PFW Preview Guide 2016 by Shaw Media

ADMINISTRATION General Manager/Editor Hub Arkush Executive Director Dan McCaleb EDITORIAL STAFF Associate Editors Kevin Fishbain Arthur Arkush Nate Atkins Contributing Editors Jon Styf John Sahly Contributing Writers Dan Arkush Christopher Price Joe Buscaglia Dan Leberfeld Omar Kelly Knox Bardeen Roy Cummings Nick Underhill Bill Voth Nicki Jhabvala Herbie Teope Scott Bair Michael Gehlken Kevin Lynch Jim Wexell Terry McCormick Aaron Wilson Brian McNally Paul Schwartz Vito Stellino Art Director Bob Peters ME/Production R. Scott Helmchen ADVERTISING SALES 815-526-4614 Photography courtesy of SportPics Pro Football Weekly 7717 S. Illinois Route 31 Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014 General inquiries: 815-459-4122 Published by Shaw Media President John Rung

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2 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

2016 PREVIEW Projected order of finish determined by the PFW staff’s consensus. 2016 PREDICTIONS............ 4

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

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

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

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

NFC EAST DALLAS COWBOYS................98 NEW YORK GIANTS.............. 102 WASHINGTON......................106 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES........110

NFC NORTH GREEN BAY PACKERS...........114 MINNESOTA VIKINGS...........118 CHICAGO BEARS.................. 122 DETROIT LIONS..................... 126

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

NFC WEST

6 KICKOFF SECTION

• Way We See It ... • NFL Power Rankings • The future star QBs • Top 10 storylines • New head coaches

18 SUPER 50

33 FANTASY FOOTBALL

The NFL’s top players, plus our exclusive rankings by position

Before you go to your draft, be sure to check out the PFW fantasy draft board

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS.......... 146 ARIZONA CARDINALS.......... 150 LOS ANGELES RAMS........... 154 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS...... 158 2016 NFL SCHEDULE....... 176 ALL ROSTERS AND DEPTH CHARTS AS OF MAY 10

2015 REVIEW Standings........................... 162 NFL offense statistics; turnover table................ 163 Team statistics................. 164 Team rankings................... 166 Individual statistics.......... 168

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

2016 PFW projects a rematch of the classic Super Bowl from two years ago

4 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

AFC EAST

NFC EAST

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH | PREDICTED RECORD

1 PATRIOTS 2 BILLS 3 JETS 4 DOLPHINS NEW ENGLAND

...........

11-5

BUFFALO

...........................

8-8

NEW YORK

...............................

MIAMI

.........

7-9

5-11

AFC NORTH

1 STEELERS 2 BENGALS 3 RAVENS 4 BROWNS

..........

12-4

CINCINNATI

...............

BALTIMORE

..................

CLEVELAND

............

9-7

8-8

3-13

AFC SOUTH

DALLAS

.......

NEW YORK

....................

.....

PHILADELPHIA

................

1 PACKERS 2 VIKINGS 3 BEARS 4 LIONS GREEN BAY

.............

11-5

MINNESOTA

..................

CHICAGO

.......................

DETROIT

........................

9-7

8-8

5-11

NFC SOUTH

1 COLTS 2 TEXANS 3 JAGUARS 4 TITANS INDIANAPOLIS

.........................

HOUSTON

...................

...............

TENNESSEE

..................

9-7

8-8

JACKSONVILLE

7-9

6-10

AFCWEST

1 PANTHERS 11-5 2 FALCONS 7-9 3 SAINTS 7-9 4 BUCCANEERS 6-10 CAROLINA

........

ATLANTA

................

NEW ORLEANS

.....................

TAMPA BAY

...

NFCWEST

1 CHIEFS 11-5 2 RAIDERS 10-6 3 BRONCOS 9-7 4 CHARGERS 6-10

1 SEAHAWKS 12-4 2 CARDINALS 11-5 3 RAMS 6-10 4 49ERS 3-13

AFC DIVISION WINNERS

NFC DIVISION WINNERS

AFC WILD-CARDS

NFC WILD-CARDS

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

KANSAS CITY

....................

OAKLAND

.............

DENVER

.............

SAN DIEGO

.....

PATRIOTS, STEELERS, COLTS, CHIEFS RAIDERS, BRONCOS PATRIOTS OVER STEELERS

J.J. WATT

1 COWBOYS 10-6 2 GIANTS 8-8 3 WASHINGTON 7-9 4 EAGLES 6-10 NFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH

AARON RODGERS

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH | PREDICTED RECORD

SEATTLE

....

ARIZONA

....

LOS ANGELES

......................

SAN FRANCISCO

.....................

COWBOYS, PACKERS, PANTHERS, SEAHAWKS CARDINALS, VIKINGS SEAHAWKS OVER CARDINALS

PATRIOTS OVER

SEAHAWKS PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS

THE WAY WE SEE IT

SOME OF THE TOP STORYLINES TO WATCH FOR THIS UPCOMING SEASON 1 Can Fisher lead Rams

hat’s the deal with Jeff Fisher? He’s certainly not a bad coach. In fact, he led the Titans to double-digit wins six times! But he hasn’t coached a winning team since leading the 2008 Titans to a 13-3 season – and that team lost its playoff opener, just like the previous year. In four years with the Rams, Fisher is 27-36-

to playoffs in L.A.?

1 with zero playoff appearances and not a single .500 season. Sure, his experience bringing the Oilers to Tennessee without a hitch makes him a good man for the Rams’ job, but how many more years are we going to look at that defense – and now Todd Gurley on offense, along with Jared Goff – and think, “this is a sleeper team!” With a rookie at QB and dealing with a

— KEVIN FISHBAIN

HAVE THE TEXANS REALLY SOLVED THEIR QB ISSUE?

RAIDERS WIN OFFSEASON

GM Reggie McKenzie’s recent hot streak with the Raiders has left them with only one mandate this season – just win, baby. As the Super Bowl champion Broncos struggled this offseason to retain their stars, McKenzie followed up two years of masterful drafting by supplementing his homegrown foundation with a host of free agent additions – no less than four Week One starters, including three to fortify one of the NFL’s worst pass defenses and a fourth, Kelechi Osemele, to give Derek Carr and his ascending offense the conference’s best O-line. Indeed, to go with coach Jack Del Rio’s rebuilt defense, McKenzie has an elite O-line built to counter the nasty pass-rush stables in Denver and Kansas City, which should help Carr and Amari Cooper sustain the brilliance they flashed in stretches as a sopho-

move to the West Coast, Fisher probably gets an extra year of leniency – and imagine that, in this climate, a head coach staying with a team after five years in a row without a playoff appearance. Quite impressive, but the Rams might not want what would be behind Door No. 2, at least not for another season.

Reggie McKenzie

more and a freshman, respectively, over the long haul. With Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, Mario Edwards and perhaps Aldon Smith storming the backfield come November and accentuating new No. 1 corner Sean Smith and safety Reggie Nelson, Oakland suddenly has the type of team balance and firepower necessary to snap its 14-year playoff drought. McKenzie clearly won the offseason, which has proven to be a bad omen in recent seasons, but the difference between his and other lavish spending sprees is he did the hard work in the draft before opening up the checkbook to sweeten the fruits of his labor.

6 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

— ARTHUR ARKUSH

The Texans popped the offseason champagne after finally finding a quarterback in Brock Osweiler, but how much of a victory was it? They didn’t beat out the Super Bowl champion Broncos by outnegotiating or by presenting a better situation. They won by badly overspending, which in today’s NFL terms might mean they lost. Look, Osweiler is going to be good. He has a great blend of size and athleticism, and he spent four years learning behind the best in Peyton Manning. But at $37 million guaranteed, the Texans don’t need him to be good. They need him to be great. Because if he’s not – and his so-so arm and lack of any career challenges through just seven career starts make you wonder – then what the Texans have is something on the scale between Andy Dalton ($17 million guaranteed), Alex Smith ($45 million) and Jay Cutler ($54 million). All are above-average quarterbacks who combine for three career playoff wins. Overpaid, non-elite quarterbacks get their teams stuck because they aren’t

PFW PRESEASON

POWER RANKINGS RANK / TEAM

good enough to make up for the assets they don’t have around them, but they are more than capable of keeping a team from a top 10 draft pick. Osweiler could surprise us, but the Texans should be careful what they wish for.

— NATE ATKINS

4 IS JACKSONVILLE A SLEEPER IN 2016? Believe it or not, the Jacksonville Jaguars could be playoff contenders in 2016. Wait, did I just say that? Yup, I did, and that’s despite their tough opening schedule (Week 1 vs. Green Bay, Week 2 at San Diego, Week 3 vs. Baltimore, Week 4 vs. Indianapolis.) The Jags have some of the best young offensive weapons in the NFL – second-year pros Blake Bortles at QB, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns at wide receiver and T.J. Yeldon at running back. 2014 second-round pick Marqise Lee has the talent to be among the best WR3s in the league if he can just stay healthy. And Jacksonville also improved its running game by bringing in free agent Chris Ivory from the Jets to spell Yeldon, who was productive despite missing four games with injuries in 2015. Now, about that defense ... Yes, it has struggled under coach Gus Bradley, but he replaced his defensive coordinator, promoting defensive line coach Todd Wash. And GM Dave Caldwell signed three likely new defensive starters during free agency: defensive tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Other Pro Football Weekly editors might not agree, but the Jaguars are my sleeper pick this season.

— DAN McCALEB

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

with a suspension, anyone going to 15-2 Even doubt Brady in his return? carries late surge from 2015 into 2016, 9-2 Wilson now with Rawls behind him. SEAHAWKS have you heard this before? If Big Ben 10-1 Where stays healthy… STEELERS gets Jordy back and a slimmer Lacy, 11-1 Rodgers so watch out. PACKERS Talent abounds, now they just have to keep CARDINALS 18-1 Palmer upright. return should help offense; how 13-1 Benjamin’s can ‘D’ survive without Norman? PANTHERS what you’re getting from Smith, Reid; 25-1 Know how high is the ceiling? CHIEFS pick with Carr, Cooper, Mack 35-1 Aandsexyall sleeper the additions on ‘D’. RAIDERS Bridgewater takes that next step, Vikes will 18-1 Ifchallenge for division. VIKINGS Lack of discipline ended their season early, 16-1 but should return to the playoffs. BENGALS to see defending champs this low, but 12-1 Weird too many questions at QB. BRONCOS Romo-Dez-Zeke triumvirate will cause fits 18-1 The for defenses. COWBOYS should return with a vengeance, but 20-1 Luck needs help from the defense. COLTS moves (Vernon, Harrison, Jenkins) 32-1 Offseason offer boom-or-bust scenario. GIANTS is great, but won’t bring Houston a 40-1 Watt Super Bowl on his own. TEXANS Ryan brothers won’t let the defense 45-1 The struggle like it did in 2015. BILLS gets Jeffery, White, but enough to 50-1 Cutler mitigate losing Forte, Bennett? BEARS offseason champions now need to put it 85-1 The together on the field. JAGUARS isn’t Flacco regaining 2012 form, it’s 30-1 Concern the defense. RAVENS out to prove 2015 was no fluke, but WASHINGTON 50-1 Cousins Vegas isn’t buying it. Julio, not a ton to get excited about in 60-1 Outside Atlanta. FALCONS Cooks and Thomas give Brees a young 60-1 Fleener, group of pass catchers. SAINTS sentiment for Gang Green — ‘D’ is 40-1 Similar superb, but who’s the QB? JETS Offseason additions on ‘D’, Jameis in Year Two BUCCANEERS 60-1 may make Bucs a sleeper. is perfect for Tannehill, but wild-card 60-1 Gase contention a year away. DOLPHINS will get the attention, but Gurley is the 60-1 Goff star in L.A. the Rams need. RAMS all want to know how long before Wentz 65-1 We gets his chance. EAGLES Jags, offseason champs with young QB 75-1 Like and chance to surprise folks. TITANS Megatron, no prob … – who are we kidding – 70-1 No it’s a big problem. LIONS Chip Kelly can work his magic with this 80-1 Ifroster, that’d be something else. 49ERS Would a miraculous season keep the Chargers 100-1 from having to move? CHARGERS familiar a spot for the Browns. Will the 200-1 Too 2012 RG3 re-appear? BROWNS NEW ENGLAND

PATRIOTS SEATTLE

PITTSBURGH GREEN BAY ARIZONA

CAROLINA

KANSAS CITY OAKLAND

MINNESOTA CINCINNATI DENVER DALLAS

INDIANAPOLIS NEW YORK HOUSTON BUFFALO

CHICAGO

JACKSONVILLE BALTIMORE

ATLANTA

NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK

TAMPA BAY MIAMI

LOS ANGELES

PHILADELPHIA TENNESSEE DETROIT

SAN FRANCISCO SAN DIEGO

CLEVELAND

* Odds from Vegas Insider as of May 10

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS

Andrew Luck

Russell Wilson

Pocket presents As the sun sets on one trio of legends, a new class is here to take its place. But in a league built for passing and quarterbacks, why are the great ones so hard to find? By NATE

ATKINS

he road to becoming a franchise quarterback is paved with the ashes of those who burned before them as well as the footprints of those who gave them hope. The old guard of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees is finally on its way out, leaving behind a league each proved could be dominated by intelligence and preparation. A new trio of Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton is taking that place with a brand of quarterbacking built on escapability, the kind that can unravel the most tightly wound game plans. Along the way there have been so many more first-round picks who showed perhaps equal promise before

8 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Cam Newton

the road ended early: David Carr, Joey Harrington, JaMarcus Russell, Vince Young, Matt Leinart. Their jerseys now make up the clearance rack at Dick’s. The distance between greatness and failure at the most important position spans at least the length of the standings, but that’s as far as we know. Even in today’s sabermetics- and analytics-driven world, the science behind picking the revolutionizer over the next cautionary tale remains far from exact. Getting it right is paramount, though: Miss on Luck, and you could end up facing him for two decades. This is the challenge that wires the biggest sporting league in the world. In a vacuum, the league is as suited as its ever been to draft and develop a quarterback, what with the rules softening their blows and the rookie pay

scale minimizing their financial hit. And yet only three teams have a Newton, Luck or Wilson. “There aren’t enough quarterbacks to go around in this league,” former Lions coach Steve Mariucci said. “They’re like golden eggs.” In the parity-driven NFL, teams manage risk by waiting for someone somewhere else to dispel their fears. Quarterbacks shorter than six feet couldn’t succeed until Brees did, and he was an anomaly until Russell Wilson joined in. Now, teams can spend a first-round pick on Johnny Manziel and have height rank among the least of their concerns. Quarterbacks couldn’t win games outside the pocket until Michael Vick did. They couldn’t translate from a spread offense until Cam Newton did.

THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS They couldn’t learn progressions on the fly until Marcus Mariota did. For five decades, no quarterback was more important than the rest of the offense around him, not with the bellcows like Emmitt Smith and Jerome Bettis powering Super Bowls. Not until Peyton Manning. “We all used to think a no-huddle was a fast-paced, get to the line of scrimmage and get people off balance. Peyton revolutionized it, and you know what, we’re going to get to the line of scrimmage, take our time, I’m going to find out what you’re doing, and then I’m going to pick you apart,” John Elway said of the NFL’s all-time passing leader at his retirement press conference. In February, Manning won his second Super Bowl and became the first starting quarterback to reach four of them with four different head coaches. By doubling the weight of intangibles in a physical game, he paved the way for Luck to become perhaps the highest-rated prospect in history and for Carson Wentz to be the No. 2 pick after just 612 pass attempts at North Dakota State. “That was a pro-style system: protections, changing to run plays, audibling at the line, understanding fronts, the secondary, you name it,” Wentz said at the Senior Bowl. “I feel like that gives me a definite edge moving forward.” Manning set the bar, and now he’s finished. A 39-year-old Brady and a 37-year-old Brees soon will be, too. Their parting gift to the league will be the challenge of finding the next 20year face of the franchise. Every couple of years, a team takes a gamble on one, and that quarterback checks a box that hadn’t previously existed. It doesn’t absolve the ones who came before him, but it does ignite a flicker of hope. Some things can work out. Jameis Winston can settle down off the field and Mariota can pick up a pro-style game on it. Two drastically different players can solve decade-long quarterback dilemmas right away as rookies. And so this year, the league fell in love with Jared Goff, an Air Raid quarterback; and Wentz, a football subdivision one with all of 612 career passes. Sure, they had their questions,

Jameis Winston

but so did Newton, and he spent 2015 terrorizing the league and laughing in everyone’s faces as he did it. In time, whether or not Goff and Wentz would end up being the top two picks wasn’t even a question. The one that remains is whether they’ll be the models or the warning labels.

A NEW PASSING LEAGUE In many ways, the NFL’s unhealthy obsession with a single position started with Sam Bradford and Newton. As the first overall pick in 2010, Bradford nailed down a $78 million contract before he ever played a snap. The absurdity of it forced NFL owners the next spring to leverage a new collective bargaining agreement that contained a reduced rookie pay scale. It was an easy sell to a league of veteran players. As the No. 1 pick that next April, Newton signed for $22 million. Compared to Bradford’s $50 million guaranteed, the space left in Newton’s wallet was enormous, but so was the air around him. As Bradford was getting beaten and battered trying to make receivers out of Brandon Gibson and Daniel Fells, Newton was growing in an offense that could afford to evolve with him. Over time, the Panthers added a play-action threat in Ted Ginn, a mid-level safety valve in Greg Olsen and a rushing fullback in Mike Tolbert. By his fifth season, a healthy

10 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Newton won the MVP, reached the Super Bowl and held a contract worth more than $100 million. Bradford hit his peak as a rookie, stuck on a cash-strapped Rams team that would win 18 of his 38 starts. Newton merely fed on the opportunity to grow, progressing each year until he cleared all the hurdles the pro game had placed in his way. “When he first got into the league, it was like one-and-done: He’d look at one wide receiver, and then he’d almost be looking to run. It wasn’t like there was this process of a progression and all of that,” former Browns first-round pick Brady Quinn said of Newton. “Now, he’s using his eyes to manipulate the defense because he knows where he wants to go.” The problem with Newton’s ascension is that it doesn’t leave much of a roadmap. In his own terms, the league has seen nothing like him, that 6-foot-6, 260-pound tank with a rocket launcher arm and the fortitude to barrel into linebackers with a smile. If there is another, it’s hard to imagine finding him outside of the first few picks. Waiting past the first round is a risk these days, as only three of the 11 quarterbacks to reach the divisional round in either of the past two years — Brady, Wilson and Tony Romo — were taken in Round Two or later. And so teams race each other to the top of the draft, and only the bad ones have the proximity and resourc-

Marcus Mariota

es to partake. In some ways, the bare cupboards make them more suited to design everything else around the quarterback. The rookie pay scale does, too. Yet the odds still don’t necessarily favor teams trying it. Prior to this season, 14 quarterbacks had been taken in the first round since the 2011 CBA. For as franchise as Luck, Blake Bortles and Newton look, others like Tim Tebow, Jake Locker and Christian Ponder are struggling to even sign with a franchise. Teams still swing for the fences. In some ways, they have to. The exploding value of quarterbacks has made this a boom-or-bust league where the middle feels like purgatory. Average, expensive signal-callers like Jay Cutler, Ryan Tannehill, Alex Smith and Andy Dalton anchor teams down by playing just well enough for their teams to avoid a top-10 pick but never showing the potential to break through in the playoffs. The haul it takes to acquire a top draft pick is massive – the Eagles gave the Browns two firsts, a second and two thirds just to move up six spots for Wentz — but the pressure to win is currently so extreme, front offices can’t be sure they’ll even get to spend future draft picks. If they don’t find a quarterback, they probably won’t. After all, people are watching more than they ever have before, and their angst is hard to ignore in this social network world. It transfers right to money-hungry owners and then down

to the coaches and general managers. Nobody feels safe, and essentially, nobody is. Of the six coaches hired in 2012 who didn’t make the playoffs in their first four seasons, the only one who still has his job is Jeff Fisher, who just bet his future on Goff. The paradox deepens: Teams that are bad have the assets to trade up, but they often don’t have the veteran quarterback in place to allow the rookie to learn and develop as a backup. Furthermore, as the Jaguars showed in trying and failing to block Bortles with Chad Henne, many bad teams can’t win early enough to justify benching a player they invested so many draft picks in. As opposed to the waiting games that Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers got to play as rookies, first-round quarterbacks start from Day One now in this high-pressure league. The personnel isn’t designed to their strengths yet, and the scheme often isn’t either. The rush often unravels what Quinn sees as a three-year development process: Year One is learning the playbook and its checks, audibles, hot routes and depth of plays. Year Two is testing that playbook against defenses with tight game plans. Year Three is the time to start feeling comfortable in a new NFL identity. Growth takes time for a quarterback because the pro game is so much different, with complex playbooks and varied defensive schemes, with hash marks moved in and the speed

accelerated at every turn. Bad luck with injuries (Bradford) and scheme (Robert Griffin III) can only heighten the challenge. Franchises rinse and repeat, reaching higher for a bar that keeps moving away. It was once manageable to study the likes of Manning, Brady and Brees, technicians who won with their brains. Luck, Wilson and Newton are a different story. “I remember sitting in the room and watching film of practice and watching Russell [Wilson] be able to do an escape and run one way and then turn back the other and make a throw downfield, and I just kind of thought to myself, no one else is doing that in the NFL,” said Quinn, who trained with Wilson in the summer of 2013. “Maybe one or two other people, but that’s just rare. You can watch that all you want on film, but you’re not doing that.” Yet finding that escapability in a quarterback feels crucial in a mismatch league, where the search for pass rushers and defensive backs has ramped up along with the one for quarterbacks. After Goff and Wentz went 1 and 2 in this year’s draft, the Chargers spent the next pick on the top pass rusher, Joey Bosa. Then, more than 20 percent of the remaining selections went toward defensive backs. The best way to beat a defense with Von Miller rushing or Patrick Peterson in coverage is to extend the play. It’s become nearly a prerequisite for highly drafted quarterbacks yet still no promise of success. All the Scouting Combine tests in the world can’t prevent a Jake Locker or a Manziel from busting. At the end of the day, it’s all still a game of chance. The Rams and Eagles are the latest to play, shipping out a combined 11 picks in the top four rounds to land their chips. They’ll battle the questions about the lack of weapons around the quarterback (Goff) and whether they can really afford to keep their top draft pick on the bench (Wentz). Ultimately, they’ll either set their franchises back or succeed in a way that will make everyone forget about the ransoms they just paid. Then the cycle will begin again.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 11

THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS

PFW’S

STORYLINES By

ARTHUR ARKUSH

NFL RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES

For the first time in 21 years, America’s biggest sport is back in the country’s second-largest market. Stan Kroenke’s Rams trounced the competition – Oakland and San Diego – in the NFL’s race back to Los Angeles that officially began the day after the 2015 season concluded but has been the league’s obsession since shortly after it left in 1994. Kroenke’s nearly $3 billion power play, the new Inglewood stadium dubbed by NFL insiders the “Taj Mahal of sports emporiums” and slated to open in 2019, solves clearly the largest roadblock that stymied the NFL’s viability in L.A. But will Jeff Fisher and Les Snead build a winner capable of compelling a previously lukewarm fan base to consistently fill the seats of Kroenke’s 80,000-seat palace? They have the NFL’s past two rookies of the year in Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald, but it won’t matter for the Rams if No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff doesn’t make them

Jared Goff

look smart for selling the farm in the belief he’s the franchise passer they’ve long needed.

l l l

CLOCK TICKING ON BRADY

The four-time Super Bowl champion continues to stave off Father Time but he can’t elude Deflategate. The four-game suspension imposed by Roger Goodell in May 2015 and overturned last September was reinstated by a federal appeals court, exiling Tom Brady as of press time for the first four games of 2016. Brady is coming off another brilliant season, culminated by a near-comeback in the AFC Championship Game in which he took perhaps the most merciless beating of his career. After old rival Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after 18 seasons, succumbing to the NFL rigors at age 39, Brady turns 39 the month before his 19th season was

12 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Tom Brady

supposed to begin. Prior to Brady’s suspension, New England underwent another ho-hum offseason, again restocking the receiving cupboard (Martellus Bennett, Chris Hogan and Nate

Roger Goodell

Washington) and jettisoning a pair of former first-round defenders. We haven’t heard the last of Deflategate, but if Brady misses his first starts since 2008, can Jimmy Garoppolo get the Pats out of the gate ably – and can Brady have the last laugh by becoming the NFL’s only QB with five rings?

l l l

GOODELL STILL JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER

If there’s one thing we learned from the Deflategate suspension being reinstated, it’s that the commissioner’s all-encompassing powers – which the players collectively bargained in 2011 – are stronger than ever. Despite repeated missteps as disciplinarian and arbiter on personal-conduct cases, Goodell still has the final word on anything he chooses. What does that mean for the future of NFL miscreants including Josh Gordon, who’s missed 27 of his

past 32 games while suspended and is again eligible for reinstatement in August? And what happens when the next NFL star slips up? Stay tuned.

to retired players suffering from concussions was approved by the courts. Will the NFL form a universal stance on the biggest issue posing a risk to its long-term prosperity?

l l l

NEXT STEP IN CONCUSSION/CTE CRISIS

This offseason, for the first time ever, the NFL acknowledged a link between playing football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Then, several of the league’s owners and coaches quickly and publicly disagreed with the admission by its senior vice president for health and safety. Weeks later, the New York Times released a report detailing the NFL’s omission of more than 100 concussions between 1996-2001 in research the league claims is comprehensive. Then, in April, a class action settlement in which the NFL, without admitting any wrongdoing, agreed to pay roughly $1 billion over 65 years

THE ROCKIEST SUPER BOWL HANGOVER IN YEARS

The Broncos’ afterglow of winning Super Bowl 50 slipped into darkness hours after the new league year began. Brock Osweiler, the Broncos’ only apparent contingency plan for the retired Manning, spurned Denver for Houston and an additional $7 million, leaving the Broncos as the first team since the 2000 Ravens to lose their top two quarterbacks from the Super Bowl season. GM John Elway attempted to remedy the situation by trading for Colin Kaepernick, but a lowball offer from Elway dissuaded Kaepernick, leaving Denver with Mark Sanchez and

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

| 13

THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS

Ex-Bronco QBs Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler

intriguing first-round project Paxton Lynch under center. Also leaving Denver were two key pieces up the middle of the league’s No. 1 ‘D,’ Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, and Super Bowl MVP and franchise player Von Miller was locked in a contract stalemate with Elway as of press time. Elway masterfully built a Super Bowl champion, but maintaining the roster has proven much more difficult.

Johnson, the league’s most productive receiver from 2007-2015. Marshawn Lynch, D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Logan Mankins add to the departed list of stars, with Johnson and Lynch among at least 20 players retiring this offseason at 30 or younger. That’s a rapidly increasing trend that should trouble the NFL, but even in a players league full of stars, replacing some of the past generation’s biggest also is of the utmost importance.

l l l

MOUNT RUSHMORE OF 2015 RETIREMENTS

Manning was hardly the only future Hall of Famer to hang up his cleats this offseason. Joining the NFL’s only five-time MVP in retirement are fellow Canton-bound players Charles Woodson, the NFL’s only defender with 50 interceptions and 20 sacks; and Calvin

l l l

CAT SCRATCH FEVER?

Aside from Cam Newton’s postgame pouting, Carolina’s offseason was largely devoid of drama and defections … until GM David Gettleman’s stunning decision in late April to rescind the tag of franchise CB Josh Norman, who promptly signed a megadeal

14 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

with Washington. The Panthers’ ‘D’ is keyed in the trenches and reached the Super Bowl with a patchwork corner corps after losing Charles Tillman and Bene Benwikere to season-ending injuries, but the All-Pro Norman was the glue of the group. Thus, even as the Panthers return injured players like Benwikere and Kelvin Benjamin, in addition to perhaps the league’s top front-seven, Newton’s antics won’t be the only Carolina question needing answered. But how the reigning MVP responds to an offseason of scrutiny brought on himself after laying an egg in the Super Bowl will be fascinating.

l l l

NFC LEAST TO MOST INTERESTING?

The NFC East epitomized disappointment in 2015 as the only NFL di-

Charles Woodson

the two-thirds voting approval it lacked as of press time. Meanwhile, Raiders owner Mark Davis’ flirtations with Las Vegas don’t bode well for the team’s future in Oakland, but moving a team to Sin City would require quite an aboutface by a league that has taken an ignorance-is-bliss approach to gambling. One thing seems certain: At least one more NFL club will be bidding farewell to its current city in 2017.

l l l

Josh Norman

vision with just one team reaching .500 or better, 9-7 Washington. The division responded this offseason, naturally, by showing the least restraint of any. Giants senior VP and GM Jerry Reese committed more than $105 million guaranteed shortly after free agency’s opening bell in an attempt to fix one of the franchise’s worst-ever defenses. Eagles Executive VP Howie Roseman collected quarterbacks, dedicating more than $40 million and a boatload of precious draft resources on Sam Bradford, Chase Daniel and No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz at a position still lacking a proven commodity. After the calculated risk of tagging Kirk Cousins, Washington GM Scot McCloughan was almost out of the woods of the NFL’s richest free-agent spending spree ever before Norman’s abrupt availability prompted meddling owner Dan Snyder to write at least a $36.5 million check. In Dallas, where Tony Romo and Dez Bryant return healthy, pass rushers Demarcus Lawrence and Randy

Gregory are suspended the first four games for substance abuse. That didn’t stop Jerry Jones from bypassing immediate defensive help to draft LB Jaylon Smith, a wild card likely to redshirt in 2016, in Round Two. After all the dust settles, which team emerges from the mess, and is this once-proud division still the NFC Least?

l l l

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHARGERS AND RAIDERS?

