baylor USC Wisconsin USC Towson Ohio State Pittsburgh Louisiana Tech Boise State Northwood UCLA

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AFC

1 Colts

SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RB Frank Gore, OG Todd Herremans, ILB Nate Irving, WR Andre Johnson, DT Kendall Langford, S Dwight Lowery.

PREDICTION

11-5

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES RS Josh Cribbs, DT Ricky Jean Francois, S LaRon Landry, OLB Shaun Phillips, DE Cory Redding, RB Trent Richardson.

GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Grigson HEAD COACH Chuck Pagano OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Pep Hamilton DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Greg Manusky STADIUM Lucas Oil Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 67,000 | FieldTurf

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE Piloted by the NFL’s best young quarterback, Pep Hamilton’s unit soared, becoming the league’s top passing and No. 3 scoring unit. Yet it again nosedived against the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, prompting Jim Irsay to demand more toughness and Ryan Grigson to sign two of this decade’s tougher players, Andre Johnson and Frank Gore. They join an offense that seeks balance but also a formidable ground attack late in games. Indy uses two tight ends to create coverage quandaries, then allows Andrew Luck to do the rest.

 QUARTERBACKS With a league-leading 40 touchdowns and a franchise-record 4,761 yards (third in NFL), Luck has authored arguably the best three-year start by any QB ever. Like his predecessor, Luck overcomes middling O-line play with superb toughness, arm talent and a unique

A+

 RUNNING BACKS Frank Gore epitomizes the toughness and consistency that were absent during the failed Trent Richardson experiment. The 49ers’ all-time leading rusher is 32, yet Gore hasn’t missed a game – or an 1,100-yard rushing season – since 2010. One of the NFL’s more determined and productive inside runners, Gore bludgeons defenses with patience, a low center of gravity, exceptional pad level and still plenty of niftiness and instincts to bust through traffic and move the chains. Gore has soft hands and a chip on his shoulder in blitz pickup. Daniel “Boom” Herron is best in a changeup role, but he produced down the stretch when Richardson couldn’t, showing solid burst and elusiveness, reliable hands (128 receiving yards during the playoffs) and blocking progress. Rookie Josh Robinson is an undersized but powerful and instinctive inside runner who puts injury-prone Vick Ballard on notice.

B+

 RECEIVERS Fresh off his first Pro Bowl, T.Y. Hilton stresses defenses with suddenness, blinding speed and deep tracking ability (16.4 YPC). But at just 5-9 and 178 pounds, Hilton is easily nicked and struggles against big press corners. Andre Johnson,

66 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

a seven-time Pro Bowler and just the 11th NFL player with 80-plus grabs in at least seven seasons, projects as the big, physical wideout the Colts have long coveted. Johnson has strong hands, works the entire field and has the body control and competitiveness to make contested grabs for his old rivals. Donte Moncrief ’s rookie production underwhelmed, but the Colts love the youngster with prototypical No. 1 traits who was eager to learn under Reggie Wayne. Former CFL standout Duron Carter, the son of Hall of Famer Cris Carter, boasts great size and bloodlines – but also character concerns. Top pick Phillip Dorsett might’ve been a luxury addition, but his sub4.3 speed is deadly. Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen (16 combined touchdowns) are one of the NFL’s better TE pairings. A dinosaur in today’s NFL – thriving as a blocker and receiver – Allen just has to stay on the field after being slowed by hip/ankle issues. Fleener’s size and speed make him a unique mismatch piece, and his growing confidence and strong rapport with Luck helps the offense hum. With Allen, Fleener and Hilton all in contract years, difficult decisions abound.

GRADE

OWNER, CEO James Irsay

GRADE

2014 RECORD 11-5

ability to extend plays and do damage on the ground or through the air. Luck regularly inspires and elevates his teammates (12 game-winning drives) but also holds on to the ball too long and forces plays (22 turnovers) because of his voracious competitiveness. Still just 25 and eligible for a new contract in 2016, he’s poised to become the NFL’s highest-paid player ever. Matt Hasselbeck, a 16-year veteran at 39, returns on a one-year deal and brings sound perspective and big-game experience to the quarterback room, even if he hasn’t started since 2012, when he was still in Tennessee.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The anchor of a subpar group, LT Anthony Castonzo is coming off his best season, hasn’t missed a game since 2011 and will strike gold in free agency next offseason. Gosder Cherilus has been a far greater edge liability, allowing pressure repeatedly, and he’s still battling a season-ending groin injury. Tenthyear veteran Todd Herremans is penciled in at right guard, though he’ll face competition from incumbent Hugh Thornton. Herremans, 32, is an effective run blocker with strength and agility, but he must win more one-on-one pass blocking assignments. Like Herremans (biceps), Thornton’s 2014 ended prematurely due to injuries and signaled a regression from his rookie 2013 season. LG Jack Mewhort brought

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Andrew Luck

Vontae Davis

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Donte Moncrief DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Jonathan Newsome POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH Center: Khaled Holmes vs. Jonotthan Harrison vs. Ben Heenan

2015 SCHEDULE

Andrew Luck

DEFENSE Coordinator Greg Manusky’s unit enters its second consecutive season with the bad taste lingering from being demolished by the Patriots in the playoffs. Manusky schemed more to overcome the losses of Robert Mathis and Antoine Bethea, but his aggressive 3-4 again provided little resistance against New England’s power run game and finished dead-last in red-zone efficiency.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN It was a different defense when DE Arthur Jones was on the field, but that was only for nine games due to a high ankle sprain. A stout, active run defender with a

bit of interior rushing juice, Jones’ health is key. Kendall Langford is a younger replacement for Cory Redding, whom the Colts trust will play with the same kind of vigor, stoutness at the point and timely disruptiveness. NT Josh Chapman has overcome injuries to become a run stuffer, but his great size and flash plays are offset by inconsistency. Towering rookie DT Henry Anderson brings intensity, stack-and-shed ability and good instincts and toughness in the run game. Fellow rookie NT David Parry is a high-energy, explosive, point-of-attack player whose effort compensates for short arms and occasionally poor leverage. Filling out the defensive line rotation are NT Montori Hughes, a former fifthrounder who contributed 198 snaps; Earl Okine, a classic Ryan Grigson acquisition who’s spent time in the CFL and AFL and fellow journeyman Kelsey Quarles.

GRADE

tenacity and versatility in 14 starts as a second-rounder and should stabilize a spot where Donald Thomas has missed 30 straight games due to quad injuries. A revolving door in 2014, the center battle will include Khaled Holmes, who after a preseason ankle injury made every snap from Week 16 through the postseason; Jonotthan Harrison, who was powerful yet inconsistent in 10 starts; and former CFL top pick Ben Heenan, a knee bender and technician.

 LINEBACKERS Robert Mathis is eyeing a training camp return after missing all of last season with a ruptured Achilles. With 111 career sacks and 48 forced fumbles, Mathis’ track record as an explosive

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 21 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Buffalo N.Y. Jets at Tennessee Jacksonville at Houston New England New Orleans at Carolina Denver BYE at Atlanta Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh at Jacksonville Houston at Miami Tennessee

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Denver L 24-31 Sept. 15 Philadelphia L 27-30 Sept. 21 at Jacksonville W 44-17 Sept. 28 Tennessee W 41-17 Oct. 5 Baltimore W 20-13 Oct. 9 at Houston W 33-28 Oct. 19 Cincinnati W 27-0 Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh L 34-51 Nov. 3 at N.Y. Giants W 40-24 Nov. 16 New England L 20-42 Nov. 23 Jacksonville W 23-3 Nov. 30 Washington W 49-27 Dec. 7 at Cleveland W 25-24 Dec. 14 Houston W 17-10 Dec. 21 at Dallas L 7-42 Dec. 28 at Tennessee W 27-10 POSTSEASON Jan. 4 Cincinnati W 26-10 Jan. 11 at Denver W 24-13 Jan. 18 at New England L 45-7 All times Eastern

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AFC

SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS

OPP

WK 1 @ DEN WK 2 PHI WK 3 @ JAX WK 4 TEN WK 5 BAL WK 6 @ HOU WK 7 CIN WK 8 @ PIT WK 9 @ NYG WK 11 NE WK 12 JAX WK 13 WAS WK 14 @ CLE WK 15 HOU WK 16 @ DAL WK 17 @ TEN SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

53 34 39 41 49 44 42 45 46 39 32 27 53 34 22 16 616

35 20 31 29 32 25 27 26 25 23 21 19 24 18 15 10 380

370 172 370 393 312 370 344 400 354 303 253 370 294 187 109 160 4761

REGGIE WAYNE

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ DEN WK 2 PHI WK 3 @ JAX WK 4 TEN WK 5 BAL WK 6 @ HOU WK 7 CIN WK 8 @ PIT WK 9 @ NYG WK 11 NE WK 12 JAX WK 13 WAS WK 14 @ CLE WK 15 HOU WK 16 @ DAL WK 17 @ TEN SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

13 7 5 8 12 9 8 10 9 9 5 8 5 5 3 116

9 98 3 28 4 62 7 119 7 77 4 35 4 15 Inactive 4 70 5 91 3 10 4 31 1 5 4 24 3 23 2 91 64 779

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

2 3 4 4 1 3 2 3 4 2 1 5 2 2 0 2 40

GRADE

INT

RTG

2 1 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 2 0 16

83.1 89.3 140.4 123.3 72.8 97.7 105.7 91.0 108.4 90.0 100.1 137.0 59.8 76.5 41.7 135.4 96.5

COBY FLEENER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 1 7 3 2 4 5 4 11 7 4 7 10 5 7 7 92

defender who finishes with speed or power is unquestioned. But at 34 and following an arduous recovery, what he has left is uncertain. Enter Trent Cole, another successful end-to-outside ’backer convert, now on a two-year deal. He can win with strength or finesse and has great instincts as a rusher. OLB Jonathan Newsome, whose sacks ranked second among all rookies, plays with good leverage and bursts around the edge. That Bjoern Werner, a 2013 firstrounder, has the same number of sacks in twice as many games as Newsome – a fifth-rounder – is telling. Werner disappeared down the stretch last year and enters a make-or-break campaign. Erik Walden generally sets a strong edge and, while he’ll never be confused for a dynamic rusher, he provided a career-best six sacks. Inside, D’Qwell Jackson brought strong leadership and a rugged presence when attacking downhill, but he’ll be 32 this season, doesn’t fare well in coverage and, worse, could be subject to NFL discipline for an offseason assault charge. Fellow inside ’backer Jerrell Freeman, the club’s

TRENT RICHARDSON

3 1 4 2 1 2 4 1 4 7 2 4 5 2 4 5 51

21 13 49 26 30 11 64 4 77 144 28 127 56 32 36 56 774

0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 8

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 20 0 21 79 0 14 57 0 20 47 1 9 37 0 17 41 1 14 77 0 Active, Did Not Play 7 33 0 6 0 0 13 42 1 8 12 0 7 30 0 9 32 0 2 1 0 6 11 0 159 519 3

AHMAD BRADSHAW

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 5 70 5 5 26 3 2 18 2 2 20 5 4 17 6 3 25 3 3 36 7 7 52 5 3 29 5 4 7 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 47 38 300

0 2 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

DAN HERRON

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 1 7 0 0 5 1 8 0 12 8 8 11 7 10 78

0 0 1 24 0 0 37 2 10 0 65 88 26 60 3 35 351

5 5 36 3 1 -4 4 4 50 6 2 12 6 3 29 7 2 18 1 0 0 5 1 27 4 3 44 5 2 15 1 1 16 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 44 11 9 72 6 3 46 68 38 405

Vontae Davis emerged as one of the NFL’s best corners, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and the respect of opposing quarterbacks who targeted him just 71 times and didn’t complete a touchdown against him. He’ll still suffer from an occasional concentration lapse, but Davis is an athletic specimen with terrific strength to press and tackle, fluid hips and explosive recovery speed. Opposite Davis, Greg Toler hasn’t been as good as advertised and gets beat often by quarterbacks avoiding Davis. Nickel corner Darius Butler possesses good ball skills and timing for making impact plays. Rookie D’Joun Smith is a good athlete with solid instincts and technique. Heady SS Mike Adams filled

68 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

ANDREW LUCK

HAKEEM NICKS

leading tackler in 2012-13, struggled with injuries and had his worst season, but his speed and instincts in space remain a solid asset. Former Bronco Nate Irving has the run-stuffing ability to challenge for a starting job, but his progress after a mid-November ACL tear will be critical.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 4 3 1 6 7 4 3 2 3 8 4 5 8 0 1 64

19 20 15 -1 22 18 5 26 5 15 49 20 37 18 0 5 273

T.Y. HILTON

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

DONTE MONTCRIEF

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 9 1 1 16 5 4 55 2 2 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 9 12 7 113 1 1 2 1 0 0 4 4 38 4 3 134 4 3 33 4 0 0 3 2 5 5 3 16 49 32 444

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 11 6 10 12 9 9 10 6 7 5 5 19 8

5 41 6 65 5 80 6 105 9 90 9 223 7 107 6 155 3 71 3 24 4 122 5 62 10 150 4 50 Inactive 3 0 0 131 82 1345

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 7

DWAYNE ALLEN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 1 6 3 5 7 6 2 5 0 3 4 3 50

4 64 0 0 4 43 3 38 4 59 3 49 3 52 1 21 4 48 0 0 Inactive Inactive 1 5 2 16 0 0 Inactive 29 395

1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 8

the void created by Antoine Bethea’s departure better than anyone could’ve expected. A 34-year-old journeyman, Adams provided toughness, leadership and a team-leading five picks, making plays in space, in the run game and as a blitzer. New FS Dwight Lowery, a converted college corner, is steady in coverage and will come up and hit. He’s a solid if unspectacular vet. Aggressive rookie Clayton Geathers has good size and enough fluidity to cover big tight ends.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Like a fine wine, Chuck Pagano said, PK Adam Vinatieri just gets better with age. The oldest player in the league at 42 barely missed just the fifth perfect field goal season in NFL history. P Pat McAfee joined Vinatieri in the Pro Bowl, his first, after ranking second in net average (43.2). Doubling as kickoff specialist, he paced the NFL in touchbacks (70). S Dewey McDonald leads improving coverage units, and rookie burner Dorsett should ignite the return game.

GRADE

ANDREW LUCK

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 81 A. JOHNSON 10 Moncrief 17 Whalen OLT 74 CASTONZO 76 Reitz OLG 75 MEWHORT 66 D. Thomas C 72 HARRISON 62 Holmes 63 Heenan ORG 79 HERREMANS 69 Thornton ORT 78 CHERILUS 71 Good* TE 83 ALLEN 84 Doyle WR 13 HILTON 15 Dorsett* 9 Carter QB 12 LUCK 8 Hasselbeck RB 23 GORE 36 Herron 34 J. Robinson* TE 80 FLEENER DEFENSE

LDE 99 LANGFORD NT 96 CHAPMAN DT 97 A. JONES SLB 58 COLE MIKE 52 D. JACKSON WILL 50 FREEMAN RUSH 98 MATHIS LCB 28 TOLER RCB 21 V. DAVIS SS 29 ADAMS FS 33 LOWERY

64 Okine 73 Quarles 95 Hughes 54 Parry* 96 H. Anderson* 95 Hughes 93 Walden 92 Werner 51 Muamba 55 Irving 49 Herrera* 91 Newsome 48 Hodges 20 Butler 30 D. Smith* 42 Geathers* 32 C. Anderson 31 McDonald SPECIALISTS

P 1 McAFEE PK 4 VINATIERI H 1 McAFEE PR 15 DORSETT* 13 Hilton KR 15 DORSETT* 36 Herron LS 45 OVERTON * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Chuck Pagano, Head Coach; Roy Anderson, Safeties; Tim Berbenich, Defensive Assistant; Brant Boyer, Asst. Special Teams; Clyde Christensen, Quarterbacks; Rob Chudzinski, Associate Head; Gary Emanuel, Defensive Line; Jeff FitzGerald, Linebackers; Joe Gilbert, Offensive Line; Mike Gillhamer, Secondary; Frank Giufre, Offensive Quality Control; Pep Hamilton, Offensive Coordinator; Jim Hostler, Wide Receivers; Richard Howell, Assistant Strength; Hal Hunter, Offensive Line; Greg Manusky, Defensive Coordinator; Roger Marandino, Head Strength and Conditioning; Tom McMahon, Special Teams Coordinator; Alfredo Roberts, Tight Ends; Brad White, Outside Linebackers; Charlie Williams, Running Backs.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR CB DT S DT RB ILB OG

Miami (Fla.) Florida Atlantic Stanford UCF Stanford Mississippi State Georgia Mars Hill

29 65 93 109 151 205 207 255

1 3 3 4 5 6 6 7

Phillip Dorsett D’Joun Smith Henry Anderson Clayton Geathers David Parry Josh Robinson Amarlo Herrera Denzell Goode

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The additions of Johnson, Gore and Cole provide the grit Irsay demands while Mathis’ return reestablishes a defensive backbone. Luck continues his unparalleled start, taking the Colts one step further to Super Bowl 50, where the NFL’s most electrifying offense does the rest, bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Indianapolis and setting up Luck and Pagano for a summer of great wealth in 2016.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The risk of adding aging veteran free agents outweighs the reward, as an offense looking for toughness instead just encounters tough luck with injuries, and a defense that went largely ignored this offseason produces largely the same result – an inability to stop dynamic and powerful offenses on the biggest stage – with Pagano taking the fall and, shockingly, a head job elsewhere next offseason.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

29 Adams, Mike 56 Adongo, Daniel 83 Allen, Dwayne 32 Anderson, Colt 96 Anderson, Henry 65 Arkin, David 26 Ballard, Vick 7 Bennett, Bryan 5 Bray, Quan 25 Brown, Jalil 14 Brown, Vincent 20 Butler, Darius 38 Carr, Deveron 9 Carter, Duron 74 Castonzo, Anthony 35 Celiscar, Donald 99 Chapman, Josh 78 Cherilus, Gosder 58 Cole, Trent 67 Cox, Demarco 21 Davis, Vontae 15 Dorsett, Phillip 84 Doyle, Jack 53 Fields, Carlos 80 Fleener, Coby 50 Freeman, Jerrell 47 Galea, Cody 42 Geathers, Clayton 71 Good, Denzelle 23 Gore, Frank 27 Guy, Winston 72 Harrison, Jonotthan 8 Hasselbeck, Matt 63 Heenan, Ben 79 Herremans, Todd 49 Herrera, Amarlo 36 Herron, Dan 13 Hilton, T.Y. 48 Hodges, Zack 62 Holmes, Khaled 64 Hoover, Tyler 95 Hughes, Montori 55 Irving, Nate 52 Jackson, D’Qwell 81 Johnson, Andre 59 Johnson, Cam 68 John, Ulrick 97 Jones, Arthur 94 Kerr, Zach 90 Langford, Kendall 85 Lankford, Ryan 11 Lenz, Josh 43 Loiseau, Shawn 60 Louis, Lance 33 Lowery, Dwight 12 Luck, Andrew 98 Mathis, Robert 1 McAfee, Pat 31 McDonald, Dewey 75 Mewhort, Jack 46 Mitchell, Josh 10 Moncrief, Donte 51 Muamba, Henoc 91 Newsome, Jonathan 64 Okine, Earl 45 Overton, Matt 54 Parry, David 40 Price, Sheldon 73 Quarles, Kelcy 76 Reitz, Joe 34 Robinson, Josh 3 Ruffin, Ezell 39 Shabazz, Al-Hajj 48 Sifrin, Jean 44 Sinz, Justin 30 Smith, D’Joun 41 Smith, Robert 86 Swoope, Erik 44 Sylvestre, Junior 66 Thomas, Donald 69 Thornton, Hugh 37 Tipton, Zurlon 28 Toler, Greg 39 Toure, Abou 38 Varga, Tyler 4 Vinatieri, Adam 56 Vitabile, Brandon 93 Walden, Erik 92 Werner, Bjoern 17 Whalen, Griff

S OLB TE S DE OG RB QB WR CB WR CB CB WR OT CB NT OT OLB OT CB WR TE LB TE ILB OLB S OT RB S C QB OG OG ILB RB WR OLB C/OG OT DT ILB ILB WR OLB OT DT NT DE WR WR ILB OG S QB OLB P S OT/OG CB WR ILB OLB DE LS DT CB DT OG RB WR CB TE TE CB S TE ILB OG OG RB CB RB RB K C OLB OLB WR

5-11 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-6 6-5 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-11 6-5 6-7 5-11 6-0 6-7 6-3 6-8 5-11 5-10 6-6 6-1 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-5 5-9 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-6 6-1 5-10 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-6 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-3 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-6 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-7 5-8 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-3 5-11

200 270 265 194 294 307 226 211 195 207 190 188 190 205 311 183 340 316 270 294 207 185 267 238 251 240 255 208 339 217 218 308 235 315 321 244 212 178 235 309 297 350 245 240 230 260 300 337 335 313 163 194 239 330 212 240 245 240 220 308 173 221 242 251 284 241 300 198 294 325 217 218 200 245 249 190 204 246 222 303 336 231 190 230 222 209 310 250 257 190

34 12 Delaware 25 2 Pretoria (South Africa) 25 4 Clemson 29 6 Montana 23 R Stanford 27 4 Missouri State 24 4 Mississippi State 23 R Southeastern Louisiana 22 R Auburn 27 5 Colorado 26 5 San Diego State 29 7 Connecticut 24 2 Arizona State 24 R Coffeyville Comm. College 26 5 Boston College 23 R Western Michigan 25 4 Alabama 30 8 Boston College 32 11 Cincinnati 24 R Georgia Tech 26 7 Illinois 22 R Miami (FL) 25 3 Western Kentucky 24 1 Winston-Salem State 26 4 Stanford 29 4 Mary Hardin-Baylor 23 R San Diego State 22 R Central Florida 24 R Mars Hill 31 11 Miami (FL) 25 3 Kentucky 23 2 Florida 39 17 Boston College 25 R Saskatchewan 32 11 Saginaw Valley State 23 R Georgia 26 3 Ohio State 25 4 Florida International 23 R Harvard 25 3 USC 25 1 Michigan State 24 3 Tennessee-Martin 26 5 North Carolina State 31 10 Maryland 33 13 Miami (FL) 24 3 Virginia 22 2 Georgia State 28 6 Syracuse 24 2 Delaware 29 8 Hampton 23 1 Illinois 24 1 Iowa State 25 2 Merrimack 30 6 San Diego State 29 8 San Jose State 25 4 Stanford 34 13 Alabama A&M 28 7 West Virginia 24 2 California, PA 23 2 Ohio State 22 R Nebraska 21 2 Mississippi 26 2 St. Francis Xavier 24 2 Ball State 25 1 Florida 29 4 Western Washington 23 R Stanford 24 1 UCLA 23 2 South Carolina 29 5 Western Michigan 22 R Mississippi State 23 R San Diego State 22 R West Chester 27 R Massachusetts 23 R Purdue 22 R Florida Atlantic 22 R Clemson 23 1 Miami (FL) 23 R Toledo 29 8 Connecticut 23 3 Illinois 25 2 Central Michigan 30 7 St. Paul’s (VA) 24 R UT Martin 21 R Yale 42 20 South Dakota State 23 R Northwestern 29 8 Middle Tennessee State 24 3 Florida State 25 4 Stanford

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AFC

SOUTH

2 Texans HOUSTON

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR Andre Johnson, S Danieal Manning, C Chris Myers, DT Ryan Pickett, WR DeVier Posey, OLB Brooks Reed, S D.J. Swearinger.

2ND PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

CHAIRMAN & CEO Robert C. McNair GENERAL MANAGER Rick Smith HEAD COACH Bill O’Brien OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR George Godsey DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Romeo Crennel STADIUM NRG Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 71,500 | Natural grass

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE Absent a franchise quarterback, the Texans under first-year coach Bill O’Brien featured a ball-control attack that paced the NFL in rushing attempts, finished eighth in time of possession and accounted for nine fewer takeaways than in 2013. He and new coordinator George Godsey will continue to feature a voluminous ground game led by Arian Foster, prompting play-action chances for whichever veteran quarterback – Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer – emerges from what’s expected to be a tight position battle this summer.

 QUARTERBACKS Former O’Brien pupils in New England, Mallett and Hoyer have plenty of familiarity competing against each other: Mallett edged Hoyer to become Tom Brady’s backup in 2012. Mallett, 27, has prototypical size and arm strength, yet he failed to impress after being acquired from New England last August until being

GRADE

2014 RECORD 9-7

named the starter at midseason, when he quickly grabbed control of the meeting room and huddle and the attention of his coaches and peers. His first NFL starting opportunity was short-lived, however, as one week after his winning debut, Mallett suffered a pectoral injury that would send him to I.R. Like Mallett, Hoyer signed a two-year deal in March. The 29-year-old journeyman appealed to the Texans not only because of his knowledge of O’Brien’s scheme, but due to his fiery competiveness and leadership qualities. He lacks Mallett’s size and arm talent, but Hoyer has good functional mobility, and he expects to rebound coming from an explosive situation in Cleveland. Tom Savage enters his second season as somewhat of an afterthought; his big arm doesn’t outweigh his big NFL learning curve.

 RUNNING BACKS Arian Foster was terrific once again, gliding his way to nearly 1,600 scrimmage yards and 13 scores while displaying one of the NFL’s most diverse skill sets, though injuries again left us wondering what might have been had hamstring woes not cost him three games. The good news is it wasn’t Foster’s surgically repaired back, and his new backup, Alfred Blue, is a big, physical, versatile rusher who turned heads with a franchise-record 36 carries and 156 yards in Foster’s absence. Approaching age 29, Foster — a dangerous one-cut runner with the speed, power and fluidity to pile up explosive plays on the ground and through the air — will be managed closer by O’Brien, perhaps leading to more chances for Blue and third-down back Jonathan Grimes. Fullback Jay Prosch contributed 162 snaps and requisite toughness.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

 RECEIVERS DeAndre Hopkins has the unenviable task of trying to replace the greatest Texan ever, Andre Johnson. In his first 1,000-yard season, Hopkins showed off meat hooks for hands, an attacking

70 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

style and some run-after-catch ability but not the field-stretching dimension Houston’s receiving corps lacks. Rookie Jaelen Strong, like Hopkins, is a QBfriendly perimeter weapon, boasting legit vertical speed and imposing physicality. Fellow rookie Keith Mumphery has the toughness to compete in traffic and versatility to be used out of the backfield and in the return game. Cecil Shorts, 27, has flashed, but he’s quicker than fast, and injuries and inconsistency have made him unreliable. Fellow newcomer Nate Washington brings steady slot experience – he’s secured at least 40 catches in every season since 2008 – and leadership to a young WR room. Garrett Graham, Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz form a tight-end trio with untapped potential, though their inability to produce in O’Brien’s TEfriendly offense compelled Houston to deploy J.J. Watt in the red zone. Graham has the most experience, Griffin the best size and Fiedorowicz the highest upside if he can improve his hands.

GRADE

8-8

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Stevie Brown, QB Brian Hoyer, FS Rahim Moore, RB Chris Polk, WR Cecil Shorts, WR Nate Washington, DT Vince Wilfork.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Although LT Duane Brown is the marquee name, RG Brandon Brooks was the unit’s best performer, utilizing his mammoth frame and impressive strength and lateral agility to generate movement. Like RT Derek Newton – who signed a five-year deal in March – Brooks is in line for a big payday next spring. Newton rebounded from an injury-marred 2013 to become a dominant run blocker. Brown struggled to adapt to a new scheme and looked heavy while allowing more pressure than usual, but he entered the offseason program trimmed down and looking to regain his status among the NFL’s elite blind-side protectors. Ben Jones will kick inside from left guard to his natural position of center. Much bigger contributions are needed from ’14 second-rounder Xavier Su’a-Filo, who couldn’t get on the field ahead of Jones but is penciled in at left guard. Veteran Tyson Clabo is the

GRADE

PREDICTION

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Arian Foster

J.J. Watt

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE C.J. Fiedorowicz DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Jadeveon Clowney POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH QB: Ryan Mallett vs. Brian Hoyer

2015 SCHEDULE

J.J. Watt

DEFENSE Inheriting a group that in 2013 generated the fewest takeaways since the merger (11), coordinator Romeo Crennel transformed it into the NFL’s most opportunistic (leagueleading 34 turnovers generated) and No. 7 scoring defense. He adapted to his players’ strengths, letting defensive MVP J.J. Watt penetrate rather than follow Crennel’s traditional two-gap responsibilities. Crennel’s 3-4 system is complex, but the unit began to gel in the second half, spearheading a dominant stretch at season’s end in which the Texans finished 4-1, surrendered just 16 points per contest and nearly snuck into the postseason.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Watt is 26 and already poised to join Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor as the only players in NFL history to earn three

defensive MVP awards. Football’s most destructive singular force, Watt was difficult to locate due to Crennel’s creative use of him, and he was impossible to stop. “It’s like a scary movie … he’s near unblockable,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said of the first-ever player to twice reach 20 sacks in a season. “And his motor never stops. He’s got great instincts, a great skill set. What can you say? He’d get my vote for MVP right now.” Joining Watt up front is another likely Hall of Famer, former Patriots NT Vince Wilfork, at 34 in the twilight of his career and likely only needed to absorb double teams on run downs and provide leadership. Hardworking and overachieving DLE Jared Crick filled in adequately in his first year starting. O’Brien didn’t mince words regarding powerful NT Louis Nix III, who after spending his rookie season on injured reserve must “show the ability to make it through a practice.” O’Brien added that

GRADE

swing tackle, but Houston lacks depth.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 16 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Kansas City at Carolina Tampa Bay at Atlanta Indianapolis at Jacksonville at Miami Tennessee BYE at Cincinnati N.Y. Jets New Orleans at Buffalo New England at Indianapolis at Tennessee Jacksonville

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Washington W 17-6 Sept. 14 at Oakland W 30-14 Sept. 21 at N.Y. Giants L 17-30 Sept. 28 Buffalo W 23-17 Oct. 5 at Dallas *L 17-20 Oct. 9 Indianapolis L 28-33 Oct. 20 at Pittsburgh L 23-30 Oct. 26 at Tennessee W 30-16 Nov. 2 Philadelphia L 21-31 Nov. 16 at Cleveland W 23-7 Nov. 23 Cincinnati L 13-22 Nov. 30 Tennessee W 45-21 Dec. 7 at Jacksonville W 27-13 Dec. 14 at Indianapolis L 10-17 Dec. 21 Baltimore W 25-13 Dec. 28 Jacksonville W 23-17 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 71

AFC

SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 WAS WK 2 @ OAK WK 3 @ NYG WK 4 BUF WK 5 @ DAL WK 6 IND WK 7 @ PIT WK 8 @ TEN WK 9 PHI WK 11 @ CLE WK 12 CIN WK 13 TEN WK 14 @ JAX WK 15 @ IND WK 16 BAL WK 17 JAX SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

22 19 34 37 25 23 32 35 27 33 19 6 312

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

14 206 1 14 139 2 20 289 1 25 268 1 16 154 0 15 212 1 21 262 2 19 227 1 13 203 2 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 24 358 6 13 135 0 3 30 0 Not on Team Not on Team 197 2483 17

ARIAN FOSTER

GAME

OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 WAS 27 103 WK 2 @ OAK 28 138 WK 3 @ NYG Inactive WK 4 BUF 8 6 WK 5 @ DAL 23 157 WK 6 IND 20 109 WK 7 @ PIT 20 102 WK 8 @ TEN 20 151 WK 9 PHI 15 56 WK 11 @ CLE Inactive WK 12 CIN Inactive WK 13 TEN 19 79 WK 14 @ JAX 24 127 WK 15 @ IND 26 99 WK 16 BAL 25 96 WK 17 JAX 5 23 SEASON TOTALS  260 1246

0 0 0 8

0 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 8

1 11 13 9 5 3 5 14 7 36 16 7 9 8 8 17 169

Can 2014 top pick Jadeveon Clowney jumpstart Houston’s one-dimensional rush after microfracture surgery cost him all but 146 snaps? He’s considered a generational talent, with blue chip size-strength-athleticism but also a wild card until he regains his explosiveness. Clowney is penciled in at rush outside ‘backer opposite Whitney Mercilus, who, despite being inconsistent, parlayed his best season into a $26 million extension this offseason after regaining his starting job due to Clowney’s injury. John Simon, whom the Texans plucked off waivers midseason, is tough but undersized and has benefited from the tutelage of OLB coach Mike Vrabel both at Ohio State and in Houston last year. After his “healthiest offseason in a long time,” Brian Cushing hopes to regain his speed, quickness and three-down role after being relegated to run-down duties for the first time. When he’s right,

0 40 78 9 16 22 14 42 13 156 46 6 15 26 6 39 528

ATT

109.3 129.1 59.6 75.1 64.4 109.3 98.7 83.9 82.8 147.5 88.7 64.6 95.3

RUSHING ATT YDS

 LINEBACKERS

GRADE

0 0 3 2 1 0 1 0 1

RTG

ALFRED BLUE

Nix has a rare opportunity to learn under Wilfork and Watt. Powerful rookie DT Christian Covington adds intriguing depth.

INT

42 35 77

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 20 185 0 25 250 2 45 435 2

ANDRE JOHNSON

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 7 11 7 8 12 9 12 7 10 12 11 4

6 93 6 74 4 24 6 71 5 58 7 99 5 77 7 55 2 12 7 68 3 36 7 53 4 17 Inactive 13 6 65 15 10 134 147 85 936

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3

RYAN MALLETT INT

ATT

30 45

1 1 2

50.2 98.5 72.2

DeANDRE HOPKINS

5 4 89 5 3 22 9 6 116 6 5 64 6 6 63 2 1 12 9 6 108 11 5 95 11 6 115 8 4 80 9 5 39 9 9 238 6 4 49 13 5 77 12 5 38 6 2 5 127 76 1210

 DEFENSIVE BACKS LCB Kareem Jackson has ascended from maligned rookie to recipient of a new longterm deal. He gambled by declining an extension prior to 2014, when he registered three interceptions and a career-high 68 percent of his snaps inside. Jackson has improved each season, becoming a more complete, mature player. RCB Johnathan Joseph, 31, enters a contract year coming off another strong campaign. “J Joe” is fast, physical and confident, though his run support declined. Maturing rookie CB Kevin Johnson was a late riser before the draft, with tremendous instincts, ability

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 6

2 3 10 5 4 6 6 3 7 4 18 4 1 59

INT

Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 20 211 2 21 189 0 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 41 400 2

ARIAN FOSTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

the instinctive and energetic Cushing is one of the NFL’s better inside linebackers. Akeem Dent and Mike Mohamed, blitzer and coverage specialist, respectively, were the sub package ‘backers. Stack-and-shed ‘backer Benardrick McKinney, this year’s second-rounder, adds great size and a downhill thumping presence. Fellow rookie OLB Reshard Cliett is fast and athletic. Passionate second-year player Max Bullough intrigues his coaches and, despite losing his rookie season to a knee injury, could be a factor inside.

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RTG

2 17 2 12 Inactive 7 55 2 15 3 32 4 13 4 22 2 63 Inactive Inactive 5 26 2 21 6 8 1 23 1 10 38 327

0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5

RTG

0.0

1 1

95.3 49.2

67.6

DAMARIS JOHNSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 8 5 1 1 3 6 3 49

1 1 2 1 0 3 1 2 2 5 3 0 1 2 4 3 31

1 4 56 10 0 62 15 33 16 21 21 0 11 21 27 33 331

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

to play inside or outside and his overall polish. Former Bronco Rahim Moore was signed to patrol centerfield. He has overcome tremendous adversity and has surrendered fewer big plays recently by taking better angles and tackling more soundly in space. Inexperienced Eddie Pleasant and former Giant Stevie Brown, who flashed bigtime playmaking ability with eight picks in 2012 before an ACL injury, could compete for the spot opposite Moore. Corner depth is solid with A.J. Bouye and Jumal Rolle answering the bell when needed.

GRADE

GAME

CASE KEENUM

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Randy Bullock righted the ship after an ominous start and finished with a respectable 85.7 conversion rate, while Shane Lechler, 38, is no longer elite but still gets the job done. Bob Ligashesky’s coverage units are led by LBs Mike Mohamed and Jeff Tarpinian, and his return duties are up for grabs. Both groups could use a boost.

GRADE

RYAN FITZPATRICK

B-

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 HOPKINS 85 Washington 13 D. Johnson OLT 76 D. BROWN 70 J. Adams OLG 71 SU’A-FILO C 60 B. JONES ORG 79 BROOKS 71 Su’a-Filo 77 Quessenberry ORT 72 NEWTON 74 Clabo TE 88 GRAHAM 87 Fiedorowicz 84 Griffin WR 85 SHORTS 11 Strong* 82 K. Martin QB 15 MALLETT 7 Hoyer 3 Savage RB 23 FOSTER 28 Blue 41 Grimes FB 45 PROSCH DEFENSE

DRE 99 WATT NT 75 WILFORK DLE 93 CRICK SLB 59 MERCILUS ILB 56 CUSHING ILB 50 DENT JLB 90 CLOWNEY LCB 25 K. JACKSON RCB 24 JOSEPH SS 36 SWEARINGER FS 26 MOORE

95 Covington 92 Nix 97 Pagan 51 Simon 58 Cliett 54 Mohamed 53 Bullough 55 McKinney* 57 Tuggle 65 Ankrah 58 Cliett 34 Bouye 20 Rolle 30 K. Johnson* 29 Hal 35 Pleasant 33 S. Brown SPECIALISTS

P 9 LECHLER PK 4 BULLOCK H 9 LECHLER PR 82 MARTIN 13 D. Johnson KR 13 D. JOHNSON 82 Martin LS 46 WEEKS * Rookie COACHING STAFF Bill O’Brien, Head Coach; Romeo Crennel, Defensive Coordinator; Bob Ligashesky, Special Teams Coordinator; Brian Bell, Strength and conditioning assistant; Jim Bernhardt, Director of Football Research; John Butler, Secondary; Doug Colman, Assistant Special Teams; Mike Devlin, Offensive Line; Craig Fitzgerald, Head Strength and Conditioning; George Godsey, Quarterbacks; Sean Hayes, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Stan Hixon, Wide Receivers; Tim Kelly, Offensive Quality Control; Will Lawing, Defensive Quality Control; Charles London, Running Backs; Anthony Midget, Assistant Secondary; Pat O’Hara, Offensive Assistant; Paul Pasqualoni, Defensive Line; John Perry, Tight Ends; Anthony Pleasant, Defensive Assistant; Mike Vrabel, Linebackers.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB ILB WR WR OLB DT RB

Wake Forest Mississippi State Arizona State Michigan State South Florida Rice LSU

16 43 70 175 211 216 235

1 2 3 5 6 6 7

Kevin Johnson Benardrick McKinney Jaelen Strong Keith Mumphery Reshard Cliett Christian Covington Kenny Hilliard

BEST-CASE SCENARIO After going 9-7 with four different quarterbacks, the Texans settle on one who can start and soundly manage all 16 games, allowing a formidable rushing attack, as well as a defense that ended 2014 in dominant fashion (and should be even better) to carry Houston back into the postseason after missing out last year.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO No one convincingly grabs the starting quarterback job, nor do any of last year’s high-round draft picks improve, putting heavy burden on fragile Arian Foster and a ‘D’ that, aside from J.J. Watt, lacks young, reliable star power, sinking O’Brien’s club below .500 while Andre Johnson leads the Indianapolis Colts to the Super Bowl.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

70 Adams, Jeff 65 Ankrah, Jason 39 Ballentine, Lonnie 28 Blue, Alfred 16 Bonner, Alan 34 Bouye, A.J. 79 Brooks, Brandon 76 Brown, Duane 48 Brown, Kourtnei 33 Brown, Stevie 4 Bullock, Randy 53 Bullough, Max 74 Clabo, Tyson 58 Cliett, Reshard 90 Clowney, Jadeveon 95 Covington, Christian 93 Crick, Jared 56 Cushing, Brian 2 Davis, Jace 81 Denham, Anthony 50 Dent, Akeem 73 Feiler, Matt 78 Ferentz, James 87 Fiedorowicz, C.J. 94 Finau, Tevita 23 Foster, Arian 88 Graham, Garrett 84 Griffin, Ryan 41 Grimes, Jonathan 29 Hal, Andre 38 Hilliard, Kenny 10 Hopkins, DeAndre 7 Hoyer, Brian 25 Jackson, Kareem 31 James, Charles 13 Johnson, Damaris 30 Johnson, Kevin 60 Jones, Ben 24 Joseph, Johnathan 19 Labhart, Travis 9 Lechler, Shane 15 Mallett, Ryan 82 Martin, Keshawn 55 McKinney, Benardrick 59 Mercilus, Whitney 54 Mohamed, Mike 26 Moore, Rahim 21 Morris, Darryl 12 Mumphery, Keith 72 Newton, Derek 92 Nix, Louis 17 Nwachukwu, Uzoma 97 Pagan, Jeoffrey 27 Parks, Terrance 35 Pleasant, Eddie 32 Polk, Chris 45 Prosch, Jay 77 Quessenberry, David 20 Rolle, Jumal 3 Savage, Tom 18 Shorts, Cecil 51 Simon, John 11 Strong, Jaelen 71 Su’a-Filo, Xavier 52 Tarpinian, Jeff 66 Treadwell, Joseph 57 Tuggle, Justin 85 Washington, Nate 99 Watt, J.J. 46 Weeks, Jon 67 White, Cody 75 Wilfork, Vince 68 Witzmann, Bryan 64 Yeatman, Will

OT LB S RB WR CB OG OT LB FS K ILB OT LB LB DT DE ILB WR TE MLB OT C TE DT RB TE TE RB DB RB WR QB DB DB WR CB C CB WR P QB WR ILB LB LB FS DB WR OT DT WR DE DB S RB FB OT DB QB WR LB WR OG LB OT LB WR DE LS OG DT OT OT

6-7 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-5 6-4 6-4 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-6 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-11 5-9 6-2 6-6 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-6 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-1 6-5 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-6

305 25 262 24 215 22 222 24 191 24 191 23 335 25 303 29 253 27 215 27 206 25 249 23 315 33 235 266 22 289 285 25 249 28 206 23 235 23 239 27 330 22 285 26 265 23 288 29 227 28 243 28 254 25 209 25 188 22 226 207 22 215 29 188 27 179 24 175 25 188 22 308 25 188 31 182 24 237 38 245 26 194 25 246 22 258 24 238 27 195 25 188 24 215 313 27 331 23 198 24 310 21 218 25 210 26 222 25 256 22 307 24 188 24 228 25 202 27 252 24 217 21 307 24 240 27 324 247 25 183 31 289 26 246 29 303 26 325 33 311 24 315 27

2 1 2 2 3 3 4 8 1 6 4 2 10 R 2 R 3 7 1 1 5 1 1 2 1 7 6 3 3 2 R 3 7 6 2 3 R 4 10 1 16 4 4 R 4 4 5 3 R 5 2 1 2 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 5 3 R 2 4 R 3 11 5 6 4 12 2 4

Columbia Nebraska Memphis LSU Jacksonville State Central Florida Miami (Ohio) Virginia Tech Clemson Michigan Texas A&M Michigan State Wake Forest South Florida South Carolina Rice Nebraska Southern California Northern Colorado Utah Georgia Bloomsburg Iowa Iowa Utah Tennessee Wisconsin Connecticut William & Mary Vanderbilt LSU Clemson Michigan State Alabama Charleston Southern Tulsa Wake Forest Georgia South Carolina Texas A&M Texas A&M Arkansas Michigan State Mississippi St. Illinois California UCLA Texas State Michigan St. Arkansas State Notre Dame Texas A&M Alabama Florida State Oregon Washington Auburn San Jose State Catawba Pittsburgh Mount Union Ohio State Arizona State UCLA Iowa Louisiana-Monroe Kansas State Tiffin University Wisconsin Baylor Illinois State Miami (Fla.) South Dakota State Maryland

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AFC

SOUTH

3 Jaguars JACKSONVILLE

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Sergio Brown, CB Davon House, DT Jared Odrick, OT Jermey Parnell, RB Bernard Pierce, LB Dan Skuta, TE Julius Thomas, C Stefen Wisniewski.

PREDICTION

5-11

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Alan Ball, CB Will Blackmon, DL Red Bryant, LB Geno Hayes, WR Cecil Shorts, LB J.T. Thomas, RB Jordan Todman.

OWNER Shahid Khan GENERAL MANAGER David Caldwell HEAD COACH Gus Bradley OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Greg Olson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bob Babich STADIUM EverBank Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 67,164 | Natural grass

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Greg Olson takes over an offense that was dead-last in the league in points the past two years and hasn’t been in the top 14 in total offense since 2007. In fact, it’s been in the bottom four each of the past four seasons. Olson has experience as a play-caller but hasn’t had many successful offenses.

 QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

Bortles had a pretty typical rookie season, floundering by throwing 17 picks to only 11 touchdowns while completing 58.9 percent of his passes. Bortles has the size and arm strength ideal for the position and has been best in the short-to-intermediate passing game. However, his deep ball passing was a problem last year, completing only 13of-50 attempts on targets 20 yards or more downfield, per Pro Football Focus. He got worse as the year went

C+

 RUNNING BACKS Needing a better replacement for Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars used a second-round pick on T.J. Yeldon. A strong, instinctive runner, Yeldon can be productive inside the tackles or outside. He can move well laterally, but his production took a hit during his last season at Alabama. The Jaguars will need to get the 2013 Yeldon in pro form to make it a valuable pick. Apologies to those who thought Toby Gerhart would be an effective stopgap replacing JonesDrew. He finished his first season as the starter averaging only 3.2 yards a carry. Gerhart is still with the team but is expected to be more of a short-yardage runner, and might even get some time at H-back. Denard Robinson, the electric college quarterback, has the open-field abilities but is coming off a foot injury. His speed should still allow him to be a good change-of-pace back to Yeldon. Former Raven Bernard Pierce and 2014 seventhrounder Storm Johnson will battle for a roster spot as a reserve back.

 RECEIVERS The Jaguars seem to have hit on two solid wide receivers in last year’s draft with Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, and the duo will start on the outside in 2015. Sure, they didn’t put up numbers with the rest of the rookie class, but they still have potential. Lee is a crafty route runner with good hands, though he won’t beat defenders deep. Robinson has good size and body control to be a deep-ball target. The leading receiver for the Jaguars was a surprise – Allen

74 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Hurns. An undrafted rookie, Hurns was effective in the red zone (six scores), and could play any of the receiver spots with good length and speed. Jacksonville has a pair of veterans trying to revive their careers in Arrelious Benn and Tandon Doss. Fifth-round pick Rashad Greene brings a speed element to the offense and could factor as a returner. Ace Sanders is another returner with good openfield speed. The top pass catcher this year might be the Jaguars’ biggest free-agent splash, former Broncos tight end Julius Thomas. He’s going from an all-time great QB to Bortles, an elite offense to Jacksonville’s, but with a basketball player’s body, great hands and fantastic red-zone production, Thomas could be the over-the-middle weapon the Jaguars’ offense has been seeking. Veteran Marcedes Lewis can be a solid No. 2 and a good red-zone option.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 3-13

along and focused on his mechanics this offseason. Bortles’ backup, veteran Chad Henne, has a strong arm and plenty of game experience, but his inability to make big plays in Miami relegated him to a backup as his career winds down. Former Hurricane Stephen Morris is the third-stringer.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN This group allowed an NFL-high 71 sacks last season, 13 more than Washington. The need to improve starts with former No. 2 pick Luke Joeckel. He allowed a team-high eight sacks, per PFF. Despite coming to the pros with good technique and footwork for the position, that hasn’t translated in his two years in Jacksonville. He added some bulk this offseason. Jacksonville spent big money on right tackle Jermey Parnell, who will be a full-time starter for the first time in his career. Parnell has the size desired for the position and filled in nicely for Doug Free on a very good Cowboys O-line last year. The other big acquisition was former Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski, an instinctive, hardworking and experienced player, but the 26-year-old is coming off shoulder surgery. Last year’s sixthround pick, Luke Bowanko, played center, where he graded poorly in pass protection. The Jags’ top-rated player – by a lot – was right guard Brandon Linder, a third-round pick in 2014. He has good

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Blake Bortles

Jared Odrick

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Marqise Lee DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Telvin Smith POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OLG: Zane Beadles vs. A.J. Cann

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Carolina Miami at New England at Indianapolis at Tampa Bay Houston Buffalo (London) BYE at N.Y. Jets at Baltimore Tennessee San Diego at Tennessee Indianapolis Atlanta at New Orleans at Houston

Gus Bradley and defensive coordinator Bob Babich want to successfully do what Bradley’s former team does: get after the QB with the front four and produce physical play in the secondary, like the Seahawks. The 4-3 defense has some big names up front and lots of youth in the secondary. It finished 26th in the league last season in total defense after ranking 27th in Bradley’s first season.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The D-line would look a lot better if it weren’t for two ACL injuries. First, the brutal news of the offseason came when No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. tore his ACL in rookie minicamp. The explosive edge rusher will miss his first season. DT Sen’Derrick Marks led the Jags with 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, but he tore his ACL in Week 17, so his status for Week 1 will still be in question. The penetrating three-technique is one of the NFL’s better inside rushers. If Marks is healthy, the Jaguars will have quite the duo in the middle after landing former Dolphin Jared Odrick. With great length, quickness and athleticism, Odrick can get into the backfield. He hasn’t missed a game since 2010, but he had only one sack last

GRADE

DEFENSE

B+

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Blake Bortles size, durability and work ethic, and can finish his blocks. Former Bronco Zane Beadles will compete with third-round rookie A.J. Cann at left guard. Beadles signed a big contract last offseason and he got better as the year went along, especially in pass blocking. Cann has position versatility and is powerful in the run game.

TIME

1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 28

at Philadelphia at Washington Indianapolis at San Diego Pittsburgh at Tennessee Cleveland Miami at Cincinnati Dallas at Indianapolis N.Y. Giants Houston at Baltimore Tennessee at Houston All times Eastern

RESULT

L 17-34 L 10-41 L 17-44 L 14-33 L 9-17 L 14-16 W 24-6 L 13-27 L 23-33 L 17-31 L 3-23 W 25-24 L 13-27 L 12-20 W 21-13 L 17-23

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SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS BLAKE BORTLES WK 1 @ PHI WK 2 @ WAS WK 3 IND WK 4 @ SD WK 5 PIT WK 6 @ TEN WK 7 CLE WK 8 MIA WK 9 @ CIN WK 10 DAL WK 12 @ IND WK 13 NYG WK 14 HOU WK 15 @ BAL WK 16 TEN WK 17 @ HOU SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

24 37 36 46 31 34 33 37 27 35 39 37 26 33 475

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 14 223 2 2 29 254 1 2 22 191 0 2 32 336 1 1 17 159 1 3 18 221 1 2 22 247 2 1 22 290 0 1 15 146 0 1 21 194 1 0 20 205 1 1 21 210 0 1 13 115 1 0 14 117 0 0 280 2908 11 17

ALLEN HURNS

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ PHI WK 2 @ WAS WK 3 IND WK 4 @ SD WK 5 PIT WK 6 @ TEN WK 7 CLE WK 8 MIA WK 9 @ CIN WK 10 DAL WK 12 @ IND WK 13 NYG WK 14 HOU WK 15 @ BAL WK 16 TEN WK 17 @ HOU SEASON TOTALS 

9 6 3 6 11 4 2 4 9 2 4 8 10 9 6 4 97

4 2 1 5 4 2 1 3 7 1 1 4 5 6 3 2 51

110 13 63 68 26 18 7 49 112 9 13 42 36 70 26 15 677

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6

82.5 81.8 52.0 88.7 40.3 58.6 96.4 73.0 55.5 84.7 64.6 61.8 75.0 52.2 69.5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 1 0 6 4 75 10 7 79 7 5 38 11 5 51 9 8 68 7 4 60 10 5 82 8 4 35 10 5 60 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 81 48 548

 LINEBACKERS Veteran middle linebacker Paul Posluszny leads this group and signed a one-year extension in April. He tore his pectoral muscle last year and has generally been a tackle machine with his instincts and nose for the ball. Weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith will be an every-down player in Year Two after a nice rookie season. The fifth-rounder was second on the

GRADE

RTG

ALLEN ROBINSON

year. At defensive end, the Jaguars have some options in Tyson Alualu, Chris Clemons, Andre Branch and Ryan Davis. Alualu never lived up to his top-10 pick but signed a two-year deal to return. He’s more of a run stuffer. Clemons had 8.5 sacks last season but turns 34 in late October. Branch, a second-rounder in 2012, has battled injuries, but the Fowler situation opens the door for him in a contract year. Davis had 6.5 sacks last year. Roy Miller, Abry Fields and Ziggy Hood give the Jaguars a solid rotation at D-tackle, along with rookie Michael Bennett, an explosive interior lineman at Ohio State.

C+

INT

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

BLAKE BORTLES

3 0 8 9 3 5 22 18 17 15 14 11 10

8 0 33 25 6 22 127 108 94 60 25 44 30 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team 135 582

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0

MARQISE LEE

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 4

2 3 2 0 3 5 8 8 9 6 8 68

6 62 2 11 Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 26 1 20 1 9 0 0 1 13 3 52 6 75 5 67 4 14 4 65 2 8 37 422

RUSHING ATT YDS

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 2 30 0 5 24 0 4 14 0 5 38 0 5 37 0 6 48 0 4 10 0 3 3 0 5 24 0 5 68 0 3 10 0 1 2 0 5 50 0 3 61 0 56 419 0

CLAY HARBOR

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

TOBY GERHART

8 4 4 6 4 2 4 0 2 0 0 0 1 35

Inactive Inactive Inactive 8 70 3 22 3 91 6 34 2 27 0 0 3 28 0 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 289

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

17 7 9 10 4 4 3 4 4 5 5 13 12 4 101

CECIL SHORTS

42 8 32 32 9 Inactive Inactive 10 19 2 31 7 19 54 53 8 326

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2

DENARD ROBINSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 2 1 3 2 3 1 2 2 3 5 4 2

1 3 2 14 0 0 3 7 2 -1 3 14 0 0 1 10 2 10 2 10 4 47 3 10 0 0 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team 31 23 124

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 4 16 9 8 7 7 3 8 10 11 7 10 110

Inactive Inactive 5 35 2 25 Inactive 10 103 3 12 3 41 5 40 5 119 1 6 4 35 2 3 6 76 2 15 5 47 53 557

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

MARCEDES LEWIS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 6 35 3 2 71 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 3 1 -5 3 2 8 4 3 69 3 2 22 3 2 6 3 0 0 31 18 206

0 1

0 0 0 0 1 0 2

team in tackles and had nine behind the line. He’s a fluid, high-motor, downhill player. Former 49er Dan Skuta signed a huge deal for someone with one year of starting experience. On the strong side, Skuta will be a run-down defender. The Jaguars like his strength at the point of attack. Depth is a question mark at linebacker, with John Lotulelei, Jeremiah George and Khairi Fortt among the reserves.

up Cyprien at strong safety. Former Packers CB Davon House signed a multiyear contract and can bring the length and physicality that Bradley wants at corner. Demetrius McCray had three passes defensed as a full-time starter and also possesses good size. Dwayne Gratz struggled last year in coverage. Keep an eye on slot corner Aaron Colvin, who has only played six games because of an ACL tear prior to his rookie season.

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Strong safety Jonathan Cyprien led the team in tackles last season and added five behind the line. He was lauded for his great size-speed-strength combination coming out of college but isn’t going to make the big plays against the pass. He’s a hard hitter but better in the box. Former Colt Sergio Brown has primarily been a special teamer, but with good length and experience, he could battle to start at free safety. Josh Evans also will be in the free safety competition. Evans started 11 games as a rookie but had only two passes defensed. Fourth-rounder James Sample can back

76 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

Still the target of jokes for being a third-round pick, punter Bryan Anger was tied for the league lead last season, averaging 47.5 yards a punt. His net needs work, though, as it was only 39.6 yards a punt. The longest-tenured Jaguar, placekicker Josh Scobee, didn’t get many opportunities last season and hit 20-of-26 field goals. Ace Sanders was the primary punt returner last season and could take over on kickoffs as well. The competition in the secondary will help dictate who will emerge as key special teamers in coverage.

GRADE

OPP

DENARD ROBINSON

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 11 LEE OLT 76 JOECKEL OLG 68 BEADLES C 61 WISNIEWSKI ORG 65 LINDER ORT 78 PARNELL TE 89 LEWIS TE 80 THOMAS WR 15 A. ROBINSON QB 5 BORTLES RB 24 YELDON*

3 Streeter 13 Greene* 74 Young 73 Williams 60 Cann* 66 McClendon 70 Bowanko 69 Shatley 67 Pasztor 72 Wells 48 Koyack* 49 Jacobs 86 Harbor 48 Onobun 88 Hurns 18 Sanders 7 Henne 6 Morris 16 D. Robinson 21 Gerhart

DLE 93 ALUALU DT 75 ODRICK DT 99 MARKS DRE 91 CLEMONS OLB 55 SKUTA MLB 51 POSLUSZNY OLB 50 SMITH CB 35 McCRAY SS 37 CYPRIEN FS 38 BROWN CB 31 HOUSE

98 Igbinosun 97 Miller 96 Bennett* 95 Jones 92 Hood 90 Branch 59 Davis 56 Reynolds 58 Fortt 54 George 53 Lotulelei 29 Colvin 31 Harris 36 Sample* 20 Loston 26 Evans 36 Deering 27 Gratz 38 Campbell

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 19 ANGER 3 Redfern PK 10 SCOBEE 2 Dimke H 19 ANGER PR 18 SANDERS KR 18 SANDERS 13 Greene* LS 46 TINKER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Gus Bradley, Head Coach; Bob Babich, Defensive Coordinator; Luke Butkus, Assistant Offensive Line; Nathaniel Hackett, Quarterbacks; Alex Hampton, Strength and Conditioning Associate; Scottie Hazelton, Assistant Linebackers; Jess Langvardt, Strength and Conditioning Associate; Mike Mallory, Special Teams Coordinator; ElizaBeth Mayers, Assistant to the Head Coach/Administrator of Coaching Operations; Ron Middleton, Tight Ends/Assistant Special Teams; Tom Myslinski, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator; Chris O’Hara, Offensive Coaching Associate; Greg Olson, Assistant Head Coach-Offense/Offensive Line; Mike Rutenberg, Assistant Defensive Backs; Robert Saleh, Linebackers; Frank Scelfo, Senior Offensive Assistant; Cedric Scott, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach; Kelly Skipper, Running Backs; Dan Shamash, Defensive Quality Control; Matthew Smiley, Assistant Special Teams; Tony Sorrentino, Offensive Assistant / Quality Control; Jerry Sullivan, Wide Receivers; DeWayne Walker, Defensive Backs; Todd Wash, Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator; Aaron Whitecotton, Assistant to the Defensive Staff; Tyler Wolf, Assistant to the Head Coach.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE RB OG S WR DT WR TE

Florida Alabama South Carolina Louisville Florida State Ohio State Monmouth Notre Dame

3 36 67 104 139 180 220 229

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7

Dante Fowler Jr. T.J. Yeldon A.J. Cann James Sample Rashad Greene Michael Bennett Neal Sterling Ben Koyack

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Blake Bortles takes a big step in Year Two thanks in part to the additions to the O-line and a solid rookie year from T.J. Yeldon, getting the Jags offense finally on track. The D-line makes up for the absence of Dante Fowler Jr., while the youngsters in the secondary come into their own, getting Jacksonville near .500 for the first time since 2010.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Bortles isn’t the answer, and the Jaguars are afraid they have another Blaine Gabbert on their hands. The O-line and inexperienced receiving group don’t help Bortles, while the fumble-prone Yeldon struggles as a rookie. The Fowler, Jr., injury is too much for the front seven and no one steps up in the secondary. This leads to yet another bad season and puts Gus Bradley and David Caldwell squarely on the hot seat.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

93 Alualu, Tyson 19 Anger, Bryan 57 Armbrister, Thurston 62 Ash, Richard 68 Beadles, Zane 12 Benn, Arrelious 96 Bennett, Michael 14 Blackmon, Justin (susp.) 73 Booth, Cody 5 Bortles, Blake 70 Bowanko, Luke 90 Branch, Andre 38 Brown, Sergio 24 Campbell, Tommie 60 Cann, A.J. 68 Capi, Cap 91 Clemons, Chris 3 Closs, Kasey 22 Colvin, Aaron 39 Cooper, Desmond 83 Copeland, Damian 94 Crume, Eric 37 Cyprien, Johnathan 42 Daniels, Matt 59 Davis, Ryan 17 Doss, Tandon 26 Evans, Josh 58 Fortt, Khairi 56 Fowler Jr., Dante 54 George, Jeremiah 21 Gerhart, Toby 27 Gratz, Dwayne 13 Greene, Rashad 47 Hamlett, Connor 86 Harbor, Clay 23 Harris, Jeremy 7 Henne, Chad 92 Hood, Ziggy 31 House, Davon 88 Hurns, Allen 79 Igbinosun, Ikponmwosa 85 Jacobs, Nic 76 Joeckel, Luke 34 Johnson, Storm 95 Jones, Abry 48 Koyack, Ben 11 Lee, Marqise 89 Lewis, Marcedes 65 Linder, Brandon 20 Loston, Craig 53 Lotulelei, John 99 Marks, Sen’Derrick 41 Marshall, Nick 35 McCray, Demetrius 97 Miller, Roy 6 Morris, Stephen 2 Myers, Jason 75 Odrick, Jared 78 Parnell, Jermey 67 Pasztor, Austin 30 Pierce, Bernard 51 Posluszny, Paul 4 Redfern, Kasey 64 Reed, Chris 52 Reynolds, LaRoy 40 Reynolds, Rashaad 15 Robinson, Allen 16 Robinson, Denard 45 Robinson, Matt 66 Rummells, Jack 36 Sample, James 18 Sanders, Ace 10 Scobee, Josh 69 Shatley, Tyler 55 Skuta, Dan 98 Smith, Chris 50 Smith, Telvin 87 Sterling, Neal 80 Thomas, Julius 44 Thomas, Todd 25 Thompson, Peyton 46 Tinker, Carson 81 Walters, Bryan 9 Waters, Jake 84 Washington, Tony 72 Wells, Josh 77 Williams, Brennan 61 Wisniewski, Stefen 24 Yeldon, T.J. 74 Young, Sam

DE P LB DT OG WR DT WR OT QB C DE FS CB OG DE DE WR/PR CB FS WR DT S S DE WR S LB DE LB RB CB WR TE TE CB QB DT CB WR DE TE OT RB DT TE WR TE OG S LB DT CB CB DT QB K DL OT OT RB LB P OG LB CB WR RB/WR LB OL S WR/PR K OG LB DE LB WR TE LB CB LS WR QB WR OT OT C RB OT

6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-6 6-6 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-10 6-5 6-6 6-7 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-7 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-1 6-8

295 202 241 314 305 220 293 210 292 232 300 265 217 198 313 249 254 205 186 214 182 305 217 212 260 205 205 240 261 234 231 201 182 266 255 185 230 300 195 195 286 269 306 216 312 255 192 272 311 209 233 294 210 185 310 218 180 304 315 308 230 242 215 300 243 187 210 197 245 300 209 178 210 300 250 266 218 238 250 230 180 233 190 210 198 310 314 307 226 316

27 26 22 22 28 26 22 25 24 23 23 25 26 27 23 22 33 23 23 23 24 21 24 25 26 25 23 23 20 23 28 25 22 23 27 24 29 28 25 23 24 23 23 22 23 22 23 30 23 25 23 28 22 23 27 22 23 27 28 24 24 30 23 22 24 24 21 24 23 22 22 23 32 24 29 23 24 23 26 24 24 25 27 23 24 24 24 26 21 27

6 4 R R 6 5 R 2 1 2 2 4 6 5 R R 12 R 2 R 2 R 3 3 3 5 3 2 R 2 6 3 R R 6 3 8 7 5 2 1 2 3 2 3 R 2 10 2 2 3 7 R 3 7 1 1 6 6 3 4 9 1 R 3 2 2 3 R R R 3 12 2 7 2 2 R 5 R 4 3 2 R 1 2 2 5 R 6

California California Miami (Fla.) Western Michigan Utah Illinois Ohio State Oklahoma State Temple Central Florida Virginia Clemson Notre Dame California (Pa.) South Carolina Akron Georgia Portland State Oklahoma UNC-Charlotte Louisville Syracuse Florida International Duke Bethune-Cookman Indiana Florida California Florida Iowa State Stanford Connecticut Florida State Oregon State Missouri State New Mexico State Michigan Missouri New Mexico State Miami (Fla.) Southern Connecticut St. McNeese State Texas A&M Central Florida Georgia Notre Dame Southern California UCLA Miami (Fla.) Louisiana State Nevada - Las Vegas Auburn Auburn Appalachian State Texas Miami Marist Penn State Mississippi Virginia Temple Penn State Wofford Minnesota State Virginia Oregon State Penn State Michigan Maryland Northern Iowa Louisville South Carolina Louisiana Tech Clemson Grand Valley State Arkansas Florida State Monmouth (N.J.) Portland State Pittsburgh San Jose State Alabama Cornell Kansas State Appalachian State James Madison North Carolina Penn State Alabama Notre Dame

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4 Titans TENNESSEE

4-12

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OT Byron Bell, CB Perrish Cox, WR Harry Douglas, TE Anthony Fasano, WR Jacoby Ford, WR Clyde Gates, WR Hakeem Nicks, OLB Brian Orakpo, SS Da’Norris Searcy.

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES QB Jake Locker, OT Michael Oher, OLB Shaun Phillips, S Bernard Pollard, OG Chris Spencer, WR Nate Washington, S George Wilson, RB-RS Leon Washington.

4TH PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

INTERIM PRESIDENT/CEO Steve Underwood EXECUTIVE VP, GENERAL MGR. Ruston Webster HEAD COACH Ken Whisenhunt OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jason Michael DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ray Horton STADIUM LP Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 69,143 | Natural grass

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Ken Whisenhunt’s and Jason Michael’s offense needs to show some signs of life in 2015 after finishing 29th in 2014 and 30th in points. The Titans haven’t been top 10 in either category since 2003. Whisenhunt’s offenses tend to spread things out, keeping throws in the shortto-intermediate range, but look for more zone-read action to cater to their new rookie quarterback, and maybe more of an up-tempo style.

 QUARTERBACKS After months of speculation that ran right up until their pick, the Titans maintain they wanted Marcus Mariota all along, and the future of the franchise is on his shoulders. He is a smart, extremely athletic quarterback with good size, a solid arm and the ability to throw on the run. The challenge will be reading NFL defenses and adjusting to the pro game after his years in the Oregon

GRADE

2014 RECORD 2-14

spread offense. The Titans were pleased with Zach Mettenberger last season. He is also a good-sized QB with the arm strength to play in the pros and push the ball downfield, but he completed only 59.8 percent of his passes last season. Thirdstringer Charlie Whitehurst is a journeyman backup who can be called upon in a pinch. He’ll protect the football – he threw only two picks in 185 attempts last season.

C+

 RUNNING BACKS The Titans had high expectations for Bishop Sankey in his first year, but he averaged only 3.7 yards a carry and found the end zone twice. He’ll need to show more in Year Two and use his vision, agility and balance to get bigger chunk gains. He has plenty of tools, but didn’t show the ability to be a playmaker last season. Veteran backup Shonn Greene is a bigger back who can go between the tackles to churn out yards, but he’s also not the type to break one to daylight in the open field. Greene, who turns 30 in August and hasn’t rushed for more than 4.2 yards a carry since 2009, is not a lock to make the roster. Dexter McCluster provides the type of speed in the open field to elude tacklers and create a big play if put in the right position. The Titans used a fifth-round pick on David Cobb, an inside runner who was productive at Minnesota last year, sound in pass protection and smooth in the screen game. At the fullback/Hback spot, the Titans have rookie Jalston Fowler, who will have to make his mark on special teams and in the passing game.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C-

 RECEIVERS The Titans haven’t had a player reach 1,100 yards receiving since 2004, and their best bet could be Kendall Wright, unless second round pick Dorial Green-Beckham has a breakout rookie campaign. A fluid route runner and reliable receiver, Wright missed two games last season and his production

78 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

decreased, but he did have six scores. Green-Beckham, on the other hand, has great length and strength and can blow past cornerbacks down the sideline. He has all the tools to be a big-play receiver but needs to show that the numerous red flags from his college career won’t follow him to the NFL. Justin Hunter will be competing with two veteran additions, Hakeem Nicks and Harry Douglas. Hunter didn’t make the sophomore leap some were expecting, but he does have the height and speed for the outside position. Nicks is a physical possession receiver at this point in his career, but hasn’t come anywhere near his 2010-11 production. Douglas is the other veteran the Titans took a flyer on. He had his moments as Atlanta’s No. 3 and can work the slot. Seventh-rounder Tre McBride, former Jet Clyde Gates and former Raider Jacoby Ford will be vying for roster spots. At tight end, Delanie Walker had a career year but will be 31 in August. He’s not as tall as the top tight ends but has good wheels and routerunning ability. Veterans Craig Stevens and Anthony Fasano back up Walker and can be red-zone options.

GRADE

PREDICTION

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Even with the retirement of longtime left tackle Michael Roos, this could be the strongest unit of the offense, but it needs to take another step. Taylor Lewan takes over at left tackle. His rookie season ended with an ankle injury. A technically sound lineman with great length, Lewan can help the O-line greatly with a Year Two improvement. His bookend will be either Byron Stingily, who started for Michael Oher last year; Byron Bell, who struggled with Carolina; or Jamon Meredith. Third-round pick Jeremiah Poutasi has the long arms and strength necessary to be a starter one day. The interior has a potential blue-chipper in 2013 first-rounder Chance Warmack. The right guard is a mauler in the run game, where he shined last season. Andy

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Kendall Wright

Brian Orakpo

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLT Taylor Lewan DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Zach Brown POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Tampa Bay at Cleveland Indianapolis BYE Buffalo Miami Atlanta at Houston at New Orleans Carolina at Jacksonville Oakland Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets at New England Houston at Indianapolis

DEFENSE With Dick LeBeau joining Ray Horton, the Titans certainly have the coaches to run a successful defense. Their 3-4 scheme figures to be aggressive up front and in the secondary, with LeBeau making sure to use disguises and different fronts to

confuse offenses. Tennessee’s defense hasn’t been better than 14th in the league since 2008. It ranked 27th last season.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The most productive pass rusher for the Titans last year was Jurrell Casey. A big four-year extension last August did nothing to slow Casey, as the 305-pounder used his ability to penetrate and rack up 13 tackles for loss, five sacks and 18 QB hits last season. The other end is the massive Ropati Pitoitua, who had two sacks but has played only one full season. He is very stout against the run. Sammie Hill is a space-eating nose tackle who can also get after the QB (three sacks, eight tackles for loss last season). The top rotating reserve

GRADE

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Kendall Wright Levitre signed a massive contract in 2013 and has battled injuries. He also struggled last season. He’s got a big price tag for this season and will need to stay healthy and return to the blocker we saw in Buffalo. Center Brian Schwenke ended last season on IR with a knee injury. The Titans did use a sixth-rounder on Andy Gallik, who logged plenty of experience manning the middle at Boston College.

TIME

4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 9 Nov. 17 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 28

at Kansas City Dallas at Cincinnati at Indianapolis Cleveland Jacksonville at Washington Houston at Baltimore Pittsburgh at Philadelphia at Houston N.Y. Giants N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville Indianapolis All times Eastern

RESULT

W 26-10 L 10-26 L 7-33 L 17-41 L 28-29 W 16-14 L 17-19 L 16-30 L 7-21 L 24-27 L 24-43 L 21-45 L 7-36 L 11-16 L 13-21 L 10-27

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| 79

AFC

SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ KC WK 2 DAL WK 3 @ CIN WK 4 @ IND WK 5 CLE WK 6 JAX WK 7 @ WAS WK 8 HOU WK 10 @ BAL WK 11 PIT WK 12 @ PHI WK 13 @ HOU WK 14 NYG WK 15 NYJ WK 16 @ JAX WK 17 IND SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

41 27 24 39 19 24

179

CMP

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ KC WK 2 DAL WK 3 @ CIN WK 4 @ IND WK 5 CLE WK 6 JAX WK 7 @ WAS WK 8 HOU WK 10 @ BAL WK 11 PIT WK 12 @ PHI WK 13 @ HOU WK 14 NYG WK 15 NYJ WK 16 @ JAX WK 17 IND SEASON TOTALS 

RUSHING ATT YDS

9 29 4 30 1 0 2 1 3 10 2 6 1 -1 2 1 0 0 1 5 1 2 9 33 0 0 5 15 Not on Team Not on Team 40 131

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 14 7 7 4 8 5 9 5 9 3 10 5 6 10 106

The Titans’ big-ticket acquisition this offseason was Brian Orakpo, who inked a $32 million contract. He turns 29 in late July but injuries kept him to two games in 2012 and seven in 2014. When healthy, Orakpo is an adept edge rusher with his agility and strength. He has notched at least 8.5 sacks in four NFL seasons. Opposite Orakpo is former first-rounder Derrick Morgan, who graded well last season as he led the team with 6.5 sacks. He has the instincts, hands and motor to wreak havoc in the backfield. Reserve edge rushers include rookie Deiontrez Mount and former Falcon Jonathan Massaquoi. Athletic Zach Brown should regain his starting job over instinctive veteran Wesley Woodyard. Brown tore

GRADE

10.0

1 1 1 1 1 1

93.4 76.0 110.2 88.1 95.1 55.0

83.4

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

RTG

DELANIE WALKER

is Karl Klug, who has 14.5 career sacks (though seven of those came in 2011). He has a high motor in the pass rush. Mike Martin, DaQuan Jones and Al Woods round out the backups, along with rookie Angelo Blackson.

INT

Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 17 0 Inactive Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 27 299 2 16 179 1 15 263 2 20 345 2 13 184 1 14 125 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 107 1412 8

DEXTER McCLUSTER

CHARLIE WHITEHURST

3 37 10 142 4 54 5 84 4 47 3 57 2 17 4 37 3 37 Inactive 5 155 1 6 4 27 4 93 4 54 7 43 63 890

1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

ATT

23 21 28 26

24 35 28 185

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

BISHOP SANKEY

INT

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 12 177 1 13 194 2 17 233 0 17 160 2 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Active, Did Not Play 10 203 0 24 287 1 12 72 1 105 1326 7

KENDALL WRIGHT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 5 10 8 8 1 9 5 7 8 6 9

6 46 3 31 5 44 5 55 6 47 1 6 6 68 3 53 4 53 4 70 1 28 7 132 Inactive Inactive 5 4 73 5 2 9 93 57 715

1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 6

1 0 0 1

0 0 0 2

72.0 102.9 62.2 87.4

6 4 59 6 1 1 3 0 0 4 1 20 7 4 57 2 2 23 1 1 9 4 4 68 3 2 30 2 1 80 6 4 63 9 5 61 3 3 56 10 6 102 3 2 18 3 0 0 72 40 647

It’s no secret – this is where the Titans struggled last season. Three starters were their lowest-graded players per PFF in 2014. The anamoly in the back end is corner Jason McCourty, who has been a durable, steady cover man with good ball skills. Complementing McCourty’s smooth coverage is former 49er Perrish Cox, who had five interceptions last season and has good strength to be physical with receivers. The longest-tenured Titan, safety Michael Griffin, had a PFF grade of -15.7 last season. Griffin is a big hitter from center field but is coming off both shoulder and knee surgeries. The Titans spent big money on former Bill

80 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

74.0 123.9 87.4 91.8

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

C+

RTG

NATE WASHINGTON

his pectoral in Week One last season but had 9.5 sacks in 2012-13. Woodyard had a poor grade against the run, per Pro Football Focus. Avery Williamson was a pleasant surprise as a rookie last season, stepping in for Brown. He had 79 tackles with seven coming behind the line. He also was solid against the run.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 2 10 6 8 18 16 9 16 11 10 10 9 3 14 4 152

25 3 61 34 27 61 56 35 55 38 37 42 25 8 44 18 569

SHONN GREENE TD

ATT

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

15 5 10 3 11

JUSTIN HUNTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 3 63 6 2 26 7 3 37 5 1 12 5 3 99 5 3 77 2 1 6 10 4 31 2 1 17 4 2 48 10 4 64 3 1 18 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 67 28 498

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

1 4 3 6 2 16 7 11 94

RUSHING YDS

71 40 33 10 36 Inactive Inactive 1 8 6 15 0 Inactive 50 28 94 392

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

DEXTER McCLUSTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 1 17 1 1 9 2 2 15 1 0 0 2 1 -2 6 6 52 1 1 6 4 4 39 0 0 0 2 1 17 4 3 15 3 2 11 4 2 10 4 2 8 Not on Team Not on Team 36 26 197

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Da’Norris Searcy, an in-the-box safety who is only 26 and is coming off backto-back productive seasons. Reserves in the defensive backfield are headlined by former Texans CB Brandon Harris, fourth-round pick in 2014 FS Marqueston Huff and corners Coty Sensabaugh and Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

SPECIAL TEAMS Punter Brett Kern had plenty of opportunities last season and finished top 10 in average and net average. His 40.8-yard net was a career best. Veteran placekicker Ryan Succop nailed 19-of-22 field goals last season, his first with the Titans. With Leon Washington not re-signed, the Titans will be searching for new returners. They certainly have options in the receiving corps, including Jacoby Ford and Clyde Gates. Tennessee was third-worst in the league in kickoff coverage and will need defensive players to step up in that regard.

GRADE

ZACH METTENBERGER

B-

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 HUNTER 17 Green-Beckham* 17 Durham OLT 77 LEWAN 79 Meredith OLG 67 LEVITRE 64 McCray C 62 SCHWENKE 61 Ikard 69 Gallik* ORG 70 WARMACK ORT 68 STINGILY 76 Bell 72 Poutasi* TE 82 WALKER 88 Stevens 84 Thompson WR 13 WRIGHT 10 Ford 16 McBride* WR 83 DOUGLAS 18 Nicks 19 Gates QB 8 MARIOTA* 7 Mettenberger 12 Whitehurst RB 20 SANKEY 23 Greene 22 McCluster DEFENSE

DLE 92 PITOITUA NT 94 HILL DT 99 CASEY LOLB 91 MORGAN LILB 55 BROWN RILB 54 WILLIAMSON ROLB 98 ORAKPO CB 29 COX SS 31 SEARCY FS 33 GRIFFIN CB 30 McCOURTY

93 Martin 90 Jones 96 Woods 95 Blackson* 97 Klug 49 Sutton 53 Mount* 59 Woodyard 45 Staples 50 Gooden 54 Smallwood 52 Massaquoi 51 Askew 24 Sensabaugh 25 Wreh-Wilson 39 Stafford 28 Huff 32 Harris 35 Thomas SPECIALISTS

P 6 KERN PK 8 SUCCOP H 6 KERN PR 10 FORD KR 19 GATES LS 48 BRINKLEY * Rookie COACHING STAFF Ken Whisenhunt, Head Coach; Bob Bostad, Offensive Line; Steve Brown, Assistant Secondary; Louie Cioffi, Defensive Backs; Sylvester Croom, Running Backs; Nick Eason, Assistant Defensive Line; Steve Hoffman, Assistant Special Teams; Ray Horton, Defensive Coordinator; Shawn Jefferson, Wide Receivers; Nate Kaczor, Special Teams; Dick LeBeau, Assistant Head Coach / Defense; Cannon Matthews, Defensive Quality Control; John McNulty, Quarterbacks; Jason Michael, Offensive Coordinator; Mike Mularkey, Assistant Head Coach/ Tight Ends; Arthur Smith, Offensive Assistant/Tight Ends; Giff Smith, Defensive Line; Lou Spanos, Linebackers; Luke Steckel, Offensive Assistant; Mike Sullivan, Assistant Offensive Line; Jason Tucker, Assistant Wide Receivers; Steve Watterson, Strength & Conditioning.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

QB WR OG DT FB RB OLB C WR

Oregon Missouri Utah Auburn Alabama Minnesota Louisville Boston College William & Mary

2 40 66 100 108 138 177 208 245

1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7

Marcus Mariota Dorial Green-Beckham Jeremiah Poutasi Angelo Blackson Jalston Fowler David Cobb Deiontrez Mount Andy Gallik Tre McBride

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Marcus Mariota has an outstanding rookie season, lifting the Titans’ from their offensive funk behind an improved offensive line. The defense stays healthy and makes life miserable for opposing offenses thanks to Dick LeBeau’s scheme. This gets the Titans in wild-card contention for the first time since 2011.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Mariota struggles mightily as a rookie, Bishop Sankey appears to still be a bust at running back, and injuries hinder the O-line. They might have the right coaches but not the right players to run LeBeau’s scheme, showing the Titans overpaid in the offseason for the wrong athletes, leading to another year at the bottom of the AFC South.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

38 Anderson, Ri’Shard 26 Andrews, Antonio 51 Askew, Nate 76 Bell, Byron 95 Blackson, Angelo 48 Brinkley, Beau 55 Brown, Zach 58 Burnett, Kaelin 99 Casey, Jurrell 44 Cobb, David 29 Cox, Perrish 42 Dickerson, Dorin 83 Douglas, Harry 80 Fasano, Anthony 10 Ford, Jacoby 45 Fowler, Jalston 69 Gallik, Andy 19 Gates, Clyde 50 Gooden, Zaviar 17 Green-Beckham, Dorial 23 Greene, Shonn 33 Griffin, Michael 32 Harris, Brandon 94 Hill, Sammie 28 Huff, Marqueston 15 Hunter, Justin 61 Ikard, Gabe 90 Jones, DaQuan 75 Jones, Terren 6 Kern, Brett 97 Klug, Karl 67 Levitre, Andy 77 Lewan, Taylor 8 Mariota, Marcus 93 Martin, Mike 52 Massaquoi, Jonathan 16 McBride, Tre 22 McCluster, Dexter 30 McCourty, Jason 64 McCray, Justin 79 Meredith, Jamon 7 Mettenberger, Zach 56 Moch, Dontay 91 Morgan, Derrick 53 Mount, Deiontrez 18 Nicks, Hakeem 98 Orakpo, Brian 92 Pitoitua, Ropati 75 Poehls, William 72 Poutasi, Jeremiah 81 Richardson, Rico 20 Sankey, Bishop 62 Schwenke, Brian 31 Searcy, Da’Norris 37 Seastrunk, Lache 24 Sensabaugh, Coty 47 Smallwood, Yawin 39 Stafford, Daimion 57 Staples, Justin 88 Stevens, Craig 14 Stewart, Josh 68 Stingily, Byron 4 Succop, Ryan 49 Sutton, Chaz 11 Tanney, Alex 35 Thomas, Jemea 85 Thompson, Taylor 82 Walker, Delanie 70 Warmack, Chance 12 Whitehurst, Charlie 54 Williamson, Avery 96 Woods, Al 59 Woodyard, Wesley 36 Wooten, Khalid 25 Wreh-Wilson, Blidi 13 Wright, Kendall

CB RB LB OT DT LS LB LB DT RB CB TE WR TE WR FB C WR LB WR RB S CB NT DB WR C DL OT P DL OG OT QB DL OLB WR RB CB OG OT QB LB OLB LB WR OLB DE OT OT WR RB C S RB CB LB S LB TE WR OT K OLB QB DB TE TE OG QB LB DL LB DB CB WR

5-11 5-10 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-4 5-9 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-5 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-0 5-8 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-4 6-8 6-8 6-5 6-1 5-10 6-3 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-5 6-2 6-5 6-4 5-10 6-6 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-1 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10

194 24 1 225 22 2 235 23 1 340 26 5 318 R 248 25 4 248 25 4 240 25 3 305 25 5 229 R 190 28 5 226 27 4 183 30 8 255 31 10 190 27 5 254 24 R 306 197 28 4 231 24 3 237 22 R 233 29 7 215 30 9 189 25 5 328 28 7 196 23 2 203 23 3 304 24 2 322 23 2 341 23 2 214 29 8 278 27 5 303 28 7 309 23 2 222 21 R 298 24 4 264 26 4 210 22 170 26 6 193 27 7 321 22 1 312 28 7 224 23 2 257 26 3 261 26 6 249 R 208 27 7 257 28 7 298 30 6 334 23 1 335 20 R 185 23 1 209 22 2 318 24 3 207 26 5 200 23 1 187 26 4 236 23 1 218 24 3 245 25 2 263 30 8 178 22 1 318 26 5 218 28 7 263 25 1 220 27 2 195 25 1 268 25 4 248 30 10 323 23 3 226 32 10 246 23 2 307 28 6 233 28 8 212 25 1 198 25 3 191 25 4

Syracuse Western Kentucky Texas A&M New Mexico Auburn Missouri North Carolina Nevada USC Minnesota Oklahoma State Pittsburgh Louisville Notre Dame Clemson Alabama Boston College Abilene Christian Missouri Missouri Iowa Texas Miami (Fla.) Stillman Wyoming Tennessee Oklahoma Penn State Alabama State Toledo Iowa Oregon State Michigan Oregon Michigan Troy William & Mary Mississippi Rutgers Central Florida South Carolina LSU Nevada Georgia Tech Louisville North Carolina Texas Washington State Montana Utah Jackson State Washington California North Carolina Baylor Clemson Connecticut Nebraska Illinois California Oklahoma State Louisville South Carolina South Carolina Monmouth (Ill.) Georgia Tech Southern Methodist Central Missouri Alabama Clemson Kentucky LSU Kentucky Nevada Connecticut Baylor

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| 81

AFC

WEST

1 Chiefs KANSAS CITY

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Tyvon Branch, OG Paul Fanaika, OG Ben Grubbs, WR Jeremy Maclin.