San Diego and Oakland, the odd teams out in Los Angeles initially, are left with unsustainable stadium situations and anxious fan bases. The Chargers have one year to bolt to Los Angeles to become co-tenants in Kroenke’s new digs, but the proud Spanos family says it’s committed to San Diego and has unveiled a new, $1.8 billion downtown stadium proposal that needs

NFL’S GLOBAL REACH?

With the international series in London widely deemed a huge success for the NFL, the league is again branching out to Mexico City, where the experiment of playing meaningful overseas games first began more than a decade ago. In addition to the three-game commitment in London in 2016, the NFL is sending the Raiders and Texans to collide at Estadio Azteca on “Monday Night Football” in November. Could a success there be a precursor to football in China by 2018? Logistical nightmares aside, the league has expressed great interest in taking the game to the world’s most populous country. The NFL’s reach will not only extend all over the universe but to Twitterverse in 2016. Twitter and the league have partnered on a 10-game “Thursday Night Football” package that’ll deliver free live-stream video to more than 800 million users across multiple devices and platforms. It’s the next step after the Bills-Jaguars game in London last year was streamed across 185 countries, with 33 percent of streams coming in internationally.

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THE 2016 SEASON BEGINS

Pick six A look at the new NFL head coaches this season

W By KEVIN

FISHBAIN

e’ve been accustomed to the head-coaching carousel that occurs immediately following the season, and this year had its fair share of unpredictable decisions. There was the in-season firing in Miami of Joe Philbin, then the writing was on the wall for Mike Pettine in Cleveland, Jim Tomsula in San Francisco and the end of an era for Tom Coughlin in New York. Surprises came, too. The first was the Eagles firing Chip Kelly prior to the end of the season. Then a few days after decisions are usually made, the Buccaneers fired Lovie Smith. Mike McCoy’s job was apparently in jeopardy in San Diego, but he stayed. A 4-12 record didn’t send Jason Garrett out of Dallas. Sean Payton just got an extension after back-to-back 7-9 seasons and a brief time in the rumor mill of leaving New Orleans. The Jaguars are giving Gus Bradley more time with an extension. Jeff Fisher will continue to lead the Rams as they head to Los Angeles. Everyone seemed to predict Chuck Pagano had run his course in Indianapolis before Jim Irsay gave him

ADAM GASE

MIAMI DOLPHINS Despite being the offensive coordinator of a 6-10 Bears team that finished 21st in total offense, Gase was the hottest coaching candidate this offseason. With injuries all over Chicago’s offense, Gase helped Jay Cutler to a career year, minimizing the scrutinized quarterback’s mistakes. Gase was a candidate in 2015 following his seasons with Peyton Manning and the explosive Broncos offense. He’s only 38 but has been involved in coaching since 2000 and the NFL since 2003. For Stephen Ross and the Dolphins, Gase’s play-calling and work with quarterbacks

Hue Jackson

and Ryan Grigson extensions. New general managers more often than not mean new head coaches, but not in Tennessee and Detroit, where Mike Mularkey and Jim Caldwell, respectively, kept their jobs. All in all, there are six new head coaches in 2016 – four first-timers and two retreads. Unlike the previous season, when the new head coaches were mainly of the defensive variety, this year’s six are all known for their offensive acumen.

was significant, as Miami tries to get the most out of the talented but inconsistent Ryan Tannehill. Gase is tasked with getting the Dolphins to the postseason for the first time since 2008 with some mercurial personalities on defense (Ndamukong Suh, Mario Williams) and an owner without much patience.

HUE JACKSON

CLEVELAND BROWNS Five seasons ago, Jackson led the Raiders to an 8-8 record. That was his one and only season as Raiders head coach, and they haven’t reached .500 since. After four seasons with the Bengals, in which

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Cincinnati made the playoffs each year, Jackson gets another chance with the disaster that is the Browns. Jackson was a slam-dunk hire for the franchise that hasn’t made the postseason since 2002. The questions in Cleveland will surround those above Jackson, like how a reworked front office can help the Browns return to relevance. Jackson’s first and most important job will be getting the Browns an answer at quarterback, perhaps Washington cast-off Robert Griffin III this season and beyond, or third-round draft choice Cody Kessler out of USC in a year or two. Jackson is a no-nonsense coach with a strong résumé, but the talent gap in Cleveland is large. This one will take time.

But offense wasn’t the Bucs’ major issue last season, it was the defense, so plenty of pressure and focus will be on Koetter’s former boss from his time in Atlanta, new defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

BEN McADOO

Chip Kelly

CHIP KELLY

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Three Super Bowls ago, the 49ers were in prime position to win the title against the Ravens. Since then, they’ve parted ways with Jim Harbaugh, hired and fired Tomsula and brought in Kelly. Kelly’s innovative ideas should fit well in the Bay Area, near Silicon Valley, and his failed experiment in Philadelphia making personnel decisions should be an important lesson. As much as the last year with the Eagles was a failure, Kelly brought that team to the playoffs and back-to-back 10-6 seasons before last season. No one can ignore the success he had at Oregon. Jed York and Trent Baalke might have more doubts than Kelly, who is hoping to accomplish what all re-hired coaches aspire to do: be like post-Cleveland Bill Belichick. He should have a better idea how to relate to players and work with personnel evaluators, then focus on what has made Kelly so intriguing – his playbook. San Francisco’s 5-11 record in 2015 was its worst

since 2007. Like Jackson in Cleveland, Kelly’s challenge early on will be getting something out of a talent-deficient roster.

DIRK KOETTER

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Lovie Smith could never find the right offensive coordinator in Chicago. In Tampa Bay, he did, as Koetter helped Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers to a fifth-place finish in total offense, the franchise’s best ever. The defense, which was 26th in points allowed, led in part to the end of Smith’s time in Tampa after two seasons, paving the way to Koetter’s first NFL head-coaching job. Koetter was well-respected for his work as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator and had five years doing it in Jacksonville. Leading a football team isn’t new for Koetter, who was the head coach at Boise State for three seasons and Arizona State for six. Unlike some of the other new coaches, Koetter has a quarterback, and one he’s very familiar with in Winston.

NEW YORK GIANTS One of the quieter coaching changes took place for one of the more stable franchises in the NFL, so it came as no surprise. Coughlin resigned after four consecutive seasons without a playoff berth, including back-to-back 6-10 campaigns, and John Mara handed the reins to McAdoo, the team’s offensive coordinator the previous two seasons. Like Koetter in Tampa, there is no head coach-quarterback issue in New York. McAdoo and Eli Manning have worked together for two seasons, and it’s fair to assume that the two-time Super Bowl MVP gave his blessing. McAdoo knows what it takes to be successful after his time with the Packers from 2006-13, including two years as the quarterbacks coach with Aaron Rodgers. In his first time as head coach, McAdoo benefits by being with a franchise like the Giants, but patience is thin in the country’s top media market. GM Jerry Reese needs to help McAdoo out by improving the defense and weapons around Manning and Odell Beckham Jr.

DOUG PEDERSON

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES The former Eagles player and coach returns to Philadelphia. Pederson played for Philadelphia in 1999, then coached there under Andy Reid from 2009-12. He spent the past three seasons with Reid in Kansas City as the offensive coordinator, helping Alex Smith and the Chiefs to the playoffs in two of those three campaigns. Pederson had the rapport with owner Jeffrey Lurie, but this Eagles team is much different than the one he coached four seasons ago. Howie Roseman has spent the offseason reversing most of Kelly’s personnel decisions to put Pederson in better position to be successful. The focus, as always, is on the quarterback, which could start with the embattled returning starter Sam Bradford, now on a fresh two-year deal. It could also feature Pederson’s pricey backup from Kansas City, Chase Daniel, and at some point, the No. 2 overall pick, Carson Wentz.

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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 staff. Players are ranked based on their performances to date at positions they’ve played and are not projected at new positions to which they might move. Rookies are not included in the rankings. NFL personnel participated on condition of anonymity. PFW editors Dan McCaleb, Kevin Fishbain, Arthur Arkush 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 National Football League 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 and Russell Wilson. One off year – if 31 TDs, eight interceptions is an off year – with almost all of his weapons wounded or sidelined doesn’t come close to knocking him off the throne.

2 TOM BRADY

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.75

Brady will turn 39 in August and, with four Super Bowl rings, two NFL MVP Awards and three Super Bowl MVPs, he is in the conversation about the greatest quarterback of all-time. The question, of course, is based on where they are at in their respective careers. Whom would you take if you had to win one game tomorrow, Rodgers or Brady? Brady’s 4,770 yards and 36 touchdowns last season versus just seven picks with an injury-ravaged offensive line and mediocre receiving corps makes this a much tougher

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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 2015. 2. Potential. 3. Value to team. 4. Overall career performance.

call than you’d expect.

3 BEN ROETHLISBERGER PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.70

Big Ben and the Steelers offense were the most explosive in the league by the end of 2015 and figure to be even better this year with a healthy Le’Veon Bell. There isn’t a passer in the league who spins it better than Roethlisberger when he’s healthy, and therein lies the one concern with the Pittsburgh signal caller. His two Super Bowl rings are better than anyone else in the league except Brady and Eli, but will he protect himself well enough to stay on the field?

4 CAM NEWTON

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.50

The reigning NFL MVP had a breakout season last year and stunned the league with his 35 TD passes to a mostly mediocre receiver group. He added 10 more on the ground. He is a big play waiting to happen and the reason the Panthers led the NFL in scoring, but what keeps him behind the big three here is he is still just a better-than-average hurler with a 2015 completion percentage of 59.8 and 21st ranking in sack percentage. With another season like last year, improvement in his accuracy and, of course, a ring, it will be difficult to keep Newton out of the top spot.

5 RUSSELL WILSON SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.45

Wilson is a special talent who started two Super Bowls and won

a ring 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. Even though the Seahawks struggled around him in 2015, he led the league in passer rating at 110.1. The one downside last year was the 45 sacks he absorbed. He just is not big enough to withstand that kind of beating year in and year out.

6 DREW BREES

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 4.35

There is no better student of the game in the NFL than Brees, nor is anyone as accurate. He completed more than 68 percent of his passes again last season. The one downside with Brees is he will turn the ball over. He averages 15.6 interceptions a year over the past six seasons. He will be in his 16th season this year after turning 37 in January, so wear and tear is a concern. It’s also fair to question whether the Saints have armed him with enough weapons to continue his assault on the record books.

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SUPER R E G A R D L E S S

O F

P O S I T I O N

1 AARON RODGERS GREEN BAY PACKERS 2 J.J. WATT l HOUSTON TEXANS 3 TOM BRADY l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 4 BEN ROETHLISBERGER l PITTSBURGH STEELERS 5 ROB GRONKOWSKI l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 6 MUHAMMAD WILKERSON l NEW YORK JETS 7 JULIO JONES l ATLANTA FALCONS 8 ANTONIO BROWN l PITTSBURGH STEELERS 9 VON MILLER l DENVER BRONCOS 10 AARON DONALD l LOS ANGELES RAMS 11 LUKE KUECHLY l CAROLINA PANTHERS 12 DEZ BRYANT l DALLAS COWBOYS 13 KAWANN SHORT l CAROLINA PANTHERS 14 JOE THOMAS l CLEVELAND BROWNS 15 RICHARD SHERMAN l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 16 KHALIL MACK l OAKLAND RAIDERS 17 RUSSELL WILSON l SEATTLE SEAKAWKS 18 ODELL BECKHAM, JR. l N. Y. GIANTS 19 EARL THOMAS l SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 20 JAMIE COLLINS l NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 21 PATRICK PETERSON l ARIZONA CARDINALS 22 NDAMUKONG SUH l MIAMI DOLPHINS 23 ADRIAN PETERSON l MINNESOTA VIKINGS 24 CALAIS CAMPBELL l ARIZONA CARDINALS 25 DREW BREES l NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 26 ERIC BERRY l KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 27 DARRELLE REVIS l N.Y. JETS 28 TYRON SMITH l DALLAS COWBOYS 29 GREG OLSEN l CAROLINA PANTHERS 30 BRANDON MARSHALL l N. Y. JETS 31 SHELDON RICHARDSON l N. Y. JETS 32 DEANDRE HOPKINS l HOUSTON TEXANS 33 TYRANN MATHIEU l ARIZONA CARDINALS 34 LARRY FITZGERALD l ARIZONA CARDINALS 35 JUSTIN HOUSTON l KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 36 THOMAS DAVIS l CAROLINA PANTHERS 37 CLAY MATTHEWS l GREEN BAY PACKERS 38 JASON VERRETT l SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 39 ALDON SMITH l OAKLAND RAIDERS 40 DEMARYIUS THOMAS l DENVER BRONCOS 41 JORDY NELSON l GREEN BAY PACKERS 42 CARSON PALMER l ARIZONA CARDINALS 43 TODD GURLEY l LOS ANGELES RAMS 44 RYAN KALIL l CAROLINA PANTHERS 45 ANDREW LUCK l INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 46 MARSHAL YANDA l BALTIMORE RAVENS 47 DONT’A HIGHTOWER l N.E. PATRIOTS 48 JOSH NORMAN l WASHINGTON 49 GENO ATKINS l CINCINNATI BENGALS 50 LE’VEON BELL l PITTSBURGH STEELERS

4.90 4.80 4.75 4.70 4.70 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.60 4.55 4.55 4.55 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.45 4.45 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.40 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.35 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.30 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.25 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20

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Aaron Rodgers

7 CARSON PALMER ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.20

Palmer is not the athlete he once was, but at 6-5 and 230, he’s a statuesque pocket passer with a rifle for an arm who is highly productive in Bruce Arians’ offense. Only Brady, Brees and Philip Rivers threw for more yards last season. Palmer’s 35 touchdown passes tied for second to Brady’s 36. And Palmer led the league with an 8.7 yards-perattempt average. He would be a couple spots higher if he had not come almost completely apart in the playoffs.

8 ANDREW LUCK

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.20

Luck still appears to be the heir apparent to Rodgers in every sense of the words, and they say you can’t lose your spot in the lineup or the rankings due to injuries, which cost Luck nine games last year. The problem is, after being a little short of brilliant his first four years in the league, Luck really struggled with a 74.9 passer rating and 15:12 TD-INT ratio the first seven weeks of 2015 before getting hurt. Few doubt Luck

will rebound strongly this year, but 2015 was a bust.

9 ELI MANNING

NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 4.00

Eli will never be Peyton, but with 44,191 career passing yards, 294 TDs, an active streak of 183 consecutive starts (which trails only Brett Favre and his brother for the most ever by a quarterback) and two Super Bowl rings, he is well on his way to the Hall of Fame. And in a lost 2015 season for the Giants, Manning’s 4,432 yards and 35 TDs vs. just 14 interceptions suggest he is nowhere near slowing down.

10 ALEX SMITH

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE } 3.90

All this guy does is win. Smith is 49-21-1 as a starter over the past five seasons and 30-16 the past three in Kansas City. He’s also thrown just 30 picks in 2,103 attempts over that five-year stretch, a 1.4 interception ratio matched only by Rodgers. He is not the biggest arm in the league by any stretch, but his 1,185 rushing yards and 5.7-yard average over the past three seasons are also among

Player ratings the best from NFL quarterbacks.

11PHILIP RIVERS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS GRADE } 3.90

Rivers is the eighth-most efficient quarterback in NFL history with a 95.5 career passer rating, and his 41,447 passing yards, 281 TDs and 160 consecutive starts are eerily similar to the man he was traded for as a rookie, Eli Manning. Rivers doesn’t have a ring, however. Rivers has become a bit more reckless with the ball the past two seasons, throwing 31 picks as the talent around him has dwindled. He still is one of the league’s great hurlers when the game is on the line.

12 TONY ROMO

DALLAS COWBOYS GRADE } 3.90

Tony Romo had his best season as a pro in 2014 when he led the NFL in passer rating with a 113.2 mark and threw 34 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. But he was unable to stay on the field last year, missing 12 games due to two separate fractures in his throwing shoulder. Romo turned 36 this spring, and his back is always an issue as well. He can still spin it with the best of them when healthy, but it’s likely the ‘Boys will try and protect him this season by putting the bulk of the offense on rookie runner Ezekiel Elliott.

13 JOE FLACCO

BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE } 3.85

Flacco is probably the toughest quarterback in the league to rate. 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. His value was never more obvious than 2015, when he went down for the year with a torn ACL in Week 10 and Baltimore finished 2-4 down the stretch. Flacco struggles with his accuracy in the short and intermediate zones but throws the deep ball as well as anyone. Flacco also is one of the NFL’s best playoff quarterbacks. He owns a 9-6 postseason record with at least one playoff win in each of his first six seasons in the league, and he owns a Super Bowl ring.

14 ANDY DALTON

CINCINNATI BENGALS GRADE } 3.70

Dalton is the opposite of Flacco. He has led the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his first five seasons in the league and had the best year of his career last season, finishing

second to Russell Wilson with a 106.2 passer rating. But he is 0-4 in the playoffs. Dalton missed the last three games of 2015 and the wildcard game with a broken thumb but should be 100 percent for the start of the ’16 season.

15 MATT RYAN

ATLANTA FALCONS GRADE } 3.70

Ryan has done a solid march backward in recent seasons after getting off to a great start winning the Rookie of the Year in 2008 and going to Pro Bowls in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Matty Ice will take over games at times and look like he’s ready to step up into the next tier of top quarterbacks. Then, he’ll throw in a clunker. He has the great size, arm and pocket presence and can make all the throws. Now he just needs the consistency all the great ones have.

t t RUNNING BACKS

1 ADRIAN PETERSON MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 4.35

Yes, A.P. is 31 years old, ancient by NFL running backs standards. But who’s more consistent, more dependable or better? Other than his ACL tear at the end of 2013, he’s been very healthy. Although it was unwanted, he had a full year sabbatical in 2014. Peterson showed no signs of slippage upon his return last season, and because of who he is, the Vikings are one of the few teams that will not focus on a two- or multiple-back ground game. Peterson will have to take better care of the football this season.

2 TODD GURLEY

LOS ANGELES RAMS

GRADE } 4.20

No rookie running back has ever hit the NFL with the thunder that Gurley did when he put up 566 yards and three TDs on just 88 carries, 6.4yard average between Weeks Four and Seven last year. Gurley was a bit up and down after that, but it was due mainly to the Rams’ NFL-worst passing game and 10 men in the box on almost every snap. The rookie still threw in a 16-140-2 rushing effort against the Lions Week 15. Gurley looks like the closest thing to A.P.

3 Le’VEON BELL

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.20

Bell could very well be No. 1 on this list had he not been suspended

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the first two weeks of 2015 and then followed that by tearing his ACL in Week Eight against the Bengals. There is no question about his explosiveness and versatility on the field. Bell is 6-1 and 240 pounds and in a healthy 2014, he put up 290-1,361-8 rushing and 83-854-3 receiving. At 24, if the knee is sound and his head is on straight, Bell is the best back in the game.

4 DOUG MARTIN

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

GRADE } 4.10

Martin is tough to love. After exploding on the scene in 2012 as a rookie with 319-1,454-11 rushing and 49-472-1 receiving, he struggled through two injury-plagued seasons in which he played just 17 games and was limited in a number of them. But last season in a contract year, Martin bounced back with 288-1,402-6 rushing (4.9-yard average) to finish second only to Peterson in rushing yards and was rewarded with a huge contract from the Bucs. Now, can he stay healthy?

5 LAMAR MILLER HOUSTON TEXANS

GRADE } 4.00

Lamar Miller just wants the football. Bill O’Brien wants to give it to him. Between 2012 and 2015, Miller led NFL backs with a 4.6-yard average per carry, and yet inexplicably, the Dolphins gave him the football just 156 times a season on average. They then showed little interest in keeping him as a free agent. At 5-10 and 225, Miller is as explosive as any back in the league, with a burst that makes him uncatchable if he reaches the second level. He is projected by many as the breakout player of 2016.

6 EDDIE LACY

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.00

Going into the 2015 season, Lacy was looking like the NFL’s next breakout star at running back, but all he seemed to break through was the belt on his pants as he was out of shape and unproductive most of the season. When in shape and motivated, the comparison for Lacy is probably Marshawn Lynch, and Lacy’s actually a tad bigger and a step quicker. He can be a beast or a bust. All we know right now is he’s completely changed his offseason regimen and will reportedly be in the best shape of his life going into training camp. If his head’s on straight, he

could be terrific.

7 DeMARCO MURRAY TENNESSEE TITANS

GRADE } 3.95

Murray is a puzzle waiting to be solved, and the Titans, his third team in six seasons, hope to have the answers. Murray was good his first three seasons in Dallas but was constantly banged up. Then came his breakout 2014 in which he stayed healthy, the Cowboys put together the best O-line in football, and Murray went off for 1,845 yards rushing and another 416 receiving. After signing a free-agent mega-deal with the Eagles last year, Murray fell out of favor with Chip Kelly, slumped to just 3.6 yards a carry and was dealt to the Titans. Which Murray will show up this year?

8 THOMAS RAWLS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 3.90

Talk about explosive: Rawls was averaging 5.6 yards a carry when his rookie season in Seattle was cut short in Week 15 by a fractured ankle suffered against the Ravens. His Week Five 23-169 rushing performance against the Bengals and Week 12 30-209 explosion against the 49ers were quick glimpses of what this kid is capable of. With Marshawn Lynch in retirement, if Rawls can stay healthy and avoid the off-the-field issues that plagued him in college, he is a Pro Bowler waiting to happen.

9 LeSEAN McCOY BUFFALO BILLS

GRADE } 3.90

McCoy was a slow starter in his first year in Buffalo last season, and a banged-up right knee cost him the last 2½ games, but he still rushed for 895 yards and caught 32 passes for 292 more yards. His seven plays of 20 yards or more showed he is still one of the games most dangerous big-play threats. The Bills also suffered mightily on the offensive line last year, and a little help there could make McCoy more dangerous than ever.

10 MATT FORTE NEW YORK JETS GRADE } 3.90

Forte is probably one of the most underrated players in the game. The fact that he missed three games with a knee injury last season and turned 30 last December caused the Bears to allow him to head to the Jets in free agency. He was still 15th in the league last year in com-

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Adrian Peterson

bined rushing and receiving yardage with 1,287. He leads the NFL in that category with 12,718 yards since entering the league in 2008. A workout warrior who’s missed just eight games in eight seasons and played all 16 five times including 2013 and 2014, Forte appears to have a lot left in the tank.

11DAVID JOHNSON ARIZONA CARDINALS GRADE } 3.85

We considered ranking this second-year player as high as fourth on this list, but his huge impact on the league as a rookie last year with 13 touchdowns was as much a result of kickoff returns and catching the ball as it was running with it. He was used sporadically in the backfield until Chris Johnson went down for the year but finished strong with 125-581-8 rushing (4.6-yard average). He has great size at 6-1, 225, rare speed and all that’s keeping him from the top of this list is his small sample size.

JAMAAL CHARLES

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE } 3.85

Charles is instant offense and possibly the most dangerous back in the game in the open field. The problem with Charles is he had just 71 carries last year before suffering a Week Five ACL tear, his second season-ending knee injury. He’s had more than 206 carries only three times in his eight seasons. Keeping him on the field is

difficult, and he now has to complete a second successful knee rehab. When Charles plays 16 games, the sky is the limit.

JONATHAN STEWART

CAROLINA PANTHERS GRADE } 3.80

Stewart is another back who would grade much higher if he could just stay on the field. In eight seasons, Stewart has more than 200 carries just twice, but once was 2015, when he finished 242-989-6 rushing. Stewart has played in just nine, six, 13 and 13 games the past four seasons, respectively. But when he is on the field, he’s a bruising inside runner with surprising quickness and change of direction. He also returned to be very effective in the playoffs last January.

Julio Jones

better just when everybody else is wearing down.

15 DEVONTA FREEMAN ATLANTA FALCONS GRADE } 3.70

Freeman is a 2014 fourth-round draft choice out of Florida State who followed a disappointing rookie year with a breakout 2015 campaign after he inherited the starting job in Atlanta in a Week Three game against Dallas when rookie starter Tevin Coleman went down with an injury. Freeman was 22-43-1 rushing backing up Coleman but then went 30-141-3 in the Cowboys game and finished the season 264-1,061-11 rushing and 73-578-3 receiving. At 5-8 and 205 pounds, he is awfully small for that kind of workload, but who can argue his production?

14 C.J. ANDERSON

t t

DENVER BRONCOS GRADE } 3.75

Anderson is a bit of a puzzle. The notoriously slow starter had his second straight outstanding second half of the season last year in Denver, he rode it to a Super Bowl ring and $18 million free agent contract. At 5-8, 225, he’s an inside plugger and zone-stretch breakaway threat who’s really hard to find in traffic because he’s so low to the ground. He’s totaled just 338-1,607 in 35 games over three seasons, with 849 rushing yards in his best year (2014), but the 4.8 yards per carry is impressive, and he always seems to be getting

WIDE RECEIVERS

JULIO JONES

ATLANTA FALCONS

GRADE } 4.60

Julio Jones and Antonio Brown, sugar or spice, chocolate or vanilla, Maserati or Lamborghini? Jones gets the slightest of nods because he’s a lot bigger, a little bit faster, seven months younger and harder to cover one-on-one. At 6-3 and 220 pounds, Jones can take over a football game. He is as acrobatic in the air going after the football as any wideout to play the

game. It is unlikely that his immense 2015 – 136-1,871-8 receiving while averaging 13.8 yards per catch – will be the best year of his career.

2 ANTONIO BROWN

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.60

Brown is every bit as productive as Jones and the exception to the rule in the NFL today, one of only three receivers in our top 10 who is under 6 feet 2. He is actually a mighty mite at 5-10 and 186 pounds but still tied Jones to lead the NFL last year in catches with 136. Over the past three seasons. he has 110, 129 and 136 for 1,499, 1,698 and 1,834 yards, respectively, with 31 total TDs. Brown is also a standout punt returner. He makes up for his lack of size with exceptional route running and unusual quickness in and out of his breaks.

3 DEZ BRYANT

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.55

Bryant emerged as the toughest wideout to take out of a game in 2014, making him our No. 1 wideout last year, but losing Tony Romo for the better part of 2015 and missing seven games due to his own injuries made last season a bit of a washout for him. Bryant is a freakish athlete at 6-2 and 220 pounds. He high-points the ball as well as any receiver in the game and is rarely denied when the Cowboys need a big play. Off-thefield concerns are still there, but they

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Player ratings haven’t hindered his development on the field. His hyper-competitiveness should keep him at or near the top of this list for quite a while.

ODELL BECKHAM JR.

NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 4.45

Beckham is another mold-breaker, bigger than Brown but at 5-11 and 200 pounds, still not one of the big wide receivers dominating the league today. He is, however, a meticulous route-runner and athlete with some of the best hands the game has ever seen. In just two seasons, Beckham has totaled an astonishing 187 catches for 2,755 yards with 25 touchdowns. Beckham might lack a bit of maturity and must learn to keep his emotions in check, but his physical tools check every box.

5 BRANDON MARSHALL NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.30

Marshall had two huge seasons in Chicago before injuries brought him down to earth in 2014. Off-the-field issues caused the Bears to move him. He responded with a record-setting season with the Jets in which he caught 109-1,502 and added 14 TDs from the mostly pedestrian Ryan Fitzpatrick. 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. He is also one of the best blocking wide receivers in the game. The question now is, at 32, never having possessed great speed and never making it to the playoffs, how much is left in the tank?

DeANDRE HOPKINS

HOUSTON TEXANS

GRADE } 4.30

Hopkins was arguably the most improved player in the league in 2015, following nice campaigns of 52-8022 and 76-1,210-6 with a breakout year in which he caught 111-1,521-11. Hopkins has average size at best by today’s NFL wide receiver standards at 6-1 and 218 pounds, and he has good but not great speed. Where Hopkins excels is he is exceptionally quick in and out of his breaks, he has a terrific burst and is really athletic in the air. It also is worth noting that Hopkins has yet to play with a toptier NFL quarterback, and he might still be well below his ceiling.

LARRY FITZGERALD

ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.30

Fitzgerald is an eventual Hall of Famer who was thought to be on the way out in 2014 when he slumped to

63-784-2. After turning 32 just prior to last season, Fitzgerald responded with one of the best seasons of his career, catching 109-1,215-9. He also took over the Cardinals’ divisional playoff game against the Packers and pretty much willed the Cardinals to the NFC Championship Game. Fitzgerald is as physical as they come, and at 6-3 and 218, there aren’t many cornerbacks who can handle him, particularly now that he spends most of his time in the slot.

8 DEMARYIUS THOMAS DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.25

Only Antonio Brown has been more productive than Thomas over the past three seasons, with Thomas putting up 307-4,353 yards and 31 touchdowns. Thomas is 6-3 and 229 pounds, and he might be the fastest of the NFL’s current breed of jumbo receivers. Thomas also is one of the better blocking wideouts in the game. It’s worth noting that Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler combined for the NFL’s lowest passer rating among NFL starting QBs last year. What might Thomas do with an upgrade at quarterback?