PREDICTION

10-6

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Donnie Avery, WR Dwayne Bowe, CB Kurt Coleman, TE Anthony Fasano, C Rodney Hudson, WR A.J. Jenkins, ILB Joe Mays, DT Vance Walker.

GENERAL MANAGER John Dorsey HEAD COACH Andy Reid OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Doug Pederson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bob Sutton STADIUM Arrowhead Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 79,451 | Natural grass

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Andy Reid’s West Coast offense didn’t put up big numbers last season — it was 25th overall, 10th in rushing and 29th through the air — but it puts a high emphasis on protecting the football. The Chiefs had the fourth-fewest plays in the league last season and rely on the run to make things easier for Alex Smith to engineer the quick-hitting passing game.

 QUARTERBACKS Smith isn’t going to wow you — at least not like a No. 1 pick should. He’s the epitome of solid but not spectacular, focused on keeping turnovers down. In his two seasons under Reid, Smith has thrown 41 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions. Smith has a very high football IQ, is mobile to extend the play and tough to stand in the pocket, take a hit while making his throw and make the quick decisions necessary in a West Coast system. He just might not put

 RUNNING BACKS It would’ve been asking a lot for Jamaal Charles to put up similar numbers to his outstanding 2013 campaign, but he was still very productive, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and accounting for 14 touchdowns. The speedy back enters his eighth season and is still the best offensive weapon for Reid, with his ability to change direction on a dime and catch passes out of the backfield. A changeof-pace back, Knile Davis is more of an in-between-the-tackles runner who has played all 32 games in his two NFL seasons. He had six rushing scores last season. The Chiefs do employ fullback Anthony Sherman, who received a contract extension in November. KC enters camp with Cyrus Gray as the No. 3 back and also can use De’Anthony Thomas out of the backfield.

A-

 RECEIVERS The Chiefs’ wideouts held a dubious honor in 2014: zero touchdown catches. None. Zilch. The Dwayne Bowe era in KC came to an unceremonious end, and they made a free-agency splash, reuniting Reid with Jeremy Maclin. The electric receiver has good hands and is familiar with the Chiefs offense. He gives Smith a huge playmaking weapon. Albert Wilson emerged last season as a big-play receiver, averaging 16.3 yards a catch. Jason Avant has speed and a long history with Reid from his time in Philadelphia. Thomas and his outstanding speed can play the Dexter McCluster role in the offense

82 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

by catching screen passes and making defenders miss in the open field. Frankie Hammond Jr., Junior Hemingway, Armon Binns, Fred Williams and Da’Rick Rogers round out a group of young and intriguing receivers who will be battling for roster spots. Third-rounder Chris Conley has good West Coast abilities to be an intermediate target for Smith. Seventh-rounder Da’Ron Brown brings a speed element. Although the wide receivers couldn’t find the endzone, tight end Travis Kelce did five times and led the Chiefs in receiving. At 6-5 and 255 pounds, Kelce was Pro Football Focus’ top-rated run blocker and is emerging as one of the game’s better all-around tight ends.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Clark Hunt

GRADE

2014 RECORD 9-7

the team on his back and throw for 300 yards and multiple scores every game. Career backup Chase Daniel was more than capable stepping in for Smith in the season finale last season, a 19-7 win over the Chargers. Two accomplished SEC quarterbacks, Aaron Murray and Tyler Bray, will battle for the No. 3 job, with Murray having the edge.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Chiefs’ line struggled to protect Smith last season, allowing 45 sacks. The key will be marked improvement from Eric Fisher, who started to get better late last season after offseason shoulder surgery and is better off back on the blind side after playing right tackle his rookie year. The 2013 No. 1 pick gave up seven sacks, via Pro Football Focus. To get an infusion of experience up front, KC traded for veteran Ben Grubbs, a twotime Pro Bowler who will play left guard and can help Fisher. Eric Kush is in line to replace Rodney Hudson, last year’s top offensive lineman, at center, though second-round pick Mitch Morse will be a factor. Morse is a compact and strong mauler in the run game. Jeff Allen, who has good agility for his size, moves to the right side to make room for Grubbs. Allen suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 1 last season. Donald Stephenson will compete to start at right tackle with Allen and former Packers first-rounder Derek Sherrod, who will look to shed the bust label in a new environment in Kansas City. The Chiefs also added guard Paul Fanaika, who started 30 games for the

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC WEST

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Jamaal Charles

Justin Houston

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Travis Kelce DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB Marcus Peters POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Houston Denver at Green Bay at Cincinnati Chicago at Minnesota Pittsburgh Detroit (London) BYE at Denver at San Diego Buffalo at Oakland San Diego at Baltimore Cleveland Oakland

Under Bob Sutton, the Chiefs went from 24th to seventh in the league in total defense last season, but they were 28th against the run. Like the offense, the ‘D’ tried to be efficient where it mattered, leading the league in red-zone defense and finishing sixth on third down. The press-man scheme relies on a consistent pass rush from the outside linebackers. It’s a 3-4, but, like many defenses, turns hybrid, especially in the sub package, but stays man-to-man in the secondary.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The anchor of any good 3-4 defense is the nose tackle, and the Chiefs have

GRADE

DEFENSE

a blue-chipper plugging the middle in Dontari Poe, an ironman who rarely needs to leave the field. Per Pro Football Focus, Poe led all defensive tackles in snaps, playing 91 more than Ndamukong Suh. With a massive frame, Poe actually showed off his pass rush last season with six sacks and eight QB hits. The run stopper up front is veteran Mike DeVito, a technically sound end who can help set the edge, but his play will be dependent on his recovery from an Achilles’ injury. Jaye Howard filled in for DeVito last season. Mike Catapano is a player to watch as he returns from injury. He can rush the passer. Allen Bailey has the size necessary to play end, with long arms, and had 10 tackles for loss last season. Ex-Packer Jerel Worthy

4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Jamaal Charles Cardinals the past two seasons and could start at right guard.

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 29 Oct. 5 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Tennessee L 10-26 at Denver L 17-24 at Miami W 34-15 New England W 41-14 at San Francisco L 17-22 at San Diego W 23-20 St. Louis W 34-7 N.Y. Jets W 24-10 at Buffalo W 17-13 Seattle W 24-20 at Oakland L 20-24 Denver L 16-29 at Arizona L 14-17 Oakland W 31-13 at Pittsburgh L 12-20 San Diego W 19-7 All times Eastern

RESULT

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| 83

AFC

WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 TEN WK 2 @ DEN WK 3 @ MIA WK 4 NE WK 5 @ SF WK 7 @ SD WK 8 STL WK 9 NYJ WK 10 @ BUF WK 11 SEA WK 12 @ OAK WK 13 DEN WK 14 @ AZ WK 15 OAK WK 16 @ PIT WK 17 SD SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

35 42 25 26 30 28 29 31 29 16 36 23 39 30 45

19 26 19 20 16 19 25 21 17 11 20 15 26 18 31

464

303

202 1 255 0 186 3 248 3 158 1 221 1 223 0 199 2 177 0 108 0 234 2 153 2 293 1 297 2 311 0 Inactive 3265 18

TRAVIS KELCE

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 TEN WK 2 @ DEN WK 3 @ MIA WK 4 NE WK 5 @ SF WK 7 @ SD WK 8 STL WK 9 NYJ WK 10 @ BUF WK 11 SEA WK 12 @ OAK WK 13 DEN WK 14 @ AZ WK 15 OAK WK 16 @ PIT WK 17 SD SEASON TOTALS 

5 3 49 6 4 81 4 3 36 9 8 93 3 2 15 4 4 33 6 4 45 5 4 67 2 2 19 5 3 37 5 4 67 3 3 36 9 7 110 6 5 59 7 4 31 8 7 84 87 67 862

0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5

3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

45.2 79.0 136.0 144.4 65.7 103.4 98.7 106.8 76.4 87.5 94.0 95.0 86.8 115.6 88.3

93.4

Suspended 6 3 40 5 3 32 6 5 81 6 3 42 7 5 84 6 6 64 10 6 55 12 8 93 4 2 18 5 3 42 5 2 18 3 2 29 7 3 69 8 6 57 5 3 30 95 60 754

The best outside linebacker in the league last season was Justin Houston, who compiled an insane 22 sacks, 25 QB hits and four forced fumbles. The Chiefs’ franchised player is explosive off the edge, a physical specimen, and he isn’t only a pass rusher — he can stop the run, too, with good play recognition. Veteran Tamba Hali bookends Houston as arguably the top OLB duo in the league. At 31, Hali can still get after the quarterback. The group gets a boost with the return of run-stopper Derrick Johnson, who is coming off an Achilles’ injury. He’s a steady tackle machine with a nose for the ballcarrier. The Chiefs drafted two potential heir apparents on the inside with Ramik Wilson and D.J. Alexander. Wilson was highly productive in college, and, like Johnson, is a high volume tackler. Dee Ford, a 2014 first-rounder, was mainly a nonfactor in his rookie

GRADE

RTG

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

INT

DWAYNE BOWE

and former Charger Vaughn Martin will try to find a spot in the rotation.

JAMAAL CHARLES

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

7 2 18 15 22 14 20 15 20 19 10 10 12 9 13 206

KNILE DAVIS

19 4 Inactive 92 80 95 67 78 98 159 80 35 91 52 29 54 1,033

0 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 9

JAMAAL CHARLES

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 1 3 4 4 4 4 4 2 7 6 4 2 7 3 59

4 15 1 8 Inactive 3 16 1 4 2 12 4 44 2 10 3 20 2 19 4 42 4 24 2 20 1 1 5 48 2 8 40 291

0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 5

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 22 32 16 2 10 16 3 4 5 2 0 1 9 2 9 134

3 79 132 107 6 25 49 9 1 10 2 0 4 11 2 23 463

6 4 2 1 7 1 4 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 36

3 29 3 39 2 23 0 0 4 32 0 0 4 19 3 24 1 7 Inactive 2 30 1 20 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 25 226

As the Chiefs, and all of us, hope for good health and recovery for Eric Berry, the secondary’s top player will be at the No. 1 corner spot in Sean Smith. Smith has great size and physicality to man up receivers in Sutton’s scheme. He had 16 passes defended last season. Andy Reid took a chance in Round One of the draft, nabbing troubled but talented corner Marcus Peters, who was kicked off the team at Washington in his final season. Peters has the size, length, speed, athleticism and ball skills to be a good pro corner, as long as the college character concerns don’t follow him. Second-year corner Phillip Gaines and Jamell Fleming are expected to be in

84 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 6

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

ALEX SMITH

ANTHONY FASANO

season. The Chiefs still hope he can develop into an effective edge rusher. Year Two will be crucial for Ford. The other linebackers include Josh Mauga, who played for Sutton in New York and was second on the team in tackles last season; Frank Zombo; Josh Martin and JamesMichael Johnson.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 5 2 4 1 6 3 0 4 2 2 5 4 3 2

36 42 17 8 6 29 24 0 25 -1 5 6 26 17 14 Inactive 49 254

DE’ANTHONY THOMAS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

DE’ANTHONY THOMAS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 2 5 1 0 1 6 2 1 3 7 3 31

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 0 2 21 4 14 1 5 0 0 1 10 2 15 2 5 1 6 1 5 6 47 3 28 23 156

ATT

RUSHING YDS

1 1 0 1 1 3 1 0 2 2 1 1 14

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 17 5 0 26 3 22 9 0 5 14 -6 18 113

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

ALBERT WILSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 1 0 0 2 0 8 5 7 4 28

0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 11 0 0 1 13 0 0 0 0 2 27 0 0 4 53 3 69 5 87 0 0 16 260

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

the competition for the No. 3 corner spot. Gaines has good ball skills and can play physical with receivers, while Fleming is strong and fluid in his movements. Steven Nelson, a 2015 third-rounder, has good feet and plyamaking ability. At safety, the Chiefs gave big money to keep Ron Parker, who had a breakout campaign with 12 passes defended in his first year as a starter. Husain Abdullah is expected to start alongside the athletic Parker, but the Chiefs did add former Raider Tyvon Branch, who can play in the box but hasn’t completed a full season since 2011.

SPECIAL TEAMS Dustin Colquitt is one of the league’s steadier punters, and kicker Cairo Santos was solid in his first season, but could improve on his 25-of-30 mark in field goals. De’Anthony Thomas had an 81-yard puntreturn score last year, and the Chiefs have a wealth of return options, led by the speedy Thomas. Anthony Sherman is key to the coverage teams and had two forced fumbles in 2014.

GRADE

ALEX SMITH

B+

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 19 MACLIN OLT 72 FISHER OLG 66 GRUBBS C 64 KUSH ORG 74 FANAIKA ORT 79 STEPHENSON TE 87 KELCE WR 81 AVANT WR 12 A. WILSON QB 11 A. SMITH RB 25 CHARLES

88 Hemingway 16 Rogers 62 Feigt 76 Duvernay-Tardif 65 Henry 61 Morse* 73 Fulton 71 Allen 78 Sherrod 84 Harris 80 O’Shaughnessy* 85 Hammond 14 Binns 13 Thomas 17 Conley* 10 Daniel 7 Murray 34 Davis 32 Gray

DLE 70 DeVITO NT 92 POE DRE 96 BAILEY LOLB 50 HOUSTON LILB 56 D. JOHNSON RILB 90 MAUGA ROLB 91 HALI CB 22 PETERS* SS 38 PARKER FS 39 ABDULLAH CB 21 S. SMITH

96 Howard 98 Williams 93 Fangupo 77 Catapano 90 Martin 55 Ford 51 Zombo 53 R. Wilson* 57 Alexander* 52 J.M. Johnson 95 Martin 51 Zombo 30 Fleming 20 Nelson* 29 Berry 27 Branch 24 McCray 39 Sorensen 23 Gaines 26 Commings

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 2 COLQUITT PK 5 SANTOS H 2 COLQUITT PR 13 THOMAS 85 Hammond KR 34 DAVIS 85 Hammond LS 48 HARTSON 49 Hus * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Andy Reid, head coach; Eric Bieniemy, running backs; Tommy Brasher, defensive line; David Culley, assistant head coach/wide receivers; Brad Childress, spread game analysis/special projects; Eugene Chung, assistant offensive line; Mark DeLeone, assistant linebackers; Gary Gibbs, linebackers; Al Harris, assistant secondary; Andy Heck, offensive line; Corey Matthaei, assistant quarterbacks; Tom Melvin, tight ends; Matt Nagy, quarterbacks; Doug Pederson, offensive coordinator; Britt Reid, assistant defensive line; Barry Rubin, strength and conditioning; Bob Sutton, defensive coordinator; Emmitt Thomas, defensive backs; Dave Toub, special teams.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB OG WR CB ILB OLB TE DT WR

Washington Missouri Georgia Oregon State Georgia Oregon State Illinois State Southern Miss Northern Illinois

18 49 76 98 118 172 173 217 233

1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7

Marcus Peters Mitch Morse Chris Conley Steven Nelson Ramik Wilson D.J. Alexander James O’Shaughnessy Rakeem Nunez-Roches Da’Ron Brown

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Smith not only protects the football but elevates his game with the addition of Maclin and adds much more production through the air. The O-line comes together, thanks to a big year from Fisher. Houston doesn’t lose a step, and the Chiefs take advantage of a different Broncos squad to win the AFC West.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Injuries plague the team again on both sides of the ball. Smith doesn’t take advantage of his new weapon. Fisher struggles again, the defense continues to not stop the run and the secondary can’t make up for the loss of Berry, leading to another season without a playoff appearance and putting Reid on the hot seat for 2016.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

39 Abdullah, Husain 57 Alexander, D.J. 71 Allen, Jeff 81 Avant, Jason 97 Bailey, Allen 81 Barden, Brandon 29 Berry, Eric 14 Binns, Armon 27 Branch, Tyvon 9 Bray, Tyler 4 Brown, Da’Ron 77 Catapano, Mike 25 Charles, Jamaal 2 Colquitt, Dustin 26 Commings, Sanders 17 Conley, Chris 31 Cooper, Marcus 10 Daniel, Chase 34 Davis, Knile 70 DeVito, Mike 76 Duvernay-Tardif, Laurent 74 Fanaika, Paul 93 Fangupo, Hebron 62 Feigt, Curtis 72 Fisher, Eric 30 Fleming, Jamell 55 Ford, Dee 73 Fulton, Zach 23 Gaines, Phillip 89 Gordon, Richard 32 Gray, Cyrus 66 Grubbs, Ben 91 Hali, Tamba 85 Hammond, Frankie 84 Harris, Demetrius 88 Hemingway, Junior 65 Henry, Ricky 44 Hester, Aaron 50 Houston, Justin 96 Howard, Jaye 56 Johnson, Derrick 52 Johnson, James-Michael 87 Kelce, Travis 64 Kush, Eric 19 Maclin, Jeremy 95 Martin, Josh 94 Martin, Vaughn 90 Mauga, Josh 24 McCray, Kelcie 61 Morse, Mitch 54 Moses, Dezman 7 Murray, Aaron 20 Nelson, Steven 99 Nunez-Roches, Rakeem 80 O’Shaughnessy, James 40 Olatoye, Deji 38 Parker, Ron 22 Peters, Marcus 92 Poe, Dontari 60 Pughsley, Jarrod 8 Rogers, Da’Rick 5 Santos, Cairo 47 Schiltz, Adam 42 Sherman, Anthony 67 Sherrod, Derek 11 Smith, Alex 21 Smith, Sean 49 Sorensen, Daniel 79 Stephenson, Donald 13 Thomas, De’Anthony 30 Ware, Spencer 35 West, Charcandrick 83 Williams, Fred 98 Williams, Nick 12 Wilson, Albert 53 Wilson, Ramik 41 Winchester, James 66 Worthy, Jerel 51 Zombo, Frank

DB LB OL WR DL TE DB WR DB QB WR DL RB SP DB WR DB QB RB DL OL OL DL OL OL DB LB OL DB TE RB OL LB WR TE WR OL DB LB DL LB LB TE OL WR LB/DL DL LB DB OL LB QB DB DL TE DB DB DB DL OL WR SP TE RB OL QB DB DB OL RB RB RB WR DL WR LB SP DL LB

6-0 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-6 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-0 6-7 6-8 5-11 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-7 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-3 5-8 6-4 5-10 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-6 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3

204 29 233 23 307 25 210 32 288 26 253 26 211 26 211 25 210 28 215 23 205 270 24 199 28 210 33 223 25 213 22 192 25 225 28 227 23 305 30 315 24 327 29 324 29 314 25 315 24 206 26 243 24 323 23 193 24 268 27 206 25 310 31 275 31 185 25 230 23 225 26 310 27 207 25 258 26 301 26 242 32 240 25 260 25 313 25 198 26 245 23 300 29 245 27 205 26 305 249 26 210 24 197 22 307 21 245 23 194 23 206 27 197 22 346 24 313 24 215 23 175 23 245 24 242 26 321 26 217 31 218 27 208 25 312 26 174 22 228 23 205 23 190 27 310 25 200 22 237 22 210 308 25 254 28

7 R 4 10 5 1 6 3 8 3 R 3 8 11 3 R 3 7 4 9 2 6 2 1 3 4 2 2 2 5 4 9 10 2 2 3 3 1 5 4 11 4 3 3 7 3 5 6 4 R 4 2 R R R 1 5 R 4 1 2 2 1 5 5 11 7 2 4 2 2 2 1 2 2 R R 3 6

Washington State Oregon State Illinois Michigan Miami (Fla.) Vanderbilt Tennessee Cincinnati Connecticut Tennessee Northern Illinois Princeton Texas Tennessee Georgia Georgia Rutgers Missouri Arkansas Maine McGill (Canada) Arizona State Brigham Young West Virginia Central Michigan Oklahoma Auburn Tennessee Rice Miami (Fla.) Texas A&M Auburn Penn State Florida UW-Milwaukee Michigan Nebraska UCLA Georgia Florida Texas Nevada Cincinnati California (Pa.) Missouri Columbia Western Ontario (Canada) Nevada Arkansas State Missouri Tulane Georgia Oregon State Southern Mississippi Illinois State North Carolina A&T Newberry Washington Memphis Akron Tennessee Tech Tulane Emporia State Connecticut Mississippi State Utah Utah Brigham Young Oklahoma Oregon LSU Abilene Christian St. Cloud State University Samford Georgia State Georgia Oklahoma Michigan State Central Michigan

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AFC

WEST

2 Broncos DENVER

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

OWNER Pat Bowlen GENERAL MANAGER John Elway HEAD COACH Gary Kubiak OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Rick Dennison DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Wade Phillips STADIUM Sports Authority Field at Mile High CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 76,125 | Natural grass

ARTHUR ARKKUSH

OFFENSE

Rarely does a new staff inherit a future Hall of Fame QB and an offense that finished first or second in scoring three years running. That’s what Gary Kubiak and Rick Dennison receive, though it’s a transitioning unit with at least three new starting O-linemen and a new tight end. Kubiak favors a run-centric, zoneblocking, movement-based play-action attack, but he wants to make Peyton Manning comfortable, thus blending his scheme with Manning’s preferred shotgun-heavy spread attack, relying on tempo and the QB’s brilliant pre-snap adjustments.

 QUARTERBACKS Manning threw for 39 TDs but just three in December, when a torn right quadriceps impaired the 39-year-old’s already diminished ability to drive the ball downfield. Manning’s best asset is manipulating defenses with unrivaled intelligence and experience. He still

 RUNNING BACKS C.J. Anderson went from buried on the depth chart in Week One to the NFL’s leader in scrimmage yards in November, igniting Denver’s late-season shift to a run-first outfit after injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman. Using a low center of gravity to his advantage to burst through contact, the 5-8, 224-pounder has good vision and decisiveness to find and hit cutbacks and forward lean to pick up extra yardage. He brings the same vinegar and leverage advantage to pass protection, and displays natural hands as a receiver, but Anderson might’ve been a bit heavy, according to his former offensive coordinator, affecting his stamina. Ball entered 2014 as Denver’s lead back, but an emergency appendectomy, a bit too much bulk and, ultimately, a season-ending groin injury limited him to three starts and a 3.1 YPC average. Hillman has speed and elusiveness if a changeup is needed.

 RECEIVERS Demaryius Thomas started slow before winding up in rare company: His 111 catches and 1,619 yards are franchise bests, and he joined Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice as the only NFL receivers

86 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

to eclipse 1,400 yards and 10 scores in three consecutive campaigns. A threat to score from anywhere, Denver’s franchise tag recipient possesses a bluechip combination of size, speed and run strength that should soon make him the NFL’s highest-paid receiver – though he was a holdout as of press time. A freeagent receiver’s first season with a new club typically includes growing pains, but Emmanuel Sanders, with 4.4 speed and sensational quickness and versatility made his first Pro Bowl. Kubiak expects a “big jump” from 2014 second-rounder Cody Latimer, a sure-handed speedster with great size who struggled to grasp the playbook. After third-rounder Jeff Heuerman’s ACL tear, the onus falls on newcomer Owen Daniels and Virgil Green at tight end. Daniels went to two Pro Bowls as a reliable and tough safety valve for Kubiak’s Texans. Green is a powerful blocker, but the 6-5, 255-pounder with 4.64 speed and natural hands could get added receiving chances in Julius Thomas’ absence. James Casey can be used as an H-back, inline or split out.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 12-4

possesses a hair trigger release, superb accuracy and anticipation and a rare competitive fire, but beginning with Seattle in Super Bowl XLVII, defenses have been forcing Manning to work outside the numbers, where he’s less effective. Pressure up the middle also became increasingly problematic for the immobile Manning, whose lower body mechanics are paramount to his ball velocity. Manning, who took until March to confirm his return for an 18th season, likely approaches his final shot at securing the elusive second Super Bowl ring. Brock Osweiler has a big arm, even bigger stature (6-7, 240), and unique athleticism He is viewed as Manning’s successor despite entering a contract year with zero starts and 30 attempts.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Pro Bowl LT Ryan Clady returns to his zone-blocking NFL origin after getting his feet back under him in 2014 following a season-ending Lisfranc injury in ’13. He’s quick off the snap with great balance and awareness against top edge rushers, but Clady isn’t as effective as a run blocker. After an impressive move to right tackle at midseason, Louis Vasquez returns to right guard, where he uses his mass and balance to anchor, and imposing power and toughness to generate movement. C Gino Gradkowski, acquired in a trade from Baltimore to reunite with Kubiak, is athletic and familiar with the scheme but is inconsistent. New LG Shelley Smith, another former Kubiak disciple, was released from Miami after one season but has enough agility and understanding of angles to reach the second level. A

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC WEST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

OG Orlando Franklin, LB Nate Irving, DT Terrance Knighton, S Rahim Moore, C Will Montgomery, TE Jacob Tamme, TE Julius Thomas, DT Mitch Unrein, WR Wes Welker

GRADE

10-6

TE Owen Daniels, DE Antonio Smith, OG Shelley Smith, S Darian Stewart, LB Reggie Walker, DE Vance Walker

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Peyton Manning

Von Miller

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Virgil Green DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DRE Malik Jackson POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT: Chris Clark vs. Michael Schofield vs. Ty Sambrailo

2015 SCHEDULE

Peyton Manning

DEFENSE

Wade Phillips has a sterling record of quick, effective 3-4 transitions and admitted this is “probably the best situation” the longtime coach and coordinator has entered. He inherits the No. 3 overall defense brimming with star power, familiar faces and strong fits for his attacking, up-the-field scheme after Denver spent the previous four seasons in a hybrid 4-3 with minimal blitzing. The addition of esteemed D-line coach Bill Kollar is key, especially for 2013 first-round NT Sylvester Williams, and Phillips’ aggressive approach is welcomed by a group that needs more big plays.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Admitting he’s at a crossroads, Williams gets first crack at replacing Terrance Knighton at nose guard. He’s a bit undersized, but Phillips has succeeded with different body types, and Williams has good initial quickness, consistent effort and enough mass to drop anchor. DRE Malik Jackson has been an outstanding rotational rusher the past two seasons (11 combined sacks), playing bigger than his size, piercing the backfield with good arm extension and a lethal spin move and positioning himself well entering a contract year. DLE Derek Wolfe, a self-admitted “tweener,” is stout and flashed rush ability as a rookie, though Jackson’s ascent could impact Wolfe’s role. DE Antonio Smith, who enjoyed his best season with seven sacks under Phillips in 2012, is a relentless interior rusher who thrives with line games and second and third efforts. Kollar loves the energy, smarts and versatility of fellow new DE Vance Walker. DT Marvin Austin effectively ate early-down reps in 2014. Rookie NT Darius Kilgo has enough length and athleticism to perhaps contribute soon.

GRADE

sieve in 2014, the RT vacancy will be filled by incumbent Chris Clark, secondyear player Michael Schofield or rookie Ty Sambrailo. Clark was benched last season but has experience on both edges. Schofield has active hands and intensity but struggled to keep weight on. Sambrailo has a mean streak and enough size and athleticism to win the job. Fellow rookie Max Garcia, a heady college center who wins in a phone booth, will begin at guard. Youngsters Matt Paradis and Ben Garland will battle for backup roles inside.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 28 Jan. 3

Baltimore at Kansas City at Detroit Minnesota at Oakland at Cleveland BYE Green Bay at Indianapolis Kansas City at Chicago New England at San Diego Oakland at Pittsburgh Cincinnati San Diego

TIME

4:25 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Indianapolis W 31-24 Sept. 14 Kansas City W 24-17 Sept. 21 at Seattle *L 20-26 Oct. 5 Arizona W 41-20 Oct. 12 at N.Y. Jets W 31-17 Oct. 19 San Francisco W 42-17 Oct. 23 San Diego W 35-21 Nov. 2 at New England L 21-43 Nov. 9 at Oakland W 41-17 Nov. 16 at St. Louis L 7-22 Nov. 23 Miami W 39-36 Nov. 30 at Kansas City W 29-16 Dec. 7 Buffalo W 24-17 Dec. 14 at San Diego W 22-10 Dec. 22 at Cincinnati L 28-37 Dec. 28 Oakland W 47-14 POSTSEASON Jan. 11 Indianapolis L 24-13 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 IND WK 2 KC WK 3 @ SEA WK 5 AZ WK 6 @ NYJ WK 7 SF WK 8 SD WK 9 @ NE WK 10 @ OAK WK 11 @ STL WK 12 MIA WK 13 @ KC WK 14 BUF WK 15 @ SD WK 16 @ CIN WK 17 OAK SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

36 26 49 47 33 26 35 57 44 54 35 34 20 20 44 37 597

22 21 31 31 22 22 25 34 31 34 28 17 14 14 28 21 395

269 242 303 479 237 318 286 438 340 389 257 179 173 233 311 273 4727

DEMARYIUS THOMAS

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 IND 11 4 48 0 WK 2 KC 7 5 62 1 WK 3 @ SEA 9 4 31 0 WK 5 AZ 16 8 226 2 WK 6 @ NYJ 12 10 124 1 WK 7 SF 9 8 171 2 WK 8 SD 12 8 105 0 WK 9 @ NE 11 7 127 0 WK 10 @ OAK 14 11 108 0 WK 11 @ STL 10 7 103 0 WK 12 MIA 13 10 87 3 WK 13 @ KC 13 6 63 1 WK 14 BUF 5 2 11 0 WK 15 @ SD 11 6 123 1 WK 16 @ CIN 14 7 115 0 WK 17 OAK 17 8 115 0 SEASON TOTALS  184 111 1619 11

3 3 2 4 3 4 3 2 5 1 4 2 0 1 2 0 39

RTG

0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 15

111.9 143.9 85.7 110.2 117.9 157.2 124.2 80.9 111.9 75.3 135.4 85.3 56.9 125.6 61.8 80.1 101.5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 6 77 9 8 108 15 11 149 9 7 101 6 3 38 3 3 41 9 9 120 16 10 151 8 5 67 8 5 102 13 9 125 11 6 73 6 4 56 3 3 53 7 6 70 9 6 73 141 101 1404

LOLB Von Miller made a remarkable recovery from a December 2013 ACL tear to notch 14 sacks and again become one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders. He isn’t in the company of J.J. Watt – yet – but Phillips said the quick-twitch, violent havoc-wreaker who closes on quarterbacks with hyper speed can get there. ROLB DeMarcus Ware, 33, believes playing on his feet again will prevent unneeded wear and tear. The eight-time Pro Bowler and Dallas’ all-time leading sacker still exhibits burst and utilizes a full repertoire of rush moves, also setting the edge against the run. Top pick Shane Ray fell in the draft because of a marijuana citation days beforehand, but his devastating first step, speedpower conversion and relentlessness made him a consensus top-10 talent. Ray steps into a great situation under Phillips and behind a pair of All-Pros and should see plenty of rush chances. RILB Brandon Marshall, arguably Denver’s defensive MVP last season, seemingly came out of nowhere to start for an injured Danny Trevathan and lead the

GRADE

INT

EMMANUEL SANDERS

 LINEBACKERS

C.J. ANDERSON

0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 9

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 5 2 0 2 1 3 13 9 27 32 21 29 18 13 179

RONNIE HILLMAN

27 31 -3 Inactive 0 9 0 18 90 29 167 168 58 85 83 87 849

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 3 8

WES WELKER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Suspended Suspended 9 6 60 9 7 58 1 1 8 3 3 50 2 2 5 8 3 31 5 4 24 6 4 28 4 4 18 2 1 12 6 6 82 3 2 16 4 4 30 2 2 42 64 49 464

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 4 7 6 6 6 2 7 3

7 104 3 4 39 1 3 17 1 6 66 2 4 51 2 4 27 0 2 23 0 2 33 1 6 63 2 2 3 0 Inactive Inactive Active, Did Not Play 2 1 30 0 6 2 33 0 0 0 0 0 62 43 489 12

Pro Bowl CB Chris Harris, like Miller, made a stunning recovery from January ACL surgery to not allow a touchdown all season, earning him a five-year, $42.5 million extension. At 5-10 and 199, Harris lacks the size of running mate Aqib Talib but has fabulous ball skills, instincts and the tackling ability and quickness to kick inside. Talib notched four interceptions – two pick-sixes – and continues to use his length, athleticism and superb transition skills to battle top receivers. CB Bradley Roby showed the toughness and

88 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

JULIUS THOMAS

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

JUWAN THOMPSON

Inactive Active, Did Not Play 2 2 0 15 64 0 24 100 0 14 74 2 20 109 0 10 16 1 6 13 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 15 56 0 106 434 3

club in tackles. He’s rangy, physical and improved rapidly as a tackler and in coverage, though a late-season Lisfranc injury requires monitoring. Multiple knee injuries limited Denver’s top tackler in 2013, Trevathan, to three games. He’s a run-and-hit linebacker who locates the ball well and, despite lacking size, is a fearless striker. Denver didn’t address ILB depth in the draft because instinctive Todd Davis and athletic Lamin Barrow have upside.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

RUSHING ATT YDS

MONTEE BALL

ATT

0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

23 12 14 6

0 0 0 3 8 6 7 2 4 0 5 10 4 4 1

0 0 0 15 38 30 24 6 8 0 33 39 63 14 2 Inactive 54 272

C.J. ANDERSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 1 0 0 0 4 7 10 4 3 0 2 10 3 44

0 0 0 0 1 1 Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 33 4 73 8 86 4 28 2 17 0 0 2 11 8 55 2 20 34 324

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING YDS

67 1 60 0 38 0 7 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 55 172 1

RONNIE HILLMAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Inactive Active, Did Not Play 3 1 7 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 16 0 4 4 29 0 4 3 29 0 10 7 47 1 5 2 9 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 1 2 0 34 21 139 1

run support skills to prompt discussions regarding a potential move to safety. He’s a versatile playmaker the new staff wants on the field consistently. Often used like an extra linebacker in his first season in Denver, SS T.J. Ward is an intimidator in the box and dangerous blitzer with toughness and leadership skills. Former Ravens FS Darian Stewart, 26, parlayed his best season and strong playoff performance into a starting opportunity. A reserve group that includes CBs Tony Carter and Kayvon Webster welcomes three rookies: aggressive Lorenzo Doss, speedy Taurean Nixon and big workout warrior S Josh Furman.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Joe DeCamillis takes over a group that finished 19th in Dallas Morning’ News respected rankings, and is headed by nearly automatic PK Connor Barth and P Britton Colquitt, coming off a down year (37.6 yard net). David Bruton and Omar Bolden led struggling coverage units. A return game that includes Bolden, Caldwell and Isaiah Burse lacks a true game-changer.

GRADE

PEYTON MANNING

B+

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 88 THOMAS 14 Latimer OLT 78 CLADY 74 Sambrailo* OLG 64 S. SMITH C 77 GRADKOWSKI 73 Garcia* ORG 65 VASQUEZ ORT 75 C. CLARK 79 Schofield TE 85 V. GREEN WR 10 E. SANDERS 11 Caldwell QB 18 MANNING 17 Osweiler 2 Dysert RB 22 ANDERSON 28 Ball 23 Hillman TE 81 DANIELS 80 Casey DEFENSE

DLE 95 WOLFE 96 V. Walker 98 Kilgo* NT 92 S. WILLIAMS 76 Austin DRE 97 M. JACKSON 94 A. Smith SLB 58 V. MILLER MLB 54 MARSHALL 50 R. Walker MLB 59 TREVATHAN 51 T. Davis WLB 94 WARE 56 Ray* LCB 21 TALIB 32 Carter 37 Doss* RCB 25 C. HARRIS 36 Webster 39 Nixon* SS 43 WARD 20 Bush 41 Furman* FS 24 STEWART 30 Bruton 31 Bolden SPECIALISTS

P 4 COLQUITT PK 1 BARTH 8 McManus H 4 COLQUITT PR 10 SANDERS KR 12 CALDWELL 31 Bolden LS 46 BREWER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Gary Kubiak, Head Coach; Clancy Barone, Offensive Line; Chris Beake, Defensive Assistant; Samson Brown, Assistant Secondary; Brian Callahan, Offensive Assistant/QBs; Tony Coaxum, Assistant Special Teams; James Cregg, Assistant Offensive Line; Joe DeCamillis, Special Teams Coordinator; Rick Dennison, Offensive Coordinator; Mike Eubanks, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Reggie Herring, Linebackers; Greg Knapp, Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coord.; Bill Kollar, Defensive Line; Anthony Lomando, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Dennis Love, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Marc Lubick, Assistant Wide Receivers; Fred Pagac, Outside Linebackers; Brian Pariani, Tight ends; Wade Phillips, Defensive Coordinator; Luke Richesson, Strength and Conditioning; Eric Studesville, Running Backs; Tyke Tolbert, Wide Receivers; Joe Woods, Defensive Backs.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE OT TE C CB NT QB CB DB

Missouri Colorado State Ohio State Florida Tulane Maryland Northwestern Tulane Oklahoma State

23 59 92 133 164 203 250 251 252

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 7

Shane Ray Ty Sambrailo Jeff Heuerman Max Garcia Lorenzo Doss Darius Kilgo Trevor Siemian Taurean Nixon Josh Furman

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

After embracing a new system, Manning thrives in a similar scheme to the one in which Kubiak and John Elway won two Super Bowls, leaning more on C.J. Anderson and less on Manning. With increased and favorable rush opportunities under Phillips, Miller wins defensive MVP. Elway’s gamble pays off; Manning surpasses his boss to become the oldest Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Attrition, a slow adjustment to the new staff and its schemes hurts. So does Manning’s 39-year-old body, left especially vulnerable by a rebuilt O-line. Denver’s linebacker corps again can’t stay healthy; the run defense falters while the chunk plays increase. Their playoff miss coincides with Andrew Luck leading the Colts to the Super Bowl.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

22 Anderson, C.J. 47 Anderson, Zaire 91 Anunike, Kenny 76 Austin Jr., Marvin 28 Ball, Montee 48 Barrett, Shaquil 57 Barrow, Lamin 1 Barth, Connor 35 Bibbs, Kapri 31 Bolden, Omar 33 Brandon, Tevrin 46 Brewer, Aaron 30 Bruton Jr., David 19 Burse, Isaiah 20 Bush, Josh 12 Caldwell, Andre 32 Carter, Tony 80 Casey, James 78 Clady, Ryan 75 Clark, Chris 4 Colquitt, Britton 81 Daniels, Owen 51 Davis, Todd 62 Day, Dillon 37 Doss, Lorenzo 42 Duncan, Joe Don 2 Dysert, Zac 16 Fowler, Bennie 41 Furman, Josh 73 Garcia, Max 63 Garland, Ben 77 Gradkowski, Gino 85 Green, Virgil 67 Halapio, Jon 25 Harris Jr., Chris 82 Heuerman, Jeff 23 Hillman, Ronnie 97 Jackson, Malik 53 Johnson, Steven 86 Jones, Dominique 98 Kilgo, Darius 14 Latimer, Cody 34 Madison, Ross 18 Manning, Peyton 54 Marshall, Brandon 38 Marsh, Curtis 45 Mason, Danny 55 McCray, Lerentee 8 McManus, Brandon 89 Miller, Matt 58 Miller, Von 93 Ndulue, Chuka 52 Nelson, Corey 39 Nixon, Taurean 11 Norwood, Jordan 17 Osweiler, Brock 13 Palmer, Nathan 61 Paradis, Matt 72 Rains, Connor 56 Ray, Shane 99 Rivers, Gerald 66 Roberts, Kyle 29 Roby, Bradley 74 Sambrailo, Ty 10 Sanders, Emmanuel 9 Schmitz, Karl 79 Schofield, Michael 3 Siemian, Trevor 90 Smith, Antonio 64 Smith, Shelley 26 Stewart, Darian 27 Stewart, Jeremy 21 Talib, Aqib 87 Taylor, Jordan 88 Thomas, Demaryius 40 Thompson, Juwan 59 Trevathan, Danny 65 Vasquez, Louis 49 Vaughn, Chase 50 Walker, Reggie 96 Walker, Vance 43 Ward, T.J. 94 Ware, DeMarcus 70 Watson, Josh 36 Webster, Kayvon 15 Williams, Kyle 92 Williams, Sylvester 95 Wolfe, Derek

RB LB DE NT RB OLB ILB K RB S CB LS S WR DB WR CB TE/FB OT OT P TE ILB C CB TE/FB QB WR S C/OG OG C/OG TE OG CB TE RB DE ILB TE NT WR S QB ILB CB OLB OLB K WR OLB NT ILB CB WR QB WR C OT OLB OLB OT CB OT WR P OT QB DE OG S RB CB WR WR RB ILB OG OLB ILB DE S OLB DE CB WR NT DE

5-8 5-11 6-5 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-5 6-2 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-9 6-3 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-5 5-10 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-8 5-11 6-3 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-6 5-11 6-5 5-11 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-5

224 220 260 312 215 250 237 200 203 195 180 230 217 188 205 200 175 240 315 305 205 245 230 299 187 270 221 212 210 309 308 300 255 320 199 255 195 293 237 270 319 215 200 230 250 197 235 249 201 213 250 289 226 187 180 240 198 300 309 245 250 305 194 315 180 210 301 220 290 310 214 215 205 210 229 225 240 335 248 244 305 200 258 290 198 186 313 285

24 22 24 26 24 22 24 29 22 26 24 24 27 23 26 30 28 30 28 29 30 32 22 23 21 24 25 23 23 23 27 26 26 23 25 22 23 25 27 27 23 22 24 39 25 27 24 24 23 24 26 23 23 24 28 24 26 25 23 24 24 23 23 23 28 28 24 23 33 27 26 26 29 23 27 22 25 28 26 28 28 28 32 25 24 26 26 25

3 R 2 5 3 2 2 8 2 4 R 4 7 2 4 8 7 7 8 7 7 10 2 R R R 2 1 R R 2 4 5 1 4 R 4 4 4 4 R 2 1 18 4 4 R 3 2 R 5 R 2 R 6 4 2 1 R R 2 R 2 R 6 R 2 R 12 6 6 4 8 R 6 2 4 7 1 7 7 6 11 R 3 5 3 4

California Nebraska Duke North Carolina Wisconsin Colorado State LSU North Carolina Colorado State Arizona State Monmouth (N.J.) San Diego State Notre Dame Fresno State Wake Forest Florida Florida State Rice Boise State Southern Mississippi Tennessee Wisconsin Sacramento State Mississippi State Tulane Dixie State Miami (OH) Michigan State Oklahoma State Florida Air Force Delaware Nevada Florida Kansas Ohio State San Diego State Tennessee Kansas Shepherd Maryland Indiana Toledo Tennessee Nevada Utah State Texas A&M-Commerce Florida Temple Boise State Texas A&M Oklahoma Oklahoma Tulane Penn State Arizona State Northern Illinois Boise State Wyoming Missouri Mississippi Nevada Ohio State Colorado State Southern Methodist Jacksonville Michigan Northwestern Oklahoma State Colorado State South Carolina Stanford Kansas Rice Georgia Tech Duke Kentucky Texas Tech Colorado State-Pueblo Kansas State Georgia Tech Oregon Troy Clemson South Florida Arizona State North Carolina Cincinnati

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 89

AFC

WEST

3 Chargers SAN DIEGO

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OG Orlando Franklin, WR Stevie Johnson, WR Jacoby Jones, CB Patrick Robinson, DT Mitch Unrein, S Jimmy Wilson

PREDICTION

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES RB Ronnie Brown, OLB Dwight Freeney, S Marcus Gilchrist, OLB Jarrett Johnson, C Doug Legursky, OG Chad Rinehart, WR Eddie Royal, CB Shareece Wright

GENERAL MANAGER Tom Telesco HEAD COACH Mike McCoy OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Frank Reich DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR John Pagano STADIUM Qualcomm Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 71,561 | Natural grass

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE

Frank Reich and Philip Rivers return as the play caller and orchestrator of Mike McCoy’s patient, high-efficiency offense. McCoy typically leans on a deep running back stable and low-to-high passing attack, though injuries in the backfield and at center hindered the Chargers, who dropped five spots in scoring (12th to 17th) from 2013 to 2014 and 17 in rushing (13th to 30th). Rivers and Co. produced highpowered comebacks in the final month of the season but averaged fewer than 11 points in losses while going 1-3 down the stretch.

B+

 RUNNING BACKS The Chargers sent their first-rounder, fourth-rounder and a 2016 fifth-rounder to San Francisco to move up two spots and secure RB Melvin Gordon at No. 15 overall. The Doak Walker Award recipient provides the dynamic playmaker in space the Chargers have lacked. He boasts tremendous play speed to reach the perimeter and the feet, balance and body control to create and explode in the open field. Gordon isn’t a supremely physical inside runner, nor well-versed in the passing game. Danny Woodhead, a matchup player who thrives as a receiver, returns from a broken leg. Donald Brown was unable to pick up the injury slack, but San Diego likes the veteran’s toughness. 2014 Undrafted free agent Branden Oliver sparked the offense, impressing as a runner and receiver and showing workhorse qualities once called on.

 QUARTERBACKS

 RECEIVERS

Rivers, 33, enters the final season of a six-year, $92 million deal. Opposed to a potential move to Los Angeles in 2016, he was the subject of intense trade rumors, though the Chargers adamantly deny shopping Rivers; they want to lock up a player with a lot left in the tank. Ultra tough, highly intelligent and fiercely

Keenan Allen couldn’t replicate his masterful rookie campaign in 2013 before a season-ending collarbone injury suffered in December. His touchdowns and yards decreased, yet Allen managed 77 grabs (up from 71) while commanding more press and bracket coverage. After Eddie Royal’s departure, Allen will spend

90 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

more time inside, where his quickness, physicality and outstanding ball skills can be utilized. Big and deceptively fast, Malcom Floyd, despite approaching 34, still has a definite role and the full trust of Rivers. Newcomer Stevie Johnson brings versatility and unique separation ability, albeit often with unorthodox route running. CFL product Dontrelle Inman delivered in December crunch time. Austin Pettis has the intangibles and slot ability to challenge for a spot. TE Antonio Gates caught 12 touchdowns and continues to win with stop-andstart quickness, rare size and box-out skills in the red zone and an unrivaled rapport with Rivers. He could be entering his last year, but the 34-year-old actually played better late in 2014. His unique production prevented Ladarius Green from making the expected receiving jump, but the huge (6-6, 240) 25-year-old continues to improve as a blocker and should see more receiving chances.

GRADE

EXECUTIVE VP & CEO Alex G. Spanos

GRADE

2014 RECORD 9-7

competitive, Rivers makes calls at the line and battled chest and back injuries to start 16 games for the ninth consecutive season, totaling at least 30 touchdowns and 4,000 passing yards for the fourth time. He did commit eight of his 20 turnovers in the final three games after playing at an MVP level. Rivers worked primarily from shotgun, but still took 36 sacks — third-most of his career — due to inconsistent protection and his willingness to stand tall amid pressure. Competitive and scrappy backup Kellen Clemens grinded out four wins for the Rams after Sam Bradford’s seasonending injury in 2013, proving he can hold up in a pinch.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Chargers re-signed King Dunlap, the NFL’s top available left tackle, after arguably his best year. With ideal length and feet, Dunlap is a road grader with sufficient pass pro ability. Orlando Franklin reunites with McCoy after nabbing $15 million guaranteed over five years to leave Denver. Powerful and nasty, Franklin brings great versatility – he started 53 games at right tackle from 2011-13 before the move – and tackle feet to the left guard spot. San Diego loves the upside of Chris Watt, penciled in at center, where he started from Weeks 12-16. Watt is tough and plays with good leverage; the NFL sophomore just needs seasoning. RG Johnnie Troutman’s disappointing 2014 ended with a torn ACL in December. He lacks lateral agility but flashes mauling ability. RT D.J. Fluker is still learning as a pass blocker; he surrendered a team-high seven sacks and 36 QB hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. The 2013 first-

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC WEST

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Philip Rivers

Eric Weddle

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Melvin Gordon DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Melvin Ingram POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH S: Jahleel Addae vs. Jimmy Wilson

2015 SCHEDULE

Philip Rivers

DEFENSE

John Pagano’s unit finished 13th in scoring, surrendering the same average points per game (21.8) as in 2013. Redzone ‘D’ improved in-season, but limiting explosive gains in between the 20s, producing more impact plays (only 18 takeaways) and generating pressure without blitzing are areas Pagano must address. The Chargers finished 29th in in sacks (26) last season and haven’t had a double-digit sacker since 2011. Reinforcements arrive via the draft, with four of five picks spent on defense. Pagano utilizes an aggressive one-gap “30” scheme featuring cleverly disguised pressures and coverages.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN With a career-high nine sacks (tied for

team-best), Corey Liuget rarely comes off the field and provides disruption against the run and pass. He can be more consistent – and the Chargers think he has the talent to continue ascending – but Liuget is an explosive athlete with great get-off. Blue-collar NT Sean Lissemore’s sound technique allows him to get good leverage and avoid getting knocked back. DLE Kendall Reyes has a rare combination of size and athleticism, and his effort is never questioned. Reyes must be a more consistent producer, however, and could be challenged by high-energy Ricardo Matthews, the 27-year-old former Colt who earned a one-year deal in March after impressing for the Bolts in 2014. Thick backup NT Ryan Carrethers showed a natural ability to get off blocks as a fifth-rounder. He has good hands and instincts and is expected to take another step in Year Two. Rookie Darius Philon is an active, tryhard defender whom they’ll expect to line up in different spots.

GRADE

rounder is OK when he gets off the ball quickly and takes proper angles, but he’s battled weight issues and might be better inside. Utility lineman Trevor Robinson, a former Bengals practice squad player who performed yeoman’s work, and Jeremiah Sirles, who impressed in a tough spot in San Francisco in Week 16, bolster interior depth. Swing tackle Chris Hairston has experience.

C+

 LINEBACKERS A hip injury sent ROLB Melvin Ingram to short-term I.R. for seven games, but he’s in outstanding shape and could

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 3

Detroit at Cincinnati at Minnesota Cleveland Pittsburgh at Green Bay Oakland at Baltimore Chicago BYE Kansas City at Jacksonville Denver at Kansas City Miami at Oakland at Denver

TIME

4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 8 at Arizona L 17-18 Sept. 14 Seattle W 30-21 Sept. 21 at Buffalo W 22-10 Sept. 28 Jacksonville W 33-14 Oct. 5 N.Y. Jets W 31-0 Oct. 12 at Oakland W 31-28 Oct. 19 Kansas City L 20-23 Oct. 23 at Denver L 21-35 Nov. 2 at Miami L 0-37 Nov. 16 Oakland W 13-6 Nov. 23 St. Louis W 27-24 Nov. 30 at Baltimore W 34-33 Dec. 7 New England L 14-23 Dec. 14 Denver L 10-22 Dec. 20 at San Francisco *W 38-35 Dec. 28 at Kansas City L 7-19 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 91

AFC

WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ AZ WK 2 SEA WK 3 @ BUF WK 4 JAX WK 5 NYJ WK 6 @ OAK WK 7 KC WK 8 @ DEN WK 9 @ MIA WK 11 OAK WK 12 STL WK 13 @ BAL WK 14 NE WK 15 DEN WK 16 @ SF WK 17 @ KC SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

36 37 25 39 28 34 31 41 23 34 35 45 33 41 54 34 570

21 28 18 29 20 22 17 30 12 22 29 34 20 24 33 20 379

238 284 256 377 288 313 205 252 138 193 291 383 189 232 356 291 4286

ANTONIO GATES

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ AZ WK 2 SEA WK 3 @ BUF WK 4 JAX WK 5 NYJ WK 6 @ OAK WK 7 KC WK 8 @ DEN WK 9 @ MIA WK 11 OAK WK 12 STL WK 13 @ BAL WK 14 NE WK 15 DEN WK 16 @ SF WK 17 @ KC SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 6 81 0 7 7 96 3 1 1 8 0 5 3 30 0 6 4 60 2 8 3 27 1 5 3 61 1 8 5 54 2 5 3 28 0 3 3 32 0 2 2 14 0 8 7 83 0 8 5 34 0 7 6 54 1 9 7 92 2 6 4 67 0 98 69 821 12

1 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 0 1 1 3 1 1 4 0 31

GRADE

INT

RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 3 0 1 1 1 2 3 2 18

75.9 124.2 131.4 130.0 125.3 123.8 83.4 92.7 31.0 89.5 98.9 113.5 73.9 62.2 82.0 62.3 93.8

Inactive Inactive 11 23 114 101 67 36 19 36 17 7 1 26 53 71 582

EDDIE ROYAL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 1 20 10 7 69 6 4 42 7 5 105 3 3 40 2 2 49 5 1 20 3 3 29 1 0 0 3 2 27 6 6 50 10 9 81 5 2 30 4 3 27 12 10 94 8 4 95 91 62 778

finally be poised to shine. Athletic and versatile, the 2012 first-rounder has immense talent, though he’ll always have size limitations (6-1, 31½” arms). Jerry Attaochu flashed major playmaking ability as a 2014 second-rounder. He has a terrific motor and first step, but Attaochu must continue to get stronger against the run. Tourek Williams, Cordarro Law and fifth-rounder Kyle Emanuel, a monster pass rush presence at North Dakota State, will compete for reps. Rookie Denzel Perryman lacks great height but not instincts or physicality. A true thumper with surprising range, Perryman’s arrival brings the physicality inside the Chargers have lacked, and he should push RILB Donald Butler, who disappointed and saw his role diminish after receiving a new deal last offseason. LILB Manti Te’o was slowed by two foot injuries, but he’s active around the football, albeit yet to produce the game-changing plays he routinely made in college. Nonetheless, the Chargers are pleased with the progress their best coverage linebacker made late in 2014. Athletic Kavell Conner

BRANDEN OLIVER

0 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 7

3 9 19 26 15 13 13 13 6 1 3 12 13 14 160

RYAN MATHEWS

12 11 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3

MALCOM FLOYD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 4 50 1 0 0 4 2 98 4 3 39 3 3 72 7 5 103 7 3 50 7 4 58 5 4 60 6 4 44 5 4 30 6 3 85 6 3 54 7 3 34 10 4 50 8 3 29 92 52 856

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 6

16 12 12 11

40 31 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 70 105 40 44 Inactive Inactive Inactive 330

0 4 4 5 2 8 2 3 4 0 2 4 5 2 45

Inactive Inactive 0 0 4 33 4 68 4 23 2 11 7 27 1 7 1 3 4 23 0 0 0 0 4 44 3 28 2 4 36 271

The defense’s quarterback and leader, FS Eric Weddle, 30, is used in deep coverage and near the line of scrimmage, and his toughness, ball skills and production put him in any conversation regarding the NFL’s best safeties. The three-time Pro Bowler said he wouldn’t report for offseason work until his contract – which expires at season’s end – is addressed. Jahleel Addae and Jimmy Wilson, and perhaps Darrell Stuckey, could battle for the spot alongside Weddle. The most physical player in San Diego’s secondary, Addae is an enforcer who was productive in sub packages in 2014. A native of San Diego and converted college corner, Wilson returns home after being a versatile 21game starter in Miami from 2011-14. At cornerback, the Chargers have a Pro Bowler in Brandon Flowers and a secondyear player, Jason Verrett, whom they believe has Pro Bowl potential. Undersized but with plenty of veteran

92 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 0

0 1 1 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

B+

DONALD BROWN

BRANDEN OLIVER

signed a two-year deal in March and adds another stout, early-down presence.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

2 7 31 10 9

4 1 1 1 0 5 4 10 85

-2 21 62 19 26 Inactive Inactive Inactive 23 0 7 -2 0 18 12 39 223

KEENAN ALLEN

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

DONALD BROWN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 4 6 6 2

2 2 2 1 6 6 3 1 41

0 0 3 10 5 27 4 35 1 4 Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 6 1 4 2 20 1 6 5 49 4 38 1 4 1 8 29 211

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 6 2 11 7 6 10 13 9 13 9 15 3 8

5 37 5 55 2 17 10 135 3 25 3 27 6 58 9 73 4 47 8 63 6 104 11 121 2 3 3 18 Inactive Inactive 121 77 783

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 4

LADARIUS GREEN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 24 0 0 0 0 6 4 64 0 Active, Did Not Play 1 1 8 0 5 4 60 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 9 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 11 0 3 2 34 0 2 2 1 0 2 2 15 0 Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 19 226 0

savvy and instincts, the slot specialist Flowers received a four-year deal in March. Verrett’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a torn labrum, but the staff views the 5-9, 178-pounder as the total package, with excellent ball production, run defense and top quickness and overall athleticism. Third-rounder Craig Mager, a physical press corner who runs well, and Patrick Robinson, who could benefit from a change of scenery, are in the CB mix.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Valuable PK Nick Novak completed another solid season in terms of FG accuracy (84.6) and owns the franchise record for most consecutive conversions (31), but he struggled on kickoffs. A fractured clavicle snapped P Mike Scifre’s streak of 174 consecutive appearances, though he was excellent before the injury (38.9 net, 21 inside 20). Stuckey earned a Pro Bowl nod for his tremendous third phase work, and the Chargers anticipate a boost from newcomer Jacoby Jones, one of the NFL’s more dangerous returners.

GRADE

PHILIP RIVERS

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 80 FLOYD OLT 77 DUNLAP OLG 74 FRANKLIN C 65 WATT ORG 63 TROUTMAN ORT 76 FLUKER TE 85 GATES WR 13 ALLEN QB 17 RIVERS RB 28 GORDON* TE 89 GREEN

12 J. Jones 15 Inman 70 Hairston 75 Sirles 60 T. Robinson 75 Sirles 70 Hairston 88 D. Johnson 11 S. Johnson 18 Pettis 10 Clemens 4 Sorensen 39 Woodhead 43 Oliver 86 K. Miller

DE 91 REYES NT 98 LISSEMORE DT 94 LIUGET OLB 54 INGRAM ILB 56 BUTLER ILB 50 TE’O OLB 97 ATTAOCHU CB 26 FLOWERS CB 22 VERRETT SS 37 ADDAE FS 32 WEDDLE

90 Matthews 93 Philon* 92 Carrethers 96 Unrein 71 Square 51 Emanuel* 52 Perryman* 53 Conner 58 T. Williams 99 Law 26 P. Robinson 29 Mager* 23 S. Williams 27 J. Wilson 31 A. Phillips 25 Stuckey

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 5 SCIFRES PK 9 NOVAK H 5 SCIFRES 32 Weddle PR 12 J. JONES 13 Allen KR 12 J. JONES LS 47 WINDT * Rookie COACHING STAFF Mike McCoy, Head Coach; Craig Aukerman, Assistant Special Teams; Joe D’Alessandris, Offensive Line; Andrew Dees, Assistant Offensive Line; Fred Graves, Wide Receivers; Don Johnson, Defensive Line; Kent Johnston, Strength and Conditioning; Bobby King, Asst. Linebackers; Rick Lyle, Asst. Strength and Conditioning; Pete Metzelaars, Tight Ends; Ron Milus, Secondary; Mike Nolan, Linebackers; John Pagano, Defensive Coordinator; Frank Reich, Offensive Coordinator; Mark Ridgley, Special Assistant to the Head Coach/Offense; Chris Shula, Quality Control/Defense; Nick Sirianni, Quarterbacks; Kevin Spencer, Special Teams; Shane Steichen, Quality Control/Offense; Greg Williams, Asst. Secondary; Ollie Wilson, Running Backs.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

RB ILB CB OLB DT

Wisconsin Miami (Fla.) Texas State North Dakota State Arkansas

15 48 83 153 192

1 2 3 5 6

Melvin Gordon Denzel Perryman Craig Mager Kyle Emanuel Darius Philon

BEST-CASE SCENARIO With better health, an improved line and a Gordon-led backfield, the offense gets back to wearing down opponents, rather than breaking down itself. Rivers authors another strong campaign, this time peaking in December, and a ‘D’ waiting on high-round developmental draft choices maximizes Liuget, Ingram and Te’o. The Chargers stun Denver and make a deep postseason run, persuading Rivers to finish his career in California.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Age and attrition finally catch up to Rivers and Gates, who run out of magic, placing a heavy burden on an unproven backfield and a still-vulnerable O-line. The defense still lacks difference-makers in its front seven, which again fails to match lofty expectations in a division with ascending passing games. For the fifth time in six seasons – and the final year in San Diego – the Chargers miss the playoffs and begin life in Los Angles without a star QB.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

37 13 3 40 38 97 62 67 34 78 56 92 10 79 53 35 20 84 33 77 48 30 51 24 80 76 74 46 85 28 49 89 70 59 8 51 69 54 15 88 11 12 2 99 98 94 42 29 90 86 44 9 43 95 87 81 52 82 31 83 93 68 91 17 26 60 5 75 36 4 71 16 25 50 73 63 57 96 22 65 64 32 72 23 58 6 7 27 47 39

S WR WR ILB CB OLB G DE RB OT ILB NT QB OT ILB CB CB WR CB T ILB RB OLB CB WR T G TE TE RB ILB TE OT OLB WR S G OLB WR TE WR WR-KR K OLB NT DT S CB DE TE OLB K RB DT TE TE ILB WR S TE DE T DE QB CB C P G-T RB QB DT QB S ILB DE G OLB DL CB C-G G FS G-T CB OLB WR WR DB LS RB

5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-6 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-9 6-1 5-9 6-3 5-9 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-6 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-0 5-8 6-1 6-4 6-4 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-5 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-6 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-6 5-9 6-4 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-8

195 25 3 211 23 3 183 24 1 235 R 180 R 252 22 2 315 R 290 R 207 28 7 300 R 242 26 6 333 24 2 220 31 10 300 R 245 28 6 192 24 3 201 24 2 200 R 183 23 2 330 29 8 240 R 220 R 250 23 R 187 29 8 225 33 10 339 24 3 320 27 5 240 R 255 34 13 215 22 R 240 R 240 24 4 330 26 5 250 R 194 22 1 210 R 317 26 R 265 26 4 205 26 2 260 27 7 207 28 8 215 30 9 215 R 255 26 2 303 27 6 300 25 5 210 R 200 22 R 300 27 6 262 27 2 250 R 198 33 8 208 24 2 298 24 2 265 R 246 26 3 240 21 R 203 27 5 210 23 1 251 27 7 300 21 R 310 22 1 300 25 4 228 33 12 191 27 6 300 24 4 215 34 13 315 23 1 225 R 230 27 2 293 26 3 220 R 212 27 6 241 24 3 309 25 2 330 27 3 254 23 1 306 28 5 178 23 2 311 24 2 335 23 1 200 30 9 314 26 2 185 24 3 262 24 3 205 R 185 24 R 205 28 5 237 28 6 200 30 8

Addae, Jahleel Allen, Keenan Allen, Torrence Ariguzo, Ikechi Asprilla, Manuel Attaochu, Jeremiah Beckwith, Ben Botticelli, Cameron Brown, Donald Burwell, Tyreek Butler, Donald Carrethers, Ryan Clemens, Kellen Clemmons, Cameron Conner, Kavell Crawford, Richard Davis, Chris Davis, Titus Ducre, Greg Dunlap, King Dzubnar, Nick Edwards, Jahwan Emanuel, Kyle Flowers, Brandon Floyd, Malcom Fluker, D.J. Franklin, Orlando Frohnapfel, Eric Gates, Antonio Gordon, Melvin Grant, Curtis Green, Ladarius Hairston, Chris Hekking, Brock Herndon, Javontee Hill, Gordon Huey, Michael Ingram, Melvin Inman, Dontrelle Johnson, David Johnson, Stevie Jones, Jacoby Lambo, Josh Law, Cordarro Lissemore, Sean Liuget, Corey Lowdermilk, Johnny Mager, Craig Mathews, Ricardo Miller, Kyle Mueller, Ryan Novak, Nick Oliver, Branden Palepoi, Tenny Parker, Brian Paulson, Dave Perryman, Denzel Pettis, Austin Phillips, Adrian Phillips, John Philon, Darius Quigley, Bryce Reyes, Kendall Rivers, Philip Robinson, Patrick Robinson, Trevor Scifres, Mike Sirles, Jeremiah Smith, Dreamius Sorensen, Brad Square, Damion Stoudt, Cole Stuckey, Darrell Te’o, Manti Tjong-A-Tjoe , Ricky Troutman, Johnnie Underwood, Colton Unrein, Mitch Verrett, Jason Watt, Chris Watts, Craig Weddle, Eric Wiggins, Kenny Williams, Steve Williams, Tourek Williams, Tyrell Wilson, Demetrius Wilson, Jimmy Windt, Mike Woodhead, Danny

Central Michigan California West Texas A&M Northwestern Boston College Georgia Tech Mississippi State Cincinnati Connecticut Cincinnati Washington Arkansas State Oregon Western Kentucky Clemson Southern Methodist Auburn Central Michigan Washington Auburn Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo Ball State North Dakota St. Virginia Tech Wyoming Alabama Miami (Fla.) Marshall Kent State Wisconsin Ohio State Louisiana-Lafayette Clemson Nevada Arkansas Sacred Heart Texas South Carolina Virginia Arkansas State Kentucky Lane Texas A&M Southern Mississippi William & Mary Illinois Iowa Texas St. Cincinnati Mount Union Kansas State Maryland Buffalo Utah Albany Oregon Miami Boise State Texas Virginia Arkansas San Diego State Connecticut North Carolina State Florida State Notre Dame Western Illinois Nebraska West Virginia Southern Utah Alabama Clemson Kansas Notre Dame Boise State Penn State Illinois State Wyoming Texas Christian Notre Dame West Texas A & M Utah Fresno State California Florida International Western Oregon Arkansas Montana Cincinnati Chadron State

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AFC

WEST

4 Raiders OAKLAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Nate Allen, WR Michael Crabtree, RB Roy Helu, C Rodney Hudson, MLB Curtis Lofton, QB Christian Ponder, RB Trent Richardson, DT Dan Williams.

PREDICTION

6-10

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Tyvon Branch, CB Tarell Brown, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, RB Darren McFadden, CB Carlos Rogers, DT Antonio Smith, C Stefen Wisniewski.

GENERAL MANAGER Reggie McKenzie HEAD COACH Jack Del Rio OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bill Musgrave DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ken Norton Jr. STADIUM O.co Coliseum CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 63,132 | Natural grass

KEVIN FISHBAIN

OFFENSE Jack Del Rio brought in his offensive coordinator from two years in Jacksonville, Bill Musgrave, to run a Raiders offense that was last in the league in yards last season and has been in the top 15 in points scored only once in the past 12 years. Musgrave, who was the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach last season, is expected to bring some no-huddle concepts to a Raiders team that will be faster and spread things out more but still will rely on a power run game.

 QUARTERBACKS Derek Carr certainly didn’t get the most headlines among the rookie quarterbacks, but that’s probably a good thing. He quietly threw 21 touchdowns to only 12 picks but will need to improve his accuracy, yards per attempt and decisionmaking when under pressure to elevate a 76.6 passer rating. He has a quick release and a smooth motion and might be more

C+

 RUNNING BACKS No team rushed for fewer yards in 2014 than the Raiders. The Darren McFadden era in Oakland is over, and, at least to start 2015, Latavius Murray will try to get the run game back on track. Murray showed some explosion last season, averaging 5.2 yards a carry, plus he had a 90-yard touchdown run. He’ll need to prove he can be a No. 1 back, but he should get the first crack. Roy Helu and Trent Richardson joined the stable via free agency. Helu is a thirddown back with good hands and a fluid running style. Richardson will need to prove his worth to the Raiders’ coaches after the former No. 3 overall pick was a complete bust in Indianapolis. Marcel Reece played wide receiver in college and is one of the league’s better fullbacks. He has had 25 or more catches in each of his past five seasons.

 RECEIVERS The Raiders didn’t have a receiver eclipse 700 yards receiving last season. They haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Randy Moss in 2005. Based on what we saw from Amari Cooper’s career at Alabama, that shouldn’t be too high a bar. The No. 4 pick is everything a team could want in a receiver, with adept route running to get open and the speed to blow the top off the defense. The Raiders couldn’t sign Randall Cobb but did keep Michael Crabtree in the Bay Area. He

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can give the unit a boost. Even though Crabtree started every game last season, he averaged a career-low 10.3 yards a catch coming off an Achilles’ injury in 2013. He has good hands and the ability to get open, but aside from a productive 2012 campaign, he hasn’t lived up to his college accolades. A healthy Rod Streater will help this group. He led the team in receiving in ’13 but missed most of last year with a foot injury. A possession receiver, Streater will need to get his rapport down with Carr to help move the sticks. Andre Holmes is a goup-and-get-it receiver at 6-foot-4 with good speed and leaping ability. He averaged 14.7 yards a catch last season. Brice Butler rounds out the depth chart and had 21 catches last season. Former Patriot Kenbrell Thompkins will fight for a roster spot. Mychal Rivera didn’t have much of a second-year leap in production. Rivera isn’t the biggest and won’t burn safeties with his speed, but he can threaten the seam and was a favorite target of Carr’s last season. Oakland added Lee Smith, a block-first tight end, and drafted Clive Walford, who has the size and route running abilities to be another intermediate target for Carr.

GRADE

OWNER Mark Davis

GRADE

2014 RECORD 3-13

comfortable if the offense resembles some of what he did at Fresno State with an up-tempo style. Christian Ponder, who was the Vikings’ quarterback when Musgrave was the coordinator in Minnesota, will be Carr’s backup. He’s a smart, tough, West Coast quarterback but has gone from first-round pick to backup because of a subpar start to his career, with 38 TDs and 36 INTs. Third-stringer Matt McGloin received good experience with six starts in 2013.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Raiders’ biggest free-agent move was signing former Chiefs center Rodney Hudson to take over for Stefen Wisniewski. Hudson was Pro Football Focus’ third-ranked center after excelling in his pass blocking. He has good feet, athleticism and technique. Oakland is solid on the left side with Donald Penn at left tackle. PFF’s seventh-ranked tackle last season, Penn has started 124 consecutive games, showing his durability. He has good size and long arms but is 32 years old. OLG Gabe Jackson showed flashes as a rookie with his anchor and punch, and he allowed only one sack. Questions arise on the right side of the

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN AFC WEST

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Derek Carr

Khalil Mack

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Andre Holmes DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB D.J. Hayden POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT/ORG Menelik Watson vs. Austin Howard vs. Khalif Barnes

2015 SCHEDULE

Khalil Mack

DEFENSE With Del Rio taking over the Raiders, expect an aggressive defense like the one he ran in Denver. Oakland still will be a 4-3 base with man coverage in the secondary. Ken Norton Jr. is the coordinator of a unit that hasn’t been in the top-10 in total defense since 2006.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN In his first season in Oakland, DE Justin Tuck notched five sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 15 games. The 32-year-old veteran can use speed or power when rushing off the edge and has good leverage against the run. The Raiders need help off the edge to complement Tuck — though Khalil Mack is expected to put his hand in the dirt in the nickel. This is where second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. comes in. He has a big, long frame, can play with power and is explosive off the snap. Benson Mayowa was claimed before the season to fill in for Lamarr Woodley and is solid against the run. C.J. Wilson re-signed and is productive rushing from the interior on passing downs while playing end in the

GRADE

line, where Austin Howard and Menelik Watson will battle at right tackle. Howard, the veteran, is the favorite, but neither is a superb option. Watson has good athleticism but still may be raw. Khalif Barnes is the third man who will be a factor on the strong side and could kick inside to play guard, but he also had his struggles last season. Former Bear and Viking J’Marcus Webb adds depth along with Tony Bergstrom. Rookie guard Jon Feliciano offers size.

C+

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 3

Cincinnati Baltimore at Cleveland at Chicago Denver BYE at San Diego N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh Minnesota at Detroit at Tennessee Kansas City at Denver Green Bay San Diego at Kansas City

TIME

4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 20 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at N.Y. Jets L 14-19 Houston L 14-30 at New England L 9-16 Miami L 14-38 San Diego L 28-31 Arizona L 13-24 at Cleveland L 13-23 at Seattle L 24-30 Denver L 17-41 at San Diego L 6-13 Kansas City W 24-20 at St. Louis L 0-52 San Francisco W 24-13 at Kansas City L 13-31 Buffalo W 26-24 at Denver L 14-47 All times Eastern

RESULT

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| 95

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2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

WK 1 @ NYJ WK 2 HOU WK 3 @ NE WK 4 MIA WK 6 SD WK 7 AZ WK 8 @ CLE WK 9 @ SEA WK 10 DEN WK 11 @ SD WK 12 KC WK 13 @ STL WK 14 SF WK 15 @ KC WK 16 BUF WK 17 @ DEN SEASON TOTALS 

32 42 34 25 34 28 54 41 47 34 35 39 28 56 34 36 599

CMP

20 27 21 16 18 16 34 24 30 16 18 24 22 27 17 18 348

PASSING YDS TD

151 263 174 146 282 173 328 194 192 172 174 173 254 222 214 158 3270

MYCHAL RIVERA

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ NYJ WK 2 HOU WK 3 @ NE WK 4 MIA WK 6 SD WK 7 AZ WK 8 @ CLE WK 9 @ SEA WK 10 DEN WK 11 @ SD WK 12 KC WK 13 @ STL WK 14 SF WK 15 @ KC WK 16 BUF WK 17 @ DEN SEASON TOTALS 

4 3 31 7 5 31 4 2 11 4 2 10 3 0 0 1 1 18 9 7 83 11 8 38 8 6 64 5 3 40 4 1 8 8 3 21 7 7 109 12 7 39 4 1 5 8 2 26 99 58 534

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4

2 1 0 1 4 0 1 2 2 0 1 0 3 1 2 1 21

RUSHING YDS

ATT

0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 12

94.7 69.8 62.6 76.4 107.7 75.4 86.0 66.5 68.8 62.4 75.2 50.5 140.2 64.7 89.6 59.7 76.6

4 12 18 11 14 14 12 13 7 8 12 11 4 2 9 4 155

15 37 59 40 80 48 59 20 14 21 29 27 5 13 54 13 534

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 4

0 0 0 7 5 45 2 1 29 12 5 74 8 4 121 5 3 34 7 5 69 5 2 28 1 0 0 6 2 19 10 5 55 6 3 28 5 2 38 11 5 70 6 3 73 7 2 10 98 47 693

If teams redid the 2014 draft, it’s not ridiculous to think Mack would be the first overall pick. He had an outstanding rookie year, leading all 4-3 outside linebackers in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, wreaking havoc off the edge and shutting down the run. A strong-side linebacker, look for Mack to potentially be used as a rusher like Von Miller was in Denver, as Del Rio will try to take advantage of his best defensive weapon. Newcomer Curtis Lofton takes over in the middle. The veteran is a hard hitter who finds the ballcarrier to make a play. He hasn’t missed a game in his seven-year career but could be a liability in coverage and won’t provide

GRADE

ATT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

RTG

ANDRE HOLMES

base. Rookie DE Max Valles adds depth. Former Cardinal Dan Williams hopes to get a fresh start with Oakland. He has the frame and movement skills to stop the run. Stacy McGee is powerful against the run, and Justin Ellis took over as a starter last year inside to help plug the ground game.

LATAVIUS MURRAY

INT

0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

MARCEL REECE

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 1 7 2 3 6 3 2 3 5 8 7 1 3 5 59

2 1 1 11 3 19 1 5 1 11 Inactive 5 34 1 12 2 6 2 -4 1 8 6 48 7 64 0 0 2 20 3 30 37 265

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

RUSHING YDS

ATT

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING YDS

0 0 0 0 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

23 12 23 10 82

DARREN McFADDEN

1 1 3 2 4 4 5 4 4 2 8 4 6 4 5 4 7 4 3 0 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 2 56 36

6 31 6 32 6 7 26 47 22 0 5 18 0 0 0 6 212

Year Three is crucial for 2013 top pick D.J. Hayden, who is expected to shut down one side of the field from his starting corner spot. Hayden needs to stay healthy — he has played in only 18 games in two seasons — but Del Rio has spoken highly of his speed and ability to change direction. Opposite Hayden will be a position battle between second-year corner Keith Mc-Gill, who has impressive size at 6-foot3; and T.J. Carrie, who had nine passes defensed last season. Brandian Ross is versatile and can cover the slot as a No. 3 corner or be a reserve safety. Future Hallof-Famer Charles Woodson returns to patrol the back end for his 18th NFL season. Woodson will turn 39 in October

96 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

11 0 Inactive Inactive 2 1 0 4 30 0 3 6 0 6 8 0 2 -2 0 3 10 0 4 6 0 3 -1 0 5 21 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 43 96 0

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

C+

MAURICE JONES-DREW

0 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 43 112 Inactive 76 59 86 37 424

much rush. Sio Moore is the weak-side linebacker who had nine tackles for loss last season but is coming off hip surgery, so keep an eye on Malcolm Smith, who played for Norton Jr., in Seattle. Rookies Neiron Ball and Ben Heeney can earn their stripes on special teams.

GRADE

GAME

DARREN McFADDEN

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BRICE BUTLER

Inactive 2 1 -2 0 0 0 3 2 30 5 3 64 1 1 55 2 1 9 2 2 20 4 2 12 3 1 15 3 2 21 2 2 27 2 0 0 4 3 23 2 0 0 1 1 6 36 21 280

JAMES JONES

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 3 34 14 9 112 5 3 43 6 6 83 7 5 56 8 4 35 11 6 62 5 3 18 12 8 20 5 2 35 6 5 47 8 6 33 2 2 11 11 8 57 6 1 3 3 2 17 112 73 666

1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 6

KENBRELL THOMPKINS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 4 34 2 1 8 0 0 0 3 2 47 1 0 0 5 2 28 1 0 0 6 0 0 6 5 90 3 1 2 36 15 209

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

but started every game the past two seasons. For what he has lost in speed, he still has in instincts, as he racked up four picks in 2014. The Raiders signed former Eagle Nate Allen to join Woodson, a nice complement, as Allen has pretty good range. He is not the surest tackler but notched four interceptions last season and has 10 in his career. Second-year safety Jonathan Dowling is another rangy cover safety.

 SPECIAL TEAMS Sebastian Janikowski, 37, hit field goals at an 86.4 percent rate, including a long of 57 yards. The joke about Janikowski being the team’s best fantasy player still has some merit this late in his career. Marquette King had a solid net punting average of 40.0 yards. The Raiders kickoff coverage was the worst in the league, and the punt coverage wasn’t much better. The return jobs went to Carrie last year, but that might be dependent on his role on defense; the same goes for Murray on offense.