9 JORDY NELSON

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.25

Nelson is one of the most underrated players in the NFL at any position, and never have we seen more proof than 2015, when he was lost for the year during the preseason with a fluke non-contact ACL tear and the Packers’ passing game came apart at the seams. Nelson is as serious a home-run threat as any wide receiver in the game. In 2014, 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 yards.

10 A.J. GREEN

CINCINNATI BENGALS GRADE } 4.20

Green had a nice bounce-back year in 2015 after an injury cost him the last three games of 2014 and his production was off prior to getting hurt with only 69-1,041-6. Green was 86-1,297-10 last year, and he had 97-plus receptions in 2012 and 2013 and 1,350 yards or more with 11 TDs in each of those seasons. His numbers are usually slightly off the top five or six pass-catchers in the game. Part of the issue is the number of double-teams Green faces, which could be even worse this year with Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu now gone. Andy Dalton does

22 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

him no favors at times as well. But at 6-4 and 207, Green is still a matchup nightmare.

15 DOUG BALDWIN

11ALSHON JEFFERY

Baldwin went from No. 3 wideout to star receiver in the blink of an eye in 2015, breaking out with 78-1,069-14, including a stunning 10 TDs in a fourgame stretch between Weeks 12 and 15 as Seattle won four straight games to get to 10-6 and secure a wild-card spot. He is smallish at 5-10 and 190 pounds and more quick than fast, but Baldwin plays angry. He is a fierce competitor.

CHICAGO BEARS GRADE } 4.15

Jeffery is as good at making contested catches as any receiver in the NFL. He’s also become very accomplished at the back shoulder catch. He’s 6-3 and 215 pounds, and though he is not particularly fast, he plays with great body position and is an excellent leaper and after-the-catch producer. There were some concerns Jeffery would slip when Brandon Marshall was sent packing and Marshall’s double-teams shifted to him, but Jeffery played well enough to earn a franchise tag this year. He just has to prove he can stay healthy to cash in on a long-term deal.

ALLEN ROBINSON

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS GRADE } 4.10

After a rookie campaign in which he had just 48-548-2 receiving while Blake Bortles was trying to shed his training wheels, Robinson exploded in 2015 for 80 catches for 1,400 yards, a 17.5-yard average and 14 TDs. Even at 6-3 and 215 pounds, Robinson is an incredible leaper who can jump right out of the stadium, and he’s a long strider with extremely deceptive speed.

13 MIKE EVANS

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GRADE } 4.05

Like Robinson, Evans is another third-year player, but unlike the league’s other “big” receivers, Evans is jumbo at 6-5 and 230 pounds. He was Johnny Football’s favorite target at Texas A&M, and after a rookie campaign that netted 12 TDs, he grabbed 74 passes for 1,204 yards and a 16.3 average. Evans dropped off to three TDs in his first year paired with Jameis Winston.

14 JEREMY MACLIN

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE } 4.05

Jeremy Maclin had his best season as a pro in a contract year with the Eagles in 2014 with 85-1,318-10. He is one of those rare guys who was every bit as good after getting paid, catching 87-1,088-8 in his first year after signing a free-agent deal with the Chiefs. Andy Reid was his coach in Philadelphia and brought him to Kansas City because he knows exactly how to get the best out of him, particularly when Jamaal Charles is there to distract the defense.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GRADE } 4.00

t t TIGHT ENDS

1 ROB GRONKOWSKI

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.70

The question isn’t whether Gronk is the best tight end in the game today, it’s is he the best ever? Gronkowski is 6-6 and 265 pounds, runs a sub-4.65 40-yard dash and has hands the size of snowshoes. He is uncoverable and is that rare athlete who can take over an NFL game all by himself. Oh, and he just turned 26 in May. Gronkowski rarely gets credit for it, but the guy is 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, and he might just take another big step forward again this year with Martellus Bennett added on the other side of the line.

2 GREG OLSEN

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.30

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. Although it’s certainly not a strength, Olsen is a willing blocker, a great guy to have in your huddle and locker room, and he is clearly the second-best pass catching tight end in the game behind Gronk in an era when Gronk is the only truly great receiver and blocker.

3 JASON WITTEN DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.15

Witten still is probably the most complete tight end in the game after Gronk. But he’s 34 and heading into his 14th season, and 2015 was a lost campaign with the Cowboys’ quarterback woes. Witten, Gronk and Graham all are almost identical

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Rob Gronkowski

in size, but although Witten is not the athlete the other two are, he’s a much better blocker, arguably the best in-line blocking tight end in the league. Witten might very well be ticketed for Canton, but it’s unclear how much he has left on the field.

4 JIMMY GRAHAM

age of 31 with a 94-1,088-6 receiving season to lead Tennessee with almost three times as many catches, yards and TDs as any other receiver. He is a very strange body-type for the position at just 6-0, 248 pounds, but he’s tough as nails and will block.

6 TYLER EIFERT

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.15

GRADE } 3.80

Graham followed a contentious contract negotiation in 2014 with a season hampered by nagging injuries and a league-high eight drops for tight ends. It caused the Saints to trade him to Seattle for Pro Bowl center Max Unger, and Graham struggled there as well with just 48605-2 receiving through 11 games before going down with another injury, this one season-ending. At 6-6 and 260 pounds, Graham is almost Gronk’s equal as a receiver, not quite as strong but perhaps a hair quicker. He also catches pretty much anything he gets his hands on. What he is not is a good blocker. The Seattle offense, clearly out of whack with him on the field, took off a bit after he went down.

DELANIE WALKER

TENNESSEE TITANS

GRADE } 3.85

Walker is one of the best-kept secrets in the NFL. After seven seasons backing up Vernon Davis and others in San Francisco, Walker went to Tennessee as a free agent in 2013. He had nice 60- and 63-catch seasons before breaking out in 2015 at the

Scouts have predicted greatness for Eifert since the Bengals drafted him in the first round out of Notre Dame in 2013, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. In 2015, he was healthy enough to play in 13 games and became one of the best red-zone threats in the league with 13 TD catches on just 52 receptions. At 6-6 and 250, Eifert competes for the ball and runs routes more like a wideout than a tight end. He is an average blocker, and you almost wonder at times if the Bengals would prefer he avoided contact because he might just rival Graham as a pass catcher if he could stay healthy.

MARTELLUS BENNETT

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

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 260 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

Joe Thomas

active as a receiver. The issue with Bennett is he’s a bit of a flake, to say the least, and that’s why the Bears shipped him to New England. He’ll be fascinating to watch this year as it’s the first time the Pats opponents have had this much of a distraction across from Gronk since before Aaron Hernandez went to prison.

8 TRAVIS KELCE

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 3.75

The comparison for Kelce would be Witten, as he also grades out as one of the NFL’s best blocking tight ends. He is 6-5 and 260 pounds, with better than average speed for a big man, and he has great hands. His brother Jason is the Eagles center, and Kelce has clearly become Alex Smith’s security blanket, his second-favorite target after Jeremy Maclin.

ZACH ERTZ

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

10 JORDAN REED WASHINGTON GRADE } 3.65

Jordan Reed could be special as a receiver some day, but he has to stay on the football field. In three seasons, he has managed just nine, 11 and 14 games due to injuries, but he did grab 87-952-11 in those 14 games in 2015. He is just 6-2 and 237 and was a receiver in college at Florida, so he will never be a traditional two-way tight end, but he runs extremely well, creates mismatches with linebackers trying to cover him and is capable of taking over a game as he did against Tampa in Week Five last year with 11 catches and two TDs.

t t OFFENSIVE TACKLES

1 JOE THOMAS

GRADE } 3.70

CLEVELAND BROWNS

2015 was a tough year for the Eagles, but one of the few bright spots was Ertz, who broke through as a pass catcher. He is practically the same player as Eifert but a product of Stanford, which is becoming “Tight End U” in much the same way Penn St. was “Linebacker U” for so many years. Ertz is also 6-6 and 250, and if you’re into fantasy football, he is someone you should keep an eye on. Philly is particularly light at wide receiver, and Ertz was one of Sam Bradford’s favorite targets

In nine seasons in the league, Thomas has been to nine Pro Bowls, been first-team All Pro six times and second team twice more. He has played every Cleveland Browns offensive snap since they drafted him in the first round out of Wisconsin in 2007, the longest active consecutive snaps played streak in the NFL. Thomas is 6-7 and 315 pounds and checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a standout left tackle. He is a hair less athletic than the Cowboys Tyron

GRADE } 4.50

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Player ratings Smith but is more physical and is the best tactician in the league.

TYRON SMITH

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.30

Smith would appear to be the future as well as the present among NFL left tackles. As he enters his sixth season, he has already been to three Pro Bowls, has been first-team All-Pro once and second team twice, and he won’t turn 26 until December. All that keeps him from being a perennial All Pro is Thomas. He is 6-5 and 320 and combines excellent athletic ability with unusual natural strength. Smith is an amazing athlete for a man his size, and although he took another step forward in 2015, he still hasn’t touched his ceiling.

3 ANDREW WHITWORTH CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.15

Whitworth is the most underrated tackle in the league. He was plagued by inconsistency early in his career but is coming off back-toback phenomenal seasons in which he’s twice been near the league lead with the fewest QB hurries, hits and sacks allowed of any tackle with more than a thousand snaps. Whitworth has outstanding size at 6-7 and 330 pounds, but he can play a bit stiff at times and is not the most athletic big man around. He signed a one-year contract extension last season, keeping him a Bengal through 2016. It will be interesting to see what happens as he turns 34 this year.

4 DUANE BROWN HOUSTON TEXANS

GRADE } 4.05

Brown is as sound technically as any offensive lineman in the league. He overcomes his lack of great size – he is 6-4 and 305 pounds – with excellent technique. He is never caught holding and yet is one of the best pass protectors in the game. He is also as durable as they come, starting all 16 games in five of his eight seasons in the league and starting 12, 14 and 14 the other three years. He’s been to the Pro Bowl three of the past four seasons and has been All-Pro twice.

5 JOE STALEY

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.00

Staley has slipped a hair the past two seasons, accumulating a few more penalties than usual and occasionally struggling in pass protec-

tion as the talent around him in San Francisco diminished greatly. But he went to four straight Pro Bowls from 2011-2014, 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, and he does a great job of getting to the second level.

TRENT WILLIAMS

WASHINGTON

GRADE } 4.00

Williams is massive. He is really built more like a right tackle than a left tackle at 6-5 and 337. He has been to three Pro Bowls. 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 despite almost always being solid in pass protection. Williams struggled a bit in 2014, but Washington rewarded him with a five-year, $66 million contract extension in August 2015. It appeared to allow him to relax and concentrate as he was much more consistent than the prior season.

7 NATE SOLDER

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.00

Solder has quietly become one of the best left tackles in the game since the Patriots drafted him in the first round out of Colorado in 2011. He is also one of the biggest at 6-8 and 325 pounds, and had been one of the game’s most durable, starting 68 straight games, every one since his rookie year until going down for the season in Week Four of the 2015 season against the Cowboys. Solder is outstanding in pass protection and, although not overwhelming physicaly, he does a great job playing angles and leverage in the run-blocking game.

JARED VELDEER

ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 3.95

Front-office folks around the league were a bit stunned when the Raiders allowed Veldheer to get away to the Cardinals in 2014 via free agency. He has developed into the anchor of the Cards’ O-line, locking down the left side from the tackle spot since he arrived. He is another one in the line of taller, rangier tackles at 6-8 and 322, and he has started every game since arriving in Arizona, helping the Cards to a 24-8 record over that span.

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9 RYAN CLADY NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 3.95

From 2009-2012, 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 in 2014 and was once again voted to the Pro Bowl, but that was more on reputation than his play. In May 2015, Clady tore his ACL, causing him to miss all of last season. Even though he won’t hit 30 until this September, the Broncos decided it was time to move on and traded him to the New York Jets after the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson. When healthy, Clady is a rare athlete for a man 6-6, 315 pounds, and he will be surrounded by plenty of talent on the Jets front line.

10 RUSSELL OKUNG DENVER BRONCOS GRADE } 3.80

Okung was supposed to be the next Walter Jones in Seattle when the Seahawks drafted him with the sixth overall pick in 2010. He did make it to one Pro Bowl in 2012, and he helped lead them to a Super Bowl win in 2013. But he’s struggled with a number of different injuries and played all 16 games just once, in his rookie year, and he played hurt the last 10 games of that season. Okung has ideal size at 6-5 and 310 pounds. He has long arms and is an excellent athlete. Hopefully, he’ll be able to stay healthier in Denver.

t t

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

1 MARSHAL YANDA BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 4.20

Yanda is smallish by today’s NFL guard standards at 6-3 and 308, but he is a devastating run blocker. He’s been named to the past five Pro Bowls and was First-Team All-Pro for the second year in a row in 2015. The Ravens’ offense spins around the inside run game a good deal of the time. Yanda leads the way with his great natural strength. He also is extremely effective in pass protection, playing with outstanding technique.

2 DAVID DeCASTRO

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.15

DeCastro was one of the highest-rated guards in decades coming out of college when he left Stanford three years ago. He 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. At 6-5 and 310 pounds, he’s a mauler inside who gets to the second level well.

3 JOSH SITTON

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.15

Josh Sitton is the best pass-protecting guard in the NFL. At 6-4 and 320 pounds, he is athletic enough to pull and get to the second level and is more than sturdy enough to take on bigger tackles trying to collapse the pocket. Sitton also plays with great leverage. In matchups where the low man almost always wins, Sitton almost always gets the lowest. Since moving into the starting lineup in Green Bay in 2009, he has missed just two starts (2011). At 30 years old, he could remain at or near the top of this list for several years to come.

4 ZACK MARTIN

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.15

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 guard obviously suits him though, as he is a two-time All Pro and twotime Pro Bowler in two years in the league. 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. Honestly, the entire Cowboy offensive line failed to play up to its press clippings in 2015, but you can still look for Martin to climb higher on this list the next few seasons.

5 KELECHI OSEMELE OAKLAND RAIDERS

GRADE } 4.10

Osemele had a huge breakout season for the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 when he was one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. He parlayed it into a $58.5 million free-agent deal with the Oakland Raiders. At 6-5 and 333 pounds, Osemele can dominate at guard or tackle, but it is assumed for now he will be a guard with the Raiders. This is a player Ozzie Newsome hated to lose in Baltimore, but with Yanda already there and a huge contract with Eugene Monroe, he could only spend so much on the offensive line. The Raiders swooped in to grab the best offensive lineman available in free agency.

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Marshall Yanda

6 TRAI TURNER

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.05

Turner became a Pro Bowler in just his second NFL season. He was a huge reason for the dramatic improvement in the Panthers offense. He is 6-3 and 320 pounds and will turn 23 heading into his third NFL season. Along with All-Pro Ryan Kalil at center and Andrew Norwell at the other guard, Turner has made the interior of the Carolina offensive line almost impenetrable.

7 KYLE LONG

CHICAGO BEARS

fering 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. He was again one of the top run blockers in 2014, but whether it was due to the leg or just an off season, he struggled in pass protection. After playing his entire career in San Francisco, Iupati, who just turned 29 in May, got $40 million to go to the Cardinals as a free agent in 2015. He was voted to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl following the 2015 season.

9 EVAN MATHIS

GRADE } 4.05

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Long would be much higher on this list had he not lost a year of development in 2015, when the Bears moved him to right tackle on the Monday before the opening game of the season. Long has rare athleticism for a man his size and great feet, but he also has unusual brute strength to stay inside. He is such a natural that he actually went to his third straight Pro Bowl in three years in the league as a tackle last year, although he probably didn’t play that well. As good as he is, Long is still just learning the position. The question hanging over him now is, will the Bears leave him at right guard to reach his potential or will they move him to left tackle?

GRADE } 4.00

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 one of the best run-blocking offensive linemen in football and his pass protection is more than adequate. Chip Kelly released him prior to the 2015 season, allowing him to go to Denver and win a Super Bowl. Mathis will turn 35 in November. He was signed by Arizona for the 2016 campaign and is still one of the top guards in the league.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS GRADE } 3.90

MIKE IUPATI

ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.00

Iupati was one of the top two or three guards in the league until suf-

10 ALEX BOONE

Boone has been involved in contract squabbles with the 49ers the past couple of seasons due mainly

Ryan Kalil

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. He finally got paid this spring, moving on to the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. Salary issues never 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. He will occasionally struggle to keep his pads down against shorter fireplug-type tackles.

t t CENTERS

1 RYAN KALIL

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.20

Ryan Kalil 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 struggled to regain his stride in pass protection until the start of last season. He is a bit shorter than a lot of centers at 6-2, but he packs 300 pounds on a very powerful frame and is as technique-sound

as any player in the game.

2 ALEX MACK

ATLANTA FALCONS

GRADE } 4.10

Alex Mack started 80 straight games for the Cleveland Browns after being drafted out of California in 2009, missed all but five games of the 2014 season, but then returned to start all 16 games in 2015 and get voted to his third Pro Bowl. Long unhappy in Cleveland more over the failures of the team on the field than money, Mack exercised an opt-out in his contract this offseason and signed a five-year, $45 million deal to join the Atlanta Falcons. Mack has perfect size for center at 6-4 and 310 pounds. He is a student of the game who makes all the line calls and can instantly improve an entire offensive line.

3 MAURKICE POUNCEY PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.10

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 games in 2011 and another game in 2012 with nagging leg injuries. 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 and 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 in 2014 but then suffered a broken leg in the preseason and

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Player ratings missed all of 2015.

4 NICK MANGOLD NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.05

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. He suffered his one “off” season in 2013, dropping out of our top 10, before having a huge comeback season in 2014 to once again grade out as one of the best centers in the league. He has ideal size for the position at 6-4 and 299 pounds and like most centers is stronger run-blocking, but he is arguably the best pass-protecting center in the game.

MAX UNGER

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

GRADE } 4.00

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 significant time in 2014 due to knee and ankle injuries. The injuries have a lot to do with why the Seahawks were wiling to package him with their first-round draft choice prior to the 2015 season to acquire Jimmy Graham from New Orleans. 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. He had a nice comeback season in 2015.

t t DEFENSIVE ENDS

1 J.J. WATT

HOUSTON TEXANS

GRADE } 4.80

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 pounds, he is a freak of an athlete who 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. Oh, and he just turned 27 in February.

MUHAMMAD WILKERSON

NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.60

Wilkerson is still just reaching his prime, turning 27 in August as he

enters his sixth NFL season. He was the best pure five-technique in the league in 2015. At 6-4, 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. Wilkerson is currently playing under a franchise tag, and Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams aren’t that far behind Wilkerson in terms of their contracts being up. The other two are actually younger.

3 KHALIL MACK

OAKLAND RAIDERS

GRADE } 4.50

The Raiders list Mack as an end in their 4-3 base defense, but at 6-3, 250, he is really one of the best natural pass rushers in the NFL regardless where you line him up. He was a linebacker in college and as a rookie with Oakland, but he really came on rushing the passer from the left end spot in the second half of 2015. Mack finished the season with 15 sacks. Having played the “Mike” linebacker in the past, he is an adept run stuffer and tackler, but teams will try and run right at him at end with a 300-plus pound offensive tackle in his face.

CALAIS CAMPBELL

ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.35

Campbell is not a household name 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, 282 pounds, he’s one of the biggest players in the NFL. 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.

SHELDON RICHARDSON

NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.30

Richardson is a smaller version of Watt. At 6-3, 294 pounds, he has became one of the best five-techniques in the league even though he is entering just his fourth season and won’t turn 26 until the end of November. 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

26 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

any end playing today.

6 DeMARCUS WARE DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.15

Ware is another exceptional athlete who sticks out wherever he lines up, whether it’s as an end in a 40 front or standing up as an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme. He is a fierce, natural pass rusher and plays the run better than he gets credit for. He will turn 34 in training camp this year and, entering his 11th season, Ware has lost at least ¼ of a step, but he is still capable of taking over games in short stretches. He did so throughout last season’s playoffs and Super Bowl. He still demands occasional double-teams.

7 ROBERT QUINN

LOS ANGELES RAMS

GRADE } 4.10

Quinn had a breakout season in 2013 with 19 QB sacks. He appeared to emerge as the top 4-3 end in the league, but he took a step back in 2014, struggling to make plays the first half of the year. 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. Quinn missed half of 2015 when he was placed on I.R. after undergoing back surgery. At 6-4, 265 pounds, Quinn is a natural pass rusher. Having just turned 26 in May, it’s likely his best seasons are still in front of him.

8 CHANDLER JONES ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.00

Jones is a great natural pass rusher with thoroughbred bloodlines – including his brothers Arthur, who is also an NFL end with Indianapolis, and John, the former UFC World Champ. He was dealt to the Cardinals this offseason for Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick, which is a steep price to pay by NFL standards. At 6-5, 260 pounds, Jones is built to be an end in a 40 front but probably will line up as an outside pass-rushing linebacker for Arizona. Jones totaled 36 sacks in four seasons with the Patriots.

9 MICHAEL BENNETT SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.00

Since Super Bowl XLVIII, Bennett has been the most disruptive player on one of the NFL’s best defenses and almost unblockable when he’s motivated. Bennett is equally effec-

tive playing the run and rushing the passer, but he is a bit of a flake off the field, and at times on it. He takes more than his share of dumb penalties. His 14 total flags in 2014 were the most of any defensive lineman in the game.

10 JASON PIERRE-PAUL NEW YORK GIANTS GRADE } 3.90

J.P.P. had an MVP-type year in the Giants’ 2011 Super Bowl season. He then 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. 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. His fluke fireworks accident, which severely damaged his right hand following the season, cost him the first half of 2015. He was extremely disruptive at times the second half of last season, but was unable to grip with the injured hand and couldn’t wrap up on tackles. Pierre-Paul is insisting another offseason surgery has worked out very well, that the hand won’t be “clubbed” this season, and that he can and will return to his prior form.

11MARIO WILLIAMS MIAMI DOLPHINS GRADE } 3.90

Williams is 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 when focused. Even though he will be playing his 11th season this year with Miami after flaming out in Buffalo and feuding with Rex Ryan last year, he just turned 31 in January. He should also benefit from having Cameron Wake on the other end.

12 CAMERON WAKE MIAMI DOLPHINS GRADE } 3.85

Wake is significantly smaller than any of our top five at just 6-2, 241 pounds. He’s 34 years old even though this will be just his eighth year in the league. As a pure pass rusher, however, 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. But he’s a four-time Pro Bowler with 70 career sacks and 16 forced

P L AY E R

RATINGS

J.J. Watt

fumbles. Wake did miss the final nine games of 2015 with an Achilles injury, but notched seven sacks in the first seven games before getting hurt.

t t

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1 AARON DONALD ST. LOUIS RAMS

of scrimmage as any interior defender in the game. Short collapses the pocket as well as any tackle we’ve seen in years, and is that rare player who can be a dominant pass rusher from the inside. He also benefits from not having to beat too many double-teams because, with Star Lotulelei next him, the Carolina front is a classic case of pick your poison.

3 NDAMUKONG SUH

GRADE } 4.60

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Donald emerged in 2015 as the most disruptive interior defensive lineman in the NFL and may still have another trick or two in his book before he reaches his ceiling. When Robert Quinn is healthy and with Michael Brockers, Nick Fairley and William Hayes around him, it is often impossible to double-team him. Donald is lightning quick and has a nose for the ball. Even at just under 6-1 and 285 pounds, he is remarkably powerful for his size. Donald will hold the point of attack versus the run and chases ball carriers down from behind with the best of them. For such a truly under-sized tackle, it is really hard to find a weakness in his game.

GRADE } 4.40

2 KAWANN SHORT

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.55

While the Carolina defense doesn’t call for a prototypical three-technique, Short is perfect for the position and a monster inside for the Panthers. At 6-3, 315 pounds, he can take on any blocker, beat double teams and is as explosive off the line

Suh can be the second most dominant defensive player in the NFL behind J.J. Watt when he chooses to be. At 6-4, 307 pounds, Suh is a great athlete with outstanding natural strength and power and a non-stop motor ... again, when he has it running. It is difficult to find plays on tape where Suh isn’t playing to and through the whistle when he’s focused. 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. In spite of his questionable behavior on the field at times, he is a model citizen off it. But Suh needs to fully commit to the Dolphins the way he did earlier in his career with the Lions.

GENO ATKINS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

GRADE } 4.20

Atkins was once again one of the the best three-techniques in the league in 2015 after tearing his ACL

Aaron Donald

in Week Nine of the 2013 season and spending a good part of 2014 playing his way back to the top. Atkins will be entering his seventh season this year, he just turned 28 in March, and he should have plenty left in the tank. He was born to play the three-technique, and having Domata Peko, Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson around him makes him very difficult to double team. While a number of three-techniques are great at splitting a gap and creating pressure, Atkins is one of the best finishers, piling up 11 sacks in 2015 and 43 in six seasons

5 GERALD McCOY

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

GRADE } 4.20

McCoy may be the last of the great three-techniques. With more 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 as well as 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.

FLETCHER COX

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

GRADE } 4.15

At 6-4, 300 pounds, Cox can play either tackle spot for the Eagles, and he’s emerged as the dominant player on the Philly “D.” He was the

12th pick in the 2012 draft. After investing their first-round pick in him, the Eagles needed to let him mature a bit, but he had a breakout season in 2014. Cox came into his own as a sack artist in 2015, notching 9½ sacks after totaling 12½ in his first three seasons. He’s proved extremely durable, missing just two games in four seasons.

7 LINVAL JOSEPH

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 4.15

Joseph is one of the best-kept secrets in the league among fans and media, but his fellow players know him as one of the dominant interior defenders in the game. He is massive at 6-4, 330 pounds, and came to the Vikings as an unrestricted free agent in 2014 after playing his first four seasons with the Giants. Joseph is a traditional nose or anchor tackle in a 40 front but could easily play zero technique in a 3-4 scheme as well. Few players can anchor and absorb double-teams the way Joseph does, making him the key to the Vikings run defense with his ability to fill the middle of the field.

8 MARCELL DAREUS BUFFALO BILLS

GRADE } 4.05

Dareus is 6-3, 320 pounds, strong as an ox and more than capable of playing a two-gap scheme or penetrating when asked to. He can easily handle the zero technique in a 30 front but is probably better suited for the anchor or nose tackle spot

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Player ratings in a 4-3 scheme. The Bills have been known to go back and forth. Dareus is not the pass rusher Donald and Atkins are, but he is one of the best run-stuffing tackles in the NFL.

DAMON HARRISON

NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.05

Harrison was the third gem in the Jets three-diamond 30 front and certainly the biggest surprise before the Giants made him a wealthy man in free agency this past offseason, signing him to play the anchor tackle in their 4-3 scheme. Harrison was a surprise because he was an undrafted rookie free agent out of William Penn University. But at 6-4, 350 pounds, he has become one of the most immovable objects in the NFL. While Harrison has been exclusively a zero-technique in the NFL to date. he should have no trouble adjusting to the Giants scheme.

10 DONTARI POE

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS GRADE } 4.00

Poe was taken with the pick in front of Fletcher Cox in the 2012 draft and is a bit of an acquired taste, as some decry his lack of stats in the run game. But at 6-3, 345 pounds, his job on the nose in the Chiefs 3-4 is to occupy space and blockers while Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson run free. Poe does an excellent job at that. He also boasts 11½ sacks over the past three seasons, a nice number for a nose tackle.

11KYLE WILLIAMS BUFFALO BILLS GRADE } 3.85

Williams has been one of the best kept 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 has been the Bills three-technique at 6-1, 295 pounds, but has also played some five-technique in the past when the Bills have been in a 3-4 scheme. He will be 33 this year, coming off knee surgery and entering his 11th season, but he’s a high-motor guy who makes a difference when he’s on the field.

t t INSIDE LINEBACKERS

1 LUKE KUECHLY

CAROLINA PANTHERS

GRADE } 4.55

Kuechly is an easy pick as the best inside linebacker in the game today.

He’s a tackling machine who’s been first in the NFL in total stops twice in four seasons and already has his first Defensive MVP. Kuechly is the master of the big play, making the big stop or coming up with a takeaway whenever the Panthers need it the most, and he is that rare three-down player who plays the pass as well as the run, with 36 passes defensed, 11 interceptions and seven QB sacks.

BOBBY WAGNER

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.20

Wagner is undersized at 6-0, 240 pounds and underrated by almost everyone but his Seahawks coaches and teammates. Wagner missed five games in 2014 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, and along with Earl Thomas is clearly the leader of the Seattle ‘D’, even with the presence of Richard Sherman.

3 DERRICK JOHNSON KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.20

On the heels of three straight Pro Bowls between 2011 and 2013, Johnson had missed just one game in four seasons when he ruptured his Achilles in the first week of the season last year, ending his 2014 campaign. But he is another rare three-downplayer at inside linebacker who can stuff the run, rush the passer or drop into coverage. Even though he turned 33 last November, he immediately returned to his Pro Bowl form in 2015. He is perfectly built for the position at 6-3, 240 pounds, and should be a difference-maker again this year.

JERRELL FREEMAN

CHICAGO BEARS

GRADE } 4.00

Freeman is not quite as well known as our top three because he spent 2009-2011 in the CFL after failing to make the Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Mary Hardin-Baylor College in 2008. But Ryan Grigson made Freeman the first player he signed after taking over as the general manager in Indianapolis in 2012, and Freeman quickly became the heart of the Colts’ defense. He is a bit undersized at 6-0, 240 pounds, but Freeman has great speed and quickness and is a threedown linebacker who makes plays all

28 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

over the football field.