GRADE

DEREK CARR

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 89 COOPER* OLT 72 PENN OLG 66 G. JACKSON C 61 HUDSON ORG 77 HOWARD ORT 69 BARNES TE 81 RIVERA WR 80 STREATER QB 4 CARR FB 45 REECE RB 28 MURRAY

85 Thompkins 83 Gallon 73 McCants 76 Webb 63 Mady 70 Bergstrom 67 Boothe 70 Bergstrom 68 Feliciano* 71 Watson 65 Kistler Jr. 85 L. Smith 88 Walford* 15 Crabtree 18 Holmes 9 Ponder 14 McGloin 49 Olawale 33 Richardson 26 Helu Jr. DEFENSE

DLE 91 TUCK 95 Mayowa 96 Autry NT 90 WILLIAMS 78 Ellis DT 92 McGEE 93 Lumpkin DRE 97 EDWARDS JR.* 98 Wilson 94 Valles* SLB 52 MACK 58 Ball* MLB 50 LOFTON 51 Heeney* WLB 55 MOORE 53 M. Smith 57 Armstrong CB 25 HAYDEN 39 McGill 22 T. Jones SS 20 ALLEN 23 Dowling 29 Ross FS 24 WOODSON CB 38 CARRIE 41 Dockery 31 Thorpe SPECIALISTS

P 7 KING 2 Clark PK 11 JANIKOWSKI 6 Tavecchio H 7 KING PR 38 CARRIE KR 38 CARRIE 28 Murray LS 59 CONDO * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Jack Del Rio, head coach; Sam Anno, defensive assistant; Todd Downing, quarterbacks; Jethro Franklin, defensive line; Joe Gomes, head strength and conditioning; Tim Holt, assistant offensive line; Rob Moore, wide receivers; Bill Musgrave, offensive coordinator; Ken Norton Jr., defensive coordinator; Bernie Parmalee, running backs; Jake Peetz, senior offensive assistant; Marcus Robertson, defensive backs; Brad Seely, special teams coordinator; Tracy Smith, assistant special teams; Travis Smith, quality control - defense; Sal Sunseri, linebackers; Mike Tice, offensive line; Brent Vieselmeyer, assistant linebackers; Rod Woodson, assistant defensive backs.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR DE TE OG ILB OLB LB OT WR CB

Alabama Florida State Miami (Fla.) Miami (Fla.) Kansas Florida Virginia Tennessee State Florida Kansas

4 35 68 128 140 161 179 218 221 242

1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7

Amari Cooper Mario Edwards Jr. Clive Walford Jon Feliciano Ben Heeney Neiron Ball Max Valles Anthony Morris Andre Debose Dexter McDonald

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Derek Carr makes that second-year jump helped by the presence of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Latavius Murray is the answer at running back behind an improved offensive line. The defense makes huge strides under Jack Del Rio, who could turn the Raiders into a wild-card hopeful.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Carr either takes a big step back or deals with injuries, keeping the offense stagnant. The Raiders rely on a runningback-by-committee that leads to another poor rushing attack. D.J. Hayden doesn’t match expectations, and the secondary remains susceptible, while Mack is alone in the front seven making plays, keeping Oakland in the AFC West cellar.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

20 Allen, Nate 57 Armstrong, Ray-Ray 42 Asante, Larry 34 Atkinson III, George 96 Autry, Denico 58 Ball, Neiron 69 Barnes, Khalif 70 Bergstrom, Tony 12 Butler, Brice 4 Carr, Derek 38 Carrie, T.J. 37 Casey, Chance 2 Clark, Steven 30 Cobb, Terrance 59 Condo, Jon 89 Cooper, Amari 15 Crabtree, Michael 32 Daniel, Rob 84 Debose, Andre 41 Dockery, James 23 Dowling, Jonathan 36 Dowling, Ras-I 97 Edwards Jr., Mario 78 Ellis, Justin 8 Fajardo, Cody 68 Feliciano, Jon 16 Gallon, Jeremy 27 Gus, Johnson 48 Hadley, Spencer 56 Hale, Jacoby 43 Hall, Jimmy 19 Harper, Josh 75 Harris, Shelby 25 Hayden, DJ 51 Heeney, Ben 26 Helu, Jr., Roy 18 Holmes, Andre 82 Holmes, Gabe 77 Howard, Austin 61 Hudson, Rodney 66 Jackson, Gabe 11 Janikowski, Sebastian 22 Jones, Taiwan 40 Kearney, Vernon 7 King, Marquette 65 Kistler, Dan 87 Leonhardt, Brian 50 Lofton, Curtis 93 Lumpkin, Ricky 52 Mack, Khalil 63 Mady, Lamar 95 Mayowa, Benson 73 McCants, Matt 21 McDonald, Dexter 35 McDonald, Tevin 92 McGee, Stacy 39 McGill, Keith 14 McGloin, Matt 54 Mitchell, Braylon 55 Moore, Sio 79 Morris, Anthony 28 Murray, Latavius 49 Olawale, Jamize 99 Orr, Leon 72 Penn, Donald 44 Pinson, Terrell 9 Ponder, Christian 67 Quinterrius, Eatmon 45 Reece, Marcel 33 Richardson, Trent 81 Rivera, Mychal 10 Roberts, Seth 29 Ross, Brandian 47 Shirley, Josh 83 Simonson, Scott 86 Smith, Lee 53 Smith, Malcolm 80 Streater, Rod 6 Tavecchio, Giorgio 85 Thompkins, Kenbrell 31 Thorpe, Neiko 91 Tuck, Justin 94 Valles, Max 88 Walford, Clive 71 Watson, Menelik 76 Webb, J’Marcus 90 Williams, Dan 17 Williams, Milton 98 Wilson, C.J. 24 Woodson, Charles

S LB S RB DE LB OL OL WR QB CB CB P RB LS WR WR CB WR DB S DB DE DT QB OG WR RB LB LB S WR DE CB LB RB WR TE OL C OG K RB DB P OT TE LB DT LB OG DE OT CB S DT CB QB LB LB OT RB FB DT OT S QB OT/OG FB RB TE WR SS LB TE TE OLB WR K WR CB DE DE TE OT OT DT WR DE FS

6-1 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-5 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-4 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-7 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-6 6-1 5-9 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-1

210 234 210 218 273 236 320 315 210 214 204 190 230 220 240 211 214 209 187 185 190 210 280 334 223 323 185 215 227 230 228 185 288 190 231 215 210 254 330 300 336 258 195 185 192 315 255 241 300 252 315 252 309 200 195 310 211 210 233 240 290 225 240 323 340 215 229 310 250 225 245 196 191 234 249 265 226 200 182 195 200 265 251 258 315 333 315 218 300 210

27 6 24 3 27 4 22 1 24 2 22 R 33 11 28 4 25 3 24 2 24 2 24 1 23 1 25 1 33 9 20 R 27 7 23 R 24 R 26 5 23 2 27 3 21 R 24 2 23 R 23 R 25 1 21 R 25 1 23 R 23 R 23 23 1 24 3 22 R 26 5 26 4 24 R 28 6 25 5 23 2 37 16 26 5 26 1 26 4 24 1 25 2 28 8 26 1 24 2 24 2 23 3 25 3 23 R 22 R 25 3 26 2 25 3 23 R 25 3 23 R 25 3 26 3 23 R 32 10 22 R 27 5 23 R 29 6 24 4 24 3 24 1 25 4 23 R 23 1 27 5 25 5 27 4 24 1 26 3 25 3 32 11 20 R 23 R 26 3 26 5 27 6 21 R 28 6 38 18

South Florida Miami (Fla.) Nebraska Notre Dame Mississippi State Florida Washington Utah San Diego State Fresno State Ohio Baylor Auburn Cumberland College Maryland Alabama Texas Tech BYU Florida Oregon State Western Kentucky Virginia Florida St. Louisiana Tech Nevada Miami Michigan Stephen F. Austin BYU Utah Northwestern Fresno St Illinois State Houston Kansas Nebraska Hillsdale Purdue Northern Iowa Florida State Mississippi State Florida State Eastern Washington Lane Fort Valley State Montana Bemidji State Oklahoma Kentucky Buffalo Youngstown State Idaho Alabama-Birmingham Kansas Eastern Washington Oklahoma Utah Penn State Arkansas Connecticut Tennessee St. Central Florida North Texas Florida Utah State Louisiana Tech Florida State South Florida Washington Alabama Tennessee West Alabama Youngstown State UNLV Assumption Marshall USC Temple California Cincinnati Auburn Notre Dame Virginia Miami Florida State West Texas A&M Tennessee Delaware St East Carolina Michigan

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NFC

EAST

1 Eagles PHILADELPHIA

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

OWNER & CEO Jeffrey Lurie EXEC. VP, FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Howie Roseman HEAD COACH Chip Kelly OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Pat Shurmur DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bill Davis STADIUM Lincoln Financial Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 68,532 | DD GrassMaster

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE One would think that an offense that broke team records in points scored, touchdowns, completions, passing yards, 300-yard passing games and first downs would remain firmly intact. But it’s obvious Eagles head coach/mad scientist Chip Kelly doesn’t think like most people. Put simply, the Eagles’ offense looks totally different after Kelly swapped quarterbacks with the Rams (Nick Foles in exchange for the injury-prone Sam Bradford), replaced star RB LeSean McCoy with the freeagent duo of DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, and allowed No. 1 WR Jeremy Maclin to sign with the Chiefs. Kelly appears to be leaning toward more of an Oregon-style run-heavy attack. But with all the new moving parts at his disposal, it’s hard to know for sure, which is just the way he wants it.

 QUARTERBACKS Bradford’s past experience in the spread offense, quick decision-making and strong,

C+

 RUNNING BACKS Murray, who played with Bradford at Oklahoma, was the league’s runaway rushing leader last season as the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ ground game. After a whopping 450 regular-season touches (including 13 TD runs and 57 receptions), Murray’s workload figures to be reduced significantly, operating in a potentially potent backfield committee along with Mathews, an equally decisive, downhill runner when healthy (career 4.4 ypc); and holdover Darren Sproles, who remains a dangerous receiver out of the backfield on passing downs. According to Kelly, Sproles still “has the ability to go from 0 to 60 very quickly.”

 RECEIVERS Second-year pro Jordan Matthews and first-round rookie Nelson Agholor enter training camp neck-and-neck in the battle to replace Maclin as the Eagles’ top receiving weapon. Matthews came on strong down the stretch in 2014 (six TDs over the final nine games), but it remains to be seen whether he continues to work primarily in the slot or spends more time outside. Agholor is actually a lot like Maclin, and his inside-outside versatility and return skills are a nice

98 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

bonus. Agholor plays big, explodes into his routes and works his butt off. “He’s a great fit for what we’re doing,” Kelly said. “He has excellent speed, outstanding hands, he’s an outstanding route-runner and he’s a student of the game.” Riley Cooper, a power-possession type with deceptive speed, has increased his catch total in each of his five seasons. He will compete for playing time with Oregon grad, Josh Huff, a top candidate for slot duties. An explosive talent with good ball skills, Huff was slowed out of the gate last season by a preseason shoulder injury and never fully recovered. Veteran free-agent addition Miles Austin, a two-time Pro Bowler who has had trouble staying healthy the last two seasons, and ex-Charger Seyi Ajirotutu provide depth at wide receiver. The TE position is a package deal, with veteran Brent Celek mostly providing quality blocking, third-year pro Zach Ertz continuing to develop into a differencemaking receiving weapon (franchiserecord 15 catches in the Week 16 loss in Washington) and athletic Trey Burton shaping up as the most likely replacement for James Casey as the third tight end.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 10-6

accurate arm were apparently impressive enough selling points to offset the fact he has missed 25 games over the past two seasons due to a twice-torn left ACL. After realizing he was nearly re-traded – with Kelly reportedly making a concerted effort to move up in the first round of the draft to select Oregon QB Marcus Mariota – there can’t help but be some concerns about Bradford’s confidence and comfort level entering the 2015 season. Former Jets firstrounder Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and possibly Tim Tebow – who offers the kind of innovative options that Kelly loves – back up Bradford. Sanchez had his moments while setting a franchise record with a 64.1 completion percentage in his first year with the Eagles, but he committed too many turnovers.

B-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OLT Jason Peters, OLG Evan Mathis and C Jason Kelce are all Pro Bowlers, but Mathis, who has been angling for a new contract all offseason, and Kelce missed a combined 11 starts due to injuries last season on a line that proved more than a little vulnerable after being virtually indestructible the previous season. Peters has great feet and tremendous reactions, Mathis is super strong with excellent athleticism and Kelce excels as a run blocker. Third-year firstround pick Lane Johnson was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked right tackle over the final 12 games last season after serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The top candidate to replace Todd Herremans at right guard is reliable veteran Allen Barbre, who spent most of last season on injured reserve (ankle).

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC EAST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

S Nate Allen, TE James Casey, OLB Trent Cole, CB Bradley Fletcher, QB Nick Foles, OG Todd Herremans, WR Jeremy Maclin, ILB Casey Matthews, RB LeSean McCoy, RB Chris Polk, CB Cary Williams.

GRADE

10-6

WR Seyi Ajirotutu , OLB Kiko Alonso, WR Miles Austin, CB-S E.J. Biggers, QB Sam Bradford, ILB Brad Jones, CB Byron Maxwell, RB Ryan Mathews, RB DeMarco Murray, QB Tim Tebow, CB Walter Thurmond.

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Sam Bradford

Kiko Alonso

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Nelson Agholor DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB Byron Maxwell POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE

Jason Peters

DEFENSE

Positional deviation and exotic blitz packages are constants in Billy Davis’ hybrid 3-4. The Eagles’ active front seven continues to develop nicely, with DRE Fletcher Cox looking like a star in the making up front and newcomer Kiko Alonso, who starred for Kelly at Oregon, fortifying a deep LB corps. But a secondary primarily responsible for the Eagles’ 31stranked pass defense last season must show major improvement, especially at the safety position.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Cox, who has long arms and a great blend of speed (4.8 40) and quickness, was particularly impressive against the run in his third season. Cedric Thornton, most

likely to be the other starting end, does a strong job stacking the point. But he is limited as a pass rusher, which opens the door in passing situations for Vinny Curry, a bona fide sack threat (nine sacks, four forced fumbles in ’14) with a big-time burst. Like Thornton, NT Bennie Logan is decent vs. the run but provides little push in the passing game. Look for huge second-year pro Beau Allen to push the serviceable Logan with his nonstop motor. Depth at the end spots is provided by former Duck Brandon Bair, Taylor Hart and massive (6-9, 295) seventhround rookie Brian Mihalik. Hart has beefed up since last season after not appearing in any games as a rookie.

GRADE

Andrew Gardner and Matt Tobin, the top subs at the tackle and guard positions, respectively, both struggled in 2014.

 LINEBACKERS Provided he regains the stellar form he displayed as a rookie – before sitting out last year with a torn ACL – Alonso should

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

at Atlanta Dallas at N.Y. Jets at Washington New Orleans N.Y. Giants at Carolina BYE at Dallas Miami Tampa Bay at Detroit at New England Buffalo Arizona Washington at N.Y. Giants

TIME

7:10 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 15 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 10 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 27 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 28

Jacksonville W 34-17 at Indianapolis W 30-27 Washington W 37-34 at San Francisco L 21-26 St. Louis W 34-28 N.Y. Giants W 27-0 at Arizona L 20-24 at Houston W 31-21 Carolina W 45-21 at Green Bay L 20-53 Tennessee W 43-24 at Dallas W 33-10 Seattle L 14-24 Dallas L 27-38 at Washington L 24-27 at N.Y. Giants W 34-26 All times Eastern

RESULT

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NFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 JAX WK 2 @ IND WK 3 WAS WK 4 @ SF WK 5 STL WK 6 NYG WK 8 @ AZ WK 9 @ HOU WK 10 CAR WK 11 @ GB WK 12 TEN WK 13 @ DAL WK 14 SEA WK 15 DAL WK 16 @ WAS WK 17 @ NYG SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

22 37 44 43 29 20 28 50 36 309

CMP

OPP

WK 1 JAX WK 2 @ IND WK 3 WAS WK 4 @ SF WK 5 STL WK 6 NYG WK 8 @ AZ WK 9 @ HOU WK 10 CAR WK 11 @ GB WK 12 TEN WK 13 @ DAL WK 14 SEA WK 15 DAL WK 16 @ WAS WK 17 @ NYG SEASON TOTALS 

GRADE

RTG

89.6 102.5 80.3 78.3 102.2 76.2 60.4 99.9 96.1 88.4

JORDAN MATTHEWS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 4 97 1 11 4 45 1 10 8 154 1 15 4 57 0 11 5 76 1 3 2 16 0 16 12 187 2 7 6 158 2 7 3 38 0 11 9 93 1 8 6 59 0 10 8 108 0 6 3 21 1 6 4 98 0 6 4 62 0 6 3 49 0 143 85 1318 10

4 2 37 4 1 17 9 8 59 7 4 28 7 4 35 6 4 50 11 6 47 4 3 40 9 7 138 8 5 107 8 6 77 5 4 51 5 2 23 1 0 0 5 3 58 10 8 105 103 67 872

dramatically strengthen the defense up the middle. An instinctive, downhill ’backer, Alonso became an instant high-powered tackling machine in his rookie season with the Bills. That he also happened to be brilliant in coverage was an added bonus. Alonso has strong complements outside in Pro Bowler Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham. Barwin tied for fourth in the league with 14½ sacks in ’14 and defended the pass well, utilizing his speed (4.58), athleticism and smarts. Graham, a terror splitting duties with Trent Cole last season (5½ sacks, four forced fumbles), becomes a full-timer after signing a new four-year deal. Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, former Packer Brad Jones and third-round rookie Jordan Hicks will be keeping Alonso company inside. Kendricks has good speed, hits hard and has a flair for big plays, but he is often slow to diagnose. Kendricks could be seriously challenged by Hicks, who had an impressive team-leading 147 tackles last season at Texas. A three-down linebacker with good cover skills, Hicks is an improving player with an excellent work ethic, but he has had some durability issues. Ryans, who tore his right Achilles

A-

INT

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 15 202 2 2 20 332 2 0 26 346 2 2 30 307 1 2 20 217 1 0 10 96 2 1 17 252 0 2 37 374 2 1 23 292 2 1 198 2418 14 11

JEREMY MACLIN

GAME

NICK FOLES

0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 8

ATT

CMP

45 37 41 43 37 34 62 12

27 21 27 21 24 21 36 9

311

186

PASSING YDS TD

322 2 331 1 325 3 195 0 207 2 248 2 411 2 124 1 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2163 13

ZACH ERTZ

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 77 6 4 86 3 2 14 6 4 43 6 3 39 5 3 47 8 5 48 2 1 4 3 1 17 7 4 55 6 4 30 1 0 0 3 2 39 4 3 32 18 15 115 6 4 56 89 58 702

1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

LeSEAN McCOY

INT

RTG

1 1 0 2 1 2 2 1

87.5 84.4 114.4 42.3 86.2 79.0 75.4 100.7

81.4

RILEY COOPER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 4 3 1 7 4 8 6 5 4 7 5 9 5 6 2 4 1 6 4 6 3 7 4 5 3 4 2 7 5 3 2 95 55

29 8 34 54 33 59 88 26 6 39 49 32 13 17 53 37 577

in Week 9 last season, has seen his better days. But he still offers lots of savvy and experience. Disappointing first-round OLB Marcus Smith, meanwhile, was a virtual nonfactor as a rookie.

 DEFENSIVE BACKS Fresh blood is plentiful on the corners after cutting the cord with Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher. Byron Maxwell, a recruit from Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” secondary, takes over on the right corner. At 6-foot-1 with 35½-inch arms, Maxwell offers a nice blend of length, speed and physicality. On the other corner, second-round rookie Eric Rowe appears to have a leg up on free-agent addition Walter Thurmond and ex-Dolphin Nolan Carroll, who performed better at safety than cornerback last season. A three-year starter at safety before moving to cornerback his senior season, Rowe fills the secondary’s need for a big, physical press corner. But his speed and strength are considered soso. Thurmond, yet another defender who played under Kelly at Oregon, is talented but very injury-prone. Undersized Brandon Boykin, a quality nickel corner

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

100 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

21 19 19 10 24 22 20 24 12 23 21 25 17 16 22 17 312

74 79 22 17 81 149 83 117 19 88 130 159 50 64 88 99 1319

DARREN SPROLES TD

ATT

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 5

11 4 2 1 7 7

DARREN SPROLES

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 7 4 4 0 4 5 2 6 4 3 0 2 9 6 62

4 14 7 152 3 30 2 2 0 0 0 0 Inactive 4 46 1 13 2 23 3 14 3 19 0 0 2 8 6 43 3 23 40 387

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 1 2 6 1 4 3 4 1 57

RUSHING YDS

71 26 20 4 51 39 Inactive 17 8 21 25 13 0 5 24 5 329

1 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 6

BRENT CELEK

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 3 15 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 0 3 3 15 5 4 45 4 2 8 2 2 7 6 5 116 2 1 11 7 5 48 2 1 7 1 0 0 6 4 52 1 1 15 1 1 1 51 32 340

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

with good quickness and athleticism, is considered like an extra starter by coordinator Billy Davis. Ex-Saint Malcolm Jenkins provides great leadership and strong play at free safety (11 pass breakups in ’14). But strong safety looks like a crapshoot, with Earl Wolff, another player with persistent health problems, listed first on the cluttered depth chart ahead of Chris Prosinski, Chris Maragos, freeagent addition E.J. Biggers (Washington) and athletic sophomore tweener Jaylen Watkins. Sixth-round rookies JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans add depth on the corners.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Cody Parkey had a remarkable debut season in 2014, scoring a rookie league-record 150 points. Veteran leftfooted P Donnie Jones, Pro Bowl LS Jon Dorenbos and kick returners Sproles (punts) and Huff (kickoffs) are all very reliable. Ajirotutu, a special-teams stud in San Diego, bolsters a unit that was the league’s best last season, scoring seven touchdowns on two kickoff returns, two punt returns and three blocked punts.

GRADE

MARK SANCHEZ

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 14 COOPER WR 17 AGHOLOR* WR 81 J. MATTHEWS OLT 71 PETERS OLG 69 MATHIS C 62 KELCE ORG 76 BARBRE ORT 65 JOHNSON TE 87 CELEK QB 7 BRADFORD RB 29 MURRAY

19 Austin 11 Huff* 88 Maehl 66 Gardner 67 Kelly 63 Molk 64 Tobin 77 Graf 86 Ertz 3 Sanchez 24 R. Mathews

DRE 91 COX NT 96 LOGAN DLE 72 THORNTON LOLB 98 BARWIN LILB 95 KENDRICKS RILB 50 ALONSO ROLB 55 GRAHAM LCB 32 ROWE* RCB 31 MAXWELL SS 28 WOLFF FS 27 JENKINS

93 Bair 94 Allen* 75 Curry 90 Smith 58 Hicks* 59 Ryans 56 Braman 26 Thurmond 22 Boykin 33 Prosinski 42 Maragos

16 Ajirotutu 84 Murphy

61 Vandervelde 68 Andrews 47 Burton 2 Barkley 43 Sproles

DEFENSE

73 Mihalik* 74 Keliikipi 97 Hart 57 Long 52 B. Jones 53 Goode 57 Hepburn 23 Carroll 38 Biggers 21 Couplin 30 Reynolds*

SPECIALISTS

P 8 JONES PK 1 PARKEY H 8 D. JONES PR 43 SPROLES KR 13 HUFF LS 46 DORENBOS

14 Cooper 43 Sproles * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Chip Kelly, head coach; Greg Austin, assistant offensive line coach; Jerry Azzinaro, assistant head coach/defensive line; Quadrian Banks, assistant strength & conditioning; Bob Bicknell, wide receivers; Michael Clay, assistant special teams; Bill Davis, defensive coordinator; Mike Dawson, assistant defensive line; Ryan Day, quarterbacks; Dave Fipp, special-teams coordinator; Keith Gray, assistant strength & conditioning; Matt Harper, assistant defensive backs; Josh Hingst, strength & conditioning; Shaun Huls, sports science coordinator; Bill McGovern, outside linebackers; Rick Minter, inside linebackers; Justin Peelle, tight ends; Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator; Brian Smith, assistant linebackers; Duce Staley, running backs; Jeff Stoutland, offensive line; Press Taylor, offensive quality control; Stephen Thomas, defensive quality control, Cory Undlin, defensive backs.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

1 Nelson Agholor

USC

PICK

2 Eric Rowe

Utah

3 Jordan Hicks

ILB

Texas

6 JaCorey Shepherd

Kansas

191

6 Randall Evans

Kansas State

196

7 Brian Mihalik

Boston College

237

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Bradford, Murray, Mathews, Alonso and Maxwell make Kelly look like a genius in his first season in an expanded role as both the head coach and personnel boss. On the field, the offense is as explosive as ever, and the pass defense makes major strides. As a result, the Eagles overtake the Cowboys in the NFC East and make amends for last year’s disappointing fade down the stretch.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Bradford bombs, the defense continues to be a sieve against the pass and, after all is said and done, style loses out to substance as the Eagles end up on the outside looking in come playoff time for the second year in a row. Kelly proves he’s in way over his head as a personnel specialist, and after a third straight year without a playoff victory, his future in Philly looks bleak.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

51 Acho, Emmanuel 17 Agholor, Nelson 16 Ajirotutu, Seyi 94 Allen, Beau 50 Alonso, Kiko 68 Andrews, Josh 19 Austin, Miles 18 Bailey, Rasheed 93 Bair, Brandon 76 Barbre, Allen 2 Barkley, Matt 34 Barner, Kenjon 98 Barwin, Connor 38 Biggers, E.J. 22 Boykin, Brandon 73 Boyko, Brett 7 Bradford, Sam 56 Braman, Bryan 74 Bunche, Malcolm 47 Burton, Trey 23 Carroll, Nolan 87 Celek, Brent 78 Coccia, Mike 14 Cooper, Riley 21 Couplin, Jerome 91 Cox, Fletcher 75 Curry, Vinny 89 Davis, Devante 49 Dewalt-Ondijo, Jordan 46 Dorenbos, Jon 86 Ertz, Zach 41 Evans, Randall 66 Gardner, Andrew 85 Gleichert, Andrew 53 Goode, Najee 77 Graf, Kevin 55 Graham, Brandon 80 Harris, John 97 Hart, Taylor 54 Hepburn, Brandon 58 Hicks, Jordan 13 Huff, Josh 27 Jenkins, Malcolm 65 Johnson, Lane 52 Jones, Brad 8 Jones, Donnie 62 Kelce, Jason 74 Keliikipi, Wade 67 Kelly, Dennis 95 Kendricks, Mychal 4 Kinne, G.J. 96 Logan, Bennie 57 Long, Travis 88 Maehl, Jeff 79 Manhart, Cole 42 Maragos, Chris 24 Mathews, Ryan 69 Mathis, Evan 81 Matthews, Jordan 31 Maxwell, Byron Mays, Frank 77 McBryde, B.J. 73 Mihalik, Brian 63 Molk, David 48 Mostert, Raheem 29 Murray, DeMarco 1 Parkey, Cody 71 Peters, Jason 10 Pratt, Quron 33 Prosinski, Chris 78 Raciti, Travis 30 Reynolds, Ed 35 Rice, Denzel 32 Rowe, Eric 59 Ryans, DeMeco 3 Sanchez, Mark 36 Shepherd, JaCorey 6 Smith, Kip 90 Smith, Marcus 43 Sproles, Darren 11 Tebow, Tim 72 Thornton, Cedric 26 Thurmond, Walter 64 Tobin, Matt 83 Tomlinson, Eric 39 Tucker, Matthew 82 Tukes, Justin 61 Vandervelde, Julian 37 Watkins, Jaylen 28 Wolff, Earl

LB WR WR DT LB OG WR WR DE OT QB RB LB CB CB OG QB LB OG TE CB TE C WR DB DE DE WR LB LS TE DB OT TE LB OT LB WR DE LB LB WR S OT LB P C DT 0T LB QB DT LB WR 0G S RB 0G WR CB DE DE DE C RB RB K 0T WR S DT S DB DB LB QB DB P LB RB QB DE CB 0T TE RB TE C CB S

6-2 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-6 6-5 6-0 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-8 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-9 6-5 6-9 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-4 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-3 5-6 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-1 6-5 6-2 5-11 5-11

240 198 215 333 238 311 215 205 290 310 227 185 264 185 185 301 224 241 320 235 205 255 302 230 215 300 279 215 240 250 250 195 308 264 244 309 265 218 281 235 236 206 204 317 242 221 295 303 321 240 234 315 255 184 298 200 220 298 212 207 291 304 302 290 190 217 193 328 195 208 285 207 185 205 247 225 199 235 251 190 236 309 190 290 263 227 250 300 194 210

24 21 27 23 24 23 30 21 30 30 24 26 28 27 24 22 27 28 23 23 28 30 22 27 23 24 26 22 23 34 24 23 29 23 25 23 27 23 24 25 23 23 27 25 29 34 27 23 25 24 26 25 23 26 22 28 27 33 22 27 24 23 22 26 23 27 23 33 24 28 22 23 22 22 30 28 22 22 23 31 27 26 27 24 23 23 23 27 23 25

4 R 6 2 2 1 10 R 3 8 3 2 7 7 4 R 6 5 R 2 6 9 R 6 2 4 4 R R 13 3 R 6 R 4 1 6 R 2 1 R 2 7 3 7 12 5 1 4 4 1 3 2 3 R 6 6 11 2 5 R R R 3 R 5 2 12 1 5 R 1 R R 10 7 R R 2 11 4 4 6 3 R 2 R 4 2 3

Texas USC Fresno State Wisconsin Oregon Oregon State Monmouth Delaware Valley Oregon Missouri Southern State USC Oregon Cincinnati Western Michigan Georgia UNLV Oklahoma West Texas A&M UCLA Florida Maryland Cincinnati New Hampshire Florida William & Mary Mississippi State Marshall UNLV Duke UTEP Stanford Kansas State Georgia Tech Michigan State West Virginia USC Michigan Texas Oregon Florida A&M Texas Oregon Ohio State Oklahoma Colorado LSU Cincinnati Oregon Purdue California Tulsa LSU Washington State Oregon Nebraska-Kearney Wisconsin Fresno State Alabama Vanderbilt Clemson Florida A&M Connecticut Boston College Michigan Purdue Oklahoma Auburn Arkansas Rutgers Wyoming San Jose State Stanford Coastal Carolina Utah Alabama USC Kansas Oklahoma State Louisville Kansas State Florida Southern Arkansas Oregon Iowa UTEP TCU Central Florida Iowa Florida NC State

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2 Cowboys DALLAS

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

OWNER/PRESIDENT/GM Jerry Jones DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL Stephen Jones HEAD COACH Jason Garrett OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Scott Linehan DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Rod Marinelli STADIUM AT&T Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 80,000 | Matrix artificial turf

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE

Depending heavily on an offensive line featuring three first-round draft picks, the Cowboys’ clock-killing, run-first offense enjoyed great success last season, scoring 467 points (at least 30 points in 10 games), the second-highest total in team history. But with workhorse DeMarco Murray removed from the equation after signing with the Eagles, chances are new coordinator Scott Linehan will tilt the scales in more of an airborne direction with both QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant coming off record-breaking 2014 campaigns. Linehan, the team’s passinggame coordinator in ’14, takes over for Bill Callahan, who left to become the Redskins’ new offensive line coach.

 QUARTERBACKS Benefiting from a streamlined practice regimen to help protect a back coming off two surgeries in less than a year, the 35-year-old Romo had his best overall season in ’14, leading the league

A-

 RUNNING BACKS Speaking of downgrades, the trio of free-agent addition Darren McFadden and holdovers Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle faces a major challenge attempting to fill Murray’s shoes. McFadden, the fourth overall selection by the Raiders in 2008, has displayed impressive flashes when healthy, but he has missed 10 games and averaged only 3.3 yards a carry the past three seasons. Dunbar steps up aggressively against the blitz on passing downs, but he has been serviceable at best his first three seasons. Randle has made more of an impact (6.7 ypc in ’14, including three nifty TD runs), but his status is uncertain after a pair of arrests in a four-month span. Veteran Tyler Clutts is a solid blocking fullback.

 RECEIVERS Bryant soared to new heights last season, catching a franchise-record 16 TD passes. He has developed into a dominant force, specializing in making acrobatic red zone grabs and doing consistent damage picking up yards after his catches. WR Terrance Williams has also proven to be a productive playmaker, taking advantage of casual coverage opposite Bryant to the tune of 11 TDs last season (counting three in postseason). But the hardworking Williams was hard to find the second half of ’14, managing

102 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

only 12 catches and two TDs. That was partly due to the increased involvement of shifty slot receiver Cole Beasley, who caught everything thrown his way while becoming one of the league’s more reliable inside wideouts. Devin Street, used primarily in a blocking role as a rookie, adds depth at wideout. Jason Witten provides Pro Bowl-caliber play at tight end with 10 berths in 12 seasons. Capitalizing on his otherworldly rapport with Romo, Witten continues to run textbook routes from all over the field, make clutch catches in key situations and provide elite blocking. Witten’s heirapparent is Gavin Escobar, a legitimate red-zone option (four TDs in ’14) who remains a work in progress entering his third season. Third TE James Hanna is primarily an in-line blocker whose straight-line speed must be accounted for in passing situations. Seventh-round rookie TE Geoff Swaim is an above-average athlete and a willing blocker.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 12-4

in passer rating (113.2), completion percentage (69.9) and TD percentage (7.8) while throwing 435 passes, his fewest as a full-time starter. Remaining more than willing to take a shot despite his back issues, Romo was particularly impressive passing deep. Despite a marked decline in speed and flexibility, Romo remains most dangerous throwing on the move, maintaining his great knack for sidestepping pressure and creating on the fly. Backup Brandon Weeden, who was awful in his one start last season, is a dramatic downgrade from Romo.

A-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Former first-round picks Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin grace the line with their Pro Bowl presence at left tackle, center and right guard, respectively. Arguably the league’s most athletic lineman, the chiseled Smith excels as a pass blocker. The mobile Frederick is widely considered the league’s best run-blocking center with great lateral movement and pristine technique. Martin, the team’s first-round pick in ’14, proved to be a quick study that was flagged only three times, as well as a natural leader. Both ninth-year ORT Doug Free and undrafted thirdyear OLG Ronald Leary are solid but unspectacular. Free has improved as a run blocker with better hand usage the past couple of seasons. Leary has superb upper-body strength, but he has limitations as a pass blocker. The team hopes rookie OT Chaz Green can replace former quality backup OT Jermey Parnell. Green is versatile and athletic, but he must improve his strength

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN NFC EAST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES ILB Bruce Carter, OLB Justin Durant, WR-RS Dwayne Harris, DT Henry Melton, CB Sterling Moore, RB DeMarco Murray, OT Jeremy Parnell, DE George Selvie, DE Anthony Spencer.

GRADE

9-7

ILB Jasper Brinkley, FB Jed Collins, ILB Andrew Gachkar, DE Greg Hardy, RB Darren McFadden, OLB Keith Rivers, CB Corey White.

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Dez Bryant

Sean Lee

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Gavin Escobar DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Demarcus Lawrence POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH LCB: Brandon Carr vs. Byron Jones

2015 SCHEDULE

Dez Bryant

DEFENSE

Coordinator Rod Marinelli did a masterful job getting maximum production out of a patchwork unit that suffered a major blow when star ILB Sean Lee tore an ACL on the first day of OTAs. Lee is back, but this year’s ‘D’ suffered an early setback when newly acquired pass rusher Greg Hardy was hit with a 10game suspension. The hope is a fortified pass rush (only 28 sacks in ’14) will lead to major improvement in the pass defense after finishing 26th in passing yards allowed last season (250 ypg).

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Three 2014 starters

– DLE George

Selvie, DRE Anthony Spencer and DLT Henry Melton – have split the scene. The versatile Tyrone Crawford entered the offseason as the starting left end, but he eventually could develop into an anchor in the middle of the line. That would open up a likely starting role for Demarcus Lawrence, whose gameending strip-sack in the first round of the playoffs was a hopeful sign of things to come for the explosive sophomore who missed the first half of last season with a broken foot. DRE Jeremy Mincey exceeded expectations in ’14 with team highs in sacks (six) and pressures (39), but he figures to receive a spirited challenge from rookie Randy Gregory, a first-round talent who dropped to late in the second round after testing positive for marijuana at the NFL combine. Gregory has outstanding physical tools, but he needs to add some weight and work on his technique. Former Houston Texan Terrell McClain and well-traveled Nick Hayden, who led all Cowboys D-linemen with 52 tackles in ’14, shape up initially as the top guns in the

GRADE

and pass protection to be considered a full-time tackle. Rookie La’el Collins is a first-round talent who went undrafted after being questioned - but never charged - in the recent investigation into his ex-girlfriend’s death. Powerful and intense, he could quickly push Leary, adding to Dallas’ embarrassment of riches. Mackenzy Bernadeau remains a valuable reserve.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 19 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia Atlanta at New Orleans New England BYE at N.Y. Giants Seattle Philadelphia at Tampa Bay at Miami Carolina at Washington at Green Bay N.Y. Jets at Buffalo Washington

TIME

8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 San Francisco L 17-28 Sept. 14 at Tennessee W 26-10 Sept. 21 at St. Louis W 34-31 Sept. 28 New Orleans W 38-17 Oct. 5 Houston *W 20-17 Oct. 12 at Seattle W 30-23 Oct. 19 N.Y. Giants W 31-21 Oct. 27 Washington *L 17-20 Nov. 2 Arizona L 17-28 Nov. 9 at Jacksonville W 31-17 Nov. 23 at N.Y. Giants W 31-28 Nov. 27 Philadelphia L 10-33 Dec. 4 at Chicago W 41-28 Dec. 14 at Philadelphia W 38-27 Dec. 21 Indianapolis W 42-7 Dec. 28 at Washington W 44-17 POSTSEASON Jan. 4 Detroit W 24-20 Jan. 11 at Green Bay L 26-21 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TONY ROMO

OPP

WK 1 SF WK 2 @ TEN WK 3 @ STL WK 4 NO WK 5 HOU WK 6 @ SEA WK 7 NYG WK 8 WAS WK 9 AZ WK 10 @ JAX WK 12 @ NYG WK 13 PHI WK 14 @ CHI WK 15 @ PHI WK 16 IND WK 17 @ WAS SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

37 29 23 29 41 32 23 28

23 19 18 22 28 21 17 17

27 26 29 26 31 20 34 435

20 18 18 21 22 18 22 304

PASSING YDS TD

281 1 176 1 217 2 262 3 324 2 250 2 279 3 209 1 Inactive 246 3 275 4 199 0 205 3 265 3 218 4 299 2 3705 34

JASON WITTEN

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 SF WK 2 @ TEN WK 3 @ STL WK 4 NO WK 5 HOU WK 6 @ SEA WK 7 NYG WK 8 WAS WK 9 AZ WK 10 @ JAX WK 12 @ NYG WK 13 PHI WK 14 @ CHI WK 15 @ PHI WK 16 IND WK 17 @ WAS SEASON TOTALS 

6 2 14 7 4 32 5 4 49 5 5 61 5 4 59 5 2 24 2 2 27 8 5 70 7 6 62 7 5 33 6 4 30 2 1 8 3 2 26 9 7 69 7 7 90 6 4 49 90 64 703

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 5

JOSEPH RANDLE

INT

RTG

ATT

RUSHING YDS

ATT

RUSHING YDS

ATT

3 0 1 0 1 0 1 0

60.8 93.5 116.8 137.4 98.0 110.2 135.7 95.7

0 0 2 0 0 0 1 9

138.8 143.4 53.7 138.0 129.1 151.7 100.0 113.2

22 29 24 24 31 28 28 19 19 19 24 20 32 31 22 20 392

118 167 100 149 136 115 128 141 79 100 121 73 179 81 58 100 1845

1 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 13

0 3 2 4 2 5 2 3 1 7 0 2 1 2 13 4 51

0 26 9 22 4 52 7 23 2 56 0 6 17 13 37 69 343

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 3

0 11 0 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 0 2 0 5 2 1 29

DeMARCO MURRAY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 3 25 2 1 6 4 4 31 1 1 6 8 6 56 6 6 31 1 1 4 4 4 80 4 4 11 7 6 31 3 2 22 6 6 40 10 9 49 1 1 3 0 0 0 3 3 21 64 57 416

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

COLE BEASLEY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 4 42 1 1 10 2 1 9 2 2 14 4 4 23 2 1 11 0 0 0 2 1 11 2 1 12 1 1 11 2 2 66 7 4 41 3 3 42 4 4 42 3 2 29 9 6 57 49 37 420

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 4

TERRANCE WILLIAMS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 4 50 4 2 20 3 2 32 7 6 77 6 2 71 2 2 70 3 1 18 7 6 69 7 2 19 2 0 0 2 1 18 4 2 38 0 0 0 5 2 19 2 2 52 5 3 68 66 37 621

tackle rotation. McClain made a strong return from early retirement last season, both in coverage and as a pass rusher. Fifth-round rookie DE Ryan Russell offers impressive physical traits, but his lack of production at Purdue (only 8½ sacks over the last three years) could be cause for concern.

Decent veteran depth is provided by Kyle Wilber and Keith Rivers outside and Jasper Brinkley and Andrew Gackhar inside. Rookies Damien Wilson and Mark Nzeocha offer fresh blood. Wilson was highly productive in college despite average athleticism. Nzeocha is a long shot to make the final roster.

 LINEBACKERS

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

GRADE

B-

There are major concerns at cornerback. On the left side, the greatly disappointing Brandon Carr entered the offseason first on the depth chart despite zero interceptions and an inordinate amount of coverage breakdowns last season. On the right side, Orlando Scandrick had his best season in his second as a starter, displaying keen awareness and sure tackling, but he opted not to report to voluntary OTAs in late April due to contract concerns. In addition, former first-rounder Morris Claiborne, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 last season, could start the 2015 season on the PUP list. Enter first-round rookie Byron Jones, a standout at this year’s combine whose size,

GRADE

Lee was set to start in the middle before getting hurt last year. But with Rolando McClain re-signing April 1 after earning high marks across the board in that role last season, Lee starts 2015 in a more natural role on the strong side. Lee is an upper-echelon, all-around talent who was widely considered the league’s best passdefending ’backer entering 2014. But it’s worth noting that he has yet to play a full 16-game slate. On the weak side, the arrow appears to be pointing up for Anthony Hitchens, a 2014 fourth-rounder who made a mostly positive impression as a rookie by registering 75 tackles while starting at all three LB spots. Strong vs. the run from the get-go, he must make major strides in coverage.

LANCE DUNBAR

C+

104 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 8

RUSHING YDS

0 27 0 0 0 -4 16 6 9 0 0 15 0 22 4 4 99

DEZ BRYANT

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

LANCE DUNBAR

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 3 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 4 4 0 0 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 2 0 0 22 18

21 0 0 36 0 48 0 11 52 7 26 0 0 6 10 0 217

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ATT

RECEIVING YDS TD

6 4 55 0 14 10 103 1 7 6 89 1 6 3 44 1 14 9 85 1 10 4 63 0 12 9 151 0 7 3 30 1 10 2 15 1 8 6 158 2 9 7 86 2 7 4 73 0 8 6 82 0 7 6 114 3 5 5 73 1 6 4 99 2 136 88 1320 16

GAVIN ESCOBAR

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 1 1 0 2 3 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 13

0 0 1 5 1 7 1 6 0 0 1 2 3 65 0 0 0 0 1 14 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 105

0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4

speed, versatility, freakish athleticism and strong playmaking ability could land him a starting job. The situation is a bit better at the safety position. But both SS Barry Church, who had a teamleading 97 tackles last season, and FS J.J. Wilcox, who had a team-leading three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, had lapses in technique. Second-year dime back Tyler Patmon and third-year pro Jeff Heath add depth at cornerback and safety, respectively.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Dan Bailey is an exceptionally accurate placekicker with an extremely strong leg (5 of 7 on field goals from 50 yards and longer; 66.6-yard average on kickoffs). Chris Jones is a decent directional punter who had a career-best 45.4yard average last season. Beasley and Dunbar are the projected punt and kickoff returners, respectively. LS L.P. LaDouceur was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season – an honor long overdue for arguably the team’s most consistent player over the past decade.

GRADE

GAME

DeMARCO MURRAY

A-

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 88 BRYANT WR 83 WILLIAMS OLT 77 SMITH OLG 65 LEARY C 72 FREDERICK ORG 70 MARTIN ORT 68 FREE TE 82 WITTEN QB 9 ROMO RB 20 McFADDEN FB 44 CLUTTS

73 Bernadeau 79 Green* 89 Escobar 84 Hanna 3 Weeden 10 Vaughan 25 Dunbar 21 Randle 48 Agnew

DLE 98 CRAWFORD DLT 97 T. McCLAIN DRT 96 HAYDEN DRE 92 MINCEY SLB 50 LEE MLB 55 R. McCLAIN WLB 59 HITCHENS LCB 39 CARR RCB 32 SCANDRICK SS 42 CHURCH FS 27 WILCOX

63 Gardner 66 Bishop 74 Whaley 90 D. Lawrence* 53 C. Lawrence 54 Brinkley 57 Watson 31 B. Jones* 24 Claiborne 43 Johnson 38 Heath

11 Beasley 16 Boyd 75 Weems 71 L. Collins*

15 Street 14 Dunn 67 Gibson*

DEFENSE

99 Russell* 60 Coleman 94 Gregory* 51 Wilber 52 Gackhar 48 Rivers 28 Steeples 26 Patmon

SPECIALISTS

P 6 JONES PK 5 BAILEY H 6 JONES PR 11 BEASLEY KR 25 DUNBAR LS 91 LADOUCEUR * Rookie COACHING STAFF Jason Garrett, head coach; Joe Baker, assistant secondary; Brett Bech, assistant strength and conditioning; Rich Bisaccia, special-teams coordinator; Ben Bloom, assistant defensive line/defensive ends; Gary Brown, running backs; Kevin Carberry, offensive assistant; Derek Dooley, wide receivers; Matt Eberflus, linebackers; Jerome Henderson, secondary; Leon Lett, assistant defensive line/defensive tackles; Scott Linehan, offensive coordinator; Steve Loney, offensive line; Rod Marinelli, defensive coordinator; Keith O’Quinn, assistant special teams; Frank Pollack, offensive line; Michael Pope, tight ends; Kendall Smith, assistant strength and conditioning; Turner West, defensive assistant; Wade Wilson, quarterbacks; Mike Woicik, strength and conditioning coordinator.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB OLB OT ILB DE OLB OT TE

Connecticut Nebraska Florida Minnesota Purdue Wyoming Virginia Tech Texas

27 60 91 127 163 236 243 246

1 2 3 4 5 7 7 7

Byron Jones Randy Gregory Chaz Green Damien Wilson Ryan Russell Mark Nzeocha Laurence Gibson Geoff Swaim

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Romo makes good on his late-April prediction that the Cowboys will make it to the Super Bowl, as the offense doesn’t miss a beat without Murray carrying the rushing load, and Marinelli’s defense improves significantly, especially against the pass, with Hardy making an important impact down the stretch.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Hardy’s suspension proves to be a bad omen, as Romo’s tender back gives way to Weeden, Gregory gives way to weed, the new RB-by-committee proves to be a dismal failure and the team reverts to the also-ran that finished .500 for three straight years before last season.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

48 58 5 11 73 66 79 16 95 54 88 39 42 24 44 60 71 58 98 56 74 25 14 64 89 72 68 52 93 67 79 94 84 76 71 96 38 67 59 1 43 31 6 49 91 53 90 65 50 70 55 97 20 62 92 49 26 21 48 9 99 32 43 77 40 37 28 15 87 10 56 3 75 61 64 23 51 27 34 83 44 82

FB LB K WR OG NT DE WR DT LB WR CB S CB FB DT OT DE DE LB OT RB WR DE TE C OT LB DE OT OT DE TE DE OT DT S OT LB P S DB P LS LS LB DE OG LB OG LB DT RB OT DE LB CB RB LB QB DE CB S OT LB DB CB WR TE QB LB QB OT OT DT CB LB S RB WR LB TE

5-11 6-2 6-0 5-8 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-6 5-8 5-9 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-7 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-7 6-3 5-11 6-4 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-0 6-6

242 24 235 31 195 27 180 26 325 29 305 24 253 25 210 23 320 27 275 29 220 26 210 28 218 27 192 25 255 30 300 24 321 21 275 26 285 25 251 24 316 24 195 25 178 26 278 25 260 24 315 24 325 31 224 26 270 24 300 0 300 245 22 260 25 279 26 310 23 303 29 212 23 304 30 235 22 217 26 209 25 199 22 205 25 250 24 256 34 238 24 251 23 320 26 234 28 310 24 259 25 300 26 210 27 321 25 280 31 239 25 185 24 210 23 236 29 230 35 267 23 196 28 199 23 320 24 230 23 199 29 195 0 200 24 250 235 24 240 27 228 31 310 26 315 23 272 24 206 25 245 26 212 24 207 25 208 25 243 21 263 33

Agnew, Ray Anderson, James Bailey, Dan Beasley, Cole Bernadeau, Mackenzy Bishop, Ken Boatright, Kenneth Boyd, Chris Brent, Josh Brinkley, Jasper Bryant, Dez Carr, Brandon Church, Barry Claiborne, Morris Clutts, Tyler Coleman, Davon Collins, La’el Crawford, Jack Crawford, Tyrone Davis, Troy Dill, R.J. Dunbar, Lance Dunn, Reggie Edwards, Lavar Escobar, Gavin Frederick, Travis Free, Doug Gachkar, Andrew Gardner, Ben Gibson, Laurence Green, Chaz Gregory, Randy Hanna, James Hardy, Greg Hawkins, Donald Hayden, Nick Heath, Jeff Hills, Tony Hitchens, Anthony Hornsey, Tom Johnson, Keelan Jones, Byron Jones, Chris Kreiter, Casey LaDouceur, L.P. Lawrence, Cameron Lawrence, DeMarcus Leary, Ronald Lee, Sean Martin, Zack McClain, Rolando McClain, Terrell McFadden, Darren Miller, Ryan Mincey, Jeremy Nzeocha, Mark Patmon, Tyler Randle, Joseph Rivers, Keith Romo, Tony Russell, Ryan Scandrick, Orlando Smith, Keith Smith, Tyron Smith, Will Spillman, C.J. Steeples, Robert Street, Devin Swaim, Geoff Vaughan, Dustin Watson, Dekoda Weeden, Brandon Weems, Darrion Wetzel, John Whaley, Chris White, Corey Wilber, Kyle Wilcox, J.J. Williams, Ryan Williams, Terrance Wilson, Damien Witten, Jason

2 9 5 4 8 2 2 1 5 7 6 8 6 4 5 2 R 4 4 2 1 4 1 3 3 3 9 5 2 R R R 4 5 2 8 3 2 2 R 1 R 4 R 11 3 2 3 6 2 5 5 8 2 8 R 2 3 6 13 R 8 R 5 R 7 1 2 R 2 6 4 3 1 1 4 4 3 2 3 R 13

Southern Illinois Virginia Tech Oklahoma State Southern Methodist Bentley Northern Illinois Southern Illinois Vanderbilt Illinois South Carolina Oklahoma State Grand Valley State Toledo LSU Fresno State Arizona State LSU Penn State Boise State Central Florida Rutgers North Texas Utah LSU San Diego State Wisconsin Northern Illinois Missouri Stanford Virginia Tech Florida Nebraska Oklahoma Mississippi Texas Wisconsin Saginaw Valley State Miami Iowa Memphis Arizona State University Connecticut Carson-Newman Iowa California Mississippi State Boise St. Memphis Penn State Notre Dame Alabama South Florida Arkansas Colorado Florida Wyoming Oklahoma State Oklahoma State USC Eastern Illinois Purdue Boise State San Jose State USC Texas Tech Marshall Memphis Pittsburgh Texas West Texas A&M Florida State Oklahoma State Oregon Boston College Texas Samford Wake Forest Georgia Southern Virginia Tech Baylor Minnesota Tennessee

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 105

NFC

EAST

3 Giants NEW YORK

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Stevie Brown, S Will Hill, RB Peyton Hillis, OLB Spencer Paysinger, S Antrel Rolle, OG Chris Snee, C J.D. Walton.

3RD PLACE IN NFC EAST

PRESIDENT & CEO John K. Mara SR. VP & GENERAL MANAGER Jerry Reese HEAD COACH Tom Coughlin OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ben McAdoo DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Steve Spagnuolo STADIUM MetLife Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 82,566 | FieldTurf

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE Ben McAdoo’s West Coast offense made a strong impression in his debut season as offensive coordinator, finishing 10th in the league in total yards (367.2 ypg) in no small part because of first-round WR Odell Beckham Jr.’s magnificent rookie campaign. Look for veteran QB Eli Manning, coming off a strong comeback season, to operate in more spread formations, as McAdoo, who previously worked in Green Bay, continues using the Packers’ potent offense as a “big blueprint” for success. Beckham spearheads a receiving corps that could be among the league’s best, provided Victor Cruz’s knees hold up. New RB Shane Vereen, a quality receiver out of the backfield, adds intriguing versatility.

 QUARTERBACKS A year after throwing a league-high 27 interceptions and regressing in almost every area, Manning looked like a new

GRADE

2014 RECORD 6-10

man in 2014. Greatly improving his decision-making, Manning completed 63 percent of his passes, threw for more than 4,000 yards for the fourth time (4,410) and registered an impressive 30-14 touchdown-interception ratio. Overcoming concerns that he would be hindered by left-ankle surgery early last offseason, the two-time Super Bowl MVP was no worse for the wear in ’14, expanding the league’s longest active streak of consecutive starts to 167 games and counting. Entering a contract year, the 34-year-old Manning said he hopes to complete 70 percent of his passes and throw fewer than 10 interceptions in ’15. Unproven third-year pro Ryan Nassib (only five career passing attempts) backs him up.

B+

 RUNNING BACKS When healthy, Rashad Jennings was an effective workhorse in his first season with the Giants. But after missing five games due to a knee injury, Jennings, a tough runner who knows how to pick his spots, enters ’15 with promising secondyear pro Andre Williams and Vereen nipping at his heels. Williams, a big, downhill runner, was busy near the goal line as a rookie, scoring seven TDs. But he averaged only 3.3 yards a carry and was a liability on passing downs. Vereen, who became the Patriots’ lead RB last season after Stevan Ridley was lost for the season, is widely considered one of the league’s best third-down backs. FB Henry Hyonski serves mostly as a solid run blocker.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 RECEIVERS With his amazing hands, blazing speed and superb leaping ability, Beckham burst on the scene with a big-time splash, reaching team highs in catches (91), receiving yards (1,305) and TD catches (12). Imagine what his numbers might have looked like had he not missed the first four games with a hamstring injury.

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Cruz offered similar productivity before knee injuries cut short his past two seasons. Cruz’s speed, quickness and aggressiveness make him a dangerous playmaker on the outside or inside when healthy, and the torn patellar tendon he suffered in Week 6 last season is reportedly close to being fully healed. Rueben Randle, who finished with a real flourish the last two games in ’14 (12290-1), has the size and speed to make big plays as the third receiver. Preston Parker, a gritty slot specialist, and former Cowboy Dwayne Harris shape up as key backups. At tight end, Larry Donnell was a revelation last season, proving to be particularly effective in the middle of the field and red zone, where he caught a number of jump balls for scores. But Donnell must improve his strength and blocking. Playing mostly on run plays, Daniel Fells developed into a steady veteran presence as the second tight end. Third TE Adrien Robinson has good talent, but he has been slow to develop.

GRADE

7-9

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OLB Victor Butler, OLB Jonathan Casillas, NT Kenrick Ellis, WR-RS Dwayne Harris, OT Marshall Newhouse, DE George Selvie, OLB J.T. Thomas, RB Shane Vereen.

A-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Will Beatty rebounded from an off year in 2013, re-establishing himself as a reliable left tackle. But the future long-term OLT figures to be first-round draft pick Ereck Flowers, a powerful run blocker widely considered to have the meanest streak of any OT available in the draft. The massive (6-6, 329), long-armed Flowers is a good bet to begin his career as the starter at right tackle, in which case former first-rounder Justin Pugh, who looked overmatched on occasion in ‘14, would move inside to one of the starting OG spots. Pugh would likely compete with either John Jerry on the left side or Geoff Schwartz on the right. Entering his sixth season, Jerry was just so-so starting 16 games at right guard in ’14. Schwartz, one of the league’s top interior linemen the second half of his last season

GRADE

PREDICTION

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Odell Beckham Jr. Jason Pierre-Paul OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Andre Williams DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT S Landon Collins POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OLG-ORG: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE

Odell Beckham, Jr.

DEFENSE Steve Spagnuolo, who excelled as head coach Tom Coughlin’s top defensive aide in 2007-08, replaces Perry Fewell as the coordinator of a unit that was among the league’s leakiest last season, particularly against the run (league-worst 4.9 ypc allowed). There are two major keys to success – a healthy season for valuable MLB Jon Beason after being limited to four games because of a foot injury last season, and a strong debut for secondround SS Landon Collins, who is being counted on as the secondary’s undisputed leader from the get-go.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DRE Jason Pierre-Paul finished on a hot streak (nine sacks in the last five games) to register 12½ sacks in 2014, his best season since 2011 when he had 16½ sacks. While not considered an elite end, he remains a consistently strong edge presence. Cullen Jenkins was listed first on the depth chart at left end entering OTAs. But after an injury-plagued 2014 campaign, he could quickly become a backup behind either Robert Ayers, who received high marks as a part-timer in his first season with the Giants (five sacks and a forced fumble), or Damontre Moore (5½ sacks in ’14). DRT Johnathan Hankins developed into a quality every-down defender with a nice blend of quickness and power in his second season. A work-share situation is likely at left tackle between free-agent addition Kenrick Ellis (Jets), a proven run stopper slowed by injuries the last two seasons, and holdover Markus Kuhn. Free-agent addition George Selvie, Kerry Wynn and hardworking third-rounder Owamagbe Odighizuwa add strong depth at the DE position. DT Jay Bromley passes the

GRADE

with the Chiefs in ’13, was a nonfactor his first season with the Giants because of toe and ankle injuries. After struggling mightily as a guard as a rookie, Weston Richburg’s versatility, athleticism and intelligence make him a strong fit as the projected starting center for McAdoo’s evolving offense. Key backups include exPackers OT Marshall Newhouse, OG-OT Brandon Mosley, OGs Dallas Reynolds and mobile seventh-round rookie Bobby Hart and C Brett Jones, who was named the CFL’s top offensive lineman in 2014.

B+

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 14 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Dallas Atlanta Washington at Buffalo San Francisco at Philadelphia Dallas at New Orleans at Tampa Bay New England BYE at Washington N.Y. Jets at Miami Carolina at Minnesota Philadelphia

TIME

8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 25 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Nov. 3 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

at Detroit L 14-35 Arizona L 14-25 Houston W 30-17 at Washington W 45-14 Atlanta W 30-20 at Philadelphia L 0-27 at Dallas L 21-31 Indianapolis L 24-40 at Seattle L 17-38 San Francisco L 10-16 Dallas L 28-31 at Jacksonville L 24-25 at Tennessee W 36-7 Washington W 24-13 at St. Louis W 37-27 Philadelphia L 26-34 All times Eastern

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RESULT

| 107

NFC

EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ DET WK 2 AZ WK 3 HOU WK 4 @ WAS WK 5 ATL WK 6 @ PHI WK 7 @ DAL WK 9 IND WK 10 @ SEA WK 11 SF WK 12 DAL WK 13 @ JAX WK 14 @ TEN WK 15 WAS WK 16 @ STL WK 17 PHI SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

33 39 28 39 30 23 33 52 44 45 40 34 42 34 32 53 601

18 26 21 28 19 13 21 27 29 22 29 24 26 23 25 28 379

PASSING YDS TD

163 277 234 300 200 151 248 359 283 280 338 247 260 250 391 429 4410

RUEBEN RANDLE

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ DET WK 2 AZ WK 3 HOU WK 4 @ WAS WK 5 ATL WK 6 @ PHI WK 7 @ DAL WK 9 IND WK 10 @ SEA WK 11 SF WK 12 DAL WK 13 @ JAX WK 14 @ TEN WK 15 WAS WK 16 @ STL WK 17 PHI SEASON TOTALS 

3 7 10 10 10 9 9 11 10 15 3 4 3 4 6 13 127

2 1 4 39 5 27 8 89 4 33 5 58 6 74 4 49 5 39 7 112 3 36 3 52 1 9 2 30 6 132 6 158 71 938

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3

1 2 2 4 2 0 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 30

ANDRE WILLIAMS

INT

RTG

2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 0 1 0 0 1 14

53.0 83.0 123.2 117.5 104.9 76.5 116.7 86.9 81.9 36.6 112.3 101.0 77.5 118.5 148.8 78.3 92.1

LARRY DONNELL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 56 9 7 81 6 6 45 8 7 54 1 0 0 2 1 6 7 7 90 8 4 25 6 4 26 6 3 54 4 2 24 7 5 55 7 4 28 2 2 11 5 4 42 6 2 26 92 63 623

1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 8 6 15 20 17 18 12 13 2 10 8 24 18 26 15 217

RASHAD JENNINGS

9 12 18 66 65 59 51 22 33 2 35 21 131 44 110 43 721

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 7

PRESTON PARKER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 2 1 29 4 3 33 5 3 29 3 3 61 1 1 6 3 2 19 6 1 7 7 7 79 2 1 9 3 1 16 4 2 6 5 5 60 4 1 12 3 3 32 4 2 20 56 36 418

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 4

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 31 0 2 7 0 5 24 0 6 29 0 4 20 0 1 4 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 26 115 0

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 44 1 2 28 0 4 34 2 8 156 0 7 108 0 6 93 0 10 146 2 7 90 0 11 130 1 12 143 3 8 148 2 12 185 1 91 1305 12

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

16 18 34 13 10

18 19 26 2 1 10 167

46 64 176 55 55 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 59 52 91 5 3 Inactive 33 639

5 4 0 2 2

7 10 5 1 0 5 41

4 50 4 45 0 0 1 -3 2 17 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 8 8 68 3 3 1 17 0 0 Inactive 3 21 30 226

The Giants swapped three draft picks for the right to move up seven spots to the top of the second round to select Collins, a fearless, hard-hitting playmaker at Alabama who models his game after the late Sean Taylor. Possessing excellent playmaking instincts, natural leadership skills, considerable swagger and great versatility, Collins appears perfectly suited for the multifaceted SS role vacated by Antrel Rolle. But while Collins already excels as a run defender, his coverage skills need refinement. At free safety, you can flip a coin between Cooper Taylor, who has good size and speed but has been unable to stay healthy, and Nat Berhe, who can play both deep and near the line of scrimmage. If starting CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara can stay healthy after struggling with assorted injuries last season, the secondary will have a very capable pair of players outside who

GRADE

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

Beason quickly excelled as the Giants’ defensive leader after being obtained in an October 2013 trade with the Panthers. In addition to showing surprising playmaking ability after injuries had supposedly taken their toll in Carolina, Beason has displayed superb recognition skills lining up the defense before snaps and providing a calming influence when healthy. A similarly successful change of scenery could be just what the doctor ordered for J.T. Thomas, the projected starter on the weak side. The speedy Thomas, who made 10 starts for the Jaguars last season in place of the injured Paul Posluszny, can play all three LB positions. Second-year fifth-rounder Devon Kennard starts on the strong side after a surprisingly strong rookie season of 4½ sacks. Jameel McClain, who did a nice job replacing the injured Beason last season (team-high 116 tackles), headlines a deep veteran bench

GRADE

 LINEBACKERS

108 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

1 0 1 0 0

0 0 2 0 0

RASHAD JENNINGS

that also includes Jonathan Casillas, Terrell Manning and Victor Butler.

C+

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

ODELL BECKHAM JR.

eyeball test but remains unproven as Hankins’ primary backup.

B-

PEYTON HILLIS

VICTOR CRUZ

6 2 24 0 10 5 60 0 6 5 107 1 10 6 108 0 6 3 22 0 3 2 16 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 41 23 337 1

5 4 6 11 9 13 11 8 15 15 12 21 130

ANDRE WILLIAMS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 0 4 2 7 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 18 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 24 5 2 5 2 1 4 2 1 12 3 2 16 5 3 16 4 1 9 1 0 0 3 3 19 37 18 130

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

can provide solid man coverage. The top candidate to man the slot is Trumaine McBride. He has dealt with injuries the last couple of seasons but has been effective when on the field. Tweener Chykie Brown, CB Jayron Hosley and fifth-round rookie S Mykelle Thompson will come off the bench.

SPECIAL TEAMS Veteran PK Josh Brown converted on 24 of 26 FG attempts and connected on all 44 of his PATs last season. But the only real miss by Brown was a factor in the onepoint loss to Jacksonville last November. Hindered by an early-season ankle injury, veteran P Steve Weatherford finished in the middle of the pack in both punts inside the 20 and touchbacks. Despite the fact Harris was an accomplished kick returner for the Cowboys, the Giants enter 2015 with Beckham Jr., and Parker as the projected punt and kickoff returners, respectively. Specialteams coverage needs improvement, particularly on punt returns.

GRADE

ELI MANNING

C+

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 80 CRUZ WR 13 BECKHAM OLT 65 BEATTY OLG 67 PUGH C 70 RICHBURG ORG 74 SCHWARTZ ORT 76 FLOWERS* TE 84 DONNELL QB 10 E. MANNING RB 23 JENNINGS FB 45 HYONSKI

82 Randle 17 Harris 73 Newhouse 77 Jerry 69 Jones 60 Gettis 75 Mosley 85 Fells 9 Nassib 44 Williams 49 Whitlock

15 Ogletree 83 Parker 64 Bamiro 61 Reynolds 68 Hart* 62 Cleary 81 Robinson 2 Stanzi 34 Vereen

DEFENSE

DLE 99 JENKINS DLT 78 KUHN DRT 95 HANKINS DRE 90 PIERRE-PAUL SLB 59 KENNARD MLB 52 BEASON WLB 55 THOMAS LCB 21 RODGERS-CROMARTIE RCB 20 AMUKAMARA SS 27 COLLINS* FS 30 TAYLOR

91 Ayers 98 Moore 97 Ellis 79 Hamilton 96 Brumley 58 Odighizuwa* 72 Wynn 94 Herzlich 47 Unga 53 McClain 63 T. Manning 54 Casillas 55 Butler 38 McBride 39 C. Brown 28 Hosley 34 Berhe 33 Thompson*

SPECIALISTS

P 5 WEATHERFORD PK 3 J. BROWN H 5 WEATHERFORD PR 13 BECKHAM KR 83 PARKER LS 51 DeOSSIE

83 Parker 43 Darkwa * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Tom Coughlin, head coach; Joe Danos, strength and conditioning assistant; Pat Flaherty, offensive line; Kevin M. Gilbride, tight ends; Jim Hermann, linebackers; Larry Izzo, assistant special-teams; Craig Johnson, running backs; Rob Leonard, defensive assistant; David Merritt, secondary/safeties; Ben McAdoo, offensive coordinator; Robert Nunn, defensive line; Jerry Palmieri, strength and conditioning; Markus Paul, assistant strength and conditioning; Tom Quinn, special-teams coordinator; Ryan Roeder, offensive assistant; Sean Ryan, wide receivers; Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator; Mike Sullivan, quarterbacks; Tim Walton, secondary/cornerbacks; Lunda Wells, assistant offensive line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 2 3 5 6 7

Ereck Flowers Landon Collins Owa Odighizuwa Mykkele Thompson Geremy Davis Bobby Hart

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT S DE S WR OT

Miami (Fla.) Alabama UCLA Texas Connecticut Florida State

9 33 74 144 186 226

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Manning picks up where he left off last season, solidifying his starting status for another five years or so. Both Cruz and Beason play 16 games. The offense remains a top-10 unit, and with Collins adding a badly needed spark, the defense regains the verve it previously displayed under Spagnuolo. The Giants finish over .500 and make a strong playoff run.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO After landing a league-high 22 players on injured reserve last season, costly injuries once again make their presence felt. Manning reverts back to his disappointing 2013 form. The pass rush remains maddeningly inconsistent, and the run defense continues to reek. Coughlin is fired after the Giants fail to make the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

20 Amukamara, Prince 91 Ayers, Robert 64 Bamiro, Michael 52 Beason, Jon 65 Beatty, Will 13 Beckham Jr, Odell 29 Berhe, Nat 6 Boswell, Chris 96 Bromley, Jay 39 Brown, Chykie 3 Brown, Josh 57 Butler, Victor 54 Casillas, Jonathan 63 Cleary, Emmett 27 Collins, Landon 87 Criner, Juron 80 Cruz, Victor 89 Cunningham, Jerome 36b Currie, Justin 26 Darkwa, Orleans 46 Davidson, James 9 Davis, Geremy 51 DeOssie, Zak 84 Donnell, Larry 71w Donnelly, Sean 97 Ellis, Kenrick 49b Farrand, Cole 85 Fells, Daniel 48 Fenner, Chandler 76 Flowers, Ereck 60 Gettis, Adam 43 Gordon, Thomas Gordy, Josh 79 Hamilton, Dominique 95 Hankins, Johnathan 86 Harper, Chris 68b Harrah, Brad 17 Harris, Dwayne 18 Harris, Marcus 37 Harris, Mike 68w Hart, Bobby 62 Herman, Eric 94 Herzlich, Mark 28 Hosley, Jayron 39w Hunt, Akeem 45 Hynoski, Henry 24 Jackson, Bennett 99 Jenkins, Cullen 23 Jennings, Rashad 77 Jerry, John 69 Jones, Brett 41b Jones, Ryan 59 Kennard, Devon 70 Kropog, Troy 78 Kuhn, Markus 41 Lacosse, Matt 8 Malone, Robert 10 Manning, Eli 38 McBride, Trumaine 53 McClain, Jameel 98 Moore, Damontre 75 Mosley, Brandon 12 Nassib, Ryan 73 Newhouse, Marshall 71b Odighizuwa , Owa 47 Ogbonnaya, Chris 83 Parker, Preston 67 Pugh, Justin 82 Randle, Rueben 61 Reynolds, Dallas 70 Richburg, Weston 81 Robinson, Adrien 21 Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique 74 Schwartz, Geoff 93 Selvie, George 66 Stanton, Jordan 2 Stanzi, Ricky 19 Talley, Julian 30 Taylor, Cooper 55 Thomas, J.T. 33 Thompson, Mykkele 47 Unga, Devin 34 Vereen, Shane 31 Wade, Trevin 88 Washington, Corey 5 Weatherford, Steve 49 Whitlock, Nikita 44 Williams, Andre 72 Wynn, Kerry

CB DE OT LB OT WR S K DT CB K LB LB OT S WR WR TE S RB LB WR LS TE OT DT LB TE CB OL OG DB S DT DT WR DE WR WR CB OL OG LB CB RB FB S DT RB OG OL LB LB OT DT TE P QB CB LB DE OG QB OT DE RB WR OT WR OG OL TE CB OG DE DE QB WR S LB S LB RB DB WR P FB RB DE

6-0 6-3 6-8 6-0 6-6 5-11 6’0 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-7 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-8 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-1 6-5 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-5 6-4 6-4 5-10 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-2 6-4 5-9 6-1 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-4 6’3’’ 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-4 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-5

207 25 275 29 340 24 232 30 319 30 198 22 194 23 185 24 306 22 190 28 202 36 245 27 227 27 324 25 228 21 220 25 204 28 240 23 204 215 23 242 24 216 23 249 30 265 26 297 346 27 245 260 31 189 24 329 21 305 26 214 24 196 28 315 26 320 23 228 25 258 202 27 187 25 188 26 329 320 25 246 27 178 24 183 266 26 192 23 305 34 231 30 340 28 315 23 245 24 251 23 295 28 303 29 245 243 27 218 34 185 29 245 29 250 22 318 26 223 25 328 26 267 23 225 28 200 28 301 24 208 24 320 31 298 23 264 26 193 29 340 28 270 28 263 24 228 27 192 25 228 25 236 26 191 22 231 27 205 26 190 25 214 23 210 32 250 23 230 22 264 24

5 7 1 9 7 2 2 1 2 5 13 6 7 1 R 3 6 1 R 2 R R 9 3 R 5 R 8 4 R 3 R 5 1 3 2 R 5 2 4 R 2 5 4 R 5 1 12 7 6 R R 2 5 4 R 3 12 8 8 3 4 3 6 R 5 4 3 4 4 2 4 8 7 6 1 4 2 3 5 R 1 5 3 2 10 1 2 2

Nebraska Tennessee Stony Brook Miami (FL) Connecticut LSU San Diego State Rice Syracuse Texas Nebraska Oregon State Wisconsin Boston College Alabama Arizona Massachusetts Southern Connecticut St. Western Michigan Tulane Texas-El Paso Uconn Brown Grambling Tulane Hampton Maryland California-Davis Holy Cross Miami Iowa Michigan Central Michigan Missouri Ohio State Kansas State Cincinnati East Carolina Murray State Florida State Florida State Ohio Boston College Virginia Tech Purdue Pittsburgh Notre Dame Central Michigan Liberty Mississippi Regina Montana Tech USC Tulane NC State Illinois Fresno State Mississippi Mississippi Syracuse Texas A&M Auburn Syracuse Texas Christian UCLA Texas North Alabama Syracuse LSU BYU Colorado State Cincinnati Tennessee State Oregon South Florida James Madison Iowa Massachusetts Richmond West Virginia Texas BYU California Arizona Newberry Illinois Wake Forest Boston College Richmond

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NFC

EAST

4 Washington KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

OWNER Daniel Snyder GENERAL MANAGER Scot McCloughan HEAD COACH Jay Gruden OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Sean McVay DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Joe Barry STADIUM FedExField CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 79,000 | Natural grass

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE Major contributions are anticipated from two new coaches – OL coach Bill Callahan, a key architect of the Cowboys’ highly successful ground game last season; and QB coach Matt Cavanaugh, the Bears QB coach the past two seasons. In addition to trying to revive an offensive line that allowed 3.6 sacks per game in 2014, Callahan is expected to lead the movement toward a more power-based run game. After admitting he made a mistake by not hiring a QB coach last year, head coach Jay Gruden hopes Cavanaugh will offer QB Robert Griffin III a different perspective in what up to now has been a very challenging conversion to more of a drop-back passer.

 QUARTERBACKS Performing erratically the past two seasons after a brilliant rookie campaign that ended with a torn right LCL suffered in the playoffs, Griffin has an uneasy leg

C+

 RUNNING BACKS Alfred Morris rumbled over 1,000 yards for the third straight season and scored eight TDs. But he has limitations as a receiver, and after not picking up as many yards after contact in ’14 (career-low 4.1 YPC), there are some concerns about how well-suited he is for a more power-based ground game. There are no such concerns for third-round rookie Matt Jones, a 6-foot-2, 231-pound downhill bruiser who led Florida in rushing last season. Fellow backup candidates Chris Thompson and Silas Redd (combined 19 career rushing attempts) both have promising open-field ability. But Thompson must avoid injuries and show more patience, while Redd must do a better job holding on to the ball. FB Darrel Young is a strong outside blocker and reliable secret weapon (six rushing TDs, three receiving TDs the past two seasons).

 RECEIVERS With his exceptional quickness and dynamic open-field moves, DeSean Jackson remained one of the league’s most effective deep threats in his first season with Washington (20.9 YPC), but his durability and inconsistency remain concerns. After a league-leading 113 catches two seasons ago, Pierre Garçon’s numbers plummeted last season. Plans call for the sure-handed Garçon to be a lot more involved in the offense in ’14. More productivity from No. 3 WR Andre Roberts would also be welcome after the former Cardinal had only 36 catches among his 71 targets last year. Roberts could get a run for his money from undersized

110 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

fourth-round rookie Jamison Crowder, an excellent route-runner with a healthy chip on his shoulder. The undersized Crowder could prove to be a very elusive underneath target. Second-year pro Ryan Grant is a hard worker and precise routerunner. But he is also undersized and has so-so speed. Rookie sixth-rounder Evan Spencer is a willing blocker with decent size who will make his main impact on special teams. TE Jordan Reed can be an imposing force with his impressive size-speed ratio and flashy moves, but he has missed 12 games due to injuries his first two seasons. Reed also must improve his route-running in the red zone and his blocking, which regressed from his rookie campaign. Niles Paul emerged as more of a receiving threat in 2014, setting career highs for receptions (39) and receiving yards (507). Third tight end Logan Paulsen is a reliable run blocker with excellent intelligence.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 4-12

up on the starting job over backups Colt McCoy and Kirk Cousins. Griffin still offers an extra dimension with his ability to extend plays, but he must be more decisive and become a smarter runner. McCoy (teamhigh 96.4 passer rating in ’14) has the most poise in the pocket of the three quarterbacks. Cousins has the strongest arm but makes too many mistakes.

B-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Despite being banged up last season, Pro Bowler Trent Williams remained one of the league’s top left tackles. He has been a bit less consistent the past two seasons. First-round draft pick Brandon Scherff is expected to make an instant impact at right tackle, a position that has been a problem area for some time. The Outland Trophy winner out of Iowa brings great size and athleticism, imposing physicality and relentless tenacity. Perhaps most importantly, Scherff adds a badly needed mean streak to a line that has been disturbingly soft in recent times. OLG Shawn Lauvao was serviceable at best in his first season with Washington after a spotty track record with the Browns. Kory Lichtensteiger made a successful conversion from left guard to center, but his size and short arms will always be a factor. Holdover ORG Chris Chester could be pushed to the limit by second-year pro Chris Long. Long struggled to make ends meet as a rookie, but he has a big size advantage over Chester and is considered a better fit for

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC EAST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB E.J. Biggers, DE Stephen Bowen, DT Barry Cofield, S Ryan Clark, WR Leonard Hankerson, DE Jarvis Jenkins, S Brandon Meriweather, OLB Brian Orakpo, OT Tyler Polumbus.

GRADE

6-10

CB Chris Culliver, DE Ricky Jean-Francois, S Dashon Goldson, ILB Adam Hayward, S Jeron Johnson, NT Terrance Knighton, DT Stephen Paea.

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

DeSean Jackson

Ryan Kerrigan

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Jordan Reed DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Trent Murphy POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORG: Chris Chester vs. Spencer Long

2015 SCHEDULE

Ryan Kerrigan

DEFENSE

After five suspect seasons, coordinator Jim Haslett was replaced by Joe Barry, who is installing a one-gap hybrid 3-4 scheme that will hopefully produce a lot more pressure up front. “I took away just a defense that’s going to be fast and physical, more so than we were last year,” ILB Keenan Robinson said in late April. “Everyone has the opportunity to make a play each and every down.” More takeaways are a must for a unit that allowed the most TD passes in the league while registering only seven interceptions last season.

Heavy free-agent investments in DLs Terrance “Pot Roast” Knighton (Broncos), Stephen Paea (Bears) and Ricky JeanFrancois (Colts) should produce more pass-rush opportunities for 2013 freeagent addition Jason Hatcher, who registered 5½ sacks in an injury-marred ’14 campaign after doubling that total the previous season with the Cowboys. Knighton’s bulky body belies his excellent quickness and athleticism. In addition to providing a dominant presence on the nose in Denver’s defense, he became a willing leader on and off the field. Paea is an ascending inside pass rusher (six sacks in ’14) with tremendous strength. He and Hatcher could be a strong duo in nickel packages with their joint ability to collapse the pocket. Jean-Francois, a useful starter in

B-

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

Miami St. Louis at N.Y. Giants Philadelphia at Atlanta at N.Y. Jets Tampa Bay BYE at New England New Orleans at Carolina N.Y. Giants Dallas at Chicago Buffalo at Philadelphia at Dallas

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

GRADE

the team’s new power blocking scheme. Fourth-round rookie Arie Kouandjio figures to pitch in on the interior with his expertise pulling into space. Space-eating 6-foot-6 OT Morgan Moses, seventh-round rookie C Austin Reiter and last year’s starting RT Tom Compton provide depth.

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Houston L 6-17 Sept. 14 Jacksonville W 41-10 Sept. 21 at Philadelphia L 34-37 Sept. 25 N.Y. Giants L 14-45 Oct. 6 Seattle L 17-27 Oct. 12 at Arizona L 20-30 Oct. 19 Tennessee W 19-17 Oct. 27 at Dallas *W 20-17 Nov. 2 at Minnesota L 26-29 Nov. 16 Tampa Bay L 7-27 Nov. 23 at San Francisco L 13-17 Nov. 30 at Indianapolis L 27-49 Dec. 7 St. Louis L 0-24 Dec. 14 at N.Y. Giants L 13-24 Dec. 20 Philadelphia W 27-24 Dec. 28 Dallas L 17-44 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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EAST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

WK 1 @ HOU WK 2 JAX WK 3 @ PHI WK 4 NYG WK 5 SEA WK 6 @ AZ WK 7 TEN WK 8 @ DAL WK 9 @ MIN WK 11 TB WK 12 @ SF WK 13 @ IND WK 14 STL WK 15 @ NYG WK 16 PHI WK 17 DAL SEASON TOTALS 

33 48 33 36 38 16

204

CMP

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ HOU 12 10 77 WK 2 JAX 4 1 12 WK 3 @ PHI 16 11 138 WK 4 NYG 6 2 28 WK 5 SEA 3 2 23 WK 6 @ AZ 6 4 31 WK 7 TEN 6 5 87 WK 8 @ DAL 4 4 47 WK 9 @ MIN 5 3 15 WK 11 TB 2 1 6 WK 12 @ SF 4 3 34 WK 13 @ IND 9 3 9 WK 14 STL 11 9 95 WK 15 @ NYG 7 4 36 WK 16 PHI 5 4 61 WK 17 DAL 5 2 53 SEASON TOTALS  105 68 752

0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 1 4 0 3 1

109.4 103.4 53.0 102.0 78.2 64.3

9 2 11 4 11 5 5 7 7 6 5 6 8 6 3 95

The left side appears to be in decent shape with OLB Ryan Kerrigan coming off an excellent 2014 campaign (careerhigh 13½ sacks and five forced fumbles) and Robinson, the team’s leading tackler in ’14 (109), showing good instincts and cover skills inside in his first season as a starter. Robinson does need to improve vs. the run, however. On the right side, Washington’s second-round picks the past two seasons (Preston Smith in 2015, Trent Murphy in ’14) will combine to replace Brian Orakpo outside. Some close team observers believe the 6-5, 271-pound Smith fares better as the heir-apparent for Hatcher up front. For now, though, it appears he will be starting his career as a Willie McGinest-type 3-4 “elephant” edge rusher. Murphy showed some promising signs as a rookie, especially vs. the run. But unlike

ATT

CMP

37 3

29 2

28 32 19

86.4

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 LINEBACKERS

GRADE

RTG

DeSEAN JACKSON

13 games for the Colts last season with three sacks and four passes defensed, can also get to the quarterback. Versatile DT Chris Baker and DE Frank Kearse (three sacks in ’14) add more solid depth.

B-

INT

Active, Did Not Play 22 250 2 30 427 3 19 257 1 21 283 2 24 354 2 10 139 0 Active, Did Not Play Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 126 1710 10

PIERRE GARÇON

GAME

ROBERT GRIFFIN III

8 62 1 19 5 117 1 9 5 157 3 115 3 49 6 136 4 120 4 35 2 39 5 84 Inactive 3 15 4 126 2 86 56 1169

0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 6

4 27 23 41 214

PASSING YDS TD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 6 7 1 3 11 7 4 4 10 65

INT

267 0 38 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 18 251 1 23 207 1 11 106 0 Active, Did Not Play 3 33 0 18 236 1 16 220 0 27 336 1 147 1694 4

JORDAN REED

ALFRED MORRIS

1 4 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 8 92 5 54 7 40 1 17 2 22 Inactive 9 123 3 25 3 13 2 5 9 70 50 465

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

96.7 109.7

1 2 0

90.0 73.3 73.6

0 0 1 2 6

99.0 106.4 81.8 78.9 86.9

NILES PAUL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 4 86 11 8 99 9 6 68 4 3 60 2 1 6 2 1 7 2 2 58 3 3 27 2 2 18 5 3 17 2 1 11 1 1 7 1 1 7 1 1 17 0 0 0 3 2 19 52 39 507

 DEFENSIVE BACKS The secondary has also been significantly impacted by offseason moves. Free-agent addition Chris Culliver, coming off a strong season for the Niners, is expected to start on the right corner. Dashon Goldson, obtained from the Bucs in an early-April trade, takes over at free safety after failing to live up to lofty expectations in Tampa. Free agent Jeron Johnson, previously a backup in the Seahawks’ vaunted secondary, will battle hard-hitting former Bronco Duke Ihenacho for the starting SS job. Ihenacho sat out much of last season with a broken bone in his left foot. One trait Culliver, Goldson and Johnson share is a very physical

112 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RTG

0 0

Orapko, Murphy lacks explosiveness to the outside. RILB Perry Riley has decent downhill ability and is often around the ball, but he needs to make more plays and take better angles in run support. Backup ILB Will Compton is a starter-type talent. Fifth-round rookie Martrell Spaight, the SEC’s leading tackler at Arkansas last season, adds depth inside.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

14 22 23 12 13 13 18 18 19 20 21 17 8 14 21 12 265

91 85 77 63 29 41 54 73 92 96 125 67 6 49 83 43 1074

ROY HELU

0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 8

ROY HELU

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 1 5 7 2 3 2 5 6 2 4 0

2 15 2 11 1 55 5 78 5 59 2 40 3 -9 2 14 4 46 6 57 2 9 4 61 0 0 Inactive Inactive 5 4 41 47 42 477

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 8 1 2 2 3 5 5 3 0 0 1 0

46 25 1 8 -1 26 29 29 6 0 0 5 0 Inactive Inactive 6 42 40 216

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

ANDRE ROBERTS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 1 22 5 4 57 6 4 38 5 1 18 9 5 29 9 5 55 4 2 18 5 1 11 5 2 18 2 2 21 4 1 7 5 2 46 2 2 11 4 2 81 2 1 14 3 1 7 73 36 453

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

style of play. The best bet to start on the left corner is second-year pro Bashaud Breeland, an effective playmaker with impressive tenacity who needs to cut down on his penalties. Feisty veteran CB D’Angelo Hall, coming off a twice-torn Achilles tendon last season, is expected to battle David Amerson for the nickel corner job. Amerson can fly (4.42 40), but he must regain his confidence after getting torched for a league-high 10 TDs in ’14. Sixth-round rookies Kyshoen Jarrett and Tevin Mitchel add depth at safety and cornerback, respectively.

SPECIAL TEAMS

After getting off to a rocky start, PK Kai Forbath rebounded with an 88.9 percent FG conversion rate (24 of 27), but he struggled with hang time and distance on his kickoffs. P Tress Way has big-time potential, but he needs more polish. After registering pedestrian numbers as the primary kick returner last season, Roberts could be seriously challenged for the job by Crowder. Nick Sundberg is a reliable long snapper.

GRADE

KIRK COUSINS

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 88 GARÇON WR 11 JACKSON OLT 71 TREN. WILLIAMS OLG 77 LAUVAO C 78 LICHTENSTEIGER ORG 66 CHESTER ORT 75 SCHERFF* TE 86 REED QB 10 GRIFFIN RB 46 MORRIS FB 36 YOUNG

12 Roberts 80 Crowder* 14 Grant 6 Spencer* 76 Moses 71 Nixon 67 LeRibeus 74 Kouandjio* 66 Chester 61 Larsen 60 Long* 68 T. Compton 84 Paul 82 Paulsen 16 McCoy 12 Cousins 31 Jones* 32 Redd

DLE 90 PAEA NT 98 KNIGHTON DRE 97 HATCHER LOLB 91 KERRIGAN LILB 52 ROBINSON RILB 56 RILEY ROLB 94 SMITH* LCB 26 BREELAND RCB 29 CULLIVER SS 20 JOHNSON FS 38 GOLDSON

99 Jean-Francois 92 Baker 64 Golston 73 Kearse 73 Robertson 93 Murphy* 53 Jeffcoat 51 W. Compton 55 Hayward 50 Spaight* 54 Trev. Williams 23 Hall 22 Porter 39 Amerson 38 Rogers 35 Ihenacho 41 Thomas 34 Robinson 30 Jarrett*

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 5 WAY PK 2 FORBATH H 5 WAY PR 12 ROBERTS 80 Crowder* KR 12 ROBERTS 80 Crowder* LS 57 SUNDBERG * Rookie COACHING STAFF Jay Gruden, head coach; Robb Akey, defensive line; Bradford Banta, assistant special teams; Joe Barry, defensive coordinator; Bill Callahan, offensive line; Matt Cavanaugh, quarterbacks; Mike Clark, head strength and conditioning; Shane Day, assistant offensive line/offensive quality control; Chad Englehart, assistant strength and conditioning; Perry Fewell, defensive backs; Chad Grimm, defensive quality control; Ike Hilliard, wide receivers; Randy Jordan, running backs; Paul Kelly, director of football operations; Ben Kotwica, special-teams coordinator; Sean McVay, offensive coordinator; Bret Munsey, special projects/special-teams assistant; Kirk Olivadotti, inside linebackers; Wes Phillips, tight ends; Aubrey Pleasant, defensive quality control; Dave Ragone, offensive quality control.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT DE RB WR OG OLB S OLB WR C

Iowa Mississippi State Florida Duke Alabama Arkansas Virginia Tech Arkansas Ohio State South Florida

5 38 95 105 112 141 181 182 187 222

1 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 6 7

Brandon Scherff Preston Smith Matt Jones Jamison Crowder Arie Kouandjio Martrell Spaight Kyshoen Jarrett Tevin Mitchel Evan Spencer Austin Reiter

BEST-CASE SCENARIO “RG3” makes major strides under center and Callahan orchestrates major improvements in both the O-line and ground game. On defense, new GM Scot McCloughan’s offseason additions come through with flying colors. With a playoff berth still totally unrealistic, a trending-upward .500 finish will do just fine.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The quarterback position remains a muddled mess, new defensive coordinator Joe Barry lives up to his rather lackluster reputation and Washington remains a disappointing NFC East bottom-feeder.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

39 Amerson, David 92 Baker, Chris 18 Bell, Reggie 26 Breeland, Bashaud 32R Bridget Jr., Courtney 45W Campbell, Jordan 66 Chester, Chris 69 Cofield, Takoby 68 Compton, Tom 51 Compton, Will 60 Cook, Brey 8 Cousins, Kirk 95 Crawford, Corey 35 Cromartie-Smith, Da’Mon 80 Crowder, Jamison 29 Culliver, Chris 47 Davis, Akeem 48 Davis, Dyshawn 58 Davis, Ja’Gared 83 Dixon, Chase 2 Forbath, Kai 88 Garçon, Pierre 59 Gayle, James 38 Goldson, Dashon 64 Golston, Kedric 14 Grant, Ryan 10 Griffin III, Robert 23 Hall, DeAngelo 4 Halliday, Connor 87 Hamm, Je’Ron 97 Hatcher, Jason 55 Hayward, Adam 37W Hill, Michael 24 Ihenacho, Duke 11 Jackson, DeSean 30R Jarrett, Kyshoen 99 Jean Francois, Ricky 53 Jeffcoat, Jackson 20 Johnson, Jeron 31 Jones, Matt 13 Jones, Tony 73 Kearse, Frank 91 Kerrigan, Ryan 74 Kouandjio, Arie 98 Knighton, Terrance 63 Larsen, Tyler 77 Lauvao, Shawn 67 LeRibeus, Josh 78 Lichtensteiger, Kory 15 Lockett, Colin 61 Long, Spencer 3 Long, Ty 89 Mahina, Devin 16 McCoy, Colt 37R Mitchel, Tevin 46 Morris, Alfred 76 Moses, Morgan 93 Murphy, Trent 90 Paea, Stephen 84 Paul, Niles 82 Paulsen, Logan 40 Plummer, Terrance 22 Porter, Tracy 32W Redd Jr., Silas 86 Reed, Jordan 62 Reiter, Austin 56 Riley Jr., Perry 12 Roberts, Andre 79R Robertson, Travian 52 Robinson, Keenan 34 Robinson, Trenton 25R Rogers, Justin 72R Ross, LaKendrick 19 Ross, Rashad 85 Rutenbeck, Tyler 75W Scherff, Brandon 94 Smith, Preston 50 Spaight, Martrell 6 Spencer, Evan 57W Sundberg, Nick 41 Thomas, Phillip 75R Thomas, Robert 25W Thompson, Chris 5 Way, Tress 71 Williams, Trent 54 Williams, Trevardo 30W Williams, Trey 36 Young, Darrel

CB DL WR CB CB FB OG OL OT LB OL QB DL S WR CB S LB LB TE K WR LB S DL WR QB CB QB TE DE LB RB S WR DB DE LB S RB WR DE LB OG DL OL OG OG OG/C WR OG K TE QB CB RB OT LB DL TE TE LB CB RB TE C LB WR NT LB S CB DT WR WR OL LB LB WR LS S DL RB P OT LB RB FB

6-1 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-2 5-8 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-6 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-2 6-0 5-10 6-6 6-5 6-1 6-1 6-5 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-3 5-9 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-5 6-1 5-7 5-11

194 325 201 197 195 240 303 310 308 230 303 202 299 203 185 199 200 227 238 240 197 216 259 200 318 193 222 198 204 236 299 240 210 207 178 200 297 253 212 231 201 310 260 315 331 315 315 315 296 188 311 205 250 215 190 224 318 258 300 241 261 231 188 200 237 296 238 187 304 238 193 181 350 167 186 319 271 236 205 252 223 325 193 215 337 237 195 251

23 27 23 23 24 26 32 23 26 25 22 26 23 28 21 26 25 22 24 23 27 28 24 30 31 24 25 31 22 22 32 30 25 25 28 22 28 23 26 22 23 26 26 23 28 23 27 25 30 24 24 22 26 28 22 26 24 24 26 25 28 21 28 23 24 23 27 27 26 25 25 27 22 25 23 23 22 21 21 27 26 24 24 25 26 24 22 28

3 4 R 2 R 1 10 R 3 2 R 4 R 1 R 5 2 2 2 1 4 8 1 9 10 2 4 12 R 1 10 9 2 4 8 R 7 2 5 R R 4 5 7 7 0 6 4 7 1 2 R R 6 R 4 2 2 5 5 6 R 8 2 3 R 6 6 4 4 4 4 0 1 R R R R R 6 3 1 2 2 6 2 R 6

North Carolina State Hampton San Diego Clemson Hampton New Mexico Highlands Oklahoma Duke South Dakota Nebraska Arkansas Michigan State Clemson Texas-El Paso Duke South Carolina Memphis Syracuse Southern Methodist Central Arkansas UCLA Mount Union Virginia Tech Washington Georgia Tulane Baylor Virginia Tech Washington State Louisiana-Monroe Grambling State Portland State Missouri Western State San Jose State California Virginia Tech LSU Texas Boise State Florida Northwestern Alabama A&M Purdue Alabama Temple Utah State Arizona State SMU Bowling Green State San Diego State Nebraska Alabama-Birmingham Brigham Young Texas Arkansas Florida Atlantic Virginia Stanford Oregon State Nebraska UCLA Central Florida Indiana USC Florida South Florida LSU The Citadel South Carolina Texas Michigan State Richmond Lynchburg College Arizona State Dubuque Iowa Mississippi St. Arkansas Ohio St. California Fresno State Arkansas Florida State Oklahoma Oklahoma Connecticut Texas A&M Villanova

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| 113

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NORTH

1 Packers GREEN BAY

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS None

PREDICTION

12-4

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES TE Brandon Bostick, CB Jarrett Bush, QB Matt Flynn, RB DuJuan Harris, CB Davon House, ILB A.J. Hawk, ILB Brad Jones, CB Tramon Williams.

1ST PLACE IN NFC NORTH

EXEC. VP & GENERAL MANAGER Ted Thompson HEAD COACH Mike McCarthy OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Edgar Bennett DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dom Capers STADIUM Lambeau Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 80,735 | DD GrassMaster

A+

 RUNNING BACKS

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE The NFL’s top scoring offense features pleasantly surprising continuity with all 11 starters returning, but faces an even more surprising change in the coaching ranks, where Mike McCarthy delegated play-calling responsibilities to associate head coach (offense) Tom Clements. McCarthy’s decision was assuredly made easier by the presence of reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, whose ability to process information and make seamless presnap adjustments in a wide-open, ultra balanced, hyper-speed attack makes him a coach on the field, and the Pack as difficult to defend as any NFL offense.

 QUARTERBACKS From his six-touchdown assault on the Bears to channelling Dan Marino’s fake snap in the final seconds to sink the Dolphins to prolonging his incomprehensible Lambeau Field dominance (418 attempts, 36 touchdowns,

Eddie Lacy eclipsed 100 scrimmage yards in a franchise record nine consecutive games, an illustration of the massive strides he made to become an every-down workhorse and the most productive Packers back since Ahman Green. At nearly 240 pounds, Lacy brutalizes would-be tacklers, yet his nimble feet and contact balance humiliate defenders, too. Lacy set the tone while appearing in every game. Backup James Starks isn’t as powerful or as natural of a receiver, but he’s a formidable slasher who adds juice to the ground game and constantly pushes the starter. Fullback John Kuhn’s role has diminished, and hammering rookie Aaron Ripkowski is the heir, but Kuhn’s knowledge and experience remain indispensable.

GRADE

B+

 RECEIVERS Pro Bowlers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb became just the fifth WR pairing ever to each grab 12-plus touchdowns in a single season. Cobb parlayed his best season into a four-year, $40 million deal in

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GRADE

PRESIDENT/CEO Mark Murphy

March, similar to Nelson’s last year. Cobb is the tough, quick-twitch slot specialist who was sensational at extending plays, doing damage in the red zone and occasionally dictating coverage from the backfield. Nelson, a brilliant route runner, sideline magician and consummate pro with imposing size and vertical prowess, worked mostly outside opposite Davante Adams, compiling a franchise-record 1,519 yards. Adams as a rookie proved he could exploit advantageous matchups, find openings in the defense and extend plays – a Packers staple – especially in key moments. Coaches view Rookie Ty Montgomery as a jumbo Cobb, with RB skills post-catch and the versatility to line up anywhere, including in the return game. Crafty Jared Abbrederis and size-speed prospect Jeff Janis hope to contribute after redshirt rookie years. Andrew Quarless and Richard Rodgers will battle for the starting tight end role – which Quarless clung to due to his superior blocking and system familiarity. Rodgers is an efficient route runner with good hands, but he must improve as an in-line blocker.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN LG Josh Sitton and RG T.J. Lang lead an intelligent group that Mike McCarthy calls the best he’s coached. Sitton earned his second Pro Bowl nod in part because he’s as sound a pass-protecting guard as there is in the game (he hasn’t allowed a sack since Week 16 in 2012). Sitton plays with great balance and smooth change of direction. Lang is a more powerful run blocker and the line’s most versatile member, but he can still get exploited in one-on-one pass pro situations. Aided by the strong OG tandem, C Corey Linsley blossomed as a rookie pivot, with explosive power off the line and a calm demeanor that works well with his quarterback. LT David Bakhtiari’s great feet and lateral agility helped him settle in his second year protecting Rodgers’ blind side. Solid RT Bryan Bulaga, re-signed for five years

GRADE

2014 RECORD 12-4

0 regular-season losses since his last interception), Rodgers, at 31, was often awe-inspiring in his second MVP campaign. Following a late-season calf injury and subsequent re-aggravation in a win-or-go-home game in Week 17, Rodgers missed just one series before propelling the Pack past Detroit, then Dallas in the playoffs. Rodgers’ elite arm talent, sniper-caliber accuracy, innate ability to feel pressure and great athleticism to evade trouble and thrive in and out of the pocket, as well as the remarkable football acumen to outsmart defenses and rare ability to lead, are all frequently on display. Scott Tolzien’s youth, arm strength and marked mechanical improvements helped make Matt Flynn expendable. Rookie Brett Hundley has all the physical tools desired, and all the time to develop in an ideal situation.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Aaron Rodgers

Clay Matthews

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Davante Adams DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Jake Ryan POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH CB: Casey Hayward vs. Damarious Randall vs. Quinten Rollins

2015 SCHEDULE

Aaron Rodgers

DEFENSE

Midseason adjustments from Dom Capers and Co. coaxed significant improvements, with Clay Matthews’ move inside paying big dividends for a run defense that allowed an average of 70 fewer yards on the ground after the bye. The energized Julius Peppers, a solidified safety corps, and an overall infusion of versatility and athleticism also sparked progress in Capers’ oftmaligned unit. However, Seattle’s gamewinning touchdown to begin overtime in the NFC Championship and the Pack’s inability to close games late signify more help is needed.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DRE Mike Daniels flourished in his first season as a full-time starter,

quickly parlaying his great toughness and determination into a respected leadership role. Undersized yet highly active, Daniels played in more than 63 percent of total snaps and generated plenty of pressure, but failed to force a takeaway. DLE Josh Boyd uses quickness and aggression to help stymie runners and pierce the backfield. DL Datone Jones led Green Bay in pressures per snap, providing the majority of his disruptiveness as an inside subpackage rusher. Jones has a quick first step, but fell short on a lot of plays and meeting lofty draft expectations. Letroy Guion filled in admirably at nose guard after B.J. Raji suffered a season-ending biceps injury in camp. Both are back on oneyear deals. Guion showed he could handle double teams and add quickness inside; Raji looked svelte and motivated by a move back inside prior to the injury. Penetrating rookie DL Christian Ringo fits the Pack’s desire for more

GRADE

with $8 million guaranteed, is a tireless worker who understands angles and body positioning. Backup J.C. Tretter can get stronger, and along with Don Barclay, offers valuable versatility.

C+

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Chicago Seattle Kansas City at San Francisco St. Louis San Diego BYE at Denver at Carolina Detroit at Minnesota Chicago at Detroit Dallas at Oakland at Arizona Minnesota

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 4 at Seattle L 16-36 Sept. 14 N.Y. Jets W 31-24 Sept. 21 at Detroit L 7-19 Sept. 28 at Chicago W 38-17 Oct. 2 Minnesota W 42-10 Oct. 12 at Miami W 27-24 Oct. 19 Carolina W 38-17 Oct. 26 at New Orleans L 23-44 Nov. 9 Chicago W 55-14 Nov. 16 Philadelphia W 53-20 Nov. 23 at Minnesota W 24-21 Nov. 30 New England W 26-21 Dec. 8 Atlanta W 43-37 Dec. 14 at Buffalo L 13-21 Dec. 21 at Tampa Bay W 20-3 Dec. 28 Detroit W 30-20 POSTSEASON Jan. 11 Dallas W 26-21 Jan. 18 at Seattle *L 28-22 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ SEA WK 2 NYJ WK 3 @ DET WK 4 @ CHI WK 5 MIN WK 6 @ MIA WK 7 CAR WK 8 @ NO WK 10 CHI WK 11 PHI WK 12 @ MIN WK 13 NE WK 14 ATL WK 15 @ BUF WK 16 @ TB WK 17 DET SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

33 42 27 28 17 42 22 39 27 36 29 38 36 42 40 22 520

23 25 16 22 12 24 19 28 18 22 19 24 24 17 31 17 341

189 346 162 302 156 264 255 418 315 341 209 368 327 185 318 226 4381

RANDALL COBB

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ SEA WK 2 NYJ WK 3 @ DET WK 4 @ CHI WK 5 MIN WK 6 @ MIA WK 7 CAR WK 8 @ NO WK 10 CHI WK 11 PHI WK 12 @ MIN WK 13 NE WK 14 ATL WK 15 @ BUF WK 16 @ TB WK 17 DET SEASON TOTALS 

9 6 6 9 4 7 7 7 6 13 5 11 5 13 14 5 127

6 58 1 5 39 2 3 29 0 7 113 2 3 34 1 5 58 1 6 121 1 5 126 1 4 72 1 10 129 0 4 58 0 7 85 0 4 58 0 7 96 0 11 131 0 4 80 2 91 1287 12

1 3 1 4 3 3 3 1 6 3 2 2 3 0 1 2 38

RTG

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 5

81.5 109.8 88.8 151.2 138.7 99.7 154.5 93.8 145.8 120.3 109.7 112.6 123.3 34.3 108.1 139.6 112.2

EDDIE LACY

3 3 11 3 2 18 1 1 9 2 1 11 3 3 27 0 0 0 3 3 10 9 8 123 6 3 68 4 3 45 2 2 13 3 2 17 9 5 33 2 2 11 1 1 5 4 3 26 55 42 427

 LINEBACKERS Matthews has made a name for himself – and five straight Pro Bowls – relentlessly heating up the edges, but he made the defense sturdier from the middle. He also played 16 games for the first time since 2009, compiling a team-best 11 sacks. Accounting for 11 takeaways, the most by a Packer in a quarter century, Julius Peppers clearly was reinvigorated in green and gold. He was dominant in the playoff victory over Dallas and continues to flash rare speed and power, though he still disappears at times. ROLB Nick Perry might never be the pass-rushing nuisance he was drafted to be, but finally healthy, he provided stout resistance at the point. Versatile Mike Neal is a valuable contributor off the edge and with his hand in the dirt, where he’s too long and athletic for guards. After replacing demoted leader A.J. Hawk, Sam Barrington played with the same hairon-fire temperament and physicality. He can be a thumper in the run game but

GRADE

INT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

athleticism.

B+

EDDIE LACY

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 4

RUSHING ATT YDS

12 13 11 17 13 14 12 13 14 10 25 21 13 15 17 26 246

JAMES STARKS

34 43 36 48 105 40 63 59 50 69 125 98 73 97 99 100 1139

0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 9

DAVANTE ADAMS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 7 5 50 3 2 11 3 2 18 4 1 11 8 6 77 1 1 21 9 7 75 2 1 10 2 2 13 4 1 10 11 6 121 4 1 6 4 1 6 4 2 17 0 0 0 66 38 446

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

7 0 8 0 12 8 7 2 5 8 1 1 10 4 7 5 85

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 3 26 2 1 8 5 4 43 0 0 0 2 2 19 5 2 11 1 1 9 3 2 19 5 2 10 2 2 35 3 2 50 2 2 17 4 3 52 4 1 7 3 2 17 1 0 0 46 29 323

With Davon House and Tramon Williams gone, can Casey Hayward be a perimeter playmaker like he is inside? He’ll compete with rookies Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins to join Sam Shields, the gifted press RCB who was too inconsistent after re-signing last offseason. Shields can fly, and has the strength to jam receivers and ball skills to take it away, but he’s beat too often. Hayward has even better ball skills and instincts, but he’ll have to rebound after struggling against Seattle. A college safety, Randall has exceptional range, decent physicality and versatile cover skills. A college point guard, Rollins flourished in just one season, showing rare instincts and ball production. Micah Hyde is a weapon as a blitzer and return specialist, but he was a target as a converted safety, short on range and physicality. SS Morgan Burnett, who logged a team-high

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ANDREW QUARLESS

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

B+

AARON RODGERS

37 0 38 0 46 31 36 5 10 9 -4 2 75 19 3 26 333

exposed in coverage. Rookie Jake Ryan is an instinctive, blue-collar player who could start immediately due to his top intangibles and sneaky athleticism.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

RUSHING ATT YDS

JORDY NELSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2

14 9 83 0 16 9 209 1 7 5 59 0 12 10 108 2 3 1 66 1 16 9 107 1 5 4 80 1 5 3 25 0 6 6 152 2 10 4 109 1 12 8 68 0 6 2 53 1 10 8 146 2 12 5 55 0 9 9 113 1 8 6 86 0 151 98 1519 13

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 6 0 1 0 7 3 2 0 3 6 5 5 3 0 2 43

0 28 0 8 0 34 21 21 0 32 34 22 28 27 0 14 269

RICHARD ROGERS

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 52 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 5 4 58 3 2 6 2 1 19 1 1 1 2 2 35 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 2 13 5 5 40 30 20 225

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2

JAMES STARKS

3 2 11 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 5 2 11 1 1 7 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 17 1 0 0 2 2 34 2 2 26 3 1 10 5 4 22 0 0 0 29 18 140

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

130 tackles, excelled once Ha Ha ClintonDix’s arrival allowed him to play more in the box. Burnett is heady and dedicated, and can level ballcarriers and sufficiently cover most backs and tight ends. ClintonDix looks the part and helped stabilize the safety corps, yet he was an inconsistent tackler and gave up too many big plays – typical rookie gaffes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Failures here were perhaps the biggest culprit behind the stunning playoff loss, prompting Mike McCarthy’s firing of Shawn Slocum, promoting of Ron Zook and relinquishing his own play-calling duties to broaden his oversight. PK Mason Crosby had another strong showing, but P Tim Masthay was bad and the coverage units worse, allowing seven blocked kicks. Kick return duties are unsettled, but incumbent PR Micah Hyde tied a franchise record with three touchdowns. GM Ted Thompson matched Oakland’s $2.25 million restricted offer sheet for Sean Richardson, who tied Jayrone Elliott for the lead in coverage tackles.

GRADE

AARON RODGERS

C+

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 87 NELSON OLT 69 BAKHTIARI OLG 71 SITTON C 63 LINSLEY ORG 70 LANG ORT 75 BULAGA TE 81 QUARLESS WR 12 A. RODGERS RB 27 LACY WR 18 COBB WR 17 ADAMS

84 Abbrederis 67 Barclay 73 Tretter 65 Lane 73 Tretter 73 Tretter 65 Lane 67 Barclay 89 R. Rodgers 80 Perillo 16 Tolzien 7 Hundley* 44 Starks 34 Neal 83 Janis 88 Montgomery*

LDE 93 BOYD NT 90 RAJI RDE 76 DANIELS LOLB 56 PEPPERS LILB 54 BRADFORD MLB 58 BARRINGTON ROLB 52 MATTHEWS LCB 29 HAYWARD RCB 37 SHIELDS SS 42 BURNETT FS 21 CLINTON-DIX

95 Jones 94 Thornton 98 Guion 64 Pennel 97 Robinson 77 Ringo* 96 Neal 91 Elliott 47 Ryan 51 Palmer 53 Perry 55 Mulumba 23 Randall* 33 Hyde 24 Rollins* 39 Goodson 28 Richardson 32 Banjo

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 8 MASTHAY 9 Mandell* PK 2 CROSBY H 8 MASTHAY KR 88 MONTGOMERY* 84 Abbrederis PR 33 HYDE LS 61 GOODE * Rookie COACHING STAFF Mike McCarthy, Head Coach; Edgar Bennett, Offensive Coordinator; James Campen, Offensive Line; Dom Capers, Defensive Coordinator; Tom Clements, Associate Head Coach/Offense; Jerry Fontenot, Tight Ends; Sam Gash, Running Backs; Luke Getsy, Offensive Quality Control; Chris Gizzi, Strength & Conditioning Assistant; Thadeus Jackson, Strength & Conditioning Assistant; Mark Lovat, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator; Scott McCurley, Assistant Linebackers; Jerry Montgomery, Defensive Front Assistant; Winston Moss, Associate Head Coach/Linebackers; Darren Perry, Secondary, Safeties; John Rushing, Defensive Quality Control; Jason Simmons, Assistant Special Teams; Mike Solari, Assistant Offensive Line; Grant Thorne, Strength & Conditioning Assistant; Mike Trgovac, Defensive Line; Alex Van Pelt, Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers; Joe Whitt Jr., Secondary, Cornerbacks; Ron Zook, Special Teams Coordinator.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

S CB WR OLB QB FB DE TE

Arizona State 30 Miami (OH) 62 Stanford 94 Michigan 129 UCLA 147 Oklahoma 206 Louisiana-Lafayette 210 UAB 213

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 6

Damarious Randall Quinten Rollins Ty Montgomery Jake Ryan Brett Hundley Aaron Ripkowski Christian Ringo Kennard Backman

PICK

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The push for offensive continuity is rewarded with another record-breaking output, and with the killer instinct that was missing in Seattle discovered, the Packers bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Title Town.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The crushing playoff loss lingers, and the injury bug that constantly fed on the Packers prior to last season returns, magnifying depth concerns in the middle of the defense and in the secondary, and keeping the Pack home in January for the first time in six years.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

84 Abbrederis, Jared 17 Adams, Davante 86 Backman, Kennard 69 Bakhtiari, David 32 Banjo, Chris 67 Barclay, Don 58 Barrington, Sam 35 Blake, Bernard 6 Blanchard, Matt 10 Blue, Javess 93 Boyd, Josh 54 Bradford, Carl 75 Bulaga, Bryan 42 Burnett, Morgan 21 Clinton-Dix, Ha Ha 18 Cobb, Randall 13 Collins, Ricky 1 Coxson, Adrian 38 Crockett, John 2 Crosby, Mason 76 Daniels, Mike 57 Dantzler, Tavarus 68 Ebbele, Fabbians 91 Elliott, Jayrone 20 Fanor, Jean 45 Francis, Josh 99 Gaston, Bruce 72 Gerhart, Garth 25 Glover-Wright, Tay 61 Goode, Brett 39 Goodson, Demetri 98 Guion, Letroy 36 Gunter, LaDarius 46 Harris, Alonzo 29 Hayward, Casey 85 Henry, Mitchell 78 Hooks, Lavon 49 Hubbard, Adrian 7 Hundley, Brett 82 Hunt, Jimmie 33 Hyde, Micah 83 Janis, Jeff 95 Jones, Datone 30 Kuhn, John 27 Lacy, Eddie 70 Lang, T.J. 63 Linsley, Corey 9 Mandell, Cody 8 Masthay, Tim 52 Matthews, Clay 88 Montgomery, Ty 55 Mulumba, Andy 96 Neal, Mike 34 Neal, Rajion 87 Nelson, Jordy 51 Palmer, Nate 64 Pennel, Mike 56 Peppers, Julius 80 Perillo, Justin 53 Perry, Nick 11 Pinkard, Larry 81 Quarless, Andrew 90 Raji, B.J. 23 Randall, Damarious 59 Rasco, Jermauria 62 Reed, Marcus 28 Richardson, Sean 77 Ringo, Christian 22 Ripkowski, Aaron 97 Robinson, Luther 12 Rodgers, Aaron 89 Rodgers, Richard 24 Rollins, Quinten 74 Rotheram, Matt 47 Ryan, Jake 41 Sebetic, Kyle 37 Shields, Sam 71 Sitton, Josh 44 Starks, James 65 Taylor, Lane 48 Thomas, Joe 94 Thornton, Khyri 16 Tolzien, Scott 73 Tretter, JC 43 Vaughters, James 60 Vujnovich, Jeremy 79 Walker, Josh 19 White, Myles

WR WR TE OT S OT/OG LB CB QB WR DT LB OT S S WR WR WR RB K DT LB OT LB S LB DT C CB LS CB DT CB RB CB TE DT LB QB WR DB WR DE FB RB OG C P P LB WR LB LB/DE RB WR LB DT LB TE LB WR TE DT CB LB OG S DT FB DT QB TE CB OG LB DB CB OG RB OG LB DT QB C/OG LB OT OG WR

6-1 6-1 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-8 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-5 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-0

195 24 215 22 245 22 310 23 207 25 305 26 240 24 178 23 223 26 188 310 25 252 22 314 26 209 26 208 22 192 24 198 23 209 22 217 23 207 30 305 26 240 23 315 255 23 205 25 238 24 310 23 310 26 175 22 255 30 197 25 315 27 201 22 237 22 192 25 252 312 23 257 23 226 21 208 24 197 24 219 23 285 24 250 32 230 24 318 27 301 23 217 23 200 28 255 28 216 22 260 25 285 27 220 23 217 29 248 25 332 24 287 35 250 24 265 25 196 23 252 26 337 28 196 22 252 22 345 22 216 25 298 23 246 22 301 24 225 31 257 23 195 22 325 22 240 23 197 23 184 27 318 28 218 29 324 25 227 24 304 25 213 27 307 24 254 21 300 24 328 23 190 25

2 2 R 3 2 4 3 R 2 R 3 2 6 6 2 5 R R R 9 4 R R 2 1 1 1 2 1 8 2 8 R R 4 R R 1 R R 3 2 3 10 3 7 2 1 6 7 R 3 6 1 8 3 2 14 2 4 R 6 7 R R R 4 R R 2 11 2 R R R 1 6 8 6 3 1 2 5 3 R 1 1 2

Wisconsin Fresno State Alabama-Birmingham Colorado SMU West Virginia South Florida Colorado State Wisconsin-Whitewater Kentucky Mississippi State Arizona State Iowa Georgia Tech Alabama Kentucky Texas A&M-Commerce Stony Brook North Dakota State Colorado Iowa Bethune-Cookman Arizona Toledo Bethune-Cookman West Virginia Purdue Arizona State Utah State Arkansas Baylor Florida State Miami Louisiana-Lafayette Vanderbilt Western Kentucky Mississippi Alabama UCLA Missouri Iowa Saginaw Valley State UCLA Shippensburg Alabama Eastern Michigan Ohio State Alabama Kentucky Southern California Stanford Eastern Michigan Purdue Tennessee Kansas State Illinois State Colorado State-Pueblo North Carolina Maine Southern California Old Dominion Penn State Boston College Arizona State Louisiana State Fayetteville State Vanderbilt Louisiana-Lafayette Oklahoma Miami California California Miami (Ohio) Pittsburgh Michigan Dayton Miami (Fla.) Central Florida Buffalo Oklahoma State South Carolina State Southern Mississippi Wisconsin Cornell Stanford Louisiana College Middle Tennessee State Louisiana Tech

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2 Vikings MINNESOTA

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS QB Shaun Hill, LB Casey Matthews, S Taylor Mays, CB Terrance Newman, WR Mike Wallace.

PREDICTION

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES MLB Jasper Brinkley, OG Vladimir Ducasse, FB Jerome Felton, WR Greg Jennings, OG Charlie Johnson, QB Christian Ponder, DE Corey Wootton.

EXEC. VP & GENERAL MANAGER Rick Spielman HEAD COACH Mike Zimmer OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Norv Turner DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR George Edwards STADIUM TCF Bank Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 52,525 | FieldTurf

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE If the theme of 2014 was what Norv Turner’s offense lost – two quarterbacks, a franchise RB, an emerging tight end and three starting linemen – 2015 should be about what it gains. After adapting his offense to suit impressive rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater’s strengths with heavy shotgun and quick reads, Turner now has the necessary resources to install his power ground game and big-strike attack with the return of Adrian Peterson, a healthy offensive line and acquisition of speed merchant Mike Wallace.

 QUARTERBACKS Few rookie signalcallers enter a situation as tough as Bridgewater’s last year, when he was pressed into a lineup lacking any semblance of stability. Nonetheless, Bridgewater grew immensely, handling adversity with rare poise. He finished 2014 with a 66.6 completion percentage (a Vikings record and third-highest by an NFL rookie), a 6-6

 RUNNING BACKS Peterson, who spent the final 15 games on the commissioner’s exempt list while his felony child abuse case was resolved, and the offseason attempting to strongarm his way out of Minnesota, is back. Physically, it’s the healthiest the 30-yearold has been in several offseasons. The NFL’s No. 3 active rusher, he’s supremely physical, with explosive breakaway speed, rare contact balance and lateral agility and the desire to run through defenders. Turner planned to increase Peterson’s third-down role, where he’s not as skilled in blitz pickup or as a receiver. Jerick McKinnon averaged 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie prior to seasonending back surgery in December, showcasing as-advertised 4.38 speed, the quickness that earned him the nickname “Jet” in college and surprising betweenthe-tackles strength and YAC ability (2.15 yards, 11th in the NFL). He now must show he can survive a 16-game season. Matt Asiata started nine games, piling up nine scores with forward lean and decisiveness into the crease, masking plodding speed.

A-

 RECEIVERS A passing attack lacking Turner’s trademark explosiveness added Wallace, whose speed stresses defenses like few can, making his acquisition for a fifth-rounder worth the potential stress on a locker room. Wallace clashed with his coaches in Miami, but caught 10 touchdowns. Speed kills, and Wallace, despite inconsistent

118 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

hands and dependability, is Turner’s ideal weapon. Prior to Wallace’s arrival, Turner called former Cleveland practice squad member Charles Johnson “far and away our best receiver.” Bridgewater lauded the patience and route running of the 6-2, 215-pound Grand Valley State product with sub 4.4 wheels and a 39½” vertical. Cordarrelle Patterson’s electric speed and strength in space was seldom seen, as he eventually was benched for poor attention to detail as a route runner. The clock’s ticking on the 2013 first-rounder. Surehanded and quick Jarius Wright and versatile rookie Stefon Diggs are slot options. Kyle Rudolph looked like Turner’s next great tight end last preseason, slimmed down and stretching the field before a sports hernia sidelined him eight games. Rudolph is a massive target with natural hands, leverage and power, but he must stay on the field after getting paid. Athletic H-back MyCole Pruitt gives Turner another intriguing weapon. Rhett Ellison’s versatility and blocking are assets.

GRADE

OWNER/CHAIRMAN Zygi Wilf

GRADE

2014 RECORD 7-9

mark as the starter and four fourth-quarter comebacks. His downfield accuracy, pocket presence and decision-making all were vastly improved in a dynamic December. Though Bridgewater lacks top arm strength, his rookie year has a Vikings fan base and front office used to uncertainty under center unusually confident about future their QB outlook. Shaun Hill, 35, is highly competitive and prepared, and viewed as one of the NFL’s better backups.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN A rookie Pro Bowler in 2012, LT Matt Kalil has logged every snap in three seasons despite injuries. The hope is that scopes on both knees and a strong finish in ’14 will help a player with ideal measurements, athleticism and pedigree overcome another poor campaign. RT Phil Loadholt underwent pectoral surgery in November after a down season. He’s tenacious in the run game but not athletic or reliable in pass pro. A pectoral tear also ended RG Brandon Fusco’s season, just weeks after signing a mega extension, but he’s lauded by NFL insiders for his consistency and intelligence. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2009, C John Sullivan has missed only three games, earning him a nice pay bump and making him the unit’s most consistent blocker and best technician. A career backup, Joe Berger proved he can be a steady pass protector and plus run blocker; the left

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN NFC NORTH

PFN PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Teddy Bridgewater

Xavier Rhodes

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Charles Johnson DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DT Sharrif Floyd POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Robert Blanton vs. Antone Exum vs. Taylor Mays

2015 SCHEDULE

Harrison Smith

DEFENSE After inheriting the NFL’s worst scoring unit, Mike Zimmer and George Edwards wasted little time injecting toughness and tenacity into a young and talented defense with seven new starters. Surrendering just 21.4 points per game – nearly a ninepoint improvement over 2013 – Zimmer favors physical, press coverage, an unrelenting D-line and plenty of double A-gap pressure to excel in pass coverage. Their 41 sacks ranked in the top 10, but Zimmer demands more impact plays (19 takeaways) and improved run stoutness.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DRE Everson Griffen began last season, his first as a full-time starter, like he was making up for lost time. Athletic, hardworking and frighteningly fast, the 27-year-old repaid Minnesota for making

him its highest-paid defender with a career-high 12 sacks and sterling run defense. DLE Brian Robison isn’t a doubledigit sack guy like Griffen, but he’s a solid every-down player who barely missed several more sacks. Explosive DT Sharrif Floyd’s improved technique in Year 2 made him more than a splash player; he’s heading for stardom. Big Linval Joseph is stout and aware on the nose, though he was uneven in his first year in purple. Finally healthy, Tom Johnson (6.5 sacks) showed off his quickness and ability to take advantage of the attention commanded by talented bookends. Shamar Stephen proved to be a seventh-round steal, logging 400-plus snaps and earning the nickname “Big Fundamental” for his technique in the run game. Like Scott Crichton, the 2014 third-round end who wasn’t ready to contribute, long-levered and explosive rookie Danielle Hunter has a high ceiling but is ultra raw. Fellow rookie DE B.J. Dubose flashed good interior penetrating ability at Louisville.

GRADE

guard vacancy is his to lose. David Yankey couldn’t crack an injury-ravaged lineup, but he could challenge Berger by adding strength this offseason. Raw but highly athletic rookie T.J. Clemmings fell on draft day due to a foot injury, but his talent projects as a future blind-side protector. Fellow rookie OTs Tyrus Thompson and Austin Shepherd add strength and positional flexibility.

B+

 LINEBACKERS SLB Anthony Barr is an athletic marvel, but it was the 2014 first-rounder’s quick processor and desire to be great after

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at San Francisco 10:20 p.m. Detroit 1:00 p.m. San Diego 1:00 p.m. at Denver 4:25 p.m. BYE Kansas City 1:00 p.m. at Detroit 1:00 p.m. at Chicago 1:00 p.m. St. Louis 1:00 p.m. at Oakland 4:05 p.m. Green Bay 1:00 p.m. at Atlanta 1:00 p.m. Seattle 1:00 p.m. at Arizona 8:25 p.m. Chicago 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m. at Green Bay 1:00 p.m.

TIME

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at St. Louis W 34-6 Sept. 14 New England L 7-30 Sept. 21 at New Orleans L 9-20 Sept. 28 Atlanta W 41-28 Oct. 2 at Green Bay L 10-42 Oct. 12 Detroit L 3-17 Oct. 19 at Buffalo L 16-17 Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay *W 19-13 Nov. 2 Washington W 29-26 Nov. 16 at Chicago L 13-21 Nov. 23 Green Bay L 21-24 Nov. 30 Carolina W 31-13 Dec. 7 N.Y. Jets *W 30-24 Dec. 14 at Detroit L 14-16 Dec. 21 at Miami L 35-37 Dec. 28 Chicago W 13-9 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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NFC

NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ STL WK 2 NE WK 3 @ NO WK 4 ATL WK 5 @ GB WK 6 DET WK 7 @ BUF WK 8 @ TB WK 9 WAS WK 11 @ CHI WK 12 GB WK 13 CAR WK 14 NYJ WK 15 @ DET WK 16 @ MIA WK 17 CHI SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

20 30 37 26 42 42 28 37 21 27 41 26 25 402

CMP

OPP

WK 1 @ STL WK 2 NE WK 3 @ NO WK 4 ATL WK 5 @ GB WK 6 DET WK 7 @ BUF WK 8 @ TB WK 9 WAS WK 11 @ CHI WK 12 GB WK 13 CAR WK 14 NYJ WK 15 @ DET WK 16 @ MIA WK 17 CHI SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 7 6 4 3 2 2 5 5 5 4 4 7 4 4 63

GRADE

RTG

1 5 5 48 3 36 3 22 0 0 1 18 1 13 4 26 4 31 3 12 Inactive 4 5 3 10 7 50 3 19 2 17 44 312

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

83.3 98.9 41.3 56.1 81.5 88.2 76.2 79.8 120.7 117.7 84.9 114.1 90.2 85.2

JARIUS WRIGHT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 2 25 3 1 12 0 0 0 10 8 132 8 3 27 6 4 17 4 4 60 3 2 13 4 2 29 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 40 5 4 123 6 4 49 3 3 38 3 3 23 62 42 588

just two years on defense at UCLA that marveled the staff. Barr held up at the point, used his speed and instincts to cover backs and tight ends, and impressed when given rush opportunities. His game-winning forced fumble and 27yard touchdown in overtime in Tampa Bay provided a glimpse of his gamechanging ability. Barr underwent seasonending knee surgery in December but he’ll be 100 percent this preseason. WLB Chad Greenway, 32, agreed to restructure his deal to return for a 10th season. The intensely competitive Greenway is a smart, valuable mentor on the field and in the linebackers room for a young group. The arrival of rookie Eric Kendricks should help limit Greenway’s sub-package reps. Kendricks isn’t as big or explosive as his UCLA roommate, Barr, but he has superb instincts and sideline-to-sideline range, and avoids traffic to make plays against the run and pass. Minnesota valued Casey Matthews’ starting experience at “Mike.” Gerald Hodges and Brandon Watts give Minnesota a pair of moldable backups. Hodges is instinctive but must become

B+

INT

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 12 150 0 0 19 317 0 0 Inactive 23 188 0 3 15 157 1 2 24 241 1 0 26 268 1 0 18 158 1 1 21 210 2 1 15 138 2 0 19 309 2 1 31 315 1 2 19 259 2 1 17 209 1 1 259 2919 14 12

MATT ASIATA

GAME

MATT ASIATA

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

2 13 12 20 15 2 6 4 10 1

JERICK McKINNON

0 0 1 2 0 9

1 7 -1 135 24 40 103 83 54 38 54 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 113 538

CORDARRELLE PATTERSON

CHARLES JOHNSON

14 19 11 16 19 164

10 36 35 78 72 -5 24 1 26 2 Inactive 52 54 36 58 91 570

0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 26 7 4 56 5 4 61 4 2 38 4 2 8 8 2 15 4 2 9 12 6 86 7 1 9 3 2 24 2 2 18 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 16 1 1 18 1 0 0 67 33 384

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 2 2 18 7 11 19 16 14 8 15

Not on Team Not on Team Inactive Inactive 3 1 7 3 2 22 0 0 0 5 2 18 1 1 13 7 6 87 11 3 52 4 2 41 8 4 103 7 5 72 6 3 38 4 2 22 59 31 475

 DEFENSIVE BACKS Pairing top pick Trae Waynes with Xavier Rhodes could give Minnesota the division’s top CB tandem. Lengthy and fast, Rhodes’ improved hand use at the line has him emerging into a lockdown press corner. He shadowed – and nearly blanked – Calvin Johnson by season’s end. Waynes isn’t as big or long as Rhodes, but he still has terrific size, 4.31 speed and better press technique than Rhodes had as a rookie. Captain Munnerlyn struggled on the perimeter against bigger receivers, but Waynes’ arrival pushes him back into his natural slot position, where he can be more physical and utilize his quickness. FS Harrison Smith thrived under Zimmer’s aggressive, multiple scheme, from blitzing and enforcing in the box to patrolling the deep half (five picks). Tough as nails and rangier than he’s given credit for, Smith is ideal for this ‘D.’ An open competition is expected opposite Smith.

B+

120 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

more consistent, while the speedy Watts wasn’t durable enough.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 6 27 0 5 27 1 Inactive 3 11 0 1 7 0 1 3 0 3 20 0 4 2 0 5 32 0 2 12 0 3 7 0 3 30 0 5 13 0 6 18 0 47 209 1

JERICK McKINNON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 3 5 3 5 6 4 1 4 7 3

0 0 2 5 2 9 1 17 3 22 6 42 2 -2 1 -1 3 14 4 20 3 9 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 41 27 135

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

GREG JENNINGS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 6 58 5 1 4 7 5 70 4 3 72 6 2 31 6 3 33 7 6 77 6 3 38 10 6 76 2 1 4 6 4 38 6 5 45 7 5 52 5 3 43 3 3 56 5 3 45 92 59 742

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 6

KYLE RUDOLPH

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 8 5

0 5 3 2 7 0 34

2 16 5 53 3 27 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 0 3 50 2 7 2 9 7 69 Inactive 0 0 24 231

1 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 0 2

Athletic rookie corner Antone Exum might be the early favorite, but don’t discount incumbent Robert Blanton, who has man coverage ability but can improve against the run; Taylor Mays, the prototype in terms of size and speed; tough but limited Andrew Sendejo; and even versatile UDFA Anthony Harris. Ageless technician Terrance Newman, talented Jabari Price and improved Josh Robinson give Minnesota more CB depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS Former All-Pro PK Blair Walsh (74.3 percent conversion rate) struggled in his third season – his first kicking outside – though he showed off his big leg on kickoffs (63.2 percent touchback rate) and just needs to think less, according to coordinator Mike Priefer. P Jeff Locke regressed, but still has Priefer’s confidence. Similarly, KR Cordarrelle Patterson and PR Marcus Sherels failed to match their 2013 excellence. Sendejo and gritty Adam Thielen lead the NFL’s No. 10 unit, according to Dallas Morning News’ respected rankings.

GRADE

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 12 C. JOHNSON OLT 75 KALIL OLG 61 BERGER C 65 SULLIVAN ORG 63 FUSCO ORT 71 LOADHOLT TE 82 RUDOLPH WR 11 WALLACE QB 5 BRIDGEWATER RB 28 PETERSON HB 48 LINE

17 Wright 19 Thielen 68 Clemmings* 72 T. Thompson* 66 Yankey 61 Berger 74 Shepherd* 79 M. Harris 85 Ellison 86 Ford 84 Patterson 14 Diggs* 13 Hill 31 McKinnon 44 Asiata 83 Pruitt*

DLE 98 ROBISON DT 73 FLOYD NT 98 JOSEPH DRE 97 GRIFFEN SLB 55 BARR MLB 54 KENDRICKS* WLB 52 GREENWAY LCB 26 WAYNES* RCB 29 RHODES SS 36 BLANTON FS 22 SMITH

95 Crichton 94 Trattou 92 T. Johnson 93 Stephen 99 Hunter* 90 Dubose* 50 Hodges 40 Robinson* 59 Matthews 57 Cole 58 Watts 30 Newman 21 Robinson 24 Munnerlyn 39 Price 32 Exum 26 Mays 34 Sendejo 49 A. Harris

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 18 LOCKE PK 3 WALSH H 18 LOCKE PR 35 SHERELS KR 84 PATTERSON LS 46 LOEFFLER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Mike Zimmer, Head Coach; Jeff Davidson, Offensive Line; George Edwards, Defensive Coordinator; Ryan Ficken, Assistant Special Teams; Hank Fraley, Assistant Offensive Line; Jonathan Gannon, Assistant Defensive Backs/Quality Control; Jerry Gray, Defensive Backs; Jeff Howard, Defensive Assistant; Jeff Hurd, Assistant Strength & Conditioning; Andrew Janocko, Quality Control/Offense; Evan Marcus, Head Strength & Conditioning; Chaz Mahle, Assistant Strength & Conditioning; Andre Patterson, Defensive Line; Drew Petzing, Assistant Wide Receivers; Mike Priefer, Special Teams; Robert Rodriguez, Assistant Defensive Line; Kevin Stefanski, Tight Ends; George Stewart, Wide Receivers; Norv Turner, Offensive Coordinator; Scott Turner, Quarterbacks; Kirby Wilson, Running Backs; Adam Zimmer, Linebackers.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB ILB DE OT TE WR OT DE OT OLB

Michigan State UCLA LSU Pittsburgh Southern Illinois Maryland Oklahoma Louisville Alabama Newberry

11 45 88 110 143 146 185 193 228 232

1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7

Trae Waynes Eric Kendricks Danielle Hunter T.J. Clemmings MyCole Pruitt Stefon Diggs Tyrus Thompson B.J. Dubose Austin Shepherd Edmond Robinson

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Peterson emerges from suspension similarly to his resounding comeback from ACL surgery in 2012, and Bridgewater’s rookie momentum continues, now aided by a stable and upgraded supporting cast. Zimmer’s defense climbs to top five status. The Vikings are the third different team to visit Green Bay in Week 17 for the NFC North Championship, which they pry away from the perennial division power.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The rust from a year away mars Peterson, and Bridgewater takes a step back from a scintillating final rookie month. The defense remains strong, just not strong enough to carry an underperforming offense two years running.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

69 Aiyegbusi, Babatunde 62 Anunoby, Chigbo 44 Asiata, Matt 23 Banyard, Joe 55 Barr, Anthony 61 Berger, Joe 36 Blanton, Robert 81 Bostick, Brandon 5 Bridgewater, Teddy 60 Bykowski, Carter 39 Carter, Jalil 68 Clemmings, T.J. 57 Cole, Audie 38 Coleman, Justin 15 Colter, Kain 95 Crichton, Scott 87 Daniels, DaVaris 14 Diggs, Stefon 90 Dubose, B.J. 85 Ellison, Rhett 32 Exum Jr., Antone 76 Faciane, Isame 62 Farniok, Tom 73 Floyd, Sharrif 86 Ford, Chase 2 Foster, Donte 63 Fusco, Brandon 52 Greenway, Chad 97 Griffen, Everson 49 Harris, Anthony 20 Harris, DuJuan 79 Harris, Mike 16 Heinicke, Taylor 13 Hill, Shaun 50 Hodges, Gerald 99 Hunter, Danielle 12 Johnson, Charles 92 Johnson, Tom 98 Joseph, Linval 51 Kaddu, Josh 4 Kafka, Mike 75 Kalil, Matt 54 Kendricks, Eric 67 Kerin, Zac 9 Leslie, Jordan 48 Line, Zach 71 Loadholt, Phil 18 Locke, Jeff 46 Loeffler, Cullen 8 Lutman, Gavin 78 Mackey, Leon 59 Matthews, Casey 56 Mauti, Michael 42 Mays, Taylor 47 McDermott, Kevin 31 McKinnon, Jerick 24 Munnerlyn, Captain 30 Newman, Terence 84 Patterson, Cordarrelle 45 Peters, Brian 28 Peterson, Adrian 27 Prater, Shaun 25 Price, Jabari 83 Pruitt, Mycole 91 Rayford, Caesar 49 Renaud, Blake 29 Rhodes, Xavier 40 Robinson, Edmond 21 Robinson, Josh 96 Robison, Brian 82 Rudolph, Kyle 34 Sendejo, Andrew 74 Shepherd, Austin 35 Sherels, Marcus 22 Smith, Harrison 78 Somsel, Jesse 93 Stephen, Shamar 65 Sullivan, John 19 Thielen, Adam 72 Thompson, Tyrus 94 Trattou, Justin 37 Van Dyke, DeMarcus 64 Vardaro, Bobby 11 Wallace, Mike 3 Walsh, Blair 58 Watts, Brandon 26 Waynes, Trae 43 Williams, Dominique 17 Wright, Jarius 66 Yankey, David

OL DT RB RB LB OG S TE QB OT CB OL LB CB WR DE WR WR DL TE S DT C DT TE WR OG LB DE S RB OT QB QB LB DE WR DT DT LB QB OT LB C WR FB OT P LS WR DE LB LB S LS RB CB CB WR LB RB CB CB TE DE FB CB LB CB DE TE S OL CB S OL DT C WR OL DE CB OL WR K LB CB RB WR OG

6-9 6-5 6-0 5-10 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-7 6-1 6-5 6-5 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-1 5-8 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-8 6-0 6-5 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-4 5-9 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-2 6-7 6-2 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-0 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-9 5-10 6-6

351 320 234 205 255 305 200 250 210 306 205 309 239 185 195 273 201 195 284 250 219 302 301 305 255 193 306 242 273 183 203 318 213 220 243 252 215 288 323 252 225 308 232 305 215 233 343 203 241 201 260 245 243 225 234 208 195 197 220 235 217 190 200 251 285 255 210 245 199 259 259 200 315 175 214 315 310 301 195 324 250 187 299 200 192 231 186 205 180 315

26 26 27 26 23 32 25 26 22 24 25 23 25 22 22 23 22 21 23 26 24 23 23 23 24 24 25 32 27 23 26 26 22 35 24 20 26 30 26 25 27 25 23 23 23 25 29 25 34 24 26 26 25 27 25 23 27 36 24 26 30 25 22 23 29 22 24 23 23 32 25 27 22 27 26 23 24 29 24 23 26 26 23 28 25 24 22 24 25 23

0 2 4 3 2 11 4 3 2 2 1 0 4 0 1 2 0 0 0 4 2 1 0 3 3 1 5 10 6 0 5 4 0 14 3 0 3 5 6 4 4 4 0 1 0 3 7 3 12 0 0 5 3 6 3 2 7 13 3 0 9 4 2 0 2 0 3 0 4 9 5 5 0 5 4 0 2 8 2 0 4 4 0 7 4 2 0 1 4 2

None Morehouse Utah Texas-El Paso UCLA Michigan Tech Notre Dame Newberry Louisville Iowa State Akron Pittsburgh North Carolina St. Tennessee Northwestern Oregon St. Notre Dame Maryland Louisville USC Virginia Tech Florida International Iowa State Florida Miami (Fla.) Ohio Slippery Rock Iowa USC Virginia Troy UCLA Old Dominion Maryland Penn State LSU Grand Valley State Southern Mississippi East Carolina Oregon Northwestern USC UCLA Toledo BYU SMU Oklahoma UCLA Texas Pittsburgh State Texas Tech Oregon Penn State USC UCLA Georgia Southern South Carolina Kansas State Tennessee Northwestern Oklahoma Iowa North Carolina Southern Illinois Washington Boise State Florida State Newberry Central Florida Texas Notre Dame Rice Alabama Minnesota Notre Dame Saginaw Valley State Connecticut Notre Dame Minnesota State Oklahoma Florida Miami Boston College Mississippi Georgia Georgia Tech Michigan State Wagner Arkansas Stanford

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3 Lions

NORTH

DETROIT

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DE Phillip Hunt, DT Haloti Ngata, C-OG Manny Ramirez, DT Tyrunn Walker, CB Josh Wilson.

PREDICTION

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES RB Reggie Bush, DT Nick Fairley, DE George Johnson, C Dominic Raiola, OG Garrett Reynolds, OG Rob Sims, DT Ndamukong Suh.

GENERAL MANAGER Martin Mayhew HEAD COACH Jim Caldwell OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Joe Lombardi DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Teryl Austin STADIUM Ford Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,000 | FieldTurf

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE

Joe Lombardi brought the Saints’ playbook to Detroit – countless formations, more motioning weapons and under-center looks, plenty of screens and bunched receiver sets to exploit intermediate passing, then downfield – but the production never followed. In fact, it regressed across the board, from 13th in scoring in 2013 to 22nd, from 3rd to 12th in passing and 17th to 28th in rushing. Injuries contributed, but the heat is on Lombardi and Matthew Stafford to thrive in Year 2, especially as the defense reinvents itself without Ndamukong Suh.

 QUARTERBACKS Stafford committed a career-low 14 turnovers and logged his second-highest completion percentage (60.3), but he routinely held the ball too long (careerhigh 45 sacks taken) and averaged a paltry 7.1 yards per attempt and dearth of explosive plays. Stafford can spin it with the best of them, and he’s capable

C+

 RUNNING BACKS Former journeyman Joique Bell always has made the most of his opportunities with the Lions, thus the powerful and hungry runner sits atop the depth chart after leading Detroit in rushing. However, the arrival of second-rounder Ameer Abdullah, a nifty, instinctive, deceptively powerful home-run threat, will create a more even timeshare than with unreliable Reggie Bush. Bell gained only 3.9 yards per carry behind a makeshift offensive line, but Detroit values his toughness and tackle-breaking ability. Abdullah is more creative and explosive in space, drawing some Bush comparisons in that regard. The Lions also really like Theo Riddick, whose 34 catches matched Bell’s, and his four receiving touchdowns trailed only Calvin Johnson. Lombardi is fond of using fullbacks, and athletic fifth-rounder Michael Burton has good receiving ability and awareness, albeit not imposing power as a lead blocker.

 RECEIVERS Calvin Johnson eclipsed 10,000 career yards in his 115th game, the quickest by any receiver in NFL history. Still the league’s most physically gifted receiver, he’s indefensible in single coverage – particularly in press, where he’s too strong and sudden to redirect. But that’s

122 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

when Johnson is healthy, seemingly more rare in recent years. He’s reliant on 4.3 speed to run away from defenders in the open field, but seldom reached his top gear after a high ankle sprain cost him a month. Golden Tate, the NFL’s sixthleading receiver, emerged as an elite afterthe-catch receiver. A high school running back, his combination of run strength and elusiveness made him a tone setter from Day One in Detroit. Brought in to be Johnson’s sidekick, the versatile, surehanded Tate instead carried the load with clutch performances and a strong rapport with Stafford. Inconsistent deep threat Corey Fuller, forgotten Ryan Broyles and 2014 sixth-rounder T.J. Jones, redshirted due to a shoulder injury, are No. 3 options. Perhaps no Lion is being counted on to improve more than 2014 top pick Eric Ebron. After struggling with the playbook and his confidence, Ebron’s potential to stretch the middle with easy acceleration and a huge catch radius could add a dangerous dimension. The jury has ruled on fellow former first-rounder Brandon Pettigrew: after a career-low 10 catches and another subpar season blocking, he’s an average tight end. Joseph Fauria will try and break out of the doghouse and training room to rediscover his valuable red-zone presence.

GRADE

OWNER AND CHAIRMAN Martha Firestone Ford

GRADE

2014 RECORD 11-5

of firing from multiple platforms. It’s when his arm angles and footwork are undisciplined, though, that mistakes generally follow. He has all the smarts and toughness needed, and doesn’t get enough credit for his athleticism, but Stafford must improve under pressure – his completion percentage plummeted from 67.8 to 41.3 when under duress. A changing of the guard could be coming behind Stafford, where heady Kellen Moore lacks the experience of Dan Orlovsky, but he outplayed Orlovsky last preseason and received a firmer financial commitment than the veteran this offseason.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Top pick Laken Tomlinson and RG Larry Warford should give Detroit a formidable power punch inside. Like Warford, whom he models his game after, Tomlinson boasts great lowerbody strength to control defenders and withstand power rushers. He’s smart, determined and thrives in a phone booth. Injuries prevented Warford from replicating his special rookie campaign, but he’s surprisingly nimble to the second level and channels power through his hands in pass pro. LT Riley Reiff, the unit’s most consistent performer, compensates for short arms (33¼ inches) with sound technique and

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC NORTH

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Calvin Johnson

Ezekiel Ansah

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Eric Ebron DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DT Tyrun Walker POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH C: Manny Ramirez vs. Travis Swanson

2015 SCHEDULE

Calvin Johnson

DEFENSE All Teryl Austin did in his first year as a coordinator was oversee the NFL’s top run defense and No 2 scoring unit. He interviewed for a number of head coach positions before returning to Detroit, where he’ll attempt to replicate his mastery without Ndamukong Suh. Austin deploys an aggressive 4-3 with a lot of movement up front. He could mix in more 3-4 looks, as some of his best work came from maximizing his personnel’s strengths and seamlessly adapting to key injuries.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Five-time Pro Bowl NT Haloti Ngata, 31, was acquired in a trade from Baltimore to reunite with Austin shortly after Suh’s departure. Often an immovable force for the Ravens, he has the strength to occupy and defeat double teams and the rare instincts and athleticism to find the ball and wreak havoc in the backfield. He did miss the final four games last season due to a suspension for taking Adderall and enters a contract year. Can DRE Ezekiel Ansah, a freakish athlete who’s started 28-of-30 games and notched 15.5 sacks, take the next step to become one of the NFL’s premier defenders? A natural run defender with imposing length, Ansah can beat linemen with speed and power, and he could bust out with the benefit of his first true offseason after being limited last summer. He’ll have to take similar advantage of Ngata’s presence like he did with Suh’s. DLE Jason Jones contributed five sacks, but he’s more known as a run defender who can kick inside in sub packages to exploit guards with his length and athleticism. DT Tyrunn Walker, 24, signed a one-year deal after being a part-time player in New

GRADE

consistent effort. Travis Swanson and Manny Ramirez will compete to replace stalwart C Dominic Raiola. The athletic Swanson filled in late as a rookie at both right guard and center, improving each week. Ramirez returns to Detroit after starting 32 consecutive games in Denver. A powerful run blocker, his leadership and versatility were highly coveted. Lengthy and quick-footed RT LaAdrian Waddle tore his ACL in December, perhaps forcing vulnerable Cornelius Lucas into the lineup early. Athletic seventh-rounder Corey Robinson will compete with Michael Williams for a backup spot.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 3 Dec. 13 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at San Diego 4:05 p.m. at Minnesota 1:00 p.m. Denver 8:30 p.m. at Seattle 8:30 p.m. Arizona 4:05 p.m. Chicago 1:00 p.m. Minnesota 1:00 p.m. at Kansas City (London) 9:30 a.m. BYE at Green Bay 1:00 p.m. Oakland 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia 12:30 p.m. Green Bay 8:25 p.m. at St. Louis 1:00 p.m. at New Orleans 8:30 p.m. San Francisco 1:00 p.m. at Chicago 1:00 p.m.

TIME

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 8 N.Y. Giants Sept. 14 at Carolina Sept. 21 Green Bay Sept. 28 at N.Y. Jets Oct. 5 Buffalo Oct. 12 at Minnesota Oct. 19 New Orleans Oct. 26 at Atlanta Nov. 9 Miami Nov. 16 at Arizona Nov. 23 at New England Nov. 27 Chicago Dec. 7 Tampa Bay Dec. 14 Minnesota Dec. 21 at Chicago Dec. 28 at Green Bay POSTSEASON Jan. 4 at Dallas All times Eastern

RESULT

W 35-14 L 7-24 W 19-7 W 24-17 L 14-17 W 17-3 W 24-23 W 22-21 W 20-16 L 6-14 L 9-34 W 34-17 W 34-17 W 16-14 W 20-14 L 20-30 L 24-20

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NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

WK 1 NYG WK 2 @ CAR WK 3 GB WK 4 @ NYJ WK 5 BUF WK 6 @ MIN WK 7 NO WK 8 @ ATL WK 10 MIA WK 11 @ AZ WK 12 @ NE WK 13 CHI WK 14 TB WK 15 MIN WK 16 @ CHI WK 17 @ GB SEASON TOTALS 

32 48 34 34 31 33 40 47 40 30 46 45 34 28 39 41 602

CMP

22 27 22 24 18 19 27 24 25 18 18 34 26 17 22 20 363

346 291 246 293 231 185 299 325 280 183 264 390 311 153 243 217 4257

CALVIN JOHNSON

GAME

OPP

WK 1 NYG WK 2 @ CAR WK 3 GB WK 4 @ NYJ WK 5 BUF WK 6 @ MIN WK 7 NO WK 8 @ ATL WK 10 MIA WK 11 @ AZ WK 12 @ NE WK 13 CHI WK 14 TB WK 15 MIN WK 16 @ CHI WK 17 @ GB SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 13 10 2 1

15 12 10 16 9 6 12 11 128

7 164 6 83 6 82 2 12 1 7 Inactive Inactive Inactive 7 113 5 59 4 58 11 146 8 158 4 53 6 103 4 39 71 1077

2 0 0 0 0

2 1 0 2 1 1 2 2 2 0 0 2 3 1 0 3 22

6 3 8 6 5

6 2 7 6 56

 LINEBACKERS WLB DeAndre Levy led the NFL in solo tackles (117) but managed just one interception and four passes defensed – down from six and 15 in 2013 – largely due to his altered responsibilities following MLB Stephen Tulloch’s season-ending knee injury. Levy is one of the game’s more instinctive coverage linebackers, a tremendous athlete who uses his speed and smarts to sort through traffic and find ball carriers. Tulloch is undersized, though guys on the receiving end of his big collisions wouldn’t know it. He’s the quarterback of the defense, an

GRADE

RTG

0 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 12

125.3 72.5 61.6 116.4 78.8 83.5 85.3 78.8 89.6 63.6 49.5 116.0 133.3 87.4 53.7 89.2 85.7

REGGIE BUSH

Orleans, where he showed high effort and good initial quickness as a rusher, but little as a run defender. Undersized Phillip Hunt and intriguing 2014 fourth-rounder Larry Webster will battle with long Devin Taylor and Darryl Tapp, who notched a sack in the postseason, to try and replace George Johnson’s six sacks. Powerful but quick fourth-rounder Gabe Wright, along with Caraun Reid, add to the tackle rotation.

B+

INT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 8

JOIQUE BELL

6 49 2 6 6 38 4 19 2 30 Inactive 5 22 Inactive 1 5 Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 8 1 10 6 44 3 22 40 253

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

15 10 15 8 18 18 14 10 14 19 23 18 15 13 13 223

REGGIE BUSH

51 36 33 32 Inactive 74 48 39 44 85 48 91 83 62 74 60 860

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 7

JOIQUE BELL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 11 0 4 3 5 3 3 5 2 2 5 6 3 0 53

1 5 6 61 0 0 2 7 Inactive 2 23 2 19 2 22 2 37 3 30 1 -2 2 16 5 50 4 41 2 13 0 0 34 322

RUSHING ATT YDS

9 6 12 12 6 4 4

8 3 7 5 76

15 26 61 46 13 Inactive 10 Inactive 20 Inactive Inactive Inactive 26 7 54 19 297

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

6 12 3 6 6 7 0 0 3 7 50

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive 5 75 Inactive 8 74 2 5 3 24 3 40 6 54 0 0 0 0 2 10 5 34 34 316

LCB Darius Slay was the Lions’ most improved player, developing nicely as a press corner with a feisty attitude, great recovery speed and willingness in the run game. FS Glover Quin led the NFL in interceptions (7) in easily his best season, showcasing great ball skills, range and coverage ability and, along with RCB Rashean Mathis, a stabilizing effect on the secondary. Mathis, 34, continues to get it done with impressive length and football IQ. His presence has fostered Slay’s growth. Fiery

124 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 1 0 0

1 1 3 1 3

0 0

0 0 1 0 2

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

THEO RIDDICK

intelligent, emotional leader who doesn’t miss tackles or come off the field. SLB Tahir Whitehead grew up fast after going from special teams standout to full-time starter. Active and athletic, but not an intimidator, Whitehead will compete with second-year player Kyle Van Noy, whom the Lions remain high on despite a lost rookie campaign due to sports hernia surgery. Van Noy is versatile, rangy and, at BYU, displayed a knack for finding the quarterback. Former Raven Josh Bynes is at his best coming downhill vs. the run.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

3 3 2 2 0 0 1 0 0 20

4 0 16 2 Inactive 6 Inactive 5 0 2 12 0 0 4 0 0 51

GOLDEN TATE

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ERIC EBRON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 0 1

2 5 1 4 4 4

1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4

4 7 4 4 2 0 6 47

0 0 3 38 0 0 3 34 2 8 2 23 Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 22 2 23 3 23 3 28 1 11 0 0 2 38 25 248

0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 6 93 8 5 57 7 5 51 10 8 116 9 7 134 12 7 44 13 10 154 15 7 151 13 11 109 2 2 41 11 4 97 10 8 89 5 4 50 7 7 38 10 5 62 6 3 45 144 99 1331

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4

JEREMY ROSS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 3 2 23 3 3 20 2 2 65 2 1 13 3 1 8 4 3 32 3 3 31 2 1 5 1 1 7 5 3 35 1 1 31 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 11 2 2 33 35 24 314

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

SS James Ihedigbo exceeded expectations, providing an intimidating presence near the line of scrimmage and steady flow of impact plays prior to a sharp regression beginning in Week 16. Rookie CBs Alex Carter and Quandre Diggs provide depth. A tough, undersized, junkyard dog, Diggs could quickly help in the nickel, where he’ll compete with unproven Nevin Lawson and injury-prone Bill Bentley. Carter has the size and transition skills to soon replace Mathis. Isa Abdul-Quddus gave Detroit good mileage as a backup and in its three-safety package.

SPECIAL TEAMS New coordinator Joe Marciano’s unit includes PK Matt Prater, who seized his opportunity after being released in Denver. With a big leg and a new lease on life, Prater steadied Detroit’s abysmal kicking game. Aside from a couple untimely miscues, P Sam Martin has been excellent. Tahir Whitehead and Theo Riddick are core third-phase guys, and Ameer Abdullah should breathe life into the return game.

GRADE

MATTHEW STAFFORD

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 TATE 10 Fuller 84 Broyles OLT 71 REIFF 77 Lucas 70 C. Robinson OLG 72 TOMLINSON* 63 Ramirez C 64 SWANSON 63 Ramirez ORG 75 WARFORD 63 Ramirez ORT 66 WADDLE 77 Lucas 73 M. Williams TE 85 EBRON 87 Pettigrew 80 Fauria WR 81 C. JOHNSON 13 Jones 12 Ross QB 9 STAFFORD 17 Moore 8 Orlovsky RB 35 BELL 21 Abdullah 25 Riddick FB 46 BURTON* DEFENSE

DLE 91 JONES DT 93 WALKER NT 92 NGATA DRE 94 ANSAH SLB 95 VAN NOY MLB 55 TULLOCH WLB 54 LEVY LCB 23 SLAY RCB 31 MATHIS SS 32 IHEDIGBO FS 27 QUIN

92 Taylor 79 Webster 97 Reid 90 Wright* 52 Tapp 58 Hunt 59 Whitehead 56 Bynes 59 Whitehead 50 Lewis 49 Stanford 28 Bentley 36 Diggs* 33 Carter* 24 Lawson 42 Abdul-Quddus 26 Carey SPECIALISTS

P 6 MARTIN PK 5 PRATER H 6 MARTIN PR 21 ABDULLAH 12 Ross KR 21 ABDULLAH 12 Ross LS 48 MUHLBACH * Rookie COACHING STAFF Jim Caldwell, Head coach; Jason Arapoff, Coordinator of Physical Development; Teryl Austin, Defensive Coordinator; Jim Bob Cooter, Quarterbacks; Gunther Cunningham, Senior Coaching Assistant; Devin Fitzsimmons, Assistant Special Teams; Terry Heffernan, Assistant Offensive Line; Kris Kocurek, Defensive Line; Joe Lombardi, Offensive Coordinator; Joe Marciano, Special Teams Coordinator; Curtis Modkins, Running Backs; Tony Oden, Defensive Backs/Corners; Robert Prince, Wide Receivers; Ron Prince, Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends; Matt Raich, Defensive Assistant/Defensive Ends; Ted Rath, Strength and Conditioning Assistant; Evan Rothstein, Offensive Assistant/ Research & Analysis; Bill Sheridan, Linebackers; Jeremiah Washburn, Offensive Line; Jim Washburn, Defensive Line; Alan Williams, Defensive Backs/Safeties; Steven Williams Defensive Quality Control.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OG RB CB DT FB CB OT

Duke Nebraska Stanford Auburn Rutgers Texas South Carolina

28 54 80 113 168 200 240

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Laken Tomlinson Ameer Abdullah Alex Carter Gabe Wright Michael Burton Quandre Diggs Corey Robinson

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

One of the NFL’s best offenses on paper realizes its full potential on the field, where Matthew Stafford flourishes in Year 2 of the Lombardi offense with a healthy and bolstered supporting cast. Austin again works his magic, positioning his still-dangerous front and talented back seven to pick up Suh’s slack. Detroit clinches consecutive postseason appearances for the first time in 20 years, and just its second playoff victory of the Super Bowl era.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The loss of Suh is too much to bear; the defense struggles to develop an identity. Worse, the offense maintains its identity as an underachieving unit. Stafford can’t grasp the offense, and management loses confidence in the direction under Lombardi. Detroit regresses into the NFC North basement and, again picking high, Martin Mayhew drafts Stafford’s replacement.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

42 Abdul-Quddus, Isa 21 Abdullah, Ameer 94 Ansah, Ezekiel 35 Bell, Joique 28 Bentley, Bill 65 Boggs, Taylor 76 Bond, Al 16 Boone, Anthony 2 Brindza, Kyle 84 Broyles, Ryan 46 Burton, Michael 29 Butler, Crezdon 57 Bynes, Josh 26 Carey, Don 33 Carter, Alex 60 Cave, Braxston 95 Copeland, Brandon 63 Cudjo, Jermelle 11 Dawson, Skye 36 Diggs, Quandre 85 Ebron, Eric 80 Fauria, Joseph 10 Fuller, Corey 41 Harris, Jerrell 58 Hunt, Phillip 61 Hyder, Kerry 44 Igwenagu, Emil 32 Ihedigbo, James 81 Johnson, Calvin 43 Johnson, Isaiah 83 Johnson, Vernon 91 Jones, Jason 13 Jones, TJ 68 Keyton, Darren 19 Lawrence, Desmond 24 Lawson, Nevin 54 Levy, DeAndre 50 Lewis, Travis 77 Lucas, Cornelius 6 Martin, Sam 31 Mathis, Rashean 17 Moore, Kellen 48 Muhlbach, Don 34 Ness, Nate 92 Ngata, Haloti 8 Orlovsky, Dan 18 Peacock, Andrew 87 Pettigrew, Brandon 62 Philon, Roy 86 Pierce, Casey 5 Prater, Matt 69 Proctor, Xavier 27 Quin, Glover 63 Ramirez, Manny 97 Reid, Caraun 71 Reiff, Riley 25 Riddick, Theo 70 Robinson, Corey 12 Ross, Jeremy 39 Seisay, Mohammed 23 Slay, Darius 99 Snyder, Kevin 9 Stafford, Matthew 49 Stanford, Julian 45 Suite, Brian 64 Swanson, Travis 52 Tapp, Darryl 15 Tate, Golden 98 Taylor, Devin 82 Thompson, Jordan 72 Tomlinson, Laken 55 Tulloch, Stephen 53 Van Noy, Kyle 66 Waddle, LaAdrian 93 Walker, Tyrunn 75 Warford, Larry 79 Webster, Larry 59 Whitehead, Tahir 73 Williams, Michael 40 Williams, Rasheed 30 Wilson, Josh 74 Wilson, Torrian 38 Winn, George 90 Wright, Gabe 47b Zenner, Zach

FS RB DE RB CB C OG QB K WR FB CB LB S CB C LB DT WR CB TE TE WR LB DE DE FB SS WR S WR DE WR OG WR CB LB LB OT P CB QB LS S DT QB WR TE DT TE K DT FS OG DT OT RB OT WR CB CB LB QB LB S C DE WR DE TE OG LB LB OT DT OG DE LB OT RB CB OG RB DT RB

6-1 5-9 6-6 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-4 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-3 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-9 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-5 5-10 6-5 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-6 5-9 6-7 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-1 5-10 6-7 6-4 6-3 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-7 6-2 6-6 6-0 5-9 6-2 5-11 6-3 5-11

200 205 278 229 188 285 303 231 239 195 220 191 240 203 196 305 260 304 183 198 265 267 200 242 254 280 245 217 236 202 196 275 185 305 190 192 235 236 325 210 195 200 260 190 340 218 200 275 291 244 195 315 206 320 306 313 200 324 215 206 192 238 234 235 203 312 265 195 275 257 323 245 252 330 294 330 262 242 304 215 188 310 215 300 223

25 5 Fordham 21 R Nebraska 25 3 Brigham Young 28 5 Wayne State (Mich.) 25 4 Louisiana-Lafayette 28 3 Humboldt State 23 R Memphis 23 R Duke 22 R Notre Dame 27 4 Oklahoma 23 R Rutgers 27 5 Clemson 25 4 Auburn 28 7 Norfolk State 20 R Stanford 25 1 Notre Dame 23 1 Pennsylvania 28 4 Central Oklahoma 24 2 Texas Christian 23 R Texas 22 2 North Carolina 25 3 UCLA 24 2 Virginia Tech 25 1 Alabama 29 3 Houston 24 1 Texas Tech 26 2 Massachusetts 31 8 Massachusetts 29 9 Georgia Tech 22 R Georgia Tech 23 R Texas A&M Commerce 28 8 Eastern Michigan 22 2 Notre Dame 24 1 Central Michigan 23 R North Carolina A&T 24 2 Utah State 28 7 Wisconsin 27 4 Oklahoma 23 2 Kansas State 25 3 Appalachian State 34 13 Bethune-Cookman 25 4 Boise State 33 12 Texas A&M 28 4 Arizona 31 10 Oregon 31 10 Connecticut 24 1 Appalachian State 30 7 Oklahoma State 24 1 Louisville 23 R Kent State 30 9 Central Florida 24 1 North Carolina Central 29 7 New Mexico 32 9 Texas Tech 23 2 Princeton 26 4 Iowa 24 3 Notre Dame 22 R South Carolina 27 3 California 24 2 Nebraska 24 3 Mississippi State 22 R Rutgers 27 7 Georgia 24 3 Wagner 23 R Utah State 24 2 Arkansas 30 10 Virginia Tech 26 6 Notre Dame 25 3 South Carolina 25 1 Ohio 23 R Duke 30 10 North Carolina State 24 2 BYU 23 3 Texas Tech 25 4 Tulsa 23 3 Kentucky 25 2 Bloomsburg 25 4 Temple 24 2 Alabama 22 R Alfred State 30 9 Maryland 23 R Central Florida 24 2 Cincinnati 23 R Auburn 23 R South Dakota State

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4 Bears CHICAGO

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS LB Sam Acho, CB Alan Ball, LB Mason Foster, DE Jarvis Jenkins, DL Ray McDonald, LB Pernell McPhee, S Antrel Rolle, WR Eddie Royal.

PREDICTION

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES LB Lance Briggs, S Chris Conte, C Roberto Garza, WR Brandon Marshall, DT Stephen Paea, CB Charles Tillman.

GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Pace HEAD COACH John Fox OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Adam Gase DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Vic Fangio STADIUM Soldier Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 61,500 | Natural grass

ARTHUR ARKUSH

OFFENSE Adam Gase becomes the fifth coordinator in seven seasons for Jay Cutler, but Gase might have the most to prove after many thought the 37-year-old, fresh off two record-breaking seasons in Denver, was poised for a head coach position. Repairing Cutler and a unit that plummeted from No. 2 in scoring to 23rd from 2013 to 14 would be another strong résumé builder. Gase is known for creatively identifying and exploiting pass-game matchups, but first he’ll shift the focus from Cutler to Matt Forte and install John Fox’s preferred conservative, run-based approach.

 QUARTERBACKS The new regime had 16 million reasons ($$$) to keep the enigmatic Cutler, 32, who’s coming off a tumultuous 2014 in which he logged a career-high 66.0 completion percentage and 28 touchdowns, but also led the NFL in turnovers (24) and was benched by his former coach and betrayed

C+

 RUNNING BACKS Matt Forte enters the final season of a four-year, $30 million deal, fresh off an NFL record 102 catches by a back. He has great size, smooth acceleration, can pick through traffic and displays elite hands and route running. Forte is one of the league’s more durable and betterconditioned athletes. He’ll never be known as a bruiser, but he runs effectively inside and out, finishes his runs and feels the cutback. Rookie Jeremy Langford brings more speed to the mix (4.42 40 led all backs at the Combine). He has balance, burst and should provide flexibility and a better changeup than Ka’Deem Carey, whose pass-pro deficiencies limited his rookie role. Diminutive Jacquizz Rodgers isn’t a burner, but he’s a fearless pass protector with soft hands and elusiveness to threaten as a receiver.