5 NaVORRO BOWMAN SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.00

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 title game in Seattle. Bowman missed all of the 2014 season rehabbing his knee, but returned to the starting lineup for the 49ers in 2015 and appeared to get better each week. Before the injury he was as athletic and instinctive as any player in the game. At 6-0, 242 pounds, Bowman is a great inside blitzer while ranging from sideline to sideline in the run game.

6 LAWRENCE TIMMONS PITTSBURGH STEELERS

GRADE } 4.00

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 in 2014. 2015 was another big season for Timmons as he totaled five QB sacks and five tackles for loss. He’s a bit undersized at 6-1, 234 pounds, but he plays with great quickness and packs a huge wallop.

7 C.J. MOSLEY

BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 3.95

At 6-2, 235 pounds, Mosley is the prototypical three-down inside linebacker capable of playing in either a 3-4 or 4-3. As a consensus All-American out of Alabama, Mosley surprisingly slipped to the 17th pick of the first round of the draft and responded by going to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. In just two seasons, Mosley has already piled up seven QB sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one touchdown. He is a playmaking difference-maker and the heir apparent to the legacies of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

8 DANNY TREVATHAN CHICAGO BEARS

GRADE } 3.90

The NFL is rife with slightly undersized, playmaking inside linebackers right now who rely more on their speed and quickness than strength and power. Trevathan is one of the best of them. Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Broncos, Trevathan

joined the Bears as an unrestricted free agent this past offseason as Chicago’s hand-picked player to build the defense around. He won’t turn 27 until next March. Trevathan is 6-1, 240 pounds, and the Bears’ plans are for him to never come off the field when the team is on defense.

9 WESLEY WOODYARD TENNESSEE TITANS

GRADE } 3.85

Woodyard was Trevathan’s running mate in Denver when they got beat by the Seahawks in the Super Bowl in 2013. He left immediately after that Super Bowl to go to Tennessee as a free agent. Woodyard is even smaller at just 6-0, 235, but he makes plays all over the football field relying on his great quickness and instincts. He is an excellent inside blitzer and notched his second five-plus sack season in 2015 with the Titans.

10 BRANDON MARSHALL DENVER BRONCOS GRADE } 3.85

Completing the Broncos’ trio of homegrown inside linebackers, Marshall is the only one still in Denver. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft by Jacksonville and then signed as a free agent by the Broncos in 2013. Marshall cracked the starting lineup in 2014 when Woodyard left, and finished second to Trevathan on the team last year in tackles. Marshall is the thickest of the three at 6-1, 250 pounds, and while all three play the run well, he may be the biggest hitter and best overall athlete.

t t OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

1 VON MILLER

DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.60

Miller was a one-trick pony early in his career who made an occasional play in run defense but was really a pass-rushing specialist who’s been a difference-maker off the edge in both a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme. In 2015, he arrived in full. While his specialty is still mauling quarterbacks, Miller is now one of the top playmakers in the game – the big-play guy exactly when you need him. Miller appears to have chased away some demons that haunted him early in his career and seems to have matured off the field as well. When he’s healthy, in shape

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Luke Kuechly

and focused, few players will track down the quarterback as well or as often as he does.

2 JAMIE COLLINS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

games of 2015 with a bad knee. It is unclear when or if he’ll be ready this year. But when he is ready, he’s as good as they come.

4 THOMAS DAVIS

GRADE } 4.40

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Collins is so versatile and such a great athlete that he’s actually hard to pigeonhole as an inside or outside linebacker, having played both in his three seasons in the league. By the time the playoffs arrived last season, Collins had become the Patriots’ most important defender, finishing the season with 5½ sacks, one interception, six passes defensed, five fumbles forced, a fumble recovered, one TD and a blocked kick despite missing four games. Like Kuechly, he is a rare 60-minute linebacker. Collins and Dont’a Hightower might give the Pats the best pair of bookend OLBs in the league.

GRADE } 4.25

3 JUSTIN HOUSTON KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Von Miller

leading the Packers’ defense. He has been a bit brittle in recent seasons, and the Packers hope to bolster the inside linebacker position enough to keep Matthews in his natural outside spot this year.

be inside and who will be outside. But Hightower is an outstanding football player and just turned 26 in March.

6 ALDON SMITH

GRADE } 4.10

Davis was the Walter Payton Man of the Year in the NFL in 2014 and also one of the greatest comeback stories ever, having overcome 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. Davis turned 33 in March but is coming off a huge 2015 in which he had 5½ sacks, seven passes defensed, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. He shows no signs of slowing down.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

CLAY MATTHEWS

GRADE } 4.30

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Some will argue that Houston is strictly a pass rusher as opposed to a complete linebacker, but that actually is 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, Houston had the second-best season ever with 22 QB sacks in 2014. With the way the position is played in the NFL today, that by itself is enough to make him top three on this list right now. Houston won’t turn 28 until next January, but he missed the last five

GRADE } 4.25

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. He made a huge impact from there for the Packers as well, and then played inside and outside last year. 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

GRADE } 4.25

Smith is another pass-rushing 3-4 edge rusher who has added value because he also is extremely adept at rushing the passer with a hand on the ground in nickel packages and hybrid schemes. Smith can make an impact from a number of different places on the field. He is unique in that way. If he could ever overcome his demons off the field, he can challenge Miller, Collins and the others for the top spot on this list. The Raiders seem willing to give him that chance.

7 DONT’A HIGHTOWER GRADE } 4.20

Hightower plays the game running downhill. He is the master of the big hit in the hole on running plays while also being extremely effective rushing the passer. It is unusual at the least to find any ’backer with eight QB sacks, 17 QB hurries and nine more QB hits as Hightower had in 2014. He followed that with 3½ more sacks last season, even though he missed four games with injuries. As is the case with Collins, it is difficult to know when the Pats will be in a 4-3 or 3-4 and who will

8 ANTHONY BARR

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Barr is still just learning how to play the position after the Vikings took him as the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft out of UCLA, where he was a running back before switching to defense his sophomore year. At 6-5, 255 pounds, Barr has outstanding size to go with his remarkable athleticism. He appeared to be figuring things out until nagging injuries slowed him late in the 2015 season. Barr appears to be a natural pass rusher but is capable of dropping into coverage and running with any tight end and most running backs. He plays the run excellently for someone so inexperienced on this side of the ball. Barr just turned 24 in March.

9 SEAN LEE

DALLAS COWBOYS

GRADE } 4.10

Lee would be top five at worst if he could just stay healthy and on the field. He has played both inside and outside extremely well and again led the Cowboys in tackles last year, despite missing two games with a concussion. In five seasons in the league, Lee has never played 16 games. He’s totaled just 31 games over the past three seasons. But when he’s on the field, he is a three- down linebacker with enough size at 6-2, 240 and out-

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Player ratings standing range.

and appears to have matured a bit.

10 VONTAZE BURFICT CINCINNATI BENGALS GRADE } 4.05

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Burfict is a great football player, but he is also his own worst enemy. He went from one of the top linebackers in the country to an undrafted rookie free agent by the Bengals in 2012, due in part to a poor Pro Day, but moreso to character questions and an inability to control his mouth. Once he got to play, though, the Bengals had an outstanding outside linebacker who can run and hit with the best of them. He became a tackling machine in Cincinnati, making it to the Pro Bowl in 2013. Since then, Burfict has continued to excel at times on the field, but he also has hurt his team as much as helped it, culminating in his meltdown in last year’s wild-card game against the Steelers that clearly cost the Bengals the game. He’s a very good football player, but is that enough?

Peterson did not have a great year in 2014, but he bounced back with a huge campaign in 2015 and was particularly impressive when the Cardinals lost Tyrann Mathieu. He is a special athlete with excellent size at 6-0, 218 pounds, and outstanding return ability and ball skills. He may struggle once in a while in coverage, but it is usually from being too aggressive on the ball and he can easily dial that back a bit. Peterson has proven he is capable of playing in Revis’ and Sherman’s league. He just turned 26 in February and should have another great season this year.

10 LAVONTE DAVID

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GRADE } 4.05

David is an undersized ‘Will’ linebacker in the Derrick Brooks-Lance Briggs image in the Bucs’ Tampa-2 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 24 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.

t t

C O R N E R B AC KS

1 RICHARD SHERMAN SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.50

The five or six top corners in the league took turns sliding up and down in 2015, but Sherman was the most consistent of the bunch. He gets downgraded by some for playing half the field and often having the other team’s second or third option on his side, but the flip side of that is Sherman takes away half the field every week. He can do it all when he’s allowed to in Seattle’s scheme and there are no holes in his game. He is one of the biggest corners in the game, much more physical than most of the other top corner guys

2 PATRICK PETERSON GRADE } 4.40

DARRELLE REVIS

NEW YORK JETS

GRADE } 4.35

Revis was still a force to be reckoned with in 2015, but there were moments – not often but they were there – when he seemed almost human. He recovered well from his 2012 ACL tear to play all 16 games in ’13 and ’14, but he did miss two games last year and limped through a couple more. Revis still managed five interceptions and recovered four fumbles, and when you want to take away one receiver, lock him down and take him out of the game, there is still no one better than Revis to get the job done. At 5-11, 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 making him a non-factor.

4 JASON VERRETT

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

GRADE } 4.25

Verrett is a bit of a throwback at just 5-10, 180 pounds. He wasn’t supposed to be as good as he is already. Verrett was the fourth corner off the board in the 2014 draft after Justin Gilbert, Kyle Fuller and one pick after Darqueze Dennard went to the Bengals. San Diego took him at 25. He played just six games as a rookie and missed two when he was banged up last year, but in the 14 games he was healthy for the Chargers in 2015, he was as sure a lock-down cover guy as there is in the league. Verrett can also jump out of the stadium, and is extremely acrobatic and athletic when playing off the ground.

JOSH NORMAN

WASHINGTON

GRADE } 4.20

No corner had a bigger payday this offseason than Norman and few had

30 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

as good or better seasons in 2015. Norman has good size at 6-0, 195 pounds, good but not great speed, excellent football intelligence and an attitude. His attitude can be both a blessing and a curse as no receiver scares him, but it is also part of what got him shipped out of Carolina to Washington via free agency. Norman was outstanding in 2015, but pedestrian at best over three seasons before that. He will be 29 in December. He is a big upgrade to the secondary in Washington, but several scouts we talked to want to see what he does without the Carolina front seven in front of him.

6 CHRIS HARRIS, JR. DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.15

Harris is smaller than Talib at 5-10, 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. The position is an embarrassment of riches for the Broncos. In addition to Harris and Talib, Bradley Roby had a breakout season in 2015 as well.

7 VONTAE DAVIS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 4.15

Davis emerged as a lock-down cover guy for the Colts in 2014 and backed it up with another strong campaign last season. 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. But Davis has been the Colts best player on defense since he got to Indianapolis and he just turned 28.

8 AQIB TALIB

DENVER BRONCOS

GRADE } 4.10

At 6-1 and 202 pounds, Talib is the kind of long corner that all teams covet, and he can be very physical while also playing tight man-to-man coverage. He is prone to concentration lapses that occasionally get him in trouble both on and off the field, however. He is challenged more than most top corners due to the emergence of Chris Harris, Jr. on the other side, and he seems to enjoy the challenge. The question on Talib is, with his big contract in the bank and a long list of off-the-field foibles and occasional concentration laps-

es, will he maintain his focus?

9 DARIUS SLAY DETRIOT LIONS

GRADE } 4.10

In a tough season for the Lions, Slay was a revelation at cornerback, locking down the strong side of the Detroit defense for a good chunk of the season. Slay was drafted by Detroit high in the second round in 2013 and became a starter in 2014, but he really arrived last year. Another “bigger” corner at 6-0, 195, he excelled in zone and man-to-man coverage, isn’t afraid to come up and get physical, and doesn’t appear to fear any receiver.

10 SEAN SMITH

OAKLAND RAIDERS GRADE } 4.10

Of all the top “big corners,” Smith is the biggest other than Sherman, He actually resembles the Seahawk 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 has benefited in the past from the Chiefs outstanding pass rush and has been able to play a little more aggressively, knowing he doesn’t have to stay in coverage as long. It will be interesting to see how that translates to Oakland.

11 MALCOLM BUTLER

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS GRADE } 4.00

It seems the little known Butler’s game-saving interception in Super Bowl XLIX against Russell Wilson was no fluke as he parlayed it into an outstanding 2015 season as the Patriots top cornerback. Butler has good but not great size for a cornerback at 5-11, 190 pounds. He has exceptional strength to re-route receivers and win on contested throws. He’s also shown great instincts and athleticism in man-to-man coverage and is still just learning the position entering his third season out of the University of West Alabama.

t t SAFETIES

1 EARL THOMAS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.40

Thomas is the standard by which all NFL safeties are measured today. He is great against the run and in coverage and while he is not particularly big at 5-10, 208 pounds, ball

P L AY E R

RATINGS

Richard Sherman

Earl Thomas

carriers must keep their heads on a swivel when venturing across the middle on him. What makes Thomas unique is he can play the run like an in-the-box safety, but he is also one of the top cover safeties in the game and almost never gets beat over the top. Thomas benefits from the tremendous size of his secondary mates 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.

pounds, but there are few safeties in the league with the coverage skills of Mathieu. Teams that think they can make a living running at him quickly discover their mistake. He is adept as a blitzer as well, but it is in coverage where Mathieu makes his living. He defensed 17 passes in 2015, when he was named to the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro. He tore his ACL Week 15 of last season, so his status for the beginning of 2016 is uncertain.

the-box safety but also drop into coverage against tight ends and bigger receivers. A former first-round pick out of Notre Dame, Smith is just 27 as he enters his fifth year in the league. He started every game in 2012 and 2014, but missed half of 2013 with a turf toe, had left hand surgery following the 2014 season, and missed three more games due to injury in 2015. If Smith can stay healthy, he will climb higher on this list.

2 ERIC BERRY

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

GRADE } 4.20

GRADE } 4.10

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

GRADE } 4.35

Berry is once again one of the top two or three safeties in the league. He’s also probably the best story as he made a successful return from missing the bulk of the 2014 season battling cancer to put on another AllPro performance. At 6-0, 211 pounds, 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. Players on the Chiefs and every other team in the league celebrated his triumphant return in 2015.

3 TYRANN MATHIEU ARIZONA CARDINALS

GRADE } 4.30

The “Honey Badger,” as Mathieu is known, is also a great story, having overcome serious family and off-thefield issues growing up and while he was at LSU to become a star in the NFL. He is undersized at 5-8, 185

DEVIN McCOURTY

ANTOINE BETHEA

The Patriots rarely spend big on free agents and often let their own leave if the price tag is high, but they rewarded McCourty with a five-year, $47.5 million deal that includes $28.5 million guaranteed prior to the 2015 season. 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 Bill Belichick let Darrelle Revis walk but not McCourty.

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 in 2014. Bethea suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week Seven of the 2015 season, ending his year. While he will be entering his 11th season in the league, he just turned 30 and should have plenty of football left in him. Bethea is similar in stature to Thomas although an inch taller, and while 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.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

HARRISON SMITH

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 4.15

Smith may have the biggest upside of any of the safeties in this group. With great size at 6-2, 214 pounds, he can play as a physical, in-

7 MALCOLM JENKINS GRADE } 4.00

Jenkins was the 14th overall pick in New Orleans in 2009 and played well there for a few years, but never really arrived until moving on to Philadelphia as a free agent in 2014. He

enjoyed a breakout season last year, his seventh in the league, leading the Eagles in tackles, tackles for loss, passes defensed and forced fumbles. He is a two-way safety who plays both the run and the pass well, but at 6-0, 204 pounds, he is more of a free safety than an in-the-box big hitter.

8 HA-HA CLINTON DIX GREEN BAY PACKERS

GRADE } 4.00

Clinton-Dix is another do-it-all safety who led the Packers in tackles last season, added three QB sacks, had two interceptions and forced a fumble. He has good size but is more rangy than big at 6-1, 208 pounds, and he rarely comes off the field. What is most impressive about Clinton-Dix and his teammate, Morgan Burnett, is the Packers have struggled up front and at inside linebacker, and yet both continue to be very impressive. It also is worth noting Clinton-Dix won’t even turn 24 until four days before Christmas.

9 PATRICK CHUNG

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 3.90

Chung spent four years with the Patriots out of college but was allowed to leave via free agency following an injury-plagued 2012 season. After a year away in Philadelphia, New England realized what it was missing and brought him back in 2014. Chung paired perfectly with McCourty, finishing second on the team in tackles to Jamie Collins and making more than his share of

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P L AY E R game-changing and game-saving plays down the stretch. Chung is a big hitter at 5-11, 215, and he is dependable if not exceptional in coverage. He is a savvy veteran who is capable of quarterbacking a secondary.

10 ERIC WEDDLE

BALTIMORE RAVENS GRADE } 3.85

Weddle is a tackling machine and was the emotional leader of the Chargers defense before an ugly divorce caused him to leave for Baltimore via free agency following the 2015 season. The Chargers fined Weddle for staying on the field at halftime of a game to watch a ceremony his daughter was participating in, and Weddle vowed never to play for San Diego again. He is far from the biggest safety in the game at 5-11, 200 pounds, but Weddle had started 80 straight games over five seasons for San Diego before missing three games last year. He is that rare, inthe-box safety who is equally at home playing the run and making big hits or covering in the passing game. He will be playing angry this year to send a message to his old team.

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

STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

GRADE } 4.20

Gostkowski has been the NFL’s best placekicker for some time now and 2015 was no exception. He led the league in scoring with 151 points, tied for second with the most field goals made with 33, and was one of only four kickers in the league to be perfect on extra point attempts (until the AFC title game, of course) hitting 52 of 52. Mason Crosby had the second most extra point attempts of the four kickers who were perfect, but had just 36. Gostkowski’s long of 57 was the fifth longest of the season.

2 ADAM VINATIERI INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

and he hit 40 of 44 extra points (two of the misses were actually blocked.) Seattle is not the easiest place to kick, with the field often wet from the regular rains out there, and Hauschka has been one of the NFL’s more dependable kickers for several seasons now.

JUSTIN TUCKER

BALTIMORE RAVENS

GRADE } 3.85

Tucker was seventh in the league in scoring last year with 128 points. He finished tied for second in field goals made with 33. Tucker’s accuracy was off a bit in 2015, hitting on 33 of 40 kicks, but he is a victim of his own great leg. In 2014. Tucker was 29 of 34 on field goal attempts and all five misses were outside of 50 yards, while he did hit four 50+ kicks. In 2015, six of his seven misses were outside of 50 yards, the only other miss was 40-plus and he again hit four outside of 50. Tucker is known as one of the best clutch kickers in the game as he has hit a number of game-ending winners for the Ravens.

5 JOSH BROWN

NEW YORK GIANTS

GRADE } 3.80

Brown was extremely accurate in 2015, hitting on 30 of 32 field goals and 44 of 45 extra points. That left Brown fifth in the league in scoring with 134 points, and he still has enough leg at 36 to hit all three of his attempts beyond 50 yards, including a long of 53.

6 ROBBIE GOULD CHICAGO BEARS

GRADE } 3.75

Gould came into the 2015 season the fourth most accurate kicker in the history of the game. He actually had a tough year for him, hitting 33 of 39 and missing two game-winners. But Gould was 28 of 29 on extra points with his only miss being blocked. He was eighth in scoring with 127 points. Gould hit a long of 55 and was seven of nine from beyond 50 yards.

t t

GRADE } 4.00

Vinatieri was once again one of the most accurate kickers in the league in 2015, hitting on 25 of 27 field goal attempts, and there’s still plenty of boom in the old man’s leg as he hit a long field goal of 55 yards. He hit 32 of 35 extra points. Vinatieri wasn’t as busy as usual, but you can’t fault the kicker for the failings of the offense. Is there any other kicker in the league you’d want to hit one game-winner?

3 STEVEN HAUSCHKA SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 3.90

Hauschka is another exceptionally accurate kicker. He made good last year on 29 of 32 field goal attempts

PUNTERS

JOHNNY HEKKER

LOS ANGELES 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 whom best changed the field position for his team. Hekker has become the dominant punter in the game, leading the league again this year in net average at 43.7. Hekker also led the league in gross average at 47.9, fair catches

32 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2015

RATINGS with 25, and finished first in punts inside the 20 with 41 while leaving just six touchbacks. The Rams did play their home games indoors, which is a big advantage for kickers.

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 was second to Hekker for best net average at 42.9. Koch is probably the better directional kicker as he was just ninth in gross average at 46.7. While he wasn’t close in kicks inside the 20 with just 29, he does all his kicking outside.

3 SAM MARTIN DETROIT LIONS

RETURNERS

1 TYLER LOCKETT

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

GRADE } 4.00

Lockett was the only player in the league to excel in both punt and kickoff returns in 2015, and the rookie figures to get better with a little more experience. He was just 10th in punt return average at 9.5, but he was the second busiest in the league with 40 returns and 21 fair catches. He had a long of 66 and one touchdown return. Lockett also brought a kickoff back 105 yards for a touchdown and finished eighth in kickoff return average at 25.8

2 DARREN SPROLES

GRADE } 3.75

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Martin is another indoor kicker who was fourth in net average at 42.0 and solid in situational kicking with 25 inside the 20 and only three touchbacks. Martin had a long of 66 and kicked the ball out of bounds only four times.

GRADE } 3.80

4 PAT McAFEE

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

GRADE } 3.75

McAfee is one of the game’s great characters and one of its best punters. He was fifth last year in net average at 41.7, and second in gross average at 47.7, just .2 yards per punt behind Hekker. McAfee’s net average is also skewed by the Colts punt coverage, as they allowed three to go all the way back for touchdowns. That hurts the net average badly while having little to do with McAfee’s punting.

5 DONNIE JONES

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sproles has been one of the best for a long time. He is strictly a punt returner, but he took two to the house for the second season in a row in 2015, averaged 11.7 per return, which was the second best in the league on 38 attempts and 18 fair catches, and he had a long of 89 yards. He is also the best contributor on offense among these five specialists.

3 CORDARRELLE PATTERSON MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GRADE } 3.75

Patterson has been a disappointment as a wide receiver since the Vikings drafted him in the first round, but he is one of the most dangerous kickoff returners in the NFL and the only one to bring two back for touchdowns in 2015. He led the league in average at 31.8 and notched a long return of 101 yards.

4 AMEER ABDULLAH

GRADE } 3.70

DETROIT LIONS

Jones was sixth in net average at 41.6 and seventh in gross average at 47.0. Jones has the disadvantage, like Koch, of kicking outdoors in a northern city. He also was sixth in punts attempted. As with many averages, the more attempts you make the harder it is to keep the success rate up.

GRADE } 3.60

6 MARQUETTE KING OAKLAND RAIDERS

Abdullah lost time at running back in his 2015 rookie season due to a fumbling problem, but he was extremely solid in the return game, bringing back 37 kickoffs for a 29.1 average, No. 2 in the NFL. Abdullah failed to take one to the house, coming up a yard short on his longest of the season at 104 yards.

5 DANNY AMENDOLA

GRADE } 3.65

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

King is on our list in spite of being just ninth in net average at 40.7 and downright weak in gross average, finishing 21st at 44.5. But King was second only to Hekker in punts inside the 20 with 40 while allowing only four touchbacks. Many special teams coaches will argue that punts inside the 20 is the first- or second-most important punting stat because of the huge difference it can make in a team’s average field position.

GRADE } 3.60

Amendola was the NFL’s leading punt returner in 2015 with 23 returns and 12 fair catches for an NFL-best 12.0 average. While he didn’t get to the end zone, Amendola had a long return of 82 yards and several in the 30-to-50 yard range. Unlike our other four top returners, Amendola does not have sprinter’s speed, but he is extremely quick in short areas and regularly finds his way out of a crowd.

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

RUNNING BACKS RK PLAYER / TEAM

7 5 4 8 10 5 9 5 8 9 7 11 9 10 10 13 10 9 6 11 8 9 9 8 5 6 13 4 11 8

BYE

1. Le’Veon Bell, Steelers 2. Todd Gurley, Rams 3. David Johnson, Cardinals 4. Adrian Peterson, Vikings 5. DeVonta Freeman, Falcons 6. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs 7. Ezekiel Elliot, Cowboys 8. Doug Martin, Buccaneers 9. Mark Ingram, Saints 10. Lamar Miller, Texans 11. Thomas Rawls, Seahawks 12. LeSean McCoy, Bills 13. Eddie Lacy, Packers 14. Matt Forte, Jets 15. C.J. Anderson, Broncos 16. DeMarco Murray, Titans 17. Carlos Hyde, 49ers 18. Jeremy Hill, Bengals 19. Dion Lewis, Patriots 20. Jeremy Langford, Bears 21. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 22. Latavius Murray, Raiders 23. Ryan Mathews, Eagles 24. Jay Ajayi, Dolphins 25. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars 26. Frank Gore, Colts 27. Giovani Bernard, Bengals 28. Melvin Gordon, Chargers 29. Matt Jones, Washington 30. Danny Woodhead, Chargers

8 8 9 6 11 5 7 6 5 9 5 10 4 11 11 13 8 9 9 9 7 10 4 8 5 10 9 11 9 11

WIDE RECEIVERS RK PLAYER / TEAM

1. Antonio Brown, Steelers 2. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants 3. Julio Jones, Falcons 4. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans 5. Dez Bryant, Cowboys

BYE

8 8 11 9 7

6. Allen Robinson, Jaguars 7. A.J. Green, Bengals 8. Alshon Jeffery, Bears 9. Jordan Nelson, Packers 10. Sammy Watkins, Bills 11. Brandon Marshall, Jets 12. Mike Evans, Buccaneers 13. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos 14. Amari Cooper, Raiders 15. Brandin Cooks, Saints 16. Keenan Allen, Chargers 17. Julian Edelman, Patriots 18. T.Y. Hilton, Colts 19. Eric Decker, Jets 20. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs 21. Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers 22. Jarvis Landry, Dolphins 23. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks 24. Randall Cobb, Packers 25. Michael Floyd, Cardinals 26. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos 27. Golden Tate, Lions 28. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 29. Jordan Matthews, Eagles 30. Allen Hurns, Jaguars

TIGHT ENDS RK PLAYER / TEAM

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

BYE

1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots 9 2. Greg Olsen, Panthers 7 3. Jordan Reed, Washington 9 4. Tyler Eifert, Bengals 9 5. Travis Kelce, Chiefs 5 6. Coby Fleener, Saints 5 7. Zach Ertz, Eagles 4 8. Jimmy Graham, Seahawks 5 9. Gary Barnidge, Browns 13 10. Delanie Walker, Titans 13 11. Julius Thomas, Jaguars 5 12. Martellus Bennett, Patriots 9 13. Jason Witten, Cowboys 7 14. Antonio Gates, Chargers 11 15. Ladarius Green, Steelers 8 16. Eric Ebron, Lions 10 17. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers 6 18. Charles Clay, Bills 10 19. Benjamin Watson, Ravens 8 20. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings 6 21. Zach Miller, Bears 9 22. Jared Cook, Packers 4 23. Jordan Cameron, Dolphins 8 24. Dwayne Allen, Colts 10 25. Clive Walford, Raiders 10 26. Hunter Henry, Chargers 11 27. Darren Fells, Cardinals 9 28. Richard Rogers, Packers 4 29. Jace Amaro, Jets 11 30. Will Tye, Giants 8

PLACEKICKERS RK PLAYER / TEAM

BYE

1. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots 9 2. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks 5 3. Justin Tucker, Ravens 8 4. Graham Gano, Panthers 7 5. Brandon McManus, Broncos 11 6. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals 9 7. Mason Crosby, Packers 4 8. Dan Bailey, Cowboys 7 9. Blair Walsh, Vikings 6 10. Adam Vinatieri, Colts 10 11. Josh Brown, Giants 8 12. Cairo Santos, Chiefs 5

13. Matt Prater, Lions 14. Mike Nugent, Bengals 15. Dan Carpenter, Bills 16. Chris Boswell, Steelers 17. Dustin Hopkins, Washington 18. Robbie Gould, Bears 19. Josh Lambo, Chargers 20. Roberto Aguayo, Buccaneers 21. Andrew Franks, Dolphins 22. Nick Novak, Texans 23. Cody Parker Eagles 24. Jason Myers, Jaguars 25. Kai Forbath, Saints 26. Sebastion Janikowski, Raiders 27. Phil Dawson, 49ers 28. Ryan Succop, Titans 29. Travis Coons, Browns 30. Nick Folk, Jets

DEFENSES/ SPECIAL TEAMS RK TEAM

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

TOP 150 REGARDLESS OF POSITION

RK POS / PLAYER / TEAM

10 9 10 8 9 9 11 6 8 9 4 5 5 10 8 13 13 11

BYE

5 9 11 9 11 5 6 7 9 8 9 10 8 4 5 10 8 9 4 10 9 6 8 8 10 13 11 7 13 11

BYE

1. WR Antonio Brown, Steelers 8 2. WR Odell Beckham Jr., Giants 8 3. WR Julio Jones, Falcons 11 4. RB Le’Veon Bell, Steelers 8 5. RB Todd Gurley, Rams 8 6. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Texans 9 7. RB David Johnson, Cardinals 9 8. RB Adrian Peterson, Vikings 6 9. WR Dez Bryant, Cowboys 7 10. TE Rob Gronkowski, Patriots 9 11. RB Devonta Freeman, Falcons 11 12. WR Allen Robinson, Jaguars 5 13. WR A.J. Green, Bengals 9 14. RB Jamaal Charles, Chiefs 5