 RECEIVERS The Bears traded Brandon Marshall, yet still boast a physically imposing tandem in Alshon Jeffery and top draft pick Kevin White, who brings a previously missing speed dimension (4.35 40-yard dash). Jeffery in 2013 was a big-play machine with tremendous ball skills and length to attack 50-50 balls. He’s field fast and physical after the catch, but injuries and concentration lapses, plus Marshall’s lateseason absence, prevented Jeffery from

126 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

replicating his breakout 2013. Matching Jeffery’s size, White is like a running back after the catch and can stress defenses from all areas. He’s drawn Larry Fitzgerald comparisons for his size and physicality, and most feel his ceiling is as high as any rookie’s. New slot WR Eddie Royal earns his paycheck in between the numbers, where he’s quicker-than-fast but has yet to match his rookie production when working with Cutler in Denver. Intriguing Marquess Wilson remains a wild card after a fractured clavicle derailed his second season. Martellus Bennett notched his first Pro Bowl trip, posting career numbers (90-916-6) and sharpening his focus after an ill-fated training camp tussle with CB Kyle Fuller. Bennett has great hands, uses his size to wall out defenders, and routinely threatens the seam. He’s a high-effort, albeit average, in-line blocker. Former Giant Bear Pascoe is a more traditional in-line blocker, while athletic but injury-plagued Zach Miller is like an extra receiver.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN George H. McCaskey

GRADE

2014 RECORD 5-11

by his former coordinator. Cutler receives likely his final clean slate in Chicago, where his arm talent, toughness and escapability have tantalized, but his poor decision-making, over-reliance on his arm and struggles against the rival Packers (1-9 against Dom Capers’ defenses) have prevented him from fulfilling his potential. Backup Jimmy Clausen showed in a spot start in Week 16 that he’s confident and an efficient game manager, but his arm and athleticism are far inferior to the starter. David Fales and Shane Carden are developmental prospects.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The first Bears O-lineman to begin his career with consecutive Pro Bowl nods, RG Kyle Long is a rare athlete whose knowledge and record in oneon-one battles improved greatly – he handled Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy in a five-day stretch. Long has the intelligence and feet to eventually play left tackle. Chicago missed the smarts and toughness of LG Matt Slauson, the unit’s best performer in 2013, who suffered a high ankle sprain early, before a season-ending pectoral injury. Back healthy, Slauson can locate and reach defenders on the second level and utilize his size to anchor in pass pro. LT Jermon Bushrod can struggle against power rushers but he shows good agility and remains an upgrade over Cutler’s previous blind-side protectors. New C Will Montgomery, 32, followed John Fox and Dave Magazu from Denver.

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC NORTH

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Alshon Jeffery

Pernell McPhee

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Kevin White DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Christian Jones POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ILB: Christian Jones vs. Jon Bostic vs. Shea McClellin

2015 SCHEDULE

Alshon Jeffery

DEFENSE Vic Fangio takes over after the most indefensible two-year stretch in team annals. Chicago surrendered 442 points in 2014 – second-most in team history behind 478 in ‘13. Fangio oversaw a group in San Francisco that was second in the NFL in scoring (17.4 points allowed) from 201114 and earned a reputation for being as physical and as any ‘D’ in football. He’ll construct Chicago’s first-ever 3-4 scheme, prioritizing versatility, a formidable outside ’backer rush and myriad coverage looks. First and foremost, he’ll restore the pride and toughness that Bears fans are accustomed to.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Fangio brought over talented but troubled DLT Ray McDonald, who was

kicked off the 49ers after multiple domestic violence allegations – but no subsequent charges. McDonald’s off-field behavior will be monitored closely, but on it he knows Fangio’s system, plays with intensity and blends two-gap resistance and surprising initial quickness. Jeremiah Ratliff was a Pro Bowler at the nose in Dallas, but he might play end with rookie NT Eddie Goldman in tow. Even at 34, Ratliff dominated in stretches with his size, athleticism and knack for beating linemen to a spot. Goldman is a true, low, nose tackle whose strength and leverage make him tough to move, according to Ryan Pace. Free agent Jarvis Jenkins must play with more consistent pad level, but shows an ability to occupy blockers and eat early snaps. Pace likes Ego Ferguson’s ability to play nose or end, and Ferguson showed up looking trimmer for offseason work, but his hand use must improve. Will Sutton provided rookie sparks, showing relentlessness and first-step quickness, but undersized at 6-0, 303, he’ll have to find a niche.

GRADE

Montgomery understands the system and its angles, and he’ll help get his teammates schooled in a new scheme. RT Jordan Mills is gritty and determined, but he’s a limited athlete who, despite improvements, remains a liability in pass protection. Rookies – athletic former team captain and 52-game starter C Hroniss Grasu, and gargantuan and perseverant Tayo Fabuluje – are backups, competing with Vladimir Ducasse, Michael Ola and Charles Leno Jr., though Grasu might push Montgomery.

C+

 LINEBACKERS Pace’s biggest free-agent splash, former Ravens OLB Pernell McPhee, brings versatility, a violent style and 3-4 experience. He can rush off either

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 9 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Green Bay Arizona at Seattle Oakland at Kansas City at Detroit BYE Minnesota at San Diego at St. Louis Denver at Green Bay San Francisco Washington at Minnesota at Tampa Bay Detroit

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Buffalo *L 20-23 Sept. 14 at San Francisco W 28-20 Sept. 22 at N.Y. Jets W 27-19 Sept. 28 Green Bay L 17-38 Oct. 5 at Carolina L 24-31 Oct. 12 at Atlanta W 27-13 Oct. 19 Miami L 14-27 Oct. 26 at New England L 23-51 Nov. 9 at Green Bay L 14-55 Nov. 16 Minnesota W 21-13 Nov. 23 Tampa Bay W 21-13 Nov. 27 at Detroit L 17-34 Dec. 4 Dallas L 28-41 Dec. 15 New Orleans L 15-31 Dec. 21 Detroit L 14-20 Dec. 28 at Minnesota L 9-13 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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NFC

NORTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 BUF WK 2 @ SF WK 3 @ NYJ WK 4 GB WK 5 @ CAR WK 6 @ ATL WK 7 MIA WK 8 @ NE WK 10 @ GB WK 11 MIN WK 12 TB WK 13 @ DET WK 14 DAL WK 15 NO WK 16 DET WK 17 @ MIN SEASON TOTALS 

CMP

INT

RTG

ATT

RUSHING YDS

49 34 38 34 36 38 34 30 37 43 27 48 46 31

34 349 2 2 23 176 4 0 23 225 2 0 22 256 2 2 28 289 2 2 26 381 1 0 21 190 1 1 20 227 3 1 22 272 1 2 31 330 3 2 17 130 1 0 31 280 2 2 32 341 2 1 17 194 2 3 Active, Did Not Play 23 172 0 0 370 3812 28 18

86.2 119.2 94.7 82.5 95.5 109.6 74.4 108.6 68.8 98.0 87.0 76.7 96.4 55.8

17 12 13 23 17 17 12 19 17 26 23 5 13 16 19 17 266

82 21 33 122 61 80 49 114 54 117 89 6 26 78 55 51 1038

0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 6

36 561

PASSING YDS TD

MARTELLUS BENNETT

GAME

OPP

WK 1 BUF WK 2 @ SF WK 3 @ NYJ WK 4 GB WK 5 @ CAR WK 6 @ ATL WK 7 MIA WK 8 @ NE WK 10 @ GB WK 11 MIN WK 12 TB WK 13 @ DET WK 14 DAL WK 15 NO WK 16 DET WK 17 @ MIN SEASON TOTALS 

GRADE

75.2 88.6

ALSHON JEFFERY

BRANDON MARSHALL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 8 70 8 7 37 8 5 54 11 9 134 5 3 17 8 4 52 8 5 58 7 6 95 6 2 45 4 4 29 7 4 37 11 8 109 15 12 84 6 4 36 3 1 0 11 8 59 128 90 916

6 5 71 0 6 3 47 0 13 8 105 0 7 4 39 1 7 6 97 1 7 5 136 0 7 2 9 0 8 5 59 1 12 6 63 0 17 11 135 1 4 3 22 1 13 9 71 2 9 6 95 1 9 4 78 1 15 6 72 1 5 2 34 0 145 85 1133 10

12 8 71 1 8 5 48 3 6 1 6 0 6 2 19 1 5 3 44 0 9 6 113 0 10 6 48 0 10 3 35 0 10 8 112 1 10 7 90 2 5 3 32 0 11 6 42 0 4 3 61 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 106 61 721 8

1 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6

edge, from the five-technique or even patrol the middle with his size, length and leverage. Fellow newcomer Sam Acho is another strong-side guy whose experience, smarts and intensity are pluses. Opposite McPhee, a host of former 4-3 ends are transitioning to outside ‘backers – Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young and Davis Bass, among others. Houston has experience from Oakland standing up and, if he makes a full recovery from ACL surgery, has the strength to set the edge and ability to put a hand down and use his quickness as a rusher. Allen, 33, notched a career-low 5.5 sacks but defended the run passionately. Fangio must try and create opportunities for the NFL’s active sacks leader, though Allen’s lack of athleticism makes him a misfit. Young, Chicago’s best rusher before rupturing his Achilles in midDecember, has 35-inch arms and active hands to disengage. Mason Foster, 26, will patrol one inside spot, where he’ll be allowed to play rugged, attack downhill and battle blockers

B-

Ka’DEEM CAREY

ATT

RUSHING YDS

1 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 14 72 0 2 2 0 4 19 0 0 0 0 6 33 0 2 13 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 2 8 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 36 158 0

0 5 5 3 3 6 2 1 2 5 0 1 2 1 0 3 39

0 25 14 29 22 4 3 6 0 21 0 -1 9 20 0 39 191

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

MARQUESS WILSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR Short-term IR 4 2 11 3 1 10 2 0 0 5 2 19 5 3 16 10 7 66 3 2 18 32 17 140

LCB Kyle Fuller and FS Antrel Rolle are the headliners. Fuller was an instant impact rookie, replacing Charles Tillman in Week 2 with two late picks that showcased his instinctive playmaking and great ball skills, and spearheaded a dramatic upset. John Fox views Fuller as a building block, despite Fuller’s growing pains after his sensational first month. Rolle brings reliability, leadership and playmaking to the secondary. He’s more instinctive than rangy and will miss some tackles, but Rolle’s arrival could stabilize a perennial weakness and move physical SS Ryan Mundy closer to the line of scrimmage, where his coverage deficiencies are less exposed. Tim Jennings failed to register a single pick for the first time in his Bears tenure, and he could again be ticketed for a move

128 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

MATT FORTE

ATT

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

C+

JAY CUTLER TD

ATT

and ballcarriers. Christian Jones, a long, athletic marvel; fast and physical Jon Bostic, and disappointing Shea McClellin, now on his third position, will compete opposite Foster.

GRADE

GAME

MATT FORTE

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

DANTE ROSARIO

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 1 1 4 0 2 2 1 2 1 0 0 2 1 3 22

1 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 16

12 9 8 0 20 0 15 6 3 7 6 0 0 4 1 25 116

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 8 87 8 5 15 7 6 43 6 5 49 12 12 105 13 10 77 7 6 60 8 6 54 7 3 27 6 6 58 6 5 23 9 6 52 9 8 74 5 2 21 6 6 40 12 8 23 130 102 808

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4

JOSH MORGAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 0 4 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 4 1 2 2 19

1 9 Inactive 0 0 3 24 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 11 Inactive 0 0 0 0 1 8 0 0 2 2 1 13 10 70

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

inside, a plan that never materialized due to Tillman’s injury. Journeyman Alan Ball received starter’s money ($3 million) and has the length and strength to press, and the speed and fluidity to run with perimeter receivers. Sherrick McManis, Al Louis-Jean and Demontre Hurst could compete for the No. 4 CB role, while big, athletic rookie Adrian Amos figures to have a leg up on holdover Brock Vereen for the third safety spot.

SPECIAL TEAMS PK Robbie Gould endured his most difficult season, missing the final month (quad) and going 46 days between field goals. The most accurate kicker in Bears history has made a lot of clutch kicks, but Gould’s accuracy and range are waning. P Pat O’Donnell improved gradually throughout a solid rookie campaign. Coordinator Jeff Rodgers inherits terrible return units and could look to KR Marc Mariani, who provided a late 2014 spark, and steady PR Eddie Royal. McManis is one of the NFL’s best core special teamers.

GRADE

JAY CUTLER

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 13 WHITE* OLT 74 BUSHROD OLG 68 SLAUSON C 64 MONTGOMERY ORG 75 LONG ORT 67 MILLS TE 83 BENNETT WR 17 JEFFERY QB 6 CUTLER RB 22 FORTE WR 19 ROYAL

10 M. Wilson 72 Leno 70 Ola 55 Grasu* 62 Ducasse 78 Groy 73 Fabuluje* 70 Ola 87 Pascoe 88 Rosario 18 Lawrence 8 Clausen 12 Fales 36 Langford* 35 Rodgers 18 Bellamy 80 Mariani

DLT 71 MCDONALD NT 76 GOLDMAN* DRT 90 RATLIFF LOLB 92 McPHEE JACK 59 C. JONES MIKE 53 FOSTER ROLB 99 HOUSTON LCB 24 BALL RCB 23 FULLER SS 21 MUNDY FS 31 ROLLE

96 Jenkins 95 Ferguson 98 Dunn 95 Ferguson 93 Sutton 69 Allen 97 Young 57 Bostic 60 Lattimore 50 McClellin 45 J. Brown 94 Acho 91 Bass 26 Jennings 27 McManis 39 Louis-Jean 30 Hurst 38 Amos* 45 Vereen 46 Jefferson*

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 16 O’DONNELL PK 9 GOULD H 16 O’DONNELL PR 19 ROYAL 31 Rolle KR 35 RODGERS 80 Mariani LS 43 GAFFORD 60 Lovato * Rookie COACHING STAFF

John Fox, Head Coach; Jim Arthur, Strength and Conditioning Coach; Sean Desai, Defensive Quality Control; Ed Donatell, Defensive Backs; Stan Drayton, Running Backs; Vic Fangio, Defensive Coordinator; Sam Garnes, Assistant Defensive Backs; Adam Gase, Offensive Coordinator; Jason George, Strength and Conditioning; Mike Groh, Wide Receivers; Bo Hardegree, Offensive Assistant; Clint Hurtt, Outside Linebackers; Dowell Loggains, Quarterbacks; Dave Magazu, Offensive Line; Pierre Ngo, Strength and Conditioning Assistant; Rick Perry, Assistant Strength; Glenn Pires, Linebackers; Jay Rodgers, Defensive Line; Jeff Rodgers, Special Teams Coordinator; Frank Smith, Tight Ends; Derius Swinton, Assistant Special Teams; Ben Wilkerson, Assistant Offensive Line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR DT C RB S OT

West Virginia Florida State Oregon Michigan State Penn State TCU

7 39 71 106 142 183

1 2 3 4 5 6

Kevin White Eddie Goldman Hroniss Grasu Jeremy Langford Adrian Amos Tayo Fabuluje

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Jay Cutler awakens under Adam Gase and a talented supporting cast led by rookie of the year Kevin White. Vic Fangio instills the missing edge on defense, where Christian Jones and Pernell McPhee look like his next star LBs. John Fox coaxes another quick turnaround, with the Bears competing for a playoff spot and Ryan Pace locking up multiple free agents after “one-year prove it” deals.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Too many square pegs and round holes for the 3-4 transformation, while an invisible pass rush highlights a subpar secondary. An offense expecting to lean on Matt Forte finally sees its workhorse break down – which leads to Cutler finding rock bottom – resulting in Jimmy Clausen taking the reins and a full blown rebuild in 2016.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

49 Acho, Sam 69 Allen, Jared 38 Amos, Adrian 47 Anderson, Jonathan 84 Annen, Blake 24 Ball, Alan 91 Bass, David 11 Bellamy, Joshua 83 Bennett, Martellus 39 Black, Qumain 76 Boffeli, Conor 57 Bostic, Jonathan 44 Bronson, Malcolm 48 Brown, Jonathan 74 Bushrod, Jermon 37 Callahan, Bryce 15 Carden, Shane 25 Carey, Ka’Deem 82 Chiles, John 8 Clausen, Jimmy 6 Cutler, Jay Devlin, Pat 2 Detmer, Jeremiah 62 Ducasse, Vladimir 98 Dunn, Brandon 73 Fabuluje, Tayo 12 Fales, David 95 Ferguson, Ego 22 Forte, Matt 53 Foster, Mason 23 Fuller, Kyle 43 Gafford, Thomas 32 Glenn, Jacoby 76 Goldman, Eddie 9 Gould, Robbie 55 Grasu, Hroniss 79 Groy, Ryan 63 Hamilton, Chad 99 Houston, Lamarr 30 Hurst, Demontre 46 Jefferson, Anthony 65 Jefferson, Cameron 17 Jeffery, Alshon 96 Jenkins, Jarvis 26 Jennings, Tim 59 Jones, Christian 36 Langford, Jeremy 58 Lattimore, DeDe 18 Lawrence, Rashad 72 Leno, Charles 75 Long, Kyle 39 Louis-Jean, Al 60 Lovato, Rick 80 Mariani, Marc 85 Maxwell, Jacob 50 McClellin, Shea 71 McDonald, Ray 27 McManis, Sherrick 92 McPhee, Pernell 81 Meredith, Cameron 60 Merrell, Jamil 86 Miller, Zach 67 Mills, Jordan 20 Mitchell, Terrance 64 Montgomery, Will 21 Mundy, Ryan 14 Norwood, Levi 16 O’Donnell, Pat 70 Ola, Michael 48 Pantale, Chris 87 Pascoe, Bear 32 Perry, Senorise 72 Pierre, Olsen 90 Ratliff, Jeremiah 35 Rodgers, Jacquizz 31 Rolle, Antrel 88 Rosario, Dante 19 Royal, Eddie 68 Slauson, Matt 93 Sutton, Will 63 Timu, John 45 Vereen, Brock 47 Vogler, Brian 94 Washington, Cornelius 78 Weaver, Jason 13 White, Kevin Williams, Terry 10 Wilson, Marquess Woestmann, Kyle 97 Young, Willie

LB DE FS LB TE CB DE WR TE CB OG LB S LB OT CB QB RB WR QB QB QB K OG DT OT QB DT RB LB CB LS CB DT K C OG OG DE CB S OT WR DE CB LB RB LB WR OT OG CB LS WR/KR TE LB DE CB LB WR DE TE OT CB C S WR P OT TE TE RB DT DT RB S TE WR OG DT LB S TE DE OT WR DT WR LB DE

6-3 6-6 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-1 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-5 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-3 5-8 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-6 6-3 6-4 5-8 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-5 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-4 5-6 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-7 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-4

257 26 270 33 218 22 227 23 247 23 197 30 256 24 206 25 265 28 190 22 304 23 246 24 192 24 230 22 315 30 185 23 218 23 207 22 210 26 210 27 220 32 220 27 180 22 325 27 300 22 353 23 228 24 309 23 218 29 241 26 194 23 250 32 179 21 336 21 185 33 297 23 320 24 292 23 300 27 183 24 198 23 307 23 216 25 315 27 185 31 240 24 208 23 237 24 190 22 302 23 311 26 187 21 233 22 187 28 240 24 245 25 290 30 193 27 280 26 200 22 252 25 236 30 316 24 195 22 304 32 209 30 200 22 220 24 312 27 254 25 265 29 187 23 300 303 33 196 25 206 32 242 30 185 28 315 29 315 23 246 22 199 22 263 23 265 25 305 26 215 21 322 23 184 22 250 23 251 29

5 12 R R 2 8 3 1 8 R 1 3 1 1 9 R R 2 1 6 10 4 R 6 1 R 1 2 8 5 2 8 R R 11 R 2 R 6 2 R R 4 5 10 2 R 2 1 2 3 2 R 6 1 4 8 6 5 R 1 6 3 2 10 7 R 2 2 1 7 2 R 11 5 11 9 8 7 2 R 2 R 3 1 R R 3 R 6

Texas Idaho State Penn State Texas Christian Cincinnati Illinois Missouri Western State Louisville Texas A&M East Central Iowa Florida McNeese State Illinois Towson Rice East Carolina Arizona Texas Notre Dame Vanderbilt Delaware Toledo Massachusetts Louisville Texas Christian San Jose State LSU Tulane Washington Virginia Tech Houston Central Florida Florida State Penn State Oregon Wisconsin Coastal Carolina Texas Oklahoma UCLA Arkansas South Carolina Clemson Georgia Florida State Michigan State South Florida Northwestern Boise State Oregon Boston College Old Dominion Montana Louisiana-Lafayette Boise State Florida Northwestern Mississippi State Illinois State Rutgers Nebraska-Omaha Louisiana Tech Oregon Virginia Tech West Virginia Baylor Miami (Fla.) Hampton Boston College Fresno State Louisville Miami (Fla.) Auburn Oregon State Miami (Fla.) Oregon Virginia Tech Nebraska Arizona State Washington Minnesota Alabama Georgia Southern Mississippi West Virginia East Carolina Washington State Vanderbilt North Carolina State

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1 Falcons ATLANTA

TEAM PROFILE 2014 RECORD 6-10 OWNER AND CHAIRMAN Arthur Blank GENERAL MANAGER Thomas Dimitroff HEAD COACH Dan Quinn OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Kyle Shanahan DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Richard Smith STADIUM Georgia Dome CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 71,250 | FieldTurf By

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE

Kyle Shanahan comes over from Cleveland to try to take advantage of a dominant passing game that for the past two years hasn’t produced victories in a passing league. Following a fourth straight top-10 finish in passing yards, the trio of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White are not the problem. The Falcons tried to change a running game that finished No. 24 last year by doing away with Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers and spending their first offensive draft pick on Indiana’s Tevin Coleman.

GRADE

 QUARTERBACKS Last year was a typical year for Ryan, a three-time Pro Bowler now in his eighth season. He threw twice as many touchdowns as interceptions and recorded a 93.9 rating, the second highest of his career. Ryan is who he is at this point, which is a terrific intermediate pocket passer whose

B+

weak point is a heavy rush. His backup will again be T.J. Yates, a much lesser version of Ryan who happens to have as many playoff wins. Third-year thirdstringer Sean Renfree has yet to take an NFL snap. He has a history of shoulder injuries but is said to possess all the smarts for the position.

 RUNNING BACKS One of the new regime’s many rosterclearing moves was releasing Steven Jackson, who is now 32. One of his top backups, the sleek Jacquizz Rodgers, is also gone, now in Chicago. Five-foot-8, 206-pound Devonta Freeman offers little size but packs a punch on inside runs. The team spent its third-round pick on Indiana’s Tevin Coleman, another small back at 5-11 and 206 pounds but one with much more home run ability and good hands. The Falcons also re-signed Antone Smith, who is only 192 pounds but brings all the burst in the world, as he showcases on special teams. He’ll look to bounce back from a broken leg. Patrick DiMarco is a serviceable fullback who can add a few receptions.

C+

 RECEIVERS The receiver position has remained Atlanta’s calling card for a few years now, and it will be exactly that again this year. Sideline nightmare Julio Jones bounced back from an injuryriddled 2013 with a franchise-record 1,593 yards in 15 games. He’s taken the reins for No. 1 receiver away from fourtime Pro Bowler Roddy White. At 33, White is not the big-time player he was a few years ago but is still a contributing target who can take advantage of lesser coverage opposite Jones, although he will drop his share of passes. Backups Harry Douglas and Devin Hester posted almost identical numbers last season – both between 500 to 600 yards with two touchdowns – but Hester is the one this regime held onto, and everyone knows his main value is still as a return man. The Falcons signed former Washington receiver Leonard Hankerson, who is 6-2 and fast. He was Washington’s No. 2 wide

130 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

receiver – but he just cannot stay healthy, having ended two straight seasons by injury. Depth competition will be open to special teams star Eric Weems and fourth-round pick Justin Hardy. Likely frustrated by the middling production of the more blocking-oriented Levine Toilolo, the Falcons signed two tight ends this offseason in Tony Moeaki from the Seahawks and Jacob Tamme from the Broncos. The job is likely Moeaki’s to lose, as he offers a beautiful blend of blocking and receiving talent, but he’s become one of the least durable players in the league, playing all of seven games the past two seasons. Tamme will have to adjust to playing without Peyton Manning, his quarterback for six of seven seasons, but he’ll likely get plenty of chances with Moeaki’s durability issues and Shanahan’s love for utilizing multiple tight ends in the passing game.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

OG Justin Blalock, WR Harry Douglas, RB Steven Jackson, S Dwight Lowery, DE Jonathan Massaquoi, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, DE Osi Umenyiora, ILB Sean Weatherspoon.

A-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Atlanta offensive line took some nice strides last season, when it finished as Pro Football Focus’ eighth-best unit for the pass and 19th for the run. Positive PFF grades went to mean-streaking right tackle Ryan Schraeder, former Chief and right guard Jon Asamoah and now-released left guard Justin Blalock. Blalock’s spot is currently slated for twoyear backup Harland Gunn, a former starter with the Dolphins. Center also will see a change from James Stone, PFF’s No. 34 center (keeping in mind there are only 32 teams), to Joe Hawley, a real edgy player working his way back from a season-ending knee injury. To take any kind of next step as a line, however, the Falcons need much better play out of left tackle Jake Matthews, last year’s No. 6 overall pick who was undersized and bullied into being PFF’s 84th and worst-rated tackle in the entire league. Top backups will include tough center and former starter Peter Konz, athletically limited right tackle Lamar Holmes, a former starting left tackle in

GRADE

8-8

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

DE Adrian Clayborn, OLB Justin Durant, WR Leonard Hankerson, DE Tyson Jackson, TE Tony Moeaki, OLB Brooks Reed, DE-OLB O’Brien Schofield, OG Jared Smith, TE Jacob Tamme.

GRADE

PREDICTION

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Julio Jones

Desmond Trufant

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Tevin Coleman DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Vic Beasley POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RB: Tevin Coleman vs. Devonta Freeman

2015 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants at Dallas Houston Washington at New Orleans at Tennessee Tampa Bay at San Francisco BYE Indianapolis Minnesota at Tampa Bay at Carolina at Jacksonville Carolina New Orleans

DATE

To start the rebuilding process for the NFL’s worst defense in 2014, Dan Quinn hired Richard Smith as coordinator after four seasons as Denver’s linebackers coach. Atlanta then sent away longtime Falcon Sean Witherspoon and some other starters in exchange for rookies such as end Vic Beasley and corner Jalen Collins, veterans such as ends Adrian Clayborn and Tyson Jackson, and linebackers Brooks Reed and Justin Durant. They’ll look to improve a unit that finished dead last against the pass and 21st against the run.

A year after finishing 30th in sacks, the Atlanta D-line needed this major overhaul. The Falcons spent the No. 8 pick on arguably the draft’s top pure pass rusher, Beasley, who will spend time adding weight to his 246-pound frame to become a better run defender. He might fit well trading off with former No. 3 overall pick Tyson Jackson, most recently a run-stuffing five-technique in Kansas City. The Falcons also will look for solid line play from Adrian Clayborn, a former first-round pick who was signed from Tampa Bay. Clayborn has shown versatility but has missed 28 games over the past three seasons. Inside, Paul Soliai returns after his first year in Atlanta featured mostly tough run play and

GRADE

DEFENSE

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

C+

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

Julio Jones Sam Baker, who is fresh off knee surgery, and fast guard Jared Smith, whom the Falcons signed away from the Seahawks this offseason and who played defensive tackle at New Hampshire.

TIME

7:10 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m.

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 New Orleans *W 37-34 Sept. 14 at Cincinnati L 10-24 Sept. 18 Tampa Bay W 56-14 Sept. 28 at Minnesota L 28-41 Oct. 5 at N.Y. Giants L 20-30 Oct. 12 Chicago L 13-27 Oct. 19 at Baltimore L 7-29 Oct. 26 Detroit L 21-22 Nov. 9 at Tampa Bay W 27-17 Nov. 16 at Carolina W 19-17 Nov. 23 Cleveland L 24-26 Nov. 30 Arizona W 29-18 Dec. 8 at Green Bay L 37-43 Dec. 14 Pittsburgh L 20-27 Dec. 21 at New Orleans W 30-14 Dec. 28 Carolina L 3-34 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS GAME

OPP

WK 1 NO WK 2 @ CIN WK 3 TB WK 4 @ MIN WK 5 @ NYG WK 6 CHI WK 7 @ BAL WK 8 DET WK 10 @ TB WK 11 @ CAR WK 12 CLE WK 13 AZ WK 14 @ GB WK 15 PIT WK 16 @ NO WK 17 CAR SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

43 44 24 41 45 37 44 27 31 45 43 41 39 37 40 47 628

31 24 21 25 29 19 29 20 20 31 27 30 24 26 30 29 415

448 231 286 298 316 271 228 228 219 268 273 361 375 310 322 260 4694

RODDY WHITE

GAME

OPP

WK 1 NO WK 2 @ CIN WK 3 TB WK 4 @ MIN WK 5 @ NYG WK 6 CHI WK 7 @ BAL WK 8 DET WK 10 @ TB WK 11 @ CAR WK 12 CLE WK 13 AZ WK 14 @ GB WK 15 PIT WK 16 @ NO WK 17 CAR SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 9 14 4 6 15 6 6 12 10 5 10 9 12 125

5 72 5 42 Inactive 4 73 2 26 3 40 9 100 5 66 6 72 8 75 9 96 Inactive 3 42 7 58 6 55 8 104 80 921

1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 7

3 1 3 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 4 2 1 0 28

STEVEN JACKSON

INT

RTG

0 3 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 2 14

128.8 48.6 155.9 87.2 83.2 73.1 86.2 108.3 96.0 91.7 86.7 105.8 116.9 102.3 106.5 58.8 93.9

HARRY DOUGLAS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 8 2

5 2 4 4 12 3 14 7 6 74

6 69 4 38 2 14 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 3 42 0 0 4 46 2 14 9 116 2 11 10 131 4 47 5 28 51 556

0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

DEVONTA FREEMAN

12 11 14 13 13 6 8 18 16 17 13 18 16 11 4

52 46 54 49 37 25 22 60 81 41 34 101 50 46 9 Inactive 190 707

0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 6

DEVIN HESTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 5 99 1 1 2 1 1 25 7 5 70 4 2 16 1 1 23 5 3 28 0 0 0 4 1 5 3 3 34 6 4 50 4 1 10 2 0 0 6 5 85 3 2 25 6 4 32 59 38 504

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

2 0 11 2 4 2 2 3 3 6 5 8 2 4 5 6 65

15 0 12 8 38 5 20 5 16 28 7 26 -2 21 36 13 248

6 3 3 2 2 6 5 2 0 4 3 6 3 2 4 3 54

3 19 2 13 2 25 1 12 0 0 3 34 2 20 2 26 0 0 2 23 2 17 4 15 1 -1 1 4 4 17 2 14 31 238

 LINEBACKERS

Hidden in last year’s awful pass defense was some rather impressive play from second-year corner Desmond Trufant. Trufant was the No. 6 corner in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, although he had his struggles late against toplevel receivers such as Josh Gordon and Kelvin Benjamin. Then again, with the Falcons’ nonexistent pass rush, what young player wouldn’t? Atlanta will try to help Trufant this year by playing him opposite second-round rookie Jalen Collins, an athletic and physical specimen who needs to add some strength to tackle in the NFL. Over the top will be seventh-year Falcon William Moore, an enforcer limited in

GRADE

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

B-

132 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

games the past two seasons. In O’Brien Schofield, Quinn has one of his Seattle guys as well as a strong special teamer and backup pass rusher who could play defensive end or outside ’backer. Prince Shembo, a fourth-round rookie last year, is serviceable but not flashy and can back up multiple positions. Joplo Bartu is a run-down backup and nothing more.

B-

LEVINE TOILOLO

limited athleticism. The last starting spot looks to be between Jon Babineaux and Ra’Shede Hageman. Babineaux, 33, has started since 2007 and is a balanced player who finished last year with a positive grade from Pro Football Focus. Hageman is massive at 6-foot-6 and 318 pounds, but last year’s second-round pick was slow and he has yet to make much of a contribution. Stats can be deceiving, as the Falcons often prove. For example, Paul Worrilow finished fifth in the NFL with 142 tackles last season but received the second-worst inside linebacker grade from Pro Football Focus. He took his biggest hit from his coverage, though, and is more capable as a run defender. The Falcons signed Brooks Reed away from the Texans, and the runstopping fifth-year player will start on the strong side. Atlanta filled its other starting opening with Justin Durant, the former Cowboys starter who can play all three linebacker positions when healthy, which is rare any more; he’s missed 16

JACQUIZZ RODGERS

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 5 5 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 4 3 2 11 9 58

34 23 6 2 10 7 9 2 1 4 16 7 20 3 29 44 217

JULIO JONES

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

DEVONTA FREEMAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 2 18 3 2 22 1 1 7 2 2 12 6 5 44 3 2 26 5 5 17 1 1 7 1 1 -2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 4 2 2 10 2 1 9 4 3 48 3 2 3 37 30 225

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 13 11 8 16 12 8 6 11 11 13 12 17

7 116 7 88 9 161 6 82 11 105 4 68 5 56 4 58 8 119 6 59 5 68 10 189 11 259 Inactive 8 7 107 8 4 58 163 104 1593

0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 6

ANTONE SMITH

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 54 4 2 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 83 4 4 64 2 2 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 15 13 222

1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

coverage whose season ended last year with a broken wrist. The free safety spot should belong for a second year to Kemal Ishmael, a former second-round pick who like Moore struggles in coverage. Secondyear player Dezmen Southward appeared in the team’s minicamp as a cornerback and could wind up providing depth either there or at safety with his blend of 4.38 speed and 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Longtime kicker Matt Bryant signed an extension in the offseason reflective of a season in which he nailed 29 of 32 field goals and led the league with seven kicks of 50 yards or longer. Matt Bosher was just about league average at punting, finishing 15th among full-timers. He also handles the kickoffs. Devin Hester easily led the NFL in total kick return yards, which says more about Atlanta’s defense at this point in his career than anything else because his average was only 25.1 yards. The 32-year-old still handles punt returns well, leading all full-time return men last year with a 13.3 average.

GRADE

MATT RYAN

PASSING YDS TD

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 11 JONES OLT 70 J. MATTHEWS OLG 69 GUNN C 61 HAWLEY ORG 75 ASAMOAH ORT 73 SCHRAEDER TE 81 MOEAKI WR 84 WHITE QB 2 RYAN RB 24 FREEMAN FB 42 DiMARCO

17 Hester 16 Hardy* 72 Baker 74 Lefeld* 68 Person 67 Replogle 66 Konz 62 Stone 64 Smith 76 Holmes 65 Rodgers* 83 Tamme 80 Toilolo 85 Hankerson 14 Weems 13 Yates 12 Renfree 26 Coleman* 35 Smith 39 Mooney

DE 94 JACKSON DT 95 BABINEAUX DT 96 SOLIAI DE 44 BEASLEY* OLB 56 REED ILB 55 WORRILOW OLB 52 DURANT LCB 21 TRUFANT RCB 32 COLLINS* SS 25 MOORE FS 36 ISHMAEL

90 Maponga 77 Hageman 93 Goodman 99 Clayborn 50 Schofield 53 Bradford 51 Bartu 41 Southward 23 Alford 29 Baker 30 Godfrey

DEFENSE

96 Schofield 97 Jarrett* 92 Havili-Heimuli 98 C. Matthews 71 Biermann 52 Stupar 51 Spruill 27 White* 43 Floyd 28 King* 37 Allen

SPECIALISTS

P 5 BOSHER PK 3 BRYANT H 5 BOSHER PR 17 HESTER KR 17 HESTER LS 47 HARRIS * Rookie COACHING STAFF Dan Quinn, Head Coach; Keith Armstrong, Special Teams Coordinator; Keith Carter, Assistant Offensive Line; Bryan Cox, Defensive Line Coach; Wade Harman, Tight Ends; Matt LaFleur, Quarterbacks; Mike LaFleur, Offensive Assistant; Doug Mallory, Def. Assistant/ Linebackers; Marquand Manuel, Secondary/Senior Def. Assistant; Mike McDaniel, Offensive Assistant; Chris Morgan, Offensive Line; Raheem Morris, Asst. Head Coach/Def. Passing Game Coord.; Terry Robiskie, Wide Receivers; Rich Scangarello, Offensive Intern; Lance Schulters, Special Teams Intern; Kyle Shanahan, Offensive Coordinator; Richard Smith, Defensive Coordinator; Eric Sutulovich, Assistant Special Teams; Bobby Turner, Running Backs; Jeff Ulbrich, Linebackers Coach; Chad Walker, Def. Assistant/Defensive.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OLB CB RB WR DT OT S

Clemson LSU Indiana East Carolina Clemson Eastern Washington San Jose State

8 42 73 107 137 225 249

1 2 3 4 5 7 7

Vic Beasley Jalen Collins Tevin Coleman Justin Hardy Grady Jarrett Jake Rodgers Akeem King

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Dan Quinn earned this job with the way he was able to place unheralded players into perfect positions on Seattle’s defense, so maybe all the change on defense can be a good thing for Atlanta. The pass rush should be much better, which also will help on the back end. The passing game is already great, and Kyle Shanahan is one of the best at establishing balance. Atlanta should rebound in the NFL’s worst division.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Rebuilding just takes time. Atlanta’s defense is starting too many young or middling players to expect a great unit right away, even with Quinn’s track record. If Roddy White declines some more with age and a tight end doesn’t emerge, defenses might be able to key in on Julio Jones, which could present some real problems given the Falcons’ all-around struggle to run the ball. Another top-10 draft pick is a faint possibility.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

20 Adams, Phillip 49 Akunne, Derek 23 Alford, Robert 37 Allen, Ricardo 75 Asamoah, Jon 95 Babineaux, Jonathan 72 Baker, Sam 29 Baker, Sean 59 Bartu, Joplo 44 Beasley Jr., Vic 71 Biermann, Kroy 5 Bosher, Matt 53 Bradford, Allen 3 Bryant, Matt 87 Clark, Marquez 99 Clayborn, Adrian 79 Clay, Cody 26 Coleman, Tevin 32 Collins, Jalen 42 DiMarco, Patrick 52 Durant, Justin 43 Floyd, Terell 24 Freeman, Devonta 86 Gardner, Beau 30 Godfrey, Charles 93 Goodman, Malliciah 69 Gunn, Harland 77 Hageman, Ra’Shede 85 Hankerson, Leonard 16 Hardy, Justin 47 Harris, Josh 92 Havili-Heimuli, Ricky 61 Hawley, Joe 65 Herring, Warren 17 Hester, Devin 76 Holmes, Lamar 77 Huffer, Matt 36 Ishmael, Kemal 94 Jackson, Tyson 97 Jarrett, Grady 11 Jones, Julio 28 King, Akeem 66 Konz, Peter 38 Lee, Michael 74 Lefeld, Eric 46 Malone Jr., Derrick 90 Maponga, Stansly 18 Martino, Freddie 98 Matthews, Cliff 70 Matthews, Jake 74 Mbu, Joey 34 Mincy, Jonathon 81 Moeaki, Tony 39 Mooney, Collin 25 Moore, William 45 Parms, Damian 68 Person, Mike 56 Reed, Brooks 89 Reedy, Bernard 12 Renfree, Sean 67 Replogle, Adam 65 Rodgers, Jake 2 Ryan, Matt 50 Schofield, O’Brien 73 Schraeder, Ryan 91 Shembo, Prince 82 Shuler, Mickey 35 Smith, Antone 64 Smith, Jared 34 Smith, Jerome 96 Soliai, Paul 22 Southward, Dezmen 51 Spruill, Marquis 41 Starr, Tyler 62 Stone, James 54 Stupar, Nate 83 Tamme, Jacob 48 Therezie, Robenson 80 Toilolo, Levine 21 Trufant, Desmond 63 Ume-Ezeoke, Valerian 33 Ward, Terron 14 Weems, Eric 27 White, Kevin 84 White, Roddy 15 Williams, Nick 55 Worrilow, Paul 7 Wynn, Shane 13 Yates, T.J.

CB LB CB CB G DT OT S LB OLB OLB P LB K WR DE OT RB CB FB OLB S RB TE S DE OG DE WR WR LS NT C DT WR OT OT S DE DT WR S C CB OG LB OLB WR DE OT NT DB TE FB S S OG OLB WR QB OG OT QB OLB OT OLB TE RB OL RB DT CB LB LB C LB TE S TE CB C RB WR CB WR WR LB WR QB

5-11 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-11 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-8 6-4 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-6 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-4 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-3 5-9 6-5 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-7 6-2 6-4 5-9 6-4 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-3 5-9 6-8 6-0 6-3 5-7 5-9 5-10 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-7 6-4

195 26 242 21 186 26 186 23 305 26 300 33 301 29 209 26 230 25 235 22 255 29 208 27 235 26 203 39 190 23 280 26 305 24 210 22 203 22 234 26 230 29 203 22 206 23 240 25 210 29 276 25 310 25 318 24 211 26 192 23 224 26 314 23 302 26 294 23 190 32 333 25 300 23 206 24 296 28 290 22 220 26 212 22 317 25 185 23 310 23 220 22 265 24 195 23 268 25 305 23 313 22 196 22 252 27 238 29 221 29 210 22 299 26 254 28 175 23 225 25 294 24 320 23 220 29 260 28 300 27 254 23 247 28 192 29 302 25 226 24 345 31 210 23 224 23 250 24 291 23 240 27 230 30 212 23 265 23 190 24 295 22 201 23 195 29 174 211 33 184 24 232 25 167 22 217 27

6 R 3 2 5 11 8 2 3 R 8 5 4 14 R 5 R R R 4 9 R 2 R 8 3 3 2 5 R 4 1 6 R 10 4 R 3 7 R 5 R 4 R R R 3 1 5 2 R R 6 2 6 R 5 5 1 3 2 R 8 6 3 2 4 6 1 1 9 2 2 2 1 3 8 R 3 3 R R 9 R 11 2 3 R 5

South Carolina State North Texas Southeastern Louisiana Purdue Illinois Iowa USC Ball State Texas State Clemson Montana Miami (Fla.) USC Baylor Central Oklahoma Iowa Azusa Pacific Indiana LSU South Carolina Hampton Louisville Florida State Northern Arizona Iowa Clemson Miami Minnesota Miami (Fla.) East Carolina Auburn Oregon Nevada-Las Vegas Wisconsin Miami (Fla.) Southern Miss South Dakota Central Florida LSU Clemson Alabama San Jose State Wisconsin Fort Valley State Cincinnati Oregon TCU North Greenville South Carolina Texas A&M Houston Auburn Iowa Army Missouri Florida Atlantic Montana State Arizona Toledo Duke Indiana Eastern Washington Boston College Wisconsin Valdosta State Notre Dame Penn State Florida State New Hampshire Syracuse Utah Wisconsin Syracuse South Dakota Tennessee Penn State Kentucky Auburn Stanford Washington New Mexico State Oregon State Bethune-Cookman TCU Alabama-Birmingham Connecticut Delaware Indiana North Carolina

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2 Saints NEW ORLEANS

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES TE Jimmy Graham, OG Ben Grubbs, WR Kenny Stills, RB Pierre Thomas, DT Tyrunn Walker.

2ND PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

OWNER/CHAIRMAN Tom Benson EXEC.VP & GENERAL MANAGER Mickey Loomis HEAD COACH Sean Payton OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Pete Carmichael DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Rob Ryan STADIUM Mercedes-Benz Superdome CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 72,003 | Momentum Turf

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE Change is coming to the New Orleans offense. No, Sean Payton and Drew Brees haven’t gone anywhere, but the mindset is changing. They say they want to run the ball to take the pressure off 36-yearold Brees and the passing game, and their offseason moves reflect that. Threetime Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham netted them a starting center in Max Unger and a first-round pick from Seattle. They spent their other first-rounder on offensive tackle Andrus Peat. And they signed C.J. Spiller, creating a suddenly loaded backfield. Their hope will be that the offense can still lead the league but with a little better balance than the thirdbest passing game and a running game ranked No. 13.

 QUARTERBACKS Drew Brees finished tied for first in the NFL in passing yards, second in completion percentage and tied for fifth

GRADE

2014 RECORD 7-9

in touchdown passes, and yet the feeling seems to be that his decline could be on its way. (Hence why the Saints spent their third-round pick on Colorado State’s Garrett Grayson, a developmental project.) The 36-year-old Brees was wildly inconsistent last season, and now he’ll have to get used to a more ball-control game. Luke McCown will return to the backup job for the third straight season, although the career secondstringer has only attempted one pass in that time frame.

 RUNNING BACKS The Saints swear they are going to run the ball, and they’ll have one of the better 1-2 punches in the NFL to do it. Twentyfive-year-old workhorse Mark Ingram made his first Pro Bowl last season after falling just short of 1,000 yards in 13 games. He’ll better fit the ground-andpound type of game the Saints would like to move toward, and free-agent signing C.J. Spiller will be a strong complement. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Spiller is lightning fast and has good hands out of the backfield. The 27-year-old will look to return to the form he was in three years ago, when he combined for more than 1,700 all-purpose yards with the Bills. Khiry Robinson should still find work even after the bump to third string. The 220-pounder will only be asked to churn out the tough yards now. What they’ll really need is better play out of Erik Lorig, who has some pass-catching ability but finished as the worst of 23 fullbacks rated by Pro Football Focus last season.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

 RECEIVERS No position group better showcases the Saints’ shift in offensive philosophy than receiver. The Graham trade shows the faith they have in 24-year-old Josh Hill, an athletic 6-foot-5 tight end who had five of his 14 catches go for touchdowns last year. Kenny Stills led the team with 931 receiving yards, but

134 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

the tight-cap Saints let the deep threat walk to Miami. They’re clearly ready to put their faith in Brandin Cooks to be the new No. 1. He’s not the biggest guy at 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, and he only averaged 10.4 yards per catch before his rookie season ended 10 games in with a thumb injury, but he’s still only 22 and has great hands. At No. 2, they’ll continue to rely on the consistent, chainmoving Marques Colston, who has never made a Pro Bowl but has at least 900 yards in eight of his nine seasons. The departures should mean larger roles for 6-foot-4 Nick Toon and athletic-but-troubled Joe Morgan. Veteran tight end Ben Watson is a great leader who can block and catch the ball.

GRADE

7-9

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Brandon Browner, OLB Dannell Ellerbe, OLB Anthony Spencer, RB C.J. Spiller, C Max Unger, CB Kyle Wilson.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Part of the Saints’ plan to help Brees out involved spending their first-round pick on Stanford tackle Andrus Peat, who should develop into a blindside protector but might have a tough time playing tackle early on. Terron Armstead (left) and Zach Strief (right) keep churning, both tackles having received positive grades from Pro Football Focus last season. The immediate turnover will take place on the inside, where center Max Unger comes over after being a part of the trade with Seattle. Unger was PFF’s fourthbest center and a devastating run blocker but only played six games due to knee and ankle injuries. Jahri Evans, now 31, is back at right guard after a season that felt like a step back, but he’ll play with a new left guard after Ben Grubbs signed with the Chiefs. That spot looks wide open right now, with competitors including 25-yearold, 300-pound, inexperienced grinders like Senio Kelemete and Mike Golic. It’s possible Strief could experiment with a move to guard to open the door for Peat.

GRADE

PREDICTION

B-

DEFENSE A year after finishing No. 4 in defense, the Saints returned their core, added Pro

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Drew Brees

Akiem Hicks

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Josh Hill DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Stephone Anthony POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OG: Senio Kelemete vs. Mike Golic

2015 SCHEDULE

Drew Brees

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN New Orleans’ mass decline on defense last season started as most things in football do: up front. Five-techniques Akiem Hicks and Cameron Jordan were nowhere near as effective as the two-way players they were the year before, when the Saints finished 26 spots higher in total defense. They went from a combined 17 sacks in 2013 to 9.5

in 2014, and that created a ripple effect everywhere. Both will turn 26 this year and are athletic, long players, so bounce backs are likely – especially for Jordan, who is hoping to land a bigger contract. Nose tackle Brodrick Bunkley is the veteran starter at 31, and he comes with some durability issues after missing nine games the past two seasons. His backup, 25-yearold John Jenkins, tops out at 359 pounds but is coming off a season-ending abdomen injury. The first backup option at end is Glenn Foster, a formerly undrafted player who has scrapped his way to playing time despite a “tweener” frame of 6 feet 4 and 285 pounds.

GRADE

Bowl safety Jairus Byrd and finished No. 30 last season. What happened? Byrd flopped and got injured, the young defensive line regressed and the secondary reverted back to some of its bad ways. This unit is similar in personnel, so the exuberant, blitzhappy Rob Ryan will have to hope the players perform better than the ones that finished 25th against the pass and 29th against the run.

 LINEBACKERS The regression of the D-line exposed this group to be thin and out of sorts.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 21 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Arizona Tampa Bay at Carolina Dallas at Philadelphia Atlanta at Indianapolis N.Y. Giants Tennessee at Washington BYE at Houston Carolina at Tampa Bay Detroit Jacksonville at Atlanta

TIME

4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Atlanta *L 34-37 Sept. 14 at Cleveland L 24-26 Sept. 21 Minnesota W 20-9 Sept. 28 at Dallas L 17-38 Oct. 5 Tampa Bay *W 37-31 Oct. 19 at Detroit L 23-24 Oct. 26 Green Bay W 44-23 Oct. 30 at Carolina W 28-10 Nov. 9 San Francisco *L 24-27 Nov. 16 Cincinnati L 10-27 Nov. 24 Baltimore L 27-34 Nov. 30 at Pittsburgh W 35-32 Dec. 7 Carolina L 10-41 Dec. 15 at Chicago W 31-15 Dec. 21 Atlanta L 14-30 Dec. 28 at Tampa Bay W 23-20 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ ATL WK 2 @ CLE WK 3 MIN WK 4 @ DAL WK 5 TB WK 7 @ DET WK 8 GB WK 9 @ CAR WK 10 SF WK 11 CIN WK 12 BAL WK 13 @ PIT WK 14 CAR WK 15 @ CHI WK 16 ATL WK 17 @ TB SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

42 40 35 44 57 45 32 34 47 41 45 27 49 36 47 38 659

CMP

29 27 27 32 35 28 27 24 28 33 35 19 29 29 30 24 456

333 237 293 340 371 342 311 297 292 255 420 257 235 375 313 281 4952

KENNY STILLS

GAME

OPP

WK 1 @ ATL WK 2 @ CLE WK 3 MIN WK 4 @ DAL WK 5 TB WK 7 @ DET WK 8 GB WK 9 @ CAR WK 10 SF WK 11 CIN WK 12 BAL WK 13 @ PIT WK 14 CAR WK 15 @ CHI WK 16 ATL WK 17 @ TB SEASON TOTALS 

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Inactive 4 3 25 5 4 38 3 2 62 3 1 16 5 5 103 4 4 57 8 5 72 6 3 26 4 4 32 9 8 98 6 5 162 4 3 23 7 5 67 8 6 68 7 5 82 83 63 931

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3

1 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 3 1 3 5 1 3 1 1 33

GRADE

RTG

1 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 17

90.7 89.3 120.3 100.6 70.1 91.2 138.4 94.9 81.2 100.7 118.5 140.0 69.7 137.8 72.4 61.4 97.0

MARQUES COLSTON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 110 0 0 0 5 2 25 11 5 50 6 3 63 10 6 111 5 4 49 3 3 36 4 2 36 8 4 56 4 4 82 5 3 16 7 5 72 7 5 65 10 6 80 7 2 51 100 59 902

The Saints spent their second and third picks on the position, both top 44 selections. The first went to Clemson inside linebacker Stephone Anthony, a Combine standout who packs a punch at 243 pounds and should be an immediate starter. The second went to high-motor Washington outside ‘backer Hau’oli Kikaha, who might start as the thirddown sub to run-diagnosing veteran Parys Haralson. On the opposite side, the Saints have a full-time starter in 27-year-old Junior Galette, who isn’t particularly fast but has a great first step and 22 sacks over the past two seasons. David Hawthorne moved from the weak side to the inside, where the tackle generator shouldn’t feel quite so limited. The Saints traded for longtime Miami and Baltimore starting inside ’backer Dannell Ellerbe, who is 31, coming off hip surgery and probably more of a veteran locker room presence than anything else. Fifth-round rookie Davis Tull will challenge second-year OLB Ronald Powell for backup pass-rushing

C+

INT

0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 5

RUSHING ATT YDS

13 11

10 24 30 27 23 11 23 10 17 13 14 226

KHIRY ROBINSON

60 83 Inactive Inactive Inactive 16 172 100 120 67 27 122 43 59 38 57 964

2 1

0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 9

BRANDIN COOKS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 7 77 6 3 17 10 8 74 6 5 31 11 9 56 3 2 23 7 6 94 3 3 38 8 5 90 7 5 50 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 69 53 550

1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 8 18 8 21 3

0 3 2 7 76

28 31 69 87 89 26 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 10 7 15 362

7 3 3 2 10 4

6 58 3 16 3 21 2 15 8 77 4 17 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 8 6 37 4 2 16 6 4 14 5 5 83 3 2 24 Not on Team 55 45 378

The Saints thought they were starting to solve their longtime secondary issues when they signed Pro Bowl free safety Jairus Byrd away from Buffalo last offseason, but the playmaker lasted four games before needing meniscus surgery. Losing on that signing is proving to be a killer for an organization that has absolutely busted with starting free safety Kenny Vaccaro, the No. 15 pick in the 2013 draft who was equally bad in run support and coverage last year, to the point where he finished No. 85 out of 87 in Pro Football Focus’ safety rankings. The best defensive back on the team last year, corner Patrick Robinson, left for the Chargers in free agency, leaving easy target Keenan Lewis as the team’s No. 1. The Saints did sign Brandon Browner, who struggled with coverage as well as penalties last year with the Patriots. They spent a third-round pick on Florida State’s P.J. Williams, who comes in with a few

136 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

1 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 1 3

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

C-

PIERRE THOMAS

duty on the outside.

GRADE

GAME

MARK INGRAM

0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

7 3 8 2 4 6

31 16 30 8 35 13 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 5 19 3 21 5 38 2 11 0 0 Not on Team 45 222

JIMMY GRAHAM

0 0 1 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 2

TRAVARIS CADET

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 0 0 6 5 9 5 5 5 5 2 2 2 0

1 5 0 0 0 0 6 59 3 19 6 51 4 40 3 29 3 18 4 31 2 11 2 11 2 13 0 0 Inactive 4 2 9 51 38 296

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

10 8 82 0 13 10 118 2 8 6 54 0 11 8 86 1 5 2 36 0 2 0 0 0 6 5 59 1 7 7 83 1 13 10 76 2 3 3 29 0 10 6 47 2 0 0 0 0 11 3 25 0 7 5 87 0 10 6 53 1 9 6 54 0 125 85 889 10

MARK INGRAM

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 4

3 2 2 5 7 2 2 2 0 3 3 36

1 1 3 21 Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 13 1 3 1 10 3 19 7 30 2 15 2 -1 2 13 0 0 3 17 2 4 29 145

0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

off-the-field issues but is an aggressive tackler and can play corner or safety. Another rookie with similar versatility is fifth-rounder Damian Swann from Georgia. Those first-year guys should compete for the nickel role with Kyle Wilson, who looked lost last season with the Jets.

SPECIAL TEAMS For as often as the Saints scored last season, they didn’t offer up too many field goal opportunities for veteran Shayne Graham. He only attempted 22, making 19, which was good enough to earn the 37-year-old a one-year extension. Seventh-year Saint Thomas Morstead finished ninth in average among full-time punters. And while the Saints struggled to generate much of a return game last season, they have to feel good about the potential of Jalen Saunders, who took a kick back 99 yards and emerged as a steady punt return option following Cooks’ injury. He should handle both duties full-time this year.

GRADE

DREW BREES

PASSING YDS TD

B+

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 12 COLSTON 88 Toon 18 Saunders OLT 72 ARMSTEAD Peat* Hickey* OLG 65 KELEMETE 66 Golic C 60 UNGER 68 Lelito 70 Brewster ORG 73 EVANS Gambrell* Lemon* ORT 64 STRIEF Peat* 79 Harris TE 89 HILL 82 Watson 81 Charles WR 10 COOKS 15 Jones 14 Tanner QB 9 BREES 7 McCown 18 Grayon RB 22 INGRAM 21 Spiller 29 Robinson FB 41 LORIG 35 Johnson 44 Opurum DEFENSE

DE 76 HICKS NT 77 BUNKLEY DE 94 JORDAN OLB 93 GALETTE ILB 50 ANTHONY* ILB 57 HAWTHORNE OLB 98 HARALSON LCB 28 LEWIS RCB 39 BROWNER SS 32 VACCARO FS 31 BYRD

97 Foster 95 Davison* 92 Jenkins 62 Virgil 56 Powell 55 Tull* 59 Ellerbe Sanders* 53 Humber 59 Franklin 45 Kikaha* 99 Spencer 24 Wilson 33 Jean-Baptiste 36 Williams* 38 Swann* 25 Bush 43 Sunseri 42 Warren Swann* SPECIALISTS

P 6 MORSTEAD PK 3 GRAHAM 5 Hopkins H 7 McCOWN PR 18 SAUNDERS KR 18 SAUNDERS LS 47 DRESCHER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Sean Payton, Head Coach; Dennis Allen, Senior Defensive Assistant; Charles Byrd, Assistant Strength & Conditioning; Pete Carmichael, Offensive Coordinator; Dan Dalrymple, Head Strength and Conditioning; Kyle DeVan, Offensive Assistant; Bret Ingalls, Offensive Line; Bill Johnson, Defensive Line; Stan Kwan, Assistant Special Teams; Greg Lewis, Offensive Assistant; Wesley McGriff, Secondary; Greg McMahon, Special Teams Coordinator; Jason Mitchell, Director of Coaching Administration; John Morton, Wide Receivers; Mike Neu, Quarterbacks; Brendan Nugent, Coaching Assistant; Dan Roushar, Tight Ends; Rob Ryan, Defensive Coordinator; Joel Thomas, Running Backs; Marcus Ungaro, Defensive Assistant; Joe Vitt, Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers; Rob Wenning, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; James Willis, Defensive Assistant/Linebackers; Brian Young, Outside Linebackers.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT ILB OLB QB CB OLB DT CB RB

Stanford Clemson Washington Colorado State Florida State Tenn.-Chattanooga Fresno State Georgia Missouri

13 31 44 75 78 148 154 167 230

1 1 2 3 3 5 5 5 7

Andrus Peat Stephone Anthony Hau’oli Kikaha Garrett Grayson P.J. Williams Davis Tull Tyeler Davison Damian Swann Marcus Murphy

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Drew Brees still has some left, and the 1-2 punch of Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller could create a balance New Orleans hasn’t had since Brees’ first couple of years. The defense surely can’t be worse than last season, and if Akiem Hicks and Cameron Jordan get back to playing like they’re capable of, the Saints could have a pretty nasty pass rush to cover up their bad secondary. A division title could be in sight.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO All the transitioning on offense might take a year to figure out, and the lack of playmaking targets could be concerning if Brees is indeed on the decline. The secondary remains a mess, and in a division with Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston, that’s never good. A repeat 7-9 year or worse is certainly possible.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

50 Anthony, Stephone 72 Armstead, Terron 27 Baker, Edwin 67 Becton, Nick 40 Breaux, Delvin 9 Brees, Drew 70 Brewster, Michael 39 Browner, Brandon 77 Bunkley, Brodrick 25 Bush, Rafael 31 Byrd, Jairus 81 Charles, Orson 16 Coleman, Brandon 12 Colston, Marques 10 Cooks, Brandin 95 Davison, Tyeler 20 Dixon, Brian 47 Drescher, Justin 91 Edebali, Kasim 59 Ellerbe, Dannell 73 Evans, Jahri 97 Foster, Glenn 54 Franklin, Jerry 37 Frederick, Terrence 93 Galette, Junior 66 Golic Jr., Mike 3 Graham, Shayne 18 Grayson, Garrett 4 Griffin, Ryan 98 Haralson, Parys 79 Harris, Bryce 57 Hawthorne, David 76 Hicks, Akiem 34 Hightower, Tim 89 Hill, Josh 5 Hopkins, Dustin 53 Humber, Ramon 22 Ingram, Mark 23 Jean-Baptiste, Stanley 92 Jenkins, John 35 Johnson, Austin 15 Jones, Seantavius 94 Jordan, Cameron 65 Kelemete, Senio 45 Kikaha, Hau’oli 68 Lelito, Tim 21 Lewis, Keenan 41 Lorig, Erik 7 McCown, Luke 69 Miller, Andrew 13 Morgan, Joseph 6 Morstead, Thomas 48 Murphy, Marcus 44 Opurum, Toben 75 Peat, Andrus 30 Phillips, Kenny 56 Powell, Ronald 29 Robinson, Khiry 33 Sanford, Jamarca 11 Saunders, Jalen 83 Snead, Willie 99 Spencer, Anthony 28 Spiller, C.J. 64 Strief, Zach 43 Sunseri, Vinnie 38 Swann, Damian 14 Tanner, Andy 88 Toon, Nick 55 Tull, Davis 60 Unger, Max 32 Vaccaro, Kenny 96 Virgil, Lawrence 42 Warren, Pierre 82 Watson, Benjamin 36 Williams, P.J. 24 Wilson, Kyle

LB T RB T DB QB C CB NT S S TE WR WR WR DL CB LS OLB ILB G DE LB CB OLB G K QB QB OLB T ILB DE RB TE K ILB RB CB NT FB WR DE G LB C/G CB FB QB G WR P RB/RS FB T S OLB RB S WR WR LB RB T S CB WR WR LB C S NT S TE CB CB

6-3 6-5 5-8 6-6 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-4 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-6 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-6 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-2 5-11 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 5-9 6-1 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-10 5-9 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-7 6-0 6-0 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-0 5-10

245 304 210 323 196 209 305 221 306 200 203 254 225 225 189 309 195 235 253 245 318 285 245 187 258 300 210 220 210 255 300 246 324 220 250 193 232 215 218 359 240 200 287 300 246 315 208 250 217 296 184 235 195 250 316 217 237 220 200 165 195 265 200 320 210 189 183 218 240 305 214 290 200 255 196 190

22 23 23 25 25 36 25 30 31 27 28 24 22 31 21 22 25 27 25 29 31 24 27 25 27 25 37 23 25 31 26 29 25 28 24 24 27 25 25 25 25 22 25 25 22 25 28 28 33 25 27 29 23 24 21 28 23 25 29 22 22 31 27 31 21 22 26 26 23 29 24 24 22 34 21 27

R 3 1 3 1 15 3 6 10 5 7 3 1 10 2 R 2 6 2 7 10 3 3 1 6 1 16 R 2 10 4 8 4 5 3 2 7 5 2 3 2 1 5 3 R 3 7 6 12 1 5 7 R 1 R 6 2 3 7 2 1 9 6 10 2 R 1 4 R 7 3 1 2 12 R 6

Clemson Arkansas-Pine Bluff Michigan State Virginia Tech None Purdue Ohio State Oregon State Florida State South Carolina State Oregon Georgia Rutgers Hofstra Oregon State Fresno State Northwest Missouri State Colorado Boston College Georgia Bloomsburg Illinois Arkansas Texas A&M Stillman Notre Dame Virginia Tech Colorado State Tulane Tennessee Fresno State Texas Christian Regina Richmond Idaho State Florida State North Dakota State Alabama Nebraska Georgia Tennessee Valdosta State California Washington Washington Grand Valley State Oregon State Stanford Louisiana Tech Virginia Tech Walsh Southern Methodist Missouri Kansas Stanford Miami (Fla.) Florida West Texas A&M Mississippi Oklahoma Ball State Purdue Clemson Northwestern Alabama Georgia Midwestern State Wisconsin Tennessee-Chattanooga Oregon Texas Valdosta State Jacksonville State Georgia Florida State Boise State

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3 Panthers CAROLINA

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Kurt Coleman, WR Ted Ginn, Jr., OT Jonathan Martin, OT Michael Oher, CB Charles Tillman, RB Jordan Todman, MLB Jason Trusnik.

PREDICTION

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OT Byron Bell, OLB Chase Blackburn, S Thomas DeCoud, DE Greg Hardy, OG Kevin Matthews, RB DeAngelo Williams.

GENERAL MANAGER Dave Gettleman HEAD COACH Ron Rivera OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Mike Shula DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Sean McDermott STADIUM Bank of America Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 73,778 | Natural grass

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE Mike Shula’s unit finished exactly league average – No. 16 out of 32 teams – for the second straight year since he took over as coordinator. The Panthers were 19th in passing and seventh in rushing. Different players stepped up to do the damage in some ways. Whereas Carolina’s pass protection regressed to the worst in the league, the Panthers saw the emergence of rookie Kelvin Benjamin as a No. 1 target for Cam Newton. Newton’s big frame and fast legs helped both facets of the game, and Carolina continued to be a three-headed running attack, even though DeAngelo Williams wound up sputtering before being released. This season, the Panthers brought back Ted Ginn Jr., to try to diversify the passing game, while offensive coordinator Mike Shula hands the running game over to Jonathan Stewart.

 QUARTERBACKS Entering his fifth year, Cam Newton has evolved into one of the game’s more

 RUNNING BACKS

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

With longtime running back DeAngelo Williams released and off to Pittsburgh, this backfield becomes solely Jonathan Stewart’s for the first time. The 5-foot-11, 235-pound bruiser has battled injuries over the years, having missed 20 games over the past three seasons, but he’s one of the NFL’s toughest to tackle when he is on the field. Even behind a porous runblocking line last year, Stewart totaled 809 yards on 4.6 yards per carry, an average that easily eclipsed Williams’ 3.5. With Williams gone, the backup spot looks to be up for for grabs. The one returning contributor, Fozzy Whittaker, is a smaller back at 5-10 and 202 who carried only 32 times last season but managed 4.5 yards per attempt. Mike Tolbert is one of the best fullbacks in the game but at times he has also stepped in as the Panthers lead ball carrier. Tolbert missed 8 games to injury last year and turns 30 in November.

 RECEIVERS Newton found a go-to receiver last year in Kelvin Benjamin. The team’s firstround pick in 2014 became an inviting, albeit inconsistent, target at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, and his 1,008 yards tied veteran tight end Greg Olsen for the team lead. Those two combined for better than 50 percent of the team’s receiving

138 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

yards and 65 percent of its receiving touchdowns. The Panthers traded up in the second round of the draft to take Michigan’s Devin Funchess, who at 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds is like a cross between a tight end and a wideout. He’ll compete with B-level veterans Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn Jr., the latter of whom is more of a return-man type who comes back to Carolina after one year in Arizona. The Panthers did find a contributor off the UDFA market last season in Philly Brown. The Panthers will hope one can emerge better than what they got last year to take the pressure off Benjamin.

B-

Carolina’s offensive line was easily its weakest unit last season. The group finished dead last in pass blocking and 22nd in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. The Panthers brought in Michael Oher to be the left tackle. It’s been a couple years since the former firstround pick played to his “Blind Side” potential, but he should still offer an instant upgrade over Byron Bell, ranked the 83rd-best tackle by PFF and now playing in Tennessee. The Panthers did have four players turn out positive PFF grades last year in center Ryan Kalil, left guard Andrew Norwell, right guard Trai Turner and tackle Mike Remmers. Kalil is a four-time Pro Bowler, but none of the other three started more than 13 games. Turner dealt with injuries and Norwell and Remmers were such steals – Norwell a UDFA, Remmers a former practice squad player – that it took a mangled Panthers front to find out what it had in them. Some of the linemen who struggled in their place last year – Amini Silatolu and Nate Chandler – should be better suited as backups this season, where they’ll join fourth-round rookie Daryl Williams, a run-blocking specialist out of Oklahoma. If things go according to plan, this group should take a huge step forward this season.

GRADE

OWNER Jerry Richardson

GRADE

2014 RECORD 7-8-1

dynamic quarterbacks. He hasn’t always had the surrounding cast to produce the numbers, but he’s still passed for at least 3,000 yards and run for at least 500 yards in each year to date. Last year saw his first games missed to injury, which is mostly an impressive statement about a quarterback as physical as Newton is. He was relieved for two games by Derek Anderson, the former Browns starter, and Anderson excelled with five touchdowns to no interceptions. He’ll return as the backup this year, and Joe Webb – known best for starting a wild card playoff game for the Vikings in 2012 – will continue to be the third-stringer.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Cam Newton

Luke Kuechly

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT G Andrew Norwell DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Shaq Thompson POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH DE: Kony Ealy vs. Mario Addison vs. Wes Horton

2015 SCHEDULE

Luke Kuechly

After a strong start to 2014, the Panthers defense regressed considerably from the dominant unit it looked like Ron Rivera and Sean McDermott were building. Led by tackles leader Luke Kuechly, the Panthers were still a good unit, finishing 10th in total defense, including 11th against the pass and 16th against the run – but those numbers were down from the second overall finish in 2013. The Panthers dropped from first in sacks in 2013 to 13th last season, and that exposed a teetering secondary. The Panthers feel like they found their corners down the stretch and brought in Kurt Coleman to help out at safety. They’ll trust that a still pretty young pass rush can return to its dominant ways.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Panthers return three starting defensive linemen who received positive grades from Pro Football Focus last year in

end Charles Johnson and tackles Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. Johnson, one of the better 4-3 rushing ends in the game, actually posted his lowest sack total of his five seasons as a full-time starter, but he still managed 8.5 and led the league with 53 quarterback hurries. Short was more of a surprise as a second-year player, and Rivera has said he sees him as more explosive than the more highly touted Lotulelei at this point in their careers. Lotulelei has been more of a runstuffing type so far and is coming off foot surgery. The other starting spot at end opposite Johnson is up in the air with Greg Hardy gone to Dallas. Kony Ealy, Mario Addison and Wes Horton almost equally split snaps in Hardy’s absence a year ago with none managing a positive PFF grade – although Addison was close and notched 6.5 sacks. Backup tackle Dwan Edwards often takes Lotulelei’s place on throwing downs,

GRADE

DEFENSE

B+

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 2 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at Jacksonville Houston New Orleans at Tampa Bay BYE at Seattle Philadelphia Indianapolis Green Bay at Tennessee Washington at Dallas at New Orleans Atlanta at N.Y. Giants at Atlanta Tampa Bay

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 at Tampa Bay W 20-14 Sept. 14 Detroit W 24-7 Sept. 21 Pittsburgh L 19-37 Sept. 28 at Baltimore L 10-38 Oct. 5 Chicago W 31-24 Oct. 12 at Cincinnati *T 37-37 Oct. 19 at Green Bay L 17-38 Oct. 26 Seattle L 9-13 Oct. 30 New Orleans L 10-28 Nov. 10 at Philadelphia L 21-45 Nov. 16 Atlanta L 17-19 Nov. 30 at Minnesota L 13-31 Dec. 7 at New Orleans W 41-10 Dec. 14 Tampa Bay W 19-17 Dec. 21 Cleveland W 17-13 Dec. 28 at Atlanta W 34-3 POSTSEASON Jan. 3 Arizona W 27-16 Jan. 10 at Seattle L 31-17 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

ATT

WK 1 @ TB WK 2 DET WK 3 PIT WK 4 @ BAL WK 5 CHI WK 6 @ CIN WK 7 @ GB WK 8 SEA WK 9 NO WK 10 @ PHI WK 11 ATL WK 13 @ MIN WK 14 @ NO WK 15 TB WK 16 CLE WK 17 @ ATL SEASON TOTALS 

CMP

34 35 25 35 46 31 22 28 40 37 35 33

22 24 14 19 29 17 12 10 25 23 18 21

31 16 448

18 10 262

Inactive 281 1 250 1 197 1 255 2 284 2 205 1 171 0 151 0 306 2 292 2 194 1 226 3 Inactive 201 1 114 1 3127 18

KELVIN BENJAMIN

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ TB WK 2 DET WK 3 PIT WK 4 @ BAL WK 5 CHI WK 6 @ CIN WK 7 @ GB WK 8 SEA WK 9 NO WK 10 @ PHI WK 11 ATL WK 13 @ MIN WK 14 @ NO WK 15 TB WK 16 CLE WK 17 @ ATL SEASON TOTALS 

8 6 92 8 2 46 11 8 115 9 5 76 11 3 38 8 7 49 6 3 61 7 4 94 10 2 18 7 3 70 13 9 109 12 5 56 5 2 24 13 8 104 12 5 47 5 1 9 145 73 1008

1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 9

INT

RTG

0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 0

100.2 98.5 94.9 84.8 85.8 72.6 61.0 39.4 71.5 82.3 65.7 114

1 0 12

74.8 104.7 82.1

JERRICHO COTCHERY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 4 7 4 10 8 5 5 7 4 5 2 5 5 3 78

although he took a significant step back last season and is now 34. Colin Cole, also 34, was a stronger rotational tackle last season and plays the run better.

 LINEBACKERS This is where the strength of this team resides. Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly led the NFL in tackles for the second time in three seasons. Veteran Thomas Davis added 100 tackles and finished as Pro Football Focus’ fifth-best 4-3 outside linebacker – an amazing feat for a guy who has suffered three ACL tears on the same knee. To complete the trio, the Panthers spent their firstround pick on Washington’s Shaq Thompson, a rangy athlete who will try to find his role at the weak-side position. That’ll keep the reliable A.J. Klein, a fifth-round pick in 2013, in a backup outside role. The Panthers signed veteran inside linebacker Jason Trusnik away from the Dolphins to be a run-stopping backup behind Kuechly.

GRADE

JONATHAN STEWART

A-

 DEFENSIVE BACKS The Panthers believe they have a No. 1 cornerback in Bene Benwikere, whose

4 32 4 46 Inactive 5 80 3 46 4 58 3 21 3 33 2 59 2 15 2 43 2 20 1 9 5 47 5 46 3 25 48 580

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

9 15 5

13 16 8 11 7 12 20 22 24 13 175

CAM NEWTON

20 37 31 Inactive Inactive Inactive 50 79 46 36 24 85 155 75 122 49 809

0 1 0

0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

JONATHAN STEWART

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 1 3

2 5 0 4 3 2 1 1 4 2 31

3 17 1 22 3 19 Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 12 3 15 0 0 4 23 3 15 2 25 0 0 1 6 2 7 2 20 25 181

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 2 2 6 17 7 12 7 2 5 9 12 12 6 103

Inactive 19 7 7 9 107 41 24 43 6 30 49 83 Inactive 63 51 539

B-

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DeANGELO WILLIAMS

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 5

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 9 4 1 1 0

2 4 5 6 3 1 36

0 0 0 0 7 66 2 35 1 4 1 8 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 47 2 34 3 42 1 10 2 22 1 28 21 296

RUSHING ATT YDS

PHILLY BROWN

play as a rookie showed they might just be right. Although he played just 459 snaps, Benwikere was the 18th best cornerback in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, and he has consistently shown strong anticipation and ball skills. He’ll man one corner spot this year, and Josh Norman, the team’s second-highest rated corner from last year, will take the other. They’ll be backed up by newly signed veteran Charles Tillman, a two-time Pro Bowl veteran who has spent the entirety of his career in Chicago. He’s now 34 and has played just 10 games the past two seasons, so the Panthers also will rely on Melvin White, who started parts of the past two seasons but as a speed-limited, undrafted third-year man is much more suited for a backup, nickel-type role. Strong safety Roman Harper was the defense’s big freeagent acquisition a year ago, but his first year away from New Orleans was shaky, as he finished with a negative coverage rating according to PFF. The Panthers should feel more comfortable about what they have at free safety, where Tre Boston played only 369 snaps but posted positive

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 1 0 0 0 0 2

7 13 10 7

72 Inactive Inactive 34 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 20 31 41 21 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 219

GREG OLSEN

0 0

0 0 0 0

JASON AVANT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 0 7 5 54 6 2 12 3 2 24 4 2 42 7 5 47 5 2 6 1 0 0 4 1 8 2 1 8 0 0 0 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 40 21 201

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 8 83 8 6 72 7 5 69 5 2 30 9 6 72 11 6 62 8 8 105 3 1 16 4 3 30 7 6 119 11 5 61 9 5 59 11 10 72 13 10 110 3 1 21 3 2 27 123 84 1008

1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6

BRENTON BERSIN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 1 1 3 5 0 1 3 0 0 1 1 1 1 20

Inactive 1 8 1 29 1 12 1 21 2 13 3 21 0 0 0 0 2 24 0 0 0 0 1 9 0 0 1 14 0 0 13 151

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

numbers against both the run and the pass as a fourth-round rookie. Challenging for time at both safety spots will be Kurt Coleman, just signed away from the Chiefs. The sixth-year player has 32 career starts and picked off three passes in just 377 snaps last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS Kicker Graham Gano parlayed a big 2013 into a nice contract entering last season, when he took a step back, converting 29 of 35 field goals. Four of his six misses came in the final six games. Third-year punter Brad Nortman also took a step back, dropping from a 47.8 average to 44.9, the latter good for 20th among fulltime punters. Ginn will replace Philly Brown and Fozzy Whitaker at kick returner, although he struggled immensely last year in Arizona with an average return of 19 yards. Ginn will also seize the punt returning duties back from Brown; Ginn provided a solid 10.7 average at the position with the Cardinals last season, besting Brown’s 9.6. Long snapper J.J. Jansen was a coach’s selection to the Pro Bowl.

GRADE

CAM NEWTON

C+

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 13 BENJAMIN OLT 73 OHER OLG 68 NORWELL C 67 KALIL ORG 70 TURNER ORT 74 REMMERS TE 88 OLSEN WR 17 FUNCHESS* QB 1 NEWTON RB 28 STEWART FB 35 TOLBERT

19 Ginn 15 Boykin 75 Martin 73 Wallace 66 Silatolu 71 Kugbila 64 Folkerts 75 Velasco 79 Scott 60 D. Williams* 78 Chandler 84 Dickson 86 B. Williams 82 Cotchery 16 Brown 3 Anderson 14 Webb 43 Whittaker 30 Todman 47 Brockel

DE 95 JOHNSON DT 99 SHORT DT 98 LOTULELEI DE 96 HORTON OLB 58 DAVIS MLB 59 KUECHLY OLB 54 THOMPSON* LCB 25 BENWIKERE RCB 24 NORMAN SS 41 HARPER FS 33 BOSTON

97 Addison 91 Cole 92 Edwards 94 Ealy 56 Klein 93 Trusnick 57 Glanton 23 White 31 Tillman 42 Jones 20 Coleman

DEFENSE

90 Alexander 72 Regis 61 Love 71 Miley* 53 Jacobs 52 Reddick 55 Mayo* 21 Williams 37 Byndom 38 Lester 40 McFadden

SPECIALISTS

P 8 NORTMAN PK 9 GANO 6 Wile* H 8 NORTMAN PR 19 GINN 11 Bersin 16 Brown KR 19 GINN 43 Whittaker 11 Bersin LS 44 JANSEN * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Ron Rivera, Head Coach; Steve Wilks, Assistant Head Coach/Secondary; Sean McDermott, Defensive Coordinator; Mike Shula, Offensive Coordinator; Bruce DeHaven, Special Teams Coordinator; Russ Purnell, Special Teams Coordinator; Jason Benguche, Assistant Strength and Conditioning; Ray Brown, Assistant Special Teams/Nickel Back; Pete Hoener, Tight Ends; Al Holcomb, Linebackers; Joe Kenn, Strength and Conditioning; John Matsko, Offensive Line; Sam Mills III, Assistant Defensive Line; Ricky Proehl, Wide Receivers; Richard Rodgers, Assistant Defensive Backs; Jim Skipper, Running Backs; Cameron Turner, Assistant Wide Receivers; Eric Washington, Defensive Line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OLB WR OT ILB RB

Washington Michigan Oklahoma Texas State Auburn

25 41 102 169 174

1 2 4 5 5

Shaq Thompson Devin Funchess Daryl Williams David Mayo Cameron Artis-Payne

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The Panthers are still a rather young team across the board. If the adjustments in the secondary can provide at least enough rotation to suffice behind what should be a devastating front seven, Carolina’s defense can be a very good one. Cam Newton appears ready to take the next step with some more help, so if the line improves now that the coaches know who its starters are and if a secondary receiver emerges, Carolina could push deep into the postseason.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The Panthers didn’t do much to address their offensive line in the draft, which means Newton and Jonathan Stewart could still take a pounding. Carolina will have a hard time winning if either one goes down. On defense, there’s no guaranteeing that part-time secondary players will be able to handle a full-time load in a division with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston. Shaq Thompson might need time to develop. A below .500 year is possible.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

97 Addison, Mario 90 Alexander, Frank 3 Anderson, Derek 34 Artis-Payne, Cameron 13 Benjamin, Kelvin 25 Benwikere, Bene 11 Bersin, Brenton 50 Blechen, Brian 33 Boston, Tre 15 Boykin, Jarrett 47 Brockel, Richie 16 Brown, Corey 12 Brown, Mike 37 Byndom, Carrington 18 Byrd, Damiere 78 Chandler, Nate 85 Childers, Jamie 91 Cole, Colin 20 Coleman, Kurt 82 Cotchery, Jerricho 78 Cox, Rakim 58 Davis, Thomas 84 Dickson, Ed 94 Ealy, Kony 92 Edwards, Dwan 64 Folkerts, Brian 63 Foucault, David 17 Funchess, Devin 9 Gano, Graham 19 Ginn, Jr., Ted 57 Glanton, Adarius 80 Greene, Kevin 69 Green, Tyronne 41 Harper, Roman 87 Hill, Stephen 96 Horton, Wes 53 Jacobs, Ben 44 Jansen, J.J. 95 Johnson, Charles 42 Jones, Colin 67 Kalil, Ryan 56 Klein, A.J. 59 Kuechly, Luke 71 Kugbila, Edmund 38 Lester, Robert 98 Lotulelei, Star 61 Love, Kyle 83 Lucas, Marcus 29 Marlowe, Dean 75 Martin, Jonathan 55 Mayo, David 62 McCray, Jordan 27 McFadden, Kimario 71 Miley, Arthur 76 Miller, Steve 1 Newton, Cam 24 Norman, Josh 8 Nortman, Brad 68 Norwell, Andrew 73 Oher, Michael 88 Olsen, Greg 65 Patrick, Ronald 26 Peters, Garry 10 Presley, De’Andre 36 Reaves, Darrin 62 Redden, Terry 52 Reddick, Kevin 72 Regis, Micanor 74 Remmers, Mike 79 Scott, Chris 99 Short, Kawann 66 Silatolu, Amini 28 Stewart, Jonathan 54 Thompson, Shaq 31 Tillman, Charles 30 Todman, Jordan 35 Tolbert, Mike 93 Trusnik, Jason 70 Turner, Trai 77 Wallace, Martin 46 Ward, Lee 14 Webb, Joe 32 Wegher, Brandon 23 White, Melvin 43 Whittaker, Fozzy 6 Wile, Matt 86 Williams, Brandon 60 Williams, Daryl 21 Williams, Teddy 22 Young, Lou

DE DE QB RB WR CB WR LB S WR TE WR WR CB WR OT TE DT S WR DE LB TE DE DT C OT WR K WR LB TE OG S WR DE LB LS DE S C LB LB OG S DT DT WR S OT LB OG S DE DE QB CB P OG OT TE OG CB WR RB DT LB DT OT OG DT OG RB LB CB RB FB LB OG OT FB QB RB CB RB P TE OT CB CB

6-3 6-4 6-6 5-10 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-4 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-8 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-3 5-11 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-4 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-4 6-3 6-6 5-11 6-4 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-1 6-1

260 270 230 212 240 185 210 226 205 218 255 180 200 180 173 315 250 330 200 205 260 235 255 275 305 310 305 232 205 185 230 245 320 205 215 270 245 240 285 205 300 245 238 325 225 320 315 220 205 312 228 322 210 263 256 245 195 210 310 315 253 310 201 190 220 292 245 305 300 345 315 315 235 228 198 198 245 252 320 305 246 230 213 205 205 223 250 327 210 195

27 25 31 24 24 23 25 23 22 25 28 23 26 22 22 25 26 34 26 32 24 32 27 23 33 25 26 20 28 30 24 24 29 32 24 25 27 29 28 27 30 23 24 24 26 25 28 23 22 25 21 22 24 22 23 26 27 25 23 28 30 23 23 25 22 21 25 25 26 27 26 26 28 21 34 25 29 30 21 25 23 28 24 24 26 22 27 22 26 23

5 3 11 R 2 2 2 R 2 4 5 2 3 1 R 4 1 11 6 12 0 11 6 2 12 3 2 R 6 9 2 1 5 10 3 3 3 8 9 5 9 3 4 3 3 3 4 1 R 4 R 0 1 R R 5 4 4 2 7 9 0 R 1 2 R 2 1 3 4 3 4 8 R 13 4 8 9 2 2 R 6 R 3 3 R 3 R 4 1

Troy Oklahoma Oregon State Auburn Florida St. San Jose St. Wofford Utah North Carolina Virginia Tech Boise State Ohio State Liberty Texas South Carolina UCLA Coastal Carolina Iowa Ohio State North Carolina State Villanova Georgia Oregon Missouri Oregon State Washburn Montreal Michigan Florida State Ohio State Florida Atlantic Southern California Auburn Alabama Georgia Tech Southern California Fresno State Notre Dame Georgia Texas Christian Southern California Iowa State Boston College Valdosta State Alabama Utah Mississippi State Missouri James Madison Stanford Texas St. Central Florida South Carolina State Southern Ohio State Auburn Coastal Carolina Wisconsin Ohio State Mississippi Miami (Fla.) South Carolina Clemson Appalachian State Alabama-Birmingham Memphis North Carolina Miami (Fla.) Oregon State Tennessee Purdue Midwestern State Oregon Washington Louisiana Lafayette Connecticut Coastal Carolina Ohio Northern LSU Temple Stanford Alabama-Birmingham Morningside College Louisiana Lafayette Texas Michigan Oregon Oklahoma Texas-San Antonio Georgia Tech

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NFC

SOUTH

4 Buccaneers TAMPA BAY

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS LB Bruce Carter, S Chris Conte, OLB Larry Dean, DE George Johnson, DT Henry Melton, CB Sterling Moore.