15. RB Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys 7 16. WR Alshon Jeffery, Bears 9 17. RB Doug Martin, Buccaneers 6 18. WR Jordy Nelson, Packers 4 19. WR Sammy Watkins, Bills 10 20. RB Mark Ingram, Saints 5 21. RB Lamar Miller, Texans 9 22. QB Cam Newton, Panthers 7 22. RB Thomas Rawls, Seahawks 5 23. RB LeSean McCoy, Bills 10 24. WR Brandon Marshall, Jets 11 25. WR Mike Evans, Buccaneers 6 26. WR Demaryius Thomas, Broncos 11 27. RB Eddie Lacy, Packers 4 28. RB Matt Forte, Jets 11 29. RB C.J. Anderson, Broncos 11 30. QB Russell Wilson, Seahawks 5 31. WR Amari Cooper, Raiders 10 32. QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers 4 33. WR Brandin Cooks, Saints 5 34. WR Keenan Allen, Chargers 11 35. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers 8 36. QB Andrew Luck, Colts 10 37. TE Greg Olsen, Panthers 7 38. TE Jordan Reed, Washington 9 39. QB Drew Brees, Saints 5 40. RB DeMarco Murray, Titans 13 41. RB Carlos Hyde, 49ers 8 42. RB Jeremy Hill, Bengals 9 43. WR Julian Edelman, Patriots 9 44. WR T.Y. Hilton, Colts 10 45. WR Eric Decker, Jets 11 45. WR Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs 5 46. RB Dion Lewis, Patriots 9 47. RB Jeremy Langford, Bears 9 48. TE Tyler Eifert, Bengals 9 49. WR Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers 7 50. WR Jarvis Landry, Dolphins 8 51. WR Doug Baldwin, Seahawks 5 52. RB Jonathan Stewart, Panthers 7 53. RB Latavius Murray, Raiders 10 54. WR Randall Cobb, Packers 4 55. WR Michael Floyd, Cardinals 9 56. WR Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos 11 57. QB Tom Brady, Patriots 9 58. WR Golden Tate, Lions 10 59. RB Ryan Mathews, Eagles 4 60. WR Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals 9 61. WR Jordan Matthews, Eagles 4 62. WR Allen Hurns, Jaguars 5 63. RB Jay Ajayi, Dolphins 8 64. RB T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars 5 65. TE Travis Kelce, Chiefs 5 66. RB Frank Gore, Colts 10 67. QB Blake Bortles, Jaguars 5 68. RB Giovani Bernard, Bengals 9 69. RB Melvin Gordon, Chargers 11 70. WR DeVante Parker, Dolphins 8 71. WR John Brown, Cardinals 9 72. RB Matt Jones, Washington 9 73. WR DeSean Jackson, Washington 9 74. WR Michael Crabtree, Raiders 10 75. WR Tyler Lockett, Seahawks 5 76. WR Donte Moncrief, Colts 10 77. RB Danny Woodhead, Chargers 11 78. TE Coby Fleener, Saints 5 79. TE Zach Ertz, Eagles 4 80. WR Steve Smith, Ravens 8 81. WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Titans 13

82. WR Kevin White, Bears 9 83. WR Stefon Diggs, Vikings 6 84. RB Ameer Abdullah, Lions 10 85. QB Eli Manning, Giants 8 86. QB Carson Palmer, Cardinals 9 87. TE Jimmy Graham, Seahawks 5 88. TE Gary Barnidge, Browns 13 89. TE Delanie Walker, Titans 13 90. WR Corey Coleman, Browns 13 91. WR Marvin Jones, Lions 10 92. QB Tony Romo, Cowboys 7 93. TE Julius Thomas, Jaguars 5 94. TE Martellus Bennett, Patriots 9 95. RB Derrick Henry, Titans 13 96. RB Chris Ivory, Jaguars 5 97. RB Duke Johnson, Browns 13 98. QB Philip Rivers, Chargers 11 99. QB Andy Dalton, Bengals 9 100. QB Derek Carr, Raiders 10 101. WR Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers 6 102. WR Willie Snead, Saints 5 103. WR Markus Wheaton, Steelers 8 104. QB Tyrod Taylor, Bills 10 105. QB Marcus Mariota, Titans 13 106. TE Jason Witten, Cowboys 7 107. TE Antonio Gates, Chargers 11 108. TE Ladarius Green, Steelers 8 109. WR Laquon Treadwell, Vikings 6 110. RB Charles Sims, Buccaneers 6 111. RB Isaiah Crowell, Browns 13 112. RB Rashad Jennings, Giants 8 113. QB Matthew Stafford, Lions 10 114. QB Kirk Cousins, Washington 9 115. QB Jameis Winston, Buccaneers 6 116. QB Matt Ryan, Falcons 11 117. RB Justin Forsett, Ravens 8 118. RB Karlos Williams, Bills 10 119. RB Javorious Allen, Ravens 8 120. RB Arian Foster, Free Agent 121. WR Travis Benjamin, Chargers 11 122. WR Josh Gordon, Browns 13 123. WR Breshad Perriman, Ravens 8 124. WR Devin Funchess, Panthers 7 125. TE Eric Ebron, Lions 10 126. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Buccaneers 6 127. RB Paul Perkins, Giants 8 128. RB LeGarrette Blount, Patriots 9 129. RB Kenneth Dixon, Ravens 8 130. TE Charles Clay, Bills 10 131. TE Benjamin Watson, Ravens 8 132. WR Tavon Austin, Rams 8 133. WR Will Fuller, Texans 9 134. WR Kendall Wright, Titans 13 135. WR Nelson Agholor, Eagles 4 136. DEF Seattle Seahawks 5 137. WR Pierre Garcon, Washington 9 138. WR Rueben Randle, Eagles 4 139. QB Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins 8 140. QB Jay Cutler, Bears 9 141. RB Jordan Howard, Bears 9 142. RB Bilal Powell, Jets 11 143. DEF Arizona Cardinals 9 144. DEF Denver Broncos 11 145. RB Tevin Coleman, Falcons 11 146. RB DeAngelo Williams, Steelers 8 147. WR Anquan Boldin, Free Agent 148. WR Mohamed Sanu, Falcons 9 149. WR Terrance Williams, Cowboys 7 150. WR Mike Wallace, Ravens 8

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AFC

EAST

1 Patriots NEW ENGLAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DE Chris Long, NT Terrance Knighton, LB Shea McClellin, TE Martellus Bennett, WR Chris Hogan, OL Jonathan Cooper.

PREDICTION

11-5

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Chandler Jones, DL Dominique Easley, DL Akiem Hicks, WR Brandon LaFell, TE Scott Chandler.

CHAIRMAN & CEO Robert Kraft 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

CHRISTOPHER PRICE @ cpriceNFL

OFFENSE As long as Tom Brady (four-game suspension to start the season aside) is at the controls and the likes of Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Dion Lewis remain healthy, the Patriots have to be considered one of the best offenses in the NFL. Even with several injuries down the stretch, New England still finished the 2015 regular season third in the league in scoring (29.1 points per game), sixth in total offense (374.4 yards per game) and fifth in passing (286.7 yards per game). There are still some questions about the state of the running game – namely, whether or not Lewis can bounce back from a knee injury that prematurely ended his 2015 – but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will introduce tight end Martellus Bennett and wide receiver Chris Hogan into the mix in 2016, which should add another wrinkle to an already terrifying offense.

Brady remains the centerpiece of the New England offense and was more than up to the challenge in 2015. He finished with his best statistical season in five years. In addition, a TD-to-interception ratio of better than 4:1 (36 TDs, 7 INTs) was good enough to lead the Patriots to their fifth straight appearance in the AFC title game and allow Brady to post one of the best seasons of any 38-year-old quarterback in the history of the game. If New England can bolster its offensive line, there’s little reason to think that Brady won’t be one of the primary reasons the Patriots will be a favorite to make it at least six consecutive trips to the conference championship, and maybe get another crack at a fifth Super Bowl ring for the quarterback. If Brady is indeed suspended for the first four games of the season, the Patriots will turn to Jimmy Garoppolo. The Eastern Illinois product has played well in brief stretches over the course of his first two years with the Patriots but has never started and finished a game while in New England. With Garoppolo at the controls, expect more to be placed on the shoulders of the offensive skill position players. The Patriots took N.C. State product Jacoby Brissett in the draft, and even though he’s regarded as a long-term developmental prospect, if New England doesn’t try and land a veteran, he could be asked to back up Garoppolo for the first quarter of the season.

A+

u RUNNING BACKS The Patriots’ ground game started 2015 with a bang, but injuries to Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount and fullback James Develin left this unit severely lacking at the end of the season, when all that was left was youngster James White, backup/special teamer Brandon Bolden and the rapidly decaying corpse of Stephen Jackson. (No surprise that New England’s 87.8 rushing yards per game was among the lowest outputs in recent

34 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

franchise history.) Bottom line? It comes down to health with this group. If Lewis can flash the form that had him on pace for 500 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving before a season-ending knee injury in early November, it’ll provide a sizable boost for the New England offense. Pair him with more of a traditional between-the-tackles back (Blount? Newcomer Donald Brown?), and the Patriots should have just enough on the ground to keep opposing defenses honest.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 12-4

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

u RECEIVERS In the slot, Julian Edelman remains without peer and is ably backed by Danny Amendola, who has the capability to fill multiple spots in the passing game. It’ll be interesting to see how new receiver Chris Hogan (36 catches, 450 yards, 2 TDs last season in Buffalo) figures into the mix here as well, as the former Bills pass-catcher could end up pushing Amendola for targets in the passing game. The receiver group is still missing a consistent mid-range/deep threat, as Brandon LaFell was ineffective last year and was ultimately cut loose in the offseason. After a solid rookie season, Aaron Dobson has struggled to find his footing in the passing game, as his last two years ended early because of injury. Rookie Malcolm Mitchell has great intangibles and good hands for the slot. But more often than not, any difficulties in the WR department can be offset by the inclusion of Gronkowski. When healthy, the big fella gives Brady one of the most effective weapons in the league. The addition of Bennett (53 catches, 439 yards, 3 TDs last season in Chicago) could provide the Patriots with their first consistently effective twotight end set since the Gronkowski-Aaron Hernandez combo in 2012.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC EAST

A-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Serious personnel losses and mounting injuries left this unit a shell of itself at the end of the 2015 season, and it became

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Tom Brady

Dont’a Hightower

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Chris Hogan DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DL Malcom Brown POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH WR: Chris Hogan vs. Danny Amendola

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 22 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 12 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Arizona Miami Houston Buffalo at Cleveland Cincinnati at Pittsburgh at Buffalo BYE Seattle at San Francisco at N.Y. Jets Los Angeles Baltimore at Denver N.Y. Jets at Miami

DATE

GRADE

C-

8:30 p.m. 4:25 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.

2015 RESULTS

Tom Brady clear that this positional grouping was the fatal flaw that ultimately doomed the Patriots’ shot at a repeat. (Brady was hit an astounding 20 times in the loss to Denver in the AFC championship.) The good news is that veteran positional coach Dante Scarnecchia returns after two years away, while veteran left tackle Nate Solder should also be back at his position after finishing 2015 on injured reserve. With the veterans back, if youngsters like center Bryan Stork and guards Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason can continue to develop, the group should be in a better place now than it was at the end of the 2015 season. Former first-rounder Jonathan Cooper, acquired in an offseason trade with Arizone, and smart and versatile rookie Joe Thuney will factor in the guard conversation.

TIME

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

DEFENSE Greatly overshadowed by New England’s prolific offense, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has put together a group that has quickly become one of the more underrated defenses in the NFL. New England was in the top 10 in most major defensive categories last season, including points per game allowed (19.7, 10th), average yards allowed per game (339.4, 10th) and rushing yards allowed per game (98.8, 9th). Depth remains a question across the board at some key positions – the group struggled at times when linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins were out because of injury, and they’d be in big trouble if cornerback Malcolm Butler had to miss time. But if everyone remains healthy, there’s no reason to think that the ‘D’ won’t be just as stout a group in 2016 as

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 10 Pittsburgh W 28-21 Sept. 20 at Buffalo W 40-32 Sept. 27 Jacksonville W 51-17 Oct. 11 at Dallas W 30-6 Oct. 18 at Indianapolis W 34-27 Oct. 25 NY Jets W 30-23 Oct. 29 Miami W 36-7 Nov. 8 Washington W 27-10 Nov. 15 at NY Giants W 27-26 Nov. 23 Buffalo W 20-13 Nov. 29 at Denver *L 24-30 Dec. 6 Philadelphia L 28-35 Dec. 13 at Houston W 27-6 Dec. 20 Tennessee W 33-16 Dec. 27 at NY Jets *L 20-26 Jan. 3 at Miami L 10-20 POSTSEASON Jan. 16 Kansas City W 27-20 Jan. 24 at Denver L 18-20 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 35

AFC

EAST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TOM BRADY

DION LEWIS

GAME OPP

WK 1 PIT WK 2 @ BUF WK 3 JAX WK 5 @ DAL WK 6 @ IND WK 7 NYJ WK 8 MIA WK 9 WAS WK 10 @ NYG WK 11 BUF WK 12 @ DEN WK 13 PHI WK 14 @ HOU WK 15 TEN WK 16 @ NYJ WK 17 @ MIA SEASON TOTALS u

32 25 288 4 0 143.8 59 38 466 3 0 105.6 42 33 358 2 0 118.1 27 20 275 2 0 130.9 37 23 312 3 1 104.8 54 34 355 2 0 94.3 38 26 356 4 0 133.2 39 26 299 2 1 96.0 42 26 334 2 1 92.8 39 20 277 1 1 72.3 42 23 280 3 0 99.3 56 29 312 3 2 71.4 30 22 226 2 0 116.8 35 23 267 2 0 107.7 31 22 231 1 1 89.6 21 12 134 0 0 76.3 624 402 4,770 36 7 102.2

Suspended 2 4 0 18 78 3 13 74 0 16 93 1 3 -3 0 17 72 0 29 129 1 19 66 1 16 56 0 9 27 0 13 54 0 10 53 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 165 703 6

15 69 0 7 40 1 8 37 1 6 34 0 4 21 0 Inactive 5 19 0 4 14 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 49 234 2

JAMES WHITE

BRANDON LaFELL

JULIAN EDELMAN

RUSHING ATT YDS

BRANDON BOLDEN

RUSHING ATT YDS

DANNY AMENDOLA

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive 0 0 1 12 1 -3 4 15 4 11 3 22 16 51 10 36 9 30 9 31 63 207

ROB GRONKOWSKI

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

DION LEWIS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 94 3 13 7 113 1 7 4 101 0 5 4 67 0 5 3 50 1 16 11 108 1 9 6 113 1 5 4 47 0 7 5 113 1 7 2 37 0 10 6 88 1 Inactive 4 4 87 1 11 5 54 1 6 4 86 0 7 2 18 0 120 72 1,176 11

KESHAWN MARTIN

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 PIT WK 2 @ BUF WK 3 JAX WK 5 @ DAL WK 6 @ IND WK 7 NYJ WK 8 MIA WK 9 WAS WK 10 @ NYG WK 11 BUF WK 12 @ DEN WK 13 PHI WK 14 @ HOU WK 15 TEN WK 16 @ NYJ WK 17 @ MIA SEASON TOTALS u

3 2 24 0 2 1 29 0 5 5 39 1 3 2 6 0 9 7 105 0 9 8 86 1 1 1 11 0 5 4 24 0 11 10 79 0 12 9 117 0 Inactive 13 7 62 1 8 6 46 0 2 1 3 0 Inactive 4 2 17 0 87 65 648 3

12 11 97 0 19 11 97 2 11 8 85 0 5 4 120 1 10 6 50 1 9 5 54 0 9 7 81 2 8 5 55 1 5 4 53 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 88 61 692 7

0 0 0 0 Inactive 4 4 26 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 26 0 0 0 0 Inactive 1 1 6 0 3 2 32 1 5 2 5 0 13 10 115 1 6 4 38 0 8 7 71 1 5 5 28 1 3 2 63 0 54 40 410 4

PUP PUP PUP PUP PUP 8 2 25 0 7 4 47 0 9 5 102 0 6 2 66 0 8 4 66 0 9 4 36 0 9 4 27 0 8 5 32 0 5 4 88 0 1 1 19 0 4 2 7 0 74 37 515 0

5 4 51 0 9 6 98 0 5 5 30 0 11 8 59 1 6 3 18 0 Inactive 9 6 93 1 5 4 39 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 50 36 388 2

Not on Team Inactive 3 3 33 1 2 2 23 0 2 1 39 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 1 8 0 8 3 45 0 4 3 23 1 4 3 26 0 11 7 68 0 2 1 4 0 37 24 269 2

u LINEBACKERS This is the heart of the New England defense. With the retirement of veteran

B+

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan remain the two lead corners, but the Patriots struggled to find consistency when it came to nickel corner in 2015, and that’s where tough and agile rookie Cyrus Jones should help. At safety, defensive stalwart Devin McCourty leads the way, while Patrick Chung and Duron Harmon offer support and more than enough versatility to allow New England to offer multiple looks throughout the secondary.

36 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

B-

SPECIAL TEAMS The Patriots always have put more emphasis on special teams, and most of the time, it’s paid handsome dividends. But while there were more than enough bright spots in 2015, the group also came in short on several key moments last year, including a muffed punt in a road loss to Denver in the regular season, punt team breakdowns in a home defeat to the Eagles and a missed extra point in the AFC title game against the Broncos. It would be a stretch to see another season with so many special teams gaffes in big situations. After all, Stephen Gostkowski (33-for36 field goals last year) remains one of the best in the game, while punter Ryan Allen dropped 42.5 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line, the best percentage in his three years in the league. Look for Edelman and Amendola to continue their work as punt returners, while Amendola and Keshawn Martin will lead a group who will vie for the role of full-time kickoff returner.

GRADE

The one position that has seen the most change this offseason for New England, it’ll be interesting to see how all the new parts come together. The Patriots jettisoned former first-round pick Dominique Easley, as well as fellow DTs Sealver Siliga and Chris Jones, while defensive lineman Akiem Hicks left in free agency. In their place, New England added nose tackle Terrance Knighton and defensive end Chris Long. Holdovers like Rob Ninkovich, Malcom Brown, Alan Branch and Jabaal Sheard will also help form the nucleus up front for the Patriots, who will look to the likes of Long, Sheard and Ninkovich to collectively replace the 12.5 sacks that were lost when DE Chandler Jones was dealt to Arizona. Rookie Vincent Valentine is a massive, developmental prospect for the interior of the D-line.

GRADE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Jerod Mayo, Dont’a Hightower has assumed a sizable role on and off the field. He’s the sturdy run-stopper, while Jamie Collins produces more “wow” plays on a regular basis than just about anyone in the league. (Since the start of the 2014 season, he’s the only guy in the league with a minimum of three interceptions and nine sacks.) The addition of Shea McClellin provides some nice depth for a position that could use a boost in that department.

GRADE

it was in 2015.

GRADE

LeGARRETTE BLOUNT

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

B-

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 80 AMENDOLA 15 Hogan 82 Martin OLT 77 SOLDER 71 Fleming 61 Cannon OLG 69 MASON Thuney* 64 Barker C 66 STORK 60 Andrews 67 Kline ORG 63 JACKSON 65 Cooper Karras* ORT 76 VOLLMER 68 Waddle TE 87 GRONKOWSKI 85 Williams 86 Derby TE 83 BENNETT 88 Harbor WR 11 EDELMAN Mitchell* 84 Washington QB 12 BRADY (Susp.) 10 Garoppolo Brissett* RB 33 LEWIS 29 Blount 28 White DEFENSE

DLE 50 NINKOVICH 92 Grissom 72 Kearse DT 96 KNIGHTON Valentine* 70 Vellano DT 97 BRANCH 90 Brown 94 Kuhn DRE 93 SHEARD 95 Long 98 Flowers SLB 91 COLLINS MLB 55 FREENY 53 Humber E. Roberts* WLB 54 HIGHTOWER 58 McClellin CB 21 BUTLER 22 Coleman 27 D. Roberts SS 23 CHUNG 30 Harmon 43 Ebner FS 32 McCOURTY 37 Richards 36 King CB 26 RYAN Jones* 39 Biggers SPECIALISTS

P 6 ALLEN PK 3 GOSTKOWSKI H 6 ALLEN PR 11 EDELMAN 80 Amendola KR 82 MARTIN 18 Slater LS 49 CARDONA 42 Yount * Rookie COACHING STAFF Bill Belichick, head coach; Steve Belichick, safeties; Josh Boyer, cornerbacks; Moses Cabrera, head strength and conditioning; Brian Daboll, tight ends; Brendan Daly, defensive line; Ivan Fears, running backs; Brian Flores, linebackers; James Hardy, assistant strength and conditioning; Joe Judge, special teams; Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks; Chad O’Shea, wide receivers; Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator; Dante Scarnecchia, offensive line; Jerry Schuplinski, assistant quarterbacks; Ray Ventrone, assistant special teams.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB OG QB DT WR SS ILB OG WR

Alabama N.C. State N.C. State Nebraska Georgia Eastern Illinois Houston Illinois Arizona State

60 78 91 96 112 208 214 221 225

2 3 3 3 4 6 6 6 7

Cyrus Jones Joe Thuney Jacoby Brissett Vincent Valentine Malcolm Mitchell Kamu Grugier-Hill Elandon Roberts Ted Karras Devin Lucien

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The core manages to stay healthy throughout the 2016 regular season and into the playoffs, as the offensive line and running game are able to do just enough to keep the heat off Brady on a consistent basis. On defense, Collins and Hightower assume superstar status, while newcomers like Long and Knighton seamlessly blend with one of the more underrated defensive units in the NFL. If that happens, there’s a real chance the Patriots will be celebrating their fifth Super Bowl title of the Brady-Bill Belichick era.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

An injury to Brady – rogue pass rusher, Kraken attack, whatever – is the first domino that precipitates a New England freefall. In addition to the quarterback, Gronkowski, Edelman, Butler, Hightower and Collins are all absolutely vital to the success of the franchise, and if a combination of them go down, the Patriots struggle to make the playoffs.

NO NAME

POS

6 80 60 64 83 39 29 38 12 97 34 90 21 61 49 16 23 22 91 65 86 46 17 43 11 71 98 55 36 10 3 92 87 88 30 14 54 15 53 63 59 24 72 36 67 96 94 33 95 82 69 58 32 74 50 37 27 26 93 18 45 77 44 66 41 62 99 70 35 76 68 84 28 85 42

P WR C OL TE DB DB RB RB QB DL QB RB DL CB OL LS WR S DB LB G TE FB WR DB WR OL DL RB LB RB QB K DL TE OLB DL TE DB WR LB WR LB G DL LB LB CB DB OL DE DB OL DT DL CB RB DE WR WR OL WLB DB OL WR DE DB DB LB CB TE DL WR LB T LB OL S G DT DL DB T OL WR RB TE TE LS

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

220 26 190 30 295 23 300 25 273 29 190 22 185 28 250 29 220 26 225 38 350 31 235 22 207 29 320 22 190 26 335 28 245 24 188 23 215 28 188 23 250 26 312 26 255 24 255 27 205 24 220 27 200 29 320 23 265 22 195 22 255 26 220 25 225 24 215 32 265 23 265 26 215 21 319 23 250 28 205 25 185 22 265 26 220 27 232 28 320 23 317 23 229 23 280 25 197 22 186 22 307 23 310 27 220 22 300 26 354 29 303 30 194 21 195 25 268 31 195 22 194 26 310 22 245 26 195 28 324 25 198 23 260 32 210 23 190 25 235 195 25 256 23 260 27 205 30 238 23 325 28 241 23 310 25 212 23 295 320 22 300 27 202 23 325 31 328 24 183 32 205 24 240 23 304 25 250 27

Allen, Ryan Amendola, Danny Andrews, David Barker, Chris Bennett, Martellus Bentley, V’Angelo Biggers, E.J. Blount, LeGarrette Bolden, Brandon Brady, Tom Branch, Alan Brissett, Jacoby Brown, Donald Brown, Malcom Butler, Malcolm Cannon, Marcus Cardona, Joe Carter, DeAndre Chung, Patrick Coleman, Justin Collins, Jamie Cooper, Jonathan Derby, A.J. Develin, James Dobson, Aaron Ebner, Nate Edelman, Julian Fleming, Cameron Flowers, Trey Foster, D.J. Freeny, Jonathan Gaffney, Tyler Garoppolo, Jimmy Gostkowski, Stephen Grissom, Geneo Gronkowski, Rob Grugier-Hill, Kamu Hamilton, Woodrow Harbor, Clay Harmon, Duron Harper, Chris Hightower, Dont’a Hogan, Chris Humber, Ramon Jackson, Tre Johnson, Anthony Johnson, C.J. Johnson, Rufus Jones, Cyrus Jones, Jonathan Karras, Ted Kearse, Frank King, Brandon Kline, Josh Knighton, Terrance Kuhn, Markus LeBlanc, Cre’Von Lewis, Dion Long, Chris Lucien, Devin Martin, Keshawn Mason, Shaq McClellin, Shea McCourty, Devin Milton, Keavon Mitchell, Malcolm Ninkovich, Rob Richards, Jordan Roberts, Darryl Roberts, Elandon Ryan, Logan Scheu, Steven Sheard, Jabaal Slater, Matthew Snyder, Kevin Solder, Nate Steward, Tony Stork, Bryan Thompson, Cedric Thuney, Joe Valentine, Vincent Vellano, Joe Vereen, Brock Vollmer, Sebastian Waddle, LaAdrian Washington, Nate White, James Williams, Bryce Williams, Michael Yount, Christian

AGE COLLEGE Louisiana Tech Texas Tech Georgia Nevada Texas A&M Illinois Western Michigan Oregon Mississippi Michigan Michigan North Carolina State Connecticut Texas West Alabama exas Christian Navy Sacramento State Oregon Tennessee Southern Mississippi North Carolina Arkansas Brown Marshall Ohio State Kent State Stanford Arkansas Arizona State Rutgers Stanford Eastern Illinois Memphis Oklahoma Arizona Eastern Illinois Mississippi Missouri State Rutgers California Alabama Monmouth (N.J.) North Dakota State Florida State LSU Mississippi Tarleton State Alabama Auburn Illinois Alabama A&M Auburn Kent State Temple North Carolina State Florida Atlantic Pittsburgh Virginia Arizona State Michigan State Georgia Tech Boise State Rutgers Louisiana-Monroe Georgia Purdue Stanford Marshall Houston Rutgers Vanderbilt Pittsburgh UCLA Rutgers Colorado Clemson Florida State Minnesota North Carolina State Nebraska Maryland Minnesota Houston Texas Tech Tiffin University Wisconsin East Carolina Alabama UCLA

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 37

2 Bills

AFC

EAST

BUFFALO

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS LB Zach Brown, S Robert Blanton, TE Jim Dray, CB Sterling Moore, CB Corey White.

8-8

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Mario Williams, LB Nigel Bradham, CB Leodis McKelvin, WR Chris Hogan, CB Ron Brooks.

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

JOE BUSCAGLIA @ JoeBuscaglia

OFFENSE When Rex Ryan stepped through the doors at One Bills Drive, he made one thing clear: “We’re going to build a bully and we’re going to see if you want to play with us for 60 minutes.” That, in essence, is the identity the Bills took on offense — or at least the one they wanted to. Ryan hired Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, acquired running back LeSean McCoy, and created a run-happy offense in a pass-happy league. The Bills certainly accomplished their goals on offense, having led the National Football League in rushing yards per game (152.0), tied for the lead in yards per carry (4.8), and trailed only the Panthers in total attempts for the year (509). The Bills are hoping to build on those numbers now with a semi-experienced quarterback in Tyrod Taylor, and offensive weapons like wide receiver Sammy Watkins and tight end Charles Clay.

u RUNNING BACKS When healthy, LeSean McCoy proved to be a dynamic threat out of the backfield. McCoy missed four games due to injury, and several other contests were negatively affected by a lingering hamstring issue, but he still managed to rush for 895 yards. Turning 28 in 2016, the worry now is how much longer McCoy will be effective, having carried the ball 1,664 times throughout his career, now entering its eight season. For that reason, the Bills will need to depend on rookie standout Karlos Williams, a punishing runner, to help carry the load with McCoy in 2016. The group is rounded out by Mike Gillislee, who proved to be productive (5.7 yards per

38 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

A-

carry) when called upon, and rookie Jonathan Williams.

uRECEIVERS The group is led by Sammy Watkins, who took a major step forward over the final eight games of the 2015 season. He averaged roughly six receptions, 113 yards, and almost a touchdown per game over that span. Extrapolated over a 16-game season, Watkins would have 98 receptions for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns if the numbers held steady. He must prove that he can stay healthy, but there is little doubt that he can become one of the best receivers in the game if he does so. Robert Woods (47 receptions, 552 yards) will once again resume his role as the No. 2 receiver. The Bills will have an open competition between a plethora of ghosts of receivers past in Leonard Hankerson, Greg Salas, Marquise Goodwin, Jarrett Boykin and Greg Little as to who will be the third receiver on the field. The early edge goes to Salas, a favorite of Bills wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal. At tight end, the Bills must make more use of Charles Clay (51 receptions, 528 yards) over the middle of the field for the type of salary he commands. Free-agent acquisition Jim Dray will pick up where Matthew Mulligan left off last season as the primary blocking tight end on heavy sets.