PREDICTION

4-12

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DT Da’Quan Bowers, DE Adrian Clayborn, OT Anthony Collins, OT Oniel Cousins, ILB Mason Foster, S Dashon Goldson, DE Michael Johnson, QB Josh McCown.

GENERAL MANAGER Jason Licht HEAD COACH Lovie Smith OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dirk Koetter DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Leslie Frazier STADIUM Raymond James Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,857 | Natural grass

NATE ATKINS

OFFENSE The Bucs will look to Dirk Koetter to try to fix a unit that finished 30th in yards, 25th in passing and 29th in rushing. Koetter comes from Atlanta, where his offense finished eighth in yards last year but featured a similar dilemma these Bucs seem to have: lots more receiving options than rushing ones. The Bucs spent their first three draft picks and six of seven total on offense, including QB Jameis Winston at No. 1 overall, so a new wave is about to begin.

QUARTERBACKS The Winston era begins now, and that’s a reason for both extreme optimism and enormous concern. Coming from a Florida State pro-style offense based so largely on anticipation and progressions, the 6-foot-4, 231-pounder is ready physically to come in and perform well as a rookie. He just brings the type of off-the-field issues that often

GRADE

OWNER/PRESIDENT Glazer family

RUNNING BACKS The Bucs have spent time sorting out many of their offensive position groups, but running back remains a puzzle. Downhill runner Doug Martin is two mediocre years removed from the 1,454yard breakout season he posted as a rookie, and concerns exist about his ability to pass protect. Second-year back Charles Sims could be a thirddown option with his soft hands and quick burst, but he posted just 2.8 yards per carry on 66 rushes as a rookie. Third-year RB Bobby Rainey offers a similar skill set and led Tampa Bay running backs last season in receiving yards and yards per rush. Fullback Jorvorskie Lane struggles as a blocker.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 2-14

plague talented first-year players. Second-stringer Mike Glennon has proven to be a capable starter in his two years with the Bucs. He has 29 touchdowns to 15 interceptions in that span, but he can struggle with accuracy. His game readiness makes for a possible bridge to Winston if that’s how Koetter wants to go early on.

C+

RECEIVERS The Buccaneers picked a good year to take a quarterback high in the draft, given the weapons they can offer. Mike Evans finished tied for first among rookies in touchdown catches and second in receiving yards, and he’ll continue to present the big-body matchup problem at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds. Flanking him will be another big body in Vincent Jackson, still plugging at age 32 with six 1,000-yard seasons in the past seven years. He’s the anomaly to this young receiving corps, which should see an emergence from secondyear tight end Austin SeferianJenkins, a 6-foot-5, 262-pounder who could see plenty of mid-range targets with Evans and Jackson stretching the field. Slot man Louis Murphy finished

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

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last season on injured reserve with an ankle injury but should also see an open middle of the field. Fifth-round rookie Kenny Bell is athletic and was pretty underutilized in Nebraska’s run-heavy offense. Sixth-round selection Kaelin Clay out of Utah should also provide depth.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN After taking Winston with the first overall pick, the Bucs came back to get some protection for him in the second round in Penn State’s Donovan Smith. They took him to be a right tackle, the position that better fits his wider frame and run-blocking skills. They’ll also move Demar Dotson from right to left tackle. A lean 6-foot-9 and 315 pounds, Dotson finished last year with positive grades in pass and run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. The most experienced lineman is left guard Logan Mankins, the 33-year-old whom the Bucs acquired in a trade with the Patriots last year. He’ll enter his 10th year not as dominant as he once was but coming off a pretty league-average year. Right guard Patrick Omameh had a much worse season, finishing with negative grades in pass and run blocking, and his pass blocking was significantly worse. That’s not a huge concern for an undrafted rookie, but he can expect a push this year from Hobart’s Ali Marpet, a former college center who showcased all kinds of speed at the combine. Center Evan Dietrich-Smith had a disappointingly average first year in Tampa Bay after coming over from Green Bay, where he was one of the better centers in the league. By PFF’s standards, he graded out much better as a run blocker than as pass blocker. Former practice-squad man Garrett Gilkey remains a project. Kevin Pamphile spent his rookie season developing as a former defensive lineman, and his athleticism should provide the possibility of filling in at most spots.

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Mike Evans

Gerald McCoy

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT SS Bradley McDougald POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RB: Doug Martin vs. Charles Sims vs. Bobby Rainey

2015 SCHEDULE

Gerald McCoy

Leslie Frazier’s defense finished 25th in year one but found a few gems to take into the future. Jacquies Smith and Danny Lansanah finally found their place in this unit, and they’ll get to continue to grow alongside some established stars in Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David. Frazier will hope to find a few more players in lost positions to start fixing a unit that finished 19th against the run and 28th against the pass.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN With Adrian Clayborn off to Atlanta, the Bucs will let loose a talented defensive end pair in Jacquies Smith and George Johnson. Smith was only a September waiver pickup before he started seven games and finished second on the team with 6.5 sacks. Johnson had six sacks in Detroit last fall, his own breakout season

in his fourth year, before the Bucs traded for him. They’ll be backed up by William Gholston, a more limited player in size and athleticism but one who offers a nice run plug off the bench. Inside, the vocal Gerald McCoy continues to be a bully pass-rusher at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. He’s not an elite run defender but his pass rush skills helped him become Pro Football Focus’ second-best defensive tackle last season. Clinton McDonald did an average job in the other tackle role last season, finishing No. 31 in PFF’s rankings, although he also struggled to stop the run. Akeem Spence turned out to be one of the league’s worst defensive tackles, ranking No. 79 by PFF and receiving the worst run defense grade of any lineman in the league. Henry Melton is another pass-rushing tackle. He comes over from Dallas, where he signed for one year after

GRADE

DEFENSE

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Tennessee at New Orleans at Houston Carolina Jacksonville BYE at Washington at Atlanta N.Y. Giants Dallas at Philadelphia at Indianapolis Atlanta New Orleans at St. Louis Chicago at Carolina

TIME

4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 7 Carolina L 14-20 Sept. 14 St. Louis L 17-19 Sept. 18 at Atlanta L 14-56 Sept. 28 at Pittsburgh W 27-24 Oct. 5 at New Orleans *L 31-37 Oct. 12 Baltimore L 17-48 Oct. 26 Minnesota *L 13-19 Nov. 2 at Cleveland L 17-22 Nov. 9 Atlanta L 17-27 Nov. 16 at Washington W 27-7 Nov. 23 at Chicago L 13-21 Nov. 30 Cincinnati L 13-14 Dec. 7 at Detroit L 17-34 Dec. 14 at Carolina L 17-19 Dec. 21 Green Bay L 3-20 Dec. 28 New Orleans L 20-23 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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SOUTH

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS GAME

OPP

WK 1 CAR WK 2 STL WK 3 @ ATL WK 4 @ PIT WK 5 @ NO WK 6 BAL WK 8 MIN WK 9 @ CLE WK 10 ATL WK 11 @ WAS WK 12 @ CHI WK 13 CIN WK 14 @ DET WK 15 @ CAR WK 16 GB WK 17 NO SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

35 21 12

22 16 5

43 23 48 29 39 28 26 23 327

PASSING YDS TD

INT

RTG

183 2 2 179 0 1 58 0 1 Inactive Inactive Inactive Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 27 301 2 2 15 288 2 0 25 341 1 2 15 190 0 1 20 250 2 2 13 154 1 1 12 147 0 1 14 115 1 1 184 2206 11 14

71.5 81.2 22.2

CHARLES SIMS

GAME

OPP

WK 1 CAR WK 2 STL WK 3 @ ATL WK 4 @ PIT WK 5 @ NO WK 6 BAL WK 8 MIN WK 9 @ CLE WK 10 ATL WK 11 @ WAS WK 12 @ CHI WK 13 CIN WK 14 @ DET WK 15 @ CAR WK 16 GB WK 17 NO SEASON TOTALS 

MIKE GLENNON

RUSHING ATT YDS

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Inactive 8 23 13 36 6 22 5 6 5 -4 7 34 4 -1 18 69 66 185

79.7 137.5 64.7 58.1 67.3 60.7 48.1 70.0 70.5

VINCENT JACKSON

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 4 36 7 4 51 9 2 15 10 3 32 12 8 144 13 4 66 5 1 13 12 6 86 13 8 75 4 3 43 9 5 117 4 2 24 17 10 159 10 6 70 6 3 60 2 1 11 142 70 1002

0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

ATT

24 42 32 44 28 33

203

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 7 11 9 9 11 8 11 8 7 6 122

INT

Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 17 121 1 21 302 2 19 249 2 24 314 2 19 171 1 17 260 2 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 117 1417 10

MIKE EVANS

9 4 7 7

DOUG MARTIN

5 37 0 4 49 0 4 52 0 4 65 1 Inactive 4 55 1 4 78 0 7 124 2 7 125 1 7 209 2 3 47 1 4 49 0 4 45 2 2 13 1 4 49 0 5 54 1 68 1051 12

0 1 1 1 1 2

0 0 0 45

2 8 3 30 7 64 1 16 3 21 0 0 6 41 1 34 4 42 0 0 4 18 2 41 Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 315

One of the few free-agent signings that panned out last year was Alterraun Verner. The former Titan finished as the seventh-best cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus, although he was actually only average in coverage. Average is still an upgrade from everything else Tampa Bay did against the pass. Fellow starting corner Johnthan Banks and nickel man Leonard Johnson finished outside the top 85 in PFF’s rankings but are both only 25. Lovie Smith will be reunited with Chris Conte, his free safety in Chicago whom the Bucs signed this offseason. Conte is a physical player but has an injury history and really, really struggles in coverage. However, at strong safety, the Bucs found another diamond in Bradley McDougald, a 2013 UDFA who came in and was incredibly

GRADE

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Bucs’ best back-seven player is Lavonte David, a 25-year-old former second-round pick standing 6-foot-1 and 233 pounds. He’s a tackling machine with good cover skills and finished last year as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best outside linebacker. It was a far better year than Bruce Carter had in Dallas a year ago, when he struggled a little everywhere but especially in coverage. The Bucs will try to hide that deficiency this year by using the fifth-year player as a middle linebacker. Third starter Danny Lansanah, 29, was a career backup before he broke out for 81 tackles, three interceptions and two touchdowns. The Bucs didn’t take their first defensive player until the fourth round of the draft, when they grabbed LSU outside linebacker Kwon Alexander. He should be a player the Bucs try to develop

GRADE

LINEBACKERS

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83.3

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

into a sideline roamer behind David and Lansanah. Backup Larry Dean is a strong special teamer and played for Frazier in Minnesota from 2011 to 2013.

96.0 79.7 91.8 83.0 81.1 72.8

BOBBY RAINEY

2 3 8 2 4 3 6 3 5 1 6 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

playing for Smith in Chicago from 2010 to 2013. Frazier will spend this summer looking for any one of these guys to emerge as a run defender.

C+

RTG

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

13 14 11 10

11 18 5 14 10 19 134

9 Inactive Inactive 40 45 45 27 Inactive Inactive Inactive 27 58 22 96 17 108 494

BOBBY RAINEY TD

ATT

4 22 11 4 6 7 8 19 6 5 1 1

1 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 2

LOUIS MURPHY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 11 6 99 7 3 35 9 7 72 2 2 11 4 2 13 2 1 12 3 0 0 8 6 113 5 1 7 4 3 18 1 0 0 Not on Team Not on Team 56 31 380

0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

0 0 0 94

RUSHING YDS

12 144 41 2 21 42 25 87 14 4 3 11 Inactive 0 0 0 406

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

BRANDON MYERS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 2 5 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 2 2 6 32

6 41 2 33 5 33 0 0 0 0 2 29 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 21 1 9 Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 4 21 22 190

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

active in five starts to end the season and is a good fit in Cover-2. Veteran playmaker Major Wright lost his spot to McDougald after having his season end with a rib injury, so he’ll be a backup this year. The Bucs signed Sterling Moore away from the Cowboys to provide depth at multiple positions.

SPECIAL TEAMS Tampa Bay didn’t have many strengths in 2014, and special teams were not one of them. Michael Koenen continued to struggle as punter, barely managing 40 yards a punt. The kick return game went nowhere, with main man Solomon Patton’s best run-back going for 28 yards, and he has since been waived. The one bright spot was the way rookie kicker Patrick Murray finished the year, nailing 10 of 10 field goals over the final eight games to finish 20 of 24 on the year. The only change from last year will be the fast Rainey taking the returns. He managed 26.3 yards per kick return and 7.9 per punt return in spot duty last season.

GRADE

JOSH McCOWN

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 83 JACKSON 18 Murphy 14 Herron OLT 69 DOTSON 64 Pamphile OLG 70 MANKINS 71 Edwards C 62 DIETRICH-SMITH 72 Gilkey 61 Allen ORG 66 OMAMEH 74 Marpet* 60 Warren ORT 76 D. SMITH* 64 Pamphile 79 Fragel TE 87 SEFERIAN-JENKINS 82 Myers 88 Stocker WR 13 EVANS 80 Bell* 89 Shepard QB 3 WINSTON* 8 Glennon 4 Lobato RB 22 MARTIN 43 Rainey 25 James FB 46 LANE 84 Brate 33 Iosefa* DEFENSE

DE 56 SMITH DT 93 McCOY DT 98 McDONALD DE 94 JOHNSON OLB 50 LANSANAH ILB 50 CARTER OLB 54 DAVID LCB 21 VERNER RCB 27 BANKS SS 30 McDOUGALD FS 23 CONTE

92 Gholston 67 Fatinikun 90 Melton 58 Uko 97 Spence 95 Masifilo 57 English 71 Sidbury 52 Alexander* 52 Williams 45 Lemon 53 Dean 49 Keyes* 26 Moore 39 Dixon 29 Johnson 24 Jenkins 31 Wright 37 Tandy 44 Jennings SPECIALISTS

P 9 KOENEN PK 7 MURRAY H 9 KOENEN PR 43 RAINEY KR 43 RAINEY LS 48 DePAOLA

6 Wilder 9 Koenen 8 Glennon 14 Clay* 14 Clay* 44 Clavette* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Lovie Smith, Head Coach; Mike Bajakian, Quarterbacks; Butch Barry, Assistant Offensive Line; Dave Borgonzi, Defensive Quality Control; Gill Byrd, Cornerbacks; Joe Cullen, Defensive Line; Jon Embree, Tight Ends; Leslie Frazier, Defensive Coordinator; Andrew Hayes-Stoker, Wide Receivers; Dave Kennedy, Head Strength and Conditioning; Dirk Koetter, Offensive Coordinator; Larry Marmie, Senior Defensive Assistant; Hardy Nickerson, Linebackers; Kevin O’Dea, Special Teams Coordinator; Carlos Polk, Assistant Special Teams; Mikal Smith, Safeties; Tim Spencer, Running Backs; Paul Spicer, Assistant Defensive Line; Ben Steele, Offensive Quality Control; George Warhop, Offensive Line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

QB OT OG OLB WR WR RB

Florida State Penn State Hobart LSU Nebraska Utah Hawaii

1 34 61 124 162 184 231

1 2 2 4 5 6 7

Jameis Winston Donovan Smith Ali Marpet Kwon Alexander Kenny Bell Kaelin Clay Joey Iosefa

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Maybe Winston comes right in and excels, his ready-to-play abilities meshing well with the established talent Tampa Bay has for him to throw to. If the Bucs can find one productive runner, the offense could be pretty solid since the offensive line expects to be much better at tackle. The defense is filled with young players with some upside. It would take strides across the board to happen, but the Bucs could get to .500.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The Jameis Winston Experiment could end in disaster. How will he handle losing, being a full-time employee, trying to earn the respect of veterans? If Tampa Bay doesn’t have a quarterback, those receiving options could go to waste, and the running back situation is already a mess. The defense has enough holes to go around, particularly in the secondary. They won’t go 2-14 again, but they could very well pick in the top five.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

58 Alexander, Kwon 61 Allen, Josh 59 Alston, Quinton 27 Banks, Johnthan 80 Bell, Kenny 84 Brate, Cameron 36 Brown, Dominique 77 Buckley, Quayshawne 50 Carter, Bruce 44 Clavette, Courtland 14 Clay, Kaelin 23 Conte, Chris 54 David, Lavonte 53 Dean, Larry 75 Delaire, Ryan 48 DePaola, Andrew 39 Dixon, Brandon 69 Dotson, Demar 73 Edwards, Kadeem 57 English, Larry 13 Evans, Mike 38 Everett, Deshazor 96 Fatinikun, T.J. 79 Fragel, Reid 28 Frey, Isaiah 92 Gholston, William 72 Gilkey, Garrett 8 Glennon, Mike 71 Gottschalk, Ben 35 Hackett, Chris 16 Hall, Rannell 10 Herron, Robert 33 Iosefa, Joey 83 Jackson, Vincent 25 James, Mike 24 Jenkins, Mike 44 Jennings, M.D. 94 Johnson, George 29 Johnson, Leonard 32 Johnson, Shelton 85 Jones, Chandler 49 Keyes, Josh 15 King, Tavarres 9 Koenen, Michael 46 Lane, Jorvorskie 51 Lansanah, Danny 45 Lemon, Orie 4 Lobato, Seth 68 Lyons, Caushaud 70 Mankins, Logan 74 Marpet, Ali 22 Martin, Doug 65 Masifilo, Matthew 93 McCoy, Gerald 98 McDonald, Clinton 30 McDougald, Bradley 90 Melton, Henry 26 Moore, Sterling 18 Murphy, Louis 7 Murray, Patrick 82 Myers, Brandon 86 Ogbuehi, Emmanuel 66 Omameh, Patrick 64 Pamphile, Kevin 78 Patchan, Matt 43 Rainey, Bobby 19 Reese, Josh 71 Reynolds, Michael 81 Rodriguez, Evan 87 Seferian-Jenkins, Austin 89 Shepard, Russell 91 Sidbury, Lawrence, Jr. 34 Sims, Charles 49 Sloat, Taylor 62 Smith, Evan 56 Smith, Jacquies 97 Spence, Akeem 88 Stocker, Luke 37 Tandy, Keith 95 Uko, George 21 Verner, Alterraun 60 Warren, Jeremiah 6 Wilder, Andrew 52 Williams, Jason 41 Wilson, C.J. 3 Winston, Jameis 31 Wright, Major 67 Young, Jamal

LB C LB CB WR TE RB DT LB LS WR S LB LB DE LS CB OT OG DE WR CB DE OT CB DE OL QB C S WR WR FB WR RB CB S DE CB S WR LB WR P FB LB LB QB DT OG OG RB DT DT DT S DT CB WR K TE FB G OT OT RB WR LB FB/TE TE WR DE RB TE C DE DT TE S DE CB C P LB CB QB S DE

6-1 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-9 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-8 6-0 6-6 6-6 6-6 6-5 6-2 6-1 5-9 6-0 6-5 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-4 5-9 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-2 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-5 6-7 5-8 6-0 6-1 6-2 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-6 5-10 6-3 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-11 6-4 5-11 6-3

227 315 232 185 197 235 241 305 240 235 195 203 233 226 250 230 203 315 313 255 231 193 250 308 190 281 315 232 293 195 200 193 245 230 223 197 187 265 202 195 185 223 200 198 258 255 242 223 295 308 307 223 280 300 297 209 290 202 200 182 256 230 305 315 300 212 180 240 239 260 195 269 211 245 308 260 307 253 205 284 187 325 205 245 187 230 204 240

20 23 21 25 23 23 23 23 27 23 23 26 25 26 23 27 25 29 24 29 21 23 23 24 25 23 24 25 23 23 23 22 23 32 24 30 26 27 25 24 23 23 24 32 28 29 27 24 22 33 22 26 25 27 28 24 28 25 28 23 29 24 25 24 25 27 23 23 26 22 24 29 24 22 28 25 23 26 26 23 26 27 24 29 25 21 26 23

R 1 R 3 R 1 R R 5 R R 5 4 5 R 2 2 7 2 7 2 R 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 R R 2 R 11 3 8 4 4 4 1 1 R 2 11 3 3 5 1 R 11 R 4 2 6 7 3 6 5 7 2 7 1 3 2 1 4 R R 3 2 3 6 2 1 6 2 3 5 4 1 6 1 1 7 2 R 6 R

Louisiana State Louisiana-Monroe Iowa Mississippi State Nebraska Harvard Louisville Idaho North Carolina Brown Utah California Nebraska Valdosta State Towson Rutgers Northwest Missouri State Southern Miss Tennessee State Northern Illinois Texas A&M Texas A&M Toledo Ohio State Nevada Michigan State Chadron State North Carolina State Southern Methodist TCU Central Florida Wyoming Hawaii Northern Colorado Miami (Fla.) South Florida Arkansas State Rutgers Iowa State Wisconsin San Jose State Boston College Georgia Western Washington Texas A&M Connecticut Oklahoma State Northern Colorado Tusculum Fresno State Hobart Boise State Stanford Oklahoma Memphis Kansas Texas Southern Methodist Florida Fordham Iowa Georgia State Michigan Purdue Boston College Western Kentucky Central Florida Kansas Temple Washington Louisiana State Richmond West Virginia Cal-Davis Idaho State Missouri Illinois Tennessee West Virginia USC UCLA South Florida Northern Arizona Western Illinois North Carolina State Florida State Florida Jones Co. Junior College

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WEST

1 Seahawks SEATTLE

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Will Blackmon, TE Jimmie Graham, NT Ahtyba Rubin, CB Cary Williams.

PREDICTION

11-5

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OG James Carpenter, S Jeron Johnson, CB Byron Maxwell, TE Zach Miller, OLB O’Brien Schofield, OLB Malcolm Smith, C Max Unger.

EXEC. VP & GENERAL MANAGER John Schneider HEAD COACH Pete Carroll OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Darrell Bevell DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Kris Richard STADIUM CenturyLink Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 67,000 | FieldTurf By

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE The perennially proactive Seahawks are gambling that their blockbuster trade for Pro Bowl TE Jimmy Graham works out better than the deal they pulled off two seasons ago for WR Percy Harvin, another supposed high-powered offensive sparkplug who short-circuited five games into the 2014 season. After trading Harvin to the Jets, Seattle’s passing game mostly provided background music for an offense that led the league in rushing (172.6 ypg) and became more reliant than ever on the beastly brilliance of RB Marshawn Lynch. The hope is that Graham, who often lines up outside, will rejuvenate the Seahawks’ aerial attack (ranked 29th in 2014), particularly in the red zone.

 QUARTERBACKS After leading his team to back-toback Super Bowls and 36 regular-season victories in his first three seasons, Russell Wilson has become one of the league’s top quarterbacks in relatively short

GRADE

CHAIRMAN Paul G. Allen

 RUNNING BACKS Coming off arguably the best season of his career, Lynch continues to bounce off tacklers with reckless abandon. In rushing for at least 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in each of the past four seasons, Lynch also has steadily improved as a receiver (career-best 367 yards in 2014) and as a blocker in pass protection. Backing up Lynch is the dependable Robert Turbin as well as Christine Michael, who has all the skills to be a future starter. Derrick Coleman and Will Tukuafu, who adds value with his ability to play on both sides of the ball, share FB duties.

GRADE

2014 RECORD 12-4

time, winning game after game with his accurate arm, nifty feet and considerable intellect. Possessing tremendous poise and instincts both inside and outside the pocket, Wilson has engineered 15 comeback wins in the fourth quarter or overtime, the most in the NFL the past three seasons. He also has been extremely durable, managing to almost never take a hard hit. The primary backup will either be holdover Tarvaris Jackson (unsigned free agent at press time) or B.J. Daniels, who shares similar traits with Wilson.

 RECEIVERS Don’t be shocked if double-TE sets become a staple, with a pair in Graham and Luke Willson that can both line up outside and fly down the field. Graham has averaged 11½ TD catches the past four seasons with the Saints. “It’s pretty clear he’s a big receiver, plays big, makes plays in a crowd, makes plays on top of guys,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s a very effective player in the red zone, he has been a terrific, consistent scorer, so all of that stuff, we’re just going to fit it into our offense.” Capitalizing on his 4.5 speed, Willson made immense strides last season as a big-play downfield threat (16.5 ypc). But he does drop catchable passes on

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

146 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

occasion. The WR forecast is not nearly as optimistic, with the status of secondyear pro Paul Richardson, arguably the team’s most promising pass-catcher after coming on strong late last season, up in the air due to the left ACL he tore in the divisional playoff win over Carolina. But the imposing presence of both Lynch and Graham could significantly increase opportunities for a host of above-average receivers with big-play ability, led by Doug Baldwin, who runs precise routes both outside and from the slot; and Jermaine Kearse, whose array of stunning, highlight-reel catches in last year’s playoffs left a lasting impression. Keep an eye on third-round rookie Tyler Lockett. The all-time leading receiver in Kansas State history can play both on the outside and the slot. The only knock on him is his size. Chris Matthews, who came out of nowhere to catch four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl, adds depth along with speedy Ricardo Lockette and second-year pro Kevin Norwood.

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Concerns are everywhere but right guard, where converted D-lineman J.R. Sweezy has developed into the line’s most consistent performer. Entering his contract year, former first-round OLT Russell Okung’s Pro Bowl-caliber skills have been eroded by a series of major injuries. ORT Justin Britt was a decent run blocker as a rookie starter, but he took too many lumps in pass protection. The heavy shoes of C Max Unger, a major sacrifice in the trade for Graham, will most likely be filled by third-year pro Patrick Lewis, who showed promise replacing the injured Unger in four late starts last season. Should Lewis falter, reliable veteran Lemuel Jeanpierre won’t hesitate to pick up the baton. Thirdyear pro Alvin Bailey provides athleticism and versatility as the most likely replacement for James Carpenter (signed by Jets) at left guard over C.J. Davis, who sat out last season with a calf injury, and three rookies each expected to compete for interior jobs –

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC WEST

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Marshawn Lynch

Bobby Wagner

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT C Patrick Lewis DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DT Jordan Hill POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH DLT: Tony McDaniel vs. Jordan Hill

2015 SCHEDULE

Richard Sherman

DEFENSE After leading the league in fewest points allowed (15.9 ppg) for the third straight season, don’t expect much to change under new coordinator Kris Richard, the promoted DB coach who has been instrumental in developing the “Legion of Boom” secondary at the forefront of the NFL’s most dominant unit. The biggest concern is the health issues facing four key players in the secondary – FS Earl Thomas (shoulder), SS Kam Chancellor (torn MCL), CB Richard Sherman (elbow) and nickelback Jeremy Lane (knee and wrist).

Seattle’s defense gains a major edge when DEs Michael Bennett, the unit’s sack leader in 2014 (seven), and Cliff Avril, the unit’s leader in QB hits (20), line up next to each other on obvious passing downs. Constant harassment is a given from both of these high-motor 2013 freeagent additions. Third-year DT Jordan Hill came on like gangbusters with 5½ sacks in the final six games last season. He is expected to give the dependable Tony McDaniel a run for his money for the starting DLT job. DRT Brandon Mebane, a mainstay on the line and team leader who specializes in eating up space and doing the dirty work, struggled with hamstring issues last season and could be starting to wear down. Mebane could get considerable help from free-agent addition Ahtyba Rubin, a hardworking, full-time starter for most of his seven-year career with the Browns. Second-rounder Frank Clark has

A-

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

at St. Louis at Green Bay Chicago Detroit at Cincinnati Carolina at San Francisco at Dallas BYE Arizona San Francisco Pittsburgh at Minnesota at Baltimore Cleveland St. Louis at Arizona

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

GRADE

fourth-rounders Terry Poole and Mark Glowinski and sixth-rounder Kristjan Sokoli. Poole has a strong fighter’s mentality well-suited for the Seattle run game. Glowinski has some leverage issues, but his pure upper-body strength, toughness and intelligence bodes well for his future. Sokoli, a converted defensive lineman, is an intriguing long shot.

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 4 Green Bay W 36-16 Sept. 14 at San Diego L 21-30 Sept. 21 Denver *W 26-20 Oct. 6 at Washington W 27-17 Oct. 12 Dallas L 23-30 Oct. 19 at St. Louis L 26-28 Oct. 26 at Carolina W 13-9 Nov. 2 Oakland W 30-24 Nov. 9 N.Y. Giants W 38-17 Nov. 16 at Kansas City L 20-24 Nov. 23 Arizona W 19-3 Nov. 27 at San Francisco W 19-3 Dec. 7 at Philadelphia W 24-14 Dec. 14 San Francisco W 17-7 Dec. 21 at Arizona W 35-6 Dec. 28 St. Louis W 20-6 POSTSEASON Jan. 10 Carolina W 31-17 Jan. 18 Green Bay * W 28-22 Feb. 1 New England L 28-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 147

NFC

WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS

OPP

ATT

WK 1 GB WK 2 @ SD WK 3 DEN WK 5 @ WAS WK 6 DAL WK 7 @ STL WK 8 @ CAR WK 9 OAK WK 10 NYG WK 11 @ KC WK 12 AZ WK 13 @ SF WK 14 @ PHI WK 15 SF WK 16 @ AZ WK 17 STL SEASON TOTALS 

28 25 34 24 28 36 32 35 17 32 22 22 37 24 31 25 452

CMP

19 17 24 18 14 23 20 17 10 20 17 15 22 12 20 17 285

191 202 258 201 126 313 199 179 172 178 211 236 263 168 339 239 3475

DOUG BALDWIN

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 GB WK 2 @ SD WK 3 DEN WK 5 @ WAS WK 6 DAL WK 7 @ STL WK 8 @ CAR WK 9 OAK WK 10 NYG WK 11 @ KC WK 12 AZ WK 13 @ SF WK 14 @ PHI WK 15 SF WK 16 @ AZ WK 17 STL SEASON TOTALS 

5 3 14 6 3 35 5 4 56 5 4 50 3 2 32 11 7 123 8 6 61 6 5 38 6 4 31 9 6 45 2 2 6 4 2 28 7 5 97 6 3 53 11 7 113 4 3 43 98 66 825

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3

2 2 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 2 0 20

INT

RTG

0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7

110.9 119.1 99.9 127.3 47.6 110.1 77.5 63.9 53.7 98.2 121.6 118.8 99.3 69.4 122.9 81.9 95.0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 5 2 2 7 7 2 7 4 9 2 5 7 6 1

1 8 4 61 2 22 1 15 3 62 3 50 2 15 1 4 3 70 5 54 1 19 3 34 3 37 5 78 1 8 Inactive 69 38 537

 LINEBACKERS MLB Bobby Wagner has developed into a major difference-maker on the league’s best defense. Battling back from a painful toe injury that kept him out of five games, Wagner did not miss a beat flying around the field, spearheading a defense that allowed an average of just 6.5 points and finished the season 6-0 with him back in the lineup, allowing an average of just 6.5 points. Former first-round pick Bruce Irvin kept looking stronger in making his adjustment from defensive end to strong-side linebacker, speeding by unsuspecting tackles to register 6½ sacks and performing well in coverage with two interceptions for touchdowns. Greatly underrated ROLB K.J. Wright, the team’s leading tackler last season (107), can play all three spots and excels in coverage with his long arms

GRADE

RUSHING ATT YDS

JERMAINE KEARSE

some explosive qualities well-suited for the Seahawks’ “Leo” position. But there likely will be more focus on his major off-field baggage, which makes him a character concern of the highest order.

A-

MARSHAWN LYNCH

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

20 6 26 17 10 18 14 21 21 24 15 20 23 21 10 14 280

110 36 88 72 61 53 62 67 140 124 39 104 86 91 113 60 1306

RUSSELL WILSON

RUSHING ATT YDS

2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 13

7 2 9 11 2 7 6 8 14 8 10 7 10 5 6 6 118

MARSHAWN LYNCH

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 14 4 4 27 5 3 40 6 5 45 2 1 1 2 2 18 4 1 2 5 5 76 1 1 23 3 1 1 4 3 43 1 1 7 5 5 27 2 1 7 0 0 0 3 3 36 48 37 367

0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4

29 18 40 122 12 106 35 31 107 71 73 35 48 27 88 7 849

0 0 1 0 5 3 6 2 4 0 1 3 5 7 7 44

0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 Inactive 4 33 2 20 3 12 0 0 3 24 0 0 1 6 2 27 3 30 5 52 5 60 29 271

Sherman, Thomas and Chancellor are widely considered the best players in the league at their positions, but they each are coming off injuries worth monitoring. Sherman commands major respect, possesses fabulous ball skills and almost never gets beat. Thomas excels as the last line of defense with his tremendous range and tackling ability. Nobody hits harder than the exceptionally athletic Chancellor, the defense’s designated enforcer. Joining this trio of Pro Bowlers on the right corner is newcomer Cary Williams, who replaces Byron Maxwell, who signed with Eagles. The former Raven offers length, height and aggressiveness, and he loves to play the press-coverage schemes the

148 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 6

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

ROBERT TURBIN

PAUL RICHARDSON

and 6-4 height. Second-year pro Kevin Pierre-Louis figures to be an upgrade at the fourth LB spot over Malcolm Smith, who did not play well last year. Michael Morgan and Brock Coyle add depth outside and inside, respectively. Sixthround rookie OLB Obum Gwacham has rare athleticism but is a major project.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

RUSHING ATT YDS

6 2 2 5 2 2 2 5 6 4 4 4 4 5 10 11 74

27 7 1 19 10 7 10 35 32 11 12 8 7 33 38 53 310

CHRISTINE MICHAEL TD

ATT

RUSHING YDS

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 5 0 4 12 0 4 16 0 4 71 0 1 -2 0 Active, Did Not Play 3 10 0 6 32 0 1 1 0 8 28 0 1 2 0 34 175 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

LUKE WILLSON

1 0 0 4 6 4 5 0 3 1 6 2 1 3 4 40

1 1 0 0 0 0 3 28 2 11 Inactive 1 23 1 16 0 0 3 51 1 21 4 39 1 1 0 0 3 139 2 32 22 362

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3

ROBERT TURBIN

0 2 1 0 0 4 3 2 0 0 3 2 2 0 0 1 20

0 0 2 35 1 4 0 0 0 0 3 24 3 32 1 14 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 47 1 14 0 0 0 0 1 13 16 186

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2

Seahawks frequently employ. Nickel-back Lane could be out of the picture until midseason after undergoing surgery on his knee and wrist. He most likely will be replaced by ex-Colt Marcus Burley. Tharold Simon, veteran Will Blackmon, and fifth-round rookie Tye Smith add depth at cornerback. The top safety reserves are Dion Bailey, DeShawn Shead and seventh-round rookie Ryan Murphy.

SPECIAL TEAMS Despite a bit of a rough midseason patch in ’14, Steven Hauschka has developed into one of the league’s most reliable placekickers. Well-regarded directional P Jon Ryan provides a big bonus with his overall athleticism, as attested by his 19-yard TD pass to Garry Gilliam off a fake field goal against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game. Clint Gresham is one of the league’s most consistent deep snappers. Baldwin entered 2015 as the primary kick returner, but look out for Lockett, widely considered one of the best punt returners in college last year.

GRADE

RUSSELL WILSON

A-

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 89 BALDWIN WR 15 KEARSE OLT 76 OKUNG OLG 78 BAILEY C 65 LEWIS ORG 64 SWEEZY ORT 68 BRITT TE 88 GRAHAM QB 3 WILSON RB 24 LYNCH FB 40 COLEMAN

10 Richardson 16 Lockett* 83 Lockette 13 Matthews 69 Poole* 63 Glowinski* 69 Poole* 61 Jeanpierre 66 Davis 66 Milton 67 Sokoli* 79 Gilliam 69 Isles 82 Willson 85 McCoy 5 Daniels 22 Turbin 33 Michael 46 Tukuafu

DLE 72 BENNETT DLT 99 McDANIEL DRT 92 MEBANE DRE 56 AVRIL LOLB 51 IRVIN MLB 54 WAGNER ROLB 50 WRIGHT LCB 25 SHERMAN RCB 26 C. WILLIAMS SS 31 CHANCELLOR FS 29 THOMAS

95 Dobbs 97 Hill 77 Rubin 91 Marsh 57 Morgan 52 Coyle 58 Pierre-Louis 20 Lane 27 Simon 37 Bailey 35 Shead

DEFENSE

98 Scruggs 90 J. Williams 69 Staten 55 Clark* 47 Alexander 59 Gwacham* 28 Burley 22 Smith* 36 Murphy*

SPECIALISTS

P 9 RYAN PK 4 HAUSCHKA H 9 RYAN PR 89 BALDWIN KR 89 BALDWIN LS 49 GRESHAM

16 Lockett* 16 Lockett* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Pete Carroll, executive VP of football operations/head coach; Michael Barrow, linebackers; Darrell Bevell, offensive coordinator; Dwaine Board, defensive line; Kippy Brown, wide receivers; Tom Cable, asst. head coach/offensive line; Dave Canales, asst. quarterbacks/quality control-offense; Chris Carlisle, head strength and conditioning; Brennan Carroll, asst. offensive line; Nate Carroll, asst. wide receivers; Chris Cash, asst. secondary-cornerbacks; Andre Curtis, asst. secondary-safeties; Mondray Gee, asst. strength and conditioning; John Glenn, quality control/defense; Will Harriger, offensive asst.; Travis Jones, defensive line; Pat McPherson, tight ends; Chad Morton, asst. special teams; Kris Richard, defensive coordinator; Pat Ruel, asst. offensive line; Brian Schneider, special-teams coordinator; Rocky Seto, asst. head coach/defense; Carl Smith, quarterbacks; Sherman Smith, running backs; Nick Sorensen, coaching asst.-special teams; Lofa Tatupu, asst. linebackers; Jamie Yanchar, asst. strength and conditioning.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE WR OT OG CB DE DE S

Michigan Kansas State San Diego State West Virginia Towson Oregon State Buffalo Oregon State

63 69 130 134 170 209 214 248

2 3 4 4 5 6 6 7

Frank Clark Tyler Lockett Terry Poole Mark Glowinski Tye Smith Obum Gwacham Kristjan Sokoli Ryan Smith-Murphy

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Graham’s addition turns Seattle’s offense into a top-10 unit in both rushing and receiving, the defense is more dominant than ever with Wagner healthy for an entire season, and a convincing victory in Super Bowl 50 makes the last-second snafu in last year’s bout a distant memory.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Graham follows in Harvin’s shaky footsteps, costly injuries suddenly make Seattle’s defense vulnerable, and, worst of all, questionable play-calling seals the team’s fate for a second straight season.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

47 87 6 56 78 37 89 72 21 48 68 30 28 31 55 40 52 5 73 70 95 79 63 88 49 59 4 84 97 51 75 61 15 93 2 20 65 16 83 24 91 42 13 85 99 19 92 33 66 57 36 43 81 62 76 74 58 39 69 34 10 44 77 9 98 35 25 27 41 60 75 17 45 22 67 67 64 23 29 46 32 38 54 26 90 82 3 50

LB TE QB DE OT FS WR DE CB LS OT RB CB SS DE FB LB QB OT OG DE OT OG TE LS DE K TE DT LB OG C WR DE SS CB C WR WR RB DE SS WR TE DT WR DT RB OG LB SS LB WR OG OT DE LB CB OT RB WR DE DT P DE CB CB CB LB DE DT WR RB CB OG DT OG FS FS FB RB FS LB CB DT TE QB LB

6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-10 6-6 5-9 5-11 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-4 6-7 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-5 6-7 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-5 5-9 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-5 5-10 5-10 6-4 5-10 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5 5-11 6-4

252 26 250 25 220 27 260 29 320 23 211 23 189 26 274 29 204 30 195 325 23 210 25 185 24 232 27 272 21 233 24 243 24 217 25 298 23 308 28 282 27 306 24 310 23 265 28 240 28 248 24 210 29 239 25 303 24 248 27 348 23 301 27 209 25 281 25 215 23 190 24 311 24 182 22 211 28 215 29 254 22 220 22 218 25 259 27 305 30 200 26 311 30 221 24 324 24 226 27 214 22 235 23 199 25 292 25 310 27 300 25 236 23 220 23 323 23 215 21 183 23 251 24 325 28 217 33 310 24 220 26 195 27 202 24 242 21 283 22 300 26 218 23 231 23 195 22 302 23 311 24 298 26 197 24 202 26 280 31 222 25 170 21 241 24 190 30 325 24 252 25 206 26 246 25

Alexander, Mister Allen, RaShaun Archer, R.J. Avril, Cliff Bailey, Alvin Bailey, Dion Baldwin, Doug Bennett, Michael Blackmon, Will Boyer, Nate Britt, Justin Bronson, Demitrius Burley, Marcus Chancellor, Kam Clark, Frank Coleman, Derrick Coyle, Brock Daniels, B.J. Davis, Jesse Davis, C.J. Dobbs, Demarcus Gilliam, Garry Glowinski, Mark Graham, Jimmy Gresham, Clint Gwacham, Obum Hauschka, Steven Helfet, Cooper Hill, Jordan Irvin, Bruce Isles, Nate Jeanpierre, Lemuel Kearse, Jermaine King, David Lambert, Keenan Lane, Jeremy Lewis, Patrick Lockett, Tyler Lockette, Ricardo Lynch, Marshawn Marsh, Cassius Martin, Ronald Matthews, Chris McCoy, Anthony McDaniel, Tony McNeil, Douglas Mebane, Brandon Michael, Christine Milton, Keavon Morgan, Mike Murphy, Ryan Nealy, Quayshawn Norwood, Kevin Nowak, Drew Okung, Russell Pericak, Will Pierre-Louis, Kevin Pinkins, Eric Poole, Terry Rawls, Thomas Richardson, Paul Robinson, Ryan Rubin, Ahtyba Ryan, Jon Scruggs, Greg Shead, DeShawn Sherman, Richard Simon, Tharold Singleton, Alex Slater, Tory Smith, D’Anthony Smith, Kevin Smith, Rod Smith, Tye Sokoli, Kristjan Staten, Jimmy Sweezy, J.R. Terrell, Steven Thomas, Earl Tukuafu, Will Turbin, Robert Wade, Triston Wagner, Bobby Williams, Cary Williams, Jesse Willson, Luke Wilson, Russell Wright, K.J.

4 2 1 8 3 2 5 7 9 R 2 2 R 6 R 3 2 2 R 4 5 2 R 6 6 R 8 4 3 4 2 6 4 3 R 4 3 R 5 9 2 R 2 6 10 2 9 3 3 5 R R 2 4 6 1 2 2 R R 2 3 8 10 4 4 5 3 R R 6 1 R R R 2 4 3 6 6 4 R 4 8 3 3 4 5

Florida State Southern University William & Mary Purdue Arkansas USC Stanford Texas A&M Boston College Texas Missouri Eastern Washington Delaware Virginia Tech Michigan UCLA Montana South Florida Idaho Pittsburgh Georgia Penn State West Virginia Miami Texas Christian Oregon St. North Carolina State Duke Penn State West Virginia North Carolina A&T South Carolina Washington Oklahoma Norfolk St. Northwestern St. (La.) Texas A&M Kansas St. Fort Valley State California UCLA LSU Kentucky USC Tennessee Bowie State California Texas A&M Louisiana-Monroe USC Oregon St. Georgia Tech Alabama Western Michigan Oklahoma State Colorado Boston College San Diego State San Diego St. Central Michigan Colorado Oklahoma State Iowa State Regina (Canada) Louisville Portland State Stanford LSU Montana St. West Georgia Louisiana Tech Washington Ohio St. Towson Buffalo Middle Tennessee State North Carolina State Texas A&M Texas Oregon Utah State Texas-San Antonio Utah State Washburn Alabama Rice Wisconsin Mississippi State

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NFC

WEST

2 Cardinals ARIZONA

2014 RECORD 11-5 CHAIRMAN AND OWNER William V. Bidwill GENERAL MANAGER Steve Keim HEAD COACH Bruce Arians OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Harold Goodwin DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR James Bettcher STADIUM University of Phoenix Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 63,400 | Natural grass

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE

Significant injuries to the offense’s two most essential weapons, QB Carson Palmer and dual-threat RB Andre Ellington, took a mighty toll on a team that ended last season setting a new league record for postseason offensive futility (78 total yards) in a 27-16 wild-card loss to the Panthers. In addition to fully healthy returns for Palmer and Ellington, the Cardinals must bolster their 31st-ranked ground game (3.3 ypc), especially in shortyardage situations. Ideally, a consistent running attack will set the table for a lively offense that is not afraid to go for the throat at any given time.

 QUARTERBACKS Before tearing the ACL in his left knee in Week 10, Palmer could not have looked any more comfortable in his second season in the desert. In overcoming a nerve issue in his shoulder that forced him to miss three games, Palmer compiled a 6-0 record, completing 62.9 percent of

his passes with an 11-3 TD-INT ratio. Drew Stanton, who initially performed well in Palmer’s absence before breaking down, is a smart, capable backup. But he also is coming off an injury-plagued campaign. Second-year (fourth-round) QB Logan Thomas, a strong-armed physical specimen in the mold of Ben Roethlisberger, offers promise for the future.

 RUNNING BACKS After a terrific rookie campaign in which he led the league in yards per carry (5.5), Ellington was forced to play all of last season with a foot injury that prevented him from participating in full practice sessions before suffering a season-ending hip pointer in Week 13. Operating at full strength, Ellington is a shifty slasher with superb cutting ability both inside and outside. Thirdround rookie David Johnson adds muchneeded power to the backfield, as well as excellent receiving ability. Coach Bruce Arians said Johnson reminds him of Bears RB Matt Forte, only faster. “There aren’t many backs that are almost 6-1 that have the combination of explosiveness that he has,” Cardinals GM Steve Keim said. A diverse committee of backs (Stepfan Taylor, Kerwynn Williams, Marion Grice) provides decent depth.

 RECEIVERS Operating primarily in the slot as a short-to-intermediate-range target, future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald’s role in the offense has been adjusted to maximize the talents of Michael Floyd and John Brown, two much younger receivers with bona fide star power. Fitzgerald had a career-low two touchdowns last season with his fewest catches (63) and receiving yards (784) since 2004. But there is reason to believe he will post better numbers in 2015, provided he and Palmer can stay healthy. Floyd also regressed statistically last season and is expected to run a lot more routes conducive to completions, as

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opposed to the decoy-type routes that he ran so frequently in 2014. Floyd has great natural tools, but the 2013 first-rounder must be more consistent. Brown, an unheralded third-round pick last season, was an instant sensation, registering four game-winning TDs in dramatic fashion. “If he’s on the outside, you better give him a cushion,” coach Bruce Arians said of Brown. “He’s going to take the top off (the defense) at any point in time.” Workmanlike Jaron Brown and fifth-round rookie J.J. Nelson add depth at wide receiver. Veteran Darren Fells and injury-prone second-year pro Troy Niklas share TE duties. As last season wore on, Fells developed into the team’s most effective tight end overall. Seventh-round rookie Gerald Christian is a good route runner.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Say hello to three-time Pro Bowl OG Mike Iupati, a top-quality run-blocker who was signed away from the divisionrival Niners on the first day of free agency. With Iupati operating alongside equally huge OT Jared Veldheer, the O-line’s left side just might be the league’s most intimidating on paper. Shifted to right guard to make way for Iupati, 2013 first-round pick Jonathan Cooper is champing at the bit to make amends for a disappointing, injury-plagued rookie campaign. Bobby Massie started every game at right tackle in 2014 after being beaten out by free-agent addition Eric Winston in 2013, and he did a mostly solid job, despite allowing seven sacks. But Massie faces a massive challenge from first-round rookie D.J. Humphries, who was considered by Keim to be the most athletic tackle available in this year’s draft. Humphries is a terrific athlete with great feet and a naturally nasty temperament, but he lacks explosiveness and consistency and also has had some durability issues. The replacement for Lyle Sendlein at center will either be journeyman holdover Ted Larsen or overachieving free-agent

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN NFC WEST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OLB Sam Acho, TE John Carlson, TE Rob Housler, CB Antonio Cromartie, DT Darnell Dockett, ILB Larry Foote, WR-RS Ted Ginn, C Lyle Sendlein, NT Dan Williams.

GRADE

10-6

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Alfonzo Dennard, OG Mike Iupati, DT Corey Peters, DL Cory Redding, C A.Q. Shipley, ILB Sean Weatherspoon, OLB LaMarr Woodley.

GRADE

PREDICTION

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Andre Ellington

Calais Campbell

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT OG Jonathan Cooper DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT SS Deone Bucannon POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH C: Ted Larsen vs. A.Q. Shipley

2015 SCHEDULE

Calais Campbell

DEFENSE

New coordinator James Bettcher, formerly the team’s OLB coach, remains firmly committed to the well-regarded system employed by his predecessor Todd Bowles, who left to become the Jets’ head coach. Expect the same attacking style Bowles established that specializes in forcing turnovers and consistently disrupting the quarterback. Bettcher said his top two priorities were to add faster players to the roster and to reduce big plays after ranking a lowly 29th in passing yards allowed (259.5 ypg) last season.

consecutive season with at least six sacks. The line’s unsung hero last season was gritty DRT Frostee Rucker, who proved his worth registering a career-high five sacks with two forced fumbles replacing the injured Darnell Dockett in the starting lineup. Look for free-agent addition Corey Peters (Falcons) to replace Dan Williams as the complement to 348-pound brute Alameda Ta’amu on the nose. Also look for solid veteran DL Cory Redding, who started all 16 games last year for the Colts, to make his presence felt along with second-year pros Ed Stinson and Kareem Martin and fourth-round rookie Rodney Gunter. Martin also could see action at outside linebacker.

GRADE

addition A.Q. Shipley, who played in 15 games with five starts for the Colts last season. Bradley Sowell and Earl Watford add depth at tackle and guard, respectively.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

 LINEBACKERS

Coming off his first Pro Bowl, Calais Campbell has developed into an elite 3-4 end. With his great extension and considerable athleticism that enables him to operate anywhere on the D-line, the 6-foot-8 Campbell registered his sixth

SLB Alex Okafor registered a teamhigh eight sacks in 13 games last season after sitting out the equivalent of an entire season due to injuries. He also had his share of breakdowns both against the run and in coverage. On the weak

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 26 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

New Orleans at Chicago San Francisco St. Louis at Detroit at Pittsburgh Baltimore at Cleveland BYE at Seattle Cincinnati at San Francisco at St. Louis Minnesota at Philadelphia Green Bay Seattle

TIME

4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 8 San Diego W 18-17 Sept. 14 at N.Y. Giants W 25-14 Sept. 21 San Francisco W 23-14 Oct. 5 at Denver L 20-41 Oct. 12 Washington W 30-20 Oct. 19 at Oakland W 24-13 Oct. 26 Philadelphia W 24-20 Nov. 2 at Dallas W 28-17 Nov. 9 St. Louis W 31-14 Nov. 16 Detroit W 14-6 Nov. 23 at Seattle L 3-19 Nov. 30 at Atlanta L 18-29 Dec. 7 Kansas City W 17-14 Dec. 11 at St. Louis W 12-6 Dec. 21 Seattle L 6-35 Dec. 28 at San Francisco L 17-20 POSTSEASON Jan. 3 at Carolina L 27-16 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 SD WK 2 @ NYG WK 3 SF WK 5 @ DEN WK 6 WAS WK 7 @ OAK WK 8 PHI WK 9 @ DAL WK 10 STL WK 11 DET WK 12 @ SEA WK 13 @ ATL WK 14 KC WK 15 @ STL WK 16 SEA WK 17 @ SF SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

44 31 42 34 36

28 22 20 22 25

224

141

304 2 Inactive Inactive Inactive 250 2 253 2 329 2 249 3 241 0 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 1626 11

STEPFAN TAYLOR

GAME

OPP

WK 1 SD WK 2 @ NYG WK 3 SF WK 5 @ DEN WK 6 WAS WK 7 @ OAK WK 8 PHI WK 9 @ DAL WK 10 STL WK 11 DET WK 12 @ SEA WK 13 @ ATL WK 14 KC WK 15 @ STL WK 16 SEA WK 17 @ SF SEASON TOTALS 

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 0 1 1 3 12 0 2 5 0 6 14 11 7 63

5 0 2 6 10 40 0 Inactive Inactive 6 14 0 19 61 19 26 208

GRADE

INT

RTG

108.4

0 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 1 0 1 1

93.9 103.3 90.3 103.7 76.3

95.6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

4 10 7 7 6 5 10 6 10 4 9 10 12 4 104

ATT

29 33 26

LARRY FITZGERALD

side, ex-Raider Matt Shaughnessy has done a decent job setting the edge for the Cardinals, but his health could be an issue after missing eight games last season due to knee-cartilage damage. Major assistance on the flanks could come from rookies Markus Golden (second round) and Shaquille Riddick (fifth round). The Cardinals liked Golden a lot more than the many draft observers who considered him a bit of a reach. “I just love the way he plays,” Arians said. “He reminds me of James Harrison, same structure, strength, great leverage, and he has got speed to power.” Riddick is an excellent athlete with impressive length. On the inside, free-agent addition Sean Weatherspoon was signed in the hopes of becoming the same kind of instinctive three-down, sideline-to-sideline ‘backer he was in Atlanta when healthy, which was not nearly enough. Weatherspoon will be joined on run downs by third-year pro Kevin Minter, who must demonstrate better coverage skills in order to earn more playing time. Veteran newcomer LaMarr Woodley and Lorenzo Alexander provide depth and

C+

DREW STANTON

1 22 6 51 3 34 3 57 6 98 4 21 7 160 5 70 9 112 2 33 Inactive Inactive 4 34 7 30 4 33 2 29 63 784

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

5 32 26 39 30 20 240

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

ANDRE ELLINGTON

INT

Active, Did Not Play 14 167 0 18 244 2 11 118 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 3 85 1 21 306 2 14 149 0 24 294 1 15 239 1 12 109 0 Inactive Inactive 132 1711 7

JOHN BROWN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 2 29 4 3 28 6 4 52 7 2 4 6 4 43 5 2 41 10 5 119 5 2 10 9 5 73 9 5 69 5 3 61 5 2 40 4 0 0 6 2 22 8 3 54 9 4 51 103 48 696

1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

66.3 98.5 56.2

0 2 1 2 0 0

143.8 91.4 54.8 72 88.1 74.8

78.7

MICHAEL FLOYD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

7 5 119 6 1 19 9 5 114 7 1 7 7 4 47 3 3 47 4 0 0 5 4 36 4 1 11 5 2 54 2 0 0 10 5 53 7 4 85 3 2 55 8 2 41 12 8 153 99 47 841

 DEFENSIVE BACKS After becoming the league’s highestpaid cornerback last July, former firstrounder Patrick Peterson earned a Pro Bowl berth, but he had a down year by his lofty standards. As he battled bloodsugar issues, he registered only three interceptions for the second straight year and allowed eight TDs in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. The Cardinals are banking on better health for both Peterson and FS Tyrann Mathieu, who has been by hindered by injuries his first two seasons but displayed eyepopping skills his rookie year as a three-in-one DB who moved to cornerback on nickel downs. Mathieu headlines a deep group of safeties that also includes Rashad Johnson, who provided a stabilizing presence on all but six snaps last season; Tony Jefferson, who led the Cardinals in tackles for the first

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RTG

0 0 0

experience outside, with Kenny Demens helping out inside. Former Pro Bowl ILB Daryl Washington is a major X-factor facing a possible suspension for the third straight season.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 6

RUSHING ATT YDS

KERWYNN WILLIAMS

13 15 18 16 19 24 23 21 18 19 10 5

53 91 62 32 67 88 71 95 23 42 24 12 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 201 660

0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0

ANDRE ELLINGTON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 3 4 7 9 9 6 4 5 4 8 0

5 27 1 10 3 13 4 112 6 26 6 72 3 14 4 39 5 19 4 24 5 39 0 0 Inactive Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 64 46 395

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

ATT

RUSHING YDS

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Not on Team 19 100 0 15 75 0 2 4 0 17 67 0 53 246 0

JOHN CARLSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 20 3 2 43 3 3 33 3 2 19 6 4 14 4 2 20 6 2 16 8 2 19 4 2 33 4 3 37 4 3 25 3 2 38 1 1 1 1 1 11 3 2 15 1 1 6 55 33 350

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

eight games last season with Mathieu sidelined during much of that time; and 2014 first-rounder Deone Bucannon, who spent his rookie season in a hybrid LB-safety role. Ex-Colt Jerraud Powers (combined 27 pass breakups the last two seasons) adequately fills the bill as the starting right corner. But he figures to get lots of competition from ascending fourthyear CB Justin Bethel and ex-Patriot Alfonzo Dennard, a post-draft pickup who adds flexibility with his ability to play both inside and outside.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Undrafted second-year PK Chandler Catanzaro was a standout on kickoffs. He also connected on 12-of-14 field goals from beyond 40 yards. Left-footed Dave Zastudil, considered one of the league’s best punters inside the 20, returns to action after sitting out most of last season with a groin injury. John Brown starts the season as the primary kick-returner, but it would not be a shock if he is supplanted by Nelson. Bethel, a Pro Bowl special-teamer, is arguably the league’s best gunner.

GRADE

CARSON PALMER

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 11 FITZGERALD WR 15 FLOYD OLT 68 VELDHEER OLG 76 IUPATI C 71 LARSEN ORG 61 COOPER ORT 70 MASSIE TE 87 NIKLAS TE 85 FELLS QB 3 PALMER RB 38 ELLINGTON

12 Jo. Brown 10 B. Golden 13 Ja. Brown* 14 Nelson* 79 Sowell 69 Palmer* 71 Steen 53 Shipley 78 Watford 73 McClain 74 Humphries* 79 Sowell 80 Momah 83 Christian* 83 Bolser 5 Stanton 6 Thomas 31 D. Johnson* 30 Taylor

DLE 93 CAMPBELL NT 66 TA’AMU DRT 98 RUCKER SLB 57 OKAFOR RILB 55 WEATHERSPOON LILB 51 MINTER LOLB 91 SHAUGHNESSY LCB 21 PETERSON RCB 25 POWERS SS 22 JEFFERSON FS 32 MATHIEU

96 Martin* 98 Peters 90 Redding 97 Alexander 54 Demens 56 Carson 44 M. Golden* 28 Bethel 37 Dennard 20 Bucannon 26 R. Johnson

DEFENSE

73 Mauro 72 Stinson 47 Riddick*

52 Woodley 29 Weaver 42 Smith 45 Campbell 29 Clemons

SPECIALISTS

P 9 ZASTUDIL PK 7 CATANZARO H 9 ZASTUDIL PR 12 JO. BROWN KR 12 JO. BROWN LS 82 LEACH

14 Nelson* 21 Peterson 14 Nelson* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Bruce Arians, head coach; James Bettcher, defensive coordinator; Anthony Blevins, assistant/special teams; Brenston Buckner, defensive line; Mike Chiurco, defensive assistant/assistant defensive backs; Rick Christophel, tight ends; David Diaz-Infante, offensive assistant; Darryl Drake, wide receivers; Kevin Garver, offensive assistant; Harold Goodwin, offensive coordinator; Steve Heiden, assistant special teams/assistant tight ends; Roger Kingdom, assistant strength & conditioning; Freddie Kitchens, quarterbacks; Stump Mitchell, running backs; Buddy Morris, strength and conditioning; Tom Moore, assistant head coach/offense; Tom Pratt, pass rush specialist; Nick Rapone, defensive backs; Kevin Ross, cornerbacks; Bob Sanders, linebackers; Larry Zierlein, assistant offensive line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT DE RB DT DE WR TE

Florida Missouri Northern Iowa Delaware State West Virginia UAB Louisville

24 58 86 116 158 159 256

1 2 3 4 5 5 7

D.J. Humphries Markus Golden David Johnson Rodney Gunter Shaquille Riddick J.J. Nelson Gerald Christian

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Bruce Arians and Steve Keim pick up where they left off as one of the league’s best head coach-GM duos, and the Cardinals make a deep playoff run by avoiding the rash of injuries to key players on both sides of the ball that triggered their undoing in 2014.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Ill-timed injuries wreak havoc again, newcomers Iupati and Weatherspoon fail to earn their keep, the offense’s ground game continues to falter, the defense loses its mojo with Bowles no longer running the show, and the Cardinals are transformed into disappointing also-rans.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

97 Alexander, Lorenzo 28 Bethel, Justin 81 Bolser, Ted 64 Bradfield, Cameron 35 Brooks, Cariel 13 Brown, Jaron 12 Brown, John 20 Bucannon, Deone 2 Butler, Drew 93 Campbell, Calais 43 Campbell, D.J. 56 Carson, Glenn 7 Catanzaro, Chandler 83 Christian, Gerald 29 Clemons, Chris 61 Cooper, Jonathan 67 Crisp, Rob 54 Demens, Kenny 37 Dennard, Alfonzo 38 Ellington, Andre 85 Fells, Darren 11 Fitzgerald, Larry 15 Floyd, Michael 48 Fua, Alani 75 Fullington, John 10 Golden, Brittan 44 Golden, Markus 23 Grice, Marion 95 Gunter, Rodney 84 Harman, Trevor 4 Harnish, Chandler 17 Harvey, Travis 39 Hughes, Robert 74 Humphries, D.J. 76 Iupati, Mike 45 Jackson, Edwin 22 Jefferson, Tony 31 Johnson, David 26 Johnson, Rashad 49 Kirk, Andrae 62 Larsen, Ted 34 Lasike, Paul 82 Leach, Mike 46 Legree, Jimmy 31 Martin, Gabe 96 Martin, Kareem 70 Massie, Bobby 32 Mathieu, Tyrann 73 Mauro, Josh 60 McClain, Antoine 51 Minter, Kevin 80 Momah, Ifeanyi 14 Nelson, J.J. 87 Niklas, Troy 57 Okafor, Alex 3 Palmer, Carson 69 Palmer, Kelvin 98 Peters, Corey 21 Peterson, Patrick 86 Powell, Damond 25 Powers, Jerraud 90 Redding, Cory 47 Riddick, Shaquille 36 Roberts, C.J. 65 Rooks, Tavon 92 Rucker, Frostee 91 Shaughnessy, Matt 53 Shipley, A.Q. 16 Shipley, Jaxon 89 Sinclair, Gannon 42 Smith, Damond 79 Sowell, Bradley 18 Spadola, Ryan 5 Stanton, Drew 71 Steen, Anthony 72 Stinson, Ed 66 Ta’amu, Alameda 30 Taylor, Stepfan 6 Thomas, Logan 68 Veldheer, Jared 94 Wagenmann, Zack 78 Watford, Earl 55 Weatherspoon, Sean 37 Weaver, Ross 41 Whitley, Eddie 33 Williams, Kerwynn 67R Williams, Xavier 27 Woodard, Darren 52 Woodley, LaMarr 9 Zastudil, Dave

OLB CB TE OT CB WR WR S P DE S ILB K TE S OG OT ILB CB RB TE WR WR ILB OG WR OLB RB DE WR QB WR RB OT OG ILB S RB S ILB C/OG RB LS CB ILB OLB OT S DE OG ILB TE WR TE OLB QB OT DT CB WR CB DE OLB CB OT DE DE C/OG WR TE CB OT WR QB OG DE NT RB QB OT OLB OG ILB CB CB RB NT CB OLB P

6-1 6-0 6-5 6-4 5-10 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-8 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-1 5-10 5-9 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-5 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-5 6-5 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-6 6-6 5-9 6-6 6-5 6-1 6-7 5-10 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-4 6-6 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-7 5-11 6-7 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 5-9 6-6 6-8 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-3

244 190 249 308 200 205 179 208 217 300 205 236 200 244 214 312 300 242 200 199 281 218 225 234 301 186 260 207 305 205 222 185 235 315 331 230 212 224 204 225 305 232 235 187 235 272 316 186 282 336 245 248 156 270 260 235 290 305 219 180 187 318 260 180 300 280 285 307 190 270 184 315 205 243 310 287 348 214 250 321 250 295 244 210 188 198 309 175 265 220

31 9 California 24 4 Presbyterian 24 1 Indiana 27 5 Grand Valley State 24 R Adams St 25 3 Clemson 25 2 Pittsburg State 22 2 Washington State 26 3 Georgia 28 8 Miami (Fla.) 25 3 California 24 2 Penn State 24 2 Clemson 23 R Louisville 29 7 Clemson 25 3 North Carolina 24 R North Carolina St. 25 2 Michigan 25 4 Nebraska 26 3 Clemson 29 2 California-Irvine 31 12 Pittsburgh 25 4 Notre Dame 23 R BYU 23 1 Washington State 26 2 West Texas A&M 24 R Missouri 22 2 Arizona State 23 R Delaware State 23 R Shippensburg 26 1 Northern Illinois 24 1 Florida A&M 25 3 Notre Dame 21 R Florida 27 6 Idaho 23 R Georgia Southern 23 3 Oklahoma 23 R Northern Iowa 29 7 Alabama 21 R Florida Atlantic 27 6 North Carolina State 24 R BYU 38 16 William and Mary 24 1 South Carolina 22 R Bowling Green 23 2 North Carolina 25 4 Mississippi 22 3 LSU 24 2 Stanford 25 2 Clemson 24 3 LSU 25 1 Boston College 23 R UAB 22 2 Notre Dame 24 3 Texas 35 13 USC 24 1 Baylor 26 6 Kentucky 24 5 LSU 22 R Iowa 27 7 Auburn 34 13 Texas 22 R West Virginia 23 R Colorado St.-Pueblo 25 1 Kansas State 31 10 USC 28 7 Wisconsin 28 4 Penn State 22 R Texas 22 R Missouri State 23 1 South Alabama 25 4 Mississippi 24 2 Lehigh 31 9 Michigan State 25 1 Alabama 25 2 Alabama 24 4 Washington 23 3 Stanford 23 2 Virginia Tech 27 6 Hillsdale 22 R Montana 25 3 James Madison 27 6 Missouri 28 1 Michigan State 25 2 Virginia Tech 23 2 Utah State 23 R Northern Iowa 25 1 Texas-El Paso 30 9 Michigan 36 14 Ohio U.

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3 Rams

WEST

ST. LOUIS

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OLB Akeem Ayers, DT Nick Fairley, QB Nick Foles, QB Case Keenum, OT Garrett Reynolds.

PREDICTION

8-8

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES QB Sam Bradford, QB Shaun Hill, DT Kendall Langford, OT Jake Long, OT Mike Person, RB Zac Stacy, C Scott Wells.

OWNER/CHAIRMAN Stan Kroenke GENERAL MANAGER Les Snead HEAD COACH Jeff Fisher OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Frank Cignetti DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Gregg Williams STADIUM Edward Jones Dome CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 66,000 | AstroTurf GameDay Grass 3D

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE

In his breakout season with the Eagles two years ago, new Rams QB Nick Foles thrived in a high-octane, free-wheeling attack designed by the innovative Chip Kelly. Foles likely faces a much different situation under Jeff Fisher, a longtime proponent of physical, meat-and-potato offenses built to run over – rather than away from – opponents. New coordinator Frank Cignetti, formerly the QB coach, is expected to simplify the departed Brian Schottenheimer’s playbook while also creating more opportunities for multipurpose big-play threat Tavon Austin. New assistant head coach/offense Rob Boras, formerly the TE coach, is expected to focus on a ground attack that will be featuring first-round draft pick Todd Gurley by the end of the season.

 QUARTERBACKS The widespread belief that Foles’ outstanding 2013 campaign (league-record 27-2 TD-interception ratio) was due more

GRADE

2014 RECORD 6-10

to his supporting cast and Kelly’s offense than his own ability was strengthened after his uneven, mistake-prone 2014 effort (13-10 TD-INT) before suffering a seasonending broken collarbone in Week 9. Big in the pocket and deceptively athletic, Foles delivers the ball quickly and is an accurate passer, especially deep. He also has strong leadership skills and impressive poise. Foles is capably backed up by veterans Austin Davis and Case Keenum and third-round rookie Sean Mannion. Austin performed well initially in place of the injured Sam Bradford last season before fading badly. The 6-foot-6 Mannion set 18 passing records at Oregon State.

C+

 RUNNING BACKS The Rams won’t rush Gurley into the starting lineup while he continues to recuperate from a torn left ACL suffered last November. But plans call for the dominant Georgia centerpiece with allworld tools to eventually become the latest in a long line of highly successful backs, such as Eddie George and Chris Johnson, who have excelled under Fisher. “His body of work speaks for itself,” Fisher said of Gurley, a monster rusher after contact with great explosiveness and sure hands out of the backfield. “He’s a complete back.” Second-year pro Tre Mason will likely start the season as the lead back before becoming a slashing complement to Gurley. Mason displayed electrifying big-play ability when it took him only four carries to go over 100 yards in a breakout three-TD performance (two rushing, one receiving) in a Week 13 blowout over the Raiders last season. Benny Cunningham has developed into a solid third-down back, finishing third on the team with 45 receptions last season while also coming through in the red zone with three rushing TDs. Tough-as-nails TE Cory Harkey spent most of his time blocking in the backfield.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

 RECEIVERS Austin is a legitimate threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball,

154 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

but he managed only two scores last season, both of them coming as a runner out of the backfield. Although Austin was underutilized, ex-Titan Kenny Britt revived his career after being reunited with Fisher by gaining a team-high 748 yards receiving while becoming one of the league’s most effective deep threats at 15.6 ypc. Brian Quick performed well as the team’s leading receiver before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week Eight. With extended playing time the second half of the season, Steadman Bailey continued to show promise as a sure-handed intermediate threat, while Chris Givens continued to regress from his promising rookie campaign in 2012. Sixth-round rookie Bud Sasser adds good size and assertiveness to the WR corps. TE Jared Cook has done a decent job catching more than 50 passes each in his two seasons with the Rams. Cook also improved his run-blocking last season, but he still needs to cut down on his drops and take better advantage of his deep speed. As is the case with Austin, TE Lance Kendricks deserves more opportunities after scoring a careerhigh five TDs (tied for the team lead with Mason) with only one drop to go with his career-low 27 catches. Forced to wear a brace all season after injuring his knee in Week Two, Harkey was limited as a receiver, but he did not miss a game.

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC WEST

CB-+

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN In a unit that has undergone a major facelift, all eyes will be on 2014 first-round draft pick Greg Robinson, who takes over at left tackle for the departed Jake Long. Robinson, who opened gaping holes for Mason at Auburn with his impressive blend of power and quickness, was solid playing mostly left guard as a rookie. But he struggled at tackle and is being counted on to take a big step forward. Robinson will be operating alongside OLG Rodger Saffold, the Rams’ best O-lineman last season despite being limited by a shoulder injury that required surgery. The Rams’ only experienced center is Tim Barnes, an adequate replacement for the oft-injured Scott Wells the past three

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Todd Gurley

Aaron Donald

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT OT Greg Robinson DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB E.J. Gaines POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORG, ORT: Open competition

2015 SCHEDULE

Aaron Donald

C-

DEFENSE

For the first offseason since Fisher arrived as head coach, the Rams have not been forced to deal with instability at the defensive coordinator position,

with Gregg Williams entrenched in the role after assembling a unit that started off slow but just kept getting stronger with flashes of dominance in his first full season at the helm. All 11 starters return, plus most of the key depth. Williams’ aggressive concepts are expected to become second-nature, with a focus more on simply reacting rather than thinking.

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Arguably the league’s strongest D-line features five former first-round draft picks, counting former Lion Nick Fairley, who inherits the departed Kendall Langford’s spot in the rotation. Pro Bowl DLT Aaron Donald led all rookies with nine sacks and instantly became a major force vs. the run and pass, drawing comparisons to the Bengals’ Geno Atkins in his prime. Pro Bowl DRE Robert Quinn was not nearly as dominant as he was in 2013, but he finished strong with 10½ sacks

GRADE

seasons. Hope springs eternal on the right side, with unproven holdovers Brandon Washington and Barrett Jones considered tenuous front-runners at the tackle and guard spots, respectively. A hungry pack of rookies will be breathing down both their necks from the get-go, led by secondround OT Rob Havenstein and thirdround OG Jamon Brown. Havenstein (6-7, 321) excelled opening holes last year for Melvin Gordon, and before that, Montee Ball, at Wisconsin. Brown (6-6, 326) allowed only two sacks his senior year at Louisville and started every game his last three seasons. Fourth-rounder Andrew Donnal and sixth-rounder Cody Wichmann add more interior depth.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Seattle at Washington Pittsburgh at Arizona at Green Bay BYE Cleveland San Francisco at Minnesota Chicago at Baltimore at Cincinnati Arizona Detroit Tampa Bay at Seattle at San Francisco

TIME

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Oct. 5 Oct. 13 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 21 Dec. 28

Minnesota at Tampa Bay Dallas at Philadelphia San Francisco Seattle at Kansas City at San Francisco at Arizona Denver at San Diego Oakland at Washington Arizona N.Y. Giants at Seattle All times Eastern

RESULT

L 6-34 W 19-17 L 31-34 L 28-34 L 17-31 W 28-26 L 7-34 W 13-10 L 14-31 W 22-7 L 24-27 W 52-0 W 24-0 L 6-12 L 27-37 L 6-20

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WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS GAME

OPP

WK 1 MIN WK 2 @ TB WK 3 DAL WK 5 @ PHI WK 6 SF WK 7 SEA WK 8 @ KC WK 9 @ SF WK 10 @ AZ WK 11 DEN WK 12 @ SD WK 13 OAK WK 14 @ WAS WK 15 AZ WK 16 NYG WK 17 @ SEA SEASON TOTALS 

PASSING YDS TD

ATT

CMP

23 29 42 49 42 20 25 24 30

16 192 0 22 235 0 30 327 3 29 375 3 21 236 1 17 155 2 15 160 1 13 105 1 17 216 1 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 180 2001 12

284

BENNY CUNNINGHAM GAME

OPP

WK 1 MIN WK 2 @ TB WK 3 DAL WK 5 @ PHI WK 6 SF WK 7 SEA WK 8 @ KC WK 9 @ SF WK 10 @ AZ WK 11 DEN WK 12 @ SD WK 13 OAK WK 14 @ WAS WK 15 AZ WK 16 NYG WK 17 @ SEA SEASON TOTALS 

SHAUN HILL

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 6 9 7 7 2 4 4 4 2 4 2 3 2 1 4 66

21 15 29 47 21 3 27 10 12 7 18 3 20 4 -1 10 246

0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

INT

1 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 2

RTG

ATT

76.7 99.1 98.0 103.7 65.2 132.3 75.4 44.6 62.6

0.0

85.1

TAVON AUSTIN

RUSHING ATT YDS

3 2 0 3 5 2 2 1 2 3 2 5 1 3 2 36

0 29 35 22 22 39 32 37 229

CMP

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2

INT

8 81 0 Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play 20 220 1 18 198 1 13 183 2 16 213 2 20 229 0 24 290 2 26 243 0 145 1657 8

JARED COOK

5 21 Inactive 0 16 16 7 7 10 11 27 24 46 8 25 1 224

TRE MASON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 4 56 4 4 46 9 7 75 10 4 44 11 4 74 3 3 25 3 1 11 5 2 12 3 2 84 5 3 19 9 3 27 1 0 0 5 4 61 9 3 22 7 5 41 7 3 37 99 52 634

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3

0.0

0 2 0 0 1 1 2 7

102.7 54.2 116.3 133.3 58.6 110.2 65.5 83.9

KENNY BRITT

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 0 0 1 1 17 7 5 69 6 3 68 6 3 39 3 2 4 5 2 52 4 2 32 5 3 31 7 4 128 6 2 37 1 1 13 5 2 52 9 5 65 11 9 103 5 4 38 84 48 748

ankle injury much of the season limited him in coverage. A juicy battle is shaping up at strong-side linebacker between freeagent addition Akeem Ayers (Patriots) and feisty holdover Jo-Lonn Dunbar. Ayers, a dependable stand-up rusher who can collapse the pocket, played under Williams in Tennessee. Korey Toomer and Marshall McFadden provide depth outside, while Daren Bates and seventhround rookie Bryce Hager back up Laurinaitis.

 LINEBACKERS

It was once again feast or famine on the right corner for Janoris Jenkins, who either looked like God’s gift (a pair of interceptions returned for TDs) or God-awful, with an inordinate number of busted coverages. The situation improved dramatically on the left corner, with versatile Missouri product E.J. Gaines overtaking Trumaine Johnson as the starter with consistent work against both the pass and run. The safety position also was upgraded with the addition of former Buccaneers first-rounder Mark Barron,

GRADE

C+

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

B-

156 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RUSHING ATT YDS

47.3

after a terrible start of zero sacks in the first five games. Tenacious DLE Chris Long, normally a consistently productive pass rusher, missed 10 games due to a leftankle injury but was effectively replaced by super subs William Hayes and Eugene Sims (combined seven sacks). Massive Michael Brockers took on more of a grunt role at nose tackle alongside Donald and could be pushed hard by the talented but inconsistent Fairley. Seventh-round rookie Martin Ifedi will be a major long shot to join this top-of-the-line group.

LLB Alec Ogletree, yet another former first-round defender, led the Rams in tackles for the second year in a row and made his share of tide-turning plays (two interceptions and four forced fumbles). But he continued to miss way too many tackles and struggled in passing situations more often than not. MLB James Laurinaitis continued to do yeoman’s work lining up the troops and making pre-snap adjustments. He was used more as a blitzer, matching his career-high with 3½ sacks. But a nagging

RTG

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 4

11 43 0 19 71 1 12 67 0 11 42 0 8 17 0 0 0 0 5 17 0 Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play 0 0 0 6 27 0 0 0 0 Active, Did Not Play 2 6 0 2 3 0 76 293 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

5 18 7 19 14 29 16 14 20 13 13 11 179

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 40 85 32 65 48 113 62 117 66 33 76 28 765

ZAC STACY

RUSHING ATT YDS

TAVON AUSTIN

3 1 2 5 3 2 3 3 4 3 5 2 4 2 2 44

3 34 0 0 Inactive 2 33 4 35 2 9 2 12 2 11 2 20 2 10 3 11 2 11 2 14 2 14 1 15 2 13 31 242

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

BRIAN QUICK

9 7 99 9 7 74 4 2 62 9 5 87 4 1 10 2 2 33 2 1 10 Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 39 25 375

0 0 1 2 0 0 0

who did a good job filling a big safety/ nickel LB role, and strong starting efforts from FS Rodney McLeod, who improved his range and became more physical, and SS T.J. McDonald, whose physicality and fiery disposition have never been questioned. Johnson played well initially after missing the first eight games last season with a knee injury, but he struggled mightily down the stretch. Lamarcus Joyner and Brandon McGee shape up as top reserves at safety and cornerback, respectively.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Strong-legged PK Greg Zuerlein had a solid year overall, his two missed field goals and missed extra point in the Week 14 game against Washington notwithstanding. P Johnny Hekker was not as good as he was in his breakout 2013 campaign, but he was good enough to earn a Pro Bowl berth, ranking third in the league with 33 punts inside the 20. Austin and Cunningham were more than respectable returning kicks, each finishing fifth in the league in their respective PR and KR roles.