GRADE

OWNER/CEO Terry Pegula

The best way to describe Tyrod Taylor — much to the liking of Greg Roman — was efficient. Taylor completed 63.7-percent of his passes, and threw 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs was also a big part of his success last season, rushing for a franchiserecord for quarterbacks — 568 yards. The Bills are looking for Taylor to take the next step in 2016, a contract year, before giving him the huge sum of money starting quarterbacks around the league are getting. Taylor must show he can see the whole field, and throw it over the middle at a much higher rate than he did in 2015. Despite adding Cardale Jones in the fourth round, the Bills will look to former first-round pick EJ Manuel to be Taylor’s immediate backup. Jones, unless he really shows a great deal in training camp and in the preseason, will essentially be “redshirted” in 2016, and will work closely with quarterbacks coach David Lee and offensive coordinator Greg Roman to try and unearth all his immense potential.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 8-8

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Employing a run-heavy offense, the Bills made it their goal in the offseason to keep their offensive line together. They re-signed left guard Richie Incognito, and gave a long-term contract to left tackle Cordy Glenn – two extremely productive players, and two of the best players on the roster from 2015. Eric Wood will continue as the team’s starting center and was quite dependable last season. On the right side, the Bills will need a better season out of second-year guard

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC EAST

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Sammy Watkins

Marcell Dareus

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Charles Clay DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Reggie Ragland POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RT: Jordan Mills vs. Seantrel Henderson

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 15 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 7 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Baltimore N.Y. Jets Arizona at New England at Los Angeles San Francisco at Miami New England at Seattle BYE at Cincinnati Jacksonville at Oakland Pittsburgh Cleveland Miami at N.Y. Jets

DATE

Ahead of last season, Rex Ryan boldly promised to improve upon the fourthranked defense in 2014. He and the Bills fell well short, finishing 19th in the NFL, and saw their sack totals go from 54 to 21 in 2015. Ryan’s defense was criticized many times by numerous players through the media, so Ryan brought in his brother Rob as an assistant, and vowed to no longer run the hybrid defense we saw last year. The Bills will be running a 3-4 scheme, and they’ll need players like

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Bills are led by Marcell Dareus, who can play both the five-technique role and nose tackle in an odd-man front. He is one of the best in the league at both penetrating the backfield, and holding his blocks to help his teammates make a play. Past him, there are nothing but questions. Kyle Williams, 33, is coming off a season-ending knee injury, and Corbin Bryant is a solid rotational player, but not exactly a great starting option for the long term. The team used a thirdround pick on Adolphus Washington,

GRADE

DEFENSE

Marcell Dareus, Jerry Hughes, Stephon Gilmore, and Ronald Darby to step up to get the defense back on track.

B-

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.

2015 RESULTS

Sammy Watkins John Miller, but they remain optimistic. At tackle, a competition between Jordan Mills and Seantrel Henderson — neither of which was particularly inspiring in 2015 — to win the job. The early edge goes to Mills.

TIME

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

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

OPPONENT

Indianapolis New England @ Miami NY Giants @ Tennessee Cincinnati @ Jacksonville Miami @ NY Jets @ New England @ Kansas City Houston @ Philadelphia @ Washington Dallas NY Jets All times Eastern

RESULT

W 27-14 L 32-40 W 41-14 L 10-24 W 14-13 L 21-34 L 31-34 W 33-17 W 22-17 L 13-20 L 22-30 W 30-21 L 20-23 L 25-35 W 16-6 W 22-17

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 39

AFC

EAST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TYROD TAYLOR

GAME OPP

WK 1 IND WK 2 NE WK 3 @ MIA WK 4 NYG WK 5 @ TEN WK 6 CIN WK 7 @JAX WK 9 MIA WK 10 @NYJ WK 11 @ NE WK 12 @KC WK 13 HOU WK 14 @ PHI WK 15 @WAS WK 16 DAL WK 17 NYJ SEASON TOTALS u

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

19 14 195 1 0 123.8 30 23 242 3 3 93.3 29 21 277 3 0 136.7 42 28 274 1 1 82.8 17 10 109 1 0 97.4 Inactive Inactive 12 11 181 1 0 146.5 27 17 158 1 0 91.3 36 20 233 0 0 75.3 38 21 291 3 0 106.4 21 11 211 3 0 127.2 36 19 268 1 1 74.8 27 16 235 2 0 112.4 18 13 179 0 1 80.6 28 18 182 0 0 82.7 380 242 3,035 20 6 99.4

17 41 15 89 11 16 Inactive Inactive 17 90 18 68 16 112 19 112 20 82 19 70 21 112 20 74 10 29 Inactive Inactive 203 895

CHARLES CLAY

ROBERT WOODS

TYROD TAYLOR

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

CHRIS HOGAN

RUSHING ATT YDS

9 41 5 43 3 12 6 15 8 76 Inactive Inactive 10 44 6 12 4 1 5 46 7 28 8 53 9 79 14 67 10 51 104 568

KARLOS WILLIAMS

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 1 0 0 1

6 55 6 21 12 110 18 40 Inactive Inactive Inactive 9 110 7 24 6 11 2 5 Inactive Inactive 4 41 17 76 6 24 93 517

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4

LeSEAN McCOY

SAMMY WATKINS

1 1 1 0

2 0 0 0 0 1 1 7

SCOTT CHANDLER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 0 0 0 8 6 60 1 2 1 39 0 Inactive Inactive 5 4 48 1 Inactive 8 8 168 1 7 3 14 0 6 3 39 0 10 6 158 2 4 3 109 1 12 5 81 1 10 5 111 2 6 5 84 0 15 11 136 0 96 60 1,047 9

CHRIS GRAGG

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 IND WK 2 NE WK 3 @ MIA WK 4 NYG WK 5 @ TEN WK 6 CIN WK 7 @JAX WK 9 MIA WK 10 @NYJ WK 11 @ NE WK 12 @KC WK 13 HOU WK 14 @ PHI WK 15 @WAS WK 16 DAL WK 17 NYJ SEASON TOTALS u

4 4 43 0 5 3 19 1 7 5 82 1 13 9 111 0 3 1 7 0 13 9 62 0 5 3 26 0 1 1 6 0 6 5 52 0 3 1 14 0 8 5 31 0 7 4 66 1 2 1 9 0 Inactive Inactive IR 77 51 528 3

2 2 27 0 3 3 60 1 5 4 38 0 5 3 33 0 2 1 6 0 6 4 47 0 13 9 84 1 1 0 0 0 7 3 19 0 9 4 44 0 9 3 25 0 5 2 19 1 7 5 106 0 6 4 44 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 80 47 552 3

0 0 0 0 1 1 11 0 4 3 42 1 5 5 43 0 3 3 52 1 5 2 31 0 11 6 56 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 95 0 5 3 34 0 3 1 12 0 5 2 20 0 3 1 13 0 4 2 39 0 3 1 2 0 59 36 450 2

4 3 46 0 4 3 27 0 3 1 10 1 Inactive Inactive 4 2 4 0 4 2 36 0 2 2 7 0 5 5 47 0 10 6 41 0 5 3 31 1 1 0 0 0 7 4 35 0 1 1 8 0 Inactive Inactive 50 32 292 2

5 5 79 1 5 4 47 0 8 7 66 0 8 3 26 0 4 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 30 19 218 1

Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 1 15 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 54 0 7 2 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 11 0 1 1 16 0 3 2 19 0 0 0 0 0 20 12 150 0

u LINEBACKERS Jerry Hughes falls under the linebacker category as the team’s premier pass-rushing option. His stats from 2015 (five sacks) are deceiving, because he actually put quite a bit of pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improved against the run. Hughes must play with more discipline, however, having been flagged for seven personal foul calls in 2015. Rex Ryan got a brand new edge rusher for his 3-4 defensive system, and the team’s first-round pick Shaq Lawson becomes an immediate starter. Lawson won’t be depended on to set the pace for bringing the

B-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Led by Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby, the cornerback group is the strongest position on the Bills defense. They boast two good starters, a solid nickel corner in Nickell Robey, and veteran depth (Corey White, Sterling Moore, Javier Arenas) in the event of injury. At safety, it’s a bit of a different

40 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

story. Aaron Williams nearly had a career-ending neck injury in 2015, but the Bills expect him back this season. They do not know how he’ll react to contact, however. Corey Graham was a below-average player in his first season at safety, and will be pushed by free-agent signee Robert Blanton for the starting job. GRADE

quarterback down, but he’ll be depended on to push the pocket and contain the edge — two of his strengths as a player. On the inside, the Bills need a much improved season from Preston Brown, the third-year player who struggled mightily at the end of 2015. The team also drafted Reggie Ragland, and he takes over as the starting weakside linebacker. If Brown starts to struggle like he did at the end of 2015, the Bills could opt to switch Ragland to his more natural middle backer position, and use backup Zach Brown as the team’s weakside linebacker. Past those three players, the Bills don’t have much to write home about for depth at the position.

SPECIAL TEAMS It’s a tale of two special-teams units. On one hand, the coverage units were fantastic for the Bills, ranking near the top in both kickoffs and punts. Two reasons for that: the vastly underrated punter Colton Schmidt, and kickoff specialist Jordan Gay. The return units never got going, ranking near the bottom in the league last season. Field goal kicker Dan Carpenter was his own worst enemy, missing the second-most extra point attempts in the league in 2015. He likely will be fighting for his spot on the roster at training camp. GRADE

but it’s still unclear as to whether or not he can start this year. The Bills have said they will use those four defensive linemen in a rotation, and will use them all over the line of scrimmage. With only T.J. Barnes, Jerel Worthy, and Lavar Edwards on the roster as legitimate backup options, they have no significant depth.

GRADE

LeSEAN McCOY

B-

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 14 WATKINS OLT 77 GLENN OLG 64 INCOGNITO C 70 WOOD ORG 76 MILLER ORT 79 MILLS TE 85 CLAY WR 10 WOODS RB 25 McCOY QB 5 TAYLOR FB 42 FELTON

80 Hankerson 17 Boykin 71 Kouandjio 74 Lumpkin* 68 Richardson 60 Lalk 61 Velasco 67 Kugler* 72 Groy 66 Henderson 73 Lucas* 82 Dray 89 Gragg 11 Salas 88 Goodwin 29 Williams 35 Gillislee 3 Manuel 7 Jones* 48 Gronkowski*

DLE 97 BRYANT NT 99 DAREUS DT 95 K. WILLIAMS LOLB 90 S. LAWSON* MLB 52 P. BROWN WLB 59 RAGLAND ROLB 55 HUGHES CB 24 GILMORE SS 23 A. WILLIAMS FS 20 GRAHAM CB 28 DARBY

92 Washington* 96 Barnes 94 Worthy 91 M. Lawson 51 Reddick 53 Z. Brown 57 Alexander 37 Robey 33 Anderson 26 Blanton 41 Moore

DEFENSE

93 Edwards 63 Zimmer* 69 Louis* 75 Enemkpali 49 Albright* 50 Striker* 54 Valles 30 White 27 D. Williams 36 Meeks 21 Arenas

SPECIALISTS

P 6 SCHMIDT PK 2 CARPENTER 4 Gay H 6 SCHMIDT PR 10 WOODS KR 88 GOODWIN 19 Powell LS 65 SANBORN 69 Ferguson* * Rookie COACHING STAFF Bobby April III, linebackers; John Blake, defensive line; Danny Crossman, special teams coordinator; Eric Ciano, assistant strength and conditioning; Aaron Kromer, offensive line; Sanjay Lal, wide receivers; David Lee, quarterbacks; Dan Liburd, strength and conditioning assistant; Hal Luther, assistant strength and conditioning; Anthony Lynn, assistant head coach/running backs; D’Anton Lynn, defensive assistant; Tim McDonald, defensive backs; Pat Meyer, offensive assistant; Jason Oszvart, strength and conditioning assistant; Chris Palmer, senior offensive assistant; Jason Rebrovich, defensive line; Ed Reed, assistant defensive backs; Greg Roman, offensive coordinator; Rex Ryan, head coach; Rob Ryan, assistant head coach/defense; Dennis Thurman, defensive coordinator; Eric Smith, special teams assistant; Kathryn Smith, quality control-special teams; Tony Sparano, tight ends; Jeff Weeks, outside linebackers; Jason Vrable, assistant quarterbacks.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD

PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

Shaq Lawson Reggie Ragland Adolphus Washington Cardale Jones Jonathan Williams Kolby Listenbee Kevon Seymour

DE ILB DT QB RB WR CB

Clemson Alabama Ohio State Ohio State Arkansas TCU Southern California

19 41 80 139 156 192 218

1 2 3 4 5 6 6

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The chances appear minuscule to most, but clinching a berth in the playoffs is the step this franchise must take, having been 16 years since the team’s last playoff appearance. If Tyrod Taylor takes a step forward in his progress, Sammy Watkins becomes the player he has shown glimpses of, and the defense gels to regain a top-10 ranking, the Bills could finally rid themselves of being the answer to the “longest-running playoff drought” trivia question.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Although at times exciting, Tyrod Taylor’s slight frame and playing style puts him at risk for injury. If he misses some time, and the defense doesn’t buy in fully to what Rex and Rob Ryan are trying to sell, the Bills could crash and burn in 2016. If that happens, owners Terry and Kim Pegula might just be inclined to hit the reset button, and start fresh with an entirely new front office and coaching staff.

NO NAME

POS

LB LB WR S TE DB DT S WR LB ILB DT CB K WR TE CB DT S TE WR DE LB FB LS K RB CB T WR TE S FB G WR T DE G LB QB T C G LB DE WR WR WR DE T T QB RB S G T CB K TE WR LB LB DE G CB WR LS P CB CB LB QB DB DE C DT WR CB CB RB S S RB RB DT C WR DT DT

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

225 245 201 195 247 197 364 200 215 251 248 300 187 228 215 255 193 331 190 255 217 275 261 248 244 200 219 190 345 179 244 196 234 320 211 331 254 319 245 250 322 300 304 240 270 214 183 220 294 318 325 237 208 209 303 316 202 194 252 189 247 240 269 343 165 210 240 224 205 186 221 215 223 250 310 297 211 187 210 232 199 201 223 230 303 310 190 308 292

49 Albright, Bryson 57 Alexander, Lorenzo 16 Allen, Davonte 33 Anderson, Colt 86 Annen, Blake 21 Arenas, Javier 96 Barnes, T.J. 26 Blanton, Robert 17 Boykin, Jarrett 52 Brown, Preston 53 Brown, Zach 97 Bryant, Corbin 39 Butler, Mario 2 Carpenter, Dan 87 Chambers, Gary 85 Clay, Charles 28 Darby, Ronald 99 Dareus, Marcell 31 Dowling, Jonathan 82 Dray, Jim 81 Easley, Marcus 93 Edwards, Lavar 75 Enemkpali, IK 42 Felton, Jerome 69 Ferguson, Reid 4 Gay, Jordan 35 Gillislee, Mike 24 Gilmore, Stephon 77 Glenn, Cordy 88 Goodwin, Marquise 89 Gragg, Chris 20 Graham, Corey 48 Gronkowski, Glenn 72 Groy, Ryan 80 Hankerson, Leonard 66 Henderson, Seantrel 55 Hughes, Jerry 64 Incognito, Richie 58 Johnson, Randell 7 Jones, Cardale 71 Kouandjio, Cyrus 67 Kugler, Robert 60 Lalk, Jamison 91 Lawson, Manny 90 Lawson, Shaq 13 Lewis, Dezmin 18 Listenbee, Kolby 16 Little, Greg 69 Louis, Claudell 73 Lucas, Marquis 74 Lumpkin, Keith 3 Manuel, EJ 25 McCoy, LeSean 36 Meeks, Jonathan 76 Miller, John 79 Mills, Jordan 41 Moore, Sterling 9 Morgan, Marshall 84 O’Leary, Nick 19 Powell, Walter 59 Ragland, Reggie 51 Reddick, Kevin 56 Reed, Cedric 68 Richardson, Cyril 37 Robey, Nickell 11 Salas, Greg 65 Sanborn, Garrison 6 Schmidt, Colton 44 Seamster, Sammy 45 Seymour, Kevon 50 Striker, Eric 5 Taylor, Tyrod 43 Thomas, Phillip 54 Valles, Max 61 Velasco, Fernando 92 Washington, Adolphus 14 Watkins, Sammy 47 Whigham, Julian 30 White, Corey 38 Wilder, Jr., James 23 Williams, Aaron 27 Williams, Duke 40 Williams, Jonathan 29 Williams, Karlos 95 Williams, Kyle 70 Wood, Eric 10 Woods, Robert 94 Worthy, Jerel 63 Zimmer, Justin

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

Miami (OH) California Marshall Montana Cincinnati Alabama Georgia Tech Notre Dame Virginia Tech Louisville North Carolina Northwestern Georgia Tech Montana Arizona State Tulsa Florida State Alabama Western Kentucky Stanford UConn LSU Louisiana Tech Furman LSU Centre College Florida South Carolina Georgia Texas Arkansas New Hampshire Kansas State Wisconsin Miami (Fla.) Miami (FL) Texas Christian Nebraska Florida Atlantic Ohio State Alabama Purdue Iowa State North Carolina State Clemson Central Arkansas Texas Christian North Carolina Fresno State West Virginia Rutgers Florida State Pittsburgh Clemson Louisville Louisiana Tech Southern Methodist Georgia Florida State Murray State Alabama North Carolina Texas Baylor Southern California Hawaii Florida State California-Davis Middle Tennessee State Southern California Oklahoma Virginia Tech Fresno State Virginia Georgia Ohio State Clemson Syracuse Samford Florida State Texas Nevada Arkansas Florida State LSU Louisville Southern California Michigan State Ferris State

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 41

AFC

3 Jets

EAST

NEW YORK

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

7-9

RB Matt Forte, LT Ryan Clady, NT Steve McLendon.

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES RB Chris Ivory, WR/PR Jeremy Kerley, NT Damon Harrison.

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 By

DAN LEBERFELD @ jetswhispers

OFFENSE The Jets have a relatively simplistic playbook under Chan Gailey that doesn’t bog them down with hundreds of plays, and helps them play fast. Gailey in the past has run just five running plays. After a long string of pedestrian passing seasons, the Jets’ aerial attack exploded in 2015 with the arrival of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and receiver Brandon Marshall, both acquired in offseason trades. Fitzpatrick had the best year of his career, with career-highs for touchdowns and passing yards. Marshall broke Jets records for receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,502). All the attention Marshall received helped the Jets’ running game by taking safeties out of the box.

u QUARTERBACKS The Jets are coming off their best quarterback season since the Chad Pennington era. While Fitzpatrick had a

u RUNNING BACKS The loss of Chris Ivory in free agency was a big blow. His violent, punishing running style set a toughness zeitgeist for the entire team. Matt Forte was signed to replace him. But what does he have left at 30? Over the course of his NFL career, Forte has carried the ball 2,035 times. Also, he had 808 rushing attempts at Tulane, and was a workhorse back for two years at Slidell High School, outside of New Orleans. There could be a lot of tread off the tire. The Jets re-signed Bilal Powell, a nice change-of-pace back who, like Forte, is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Expect the Jets to throw to their backs quite a bit in 2016.

u RECEIVERS The Jets’ starting receiving tandem of Marshall and Eric Decker is back intact. Neither has great speed, but both run exquisite routes, have great hands and a large catching radius. Jets No. 3 receiver Quincy Enunwa is one of the best run-blocking wideouts in the

42 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

league, who was a key to their rushing attack last year. There will be a major battle for receiving spots 4-6. The fourthbest receiver on their team last year was Kenbrell Thompkins, but he often got stuck behind rookie Devin Smith for political reasons. Smith was a high draft pick, and Thompkins was a waiver claim. Smith blew his knee out last December, so it’s unclear if he will be ready for the season. He could start on PUP. In Gailey’s offense, throwing to tight ends happens as often as a vernal equinox. They are there to block. So the Jets’ re-signing of tight end Kellen Davis makes sense. He’s not much of a receiving threat, but he’s a top-shelf blocker who did a lot of good work in the Jets running game last year.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Woody Johnson

GRADE

2015 RECORD 10-6

rough final game, his season as a whole was terrific. Fitzpatrick is right out of Central Casting to play in Chan Gailey’s offense. After their three years working together in Buffalo, they think as one. Fitzpatrick and his starting receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, developed a quick chemistry with each other. After the first month, it was like they played together for five years. Fitzpatrick, a river-boat gambler, “threw them open” with regularity. As of press time, Fitzpatrick still was not under contract, and the Jets used a second-round pick on good-sized and strong-armed Christian Hackenberg, who was inconsistent at Penn State. In reserve, the Jets have Geno Smith and Bryce Petty. Both need work going through their progressive scans.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Jets experience a major change up front with the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, their left tackle the past 10 years. The Jets asked him to take a pay cut, and he decided to retire instead. Taking his place is Ryan Clady, acquired in a trade from Denver. Clady has been an elite left tackle, but after missing two of the past three seasons due to injuries, it remains to be seen if he can regain his prior form. He has now had two left knee injuries to go along with a Lisfranc sprain to his left foot. These are a lot of injuries to his left plant leg. Right tackle Breno Giacomini is solid, but a little stiff athletically, so edge speed can give him problems. Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold is still at the top of his game. Left guard James Carpenter came to the Jets from Seattle last year for big money and had a terrific season. The right guard spot likely will be up for grabs with incumbent Brian Winters battling Dakota Dozier, Jarvis Harrison and Craig Watts. Winters has the leg up, but needs to do a better job of recognizing blitzes and stunts.

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC EAST

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Brandon Marshall Leonard Williams OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Quincy Enunwa DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Erin Henderson

POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORG: Brian Winters vs. Dakota Dozier

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 15 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 27 Dec. 5 Dec. 11 Dec. 17 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Cincinnati at Buffalo at Kansas City Seattle at Pittsburgh at Arizona Baltimore at Cleveland at Miami Los Angeles BYE New England Indianapolis at San Francisco Miami at New England Buffalo

DATE

The Jets have a trio of superb 3-4 ends. Mo Wilkerson is the best player on the Jets. At 6-4, 315 pounds, he has the feet of a dancing bear, arms like vines, and plays with great technique. Wilkerson broke his right tibia in the Jets’ season finale, but is expected to be ready for the season. Williams is a future star. As a 20-year-old rookie, he showed flashes of brilliance. With an entire offseason program to get strong and improve his technique, he could take a quantum leap in Year Two. Richardson is a 6-3, 294-pounder with the movement skills of a linebacker. He often overwhelms guards with his quickness off the ball. Former Bear

GRADE

Gang Green essentially has two defensive coordinators, the man with the title, Kacy Rodgers, and head coach Todd Bowles, whose work running Arizona’s defense helped him land the Jets job. The Jets run a 3-4 front base and blitz a ton. The strength of their defense is their defensive line, led by Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams, three athleticallygifted 300-pounders. When you blitz as much as Bowles likes to, you need to get better secondary play than the Jets got in 2015. There were too many blown coverages. Also, when you play the 3-4, you need a game-wrecker or two at outside linebacker, and that is something the Jets lacked last year.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

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

2015 RESULTS

Leonard Williams

DEFENSE

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:25 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.

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Cleveland W 31-10 Sept. 21 at Indianapolis W 20-7 Sept. 27 Philadelphia L 17-24 Oct. 4 at Miami W 27-14 Oct. 18 Washington W 34-20 Oct. 25 at New England L 23-30 Nov. 1 at Oakland L 20-34 Nov. 8 Jacksonville W 28-23 Nov. 12 Buffalo L 17-22 Nov. 22 at Houston L 17-24 Nov. 29 Miami W 38-20 Dec. 6 at NY Giants *W 23-20 Dec. 13 Tennessee W 30-8 Dec. 19 at Dallas W 19-16 Dec. 27 New England *W 26-20 Jan. 3 at Buffalo L 17-22 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 43

AFC

EAST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS RYAN FITZPATRICK

CHRIS IVORY

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 CLE WK 2 @ IND WK 3 PHI WK 4 @ MIA WK 6 WAS WK 7 @ NE WK 8 @ OAK WK 9 JAX WK 10 BUF WK 11 @ HOU WK 12 MIA WK 13 @ NYG WK 14 TEN WK 15 @ DAL WK 16 NE WK 17 @ BUF SEASON TOTALS u

24 15 179 2 1 95.7 34 22 244 2 1 93.3 58 35 283 2 3 62.6 29 16 218 1 1 76.5 26 19 253 2 1 113.1 39 22 295 2 0 97.7 5 4 46 0 0 105.0 34 21 272 2 0 106.5 34 15 193 2 2 57.6 39 19 216 1 2 52.9 37 22 277 4 0 118.9 50 36 390 2 0 107.9 36 21 263 3 0 108.9 39 26 299 1 1 87.4 41 26 296 3 0 109.4 37 16 181 2 3 42.7 562 335 3,905 31 15 88.0

20 91 14 57 Did Not Play 29 166 20 146 17 41 15 17 23 26 18 99 8 36 21 87 10 47 22 101 13 37 11 38 6 81 247 1,070

ERIC DECKER

BILAL POWELL

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

CHRIS IVORY

RUSHING ATT YDS

12 62 12 38 10 31 0 0 4 -2 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 22 6 28 6 17 3 36 6 25 7 56 Inactive 70 313

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 1

QUINCY ENUNWA

RUSHING ATT YDS

2 -1 1 6 4 13 9 34 4 31 5 29 1 12 4 0 3 30 5 12 5 21 5 22 3 23 5 13 2 13 2 12 60 270

BRANDON MARSHALL

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

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

9 6 62 1 10 7 101 1 14 10 109 1 11 7 128 0 9 7 111 1 7 4 67 0 18 9 108 0 8 4 44 1 10 3 23 1 10 5 47 1 11 9 131 2 13 12 131 1 10 6 125 1 7 4 74 0 10 8 115 2 16 8 126 1 173 109 1,502 14

KENBRELL THOMPKINS

JEREMY KERLEY

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 CLE WK 2 @ IND WK 3 PHI WK 4 @ MIA WK 6 WAS WK 7 @ NE WK 8 @ OAK WK 9 JAX WK 10 BUF WK 11 @ HOU WK 12 MIA WK 13 @ NYG WK 14 TEN WK 15 @ DAL WK 16 NE WK 17 @ BUF SEASON TOTALS u

3 2 37 1 11 8 97 1 Inactive 5 4 46 1 7 4 59 1 12 6 94 0 7 6 60 1 9 6 79 1 11 6 85 1 11 4 81 0 9 5 62 1 12 8 101 0 10 7 74 1 10 6 55 1 6 3 47 1 9 5 50 1 132 80 1,027 12

4 2 16 0 5 4 16 0 8 7 44 0 1 1 12 0 1 1 1 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 7 5 67 0 5 2 7 0 13 8 91 1 5 5 46 1 7 7 54 0 7 5 34 0 Inactive 63 47 388 2

1 1 9 0 2 2 3 0 Inactive 2 0 0 0 3 3 50 0 2 2 12 1 5 3 24 0 3 3 22 0 3 2 36 0 1 1 9 0 2 2 15 0 5 5 22 0 2 1 6 0 2 1 5 0 4 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 37 30 217 1

0 0 0 0 3 1 27 0 10 5 50 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 17 0 Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 4 2 22 0 6 2 29 0 4 2 37 0 3 1 10 0 4 4 49 0 4 2 69 0 4 1 5 0 46 22 315 0

Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Inactive 7 6 41 0 4 4 45 0 4 1 2 0 Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 Inactive 5 2 50 0 9 4 27 0 4 0 0 0 33 17 165 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 6 33 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 27 1 5 4 63 0 3 2 22 0 3 1 7 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 26 16 152 2

tremendous motor and does a nice job of dipping his shoulder to get under tall tackles. The Jets moved on from longtime starting outside linebacker Calvin Pace, and his slot is wide open. Trevor Reilly will compete with third-round rookie Jordan Jenkins, a productive and smart four-year SEC starter. One candidate for the job is former CFL star Freddie Bishop, who signed with the Jets in the offseason.

u LINEBACKERS

u DEFENSIVE BACKS

After spending $150 million in free agency on defensive backs last offseason, this area was a little disappointing. Two of the players signed for big bucks, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, have both lost a step and don’t have the same quick twitch as in the past. Young, quick receivers were constantly pulling away from them. The Jets released Cromartie in the offseason, and will attempt to get younger and faster at the spot opposite Revis. Candidates for the job include Marcus Williams (six picks in 2015), Dee Milliner, who continues to

GRADE

The Jets are in good shape at inside linebacker, with a pair of instinctive veterans in David Harris and Erin Henderson. They both have outstanding football IQ’s and trigger downhill fast. First-round pick Darron Lee, the fastest linebacker in the draft and arguably most athletic, will be used in sub packages and involved in covering tight ends in a LB/S hybrid role. At outside linebacker, Lorenzo Mauldin will start at one spot. While he doesn’t have great speed, and his hips are a little stiff, he plays with a

44 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

fight the injury bug, and nickel back Buster Skrine. Skrine, who was part of that lucrative free agent class last year, needs to play better than he did in 2015. He’s physical and has great speed, but he needs to do a better job of finding the ball. At safety, the Jets return the tandem of free safety Marcus Gilchrist and strong safety Calvin Pryor. Gilchrist, a former cornerback, is a good centerfielder. Pryor is a big-time hitter who is an excellent blitzer.

SPECIAL TEAMS

This area was a weakness last year; the kick returning, punting and punt coverage were all problematic, and it cost special teams coach Bobby April his job. But the problems weren’t all the fault of April – much of the special teams’ personnel was substandard. The Jets will have a new punter, kickoff returner and punt returner in 2016. Also, kicker Nick Folk is coming off an injury, and could be a cap casualty. So new special teams coach Brant Boyer is going to have his work cut out for him.

GRADE

Jarvis Jenkins was added for depth and insurance in case Wilkerson is traded and/or Richardson is suspended for a police chase last summer. The Jets lost nose tackle Damon Harrison to the Giants in free agency, and replaced him with former Pittsburgh Steeler Steve McLendon. Jets nose tackles get a lot of single blocks due to their talent at end. This helped Harrison and should do the same for McLendon.

GRADE

RYAN FITZPATRICK

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 MARSHALL OLT 78 CLADY OLG 77 CARPENTER C 74 MANGOLD ORG 67 WINTERS ORT 68 GIACOMINI TE 47 DAVIS TE 88 AMARO WR 87 DECKER QB 7 G. SMITH RB 22 FORTE

84 D. Smith 10 Thompkins 71 Ijalana 62 Watts 76 Johnson 70 Dozier 64 Harrison 79 Qvale 72 Shell* 86 Saxton 82 Bostick 44 Sudfeld 81 Enunwa 17 Peake* 9 Petty 5 Hackenberg* 29 Powell 31 Robinson

DLE 96 WILKERSON NT 99 McLENDON DRT 91 RICHARDSON ROLB 55 MAULDIN RILB 58 HENDERSON LILB 52 HARRIS LOLB 57 REILLY CB 24 REVIS SS 25 PRYOR FS 21 GILCHRIST CB 41 SKRINE

98 Ja. Jenkins 93 Simon 62 L. Williams 56 Bishop 50 Lee* 54 Carter 48 Jo. Jenkins* 27 Milliner 34 Bailey 45 Miles 20 M. Williams

DEFENSE

43 Howsare 95 Martin 50 Barnes 49 Jones 51 Stanford 23 McDougle 42 Martin 38 Burris*

SPECIALISTS

P 4 EDWARDS* PK 2 FOLK H 4 EDWARDS* PR 87 DECKER KR 10 THOMPKINS LS 46 PURDUM * Rookie COACHING STAFF Tim Atkins, defensive quality control; Todd Bowles, head coach; Brant Boyer, special teams coordinator; Robby Brown, offensive quality control; Mike Caldwell, assistant head coach/inside linebackers; Mark Collins, outside linebackers; Joe Danna, defensive backs; David Diaz-Infante, offensive assistant; Karl Dorrell, wide receivers; Chan Gailey, offensive coordinator; Justus Galac, head strength and conditioning; Jeff Hammerschmidt, special teams assistant; 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 conditioning; Kevin Patullo, quarterbacks; Kacy Rodgers, defensive coordinator; John Scott Jr., assistant defensive line; Marcel Shipp, running backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OLB QB OLB CB OT P WR

Ohio State Penn State Georgia NC State South Carolina Sam Houston State Clemson

20 51 83 118 158 235 241

1 2 3 4 5 7 7

Darron Lee Christian Hackenberg Jordan Jenkins Juston Burris Brandon Shell Lachlan Edwards Charone Peake

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The Jets’ passing attack picks up where it left off from last year and has another prolific season through the air. The Jets’ new left tackle, Ryan Clady, regains his Pro Bowl form and the retirement of D’Brickashaw Ferguson doesn’t set the Jets back. A dynamic edge pass rusher at outside linebacker finally emerges, ending a long drought. Darrelle Revis, making an eye-popping $17 million this year, earns that salary and leads a resurgence of the Jets’ secondary. And all this adds up to an 11-5 record for the Jets and a trip to the playoffs.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The Jets have perhaps the toughest schedule in the NFL, the challenge turns out to be too much to overcome, and they end up with a losing season.

NO NAME

POS

88 Amaro, Jace 83 Anderson, Robby 34 Bailey, Dion 94 Barnes, Deion 60 Barney, Tarow 56 Bishop, Freddie 40 Bohanon, Tommy 82 Bostick, Brandon 1 Bundrage, Quenton 38 Burris, Juston 77 Carpenter, James 54 Carter, Bruce 53 Catapano, Mike 78 Clady, Ryan Cunningham, Jerome 69 Davis, Jesse 47 Davis, Kellen 84 Davis, Titus 87 Decker, Eric 70 Dozier, Dakota 4 Edwards, Lachlan 81 Enunwa, Quincy 2 Folk, Nick 22 Forté, Matt 63 Friend, Kyle 68 Giacomini, Breno 21 Gilchrist, Marcus 5 Hackenberg, Christian 6 Hackett, Tom 52 Harris, David 64 Harrison, Jarvis 58 Henderson, Erin 43 Howsare, Julian 71 Ijalana, Ben 36 James, Kendall 98 Jenkins, Jarvis 48 Jenkins, Jordan 76 Johnson, Wesley 49 Jones, Taiwan Keeton, Bryson 50 Lee, Darron 74 Mangold, Nick 65 Marquardt, Luke 15 Marshall, Brandon 89 Marshall, Jalin 95 Martin, Josh 42 Martin, Ronald 8 Martin, Ross 61 Matungulu, Helva 55 Mauldin, Lorenzo 23 McDougle, Dexter 99 McLendon, Steve 39 Middleton, Doug 45 Miles, Rontez 27 Milliner, Dee 26 Morris, Darryl 65 Obioha, Julien 75 Okoye, Lawrence 17 Peake, Charone 66 Pelon, Claude 9 Petty, Bryce 29 Powell, Bilal 25 Pryor, Calvin 46 Purdum, Tanner 79 Qvale, Brent 57 Reilly, Trevor 24 Revis, Darrelle 91 Richardson, Sheldon 31 Robinson, Khiry 11 Ross, Jeremy 86 Saxton, Wes 72 Shell, Brandon 32 Short, Kevin 93 Simon, Deon 41 Skrine, Buster 19 Smith, Devin 7 Smith, Geno 30 Stacy, Zac 51 Stanford, Julian 44 Sudfeld, Zach 97 Thomas, Lawrence 10 Thompkins, Kenbrell 49 Vander Laan, Jason 62 Watts, Craig 96 Wilkerson, Muhammad 35 Williams, Dominique 92 Williams, Leonard 20 Williams, Marcus 67 Winters, Brian 16 Worthy, Chandler

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

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

265 190 211 255 306 255 247 250 198 212 321 240 270 315 250 309 265 200 214 313 209 225 222 218 305 318 198 228 198 250 330 244 255 322 180 300 259 297 252 190 232 307 315 230 200 245 220 183 290 259 195 310 210 203 201 188 280 304 209 300 230 204 207 270 315 245 198 294 220 215 235 324 185 332 185 199 221 224 230 260 286 195 244 335 315 205 302 196 320 173

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

Texas Tech Temple USC Penn State Penn State Western Michigan Wake Forest Newberry Iowa State N.C. State Alabama North Carolina Princeton Boise State So. Connecticut State Idaho Michigan State Central Michigan Minnesota Furman Sam Houston State Nebraska Arizona Tulane Temple Louisville Clemson Penn St. Utah Michigan Texas A&M Maryland Clarion Villanova Maine Clemson Georgia Vanderbilt Michigan State Montana State Ohio St. Ohio State Azusa Pacific Central Florida Ohio State Columbia LSU Duke Western Carolina Louisville Maryland Troy Appalachain State California (PA) Alabama Texas State Texas A&M No College Clemson USC Baylor Louisville Louisville Baker Nebraska Utah Pittsburgh Missouri West Texas A&M California South Alabama South Carolina Fort Scott CC KS NW State-Louisiana Tennessee-Chattanooga Ohio State West Virginia Vanderbilt Wagner Nevada Michigan State Cincinnati Ferris State West Texas A&M Temple Wagner USC North Dakota State Kent State Troy

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| 45

AFC

EAST

4 Dolphins MIAMI

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

5-11

DE Mario Williams, CB Byron Maxwell, ILB Kiko Alonso, FS Isa Abdul-Quddus.

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

CB Brent Grimes, RB Lamar Miller, DE Olivier Vernon, WR Rishard Matthews, ILB Kelvin Sheppard.

GENERAL MANAGER Chris Grier HEAD COACH Adam Gase OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Clyde Christensen DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Vance Joseph STADIUM The New Miami Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,326 | Natural grass By

OMAR KELLY @ OmarKelly

OFFENSE

The Dolphins have been handcuffed by an anemic offense since 2008, and the only hope for a change is the hiring of Adam Gase, the hotshot rookie head coach who has tailor-made offenses for Tim Tebow, Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler. The Dolphins hired Gase believing he could bring out the best in Ryan Tannehill, who is surrounded by a well-equipped arsenal of weapons. Gase’s offense will be run-based and lean heavily on the tight ends. But Miami will need Tannehill to deliver a couple of big boy throws on third downs and in the red zone to produce points. If Tannehill can do that, the Dolphins offense, which finished 27th in points per game last season, should stop being a bottom dweller.

u QUARTERBACKS Tannehill hasn’t hit a plateau as an NFL starter because of his inconsistent play, which is caused by poor pocket

u RUNNING BACKS The Dolphins have an unproven stable of young tailbacks because of Lamar Miller’s decision to sign with Houston. Jay Ajayi flashed at times as a rookie, but the fifth-round pick might not be able to handle a 200-carry workload because of his troublesome knees, which tanked his draft stock in 2015. Third-round RB Kenyan Drake can catch out of the backfield and has speed and playmaking abilities from his time as a back and returner at Alabama. Damien Williams, who averaged 3.7 yards on his 16 carries last season, is barely hanging onto his roster spot, and the rest of the backs are just filler. This unit needs to develop and play well to lighten the load on Tannehill’s shoulders.

D+

u RECEIVERS The Dolphins have a talented trio of receivers in Jarvis Landry, a 2015 Pro Bowl selection, DeVante Parker, last year’s first-round pick, and Kenny Stills, a deep threat. Landry has pulled down a record-setting 194 receptions in his first two seasons, and there are no signs that he’ll stop being Tannehill’s primary target in this new offense. Parker flashed the talent that hints he’s ready to replace Rishard Matthews, who signed with

46 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

the Titans this offseason, as a full-time starter. Stills, who caught 27 passes for 440 yards and scored three touchdowns, will likely see his workload increase because Gase is fond of his skill set and knack for stretching the field. Rookie Leonte Carroo has good straightline speed for the outside. Jakeem Grant is diminutive but could be a gadget player. Last season, Miami’s tight ends caught 58 passes, which produced 560 yards and six touchdowns. Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims will continue to split the tight-end workload, and the hope is that Miami’s new offense will help that position become more productive.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN Stephen M. Ross

GRADE

2015 RECORD 6-10

presence and a tendency to shrink at the most inopportune times. Tannehill, who produced an 88.7 passer rating last season, will be learning his third offense in his fifth season as Miami’s unquestioned starter. Tannehill must continue to improve on his third-down (ranked 23rd) and red-zone (ranked 20th) throws, and get his team executing better in the fourth quarter (ranked 24th in fourth quarter-efficiency) in order to take that next step as a quarterback. Matt Moore is a competent backup who could win games if called on to start, so the Dolphins could survive an injury to Tannehill. Rookie Brandon Doughty was productive in college.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN During the past two seasons, the Dolphins have only played seven games that featured Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey and Ja’Wuan James on the offensive line together from start to finish of those games. During those contests, Miami produced a 6-1 record, which is proof the pieces are there. The key components of Miami’s offensive line just need to stay healthy. The Dolphins fortified this unit this offseason by selecting Laremy Tunsil in the first round and then signing Jermon Bushrod, Kraig Urbik and Sam Young. Tunsil was the story of the draft for the wrong reason, but at one time was considered the top overall prospect. He’s currently slotted at left guard. The hope is that one of the three youngsters – Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas and Jamil Douglas – vying for the starting right guard spot takes his game to the next level. Bushrod and Urbik could factor in, too. Turner is a powerful run blocker, but he must become a more reliable pass protector. Thomas has started for the past two seasons but typically has five moments a game he wishes never happened. Gase believes play-calling also will lighten the load on the offensive line, cutting down on Tannehill’s sacks.

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN AFC EAST

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Jarvis Landry

Ndamukong Suh

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR DeVante Parker DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT WLB Jelani Jenkins POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH DT: Earl Mitchell vs. Jordan Phillips

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Sept. 29 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 17 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Seattle at New England Cleveland at Cincinnati Tennessee Pittsburgh Buffalo BYE N.Y. Jets at San Diego at Los Angeles San Francisco at Baltimore Arizona at N.Y. Jets at Buffalo New England

major disappointment (31 sacks). That trend can’t continue in 2016.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Dolphins have three Pro Bowl talents – Ndamukong Suh, Mario Williams, Cameron Wake – on the defensive line, but the average age of the starting unit is 30.5. Williams must prove he’s still capable of playing the game at a high level. Returning to a 4-3 scheme should assist his cause. Wake produced seven sacks and forced four fumbles in seven games last season before suffering his Achilles injury. He’ll be brought along slowly in 2016 and might just be used as a situational pass rusher early. The Dolphins need better play from whichever defensive tackle ends up

GRADE

Vance Joseph is one of the most respected position coaches in the NFL, but this will be his first opportunity to run his own defense as a coordinator, so it will be interesting to see whether he can mold all the individual talent the Dolphins have into a forceful unit, one worthy of a top-10 ranking. Last season, the Dolphins struggled stopping the run, couldn’t get off the field on third downs, and contributed just 16 takeaways (fourth fewest in the NFL). So there’s nowhere to go but up for this underachieving unit, which will benefit from the return of Cameron Wake, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week Seven. Miami’s defensive front was supposed to be the backbone of the team last season, but that unit was a

B-

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

2015 RESULTS

Ndamukong Suh

DEFENSE

TIME

4:05 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.

DATE

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

OPPONENT

RESULT

at Washington W 17-10 at Jacksonville L 20-23 Buffalo L 14-41 NY Jets L 14-27 at Tennessee W 38-10 Houston W 44-26 at New England L 7-36 at Buffalo L 17-33 at Philadelphia W 20-19 Dallas L 14-24 at NY Jets L 20-38 Baltimore W 15-13 NY Giants L 24-31 at San Diego L 14-30 Indianapolis L 12-18 New England W 20-10 All times Eastern

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| 47

AFC

EAST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS RYAN TANNEHILL

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

WK 1 34 22 226 1 0 93.5 @ WAS WK 2 44 30 359 2 0 108.0 @ JAX WK 3 49 26 297 2 3 59.7 BUF WK 4 44 19 198 2 2 53.0 NYJ WK 6 29 22 266 2 2 97.8 @ TEN WK 7 19 18 282 4 0 158.3 HOU WK 8 44 28 300 0 2 64.6 @ NE WK 9 35 26 307 0 0 100.5 @ BUF WK 10 @ PHI 36 21 217 2 0 94.3 WK 11 24 13 188 2 1 90.3 DAL WK 12 @ NYJ 58 33 351 3 1 84.8 WK 13 BAL 19 9 86 1 0 78.0 WK 14 NYG 41 25 236 1 0 85.0 WK 15 @ SD 34 20 216 0 0 77.6 WK 16 IND 38 26 329 0 1 84.2 WK 17 38 25 350 2 0 112.8 NE SEASON TOTALS u 586 363 4,208 24 12 88.7

LAMAR MILLER

RISHARD MATTHEWS

JAY AJAYI

13 53 10 14 7 38 7 26 19 113 14 175 9 15 12 44 16 43 7 44 5 2 20 113 12 89 9 12 15 31 19 60 194 872

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

Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 5 41 0 6 48 0 4 13 0 3 6 0 4 12 0 5 15 0 6 27 1 9 23 0 7 2 0 49 187 1

JORDAN CAMERON

RUSHING ATT YDS

RYAN TANNEHILL

RUSHING ATT YDS

KENNY STILLS

RUSHING ATT YDS

3 7 3 17 1 -1 1 4 2 14 1 3 2 -1 2 3 2 -2 3 13 0 0 1 11 4 24 3 4 1 28 3 17 32 141

JARVIS LANDRY

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

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

12 8 53 0 10 8 110 0 13 8 67 0 12 4 40 0 4 3 42 0 5 5 83 2 8 6 71 0 12 10 67 0 12 7 52 1 7 4 66 0 16 13 165 1 5 2 5 0 18 11 99 0 10 8 54 0 11 7 111 0 11 6 72 0 166 110 1157 4

DEVANTE PARKER

DAMIAN WILLIAMS

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ WAS WK 2 @ JAX WK 3 BUF WK 4 NYJ WK 6 @ TEN WK 7 HOU WK 8 @ NE WK 9 @ BUF WK 10 @ PHI WK 11 DAL WK 12 @ NYJ WK 13 BAL WK 14 NYG WK 15 @ SD WK 16 IND WK 17 NE SEASON TOTALS u

1 1 22 0 6 5 28 0 3 3 27 0 2 1 10 0 3 2 5 0 3 3 61 1 5 5 19 0 7 7 97 0 8 6 50 1 3 2 11 0 4 3 11 0 2 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 12 0 6 5 36 0 2 1 3 0 57 47 397 2

6 4 34 1 7 6 115 0 10 6 113 2 3 1 16 0 6 6 85 0 3 3 75 1 12 7 62 0 4 4 54 0 6 5 93 0 3 1 15 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured Reserve 61 43 662 4

7 4 73 0 4 3 62 0 8 3 16 0 9 2 19 0 8 3 30 1 2 2 23 0 5 2 34 0 1 1 6 0 3 1 5 0 5 2 21 1 3 2 13 0 3 1 4 0 4 3 35 0 1 1 5 0 3 3 34 0 4 2 6 1 70 35 386 3

3 1 12 0 4 2 8 0 1 0 0 0 8 5 81 1 2 2 46 0 0 0 0 7 3 58 0 5 3 74 0 4 0 0 0 2 2 52 1 10 2 12 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 49 1 6 1 23 0 3 3 14 0 4 1 11 0 63 27 440 3

0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 7 3 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive Did Not Play 0 0 0 10 4 80 1 5 3 63 1 5 2 16 0 6 4 87 0 10 4 93 0 6 5 106 1 50 26 494 3

1 1 3 0 4 3 15 1 3 1 5 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 10 0 1 1 5 0 3 2 11 0 2 2 11 0 3 3 33 0 3 3 38 0 28 21 142 1

The Dolphins’ linebacker unit has been the Achilles’ heel of the defense for the past three seasons, and Kiko Alonso’s addition presents the only change to a group that struggled badly in 2015. Alonso was the key component of a trade Miami made with Philadelphia this offseason because the Dolphins believe the instincts and diagnosing ability he showed as a rookie in Buffalo – contributing 149 tackles and four interceptions – would make the defensive line shine. Problem is Alonso hasn’t been healthy, and hasn’t played well the past two seasons because of his troublesome knees. Koa Misi has been a reliable starter for the past six seasons, but he’s not an impactful player (12.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups,

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Brent Grimes and Brice McCain were released this offseason. The Dolphins, who allowed opposing quarterbacks to produce a 97.4 passer rating last season, traded for Byron Maxwell, and will give this tall, physical cornerback a fresh start coming off his disappointing season in Philadelphia. The hope is that Maxwell regains the form he had in Seattle by returning to the right side. It is possible that Bobby McCain, a 2015 fifth-round pick, or Michael Thomas, last year’s starting free safety, can handle the nickel cornerback spot. But the Dolphins need to find another boundary cornerback. Second-rounder Xavien Howard has

48 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

C+

the length and speed to fit in Miami’s scheme. Jordan Lucas, another versatile DB, will compete at corner. Reshad Jones put together a third straight impressive season, which earned him his first Pro Bowl appearance. But his gambler’s mentality left Miami’s secondary exposed at times last season. AbdulQuddus was signed to a three-year deal because he showcased the intellectual capabilities and range needed to be paired with Jones as Miami’s starting free safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Matt Darr and Andrew Franks had productive rookie seasons. Darr averaged 47.6 yards per punt and 39.7 net yards, and Franks made 13 of 16 field goal attempts. The belief is that they should both improve in 2016 with more experience under their belt. Miami’s coverage unit has been strong for the past few seasons, but the Dolphins need to find a return specialist to ease Jarvis Landry’s workload. A Pro Bowl talent shouldn’t be returning kickoffs and punts.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

two forced fumbles and no interceptions in his career). Jelani Jenkins had a breakout season in 2014, but took a step back last year (71 tackles, one forced fumble), partly because of injuries. Neville Hewitt showed some promise as Jenkins’ replacement late last season (39 tackles, one interception) and could push for more playing time.

GRADE

playing next to Suh. Earl Mitchell was a disappointment last season, and Jordan Phillips, a 2015 second-round pick, must prove he can consistently stop the run. Depth on the defensive line is decent, but the unit could use an infusion of impactful youngsters.

GRADE

LAMAR MILLER

B-

AFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 11 PARKER OLT 76 ALBERT OLG 67 TUNSIL* C 51 POUNCEY ORG 77 TURNER ORT 70 JAMES TE 84 CAMERON WR 10 STILLS WR 14 LANDRY QB 17 TANNEHILL RB 23 AJAYI

88 Carroo* 74 Bushrod 71 Painter 63 Thomas 75 Douglas 66 McClendon 75 Douglas 60 Urbik 79 Young 80 Sims 86 Stoneburner 19 Grant* 15 Hazel 18 Whalen 81 Cruz 8 Moore 6 Doughty* 32 Drake* 26 D. Williams

DLE 91 WAKE DT 93 SUH DT 90 MITCHELL DRE 94 M. WILLIAMS WLB 53 JENKINS MLB 47 ALONSO SLB 55 MISI CB 41 MAXWELL SS 20 JONES FS 24 ABDUL-QUDDUS CB 25 HOWARD*

50 Branch 78 Fede 52 Jones 62 Coleman 97 Phillips 58 C. McCain 73 Warmsley 46 Hewitt 56 Johnson 45 Hull 49 Vigil* 42 Paysinger 36 Lippett 38 Chekwa 35 Aikens 31 Thomas 27 Gary 28 B. McCain

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 4 DARR PK 3 FRANKS H 4 DARR PR 19 GRANT* KR 32 DRAKE* LS 92 DENNEY * Rookie COACHING STAFF Lou Anarumo, defensive backs; Jim Arthur, assistant strength and conditioning; Danny Barrett, running backs; Charlie Bullen, assistant linebackers; Matt Burke, linebackers; Clyde Christensen, offensive coordinator; Shane Day, tight ends; Chris Foerster, offensive line; Adam Gase, head coach; Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks; Shawn Jefferson, wide receivers; Ben Johnson, assistant wide receivers; Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator; Daronte Jones, assistant defensive backs; Chris Kuper, offensive quality control; Marwan Maalouf, assistant special teams; Rusty McKinney, defensive quality control; Dave Puloka, head strength and conditioning; Ted Rath, assistant strength and conditioning; Darren Rizzi, assistant head coach/special teams coordinator; Jeremiah Washburn, assistant offensive line; Jim Washburn, senior defensive assistant/pass rush specialist; Terrell Williams, defensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT CB RB WR WR SS QB TE

Ole Miss Baylor Alabama Rutgers Texas Tech Penn State Western Kentucky UCLA

13 38 73 86 186 204 223 231

1 2 3 3 6 6 7 7

Laremy Tunsil Xavien Howard Kenyan Drake Leonte Carroo Jakeem Grant Jordan Lucas Brandon Doughty Thomas Duarte

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Dolphins haven’t been to the playoffs since 2008 and haven’t won a playoff game since the 2000 season, so a realistic goal would be to make it into the playoffs as a wild-card team and to win a postseason game. That would serve as proof Gase has the franchise headed in the right direction. To achieve this goal, the offense would need to average 24 points a game and the defense would need to be a top 10 unit against the run and the pass.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The Dolphins offense has been putrid for most of this decade, and that’s not likely going to change unless Gase works his magic with Tannehill, helping him become a more accurate passer and gain pocket presence. If they have another season where the offense scores 21 or more points just three times – like last season – don’t be surprised if Miami struggles to produce six wins.

POS

24 Abdul-Quddus, Isa 35 Aikens, Walt 23 Ajayi, Jay 76 Albert, Branden 47 Alonso, Kiko 44 Blount, Akil 50 Branch, Andre 43 Burgess, James 74 Bushrod, Jermon 84 Cameron, Jordan 88 Carroo, Leonte 64 Carter, Ruben 38 Chekwa, Chimdi 62 Coleman, Deandre 81 Cruz, A.J. 4 Darr, Matt 92 Denney, John 59 DiSalvo, Ryan 6 Doughty, Brandon 75 Douglas, Jamil 32 Drake, Kenyan 83 Duarte, Thomas 2 Dysert, Zac 33 Ekpre-Olomu, Ifo 78 Fede, Terrence 3 Franks, Andrew 27 Gary, Shamiel 19 Grant, Jakeem 48 Gray, MarQueis 57 Gray, Tyler 15 Hazel, Matt 37 Hendy, A.J. 46 Hewitt, Neville 25 Howard, Xavien 89 Hughes, Gabe 96 Huguenin, Farrington 45 Hull, Mike 70 James, Ja’Wuan 53 Jenkins, Jelani 56 Johnson, James-Michael 68 John, Ulrick 52 Jones, Chris 85 Jones, Dominique 20 Jones, Reshad 7 Koehn, Marshall 72 Laing, Cleyon 14 Landry, Jarvis 36 Lippett, Tony 21 Lucas, Jordan 41 Maxwell, Byron 28 McCain, Bobby 58 McCain, Chris 66 McClendon, Jacques 55 Misi, Koa 90 Mitchell, Earl 8 Moore, Matt 16 Murphy, Tyler 71 Painter, Vinston 11 Parker, DeVante 29 Patmon, Tyler 42 Paysinger, Spencer 22 Pead, Isaiah 97 Phillips, Jordan 40 Pitts, Lafayette 51 Pouncey, Mike 87 Scott, Rashawn 82 Shippen, Brandon 80 Sims, Dion 65 Steen, Anthony 10 Stills, Kenny 86 Stoneburner, Jake 93 Suh, Ndamukong 17 Tannehill, Ryan 63 Thomas, Dallas 30 Thomas, Daniel 5 Thomas, Logan 31 Thomas, Michael 61 Tuaau, Charles 67 Tunsil, Laremy 77 Turner, Billy 60 Urbik, Kraig 49 Vigil, Zach 91 Wake, Cameron 73 Warmsley, Julius 18 Whalen, Griff 26 Williams, Damien 69 Williams, Jordan 94 Williams, Mario 79 Young, Sam

S S RB T LB LB DE LB OL TE WR C/G CB DT WR P LS LS QB G RB TE QB CB DE K S WR TE LB WR S LB CB TE DE LB T LB LB T DT TE S K DE WR CB CB CB CB DE C/G LB DT QB WR G WR CB LB RB DT CB C WR WR TE G WR TE DT QB G RB QB S DT G/T G C/G LB DE DE WR RB DE DE T

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

201 208 228 320 238 243 265 231 320 260 211 306 190 324 195 220 252 253 220 310 210 225 221 194 278 205 217 161 242 232 205 208 235 201 240 282 237 318 243 240 311 295 270 218 200 290 202 200 201 207 196 245 320 255 310 220 213 310 218 188 250 204 330 195 305 203 189 268 309 198 250 320 220 315 235 250 201 310 315 302 324 240 270 276 190 224 287 292 320

AGE COLLEGE 26 Fordham 24 Liberty 22 Boise State 31 Virginia 25 Oregon 21 Florida A&M 26 Clemson 22 Louisville 31 Towson 27 Southern California 22 Rutgers 23 Toledo 28 Ohio State 25 California 25 Brown 23 Tennessee 37 Brigham Young 22 San Jose State 23 Western Kentucky 24 Arizona State 22 Alabama 21 UCLA 26 Miami (Ohio) 22 Oregon 24 Marist 23 Rensselaer Polytechnic 25 Oklahoma State 23 Texas Tech 26 Minnesota 23 Boise State 24 Coastal Carolina 23 Maryland 23 Marshall 22 Baylor 22 Florida Tech 24 Kentucky 24 Penn State 23 Tennessee 24 Florida 26 Nevada 23 Georgia State 25 Bowling Green 28 Shepherd 28 Georgia 23 Iowa 25 Iowa State 23 Louisiana State 23 Michigan St. 22 Penn St. 28 Clemson 22 Memphis 24 California 28 Tennessee 29 Utah 28 Arizona 31 Oregon State 24 Boston College 26 Virginia Tech 23 Louisville 25 Oklahoma State 27 Oregon 26 Cincinnati 23 Oklahoma 23 Pittsburgh 26 Florida 24 Miami (Fla.) 21 Temple 25 Michigan State 26 Alabama 24 Oklahoma 26 Ohio State 29 Nebraska 27 Texas A&M 26 Tennessee 28 Kansas State 24 Virginia Tech 26 Stanford 24 Texas A&M-Commerce 21 Mississippi 24 North Dakota St. 30 Wisconsin 25 Utah State 34 Penn State 25 Tulane 26 Stanford 24 Oklahoma 23 Tennessee 31 North Carolina State 28 Notre Dame

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| 49

AFC

NORTH

1 Steelers PITTSBURGH

PREDICTION

12-4

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS TE Ladarius Green, OT Ryan Harris. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Brandon Boykin, NT Steve McLendon, LT Kelvin Beachum.