GRADE

AUSTIN DAVIS

B+

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 81 BRITT WR 11 AUSTIN OLT 73 ROBINSON OLG 78 SAFFOLD C 61 BARNES ORG 67 JONES ORT 70 WASHINGTON TE 89 COOK TE 88 KENDRICKS QB 5 FOLES RB 30 GURLEY*

83 Quick 12 Bailey 68 Brown* 69 Wichmann* 65 Rhaney 64 Donnal* 79 Havenstein* 46 Harkey 82 Bayer 9 A. Davis 27 Mason

DLE 91 LONG DLT 99 DONALD DRT 90 BROCKERS DRE 94 QUINN RLB 55 AYERS MLB 55 LAURINAITIS LLB 52 OGLETREE LCB 33 GAINES RCB 21 JENKINS SS 25 McDONALD FS 23 McLEOD

95 Hayes 62 Westbrooks 98 Fairley 98 Fairley 97 Sims 96 Ifedi* 58 Dunbar 59 Toomer 53 Bates 54 Hager* 51 McFadden 22 Johnson 47 Robertson 38 C. Davis 31 Alexander 26 Barron 20 Joyner

13 Givens 81 Sasser*

71 Reynolds 48 J. Cunningham 86 Brodine 14 Mannion* 36 B. Cunningham

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 6 HEKKER PK 4 ZUERLEIN H 6 HEKKER PR 11 AUSTIN KR 36 CUNNINGHAM LS 44 McQUAIDE * Rookie COACHING STAFF Jeff Fisher, head coach; J. Aggabao, assistant strength and conditioning; Adam Bailey, assistant strength and conditioning; Rob Boras, assistant head coach/offense;; Paul F. Boudreau, assistant special teams; Paul T. Boudreau, offensive line; Joe Bowden, assistant linebackers; Frank Bush, linebackers; Chuck Cecil, secondary; Frank Cignetti, offensive coordinator; Andy Dickerson, assistant offensive line; John Fassel, special-teams coordinator; Brandon Fisher, assistant secondary; Rock Gullickson, head strength and conditioning; Dave McGinnis, assistant head coach; Brian Schottenheimer, offensive coordinator; Ray Sherman, wide receivers; Clyde Simmons, assistant defensive line; Ben Sirmans, running backs; Keenan Smith, assistant wide receivers; Andy Sugarman, offensive quality control; Mike Waufle, defensive line; Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator; Dennard Wilson, defensive quality control.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

RB OT OT QB OT WR OG ILB DE

Georgia Wisconsin Louisville Oregon State Iowa Missouri Fresno State Baylor Memphis

10 57 72 89 119 201 215 224 227

1 2 3 3 4 6 6 7 7

Todd Gurley Robert Havenstein Jamon Brown Sean Mannion Andrew Donnal Bud Sasser Cody Wichmann Bryce Hager Martin Ifedi

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The Rams get off to a fast start and never look back after starting the last three seasons 3-5 in the first half. Foles convincingly shows that his 2013 season was not an anomaly, and the Rams actually develop a decent passing attack. Jenkins and Johnson excel in their contract years, and the Rams’ defense spearheads the first playoff berth ever under Fisher.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Foles falters while Sam Bradford shines under center for the Eagles, TD returns by the opposition remain a common occurrence (league-high 10 last year) and Fisher walks the plank as the team slinks off into the St. Louis sunset, headed for Los Angeles.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

31 Alexander, Maurice 11 Austin, Tavon 50 Ayers, Akeem 12 Bailey, Stedman 66 Baker, Steven 61 Barnes, Tim 26 Barron, Mark 53 Bates, Daren 82 Bayer, Alex 16 Blake, Emory 60 Bond, Travis 18 Britt, Kenny 90 Brockers, Michael 86 Brodine, Mason 68 Brown, Jamon 37 Bryant, Christian 89 Cook, Jared 36 Cunningham, Benny 48 Cunningham, Justice 9 Davis, Austin 38 Davis, Cody 99 Donald, Aaron 64 Donnal, Andrew 58 Dunbar, Jo-Lonn 98 Fairley, Nick 5 Foles, Nick 33 Gaines, E.J. 13 Givens, Chris 30 Gurley, Todd 54 Hager, Bryce 46 Harkey, Cory 79 Havenstein, Rob 95 Hayes, William 6 Hekker, Johnny 96 Ifedi, Martin 21 Jenkins, Janoris 22 Johnson, Trumaine 67 Jones, Barrett 20 Joyner, Lamarcus 17 Keenum, Case 88 Kendricks, Lance 55 Laurinaitis, James 91 Long, Chris 14 Mannion, Sean 27 Mason, Tre 25 McDonald, T.J. 51 McFadden, Marshall 32 McGee, Brandon 23 McLeod, Rodney 44 McQuaide, Jake 52 Ogletree, Alec 1 Palardy, Michael 24 Pead, Isaiah 83 Quick, Brian 94 Quinn, Robert 34 Reynolds, Chase 71 Reynolds, Garrett 65 Rhaney, Demetrius 47 Roberson, Marcus 73 Robinson, Greg 76 Saffold, Rodger 81 Sasser, Bud 97 Sims, Eugene 87 Smelley, Brad 59 Toomer, Korey 70 Washington, Brandon 42 Watts, Trey 93 Westbrooks, Ethan 69 Wichmann, Cody 10 Williams, Damian 92 Worthington, Doug 19 Wylie, Devon 4 Zuerlein, Greg

S WR MLB WR OT C SS LB TE WR OG WR DT TE OT S TE RB TE QB S DT OT LB DT QB CB WR RB ILB TE OT DE P DE CB CB G/C DB QB TE LB DE QB RB S LB DB S LS LB P RB WR DE RB OT C CB OT OT WR DE TE LB OG RB DT OG WR DT WR K

6-1 5-8 6-3 5-10 6-8 6-4 6-2 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-7 6-4 5-9 6-5 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-0 6-4 6-6 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-7 6-3 6-5 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-4 5-8 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-6 5-8 6-2 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-7 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-4 6-6 6-1 6-5 5-9 6-0

220 24 176 24 255 25 194 24 310 26 306 26 213 25 225 24 258 24 192 23 329 24 223 26 326 24 284 27 323 22 198 23 254 28 217 24 258 24 221 25 206 25 285 23 313 23 235 30 308 27 243 26 190 23 203 25 222 20 234 23 259 24 321 278 30 236 25 275 23 198 26 208 25 308 24 184 24 205 27 250 27 248 28 268 30 229 23 207 21 217 24 235 28 193 24 195 24 244 27 245 23 185 22 204 25 218 25 264 24 205 27 305 27 301 22 191 22 332 22 332 26 210 269 29 235 26 234 26 318 26 208 24 267 24 315 200 26 318 27 187 26 196 27

R 2 5 2 1 3 3 2 R 1 1 6 3 1 0 R 6 2 1 2 2 R 0 7 5 4 R 3 0 0 3 0 7 3 0 3 3 2 R 3 4 6 7 0 R 2 1 2 3 4 2 1 3 3 4 2 7 R R R 4 0 5 1 1 2 R R 0 5 3 2 3

Utah State West Virginia UCLA West Virginia East Carolina Missouri Alabama Auburn Bowling Green State Auburn North Carolina Rutgers LSU Nebraska-Kearney Louisville Ohio State South Carolina Middle Tennessee South Carolina Southern Mississippi Texas Tech Pittsburgh Iowa Boston College Auburn Arizona Missouri Wake Forest Georgia Baylor UCLA Wisconsin Winston-Salem State Oregon State Memphis North Alabama Montana Alabama Florida State Houston Wisconsin Ohio State Virginia Oregon State Auburn USC South Carolina State Miami Virginia Ohio State Georgia Tennessee Cincinnati Appalachian State North Carolina Montana North Carolina Tennessee State Florida Auburn Indiana Missouri West Texas A&M Alabama Idaho Miami (Fla.) Tulsa West Texas A&M Fresno State USC Ohio State Fresno State Missouri Western

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4 49ers

WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

LB-ST Nick Bellore, RB Reggie Bush, DT Darnell Dockett, OG Erik Pears, WR Jerome Simpson, WR Torrey Smith, CB Shareece Wright.

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

LB Chris Borland, CB Perrish Cox, WR Michael Crabtree, CB Chris Culliver, RB Frank Gore, OG Mike Iupati, WR Stevie Johnson, DE Ray McDonald, OLB Dan Skuta, DE Justin Smith, ILB Patrick Willis.

GENERAL MANAGER Trent Baalke HEAD COACH Jim Tomsula OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Geep Chryst DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Eric Mangini STADIUM Levi’s Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 68,500 | Natural grass

DAN ARKUSH

OFFENSE

Major changes in both the coaching staff and player personnel make it really difficult to determine just what might be in store for a unit that was typically strong on the ground (ranked fourth in the league) but among the league’s worst passing (30th) in 2014. Offering a unique skill set with his dynamic running ability, Colin Kaepernick remains under center, despite his share of struggles in his second full season as the starter. But with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, longtime lead back Frank Gore, former first-round WR Michael Crabtree and premier run blocker Mike Iupati all departing, Kaepernick will be working with a dramatically different supporting cast.

 QUARTERBACKS Kaepernick set career-highs last season in both passing (3,369) and rushing yards (639), but he clearly struggled attempting to become more of a traditional pocket

B-

 RUNNING BACKS Second-year pro Carlos Hyde, a doubledigit TD prospect with breakout potential, is the top candidate to replace Gore on early downs, with free-agent addition Reggie Bush, an accomplished receiver out of the backfield, stealing touches in passing situations. Slowed by ankle and back injuries, Bush’s role steadily shrunk last season in Detroit. The backfield could get a big boost if Kendall Hunter fully recovers from the torn ACL that sidelined him all of last season. Hunter was an excellent complement to Gore in 2013 (4.6 ypc). Fifth-round rookie Mike Davis fits well in the Niners’ power-run scheme. Davis shapes up as a solid goal-line option and specialteamer after consistently grinding out tough yards as South Carolina’s workhorse back. FB Bruce Miller offers textbook blocking and underrated receiving skills.

B-

 RECEIVERS After surpassing 1,000 yards receiving for the seventh time in his 12-year career while playing in 90 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, Anquan Boldin (35 in October) is showing no signs whatsoever of slowing down. Boldin’s rare ability to bring down the ball no matter how tight the coverage remains intact. Kaepernick will have a tantalizing new deep target this season in free-agent addition Torrey Smith, the Ravens’ franchise leader in

158 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

yards per catch (16.9). A polished route runner with breathtaking speed, Smith had 11 TDs among his 49 catches last season. Second-year pro Bruce Ellington, the top slot candidate, and Quinton Patton, a solid route runner with decent hands but so-so speed, shape up as the top backups. Talented but oft-troubled veteran Jerome Simpson and fourthround rookie DeAndre Smelter provide further depth. Smelter is coming off an ACL injury suffered last November and could be redshirted in ’15. When healthy, he gives Kaepernick a big target (6-2, 226) who can win battles in tight coverage. At tight end, Vernon Davis declined significantly after a tremendous 13-TD campaign two seasons ago. The abrupt retirement of Niners star LB Patrick Willis had a major effect on Davis, who has promised to make every snap count the rest of his career after managing only 26 catches and two TDs in 2014. It would help if Davis could avoid the ankle problems and back spasms that hindered him much of last season. Backup Vance McDonald has a tendency to drop balls, but his blocking definitely improved last season. Don’t rule out rookie TEs Blake Bell (fourth round) and Rory Anderson (seventh round). Bell is a bruising runner after the catch and can be used in jumbo packages near the goal line. Anderson is a big vertical threat with intriguing potential.

GRADE

CEO Jed York

GRADE

2014 RECORD 8-8

passer, averaging only 7.0 yards per pass attempt, rushing for only one TD and setting career highs in lost fumbles (five) and sacks taken (league-high 52). The hope is the offseason tutelage of former star QB Kurt Warner will improve Kaepernick’s pocket skills. “He can’t do all the running,” Warner said. “Now he’s got to become more of a pass-first guy and complement with his athleticism. And he’s never been asked to do that before.” Former Jaguars first-rounder Blaine Gabbert backs up Kaepernick.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

 OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Although agile Pro Bowler Joe Staley remains one of the league’s top left tackles, the 49ers will downgrade at left guard. Iupati likely will be replaced by either 2014 third-rounder Brandon Thomas, who sat out his rookie season with a torn ACL, or fourthyear veteran Joe Looney. After winning the starting center job with a strong training camp last season, Daniel Kilgore suffered a season-ending fractured left ankle in Week Seven. He will be competing to win the job back from Marcus Martin, an ordinary run blocker who got pushed

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC WEST

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Anquan Boldin

Aldon Smith

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Carlos Hyde DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT NT Ian Williams POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH LOLB: Aaron Lynch vs. Ahmad Brooks

2015 SCHEDULE

Anquan Boldin

DEFENSE

Despite a host of injuries to key players, the Niners ranked seventh vs. the run and fifth vs. the pass with a leagueleading 23 interceptions last season. But coordinator Vic Fangio has moved on to Chicago, replaced by former NFL head coach Eric Mangini, the team’s TE coach last season. In addition, eight defenders who saw extensive action as starters last season will not be back, the latest being longtime defensive end Justin Smith, a

five-time Pro Bowler who announced his retirement in mid-May. Mangini no doubt has his work cut out for him.

OPPONENT

Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 22 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

Minnesota at Pittsburgh at Arizona Green Bay at N.Y. Giants Baltimore Seattle at St. Louis Atlanta BYE at Seattle Arizona at Chicago at Cleveland Cincinnati at Detroit St. Louis

TIME

10:20 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2014 RESULTS

 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

DATE

Smith figures to be replaced by Darnell Dockett, another tough, consistently disruptive veteran (10 seasons with the Cardinals) who is also a solid run defender. The likely heir-apparent to Smith is firstround rookie Arik Armstead, an excellent athlete with impressive size (6-7, 290) and a wicked burst off the line. But Armstead must be considered a major work in progress after recording just four sacks in his three seasons at Oregon. NT Ian Williams has performed quite well when healthy, but he has had major problems with injuries, suffering a season-ending broken ankle in Week Two in 2013 and fracturing his left fibula in Week 10 in ’14. Glenn Dorsey, who did an excellent job replacing Williams in ’13, will compete with steady Tony Jerod-Eddie for the other starting

Sept. 7 at Dallas W 28-17 Sept. 14 Chicago L 20-28 Sept. 21 at Arizona L 14-23 Sept. 28 Philadelphia W 26-21 Oct. 5 Kansas City W 22-17 Oct. 13 at St. Louis W 31-17 Oct. 19 at Denver L 17-42 Nov. 2 St. Louis L 10-13 Nov. 9 at New Orleans *W 27-24 Nov. 16 at N.Y. Giants W 16-10 Nov. 23 Washington W 17-13 Nov. 27 Seattle L 3-19 Dec. 7 at Oakland L 13-24 Dec. 14 at Seattle L 7-17 Dec. 20 San Diego *L 35-38 Dec. 28 Arizona W 20-17 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

GRADE

around too frequently as a rookie in eight starts as Kilgore’s replacement. ORT Anthony Davis performed well last season both run-blocking and pass-blocking, but he missed nine games with assorted injuries. After a very shaky start to the season, ORG Alex Boone finally appeared to have gotten his act back together when he suffered a torn meniscus in late December. Versatile veteran free-agent addition Erik Pears (Bills) and late-round rookies Ian Silberman and Trent Brown add depth.

DATE

C+

OPPONENT

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RESULT

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WEST

2014 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS OPP

WK 1 @ DAL WK 2 CHI WK 3 @ AZ WK 4 PHI WK 5 KC WK 6 @ STL WK 7 @ DEN WK 9 STL WK 10 @ NO WK 11 @ NYG WK 12 WAS WK 13 SEA WK 14 @ OAK WK 15 @ SEA WK 16 SD WK 17 AZ SEASON TOTALS 

ATT

CMP

23 34 37 30 26 35 39 33 32 29 29 29 33 19 24 26 478

16 21 29 17 14 22 24 22 14 15 20 16 18 11 15 15 289

201 248 245 218 201 343 263 237 210 193 256 121 174 141 114 204 3369

MICHAEL CRABTREE

GAME

OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ DAL 4 2 25 WK 2 CHI 9 7 82 WK 3 @ AZ 11 10 80 WK 4 PHI 8 5 43 WK 5 KC 4 1 16 WK 6 @ STL 8 3 49 WK 7 @ DEN 7 4 27 WK 9 STL 9 5 40 WK 10 @ NO 8 3 62 WK 11 @ NYG 8 3 85 WK 12 WAS 7 5 58 WK 13 SEA 3 3 10 WK 14 @ OAK 14 9 56 WK 15 @ SEA 3 3 19 WK 16 SD 1 1 5 WK 17 AZ 4 4 41 SEASON TOTALS  108 68 698

0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

2 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 19

RTG

0 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 10

125.5 57.0 103.3 87.9 92.0 123.9 79.3 97.7 76.3 84.4 93.5 36.7 54.4 81.2 87.8 108.5 86.4

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 4 9 2 2 6 7 5 3 1 1 6 2

2 33 2 26 9 103 1 12 1 9 5 53 5 79 3 41 3 43 1 8 0 0 3 28 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 50 35 435

 LINEBACKERS The retirements of Willis and fellow ILB Chris Borland were no doubt devastating. But if “Mike” LB NaVorro Bowman can duplicate his stellar 2013 campaign after missing all of last season due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered in the ’13 NFC Championship and if ROLB Aldon Smith can bounce back from a subpar two-sack campaign after being suspended for the first nine games, it would soften the blow considerably. So would continual strong play from projected starting “Jack” LB Michael Wilhoite, a sure tackler who did an all-around solid job replacing Bowman last season despite average speed. A spirited battle is expected at the LOLB spot between veteran Ahmad Brooks and second-year pro Aaron Lynch. Each of them registered six sacks last season,

GRADE

INT

STEVIE JOHNSON

job on the line after sitting out last season with a torn biceps muscle. Others expected to contribute are Quinton Dial, who displayed some impressive flashes last season, and Tank Carradine, who has been a disappointment.

FRANK GORE

0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

16 13 6 24 18 16 9 14 23 19 13 10 12 11 26 25 255

COLIN KAEPERNICK

66 63 10 119 107 38 20 49 81 95 36 28 63 29 158 144 1106

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4

VERNON DAVIS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 3 3 6 5 3 4 5 5 3 4 2 0 1 50

4 44 3 39 Inactive 2 8 Inactive 3 30 2 21 2 19 1 8 1 7 3 21 2 13 2 26 0 0 0 0 1 9 26 245

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 9 12 7 10 3 3 5 4 8 9 3 3 9 7 7 104

11 64 54 58 18 37 18 14 24 24 14 17 26 46 151 63 639

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 10 1 1 15 0 0 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 2 2 16 3 3 40 1 0 0 1 1 8 6 4 56 2 2 22 5 3 17 25 18 189

Former Colt Antoine Bethea did a dynamite job replacing Donte Whitner at strong safety in ’14, matching his career-high with four interceptions while providing steady leadership and air-tight coverage. FS Eric Reid was not as good as he was in his stellar rookie campaign, but the hard-hitting, sure-tackling 2013 first-rounder was still rock-solid. LCB Tramaine Brock came on strong two seasons ago with five interceptions, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be the same player after missing most of last season with toe and hamstring injuries. Free-agent addition Shareece Wright (Chargers), the front runner at right corner, is a downgrade from the departed Chris Culliver. Wright drew

160 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

BRUCE MILLER

 DEFENSIVE BACKS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

but the long-armed Lynch was far more disruptive than Brooks as the season wore on. Veteran ILB Desmond Bishop, thirdyear pros OLB Corey Lemonier and ILB Nick Moody and third-round rookie OLB Eli Harold come off the bench. Harold plays like his hair is on fire, but he needs work as a run stopper.

GRADE

GAME

PASSING YDS TD

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2

CARLOS HYDE

RUSHING ATT YDS

7 4 3 10 10 11 3 2 4 9 7 5 2 6

50 0 13 26 43 14 15 17 36 25 16 19 4 55 Inactive Inactive 83 333

ANQUAN BOLDIN

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 4

BRANDON LLOYD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 4 5 5 1 6 1 0 2 1 6 2 0 1 35

0 0 Inactive 1 5 2 28 3 76 1 80 3 63 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 Inactive 1 12 0 0 1 14 14 294

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

9 8 99 6 2 34 6 6 36 7 5 62 8 4 72 9 7 94 10 7 50 7 6 93 15 6 95 6 5 53 12 9 137 5 3 18 9 4 54 4 2 23 9 7 61 9 2 81 131 83 1062

0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 5

CARLOS HYDE

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 0 1 0 3 1 0

0 0 1 5 2 -2 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 8 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 3 38 1 8 0 0 Inactive Inactive 16 12 68

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

a league-leading eight pass-interference flags in ’14. Top nickel-back candidate Jimmie Ward went down for the count in mid-November with a fractured right foot. Ward had more downs than ups before the injury – like when he got torched for three TDs by Brandon Marshall in a Week Two loss to the Bears. Chris Cook and Dontae Johnson will push Wright and Ward. Veteran Craig Dahl and second-round rookie Jaquiski Tartt add depth at safety. The hard-hitting Tartt is an excellent run stopper.

SPECIAL TEAMS Veteran PK Phil Dawson could be wearing down (only 25-of-31 FGs in ’14). He could be replaced as the kickoff specialist by strong-legged fifth-round rookie Bradley Pinion. Threetime Pro Bowl punter Andy Lee’s numbers also were down (39.6-yard net), but he still ranks among the league’s most proficient punters. Ellington (25.6yard KR average) is the primary kick returner. Newcomer Nick Bellore (Jets) is an accomplished special-teamer.

GRADE

COLIN KAEPERNICK

B-

NFC

PROJECTED

DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 82 T. SMITH WR 81 BOLDIN OLT 74 STALEY OLG 60 THOMAS C 66 M. MARTIN ORG 75 BOONE ORT 76 A. DAVIS TE 85 V. DAVIS QB 7 KAEPERNICK RB 28 HYDE FB 49 B. MILLER

11 Patton 10 Ellington 72 C. Martin 77 Brown* 67 Kilgore 68 Looney 71 Pears 89 McDonald 2 Gabbert 24 Bush 33 Millard

15 Smelter* 14 Simpson 68 P. Miller* 56 Farrell 68 Tiller 62 Silberman* 84 Bell* 13 Thompson* 32 Hunter

DEFENSE

DLE 63 JEROD-EDDIE Dorsey Armstead* NT 93 WILLIAMS 92 Dial 64 Purcell DRE 90 DOCKETT 98 Okoye LOLB 59 LYNCH 55 Brooks 45 Rush* RILB 53 BOWMAN 48 Skov LILB 57 WILHOITE 54 Moody 44 Bishop ROLB 99 ALD. SMITH 96 Lemonier 58 Harold* LCB 26 BROCK 22 Cook 47 Cromartie RCB 24 WRIGHT 36 Johnson 30 McFadden FS 35 REID 25 Ward 31 McCray SS 41 BETHEA 43 Dahl 29 Tartt* SPECIALISTS

P 4 LEE 5 Pinion* PK 9 DAWSON H 4 LEE PR 10 ELLINGTON KR 10 ELLINGTON LS 86 NELSON * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Jim Tomsula, head coach; D.J. Boldin, offensive assistant; Scott Brown, defensive line; Geep Chryst, offensive coordinator; Ronald Curry, wide receivers; Ejiro Evero, defensive assistant; Chris Foerster, offensive line; Aubrayo Franklin, defensive assistant; Adam Henry, wide receivers; Richard Hightower, special-teams assistant; Tim Lewis, defensive backs; Steve Logan, quarterbacks; Mick Lombardi, defensive assistant; Eric Mangini, defensive coordinator; Thomas McCaughey Jr., special-teams coordinator; Clancy Pendergast, linebackers; Tom Rathman, running backs; Tony Sparano, tight ends; Jason Tarver, senior defensive assistant/linebackers; Eric Wolford, assistant offensive line.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE S OLB TE RB WR P OG OG TE

Oregon Samford Virginia Oklahoma South Carolina Georgia Tech Clemson Boston College Florida South Carolina

17 46 79 117 126 132 165 190 244 254

1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7 7

Arik Armstead Jaquiski Tartt Eli Harold Blake Bell Mike Davis DeAndre Smelter Bradley Pinion Ian Silberman Trent Brown Rory Anderson

WEST

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Kaepernick, Davis, Bowman, Aldon Smith and Brock are all serious Comeback Player of the Year candidates, and new head coach Jim Tomsula makes a legitimate bid for Coach of the Year honors. Appearing no worse for the wear without Jim Harbaugh, the Niners sneak into the playoffs.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Tomsula quickly shows that he is in way over his head, injuries to key players and sordid off-the-field actions rip the team’s heart out for the second year in a row and the Niners take another step backward in the tough NFC West.

NO NAME

POS

WT AGE EXP COLLEGE

20 Acker, Kenneth 48 Anderson, Busta 6 Anderson, Dres Armstead, Arik 84 Bell, Blake 50 Bellore, Nick 41 Bethea, Antoine 51 Bishop, Desmond 1 Blakeney, Issac 81 Boldin, Anquan 75 Boone, Alex 53 Bowman, NaVorro 26 Brock, Tramaine 55 Brooks, Ahmad 77 Brown, Trent 23 Bush, Reggie 19 Campbell, DiAndre 95 Carradine, Tank 46 Carrier, Derek 88 Celek, Garrett 45 Cleveland, Asante 22 Cook, Chris 47 Cromartie, Marcus 43 Dahl, Craig 76 Davis, Anthony 3 Davis, Darius 20 Davis, Mike 85 Davis, Vernon 9 Dawson, Phil 92 Dial, Quinton 90 Dockett, Darnell Dorsey, Glenn 10 Ellington, Bruce 56 Farrell, Dillon 2 Gabbert, Blaine 40 Gaskins, Kendall 83 Grimble, Xavier 58 Harold, Eli 38 Hayne, Jarryd 32 Hunter, Kendall 28 Hyde, Carlos 17 Jacobs, Chuck 63 Jerod-Eddie, Tony 36 Johnson, Dontae 7 Kaepernick, Colin 67 Kilgore, Daniel 4 Lee, Andy 96 Lemonier, Corey 78 Looney, Joe 59 Lynch, Aaron 69 Martin, Chris 66 Martin, Marcus 31 McCray, L.J. 89 McDonald, Vance 30 McFadden, Leon 33 Millard, Trey 49 Miller, Bruce 68 Miller, Patrick 54 Moody, Nick 86 Nelson, Kyle 98 Okoye, Lawrence 11 Patton, Quinton 71 Pears, Erik 5 Pinion, Bradley 64 Purcell, Mike 68 Ramsey, Kaleb 27 Reaser, Keith 35 Reid, Eric 45 Rush, Marcus 62 Silberman, Ian 14 Simpson, Jerome 48 Skov, Shayne 15 Smelter, DeAndre 99 Smith, Aldon 65 Smith, Garrison 94 Smith, Justin 82 Smith, Torrey 74 Staley, Joe 29 Tartt, Jaquiski 60 Thomas, Brandon 13 Thompson, Dylan 61 Tiller, Andrew 25 Ward, Jimmie 44 Wheeler, Philip 14 White, DeAndrew 38 Whitehead, Jermaine 57 Wilhoite, Michael 93 Williams, Ian 24 Wright, Shareece

CB TE WR DL TE LB S LB WR WR OG/OT LB CB LB OL RB WR DT TE TE TE CB CB S T WR RB TE K DT DT DL WR OG/C QB RB TE LB RB RB RB WR DT CB QB OG/C P LB OG LB OT C S TE CB FB FB OL LB TE/LS DL WR OG P NT DT CB S DL OL WR LB WR LB NT DT WR OT S OG QB OG DB LB WR S LB NT CB

6-0 6-4 6-2 6-7 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-6 6-1 6-8 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-8 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-5 5-11 5-9 6-3 5-11 6-5 6-4 6-1 5-9 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-2 5-7 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-4 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-7 6-1 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-8 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-1 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-4 5-11 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-1 5-11

195 246 190 292 252 250 206 244 225 220 300 242 197 259 355 205 206 295 241 252 260 212 195 212 323 212 217 250 200 318 290 297 197 303 235 238 261 247 220 199 235 178 301 200 230 308 180 255 315 270 303 321 210 267 190 247 248 289 245 240 304 204 316 240 303 285 190 213 251 294 190 247 227 265 300 285 205 315 221 317 218 324 193 245 192 193 240 305 182

23 22 22 20 23 25 30 30 22 34 28 26 26 31 22 30 23 25 24 26 23 28 24 29 25 25 22 31 40 24 33 29 23 24 25 24 22 21 27 26 23 25 25 23 27 27 32 23 24 22 25 21 23 24 24 23 27 22 25 28 23 24 32 21 24 25 23 23 23 22 29 24 23 25 23 35 26 30 23 24 23 26 23 30 23 23 28 25 28

2 R R R R 5 10 8 R 13 6 6 6 10 R 10 R 3 3 4 2 5 2 9 6 R R 10 17 2 12 8 2 2 5 1 1 R R 5 2 2 3 2 5 5 12 3 4 2 1 2 2 3 3 1 5 R 3 4 2 3 9 R 2 2 1 3 R R 6 1 R 5 1 15 5 9 R 1 R 3 2 8 R R 4 5 5

Southern Methodist South Carolina Utah Oregon Oklahoma Central Michigan Howard California Duke Florida St. Ohio St. Penn St. Belhaven Virginia Florida Southern California Washington Florida State Beloit Michigan St. Miami Virginia Wisconsin North Dakota State Rutgers Henderson State South Carolina Maryland Texas Alabama Florida State Louisiana State South Carolina New Mexico Missouri Richmond Southern California Virginia Oklahoma State Ohio State Utah State Texas A&M North Carolina State Nevada Appalachian State Pittsburgh Auburn Wake Forest South Florida Central Florida Southern California Catawba Rice San Diego State Oklahoma Central Florida Auburn Florida State New Mexico State Louisiana Tech Colorado State Clemson Wyoming Boston College Florida Atlantic LSU Michigan State Boston College Coastal Carolina Stanford Georgia Tech Missouri Georgia Missouri Maryland Central Michigan Samford Clemson South Carolina Syracuse Northern Illinois Georgia Tech Alabama Auburn Washburn Notre Dame Southern California

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 161

2014 statistics AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE EAST

W L T PCT.

New England Patriots 12 4 Buffalo Bills 9 7 Miami Dolphins 8 8 New York Jets 4 12

0 0 0 0

.750 .563 .500 .250

NORTH

W L T PCT.

Pittsburgh Steelers Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns

11 10 10 7

SOUTH

W L T PCT.

Indianapolis Colts Houston Texans Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans

11 5 9 7 3 13 2 14

5 5 6 9

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

.688 .656 .625 .438 .688 .563 .188 .125

WEST

W L T PCT.

Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs San Diego Chargers Oakland Raiders

12 4 9 7 9 7 3 13

0 0 0 0

.750 .563 .563 .188

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

468 343 388 283

313 289 373 401

7-1 5-3 4-4 2-6

5-3 4-4 4-4 2-6

4-2 4-2 3-3 1-5

9-3 5-7 6-6 4-8

9-7 9-7 7-9 6-9-1

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

436 365 409 299

368 344 302 337

6-2 5-2-1 6-2 4-4

5-3 5-3 4-4 3-5

4-2 3-3 3-3 2-4

9-3 7-5 6-6 4-8

9-7 8-7-1 7-8-1 9-5-2

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

458 372 249 254

369 307 412 438

6-2 5-3 3-5 1-7

5-3 4-4 0-8 1-7

6-0 4-2 1-5 1-5

9-3 8-4 2-10 2-10

10-5-1 9-6-1 6-9-1 3-12-1

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

482 353 348 253

354 281 348 452

8-0 6-2 5-3 3-5

4-4 3-5 4-4 0-8

6-0 3-3 2-4 1-5

10-2 7-5 6-6 2-10

8-8 10-6 7-9 8-8

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE EAST

W L T PCT.

Dallas Cowboys 12 4 Philadelphia Eagles 10 6 New York Giants 6 10 Washington Redskins 4 12

0 0 0 0

.750 .625 .375 .250

NORTH

W L T PCT.

Green Bay Packers Detroit Lions Minnesota Vikings Chicago Bears

12 4 11 5 7 9 5 11

SOUTH

W L T PCT.

Carolina Panthers 7 8 New Orleans Saints 7 9 Atlanta Falcons 6 10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2 14 WEST

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

.750 .688 .438 .313 .469 .438 .375 .125

W L T PCT.

Seattle Seahawks 12 4 Arizona Cardinals 11 5 San Francisco 49ers 8 8 St. Louis Rams 6 10

0 0 0 0

162 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

.750 .688 .500 .375

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

467 474 380 301

352 400 400 438

4-4 6-2 3-5 3-5

8-0 4-4 3-5 1-7

4-2 4-2 2-4 2-4

8-4 6-6 4-8 2-10

10-6 9-7 7-9 5-11

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

486 321 325 319

348 282 343 442

8-0 7-1 5-3 2-6

4-4 4-4 2-6 3-5

5-1 5-1 1-5 1-5

9-3 9-3 6-6 4-8

9-6-1 7-9 10-6 7-9

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

339 401 381 277

374 424 417 410

4-4 3-5 3-5 0-8

3-4-1 4-4 3-5 2-6

4-2 3-3 5-1 0-6

6-6 6-6 6-6 1-11

8-8 6-10 7-9 7-9

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

394 310 306 324

254 299 340 354

7-1 7-1 4-4 3-5

5-3 4-4 4-4 3-5

5-1 3-3 2-4 2-4

10-2 8-4 7-5 4-8

10-6 11-5 6-10 7-9

2014

STATISTICS

TEAMYARDAGE YARDAGE TEAM OFFENSE

TEAMSCORING SCORING TEAM

DEFENSE

YARDS GAINED PER GAME YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME RK TEAM RUSH PASS TOTAL RK TEAM RUSH PASS TOTAL 1. NO 2. PIT 3. IND

113.6 297.8 411.4 109.5 301.6 411.1 100.8 305.9 406.6

1. SEA 2. DET 3. DEN

81.5 185.6 267.1 69.3 231.6 300.9 79.8 225.4 305.2

4. DEN 5. PHI

111.6 291.3 402.9 124.5 272.3 396.8

4. BUF 5. SF

106.4 205.8 312.2 100.8 220.7 321.4

6. GB 7. DAL 8. ATL

119.8 266.3 386.1 147.1 236.5 383.6 93.6 284.6 378.2

6. NYJ 7. KC 8. BAL

93.1 234.1 327.2 127.3 203.3 330.5 88.3 248.7 336.9

9. SEA 10. NYG

172.6 203.1 375.8 100.2 267.0 367.2

9. SD 10. CAR

124.1 214.2 338.3 112.0 227.8 339.8

11. NE 12. BAL 13. WAS

107.9 257.6 365.5 126.2 238.7 364.9 105.7 252.9 358.6

11. IND 12. MIA 13. NE

113.4 229.3 342.7 121.1 222.3 343.4 104.3 239.8 344.1

14. MIA 15. CIN

117.0 233.1 350.1 134.2 213.8 348.0

14. MIN 15. GB

121.4 223.3 344.7 119.9 226.4 346.4

16. CAR 17. HOU 18. SD

127.3 219.4 346.7 135.1 209.5 344.6 85.4 256.1 341.6

16. HOU 17. STL 18. PIT

105.1 243.1 348.2 110.3 241.3 351.6 100.3 253.1 353.4

19. DET 20. SF

88.9 251.9 340.8 136.0 191.4 327.4

19. DAL 20. WAS

103.1 251.9 355.1 107.6 249.4 357.0

21. CHI 22. NYJ 23. CLE 24. AZ 25. KC 26. BUF 27. MIN 28. STL 29. TEN 30. TB 31. JAX 32. OAK

90.1 237.0 327.1 142.5 184.1 326.6 108.0 216.6 324.6 81.8 238.0 319.8 119.9 198.9 318.8 92.6 225.9 318.5 112.8 202.8 315.5 102.2 212.5 314.7 90.4 213.3 303.7 85.9 206.1 292.0 102.1 187.6 289.6 77.5 204.7 282.2

21. OAK 22. CIN 23. CLE 24. AZ 25. TB 26. JAX 27. TEN 28. PHI 29. NYG 30. CHI 31. NO 32. ATL

119.4 238.1 357.6 116.3 243.0 359.3 141.6 224.5 366.1 108.7 259.5 368.2 113.7 255.3 368.9 127.1 243.7 370.8 137.2 235.8 373.0 110.7 264.9 375.6 135.1 240.6 375.8 112.7 264.4 377.1 132.8 251.2 384.0 118.4 279.9 398.3

POSTSEASON RESULTS

OFFENSE

1. GB 2. DEN

22.3 47.21 40.00 30.4 22.5 44.13 46.15 30.1

1. SEA 2. KC

3. PHI 4. NE

22.3 22.6

43.46 44.34

29.6 29.3

3. DET 19.4 37.20 40.00 17.6 4. BUF 18.9 33.18 45.45 18.1

5. DAL 6. IND 7. PIT

21.4 23.2 23.7

47.26 50.00 29.2 41.01 40.00 28.6 44.71 50.00 27.3

5. AZ 18.8 37.67 38.46 18.7 6. BAL 19.4 40.27 35.71 18.9 7. HOU 20.6 33.94 35.29 19.2

8. BAL 9. NO

21.6 40.98 50.00 25.6 24.7 48.28 53.33 25.1

8. NE 20.6 40.19 34.78 19.6 9. CLE 21.8 37.66 61.11 21.1

10. SEA 11. MIA 12. ATL

20.5 22.6 20.6

42.45 27.27 40.00 36.84 44.29 50.00

24.6 24.3 23.8

10. SF 19.3 43.35 50.00 21.3 11. MIN 20.1 41.47 64.29 21.4 12. CIN 21.1 36.74 52.63 21.5

13. NYG 14. HOU

21.0 19.6

42.98 38.72

31.25 58.82

23.8 23.3

13. GB 14. SD

15. CIN 16. KC 17. SD

19.6 19.3 20.4

39.81 39.80 45.12

53.85 41.67 45.45

22.8 22.1 21.8

15. DAL 19.7 43.63 50.00 22.0 16. DEN 19.4 36.49 58.82 22.1 17. STL 18.8 38.50 0.00 22.1

18. BUF 19. CAR

17.1 21.7

36.68 42.86 41.89 60.00

21.4 21.2

18. PIT 19. IND

19.6 37.57 71.43 23.0 19.3 33.33 23.53 23.1

20. MIN 21. STL 22. DET 23. CHI 24. AZ 25. SF 26. WAS 27. CLE 28. NYJ 29. TB 30. TEN 31. OAK 32. JAX

18 18 19.4 20.1 18.9 18.9 19.9 18.4 18.1 16.4 16.1 15.5 16.9

38.86 35.42 38.57 37.68 40.18 40.38 31.47 29.47 38.89 37.44 30.10 33.90 31.94

20. MIA 21. CAR 22. NYG 23. PHI 24. NYJ 25. TB 26. JAX 27. ATL 28. NO 29. TEN 30. WAS 31. CHI 32. OAK

19.3 43.95 59.09 23.3 19.3 42.38 45.45 23.4 20.4 36.00 40.00 25.0 21.1 37.93 25.00 25.0 18.8 45.21 0.00 25.1 22.1 43.66 55.56 25.6 20.6 42.80 40.00 25.8 22.4 46.80 50.00 26.1 21.6 46.05 50.00 26.5 22.3 41.41 45.45 27.4 19.2 43.00 55.56 27.4 20.3 42.29 63.16 27.6 20.0 38.46 44.44 28.3

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Seattle 28, Green Bay 22 New England 45, Indianapolis 7 DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS New England 35, Baltimore 31 Seattle 31, Carolina 17 Green Bay 26, Dallas 21 Indianapolis 24, Denver 13 WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS Carolina 27, Arizona 16 Baltimore 30, Pittsburgh 17 Indianapolis 26, Cincinnati 10 Dallas 24, Detroit 20

63.64 53.85

50.00 20.3 40.00 20.3 50.00 20.1 46.43 19.9 75.00 19.4 55.56 19.1 25.00 18.8 35.71 18.7 56.25 17.7 33.33 17.3 35.29 15.9 60.00 15.8 36.84 15.6

TEAMRETURNS YARDAGE KICK

17.3 37.13 57.14 15.9 19.4 36.57 38.10 17.6

21.2 40.29 53.57 21.8 19.2 43.00 20.00 21.8

TURNOVER TABLE TURNOVER TABLE

KICKOFF PUNT RETURN RETURN RK TM AVG RK TM AVG

SUPER BOWL XLIX New England 28, Seattle 24

DEFENSE

1ST DOWNS 3RD 4TH PTS/ 1ST DNS 3RD DN 4TH DN PTS/ RK TM /GAME DWN% DWN% GAME RK TM /GAME PCT PCT GAME

TAKEAWAYS TURNOVERS DIF

RK TM

INT FUM TOT INT FUM TOT

1. BUF

26.6

1. BAL

11.1

1. GB

+14

2. HOU

25.9

2. CAR

10.8

2t. NE

+12

3. NYJ

24.3

3. PIT

10.2

2t. HOU

+12

3t. NYG

24.3

4. CLE

10.1

4. SEA

+10

5. TEN

24.2

5. BUF

10.0

5. AZ

5t. SD

24.2

6. TB

9.6

6t. BUF

7. JAX

23.9

7. TEN

9.3

6t. DET

8. DAL

23.8

8. NYG

9.2

6t. SF

9. CIN

23.6

9. MIA

9.1

9t. DAL

10. KC

23.4

9t. CHI

9.1

9t. CLE

11. WAS

23.2

11. DEN

8.5

11t. DEN

12. OAK

22.9

11t. GB

8.5

11t. ATL

13. AZ

22.6

11t. PHI

8.5

13. CAR

14. PHI

22.2

14. ATL

8.4

14t. BAL

14t. NE

22.2

14t. MIN

8.4

14t. MIA

16. CLE

22.1

16. NE

7.9

16t. CIN

16t. SEA

22.1

17. JAX

7.8

16t. PIT

16t. MIA

22.1

18. AZ

7.7

18. MIN

-1

19. MIN

21.8

19. DET

7.6

19t. STL

-2

20. DET

21.6

19t. IND

7.6

19t. NYG

-2

20t. PIT

21.6

19t. SF

7.6

21. KC

-3

22. BAL

21.5

22. HOU

7.4

22t. CHI

-5

23. STL

21.4

23. NO

7.0

22t. IND

-5

24. ATL

21.2

24. KC

6.8

22t. SD

7 11 18 18 5 23 -5

25. DEN

20.7

25. NYJ

6.4

25. JAX

-6

26. CAR

20.4

26. DAL

6.3

26t. TB

-8

27. NO

20.2

26t. SD

6.3

26t. PHI

-8

28. IND

19.9

28. WAS

6.0

28. TEN 12 4 16 16 10 26 -10

28t. CHI

19.9

29. STL

5.8

29. NYJ

30. TB

19.5

30. SEA

5.7

30. WAS 7 12 19 18 13 31 -12

31. SF

19.0

31. CIN

5.6

31. NO 12 5 17 17 13 30 -13

32. GB

18.9

31t. OAK

5.6

32. OAK

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

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2014

STATISTICS

AFC TEAM STATISTICS OFFENSE

BAL

BUF

Yards / Game

364.90

318.50 348.00

Yards / Play

5.72

5.00 5.47 5.14 6.04 5.19 5.89 4.69 5.30 5.39 5.45 4.97 4.54 6.16 5.42 5.29

Rushing Yards / Game

126.20 92.60 134.20 108.00 111.60 135.10

Rushing Yards / Play

4.51 3.69 4.36 3.62 4.03 3.92 3.88

4.54 4.57 4.69 3.94 4.50 3.68 4.14 3.43 4.06

Passing Yards / Game

238.70

187.60 198.90

Passing Yards / Play

6.89 6.24 6.80 6.90 7.68 6.91 7.40 5.39 6.45 6.27 6.77 5.92 5.21 7.88 7.14

6.65

Interception Rate

2.17 2.25 3.38 3.19 2.47 2.68 2.42 3.23 1.22 2.02

1.48 3.01 2.54 1.63 3.14

3.12

Sacks / Pass Attempt

3.43 6.74 4.57 6.18 2.80 5.36 4.39 12.75 9.94 7.73

4.27 9.44 4.45 5.39 6.45

9.75

First Downs / Game

21.60 17.10 19.60 18.40 22.50 19.60 23.20 16.90 19.30 22.60

22.60 18.10

Punt Return Avg

9.10 9.60 11.00

Kickoff Return Avg

28.30 23.30 27.60 21.60 25.10 21.10 28.00 24.00 28.00 26.40 22.40 23.10 21.90 21.70 22.20 23.40

Field Goals Made

85.29 89.47 78.79 78.13 82.76 85.71

96.77 76.92

3rd Down Pct

40.98 36.68 39.81 29.47 44.13 38.72

41.01 31.94 39.80

40.00 44.34 38.89

33.90 44.71 45.12 30.10

4th Down Pct

50.00 42.86

53.85 35.71 46.15 58.82

40.00 36.84

41.67

36.84 53.85 56.25

60.00

50.00

45.45 35.29

Red Zone Pct

52.38 43.14

57.14 48.98 62.90 54.17

55.00 40.63

58.33

51.47 58.21 36.17

72.41

52.73

54.17

Goal to Go%

65.52

68.42

66.67

68.00 61.76 78.05

57.89

88.24

66.67

67.86 60.00

Avg Time of Possession

29:40

225.90

CIN

CLE

DEN

HOU

IND

JAX

324.60

402.90

344.60

406.60

289.60

318.80 350.10

213.80 216.60 291.30 209.50

6.70

75.00 78.26 72.00

7.20 6.10

72.97 77.78

100.80 102.10

305.90

6.90

MIA

NYJ

OAK

PIT

TEN

365.50

326.60

282.20

411.10 341.60 303.70

119.90 117.00 107.90 142.50 77.50 109.50 85.40 90.40

233.10

257.60 184.10

7.10 12.10 8.20 10.50 6.30

204.70

301.60 256.10

213.30

15.50 23.70 20.40 16.10 7.10

83.33 78.38 94.59 82.05 86.36

10.00 8.80 6.90

90.63 84.62 86.36

48.72

29:35

30:04

28:13

30:35

3 0:53

31:54

27:11

29:59

30:08

29:37

30:52

28:20

32:24

30:49

27:31

Points / Game

25.60 21.40

22.80

18.70

30.10

23.30

28.60

15.60

22.10

24.30

29.30

17.70

15.80

27.30

21.80

15.90

DEFENSE

BAL

CIN

CLE

DEN

HOU

IND

JAX

MIA

NYJ

OAK

PIT

TEN

Yards / Game

336.90

312.20 359.30

366.10

305.20

348.20

342.70

343.40

344.10

338.30

373.00

Yards / Play

5.21

4.86 5.39 5.24 4.74 5.17 5.44 5.47 5.16 5.34 5.33 5.36 5.50 5.99 5.48 5.43

Rushing Yards / Game

88.30 106.40 116.30 141.60 79.80 105.10

Rushing Yards / Play

3.62 4.11 4.24 4.53 3.66 4.00 4.29 4.07 4.70 4.28 3.98 3.79 3.97 4.36 4.53 4.26

Passing Yards / Game

248.70

Passing Yards / Play

6.69 5.89 6.39 6.12 5.63 6.28 6.76 7.21

5.97 6.62 6.68 6.96 7.08 7.46 6.54 6.92

Interception Rate

1.85 3.40 3.29 3.58 2.81 3.23

2.21 1.11

1.10

2.61 2.79 1.12

1.67 2.03 1.34 2.20

Sacks / Pass Attempt

8.24 9.66 3.29 5.28 6.40 6.14

7.55 8.32

8.44

7.26 6.97 8.36

4.09 6.08 4.96 7.16

First Downs / Game

19.40 18.90 21.10

19.30 20.60

19.40 19.30 20.60 18.80 20.00 19.60 19.20 22.30

Punt Return Avg

7.20 6.50 7.50 7.00 11.20 12.40 5.90 8.90

6.60 9.70

Kickoff Return Avg

23.10 20.00 25.50 22.40 25.90 26.00 22.60 23.50

23.90 26.90 21.20 21.80 32.50 23.10 22.20 27.60

3rd Down Pct

40.27 33.18

4th Down Pct

35.71 45.45 52.63 61.11 58.82 35.29

23.53 40.00

38.10 59.09 34.78

Red Zone Pct

42.59 50.00

49.09 46.30 57.69 47.83

66.00 48.21

Goal to Go%

55.17 72.22

65.38 68.00 72.97 83.33

78.79 63.64

Points / Game

18.90 18.10 21.50 21.10

Point Differential / Game

6.70 3.40

1.30

-2.40 8.00 4.10

5.60 -10.20 4.50

0.90

9.70 -7.40

-12.40

4.30

0.00 -11.50

Yard Differential / Game

27.90

-11.30

-41.50

63.90

6.70

21.40

-75.40

57.70

3.30

BUF

205.80

6.30

243.00

224.50

225.40

243.10

21.80 19.40 20.60

36.74 37.66 36.49 33.94

164 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

113.40 127.10 127.30 121.10 104.30

229.30

-3.60

243.70

203.30

33.33 42.80 36.57

22.10 19.20 23.10

97.70

370.80 330.50

25.80

-81.10

222.30

239.80

9.20

43.95 40.19

327.20 357.60 353.40

93.10 119.40 100.30

234.10

238.10

253.10

124.10

137.20

214.20 235.80

10.00 10.90 8.20 10.50 8.10

45.21 38.46 37.57 43.00 41.41 0.00

44.44

71.43 20.00

45.45

38.89

52.73 47.83 59.18 52.63

54.00 51.92

58.73

53.57

86.96 64.00 75.00 61.29

66.67 51.85

69.70

17.60 23.30 19.60 25.10 28.30

-11.80

-0.60

23.00 21.80 27.40

-69.30

2014

STATISTICS

NFC TEAM STATISTICS DET

OFFENSE

Yards / Game

319.80 378.20 346.70

Yards / Play

5.15 5.85 5.23 5.21 6.05 5.22 6.17 5.15 6.01 5.41 5.63 5.89 5.19 5.26 4.99 5.70

Rushing Yards / Game

81.80 93.60 127.30 90.10 147.10 88.90 119.80 112.80 113.60 100.20

Rushing Yards / Play

3.29 4.03 4.30 4.06 4.63 3.59 4.41 4.37 4.48 3.57 4.20 5.26 4.63 4.14 3.90 4.22

Passing Yards / Game

238.00

Passing Yards / Play

6.70 7.20 6.44 6.23 7.95 6.67 7.95 6.27 7.23 7.04 7.01 7.16 6.29 6.60 6.21 7.40

Interception Rate

2.11

2.37

2.20 3.12 2.31

1.99

1.12 3.48 2.58 2.31 3.38 1.54 2.05 3.11

Sacks / Pass Attempt

4.93

4.91

7.71

7.45

5.60 9.86 4.55 4.94 5.15

First Downs / Game

18.90 20.60

21.70 20.10 21.40 19.40 22.30 18.00 24.70 21.00 22.30 20.50 18.90 18.00 16.40 19.90

Punt Return Avg

10.70 13.30

8.00 5.20 9.20 8.90

Kickoff Return Avg

19.00 23.50

21.80 23.50 23.90 24.50 19.10 21.70 25.90 23.3

Field Goals Made

87.88 90.63

82.86 75.00 86.21 65.79

3rd Down Pct

40.18 44.29

41.89 37.68 47.26 38.57 47.21

4th Down Pct

75.00 50.00

60.00 46.43 50.00 50.00

40.00 50.00 53.33 31.25 63.64 27.27 55.56 40.00 33.33 25.00

Red Zone Pct

42.11

61.36

46.81 63.83 64.71 53.19

57.81 53.85 60.00 59.02 49.15 51.67 43.18 50.00 53.85 47.92

Goal to Go%

55.56 76.92

71.43 73.08 82.61 68.00

67.57 66.67 84.85 76.47 62.50 60.00 62.50 69.57 65.22 61.54

ATL

284.60

CAR

CHI

DAL

327.10 383.60

219.40 237.00 236.50

6.73 6.30

340.80 386.10

MIN

vNYG

PHI

315.50 411.40 367.20 396.80

SEA

STL

375.80 327.40 314.70

WAS

292.00

358.60

124.50 172.60 136.00 102.20 85.90 105.70

251.90 266.30 202.80 297.80 267.00 272.30 203.10

191.40 212.50 206.10

252.90

3.77 3.29

9.25 10.68 9.13 9.79 10.60

11.50 11.00 7.10 7.70 13.00 7.00 6.50 13.00 10.80 7.20 27.30 21.00 24.50 24.40 22.80 21.80

81.82 74.29 86.36 92.31 88.89 83.78 80.65 80.00 83.33 88.89

29:48

2 9:25

31:47

30:03

32:22

3 1:41

Points / Game

19.40

23.80

21.20

19.90

29.20

DEFENSE

ATL

CAR

CHI

DAL

Yards / Game

368.20

398.30

339.80 377.10 355.10

Yards / Play

5.83 6.14 5.44 5.99 5.81

4.89 5.26 5.38 6.01 5.97 5.40 4.63 5.20 5.60 5.53 5.85

Rushing Yards / Game

108.70

69.30 119.90 121.40 132.80 135.10 110.70 81.50 100.80 110.30 113.70 107.60

Rushing Yards / Play

4.39 4.21 4.51 4.28 4.21

3.17 4.27 4.32 4.81 4.94 3.74 3.43 4.01 4.15 3.89 4.09

Passing Yards / Game

259.50

279.90 227.80 264.40

231.60 226.40 223.30 251.20 240.60 264.90 185.60 220.70

Passing Yards / Play

7.17

7.91 6.49 7.72 7.22

6.26 6.42 6.69 7.36 7.38 7.17 5.86 6.41 7.15 7.25 7.69

Interception Rate

3.11

2.83 2.49

2.55 3.23

3.38 3.19 2.43 2.20 3.26 2.03 2.56

4.17 2.41 2.49 1.35

Sacks / Pass Attempt

6.04

3.89 7.12

7.12 5.02

7.09 7.27 7.68 6.23 9.00 8.29 7.30

6.53 7.41 6.39 6.94

First Downs / Game

18.80

22.40 19.30 20.30 19.70

19.40 21.20 20.10 21.60 20.40 21.10 17.30 19.30 18.80 22.10 19.20

Punt Return Avg

8.90

9.60 15.50 10.20 9.60

10.40 8.70 6.50 4.10 10.60 8.20 11.50 9.30 6.90 5.80 9.50

Kickoff Return Avg

26.10 22.80 32.40 17.50 21.40

27.20 24.50 20.70 26.40 18.30 22.80 24.10 22.70 24.30 23.50 25.80

3rd Down Pct

37.67

46.80 42.38 42.29 43.63

37.20 40.29 41.47 46.05 36.00 37.93 37.13 43.35 38.50 43.66 43.00

4th Down Pct

38.46

50.00 45.45 63.16 50.00

40.00 53.57 64.29 50.00 40.00 25.00 57.14 50.00 0.00 55.56 55.56

Red Zone Pct

43.90

56.90 63.04 52.11

53.06 56.25 54.17 62.75 49.02 58.14 59.46 61.36 46.15 61.54 52.08

Goal to Go%

68.42

76.47 80.00 70.59 88.46

75.00 62.07 83.33 75.00 55.56 70.00

Points / Game

18.70

26.10 23.40 27.60 22.00

17.60 21.80 21.40 26.50 25.00 25.00 15.90 21.30

Point Differential / Game

0.70 -2.30 -2.20

7.20 0.40

2.40 8.60 -1.10

-1.40

-1.30

4.60 8.80 -2.10 -1.90 -8.30 -8.60

Yard Differential / Game

-48.40

28.60

39.80 39.80 -29.20

27.40

-8.60

21.20

Avg Time of Possession

118.40 112.00 112.70 103.10

-20.10

6.90

251.90

61.22

-74.20

30:32

38.86 48.28 42.98 43.46 42.45 40.38 35.42 37.44 31.47

2 8:43

30:03

30:44

2 6:40

32:12

3 1:16

2 9:13

27:07

30:34

20.10

30.40 20.30

25.10

23.80

29.60

24.60

19.10

20.30

17.30

18.80

DET

vNYG

PHI

SEA

STL

WAS

300.90

346.40 344.70

MIN

384.00 375.80

375.60 267.10

321.40 351.60 368.90

241.30 255.30

357.00

249.40

70.83 66.67 58.82 75.86 73.91

108.60

6.00

22.10 25.60 27.40

-36.90

-76.90

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

1.60

| 165

2014

STATISTSICS

NFL TEAM RANKINGS OFFENSE

ATL

BAL

BUF

CAR

CHI

CIN

CLE

DAL

DEN

DET

HOU

IND

JAX

Yards / Game

Yards / Play

Rushing Yards / Game

Rushing Yards / Play

Passing Yards / Game

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

18t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

Field Goals Made

18t

3rd Down Pct

4th Down Pct

11t

22t

25t

Red Zone Pct

13t

Goal to Go%

16t

20t

16t

Avg Time of Possession

17t

Points / Game

ATL

BAL

BUF

CAR

CHI

CIN

CLE

DAL

DEN

DET

HOU

IND

JAX

DEFENSE

Yards / Game

Yards / Play

Rushing Yards / Game

Rushing Yards / Play

Passing Yards / Game

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

14t

12t

22t

12t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

3rd Down Pct

4th Down Pct

18t

15t

18t

11t

Red Zone Pct

Goal to Go%

22t

29t

Points / Game

16t

13t

Point Differential / Game

Yard Differential / Game

166 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

2014

STATISTSICS

NFL TEAM RANKINGS OFFENSE

MIA

MIN

NYG

NYJ

OAK

PHI

PIT

SEA

STL

TEN

WAS

Yards / Game

Yards / Play

Rushing Yards / Game

Rushing Yards / Play

Passing Yards / Game

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

26t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

Field Goals Made

10t

18t

10t

3rd Down Pct

4th Down Pct

25t

11t

22t

Red Zone Pct

15t

13t

15t

Goal to Go%

20t

25t

20t

29t

25t

29t

Avg Time of Possession

17t

Points / Game

MIA

MIN

NYG

NYJ

OAK

PHI

PIT

SEA

STL

TEN

WAS

Yards / Game

Yards / Play

Rushing Yards / Game

Rushing Yards / Play

Passing Yards / Game

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

22t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

3rd Down Pct

24t

4th Down Pct

18t

11t

18t

24t

15t

24t

Red Zone Pct

Goal to Go%

29t

22t

11t

Points / Game

22t

13t

16t

29t

Point Differential / Game

Yard Differential / Game

DEFENSE

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

| 167

2014

STATISTICS AFC PASSING

Ben Roethlisberger

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Roethlisberger, Ben (PIT) 2. Luck, Andrew (IND) 3. Manning, Peyton (DEN) 4. Rivers, Philip (SD) 5. Brady, Tom (NE) 6. Tannehill, Ryan (MIA) 7. Flacco, Joe (BAL) 8. Dalton, Andy (CIN) 9. Hoyer, Brian (CLE) 10. Carr, Derek (OAK) 11. Smith, Alex (KC) 12. Orton, Kyle (BUF) 13. Bortles, Blake (JAX) 14. Smith, Geno (NYJ) 15. Fitzpatrick, Ryan (HOU) 16. Mettenberger, Zach (TEN) 17. Whitehurst, Charlie (TEN) 18. Locker, Jake (TEN) 19. Manuel, E.J. (BUF) 20. Vick, Michael (NYJ) 21. Henne, Chad (JAX) 22. Keenum, Case (HOU) 23. Mallett, Ryan (HOU) 24. Hasselbeck, Matt (IND) 25. Garoppolo, Jimmy (NE) 26. Shaw, Connor (CLE) 27. Manziel, Johnny (CLE) 28. Daniel, Chase (KC) 29. McGloin, Matthew (OAK) 30. Savage, Tom (HOU) 31. Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 32. Campbell, Jason (CIN) 33. Schaub, Matt (OAK) 34. Osweiler, Brock (DEN) 35. Simms, Matt (NYJ) 36. Quigley, Ryan (NYJ) 37. Shorts, Cecil (JAX) 38. Golden, Robert (PIT) 39. Moore, Matt (MIA) 40. Brown, Antonio (PIT) 41. Anger, Bryan (JAX)

COMP 408 380 395 379 373 392 344 309 242 348 303 287 280 219 197 107 105 86 76 64 42 45 41 30 19 14 18 16 12 10 3 11 5 4 3 1 2 1 2 2 1

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Brees, Drew (NO) 2. Ryan, Matt (ATL) 3. Manning, Eli (NYG) 4. Rodgers, Aaron (GB) 5. Stafford, Matthew (DET) 6. Cutler, Jay (CHI) 7. Romo, Tony (DAL) 8. Wilson, Russell (SEA) 9. Kaepernick, Colin (SF) 10. Newton, Cam (CAR) 11. Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 12. Sanchez, Mark (PHI) 13. McCown, Josh (TB) 14. Foles, Nick (PHI) 15. Davis, Austin (STL) 16. Stanton, Drew (AZ) 17. Cousins, Kirk (WAS) 18. Griffin, Robert (WAS) 19. Hill, Shaun (STL) 20. Palmer, Carson (AZ) 21. Glennon, Mike (TB) 22. McCoy, Colt (WAS) 23. Anderson, Derek (CAR) 24. Lindley, Ryan (AZ) 25. Cassel, Matt (MIN) 26. Weeden, Brandon (DAL) 27. Clausen, Jimmy (CHI) 28. Ponder, Christian (MIN) 29. Thomas, Logan (AZ) 30. Flynn, Matt (GB) 31. Yates, T.J. (ATL) 32. Nassib, Ryan (NYG) 33. Gabbert, Blaine (SF) 34. Hekker, Johnny (STL) 35. Martin, Sam (DET) 36. Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 37. Ginn, Ted (AZ)

COMP 456 415 379 341 363 370 304 285 289 262 259 198 184 186 180 132 126 147 145 141 117 91 65 45 41 24 26 22 1 8 3 4 3 2 2 1 1

ATT 608 616 597 570 582 590 554 481 438 599 464 447 475 367 312 179 185 146 131 121 78 77 75 44 27 28 35 28 19 19 3 19 10 10 8 1 2 1 4 2 1

YDS 4952 4761 4727 4286 4109 4045 3986 3398 3326 3270 3265 3018 2908 2525 2483 1412 1326 993 838 604 492 435 400 301 182 177 175 157 129 127 79 74 57 52 39 38 32 25 21 20 19

AVG 8.1 7.7 7.9 7.5 7.1 6.9 7.2 7.1 7.6 5.5 7.0 6.8 6.1 6.9 8.0 7.9 7.2 6.8 6.4 5.0 6.3 5.6 5.3 6.8 6.7 6.3 5.0 5.6 6.8 6.7 26.3 3.9 5.7 5.2 4.9 38.0 16.0 25.0 5.2 10.0 19.0

LONG 94 80 86 59 69 50 80 81 81 77 70 84 63 74 76 80 75 61 80 67 63 35 41 32 37 49 32 30 29 35 50 38 16 38 21 38 23 25 14 17 19

TD 32 40 39 31 33 27 27 19 12 21 18 18 11 13 17 8 7 5 5 3 3 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0

INT SACK/YARDS RATING 9 33 172 103.3 16 27 161 96.5 15 17 118 101.5 18 36 189 93.8 9 21 134 97.4 12 46 337 92.8 12 19 167 91.0 17 21 124 83.5 13 24 160 76.5 12 24 149 76.6 6 45 229 93.4 10 33 198 87.8 17 55 345 69.5 13 28 175 77.5 8 21 83 95.3 7 18 138 83.4 2 18 103 87.4 7 14 85 70.9 3 6 44 80.3 2 19 85 68.3 1 16 105 80.7 2 3 15 72.2 2 1 5 67.6 0 2 7 102.6 0 5 36 101.2 1 4 27 55.2 2 3 26 42.0 0 4 17 73.1 2 1 8 61.0 1 1 5 51.9 0 1 6 158.3 0 1 0 66.6 2 3 24 27.9 0 0 0 90.4 0 0 0 53.6 0 0 0 118.8 0 0 0 158.3 0 0 0 118.8 0 0 0 65.6 0 0 0 147.9 0 0 0 118.8

LONG 69 79 80 80 73 74 68 80 80 51 87 72 56 68 59 49 81 69 63 80 41 70 35 41 28 43 22 18 81 14 40 29 20 19 24 17 10

TD 33 28 30 38 22 28 34 20 19 18 14 14 11 13 12 7 10 4 8 11 10 4 5 2 3 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

INT SACK/YARDS RATING 17 29 186 97.0 14 31 205 93.9 14 28 187 92.1 5 28 174 112.2 12 45 254 85.7 18 38 223 88.6 9 29 215 113.2 7 42 242 95.0 10 52 344 86.4 12 38 300 82.1 12 39 249 85.2 11 23 151 88.4 14 36 235 70.5 10 9 74 81.4 9 29 179 85.1 5 11 66 78.7 9 8 70 86.4 6 33 227 86.9 7 18 116 83.9 3 9 59 95.6 6 16 91 83.3 3 17 117 96.4 0 4 17 105.2 4 6 46 56.8 4 6 39 65.8 2 1 9 85.7 1 3 20 71.8 2 6 34 45.8 0 2 11 101.6 1 2 12 34.9 1 0 0 77.1 0 2 11 116.7 0 0 0 100.0 0 0 0 118.8 0 0 0 118.8 0 0 0 118.8 0 0 0 108.3

NFC PASSING

Drew Brees

168 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;¢ PREVIEW 2015

ATT 659 628 601 520 602 561 435 452 478 448 402 309 327 311 284 240 204 214 229 224 203 128 97 93 71 41 48 44 9 16 4 5 7 2 2 1 1

YDS 4952 4694 4410 4381 4257 3812 3705 3475 3369 3127 2919 2418 2206 2163 2001 1711 1710 1694 1657 1626 1417 1057 701 562 425 303 223 222 81 66 64 60 38 37 27 17 10

AVG 7.5 7.5 7.3 8.4 7.1 6.8 8.5 7.7 7.0 7.0 7.3 7.8 6.7 7.0 7.0 7.1 8.4 7.9 7.2 7.3 7.0 8.3 7.2 6.0 6.0 7.4 4.6 5.0 9.0 4.1 16.0 12.0 5.4 18.5 13.5 17.0 10.0

2014

STATISTICS

AFC RUSHING RK PLAYER (TEAM) ATT YDS 1. Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 290 1361 2. Forsett, Justin (BAL) 235 1266 3. Foster, Arian (HOU) 260 1246 4. Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 222 1124 5. Miller, Lamar (MIA) 216 1099 6. Charles, Jamaal (KC) 206 1033 7. Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 179 849 8. Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 198 821 9. Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 168 680 10. West, Terrance (CLE) 171 673 11. Johnson, Chris (NYJ) 155 663 12. Crowell, Isaiah (CLE) 148 607 13. Denard Robinson (JAX) 135 582 13. Branden Oliver (SD) 160 582 15. Bishop Sankey (TEN) 152 569 16. LeGarrette Blount (NE/PIT) 125 547 17. Darren McFadden (OAK) 155 534 18. Alfred Blue (HOU) 69 528 19. Fred Jackson (BUF) 141 525 20. Trent Richardson (IND) 159 519 21. Knile Davis (KC) 134 463 22. Ronnie Hillman (DEN) 106 434 23. Boobie Dixon (BUF) 105 432 24. Ahmad Bradshaw (IND) 90 425 25. Latavius Murray (OAK) 82 424 26. Blake Bortles (JAX) 56 419 27. Jonas Gray (NE) 89 412 28. Shonn Greene (TEN) 94 392 29. Shane Vereen (NE) 96 391 30. Ben Tate (CLE/PIT) 119 371 31. Bernard Pierce (BAL) 93 366 32. Daniel Herron (IND) 78 351 33. Stevan Ridley (NE) 94 340 34. Ryan Mathews (SD) 74 330 35. Toby Gerhart (JAX) 101 326 36. Ryan Tannehill (MIA) 56 311 37. C.J. Spiller (BUF) 78 300 38. Lorenzo Taliaferro (BAL) 68 292 39. Andrew Luck (IND) 64 273 40. Juwan Thompson (DEN) 54 272 41. Alex Smith (KC) 49 254 42. Geno Smith (NYJ) 59 238 43. Donald Brown (SD) 85 223 44. Jordan Todman (JAX) 32 186

AVG LG TD 4.7 81 8 5.4 52 8 4.8 51 8 5.1 85 9 5.1 97 8 5.0 63 9 4.7 27 8 4.1 71 6 4.0 89 5 3.9 36 4 4.3 47 1 4.1 35 8 4.3 41 4 3.6 52 3 3.7 22 2 4.4 50 5 3.4 25 2 3.1 46 2 3.7 38 2 3.3 27 3 3.5 48 6 4.1 37 3 4.1 47 2 4.7 29 2 5.2 90 2 7.5 34 0 4.6 20 5 4.2 52 2 4.1 19 2 3.1 25 4 3.9 28 2 4.5 49 1 3.6 43 2 4.5 32 3 3.2 23 2 5.6 40 1 3.8 53 0 4.3 31 4 4.3 20 3 5.0 47 3 5.2 25 1 4.0 18 1 2.6 16 0 5.8 62 1

NFC RUSHING RK PLAYER (TEAM) ATT 1. Murray, DeMarco (DAL) 392 2. McCoy, LeSean (PHI) 312 3. Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 280 4. Lacy, Eddie (GB) 246 5. Gore, Frank (SF) 255 6. Morris, Alfred (WAS) 265 7. Forte, Matt (CHI) 266 8. Ingram, Mark (NO) 226 9. Bell, Joique (DET) 223 10. Wilson, Russell (SEA) 118 11. Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 175 12. Mason, Tre (STL) 179 13. Williams, Andre (NYG) 217 14. Jackson, Steven (ATL) 190 15. Ellington, Andre (AZ) 201 16. Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 167 16. Kaepernick, Colin (SF) 104 18. Asiata, Matt (MIN) 164 19. Newton, Cam (CAR) 103 20. McKinnon, Jerick (MIN) 113 21. Martin, Doug (TB) 134 22. Rainey, Bobby (TB) 94 23. Robinson, Khiry (NO) 76 24. Randle, Joseph (DAL) 51 25. Starks, James (GB) 85 25. Hyde, Carlos (SF) 83 27. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 57 28. Turbin, Robert (SEA) 74 29. Bush, Reggie (DET) 76 30. Stacy, Zac (STL) 76 31. Rodgers, Aaron (GB) 43 32. Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 65 33. Cunningham, Benny (STL) 66 33. Williams, Kerwynn (AZ) 53

YDS AVG LG TD 1845 4.7 51 13 1319 4.2 53 5 1306 4.7 79 13 1139 4.6 44 9 1106 4.3 52 4 1074 4.1 30 8 1038 3.9 32 6 964 4.3 31 9 860 3.9 57 7 849 7.2 55 6 809 4.6 69 3 765 4.3 89 4 721 3.3 50 7 707 3.7 55 6 660 3.3 22 3 639 3.8 18 4 639 6.1 90 1 570 3.5 19 9 539 5.2 22 5 538 4.8 55 0 494 3.7 63 2 406 4.3 31 1 362 4.8 62 3 343 6.7 65 3 333 3.9 41 2 333 4.0 28 4 329 5.8 49 6 310 4.2 17 0 297 3.9 26 2 293 3.9 16 1 269 6.3 19 2 248 3.8 31 1 246 3.7 20 3 246 4.6 19 0

DeMarco Murray 35. Austin, Tavon (STL) 36. Thomas, Pierre (NO) 37. Williams, DeAngelo (CAR) 38. Rodgers, Jacquizz (ATL) 39. Helu, Roy (WAS) 40. Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 41. Taylor, Stepfan (AZ) 42. Cutler, Jay (CHI) 43. Sims, Charles (TB) 44. Griffin, Robert (WAS) 45. Michael, Christine (SEA) 46. Polk, Chris (PHI) 47. Carey, Ka’Deem (CHI) 48. Whittaker, Fozzy (CAR) 48. Ryan, Matt (ATL) 50. Smith, Antone (ATL) 51. McCown, Josh (TB) 52. Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 53. Hillis, Peyton (NYG)

36 45 62 58 40 47 63 39 66 38 34 46 36 32 29 23 25 10 26

224 6.2 222 4.9 219 3.5 217 3.7 216 5.4 209 4.4 208 3.3 191 4.9 185 2.8 176 4.6 175 5.1 172 3.7 158 4.4 145 4.5 145 5.0 144 6.3 127 5.1 117 11.7 115 4.4

19 27 17 17 18 16 21 25 20 23 45 22 15 17 15 48 16 67 16

2 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 0 4 0 1 0 2 3 1 0

AFC RECEIVING RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Brown, Antonio (PIT) 2. Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 3. Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 4. Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 5. Hopkins, DeAndre (HOU) 6. Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 7. Smith, Steve (BAL) 8. Green, A.J. (CIN) 9. Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 10. Edelman, Julian (NE) 11. Decker, Eric (NYJ) 12. LaFell, Brandon (NE) 13. Johnson, Andre (HOU) 14. Walker, Delanie (TEN) 15. Wallace, Mike (MIA) 15. Kelce, Travis (KC) 17. Floyd, Malcom (SD) 18. Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 19. Hawkins, Andrew (CLE) 20. Gates, Antonio (SD) 21. Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 22. Allen, Keenan (SD) 23. Wayne, Reggie (IND) 24. Royal, Eddie (SD) 25. Fleener, Coby (IND) 26. Smith, Torrey (BAL) 27. Miller, Heath (PIT) 28. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 29. Bowe, Dwayne (KC) 30. Wright, Kendall (TEN) 31. Woods, Robert (BUF) 32. Holmes, Andre (OAK) 33. Hurns, Allen (JAX) 34. Jones, James (OAK)

NO YDS 129 1698 111 1619 101 1404 82 1345 76 1210 82 1124 79 1065 69 1041 65 982 92 972 74 962 74 953 85 936 63 890 67 862 67 862 52 856 83 854 63 824 69 821 56 790 77 783 64 779 62 778 51 774 49 767 66 761 84 758 60 754 57 715 65 699 47 693 51 677 73 666

AVG 13.2 14.6 13.9 16.4 15.9 13.7 13.5 15.1 15.1 10.6 13.0 12.9 11.0 14.1 12.9 12.9 16.5 10.3 13.1 11.9 14.1 10.2 12.2 12.5 15.2 15.7 11.5 9.0 12.6 12.5 10.8 14.7 13.3 9.1

LG TD 63 13 86 11 48 9 73 7 76 6 46 12 80 6 81 6 84 6 69 4 74 5 56 7 35 3 68 4 50 10 34 5 59 6 48 3 65 2 34 12 76 5 35 4 80 2 47 7 73 8 53 11 49 3 25 5 37 0 48 6 37 5 77 4 63 6 42 6

35. Washington, Nate (TEN) 36. Wheaton, Markus (PIT) 37. Gabriel, Taylor (CLE) 38. Clay, Charles (MIA) 39. Austin, Miles (CLE) 40. Shorts, Cecil (JAX) 41. Martavis Bryant (PIT) 41. Robinson, Allen (JAX) 42. Rivera, Mychal (OAK) 43. Daniels, Owen (BAL) 44. Jackson, Fred (BUF) 45. Chandler, Scott (BUF) 46. Thomas, Julius (DEN) 47. Hartline, Brian (MIA) 48. Welker, Wes (DEN) 49. Gresham, Jermaine (CIN) 50. Vereen, Shane (NE) 51. Moncrief, Donte (IND) 52. Hogan, Chris (BUF) 53. Jordan Cameron (CLE) 53. Lee, Marqise (JAX) 54. Kerley, Jeremy (NYJ) 55. Nicks, Hakeem (IND) 56. Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 57. Amaro, Jace (NYJ) 58. Damaris Johnson (HOU) 59. Foster, Arian (HOU) 60. Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 61. Travis Benjamin (CLE) 62. Bradshaw, Ahmad (IND) 63. Charles, Jamaal (KC) 64. Clay Harbor (JAX)

40 53 36 58 47 53 26 48 58 48 66 47 43 39 49 62 52 32 41 24 37 38 38 43 38 31 38 34 18 38 40 35

647 644 621 605 568 557 549 548 534 527 501 497 489 474 464 460 447 444 426 422 422 409 405 349 345 331 327 324 314 300 291 289

16.2 12.2 17.2 10.4 12.1 10.5 21.1 11.4 9.2 11.0 7.6 10.6 11.4 12.2 9.5 7.4 8.6 13.9 10.4 17.7 11.4 10.8 10.7 8.1 9.1 10.4 8.6 9.5 17.4 7.9 7.3 11.1

80 2 47 2 70 1 41 3 31 2 53 1 94 8 54 2 33 4 39 4 34 1 37 3 35 12 35 2 39 2 23 5 49 3 79 3 31 4 81 2 37 1 33 1 29 4 46 2 43 2 44 1 56 5 51 2 43 3 22 6 30 5 59 1

AVG 15.3 15.5 13.4 15.0 15.5 14.3 14.1 20.9 13.3 15.2 12.8 15.5 12.0 13.8 14.3 13.2 14.8 11.5 10.2 15.3 10.5

LG TD 79 6 80 13 73 4 68 16 72 10 80 12 70 12 81 6 74 10 67 8 76 5 56 12 38 6 51 9 50 2 49 3 69 3 39 7 37 6 57 5 29 10

NFC RECEIVING RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Jones, Julio (ATL) 2. Nelson, Jordy (GB) 3. Tate, Golden (DET) 4. Bryant, Dez (DAL) 5. Maclin, Jeremy (PHI) 6. Beckham, Odell (NYG) 7. Cobb, Randall (GB) 8. Jackson, DeSean (WAS) 9. Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 10. Johnson, Calvin (DET) 11. Boldin, Anquan (SF) 12. Evans, Mike (TB) 13. Olsen, Greg (CAR) 13. Benjamin, Kelvin (CAR) 15. Jackson, Vincent (TB) 16. Randle, Rueben (NYG) 17. Stills, Kenny (NO) 18. White, Roddy (ATL) 19. Bennett, Martellus (CHI) 20. Colston, Marques (NO) 21. Graham, Jimmy (NO)

NO YDS 104 1593 98 1519 99 1331 88 1320 85 1318 91 1305 91 1287 56 1169 85 1133 71 1077 83 1062 68 1051 84 1008 73 1008 70 1002 71 938 63 931 80 921 90 916 59 902 85 889

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2014 22. Matthews, Jordan (PHI) 23. Floyd, Michael (AZ) 24. Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 25. Forte, Matt (CHI) 26. Fitzgerald, Larry (AZ) 27. Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 28. Britt, Kenny (STL) 29. Jennings, Greg (MIN) 30. Marshall, Brandon (CHI) 31. Witten, Jason (DAL) 32. Ertz, Zach (PHI) 33. Crabtree, Michael (SF) 34. Brown, John (AZ) 35. Cook, Jared (STL) 36. Donnell, Larry (NYG) 37. Williams, Terrance (DAL) 38. Wright, Jarius (MIN) 39. Cotchery, Jerricho (CAR) 40. Cooper, Riley (PHI) 41. Douglas, Harry (ATL) 42. Cooks, Brandin (NO) 43. Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 44. Paul, Niles (WAS) 45. Hester, Devin (ATL) 46. Helu, Roy (WAS) 47. Charles Johnson (MIN) 48. Reed, Jordan (WAS) 49. Roberts, Andre (WAS) 50. Adams, Davante (GB) 51. Johnson, Steve (SF) 51. Stedman Baily (STL) 53. Lacy, Eddie (GB) 54. Beasley, Cole (DAL) 55. Parker, Preston (NYG) 56. Murray, DeMarco (DAL) 57. Ellington, Andre (AZ) 58. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 59. Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 60. Murphy, Louis 61. Thomas, Pierre (NO) 62. Quick, Brian (STL) 63. Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 64. Cunningham, Benny (STL) 65. Carlson, John (AZ) 66. Celek, Brent (PHI) 67. Cruz, Victor (NYG) 6 8. Quarless, Andrew (GB)

67 47 66 102 63 68 48 59 61 64 58 68 48 52 63 37 42 48 55 51 53 38 39 38 42 31 50 36 38 35 30 42 37 36 57 46 40 33 31 45 25 37 45 33 32 23 29

872 841 825 808 784 752 748 742 721 703 702 698 696 634 623 621 588 580 577 556 550 537 507 504 477 475 465 453 446 435 435 427 420 418 416 395 387 384 380 378 375 367 352 350 340 337 323

13.0 17.9 12.5 7.9 12.4 11.1 15.6 12.6 11.8 11.0 12.1 10.3 14.5 12.2 9.9 16.8 14.0 12.1 10.5 10.9 10.4 14.1 13.0 13.3 11.4 15.3 9.3 12.6 11.7 12.4 14.5 10.2 11.4 11.6 7.3 8.6 9.7 11.6 12.3 8.4 15.0 9.9 7.8 10.6 10.6 14.7 11.1

44 8 63 6 49 3 56 4 80 2 70 3 63 3 38 6 47 8 34 5 35 3 51 4 75 5 59 3 32 6 51 8 87 2 47 1 50 3 41 2 50 3 60 1 50 1 46 2 55 2 56 2 30 0 61 2 45 3 32 3 38 1 67 4 45 4 42 2 34 0 81 2 57 0 28 1 54 2 39 1 51 3 39 4 19 1 32 1 37 1 61 1 34 3

AFC SCORING TDS TDS TDS TDS RK PLAYER (TEAM) TOT RSH REC RET PAT FG PTS

1. Gostkowski, Stephen (NE) 2. Vinatieri, Adam (IND) 3. Carpenter, Dan (BUF) 4. Suisham, Shaun (PIT) 5. Bullock, Randy (HOU) 6. Tucker, Justin (BAL) 7. Sturgis, Caleb (MIA) 8. Folk, Nick (NYJ) 9. Nugent, Mike (CIN) 10. Santos, Cairo (KC) 11. Novak, Nick (SD) 12. Cundiff, Billy (CLE) 13. Brown, Antonio (PIT) 14. Janikowski, Sebastian (OAK) 15. Charles, Jamaal (KC) 15. Succop, Ryan (TEN) 17. Scobee, Josh (JAX) 18. Foster, Arian (HOU) 19. Thomas, Julius (DEN) 19. Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 19. Gates, Antonio (SD) 22. McManus, Brandon (DEN) 22. Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 24. Smith, Torrey (BAL) 24. Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 26. Wallace, Mike (MIA) 26. Barth, Connor (DEN) 26. Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 29. Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 30. Miller, Lamar (MIA) 30. Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 32. Forsett, Justin (BAL) 33. Bradshaw, Ahmad (IND)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 14 0 0 13 12 12 12 0 11 11 11 10 0 10 9 9 9 8 8

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 8 9 8 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 5 0 0 5 12 12 12 0 11 11 3 10 0 2 9 1 0 0 6

0 51 35 156 0 50 30 140 0 31 34 133 0 45 29 132 0 40 30 130 0 42 29 129 0 41 29 128 0 23 32 119 0 39 26 117 0 38 25 113 0 40 22 106 0 28 22 94 1 0 0 86 0 28 19 85 0 0 0 84 0 27 19 84 0 23 20 83 0 0 0 78 0 0 0 72 0 0 0 72 0 0 0 72 0 41 9 68 0 0 0 68 0 0 0 66 0 0 0 66 0 0 0 60 0 15 15 60 0 0 0 60 0 0 0 56 0 0 0 54 0 0 0 54 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 48

STATISTICS

Antonio Brown 33. Bryant, Martavis (PIT) 33. Allen, Dwayne (IND) 33. Fleener, Coby (IND) 33. Davis, Knile (KC) 33. Crowell, Isaiah (CLE) 39. Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 39. Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 39. LaFell, Brandon (NE) 39. Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 39. Royal, Eddie (SD) 44. Jones, James (OAK) 44. Floyd, Malcom (SD) 44. Smith, Steve (BAL) 44. Green, A.J. (CIN) 44. Wright, Kendall (TEN) 44. Wright, Timothy (NE) 44. Hurns, Allen (JAX) 44. Kelce, Travis (KC) 44. Hopkins, DeAndre (HOU) 44. Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 54. Woods, Robert (BUF) 54. Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 54. Watt, J.J. (HOU) 57. Dalton, Andy (CIN) 57. Vereen, Shane (NE) 57. Gray, Jonas (NE) 57. Gresham, Jermaine (CIN) 57. Decker, Eric (NYJ) 57. Edelman, Julian (NE) 57. West, Terrance (CLE) 57. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 65. Hillman, Ronnie (DEN) 65. Oliver, Branden (SD) 65. Taliaferro, Lorenzo (BAL) 65. Blue, Alfred (HOU) 65. Allen, Keenan (SD) 65. Robinson, Denard (JAX) 65. Rivera, Mychal (OAK) 65. Walker, Delanie (TEN) 65. Fasano, Anthony (KC) 65. Daniels, Owen (BAL) 65. Nicks, Hakeem (IND) 65. Tate, Ben (CLE) 65. Aiken, Kamar (BAL) 65. Hogan, Chris (BUF) 65. Holmes, Andre (OAK) 80. Jackson, Fred (BUF) 80. Miller, Heath (PIT)

170 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3

0 0 0 6 8 5 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 5 0 0 0 4 0 3 3 4 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 0

8 8 8 1 0 2 7 7 1 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 6 6 5 5 3 1 3 0 5 5 4 1 5 1 1 0 1 4 0 4 4 4 4 4 0 3 4 4 1 3

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

48 48 48 48 48 42 42 42 42 42 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 32 32 32 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 20 20

82. Johnson, Andre (HOU) 82. Chandler, Scott (BUF) 82. Gay, William (PIT) 82. Clay, Charles (MIA) 82. Mathews, Ryan (SD) 82. Cumberland, Jeff (NYJ) 82. Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 82. Butler, Brice (OAK) 82. Hunter, Justin (TEN) 82. Thompson, Juwan (DEN) 82. Benjamin, Travis (CLE) 82. Luck, Andrew (IND) 82. Richardson, Trent (IND) 82. Moncrief, Donte (IND) 96. Robinson, Allen (JAX) 96. Thomas, Daniel (MIA) 96. Moore, Lance (PIT) 99. Washington, Nate (TEN) 99. Welker, Wes (DEN)

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 3 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 0 0

3 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 3 0 3 0 0 3 2 0 2 2 2

0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 14 14 14 12 12

NFC SCORING TDS TDS TDS TDS R K PLAYER (TEAM) TOT RSH REC RET PAT FG PTS

1. Parkey, Cody (PHI) 2. Crosby, Mason (GB) 2. Hauschka, Steven (SEA) 4. Bailey, Dan (DAL) 5. Bryant, Matt (ATL) 6. Gano, Graham (CAR) 7. Brown, Josh (NYG) 8. Catanzaro, Chandler (AZ) 9. Dawson, Phil (SF) 10. Walsh, Blair (MIN) 11. Zuerlein, Greg (STL) 12. Graham, Shayne (NO) 12. Forbath, Kai (WAS) 14. Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 15. Bryant, Dez (DAL) 16. Murray, Patrick (TB) 17. Prater, Matt (DET) 18. Nelson, Jordy (GB) 18. Murray, DeMarco (DAL) 18. Lacy, Eddie (GB) 21. Cobb, Randall (GB) 22. Beckham, Odell (NYG) 22. Evans, Mike (TB) 24. Asiata, Matt (MIN) 24. Forte, Matt (CHI)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 16 0 0 13 13 13 12 12 12 10 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 13 9 0 0 0 9 6

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 16 0 0 13 0 4 12 12 12 1 4

0 54 32 150 0 53 27 134 0 41 31 134 0 56 25 131 0 40 29 127 0 34 29 121 0 44 24 116 0 27 29 114 0 33 25 108 0 29 26 107 0 34 24 106 0 46 19 103 0 31 24 103 0 0 0 102 0 0 0 96 0 31 20 91 0 21 21 84 0 0 0 78 0 0 0 78 0 0 0 78 0 0 0 74 0 0 0 72 0 0 0 72 0 0 0 64 0 0 0 64

2014 26. Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 10 26. Graham, Jimmy (NO) 10 26. Maclin, Jeremy (PHI) 10 29. Gould, Robbie (CHI) 0 30. Ingram, Mark (NO) 9 30. Benjamin, Kelvin (CAR) 9 32. Johnson, Calvin (DET) 8 32. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 8 32. Marshall, Brandon (CHI) 8 32. Morris, Alfred (WAS) 8 32. Bell, Joique (DET) 8 32. Matthews, Jordan (PHI) 8 32. Williams, Terrance (DAL) 8 39. Williams, Andre (NYG) 7 39. White, Roddy (ATL) 7 41. Bennett, Martellus (CHI) 6 42. Jackson, DeSean (WAS) 6 42. Olsen, Greg (CAR) 6 42. Jennings, Greg (MIN) 6 42. Jackson, Steven (ATL) 6 42. Jones, Julio (ATL) 6 42. Wilson, Russell (SEA) 6 42. Donnell, Larry (NYG) 6 42. Floyd, Michael (AZ) 6 50. Kendricks, Lance (STL) 5 50. Newton, Cam (CAR) 5 50. McCoy, LeSean (PHI) 5 50. Boldin, Anquan (SF) 5 50. Witten, Jason (DAL) 5 50. Gore, Frank (SF) 5 50. Colston, Marques (NO) 5 50. Young, Darrel (WAS) 5 50. Smith, Antone (ATL) 5 50. Polk, Chris (PHI) 5 50. Ellington, Andre (AZ) 5 50. Hill, Josh (NO) 5 50. Brown, John (AZ) 5 50. Mason, Tre (STL) 5 64. Taylor, Stepfan (AZ) 4 65. Cunningham, Benny (STL) 4 65. Riddick, Theo (DET) 4 65. Hyde, Carlos (SF) 4 65. Cooks, Brandin (NO) 4 65. Escobar, Gavin (DAL) 4 65. Crabtree, Michael (SF) 4 65. Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 4 65. Fells, Daniel (NYG) 4 65. Hester, Devin (ATL) 4 65. Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 4 65. Tate, Golden (DET) 4 65. Beasley, Cole (DAL) 4 77. McCown, Josh (TB) 3 77. Thomas, Pierre (NO) 3 77. Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 3 77. Johnson, Steve (SF) 3 77. Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 3 77. Randle, Rueben (NYG) 3 77. Helu, Roy (WAS) 3 77. Quarless, Andrew (GB) 3 77. Cooper, Riley (PHI) 3 77. Britt, Kenny (STL) 3 77. Cook, Jared (STL) 3 77. Austin, Tavon (STL) 3 77. Robinson, Khiry (NO) 3 77. Brown, Corey (CAR) 3 77. Randle, Joseph (DAL) 3 77. Ertz, Zach (PHI) 3 77. Stills, Kenny (NO) 3 77. Willson, Luke (SEA) 3 77. Quick, Brian (STL) 3 77. Adams, Davante (GB) 3 77. Ellington, Bruce (SF) 3 98. Freese, Nate (DET) 0 99. Johnson, Charles (MIN) 2 99. Douglas, Harry (ATL) 2

0 0 0 0 9 0 0 6 0 8 7 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 5 5 0 0 4 0 3 2 4 3 0 0 4 1 3 0 4 1 0 0 3 0 1 4 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

10 10 10 0 0 9 8 0 8 0 1 8 8 0 7 6 6 6 6 0 6 0 6 6 5 0 0 5 5 1 5 2 3 0 2 5 5 1 3 1 4 0 3 4 4 1 4 2 0 4 4 0 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 0 0 2 0 3 3 3 3 3 2 0 2 2

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0

60 60 60 55 54 54 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 42 42 40 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 26 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 15 14 14

AFC PUNT RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Thomas, De’Anthony (KC) 2. Brown, Antonio (PIT) 3. Edelman, Julian (NE) 4. Jones, Jacoby (BAL) 5. Jones, Adam (CIN) 6. Sanders, Ace (JAX)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

34 30 25 30 22 32

405 11.9 319 10.6 299 12.0 275 9.2 265 12.0 227 7.1

81 71 84 45 47 23

1 0 1 16 1 6 0 17 0 1 0 10

STATISTICS

7. Burse, Isaiah (DEN) 8. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 9. Hammond, Frankie (KC) 10. Kerley, Jeremy (NYJ) 11. Carrie, T.J. (OAK) 12. Whalen, Griff (IND) 13. McKelvin, Leodis (BUF) 14. Tate, Brandon (CIN)

29 25 15 25 26 26 21 18

211 204 200 199 195 187 183 174

7.3 8.2 13.3 8.0 7.5 7.2 8.7 9.7

22 32 47 41 27 22 24 49

0 24 0 19 0 4 0 13 0 11 0 17 0 8 0 14

NFC PUNT RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 2. Austin, Tavon (STL) 3. Sherels, Marcus (MIN) 4. Ross, Jeremy (DET) 5. Ginn, Ted (AZ) 6. Harris, Dwayne (DAL) 7. Hester, Devin (ATL) 8. Hyde, Micah (GB) 9. Roberts, Andre (WAS) 10. Walters, Bryan (SEA)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

39 35 27 32 26 30 18 14 28 27

506 13.0 391 11.2 297 11.0 284 8.9 277 10.7 275 9.2 240 13.3 221 15.8 208 7.4 207 7.7

82 78 35 28 71 38 68 75 37 21

2 16 1 23 0 26 0 37 1 24 0 13 1 11 2 3 0 25 0 23

AFC KICKOFF RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Jones, Jacoby (BAL) 2. Todman, Jordan (JAX) 3. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 4. Jones, Adam (CIN) 5. Davis, Knile (KC) 6. Washington, Leon (TEN) 7. Cribbs, Josh (IND) 8. Harvin, Percy (NYJ) 9. Wheaton, Markus (PIT)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

32 38 34 27 29 31 19 20 20

978 30.6 108 972 25.6 40 954 28.1 74 844 31.3 97 829 28.6 99 738 23.8 52 608 32.0 76 495 24.8 65 494 24.7 41

1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

NFC KICKOFF RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Hester, Devin (ATL) 2. Cunningham, Benny (STL) 3. Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 4. Harris, Dwayne (DAL) 5. Roberts, Andre (WAS) 6. Ellington, Bruce (SF) 7. Ross, Jeremy (DET) 8. Williams, Chris (CHI) 9. Mariani, Marc (CHI) 10. Parker, Preston (NYG) 11. Harris, DuJuan (GB) 12. Ginn, Ted (AZ)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

45 1128 25.1 66 35 963 27.5 75 34 871 25.6 51 30 742 24.7 42 30 710 23.7 45 24 614 25.6 38 23 584 25.4 41 24 579 24.1 101 20 510 25.5 67 21 509 24.2 45 22 456 20.7 41 22 417 19.0 43

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

AFC COMBINED YARDS RUSH REC KOR PR TOT RK PLAYER (TEAM) YDS YDS YDS YDS YDS

1. Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 1361 854 2. Brown, Antonio (PIT) 13 1698 3. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) -4 758 4. Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 0 1619 5. Foster, Arian (HOU) 1246 327 6. Forsett, Justin (BAL) 1266 263 7. Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 44 1404 8. McCoy, LeSean (BUF) 1319 155 9. Davis, Knile (KC) 463 147 10. Jones, Jacoby (SD) 16 131 11. Miller, Lamar (MIA) 1099 275 12. Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 20 1345 12. Edelman, Julian (NE) 94 972 14. Maclin, Jeremy (KC) 0 1318 15. Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 1124 215 16. Charles, Jamaal (KC) 1033 291 17. Gore, Frank (IND) 1106 111 18. Hopkins, DeAndre (HOU) 0 1210 19. Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 849 324 20. Wheaton, Markus (PIT) 19 644 21. Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 0 1124 22. Jones, Adam (CIN) 0 0 23. Thomas, De’Anthony (KC) 113 156 24. Smith, Steve (BAL) 0 1065 25. Green, A.J. (CIN) 2 1041 26. Jackson, Fred (BUF) 525 501 27. Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 680 349 28. Washington, Leon (TEN) 57 159 29. Murray, Latavius (OAK) 424 143 30. Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 8 982

0 0 954 0 0 0 54 0 829 978 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 494 0 844 428 0 0 0 0 738 429 0

0 2215 319 2030 204 1912 0 1619 0 1573 0 1529 11 1513 0 1474 0 1439 275 1400 0 1374 0 1365 299 1365 25 1343 0 1339 0 1324 0 1217 0 1210 0 1173 0 1157 0 1124 265 1109 405 1102 0 1065 0 1043 5 1031 0 1029 47 1001 0 996 0 990

31. LaFell, Brandon (NE) 13 32. Decker, Eric (NYJ) 0 33. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 110 34. Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 821 35. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 92 36. Johnson, Andre (IND) 0 37. Stills, Kenny (MIA) -2 38. Sankey, Bishop (TEN) 569 39. Walker, Delanie (TEN) 0 40. Allen, Keenan (SD) 0 41. Oliver, Branden (SD) 582 42. Kelce, Travis (KC) 0 43. Floyd, Malcom (SD) 0 44. Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 51 45. Hawkins, Andrew (CLE) 15 46. Gates, Antonio (SD) 0 47. Amendola, Danny (NE) 0 47. Johnson, Chris (NYJ) 663 49. Tate, Brandon (CIN) 21 50. Wayne, Reggie (IND) 0 51. Fleener, Coby (IND) 0 52. Wright, Kendall (TEN) 54 53. Miller, Heath (PIT) 0 54. Bowe, Dwayne (CLE) 0 55. Richardson, Trent (OAK) 519 56. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 110 57. Cribbs, Joshua (IND) 0 58. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 110 59. West, Terrance (CLE) 673 60. Gabriel, Taylor (CLE) 10 61. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 92 61. Bradshaw, Ahmad (IND) 425 63. Marshall, Brandon (NYJ) 0 64. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 92 65. Woods, Robert (BUF) 0 66. Robinson, Denard (JAX) 582 66. Kerley, Jeremy (NYJ) 86 68. Benjamin, Travis (CLE) 11 69. Crowell, Isaiah (CLE) 607 70. Helu, Roy (OAK) 216 70. Holmes, Andre (OAK) 0 72. Cadet, Travaris (NE) 32 73. Hurns, Allen (JAX) 0 74. Jones, James (OAK) 0 75. Washington, Nate (TEN) 0 76. Blue, Alfred (HOU) 528 77. Clay, Charles (BUF) 0 78. Herron, Dan (IND) 351 79. Whalen, Griff (IND) 0 80. Hillman, Ronnie (DEN) 434 81. Bryant, Martavis (PIT) 12 82. Shorts, Cecil (HOU) 0 82. Carrie, T.J. (OAK) 0 84. Douglas, Harry (TEN) 0 85. Robinson, Allen (JAX) 0 86. Johnson, Damaris (HOU) 19 87. Welker, Wes (DEN) 0 88. Rivera, Mychal (OAK) 0 89. Dixon, Anthony (BUF) 432 90. Daniels, Owen (DEN) 0 91. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 110 92. Gerhart, Toby (JAX) 326 93. Harvin, Percy (BUF) 92 94. Hunter, Justin (TEN) 0 95. Chandler, Scott (NE) 0 96. Thomas, Julius (JAX) 0 97. McCluster, Dexter (TEN) 131 98. Davis, Chris (SD) 0 99. Hartline, Brian (CLE) 0 100. Moncrief, Donte (IND) 17 101. Gresham, Jermaine (CIN) 0 102. Brown, Donald (SD) 223 103. Johnson, Steve (SD) 0 104. Lee, Marqise (JAX) 9 105. Bolden, Omar (DEN) 0 106. Hogan, Chris (BUF) 0 107. Cameron, Jordan (MIA) 0 108. Taliaferro, Lorenzo (BAL) 292 109. Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 281 110. Gray, Jonas (NE) 412 110. Bortles, Blake (JAX) 419 112. Williams, Damien (MIA) 122 113. Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 266 113. Nicks, Hakeem (IND) 0

953 962 350 123 350 936 931 133 890 783 271 862 856 790 824 821 200 151 193 779 774 715 761 754 229 350 8 133 64 621 350 300 721 133 699 124 409 314 87 477 693 296 677 666 647 113 605 173 23 139 549 557 0 556 548 331 464 534 49 527 133 186 133 498 497 489 197 0 474 444 460 211 435 422 0 426 424 114 36 7 0 187 36 405

0 0 495 0 495 0 0 198 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 482 0 397 0 0 0 0 0 0 283 608 495 0 96 283 0 0 495 0 0 12 246 0 0 0 364 0 0 0 0 0 78 379 0 0 0 362 0 0 136 0 0 52 0 283 0 283 0 0 0 0 476 0 0 0 8 0 0 429 0 0 15 103 0 0 102 103 0

0 966 0 962 0 955 0 944 0 937 0 936 0 929 0 900 0 890 99 882 0 875 0 862 0 856 0 841 0 839 0 821 132 814 0 814 174 785 0 779 0 774 0 769 0 761 0 754 0 748 0 743 125 741 0 738 0 737 0 727 0 725 0 725 0 721 0 720 11 710 0 706 199 706 127 698 0 694 0 693 0 693 0 692 0 677 0 666 0 647 0 641 0 605 0 602 187 589 0 573 0 561 0 557 195 557 0 556 0 548 54 540 74 538 0 534 0 533 0 527 0 526 0 512 0 508 0 498 0 497 0 489 155 483 4 480 0 474 0 461 0 460 0 442 0 435 0 431 0 429 0 426 0 424 0 421 0 420 0 419 0 419 0 411 0 405 0 405

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 171

2014 113. Greene, Shonn (TEN) 392 116. Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 281 117. Allen, Dwayne (IND) 0 118. Tate, Ben (PIT) 333 119. Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 266 120. Pierce, Bernard (JAX) 366 121. Brown, Bryce (BUF) 126 122. Amaro, Jace (NYJ) 0 123. Ridley, Stevan (NE) 340 124. Reece, Marcel (OAK) 85 125. Caldwell, Andre (DEN) 0 126. Moore, Marlon (CLE) 0 127. Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) 0 128. Hammond, Frankie (KC) 0 129. Tannehill, Ryan (MIA) 311 130. Walters, Bryan (JAX) -2 131. Gordon, Josh (CLE) 0 132. Sanders, Ace (JAX) 0 133. Thompson, Juwan (DEN) 272 134. Gibson, Brandon (NE) 0 135. Harbor, Clay (JAX) 0 135. Thomas, Daniel (MIA) 168 137. Sims, Dion (MIA) 0 138. Wilson, Albert (KC) 0 138. Powell, Walter (NYJ) 0 140. Butler, Brice (OAK) 0 141. Hakim, Saalim (NYJ) 0 142. Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) 0 143. Luck, Andrew (IND) 273 144. Manning, Danieal (HOU) 0 144. Aiken, Kamar (BAL) 0 144. Powell, Bilal (NYJ) 141 147. Williams, DeAngelo (PIT) 219 148. Wright, Timothy (NE) -2 148. Thompkins, Kenbrell (OAK) 5 150. Brown, Marlon (BAL) 0 151. Hagan, Derek (TEN) 0 151. Smith, Alex (KC) 254 153. Martin, Keshawn (HOU) 0 154. McKelvin, Leodis (BUF) 0 154. Cumberland, Jeff (NYJ) 0 156. Dray, Jim (CLE) 0 157. Grimes, Jonathan (HOU) 153 158. Smith, Geno (NYJ) 238 159. Ball, Montee (DEN) 172 160. Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) 0 161. Green, Ladarius (SD) 0 161. Fasano, Anthony (TEN) 0 161. Archer, Dri (PIT) 40 164. Burse, Isaiah (DEN) 0 165. Juszczyk, Kyle (BAL) 0 166. Lewis, Marcedes (JAX) 0 167. Avant, Jason (KC) 1 168. Graham, T.J. (NYJ) 0 169. Moore, Lance (PIT) 0 170. Graham, Garrett (HOU) 0 171. Salas, Greg (NYJ) 20 172. Dalton, Andy (CIN) 169 173. Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) 0 174. Fitzpatrick, Ryan (NYJ) 184 175. Owusu, Chris (NYJ) 23 176. Avery, Donnie (KC) 0 177. Jones-Drew, Maurice (OAK) 96 178. Inman, Dontrelle (SD) 0 179. Barnidge, Gary (CLE) 0 179. Moreno, Knowshon (MIA) 148 181. Moore, Denarius (OAK) 1 182. Avant, Jason (KC) 1 182. Vick, Michael (NYJ) 153 184. Owusu, Chris (NYJ) 23 185. Locker, Jake (TEN) 142 185. Williams, Mike (BUF) 0 187. Chung, Patrick (NE) 0 188. Matthews, Rishard (MIA) 3 189. Gillmore, Crockett (BAL) 0 190. Atkinson, George (OAK) 0 190. Goodwin, Marquise (BUF) 8 190. Draughn, Shaun (CLE) 19 193. Gray, MarQueis (BUF) 0 193. McKnight, Joe (KC) 3 195. McCown, Josh (CLE) 127 196. Owusu, Chris (NYJ) 23 197. Pitta, Dennis (BAL) 0 198. Andrews, Antonio (TEN) 0

13 0 18 103 395 0 60 0 18 103 13 0 176 75 345 21 20 0 265 0 47 278 0 322 0 165 45 74 -4 0 57 43 303 0 55 25 0 295 0 289 0 121 0 284 0 260 21 0 233 280 0 0 279 0 120 0 0 0 267 267 0 92 34 44 0 259 0 209 43 255 0 254 0 0 0 78 19 0 64 247 0 242 0 86 0 0 0 62 0 0 165 226 0 226 0 23 161 0 7 182 28 206 0 201 0 87 113 198 0 197 0 167 8 18 0 0 120 0 0 58 102 176 0 71 0 158 0 156 0 8 0 115 0 152 0 0 0 20 102 0 0 142 0 0 140 135 0 121 15 0 134 42 84 0 115 118 14 64 65 0 0 58 45 125 0 11 110

0 405 0 402 0 395 0 393 0 387 0 379 0 377 0 366 0 360 0 350 0 325 0 322 155 320 200 319 0 307 207 305 0 303 227 298 0 297 0 295 0 289 0 289 0 284 0 281 48 281 0 280 0 279 155 275 0 273 0 267 0 267 0 267 0 263 0 257 0 257 0 255 0 254 0 254 154 251 183 247 0 247 0 242 0 239 0 238 0 234 65 230 0 226 0 226 2 226 211 218 0 210 0 206 0 202 0 200 0 198 0 197 0 195 0 187 65 185 0 184 0 183 0 176 0 167 0 158 0 156 0 156 38 154 0 153 0 153 0 145 0 142 0 142 0 140 0 138 0 136 0 134 0 134 0 134 0 132 0 132 0 127 0 126 0 125 0 121

STATISTICS

198. Wright, James (CIN) 30 91 2 00. Campanaro, Michael (BAL) 0 102 200. Pettis, Austin (SD) 0 118 202. Brown, Vincent (IND) 0 118 202. Doyle, Jack (IND) 0 118 204. Hemingway, Junior (KC) 0 108 205. Sanzenbacher, Dane (CIN) -1 105 206. Rivers, Philip (SD) 102 0 207. Thompkins, Kenbrell (OAK) 5 53 208. Whitehurst, Charlie (TEN) 90 10 209. Tate, Ben (PIT) 38 60 209. Brown, Ronnie (SD) 59 39 211. Bolden, Brandon (NE) 89 8 212. Cox, Perrish (TEN) 0 0 213. Brown, Justin (BUF) 0 94 213. Sudfeld, Zach (NYJ) 0 85 215. Sherman, Anthony (KC) 8 71 215. Carr, Derek (OAK) 92 0 217. Jenkins, A.J. (KC) -2 93 217. Griffin, Ryan (HOU) 0 91 219. Owusu, Chris (NYJ) 23 20 220. Hewitt, Ryan (CIN) 0 86 220. Tipton, Zurlon (IND) 18 68 222. Streater, Rod (OAK) 0 84 223. Tyms, Brian (NE) 0 82 223. Johnson, Storm (JAX) 86 -4 225. Ta’ufo’ou, Will (JAX) 0 81 226. Battle, Jackie (TEN) 9 28 226. Toussaint, Fitzgerald (BAL) 12 27 228. Draughn, Shaun (CLE) 19 0 228. Green, Virgil (DEN) 3 74 230. Burkhead, Rex (CIN) 27 49 231. Woodhead, Danny (SD) 38 34 232. Flacco, Joe (BAL) 70 0 232. Peerman, Cedric (CIN) 43 27 234. Little, Greg (CIN) 0 69 235. Conner, John (NYJ) 20 35 236. Nelson, David (NYJ) 0 65 237. Coffman, Chase (TEN) 0 64 237. Brown, Ronnie (SD) 59 5 239. Felton, Jerome (BUF) 27 0 240. White, James (NE) 38 23 241. Brady, Tom (NE) 57 0 242. Durham, Kris (TEN) 0 54 243. Manuel, E.J. (BUF) 52 0 244. Gragg, Chris (BUF) 0 48 244. Develin, James (NE) 5 43 246. Spaeth, Matt (PIT) 0 46 247. Ajirotutu, Seyi (SD) 0 45 247. Latimer, Cody (DEN) 0 23 249. Hoomanawanui, Michael (NE) 0 44 249. STLater, Matt (NE) 0 0 251. Brown, Ronnie (SD) 4 39 252. Smith, Lee (OAK) 0 42 252. Poyer, Jordan (CLE) 0 0 254. Klug, Karl (TEN) 0 9 254. Johnson, Will (PIT) 0 41 256. Hoyer, Brian (HOU) 39 0 257. Dobson, Aaron (NE) 0 38 258. Eifert, Tyler (CIN) 0 37 258. Summers, Frank (BUF) 17 9 260. Leonhardt, Brian (OAK) 0 35 261. Bohanon, Tommy (NYJ) 3 30 261. Heyward-Bey, Darrius (PIT) 0 33 263. Gray, Cyrus (KC) 31 0 263. Leonhard, Jim (CLE) 0 0 265. Gray, MarQueis (BUF) 0 265. Posey, DeVier (HOU) 0 30 267. Manziel, Johnny (CLE) 29 0 268. Fiedorowicz, C.J. (HOU) 0 28 268. Woodson, Charles (OAK) 0 0 270. McCourty, Devin (NE) 0 0 270. Supernaw, Phillip (BAL) 0 27 272. Stevens, Craig (TEN) 0 26 273. Henne, Chad (JAX) 25 0 273. Blake, Antwon (PIT) 0 25 275. Thompson, Taylor (TEN) 0 24 275. Pantale, Chris (NYJ) 0 0 275. Prosch, Jay (HOU) 0 24 278. Stewart, Jeremy (DEN) 22 0 278. Davis, Ryan (JAX) 0 0 280. Hoskins, Gator (MIA) 0 21 280. Roethlisberger, Ben (PIT) 27 -6 280. Brock, Kevin (CIN) 0 21

172 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 60 0 9 13 0 0 0 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 41 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 0 44 0 0 14 32 0 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 5 14 0 0 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 22 0 0 0

0 17 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

121 119 119 118 118 108 104 102 101 100 98 98 97 95 94 94 92 92 91 91 88 86 86 84 82 82 81 80 80 77 77 76 72 70 70 69 67 65 64 64 63 61 57 54 52 48 48 46 45 45 44 44 43 42 42 41 41 39 38 37 37 35 33 33 31 31 30 30 29 28 28 27 27 26 25 25 24 24 24 22 22 21 21 21

283. Harris, Demetrius (KC) 0 284. Olawale, Jamize (OAK) 0 284. Cassel, Matt (BUF) 18 286. Jacobs, Nic (JAX) 0 286. Ponder, Christian (OAK) 16 286. Harris, Josh (PIT) 16 289. Daniel, Chase (KC) 15 290. Orton, Kyle (BUF) 14 290. Ausberry, David (OAK) 0 292. Williams, Tourek (SD) 0 292. EaSTLey, Marcus (BUF) 0 292. Bruton, David (DEN) 13 292. Garner, Nate (MIA) 0 292. Fede, Terrence (MIA) 0 297. Alualu, Tyson (JAX) 0 297. Austin, Marvin (DEN) 0 299. Shaw, Connor (CLE) 9 299. James, LaMichael (MIA) 9 299. Brown, Ronnie (SD) 4 299. Garoppolo, Jimmy (NE) 9 303. Jensen, Marcel (JAX) 0 304. Robinson, Aldrick (BAL) 0 304. Schwenke, Brian (TEN) 0 306. Griffin, Michael (TEN) 0 307. Watt, J.J. (HOU) 0 307. Johnson, David (SD) 0 307. Dorsey, Kevin (NE) 0 307. Mettenberger, Zach (TEN) 4 311. McGloin, Matthew (OAK) 3 311. Robertson, Craig (CLE) 0 311. Supernaw, Phillip (BAL) 0 311. Penn, Donald (OAK) 0 315. Simms, Matt (NYJ) 2 316. Phillips, John (SD) 0 316. Palmer, Michael (PIT) 0 316. Castonzo, Anthony (IND) 0 316. Campbell, Jason (CIN) 1 316. Barnes, Khalif (OAK) 0 321. Palmer, Jordan (TEN) -1 322. Moore, Matt (MIA) -2 322. Gradkowski, Bruce (PIT) -2 322. Mallett, Ryan (HOU) -2 325. Taylor, Tyrod (BUF) -3 326. Jackson, Gabe (OAK) 0 327. Savage, Tom (HOU) -6 328. Hasselbeck, Matt (IND) -11 329. Manning, Peyton (DEN) -24

20 18 0 16 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 8 6 6 0 4 4 4 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 -5 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 13 0 13 13 12 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 20 0 18 0 18 0 16 0 16 0 16 0 15 0 14 0 14 0 13 0 13 0 13 0 13 0 13 0 12 0 12 0 9 0 9 0 9 0 9 0 8 0 6 0 6 5 5 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 -1 0 -2 0 -2 0 -2 0 -3 0 -5 0 -6 0 -11 0 -24

NFC COMBINED YARDS RUSH REC KOR PR TOT RK PLAYER (TEAM) YDS YDS YDS YDS YDS

1. Murray, DeMarco (PHI) 1845 416 0 2. Hester, Devin (ATL) 36 504 1128 3. Forte, Matt (CHI) 1038 808 0 4. Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 1306 367 0 5. Jones, Julio (ATL) 1 1593 0 6. Lacy, Eddie (GB) 1139 427 0 7. Cunningham, Benny (STL) 246 352 963 8. Nelson, Jordy (GB) 0 1519 0 9. Beckham, Odell (NYG) 35 1305 0 10. Cobb, Randall (GB) 37 1287 0 11. Roberts, Andre (WAS) 21 453 710 12. Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 117 384 871 13. Tate, Golden (DET) 30 1331 0 14. Todman, Jordan (CAR) 186 198 972 15. Bryant, Dez (DAL) 0 1320 0 16. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 329 387 15 17. Morris, Alfred (WAS) 1074 155 0 18. Bell, Joique (DET) 860 322 0 19. Ross, Jeremy (DET) -1 314 584 20. Jackson, DeSean (WAS) 7 1169 0 21. Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 33 1133 0 22. Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 7 116 742 23. Ingram, Mark (NO) 964 145 0 24. Johnson, Calvin (DET) 0 1077 0 25. Boldin, Anquan (SF) 4 1062 0 26. Ellington, Andre (AZ) 660 395 0 27. Evans, Mike (TB) 0 1051 0 28. Olsen, Greg (CAR) 0 1008 0 28. Benjamin, Kelvin (CAR) 0 1008 0 30. Jackson, Vincent (TB) 0 1002 0 31. Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 809 181 0 32. Parker, Preston (NYG) 0 418 509 33. Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 8 825 81

0 2261 240 1908 0 1846 0 1673 0 1594 0 1566 0 1561 0 1519 171 1511 112 1436 208 1392 0 1372 0 1361 0 1356 0 1320 506 1237 0 1229 0 1182 284 1181 0 1176 0 1166 275 1140 0 1109 0 1077 0 1066 0 1055 0 1051 0 1008 0 1008 0 1002 0 990 53 980 42 956

2014 34. Randle, Rueben (NYG) 0 35. Rainey, Bobby (TB) 406 36. Asiata, Matt (MIN) 570 37. White, Roddy (ATL) 0 38. Bennett, Martellus (CHI) 0 39. Mason, Tre (STL) 765 40. Colston, Marques (NO) 0 41. Ellington, Bruce (SF) 28 41. Royal, Eddie (CHI) 14 43. Ginn, Ted (CAR) 6 44. Graham, Jimmy (SEA) 0 45. Wallace, Mike (MIN) 16 46. Austin, Tavon (STL) 224 47. Matthews, Jordan (PHI) 0 48. Wilson, Russell (SEA) 849 49. Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 639 50. Jackson, Steven (ATL) 707 51. Williams, Andre (NYG) 721 52. Floyd, Michael (AZ) 2 53. Vereen, Shane (NYG) 391 54. Brown, Corey (CAR) 95 55. McFadden, Darren (DAL) 534 56. Fitzgerald, Larry (AZ) 0 57. Smith, Torrey (SF) 0 58. Britt, Kenny (STL) 14 59. Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 0 60. Jennings, Greg (MIN) 0 61. Spiller, C.J. (NO) 300 62. Witten, Jason (DAL) 0 63. Crabtree, Michael (SF) 4 63. Ertz, Zach (PHI) 0 65. Brown, John (AZ) -6 66. McKinnon, Jerick (MIN) 538 67. Cooks, Brandin (NO) 73 68. Hyde, Carlos (SF) 333 69. Wright, Jarius (MIN) 71 70. Richardson, Paul (SEA) 0 71. Kaepernick, Colin (SF) 639 72. Cook, Jared (STL) 0 73. Donnell, Larry (NYG) 0 74. Williams, Terrance (DAL) 0 75. Williams, Chris (CHI) -8 76. Thomas, Pierre (NO) 222 77. Cotchery, Jerricho (CAR) 0 78. Cooper, Riley (PHI) 0 79. Austin, Miles (PHI) 0 80. Martin, Doug (TB) 494 81. Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 15 82. Bush, Reggie (SF) 297 83. Bailey, Stedman (STL) 13 83. Patton, Solomon (TB) 19 85. Paul, Niles (WAS) 0 86. Mariani, Marc (CHI) 0 86. Newton, Cam (CAR) 539 88. Harris, DuJuan (MIN) 64 89. Polk, Chris (PHI) 172 90. Huff, Josh (PHI) 7 91. Turbin, Robert (SEA) 310 92. Starks, James (GB) 333 92. Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 248 94. Whittaker, Fozzy (CAR) 145 95. Reed, Jordan (WAS) 0 96. Johnson, Charles (MIN) -11 97. Robinson, Khiry (NO) 362 98. Adams, Davante (GB) 0 99. Stacy, Zac (STL) 293 100. BeaSTLey, Cole (DAL) 0 101. Sherels, Marcus (MIN) 0 102. Bersin, Brenton (CAR) 0 103. Rodgers, Jacquizz (ATL) 217 104. Willson, Luke (SEA) 0 104. Mathews, Ryan (PHI) 330 106. Murphy, Louis (TB) 0 107. Quick, Brian (STL) 0 107. Sims, Charles (TB) 185 109. Riddick, Theo (DET) 51 110. Randle, Joseph (DAL) 343 110. Smith, Antone (ATL) 144 112. Dunbar, Lance (DAL) 99 113. Carlson, John (AZ) 0 114. Celek, Brent (PHI) 0 115. Cruz, Victor (NYG) 0 116. Quarless, Andrew (GB) 0 117. Hyde, Micah (GB) 0

938 315 312 921 916 148 902 62 778 190 889 862 242 872 17 226 148 130 841 447 296 212 784 767 748 752 742 125 703 698 702 696 135 550 68 588 271 0 634 623 621 0 378 580 577 568 64 537 253 435 0 507 0 0 11 16 98 186 140 225 60 465 475 63 446 152 420 0 151 173 362 69 380 375 190 316 23 222 217 350 340 337 323 0

0 158 47 0 0 0 0 614 0 417 0 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 273 59 0 0 0 0 0 306 0 0 0 0 0 12 268 0 376 0 0 0 0 579 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 416 36 510 0 456 340 415 0 0 0 262 0 0 28 0 0 0 110 167 10 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 0 0 0 0 96

0 938 55 934 0 929 0 921 0 916 0 913 0 902 188 892 100 892 277 890 0 889 0 878 391 876 0 872 0 866 0 865 0 855 0 851 0 843 0 838 153 817 0 805 0 784 0 767 0 762 0 752 0 742 0 731 0 703 0 702 0 702 0 690 0 673 35 670 0 669 0 659 0 647 0 639 0 634 0 623 0 621 30 601 0 600 0 580 0 577 0 568 0 558 0 552 0 550 90 547 112 547 0 543 29 539 0 539 0 531 0 528 0 520 0 496 0 473 0 473 0 467 0 465 0 464 0 453 0 446 0 445 0 420 297 407 86 404 0 400 0 399 0 399 0 380 0 375 0 375 0 367 0 366 0 366 0 362 0 350 0 340 0 337 0 323 221 317

STATISTICS

118. Cox, Michael (NYG) 33 119. Lloyd, Brandon (SF) 0 120. Taylor, Stepfan (AZ) 208 121. Ford, Chase (MIN) 0 122. Rodgers, Aaron (GB) 269 123. Givens, Chris (STL) 4 124. Kendricks, Lance (STL) 0 125. Williams, Kerwynn (AZ) 246 126. Demps, Quintin (NYG) 0 127. Davis, Vernon (SF) 4 128. Ebron, Eric (DET) 0 129. Saunders, Jalen (NO) 0 130. Toilolo, Levine (ATL) 0 131. Ellison, Rhett (MIN) 0 131. Rudolph, Kyle (MIN) 0 133. Brown, Jaron (AZ) 0 134. Rodgers, Richard (GB) 0 135. Seferian-Jenkins, Austin (TB) 0 136. Toon, Nick (NO) 4 137. Miller, Bruce (SF) 9 138. Carey, Ka’Deem (CHI) 158 139. Fuller, Corey (DET) 0 140. Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 209 141. Hillis, Peyton (NYG) 115 142. Lockette, Ricardo (SEA) 2 143. Cutler, Jay (CHI) 191 144. Myers, Brandon (TB) 0 145. Fells, Daniel (NYG) 0 146. Michael, Christine (SEA) 175 147. Helfet, Cooper (SEA) 0 148. Redd, Silas (WAS) 75 149. Hill, Josh (NO) 0 149. Griffin, Robert (WAS) 176 151. Tolbert, Mike (CAR) 78 152. Saunders, Jalen (NO) 0 153. Thielen, Adam (MIN) 0 154. Morgan, Joe (NO) 67 155. Banyard, Joe (MIN) 88 156. Hughes, Robert (AZ) 11 157. Ryan, Matt (ATL) 145 158. Wilson, Marquess (CHI) 0 159. Brown, Mike (CAR) 0 159. Weems, Eric (ATL) 0 159. Watson, Benjamin (NO) 0 162. Moeaki, Tony (ATL) 0 163. HouSTLer, Rob (AZ) 1 164. Rosario, Dante (CHI) 0 165. Holmes, Santonio (CHI) 0 166. Moss, Santana (WAS) 0 167. Dickson, Ed (CAR) 0 168. Meachem, Robert (NO) 0 169. Young, Darrel (WAS) 22 170. Tamme, Jacob (ATL) 0 170. Reaves, Darrin (CAR) 78 172. Kuhn, John (GB) 85 173. Carrier, Derek (SF) 2 174. Ross, Rashad (WAS) 0 175. Escobar, Gavin (DAL) 0 176. Norwood, Kevin (SEA) 0 177. Winn, George (DET) 73 178. Morgan, Josh (CHI) 30 178. Holliday, Trindon (SF) 0 180. Casey, James (PHI) 0 181. Stafford, Matthew (DET) 93 181. Peterson, Adrian (MIN) 75 183. Patton, Quinton (SF) 20 183. Paulsen, Logan (WAS) 0 185. Sanchez, Mark (PHI) 87 185. Perry, Senorise (CHI) 0 187. Williams, Brandon (CAR) 0 188. Miller, Zach (SEA) 0 189. Fauria, Joseph (DET) 0 190. Fells, Darren (AZ) 0 191. Grice, Marion (AZ) 41 191. Lane, Jorvorskie (TB) 58 191. Pettigrew, Brandon (DET) 0 194. Webb, Joe (CAR) 0 194. Brees, Drew (NO) 68 196. Foles, Nick (STL) 68 196. Grant, Ryan (WAS) 0 198. McCoy, Colt (WAS) 66 199. Stanton, Drew (AZ) 63 199. Shepard, Russell (TB) 0 201. DiMarco, Patrick (ATL) 0

9 294 79 258 0 159 259 11 0 245 248 7 238 208 231 229 225 221 215 189 57 212 0 87 195 0 190 188 12 185 107 176 0 93 7 137 92 62 140 0 140 88 102 136 134 129 116 67 116 115 114 81 109 31 23 105 0 105 102 0 70 0 59 0 18 44 78 0 -1 44 76 74 71 29 3 70 16 1 0 68 0 0 63 62

261 0 303 0 0 294 0 0 287 12 0 270 0 0 269 101 0 264 0 0 259 0 0 257 255 0 255 0 0 249 0 0 248 139 99 245 0 0 238 23 0 231 0 0 231 0 0 229 0 0 225 0 0 221 0 0 219 19 0 217 0 0 215 0 0 212 0 0 209 0 0 202 0 0 197 0 0 191 0 0 190 0 0 188 0 0 187 0 0 185 0 0 182 0 0 176 0 0 176 2 0 173 139 26 172 33 0 170 0 0 159 8 0 158 0 0 151 0 0 145 0 0 140 11 37 136 34 0 136 0 0 136 0 0 134 0 0 130 7 0 123 0 50 117 0 0 116 0 0 115 0 0 114 10 0 113 0 0 109 0 0 109 0 0 108 0 0 107 106 0 106 0 0 105 0 0 102 28 0 101 0 0 100 83 17 100 38 0 97 0 0 93 0 0 93 24 0 88 10 0 88 0 0 87 88 0 87 36 0 80 0 0 76 0 0 74 0 0 71 0 0 70 9 0 70 0 0 70 53 0 69 0 0 69 0 0 68 0 0 68 0 0 66 0 0 63 0 0 63 0 0 62

201. Holliday, Trindon (SF) 203. Romo, Tony (DAL) 204. Dwyer, Jonathan (AZ) 205. Collins, Jed (DAL) 205. Herron, Robert (TB) 207. Harkey, Cory (STL) 208. Celek, Garrett (SF) 209. Washington, Corey (NYG) 209. Darkwa, Orleans (NYG) 211. Robinson, Adrien (NYG) 211. Ogbonnaya, Chris (NYG) 211. Ogletree, Kevin (NYG) 214. Glennon, Mike (TB) 215. Watts, Trey (STL) 215. Hanna, James (DAL) 215. Sendejo, Andrew (MIN) 218. Maehl, Jeff (PHI) 219. Carroll, Nolan (PHI) 220. Stocker, Luke (TB) 221. Thompson, Chris (WAS) 222. Niklas, Troy (AZ) 222. Darkwa, Orleans (NYG) 222. Jernigan, Jerrel (NYG) 225. Johnson, Austin (NO) 226. Davis, Austin (STL) 227. Keenum, Case (STL) 228. Darkwa, Orleans (NYG) 229. Smith, Brad (PHI) 229. James, Mike (TB) 231. Manning, Eli (NYG) 231. Lorig, Erik (NO) 233. Smith, Alfonso (SF) 233. McDonald, Vance (SF) 235. Coleman, Derrick (SEA) 236. Boykin, Jarrett (CAR) 237. Palmer, Carson (AZ) 237. Broyles, Ryan (DET) 239. Anderson, Derek (CAR) 240. Cousins, Kirk (WAS) 241. Trattou, Justin (MIN) 241. Darkwa, Orleans (NYG) 243. Johnson, Leonard (TB) 243. Jerod-Eddie, Tony (SF) 243. Street, Devin (DAL) 246. Brate, Cameron (TB) 246. Agnew, Ray (DAL) 248. Janis, Jeff (GB) 249. Leonard, Brian (NO) 250. Williams, Damian (STL) 251. Hynoski, Henry (NYG) 251. King, Tavarres (TB) 253. Long, Spencer (WAS) 253. Folkerts, Brian (CAR) 255. Roby, Courtney (ATL) 256. Hill, Shaun (MIN) 256. Lynch, Aaron (SF) 256. Burton, Trey (PHI) 259. Clausen, Jimmy (CHI) 260. Spurlock, Micheal (CHI) 260. Lemon, Orie (TB) 260. Thomas, Chase (SF) 263. Barnes, Tim (STL) 264. Tukuafu, Will (SEA) 265. Gabbert, Blaine (SF) 265. Ryan, Jon (SEA) 265. Jordan, Akeem (WAS) 268. Abdul-Quddus, Isa (DET) 268. Bostick, Brandon (MIN) 268. Pascoe, Bear (ATL) 268. Thomas, Earl (SEA) 268. Dahl, Craig (SF) 273. Osgood, Kassim (SF) 273. Cook, Chris (SF) 273. McCray, Danny (CHI) 273. Wilber, Kyle (DAL) 273. Baker, Edwin (NO) 273. Matthews, Cliff (ATL) 273. Way, Tress (WAS) 280. Clutts, Tyler (DAL) 281. Wilson, Josh (ATL) 281. Weeden, Brandon (DAL) 283. PreSTLey, DeAndre (CAR) 284. Nassib, Ryan (NYG) 285. Flynn, Matt (GB)

0 61 51 19 0 0 0 0 21 0 50 0 49 30 0 48 0 0 0 12 0 21 -2 22 36 35 2 0 37 31 4 19 0 0 0 25 0 24 20 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 10 0 10 9 0 0 0 0 2 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 0 -1 -2 -3 -10

0 45 0 0 8 0 39 0 58 0 55 0 53 0 52 0 31 0 50 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 18 0 48 0 0 0 46 0 0 45 41 0 27 0 38 0 17 0 40 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 31 0 11 21 -5 0 0 0 27 0 11 0 30 0 29 0 23 3 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 17 0 0 18 0 18 18 0 17 0 15 0 16 0 15 0 14 0 0 0 13 0 0 12 0 12 11 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 8 0 8 0 7 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0

62 61 59 58 58 55 53 52 52 50 50 50 49 48 48 48 46 45 41 39 38 38 38 37 36 35 33 32 32 31 31 30 30 29 26 25 25 24 20 19 19 18 18 18 17 17 16 15 14 13 13 12 12 11 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 7 6 5 5 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 -1 -1 -2 -3 -10

| 173

2014

AFC INTERCEPTIONS

RK PLAYER (TEAM) INT 1 Gipson, Tashaun (CLE) 6 2 Adams, Mike (IND) 5 2 Grimes, Brent (MIA) 5 4 Woodson, Charles (OAK) 4 4 Nelson, Reggie (CIN) 4 4 Skrine, Buster (CLE) 4 4 Talib, Aqib (DEN) 4 4 Moore, Rahim (DEN) 4 4 McKelvin, Leodis (BUF) 4 4 Davis, Vontae (IND) 4 11 McCourty, Jason (TEN) 3 11 Jones, Reshad (MIA) 3 11 Iloka, George (CIN) 3 11 Haden, Joe (CLE) 3 11 Gay, William (PIT) 3 11 Jones, Adam (CIN) 3 11 Searcy, Da’Norris (BUF) 3 11 Jackson, Kareem (HOU) 3 11 Harris, Chris (DEN) 3 11 Bouye, A.J. (HOU) 3 11 Flowers, Brandon (SD) 3 11 Gilmore, Stephon (BUF) 3 11 Coleman, Kurt (KC) 3 11 McCain, Brice (PIT) 3 11 Rolle, Jumal (HOU) 3 11 Kirkpatrick, Dre (CIN) 3 27 MoSTLey, C.J. (BAL) 2 27 Collins, Jamie (NE) 2 27 Griffin, Michael (TEN) 2 27 Woodyard, WeSTLey (TEN) 2 27 Robertson, Craig (CLE) 2 27 Lamur, Emmanuel (CIN) 2 27 Lewis, Kendrick (HOU) 2 27 Thomas, J.T. (JAX) 2 27 Graham, Corey (BUF) 2 27 Joseph, Johnathan (HOU) 2 27 Ward, T.J. (DEN) 2 27 Swearinger, D.J. (HOU) 2 27 McCourty, Devin (NE) 2 27 Roby, Bradley (DEN) 2 27 Toler, Gregory (IND) 2 27 Ross, Brandian (OAK) 2 27 Revis, Darrelle (NE) 2 27 Allen, Cortez (PIT) 2 27 Walls, Darrin (NYJ) 2 27 Jarrett, Jaiquawn (NYJ) 2 27 Ryan, Logan (NE) 2 27 Leonhard, Jim (CLE) 2 27 Ngata, Haloti (BAL) 2 27 Rambo, Bacarri (BUF) 2 51 Smith, Daryl (BAL) 1 51 Marshall, Brandon (DEN) 1 51 Brown, Preston (BUF) 1 51 Whitner, Donte (CLE) 1 51 Weddle, Eric (SD) 1 51 Bradham, Nigel (BUF) 1

51 Smith, Telvin (JAX) 51 Parker, Ron (KC) 51 Dansby, Karlos (CLE) 51 Chung, Patrick (NE) 51 Watt, J.J. (HOU) 51 Gilchrist, Marcus (SD) 51 Williams, Aaron (BUF) 51 Abdullah, Husain (KC) 51 Newman, Terence (CIN) 51 Wilson, George (TEN) 51 Hall, Leon (CIN) 51 Delmas, Louis (MIA) 51 Ninkovich, Rob (NE) 51 Worilds, Jason (PIT) 51 Te’o, Manti (SD) 51 Maualuga, Rey (CIN) 51 Mohamed, Mike (HOU) 51 Wreh-Wilson, Blidi (TEN) 51 Wilson, Jimmy (MIA) 51 Gratz, Dwayne (JAX) 51 Stewart, Darian (BAL) 51 Smith, Sean (KC) 51 Hayden, D.J. (OAK) 51 Williams, Duke (BUF) 51 Wilfork, Vince (NE) 51 Webb, Lardarius (BAL) 51 Carrie, T.J. (OAK) 51 Tuck, Justin (OAK) 51 Ware, DeMarcus (DEN) 51 Williams, Kyle (BUF) 51 Reed, Brooks (HOU) 51 Hill, Will (BAL) 51 Trusnik, Jason (MIA) 51 Blake, Antwon (PIT) 51 Williams, Marcus (NYJ) 51 Tuggle, Justin (HOU) 51 Winn, Billy (CLE) 51 Morris, Darryl (HOU) 51 Gilbert, Justin (CLE) 51 Smith, Jimmy (BAL) 51 Shelby, Derrick (MIA) 51 Stafford, Daimion (TEN) 51 Browner, Brandon (NE) 51 Gordy, Josh (IND) 51 Adams, Phillip (NYJ) 51 Miles, Jeromy (BAL) 51 Ball, Alan (JAX) 51 Geathers, Robert (CIN) 51 Verrett, Jason (SD) 51 Ayers, Akeem (NE) 51 Keisel, Brett (PIT) 51 Gorrer, Danny (BAL) 51 Dennard, Alfonzo (NE) 51 Martin, Sherrod (JAX) 51 Huff, Marqueston (TEN) 51 Harmon, Duron (NE) 51 EaSTLey, Dominique (NE) 51 Aikens, Walt (MIA) 51 Stanford, R.J. (MIA)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

STATISTICS

51 Ghee, Brandon (TEN) 51 Sanzenbacher, Dane (CIN) 51 Bush, Josh (DEN) 60 Wilson, Tavon (NE)

FGA 37 31 38 32 35 34 37 39 33 30 26 29 22 22 26 13 16 3

FGM FGBL LNG 35 0 53 30 0 53 34 1 58 29 0 53 30 2 55 29 1 55 29 2 53 32 2 55 26 1 49 25 0 53 22 1 52 22 1 52 19 0 57 19 0 51 20 3 53 9 0 44 15 0 50 3 0 43

NFC INTERCEPTIONS

RK PLAYER (TEAM) INT 1 Quin, Glover (DET) 7 2 Smith, Harrison (MIN) 5 2 Carter, Bruce (DAL) 5 2 Cox, Perrish (SF) 5 5 Mundy, Ryan (CHI) 4 5 Ishmael, Kemal (ATL) 4 5 Johnson, Rashad (AZ) 4 5 Bethea, Antoine (SF) 4 5 Ihedigbo, James (DET) 4 5 Fuller, Kyle (CHI) 4 5 Allen, Nate (PHI) 4 5 Harper, Roman (CAR) 4 5 Sherman, Richard (SEA) 4 5 Demps, Quintin (NYG) 4 5 Banks, Johnthan (TB) 4 5 Culliver, Chris (SF) 4 17 Rolle, Antrel (NYG) 3 17 Lansanah, Danny (TB) 3 17 Jenkins, Malcolm (PHI) 3 17 Williams, Tramon (GB) 3 17 Wilcox, J.J. (DAL) 3 17 Trufant, Desmond (ATL) 3 17 Powers, Jerraud (AZ) 3 17 Peterson, Patrick (AZ) 3 17 Cromartie, Antonio (AZ) 3 17 Amukamara, Prince (NYG) 3 17 Conte, Chris (CHI) 3 17 Robinson, Josh (MIN) 3 17 Reid, Eric (SF) 3 17 Johnson, Trumaine (STL) 3 17 Hayward, Casey (GB) 3 17 Alford, Robert (ATL) 3 33 Ogletree, Alec (STL) 2 33 Borland, Chris (SF) 2 33 Church, Barry (DAL) 2 33 Wilhoite, Michael (SF) 2 33 McClain, Rolando (DAL) 2 33 Lowery, Dwight (ATL) 2 33 Whitehead, Tahir (DET) 2 33 Verner, Alterraun (TB) 2 33 Vaccaro, Kenny (NO) 2 33 Gaines, E.J. (STL) 2 33 McLeod, Rodney (STL) 2 33 Breeland, Bashaud (WAS) 2 33 Munnerlyn, Captain (MIN) 2 33 STLay, Darius (DET) 2 33 Jenkins, Janoris (STL) 2 33 Williams, Cary (PHI) 2 33 Cason, Antoine (CAR) 2 33 Hyde, Micah (GB) 2 33 McClain, Robert (ATL) 2 33 Scandrick, Orlando (DAL) 2

AFC FIELD GOALS RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Gostkowski, Stephen (NE) 2. Vinatieri, Adam (IND) 3. Carpenter, Dan (BUF) 4. Suisham, Shaun (PIT) 5. Bullock, Randy (HOU) 6. Tucker, Justin (BAL) 7. Sturgis, Caleb (MIA) 8. Folk, Nick (NYJ) 9. Nugent, Mike (CIN) 10. Santos, Cairo (KC) 11. Novak, Nick (SD) 12. Cundiff, Billy (CLE) 13. Janikowski, Sebastian (OAK) 14. Succop, Ryan (TEN) 15. Scobee, Josh (JAX) 16. McManus, Brandon (DEN) 17. Barth, Connor (DEN) 18. Hartley, Garrett (CLE)

1 1 1 1

Quin Glover 33 White, Corey (NO) 2 33 Norman, Josh (CAR) 2 33 Peppers, Julius (GB) 2 33 Lewis, Keenan (NO) 2 33 Shields, Sam (GB) 2 33 Maxwell, Byron (SEA) 2 33 Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique (NYG) 2 33 Irvin, Bruce (SEA) 2 33 Robinson, Patrick (NO) 2 33 Warren, Pierre (NO) 2 33 Bowman, Zackary (NYG) 2 33 Vaughn, Cassius (DET) 2 65 Kuechly, Luke (CAR) 1 65 Levy, DeAndre (DET) 1 65 Burnett, Morgan (GB) 1 65 Robinson, Keenan (WAS) 1 65 Blanton, Robert (MIN) 1 65 McDonald, T.J. (STL) 1 65 Clark, Ryan (WAS) 1 65 Thomas, Earl (SEA) 1 65 Clinton-Dix, Ha Ha (GB) 1 65 Foote, Larry (AZ) 1 65 Hawthorne, David (NO) 1 65 Chancellor, Kam (SEA) 1 65 Hitchens, Anthony (DAL) 1 65 Hodges, Gerald (MIN) 1 65 Matthews, Clay (GB) 1 65 Fletcher, Bradley (PHI) 1 65 Campbell, Calais (AZ) 1 65 Mathis, Rashean (DET) 1 65 Jordan, Cameron (NO) 1 65 Durant, Justin (DAL) 1 65 Rhodes, Xavier (MIN) 1 65 McDougald, Bradley (TB) 1 65 Ryans, DeMeco (PHI) 1 65 McDonald, Clinton (TB) 1

5 DeCoud, Thomas (CAR) 6 1 65 Boykin, Brandon (PHI) 1 65 Johnson, Leonard (TB) 1 65 Edwards, Dwan (CAR) 1 65 Mathieu, Tyrann (AZ) 1 65 White, Melvin (CAR) 1 65 Lattimore, Jamari (GB) 1 65 Willis, Patrick (SF) 1 65 Vereen, Brock (CHI) 1 65 Briggs, Lance (CHI) 1 65 Benwikere, Bene’ (CAR) 1 65 Hurst, Demontre (CHI) 1 65 Burley, Marcus (SEA) 1 65 Okafor, Alex (AZ) 1 65 Johnson, Dontae (SF) 1 65 Wilson, Josh (ATL) 1 65 Acho, Sam (AZ) 1 65 House, Davon (GB) 1 65 Boston, Tre (CAR) 1 65 Harris, Mike (NYG) 1 65 McBride, Trumaine (NYG) 1 65 Jones, Datone (GB) 1 65 Bynes, Josh (DET) 1 65 Hill, Jordan (SEA) 1 65 Southward, Dezmen (ATL) 1 65 Wynn, Kerry (NYG) 1 65 Dahl, Craig (SF) 1 65 Robinson, Trenton (WAS) 1 65 Simon, Tharold (SEA) 1 65 Dixon, Brandon (TB) 1 65 Roberson, Marcus (STL) 1 65 Claiborne, Morris (DAL) 1 65 Jeffcoat, Jackson (WAS) 1 65 Tandy, Keith (TB) 1 65 Patmon, Tyler (DAL) 1 65 Ducre, Greg (WAS) 1

NFC FIELD GOALS XPA 51 50 32 45 40 42 41 23 39 38 40 28 28 27 23 41 15 2

174 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

XPM XPBL PTS 51 0 156 50 0 140 31 0 133 45 0 132 40 0 130 42 0 129 41 0 128 23 0 119 39 0 117 38 0 113 40 0 106 28 0 94 28 0 85 27 0 84 23 0 83 41 0 68 15 0 60 2 0 11

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Parkey, Cody (PHI) 2. Hauschka, Steven (SEA) 2. Crosby, Mason (GB) 4. Bailey, Dan (DAL) 5. Bryant, Matt (ATL) 6. Gano, Graham (CAR) 7. Brown, Josh (NYG) 8. Catanzaro, Chandler (AZ) 9. Dawson, Phil (SF) 10. Walsh, Blair (MIN) 11. Zuerlein, Greg (STL) 12. Graham, Shayne (NO) 12. Forbath, Kai (WAS) 14. Murray, Patrick (TB) 15. Prater, Matt (DET) 16. Gould, Robbie (CHI) 17. Freese, Nate (DET) 18. Feely, Jay (CHI)

FGA 36 37 33 29 32 35 26 33 31 35 30 22 27 24 26 12 7 4

FGM FGBL LNG 32 0 54 31 2 58 27 3 55 25 1 56 29 1 54 29 1 53 24 1 53 29 0 51 25 1 55 26 2 55 24 1 56 19 0 50 24 0 49 20 2 55 21 2 52 9 0 45 3 0 30 3 0 48

XPA 54 41 55 56 40 34 44 27 33 29 35 47 32 31 21 29 6 6

XPM XPBL PTS 54 0 150 41 0 134 53 2 134 56 0 131 40 0 127 34 0 121 44 0 116 27 0 114 33 0 108 29 0 107 34 0 106 46 1 103 31 1 103 31 0 91 21 0 84 28 1 55 6 0 15 5 1 14

2014

AFC SACKS

55 Griffin, Michael (TEN) 55 Dansby, Karlos (CLE) 55 Moore, Sio (OAK) 55 Williamson, Avery (TEN) 55 Jackson, Malik (DEN) 55 Reed, Brooks (HOU) 55 Jones, Abry (JAX) 55 Hill, Sammie Lee (TEN) 55 Atkins, Geno (CIN) 55 Jean Francois, Ricky (IND) 55 Shelby, Derrick (MIA) 55 Jones, Chris (NE) 55 Charles, Stefan (BUF) 55 Smith, Antonio (OAK) 55 Branch, Andre (JAX) 55 Kerr, Zach (IND) 55 Smith, Chris (JAX) 73 Bradham, Nigel (BUF) 73 Woodyard, WeSTLey (TEN) 73 Landry, LaRon (IND) 73 Siliga, Sealver (NE) 73 Douzable, Leger (NYJ) 78 Timmons, Lawrence (PIT) 78 Marshall, Brandon (DEN) 78 Smith, Telvin (JAX) 78 Kirksey, Christian (CLE) 78 Ward, T.J. (DEN) 78 PoSTLuszny, Paul (JAX) 78 Hayes, Geno (JAX) 78 Sheard, Jabaal (CLE) 78 Mingo, Barkevious (CLE) 78 Mitchell, Earl (MIA) 78 Ngata, Haloti (BAL) 78 Knighton, Terrance (DEN) 78 Wimbley, Kamerion (TEN) 78 Alualu, Tyson (JAX) 78 Pitoitua, Ropati (TEN) 78 Babin, Jason (NYJ) 78 Klug, Karl (TEN) 78 Wilson, C.J. (OAK) 78 Walker, Vance (KC) 78 Phillips, Shaun (TEN) 78 Wynn, Jarius (BUF) 78 Jones, Jarvis (PIT) 78 Attaochu, Jeremiah (SD) 101 Landry, Dawan (NYJ) 101 Freeman, Jerrell (IND) 101 Nelson, Reggie (CIN) 101 Gilberry, Wallace (CIN) 101 Jarrett, Jaiquawn (NYJ) 101 Wolfe, Derek (DEN) 101 Jones, Arthur (IND) 101 Mathews, Ricardo (SD) 101 Jamison, Tim (HOU) 101 Lawson, Manny (BUF) 101 Bryant, Corbin (BUF) 101 Simon, John (HOU) 101 Ford, Dee (KC)

RK PLAYER (TEAM) SACKS 1 Houston, Justin (KC) 22 2 Watt, J.J. (HOU) 20.5 3 Dumervil, Elvis (BAL) 17 4 Williams, Mario (BUF) 14.5 5 Miller, Von (DEN) 14 6 Suggs, Terrell (BAL) 12 7 Wake, Cameron (MIA) 11.5 8 Kruger, Paul (CLE) 11 9 Hughes, Jerry (BUF) 10 9 Dareus, Marcell (BUF) 10 9 Ware, DeMarcus (DEN) 10 12 Marks, Sen’Derrick (JAX) 8.5 13 Richardson, Sheldon (NYJ) 8 13 Dunlap, Carlos (CIN) 8 13 Ninkovich, Rob (NE) 8 13 Clemons, Chris (JAX) 8 17 Worilds, Jason (PIT) 7.5 17 Heyward, Cameron (PIT) 7.5 17 McPhee, Pernell (BAL) 7.5 20 Morgan, Derrick (TEN) 6.5 20 Vernon, Olivier (MIA) 6.5 20 Coples, Quinton (NYJ) 6.5 20 Newsome, Jonathan (IND) 6.5 20 Davis, Ryan (JAX) 6.5 25 Hightower, Dont’a (NE) 6 25 Hali, Tamba (KC) 6 25 Wilkerson, Muhammad (NYJ) 6 25 Poe, Dontari (KC) 6 25 Jones, Chandler (NE) 6 25 Walden, Erik (IND) 6 31 Harris, David (NYJ) 5.5 31 Harrison, James (PIT) 5.5 31 Williams, Kyle (BUF) 5.5 34 Casey, Jurrell (TEN) 5 34 Mercilus, Whitney (HOU) 5 34 Bryant, Desmond (CLE) 5 34 Tuck, Justin (OAK) 5 34 Bailey, Allen (KC) 5 34 Pace, Calvin (NYJ) 5 40 Liuget, Corey (SD) 4.5 40 Starks, Randy (MIA) 4.5 42 Jackson, D’Qwell (IND) 4 42 Collins, Jamie (NE) 4 42 Mack, Khalil (OAK) 4 42 Werner, Bjoern (IND) 4 42 Ingram, Melvin (SD) 4 42 Moats, Arthur (PIT) 4 42 Jernigan, Timmy (BAL) 4 42 Ayers, Akeem (NE) 4 50 Davis, Demario (NYJ) 3.5 50 Jenkins, Jelani (MIA) 3.5 50 Crick, Jared (HOU) 3.5 50 Redding, Cory (IND) 3.5 50 Freeney, Dwight (SD) 3.5 55 MoSTLey, C.J. (BAL) 3

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

STATISTICS

NFC SACKS

RK PLAYER (TEAM)

SACKS

1 Barwin, Connor (PHI) 14.5 2 Kerrigan, Ryan (WAS) 13.5 3 Pierre-Paul, Jason (NYG) 12.5 4 Griffen, Everson (MIN) 12 5 Matthews, Clay (GB) 11 6 Quinn, Robert (STL) 10.5 7 Galette, Junior (NO) 10 7 Young, Willie (CHI) 10 9 Donald, Aaron (STL) 9 9 Curry, Vinny (PHI) 9 11 Suh, Ndamukong (DET) 8.5 11 Johnson, Charles (CAR) 8.5 11 McCoy, Gerald (TB) 8.5 14 Okafor, Alex (AZ) 8 15 Jordan, Cameron (NO) 7.5 15 Ansah, Ezekiel (DET) 7.5 17 Campbell, Calais (AZ) 7 17 Hankins, Johnathan (NYG) 7 17 Peppers, Julius (GB) 7 17 Bennett, Michael (SEA) 7 21 Cole, Trent (PHI) 6.5 21 Irvin, Bruce (SEA) 6.5 21 Ratliff, Jay (CHI) 6.5 21 Johnson, Tom (MIN) 6.5 21 Addison, Mario (CAR) 6.5 21 Smith, Jacquies (TB) 6.5 27 Mincey, Jeremy (DAL) 6 27 Paea, Stephen (CHI) 6 27 Brooks, Ahmad (SF) 6 27 Johnson, George (DET) 6 27 Lynch, Aaron (SF) 6 32 Allen, Jared (CHI) 5.5 32 Graham, Brandon (PHI) 5.5 32 Daniels, Mike (GB) 5.5 32 Hatcher, Jason (WAS) 5.5 32 Moore, Damontre (NYG) 5.5 32 Hill, Jordan (SEA) 5.5 38 McDonald, Clinton (TB) 5 38 Smith, Justin (SF) 5 38 Skuta, Dan (SF) 5 38 Rucker, Frostee (AZ) 5 38 Ayers, Robert (NYG) 5 38 Avril, Cliff (SEA) 5 38 Jones, Jason (DET) 5 38 Melton, Henry (DAL) 5 46 Biermann, Kroy (ATL) 4.5 46 Kennard, Devon (NYG) 4.5 46 Floyd, Sharrif (MIN) 4.5 46 Neal, Mike (GB) 4.5 46 Robison, Brian (MIN) 4.5 51 Kendricks, Mychal (PHI) 4 51 Barr, Anthony (MIN) 4

Justin Houston 51 Cox, Fletcher (PHI) 4 51 Hayes, William (STL) 4 51 Edwards, Dwan (CAR) 4 51 Johnson, Michael (TB) 4 51 Ealy, Kony (CAR) 4 58 Laurinaitis, James (STL) 3.5 58 Short, Kawann (CAR) 3.5 58 Guion, Letroy (GB) 3.5 61 Kuechly, Luke (CAR) 3 61 Smith, Harrison (MIN) 3 61 Hawthorne, David (NO) 3 61 Meriweather, Brandon (WAS) 3 61 Joseph, Linval (MIN) 3 61 McDonald, Ray (SF) 3 61 Spence, Akeem (TB) 3 61 Haralson, Parys (NO) 3 61 Crawford, Tyrone (DAL) 3 61 Williams, Kevin (SEA) 3 61 Selvie, George (DAL) 3 61 Sims, Eugene (STL) 3 61 Horton, Wes (CAR) 3 61 Perry, Nick (GB) 3 61 Barron, Mark (STL) 3 61 Carradine, Cornellius (SF) 3 61 Kearse, Frank (WAS) 3 61 Bass, David (CHI) 3 79 Levy, DeAndre (DET) 2.5 79 McClain, Jameel (NYG) 2.5 79 Davis, Thomas (CAR) 2.5 79 Murphy, Trent (WAS) 2.5 79 Kiwanuka, Mathias (NYG) 2.5 79 MoSTLey, C.J. (DET) 2.5 79 Walker, Tyrunn (NO) 2.5 79 Umenyiora, Osi (ATL) 2.5

AFC PUNTING RK PLAYER (TEAM)

NO YDS

1 Sam Koch (BAL) 2 Pat McAfee (IND) 3 Kevin Huber (CIN) 4 Brett Kern (TEN) 5 Dustin Colquitt (KC) 6 Marquette King (OAK) 7 Ryan Allen (NE) 7 Ryan Quigley (NYJ) 9 Bryan Anger (JAX) 10 Spencer Lanning (CLE) 11 Mike Scifres (SD) 12 Brad Wing (PIT) 13 Shane Lechler (HOU) 13 Colton Schmidt (BUF) 15 Brandon Fields (MIA) 16 Britton Colquitt (DEN) 17 Mat McBriar (SD)

60 69 73 88 71 109 66 78 94 93 55 61 83 86 58 69 13

2,841 3,221 3,419 4,118 3,164 4,930 3,060 3,580 4,464 4,119 2,516 2,668 3,847 3,692 2,688 3,048 610

NFC PUNTING

NET NET INS RET YDS LG AVG AVG BP 20 TB FC RET YDS

2,595 2,956 3,073 3,628 2,874 4,357 2,673 3,150 3,800 3,644 2,180 2,367 3,249 3,326 2,279 2,597 460

73 61 69 79 69 62 67 69 69 59 72 74 71 67 60 65 58

47.4 46.7 46.8 46.8 44.6 45.2 46.4 45.9 47.5 44.3 45.7 43.7 46.3 42.9 46.3 44.2 46.9

43.3 42.8 42.1 40.8 40.5 40.0 39.9 39.9 39.6 39.2 38.9 38.8 38.7 38.7 38.6 37.6 35.4

87 Worrilow, Paul (ATL) 2 87 Wright, K.J. (SEA) 2 87 McDonald, T.J. (STL) 2 87 Wagner, Bobby (SEA) 2 87 Riley, Perry (WAS) 2 87 Foote, Larry (AZ) 2 87 Bucannon, Deone (AZ) 2 87 Ihedigbo, James (DET) 2 87 Jones, Christian (CHI) 2 87 Gholston, William (TB) 2 87 Hicks, Akiem (NO) 2 87 Brockers, Michael (STL) 2 87 Babineaux, Jonathan (ATL) 2 87 Dial, Quinton (SF) 2 87 Lotulelei, Star (CAR) 2 87 Peters, Corey (ATL) 2 87 Massaquoi, Jonathan (ATL) 2 87 Ferguson, Ego (CHI) 2 87 Tulloch, Stephen (DET) 2 87 Schofield, O’Brien (SEA) 2 87 Smith, Aldon (SF) 2 87 Edebali, Kasim (NO) 2 87 Fluellen, Andre (DET) 2 87 Crawford, Jack (DAL) 2 111 Burnett, Morgan (GB) 1.5 111 Robinson, Keenan (WAS) 1.5 111 Lansanah, Danny (TB) 1.5 111 Matthews, Casey (PHI) 1.5 111 Wilber, Kyle (DAL) 1.5 111 Bowers, Da’Quan (TB) 1.5 111 Jones, Datone (GB) 1.5 111 Bair, Brandon (PHI) 1.5 111 Wynn, Kerry (NYG) 1.5 111 Palmer, Ashlee (DET) 1.5

0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0

26 4 14 23 166 30 3 19 35 205 27 6 15 30 226 28 7 25 43 350 31 5 20 29 190 31 3 33 47 513 25 6 15 29 267 23 9 23 25 250 25 10 20 52 464 25 9 26 42 295 21 6 12 21 216 20 4 18 27 221 27 10 24 32 398 31 6 20 38 246 21 3 11 36 349 25 4 19 33 371 1 0 1 10 130

RK PLAYER (TEAM)

NO YDS

1 Dave Zastudil (AZ) 11 2 Johnny Hekker (STL) 80 3 Tress Way (WAS) 77 4 Steve Weatherford (NYG) 80 5 Drew Butler (AZ) 79 6 Andy Lee (SF) 72 7 Donnie Jones (PHI) 76 8 Jeff Locke (MIN) 75 9 Brad Nortman (CAR) 72 10 Michael Koenen (TB) 78 11 Sam Martin (DET) 68 12 Pat O’Donnell (CHI) 71 13 Matt Bosher (ATL) 67 14 Thomas Morstead (NO) 58 15 Jon Ryan (SEA) 61 16 Chris Jones (DAL) 57 17 Tim Masthay (GB) 49

487 3,721 3,659 3,640 3,328 3,369 3,331 3,318 3,236 3,154 3,138 3,107 3,063 2,690 2,688 2,586 2,159

NET NET INS RET YDS LG AVG AVG BP 20 TB FC RET YDS

429 3,429 3,122 3,129 2,982 2,893 2,953 2,943 2,701 2,929 2,727 2,712 2,733 2,491 2,373 2,306 1,888

53 61 77 71 67 71 68 62 72 56 71 61 66 63 66 64 63

44.3 46.5 47.5 45.5 42.1 46.8 43.8 44.2 44.9 40.4 46.1 43.8 45.7 46.4 44.1 45.4 44.1

39.0 42.3 40.0 38.6 36.8 39.6 38.9 38.7 36.5 37.1 40.1 37.7 40.8 42.9 38.3 39.8 37.0

0 1 1 1 2 1 0 1 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 2

1 33 22 25 34 28 34 21 26 17 29 20 27 19 28 21 14

1 5 7 6 5 7 7 6 5 2 5 3 4 5 6 2 4

2 27 10 17 35 22 22 19 20 26 21 19 28 13 22 15 10

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

6 28 42 37 26 36 29 39 28 32 30 33 26 24 17 25 22

38 192 397 391 246 336 238 255 435 185 311 335 250 99 195 240 191

| 175

TEAM

A N A LY S I S

2015 NFL WEEKLY SCHEDULE ALL TIMES EASTERN

WEEK ONE

THURSDAY, SEPT., 10 Pittsburgh at New England, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT., 13 Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Houston, 1 p.m. Carolina at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Cleveland at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Seattle at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Miami at Washington, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Detroit at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Baltimore at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Tennessee at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 14 Philadelphia at Atlanta 7:10 p.m. Minnesota at San Francisco, 10:20 p.m.

WEEK TWO

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 Denver at Kansas City, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Houston at Carolina, 1 p.m. Arizona at Chicago, 1 p.m. San Diego at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Washington, 1 p.m. Miami at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m. Baltimore at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 21 N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK THREE

THURSDAY, SEPT. 24 Washington at N.Y. Giants, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m. Oakland at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Dallas, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Houston, 1 p.m. San Diego at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Buffalo at Miami, 4:25 p.m. Chicago at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Denver at Detroit, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 28 Kansas City at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK FOUR

Byes: Tennessee, New England THURSDAY, OCT. 1 Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 4 N.Y. Jets at Miami (London), 9:30 a.m. Houston at Atlanta, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Oakland at Chicago, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at Washington, 1 p.m. Cleveland at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. St. Louis at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Minnesota at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 5 Detroit at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK FIVE

Byes: Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, N.Y. Jets THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Indianapolis at Houston, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 11 Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Seattle at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Chicago at Kansas City, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Arizona at Detroit, 4:05 p.m. New England at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Denver at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. San Francisco at N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, OCT. 12 Pittsburgh at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK SIX

Byes: Dallas, Oakland, St. Louis, Tampa Bay THURSDAY, OCT. 15 Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 18 Cincinnati at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Denver at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m. Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Arizona at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Miami at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Carolina at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. San Diego at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Baltimore at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. New England at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, OCT. 19 N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK SEVEN

Byes: Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Green Bay THURSDAY, OCT. 22 Seattle at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 25 Buffalo at Jacksonville (London), 9:30 a.m. Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Houston at Miami, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at New England, 1 p.m. Cleveland at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Washington, 1 p.m. Oakland at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 4:25 p.m. Philadelphia at Carolina, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, OCT. 26 Baltimore at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK EIGHT

Byes: Buffalo, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Washington THURSDAY, OCT. 29 Miami at New England, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 1 Detroit at Kansas City (London), 9:30 a.m. Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1 p.m. San Diego at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Chicago, 1 p.m. Arizona at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Seattle at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at Denver, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, NOV. 2 Indianapolis at Carolina, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK NINE

Byes: Arizona, Baltimore, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Seattle THURSDAY, NOV. 5 Cleveland at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 8 Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Washington at New England, 1 p.m. Tennessee at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Oakland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Atlanta at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Denver at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, NOV. 9 Chicago at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

176 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

WEEK 10

Byes: Atlanta, Indianapolis, San Diego, San Francisco THURSDAY, NOV. 12 Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 15 Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Detroit at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Miami at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Chicago at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Dallas at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Carolina at Tennessee, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Washington, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 p.m. New England at N.Y. Giants, 4:25 p.m. Arizona at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, NOV. 16 Houston at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 11

Byes: Cleveland, New Orleans, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh THURSDAY, NOV. 19 Tennessee at Jacksonville, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 22 Indianapolis at Atlanta, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Washington at Carolina, 1 p.m. Denver at Chicago, 1 p.m. Oakland at Detroit, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Houston, 1 p.m. Dallas at Miami, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Kansas City at San Diego, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, NOV. 23 Buffalo at New England, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 12

THURSDAY, NOV. 26 Philadelphia at Detroit, 12:30 p.m. Carolina at Dallas 4:30 p.m. Chicago at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 29 Minnesota at Atlanta, 1 p.m. St. Louis at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Houston, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. San Diego at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Oakland at Tennessee, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Washington, 1 p.m. Arizona at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Pittsburgh at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. New England at Denver, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, NOV. 30 Baltimore at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 13

THURSDAY, DEC. 3 Green Bay at Detroit, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 6 Houston at Buffalo, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Chicago, 1 p.m. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Miami, 1 p.m. Seattle at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Arizona at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Denver at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Philadelphia at New England, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, DEC. 7 Dallas at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 14

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 Minnesota at Arizona, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 13 Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m. Washington at Chicago, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

New England at Houston, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Tennessee at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Detroit at St. Louis, 1 p.m. New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Oakland at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Dallas at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Baltimore, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, DEC. 14 N.Y. Giants at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 15

THURSDAY, DEC. 17 Tampa Bay at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 19 N.Y. Jets at Dallas, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 20 Kansas City at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Houston at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Atlanta at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Chicago at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Tennessee at New England, 1 p.m. Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Arizona at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Buffalo at Washington, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Cleveland at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Denver at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. Miami at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati at San Francisco, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, DEC. 21 Detroit at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 16

THURSDAY, DEC. 24 San Diego at Oakland, 8:25 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 26 Washington at Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 27 Carolina at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Dallas at Buffalo, 1 p.m. San Francisco at Detroit, 1 p.m. Cleveland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Miami, 1 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at New Orleans, 1 p.m. New England at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Chicago at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Green Bay at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. St. Louis at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:30 p.m. * MONDAY, DEC. 28 Cincinnati at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 17

SUNDAY, JAN. 3 New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m. Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m. Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1 p.m. Washington at Dallas, 1 p.m. Minnesota at Green Bay, 1 p.m. Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m. Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Oakland at Kansas City, 1 p.m. New England at Miami, 1 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m. Seattle at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. San Diego at Denver, 4:25 p.m. St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

* — Sunday night games in Weeks 5-16 subject to change; Week 17 game TBD

POSTSEASON

SATURDAY, JAN. 9 AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 10 AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs SATURDAY, JAN. 16 AFC and NFC divisional playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 17 AFC and NFC divisional playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 24 AFC and NFC championship games SUNDAY, JAN. 31 Pro Bowl, in Hawaii SUNDAY, FEB. 7 Super Bowl 50, in Santa Clara, CA

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