GENERAL MANAGER Kevin Colbert HEAD COACH Mike Tomlin OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Todd Haley DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Keith Butler STADIUM Heinz Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,500 | Natural grass By

JIM WEXELL @ jimwexell

OFFENSE

The NFL’s No. 3 offense put up the first and second-highest yardage totals of the season on the No. 1 defense, the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, and put up 30 points and 33 points on the Nos. 1 and 2 scoring defenses, the Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively. The Steelers did all of that without arguably the best running back in the NFL, Le’Veon Bell. The Steelers also came within a late fumble by their third-team running back of upending the Broncos in the playoffs at Denver without Bell, DeAngelo Williams and arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, Antonio Brown. With a little luck, the Steelers will have those weapons available this season, along with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

u QUARTERBACKS Roethlisberger turned 34 on March 2, and he no doubt celebrated with a cardio workout. The veteran who

B+

u RUNNING BACKS A jump on the back of the knee by a deliriously happy Vontaze Burfict not only knocked the great runner Bell out for the year at midseason, but it also marked the second consecutive season ended for Bell by a Bengal. Bell’s slack was picked up by veteran DeAngelo Williams, who responded with three 100-yard games and 597 yards in the final eight games. Williams rushed for 907 yards (4.5 per-carry average) and returns for what could be his final NFL season at the age of 33. Williams missed the playoffs with a foot injury and was replaced by Fitzgerald Toussaint, who fumbled at the Denver 31 late in the tied AFC Championship Game. The Steelers found a bludgeoning blocker of a fullback in former college defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix.

u RECEIVERS What could’ve been the best crop of receivers in the league has been reduced due to the retirement of the great tight end Heath Miller and the year-long suspension of knuckleheaded deep threat Martavis Bryant. The starters remain – Brown and Markus Wheaton – but the loss of Bryant looms large. Even though he’s started only eight regularseason games, and played in only 21, Bryant has 76 receptions for 1,314 yards (17.3 avg.) and 14 touchdowns. Over the past two seasons, the Steelers were 6-5 and averaged 22.2 points per game

50 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

without the 6-4 speedster. With him, the Steelers were 15-6 and averaged 29.3 points per game. He’ll be replaced as the vertical threat by secondyear man Sammie Coates, who struggled in practice throughout his rookie season but came on late and flashed his playmaking skills in the AFC Championship Game with two catches for 61 yards. Replacing Miller at tight end and perhaps Bryant as Roethlisberger’s tall deep threat will be free-agent acquisition Ladarius Green, a 6-6 tight end with seam-splitting speed.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN Daniel M. Rooney

GRADE

2015 RECORD 10-6

missed four games last season with a sprained knee and bone bruise complained that he couldn’t work out through the nagging injuries, so he began training after the season and reportedly lost 15 pounds by early April. But Roethlisberger is getting older and will need a backup. Landry Jones went 2-2 in Roethlisberger’s absence. Veteran Bruce Gradkowski returns to compete as a backup.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN In Mike Munchak’s second season as line coach, he turned David DeCastro into an All-Pro right guard and Marcus Gilbert into an above-average right tackle. He coached a line that barely missed a beat after season-ending injuries to center Maurkice Pouncey and left tackle Kelvin Beachum. Munchak has this group believing it can be the best in football upon the return of Pouncey and continued improvement of former Army Ranger and war hero Alejandro Villanueva at left tackle. The 6-foot9 Villanueva progressed so well as Beachum’s replacement that the Steelers didn’t make much of an attempt to keep Beachum and only spent enough to bring in journeyman Ryan Harris as competition. Harris is expected to be the team’s swing tackle. Fourth-round pick Jerald Hawkins, a run blocker out of LSU, will be the other reserve tackle.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC NORTH

DEFENSE

The Steelers continue to transition from the Bill Cowher-Dom Capers-Dick LeBeau era, but in which direction is anyone’s guess. Mike Tomlin taught the “Tampa-2” to his secondary last camp but didn’t have the talent to use it much during the season. Defensive coordinator Keith Butler lamented the team’s inability to “get there with four”

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Antonio Brown

Cameron Heyward

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Markus Wheaton DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Ryan Shazier POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH CB: Senquez Golson vs. Ross Cockrell vs. Doran Grant vs. Artie Burns

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1

at Washington Cincinnati at Philadelphia Kansas City N.Y. Jets at Miami New England BYE at Baltimore Dallas at Cleveland at Indianapolis N.Y. Giants at Buffalo at Cincinnati Baltimore Cleveland

DATE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt were drafted to become defensive ends in a 3-4 but are now defensive tackles in a small front. However, they played very well. Tuitt has become an outstanding three-technique while Heyward put forth another very solid season. The

new nose tackle, a part-time position, is monstrous Daniel McCullers, but the 6-7, 352-pound third-year man needs to play with a lower pad level. Javon Hargrave spiked DL coach John Mitchell’s mood when the Steelers drafted him in the third round. He has the potential to play nose tackle on run downs and rotate into the pass-downs packages as a three-tech. Behind Heyward and Tuitt are freeagent journeyman acquisition Ricardo Mathews and second-year projects L.T. Walton and Caushaud Lyons.

GRADE

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

2015 RESULTS

Antonio Brown as his blitzes reached “home” 48 times, but at the expense of a pass defense that finished 30th in the league. The old 3-4 defense might be a thing of the past as the Steelers lined up in a 4-2-5 “nickel” more than 70 percent of the time. The nose tackle is gone, and all that remains are two five-techniques lining up as defensive tackles. As for the linebackers, the former “heart” of the Cowher Era defense, Bud Dupree and James Harrison/Jarvis Jones aren’t rushers off the edge anymore, but instead light defensive ends. Pieces are needed.

TIME

7:10 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

u LINEBACKERS Since Tomlin arrived in 2007, the Steelers have drafted 15 linebackers, including four first-rounders. Yet, the team leader in QB pressures last season was 37-year-old James Harrison, who

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 10 at New England L 21-28 Sept. 20 San Francisco W 43-18 Sept. 27 at St. Louis W 12-6 Oct. 1 Baltimore *L 20-23 Oct. 12 at San Diego W 24-20 Oct. 18 Arizona W 25-13 Oct. 25 at Kansas City L 13-23 Nov. 1 Cincinnati L 10-16 Nov. 8 Oakland W 38-35 Nov. 15 Cleveland W 30-9 Nov. 29 at Seattle L 30-39 Dec. 6 Indianapolis W 45-10 Dec. 13 at Cincinnati W 33-20 Dec. 20 Denver W 34-27 Dec. 27 at Baltimore L 17-20 Jan. 3 at Cleveland W 28-12 POSTSEASON Jan. 9 at Cincinnati W 18-16 Jan. 17 at Denver L 16-23 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

NORTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS BEN ROETHLISBERGER

DeANGELO WILLIAMS

Le’VEON BELL

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ NE WK 2 SF WK 3 @ STL WK 4 BAL WK 5 @ SD WK 6 AZ WK 7 @ KC WK 8 CIN WK 9 OAK WK 10 CLE WK 12 @ SEA WK 13 IND WK 14 @ CIN WK 15 DEN WK 16 @ BAL WK 17 @ CLE SEASON TOTALS u

38 26 351 1 1 95.4 27 21 369 3 0 155.8 24 20 192 0 1 82.6 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 45 28 262 1 3 57.8 44 24 334 2 1 84.8 33 22 379 3 1 123.2 55 36 456 1 2 82.1 39 24 364 4 0 126.4 39 30 282 0 1 85.6 55 40 380 3 2 94.5 34 24 220 0 2 63.4 36 24 349 3 2 102.7 469 319 3,938 21 16 94.5

Inactive Inactive Inactive Active, did not play Active, did not play 12 8 168 2 0 149.3 29 16 209 1 2 60.8 Active, did not play 6 4 79 0 0 109.7 4 3 23 0 0 88.5 4 1 34 0 2 22.9 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 Active, did not play Active, did not play Active, did not play 55 32 513 3 4 77.3

21 127 20 77 1 2 2 5 5 20 1 -1 4 9 9 71 27 170 17 54 8 29 26 134 23 76 14 26 17 100 5 8 200 907

0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 11

Suspended Suspended 19 62 1 22 129 1 21 111 1 24 88 0 17 121 0 10 45 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 113 556 3

ANTONIO BROWN

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 @ NE WK 2 SF WK 3 @ STL WK 4 BAL WK 5 @ SD WK 6 AZ WK 7 @ KC WK 8 CIN WK 9 OAK WK 10 CLE WK 12 @ SEA WK 13 IND WK 14 @ CIN WK 15 DEN WK 16 @ BAL WK 17 @ CLE SEASON TOTALS u

Active, did not play 3 -3 0 2 -2 0 9 33 0 1 24 0 5 47 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 20 99 0

11 9 133 1 11 9 195 1 13 11 108 0 9 5 42 0 6 3 45 0 8 3 24 0 8 6 124 0 11 6 47 1 23 17 284 0 14 10 139 2 12 6 51 0 11 8 118 2 10 7 87 0 18 16 189 2 11 7 61 0 17 13 187 1 193 136 1,834 10

MARTAVIS BRYANT

52 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

DeANGELO WILLIAMS

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 8 84 0 2 2 15 1 3 2 17 0 2 1 1 0 3 3 46 0 1 1 5 0 2 0 0 0 13 10 105 0 6 3 32 0 7 4 40 0 6 5 45 0 Inactive 10 10 66 0 5 3 12 0 6 5 49 0 4 3 18 1 81 60 535 2

Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended Injured 8 6 137 2 8 3 45 1 9 4 49 0 7 3 31 1 10 6 178 1 13 5 69 0 8 4 114 1 9 7 49 0 14 10 87 0 3 1 6 0 3 1 0 0 92 50 765 6

7 3 55 0 4 2 67 0 3 2 16 0 1 1 18 0 3 1 72 1 2 1 8 0 4 2 16 0 2 1 5 0 4 1 -2 0 2 2 18 0 13 9 201 1 6 3 50 1 7 4 65 0 11 6 62 1 5 3 41 0 5 3 57 1 79 44 749 5

1 1 5 0 5 4 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 8 0 4 4 39 0 4 2 55 0 2 1 15 0 7 7 88 0 6 5 31 0 2 2 15 0 6 5 30 0 6 6 53 0 2 2 13 0 47 40 367 0

The bad news for the 30th-ranked pass defense is that it will enter the 2016 season without three of its five starters from last season. The good news is that it will enter 2016 without three of its five starters from last season. Back are cornerbacks Will Gay and scrapheap find Ross Cockrell, along with free safety Mike Mitchell. Senquez Golson, last year’s injured second-round pick, will battle Cockrell and Doran Grant for the No. 2 and 3 cornerback spots. The Steelers grabbed a true cornerback in the first round in 6-0, 193-pound Artie Burns of Miami. The infusion was much-needed. Robert Golden fared well in relief of strong safety Will Allen last season and has taken the position. The Steelers, though, have gone to eight Super Bowls with the help of a truly dynamic player there, like Donnie Shell, Carnell Lake and Troy Polamalu. The Steelers believe they’ve found one with potential in Sean Davis, a project they plucked in the second round out of Maryland. The 6-foot-1,

MARKUS WHEATON

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

u DEFENSIVE BACKS

GRADE

was in a rotation at ROLB/RDE with the disappointing Jones. Harrison tied inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons for the linebacker sacks lead with five. The 38-year-old Harrison is likely entering his final season and is more of a defensive end, while Jones could be entering his final season if he doesn’t show significant improvement (5 sacks in 3 seasons). On the other side, DE/OLB Bud Dupree showed potential with sacks in his first four games, but he’s still trying for No. 5. One beneficiary of Hargrave’s addition to the defensive line could be 237-pound inside linebacker Ryan Shazier, who could use more muscle up front to occupy blockers. The draft delivered more depth in the sixth and seventh rounds, where speedy Washington OLB Travis Feeney and Temple tackling machine Tyler Matakevich, an ILB, were available. Feeney has freakish athletic measureables off the edge and Matakevich is sure to make an impact on special teams. He’s a smart, competitive player.

HEATH MILLER

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

201-pounder made more than 300 tackles as a safety and cornerback, although he also struggled mightily in man coverage.

SPECIAL TEAMS Two injured kickers cost the Steelers a sixth-round pick and perhaps a ball game, or two, but the third kicker, Chris Boswell, turned into a gem. He made 29 of 32 field goals and is expected to hold off veteran Shaun Suisham, in part because of a large discrepancy in salary. The Steelers also used a firstyear punter, and Jordan Berry tied the team record with a 39.1 net average and finished fifth in the league with 47.5 percent of his punts landing inside the 20. Yet Berry was inconsistent as his 29.3 net in the AFC Championship Game attests. The return game, outside of Brown, whom Tomlin has been trying to replace and rest, needs help, and they might have found it in the draft. They claim sixth-round pick Demarcus Ayers was the No. 1 punt return man on their board, so they hope he’s the answer.

GRADE

MICHAEL VICK

GRADE

LANDRY JONES

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 84 BROWN OLT 78 VILLANUEVA OLG 73 FOSTER C 53 POUNCEY ORG 66 DeCASTRO ORT 77 GILBERT TE 80 GREEN WR 11 WHEATON QB 7 ROETHLISBERGER RB 26 BELL FB/TE 45 NIX

14 Coates 82 Ayers* 68 Harris 74 Hubbard 72 Wallace 67 Finney 65 Manhart 65 Hawkins* 81 James 88 Heyward-Bey 17 Rogers 3 Jones 5 Gradkowski 36 D. Williams 33 Toussaint 89 Spaeth

DT 91 TUITT NT 62 McCULLERS DT 97 HEYWARD LOLB 48 DUPREE ILB 50 SHAZIER ILB 94 TIMMONS ROLB 95 JONES LCB 22 GAY RCB 31 COCKRELL SS 21 GOLDEN FS 23 MITCHELL

90 Mathews 99 Lyons 79 Hargrave* 69 Philon 96 Walton 55 Moats 41 Feeney* 51 Johnson 46 Matakevich* 98 V. Williams 54 Fort 92 Harrison 56 Chickillo 25 Burns* 24 Grant 27 Golson 29 Thomas 28 Davis* 35 Ventrone

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 4 BERRY PK 9 BOSWELL 6 Suisham H 4 BERRY PR 84 BROWN 82 Ayers* KR 11 WHEATON 33 Toussaint LS 60 WARREN 42 Dooley* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Keith Butler, defensive 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; James Saxon, running backs; Shaun Sarrett, offensive assistant; Danny Smith, special teams coordinator; Mike Tomlin, head coach.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB CB DT OT OLB WR ILB

Miami (Fla.) Maryland South Carolina State LSU Washington Houston Temple

25 58 89 123 220 229 246

1 2 3 4 6 7 7

Artie Burns Sean Davis Javon Hargrave Jerald Hawkins Travis Feeney Demarcus Ayers Tyler Matakevich

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Health. That’s the operative word,because this offense could be the best in the NFL. If Roethlisberger in particular stays healthy, he’ll be at the helm of a group of triplets that in 2014 made NFL history by having a finisher among the top two in each of the three yardage categories. The line is strong, the defense has young players ready to emerge and the quarterback is a Hall of Famer. Reaching the Super Bowl is possible.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Roethlisberger begins reeling from the hits he’s taken over the years and misses significant time. Landry Jones has to play for an extended period, and the Steelers could end up in a position to draft Roethlisberger’s eventual replacement. The defensive line and secondary both went without injuries last year and are in no shape to take a hit this year. Young players in the secondary are no sure bet to drastically improve that unit.

NO NAME

POS

82 Ayers, Demarcus 26 Bell, Le’Veon 4 Berry, Jordan 16 Blakeney, Issac 9 Boswell, Chris Brown-Dukes, Brandon 84 Brown, Antonio 25 Burns, Artie 56 Chickillo, Anthony 14 Coates, Sammie 31 Cockrell, Ross 37 Dangerfield, Jordan 28 Davis, Sean 66 DeCastro, David 42 Dooley, Matt 48 Dupree, Bud 41 Feeney, Travis 71 Feiler, Matt 67 Finney, B.J. 54 Fort, L.J. 73 Foster, Ramon 40 Garner, Montell 22 Gay, William 77 Gilbert, Marcus 21 Golden, Robert 27 Golson, Senquez 5 Gradkowski, Bruce 24 Grant, Doran 80 Green, Ladarius 85 Grimble, Xavier 42 Hagen, Jacob 79 Hargrave, Javon 92 Harrison, James 68 Harris, Ryan 65 Hawkins, Jerald 88 Heyward-Bey, Darrius 97 Heyward, Cameron 65 Hooks, Lavon 74 Hubbard, Chris 81 James, Jesse 51 Johnson, Steven 95 Jones, Jarvis 3 Jones, Landry 99 Lyons, Caushaud 64 Manhart, Cole 46 Matakevich, Tyler 90 Mathews, Ricardo 62 Maxey, Johnny 57 McCord, Tyriq 93 McCullers, Daniel 69 Mihalik, Brian 23 Mitchell, Mike 55 Moats, Arthur 2 Monday, Will 64 Newberry, Giorgio 45 Nix, Roosevelt 18 Norwood, Levi 19 Phillips, Shakim 69 Philon, Roy 53 Pouncey, Maurkice 46 Reeves, David 38 Richardson, Daryl 7 Roethlisberger, Ben 17 Rogers, Eli 48 Rome, Jay 61 Schooley, Quinton 83 Severin, Canaan 44 Shabazz, Al-Hajj 50 Shazier, Ryan 61 Sigler, Devaunte 89 Spaeth, Matt Stingily, Cameron 6 Suisham, Shaun 29 Thomas, Shamarko 94 Timmons, Lawrence 33 Toussaint, Fitzgerald Tucker, Marcus 91 Tuitt, Stephon 13 Vaughan, Dustin 35 Ventrone, Ross 78 Villanueva, Alejandro 39 Vinopal, Ray 72 Wallace, Cody 96 Walton, L.T. 60 Warren, Greg Washington, Donald 11 Wheaton, Markus 34 Williams, DeAngelo 98 Williams, Vince 49 Zumwalt, Jordan

WR RB P WR K RB WR CB LB WR CB S S G LS LB LB OT C/G LB G DB CB OT S CB QB CB TE TE S DT LB OT OT WR DE DT C/G TE LB LB QB DE G LB DE DE LB DT OT S LB P DE FB WR WR DT C TE RB QB WR TE C WR CB LB DT TE RB K S LB RB WR DE QB S OT S C/G DE LS CB WR RB LB LB

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

190 225 195 225 185 200 181 197 255 212 191 199 202 316 242 269 226 330 318 232 328 188 187 330 202 176 217 200 240 261 205 305 242 302 305 210 295 312 295 261 237 248 225 284 298 235 300 283 241 352 302 221 246 210 295 248 197 204 291 304 255 196 240 187 250 298 205 200 230 290 262 235 199 205 234 204 190 303 220 198 320 197 296 305 252 197 189 207 233 235

AGE COLLEGE 21 24 25 23 25 24 27 21 23 23 24 25 22 26 23 23 23 23 24 26 30 24 31 28 25 22 33 23 25 23 24 23 38 31 22 29 27 24 25 21 28 26 27 23 23 23 28 22 22 23 23 28 28 23 24 24 23 24 25 26 23 26 34 23 23 22 23 23 23 24 32 24 34 25 29 26 23 22 25 29 27 24 31 24 34 29 25 33 26 24

Houston Michigan State Eastern Kentucky Duke Rice Mercyhurst Central Michigan Miami (Fla.) Miami (Fla.) Auburn Duke Towson Maryland Stanford Indiana Kentucky Washington Bloomsburg Kansas State Northern Iowa Tennessee South Alabama Louisville Florida Arizona Mississippi Toledo Ohio State Louisiana-Lafayette USC Liberty South Carolina State Kent State Notre Dame LSU Maryland Ohio State Mississippi UAB Penn State Kansas Georgia Oklahoma Tusculum Nebraska-Kearney Temple Cincinnati Mars Hill Miami (Fla.) Tennessee Boston College Ohio James Madison Duke Florida State Kent State Baylor Boston College Louisville Florida Duke Abilene Christian Miami (Ohio) Louisville Georgia North Carolina State Virginia West Chester (Pa.) Ohio State Jacksonville State Minnesota Northern Illinois Bowling Green Syracuse Florida State Michigan Northern Michigan Notre Dame West Texas A&M Villanova Army Pittsburgh Texas A&M Central Michigan North Carolina Ohio State Oregon State Memphis Florida State UCLA

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AFC

NORTH

2 Bengals CINCINNATI

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Chykie Brown, ILB Karlos Dansby, WR Brandon LaFell, S Taylor Mays.

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Wallace Gilberry, LB A.J. Hawk, WR Marvin Jones, OLB Emmanuel Lamur, FS Reggie Nelson, WR Mohamed Sanu, OT Andre Smith.

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL Duke Tobin HEAD COACH Marvin Lewis OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ken Zampese DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Paul Guenther STADIUM Paul Brown Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,515 | FieldTurf By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE

Ken Zampese is the Bengals’ third offensive coordinator in four years. Head coach Marvin Lewis had continuity primarily in mind when he chose Zampese, the Bengals’ QB coach the past 13 years, to replace Hue Jackson, who left to become the Browns’ new head coach. But an offense that made a leap from 15th to seventh in points lost major continuity at the WR position when free agents Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu, the team’s top receivers behind Pro Bowler A.J. Green, opted for greener pastures in Detroit and Atlanta, respectively. The Bengals might rely a bit more on the two-fisted backfield of TD machine Jeremy Hill (20 TD runs in two seasons), and Giovani Bernard, a steady big-play threat both rushing and receiving.

uQUARTERBACKS Before suffering a season-ending right thumb injury in Week 14, Andy Dalton received a unanimous “thumbs up” from

B+

uRUNNING BACKS Hill’s nose for the end zone can’t be denied (11 TD runs, one TD catch in ’15). But after finishing last season with a nightmarish fumble at the end of the Bengals’ playoff loss to the Steelers, he must work hard on ball security. Hill’s drop-off in yards per carry from 5.1 yards as a rookie to 3.6 yards is also cause for concern. Bernard’s elusiveness in space is particularly deadly after short throws in the flat and on screen plays, but he is also not afraid to take on tacklers with his speed and power. Bernard provides an electric, game-breaking complement to Hill with his abilities as a runner and receiver. H-back Ryan Hewitt and OT Jake Fisher both made sizable contributions as run-blockers in the backfield.

uRECEIVERS The good news is the high-octane firepower provided by Green and TE Tyler Eifert. Scoring double-digit TDs for the third time in five seasons, Green remains a superb route-runner with great hands and an eye-popping catch radius. Displaying great chemistry with both Dalton and McCarron, Eifert reached paydirt on an uncanny 25 percent of his catches (13 TDs on 52 receptions in only 13 games). The bad news is the slim pickings in the rest of

54 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

the receiving corps. The hope is veteran free-agent addition Brandon LaFell will duplicate his 2014 season, when he helped the Patriots win a Super Bowl registering career-highs in passes, receiving yards and touchdowns. But a foot injury made LaFell a nonfactor for the Patriots last season. Secondround rookie WR Tyler Boyd, who has the same kind of versatile skill set as Sanu, should compete for the starting slot receiver job. The sure-handed Boyd lined up in the slot, on the outside and in the backfield at Pitt. WR Brandon Tate had only two catches for 59 yards last season, but one of them was a 55-yard TD. Sixthround rookie WR Cody Core figures primarily as a special-teamer. TE Tyler Kroft excelled as a run blocker.

GRADE

PRESIDENT Mike Brown

GRADE

2015 RECORD 12-4

NFL observers. Making major strides spreading the ball all over the field, Dalton registered a 25-7 touchdowninterception ratio and an AFC-high 106.2 passer rating after a disappointing 1917 TD-INT campaign the previous season. Dalton posted a career-high 66.1 completion rate by nearly two full percentage points. He was also a lot more mobile and showed significant growth as a leader. A.J. McCarron proved to be a very capable backup, going 2-2 in four starts and coming up just short in losses to the Broncos in Week 16 and the Steelers in the playoffs.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

uOFFENSIVE LINEMEN After being a notable Pro Bowl snub two seasons ago, OLT Andrew Whitworth was a no-brainer Pro Bowl selection last season, once again combining his great size with outstanding body control. OLG Clint Boling and ORG Kevin Zeitler are both well-rounded fits in the Bengals’ system without any great strengths or weaknesses. Serviceable Eric Winston entered April at the top of the depth chart at right tackle. High-round sophomores Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher figure to be right on Winston’s tail. Ogbuehi, the heir apparent to Whitworth on the left side, saw scant action as a rookie after suffering a torn ACL in the Liberty Bowl. If there’s a weak link, it’s at center, where Russell Bodine struggled most of the time, especially run-blocking. He could get a push from fifth-round rookie Christian Westerman, who also plays guard.

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC NORTH

DEFENSE

The Bengals have new coaches for the defensive line (Jacob Burney), linebackers (Jim Haslett) and defensive backs (Kevin Coyle) in Paul Guenther’s third season as the coordinator. But

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

A.J. Green

Geno Atkins

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT ORT Cedric Ogbuehi DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT FS Shawn Williams POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH LCB: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Sept. 29 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 14 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at N.Y. Jets 1:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh 1:00 p.m. Denver 1:00 p.m. Miami 8:25 p.m. at Dallas 4:25 p.m. at New England 1:00 p.m. Cleveland 1:00 p.m. Washington (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. BYE at N.Y. Giants 8:30 p.m. Buffalo 1:00 p.m. at Baltimore 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. at Cleveland 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m. at Houston 8:25 p.m. Baltimore 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

A.J. Green

uDEFENSIVE LINEMEN Coming off a down year in 2014,

Atkins stormed back with a huge 2015 season, leading all of the league’s interior defensive linemen with 11 sacks. Possessing brilliant awareness, Atkins is equally adept as a run-stopper. Projected starting linemates Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson on the edges and Domata Peko on the nose each had at least five sacks in 2015, with the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Dunlap reaching new heights, finishing fourth in the league with 13½ sacks. But Peko has his share of critics, and Johnson is a far cry from the dominator he was in his first stint with the Bengals. The good news for Johnson is that the back issues that plagued him all of last season are gone. Pat Sims and Margus Hunt are the top backups at tackle and end, respectively. Undersized fourthround rookie Andrew Billings adds

GRADE

Burney and Coyle are returning for a second time on the staff. With upperechelon three-technique DT Geno Atkins anchoring the unit up front and safeties Reggie Nelson and George Iloka excelling on the back end, the Bengals ranked second in points allowed and finished 10th in the league with 42 sacks after finishing dead last with 20 sacks the previous season. But they left a very bad taste when personal fouls by CB Adam Jones and LB Vontaze Burfict lowlighted a mind-boggling meltdown in the final minutes of the wild-card loss to the arch-rival Steelers. Burfict will serve a three-game suspension to start the season. The replacement for Nelson, who signed with the Raiders, will have huge shoes to fill.

A-

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Oakland W 33-13 Sept. 20 San Diego W 24-19 Sept. 27 at Baltimore W 28-24 Oct. 4 Kansas City W 36-21 Oct. 11 Seattle *W 27-24 Oct. 18 at Buffalo W 34-21 Nov. 1 at Pittsburgh W 16-10 Nov. 5 Cleveland W 31-10 Nov. 16 Houston L 6-10 Nov. 22 at Arizona L 31-34 Nov. 29 St. Louis W 31-7 Dec. 6 at Cleveland W 37-3 Dec. 13 Pittsburgh L 20-33 Dec. 20 at San Francisco W 24-14 Dec. 28 at Denver *L 17-20 Jan. 3 Baltimore W 24-16 POSTSEASON Jan 9 Pittsburgh L 16-18 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

NORTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS ANDY DALTON

JEREMY HILL

GIOVANI BERNARD

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ OAK WK 2 SD WK 3 @ BAL WK 4 KC WK 5 SEA WK 6 @ BUF WK 8 @ PIT WK 9 CLE WK 10 HOU WK 11 @ AZ WK 12 STL WK 13 @ CLE WK 14 PIT WK 15 @ SF WK 16 @ DEN WK 17 BAL SEASON TOTALS u

34 25 269 2 0 115.9 26 16 214 3 0 126.1 32 20 383 3 1 122.3 24 17 321 1 0 127.1 44 30 331 2 1 95.9 33 22 243 3 0 118.6 38 23 231 1 2 64.7 27 21 234 3 0 139.8 38 22 197 0 1 61.0 39 22 315 2 0 99.8 27 20 233 3 1 121.4 19 14 220 2 0 146.8 5 3 59 0 1 61.7 Inactive Inactive Inactive 386 255 3,250 25 7 106.2

Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play 0 0 0 0 0 0 Did not play Did not play 1 1 3 0 0 79.2 3 2 19 0 0 84.0 32 22 280 2 2 90.6 21 15 192 1 0 115.6 35 22 200 1 0 87.8 27 17 160 2 0 103.9 119 79 854 6 2 97.1

19 63 10 39 12 21 9 40 8 13 16 56 15 60 15 52 7 15 13 45 16 86 22 98 7 16 19 31 19 63 16 96 223 794

2 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 1 11

8 63 20 123 13 49 13 62 15 80 8 50 1 12 13 72 8 36 6 18 10 16 5 26 6 40 14 33 8 14 6 36 154 730

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

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ OAK WK 2 SD WK 3 @ BAL WK 4 KC WK 5 SEA WK 6 @ BUF WK 8 @ PIT WK 9 CLE WK 10 HOU WK 11 @ AZ WK 12 STL WK 13 @ CLE WK 14 PIT WK 15 @ SF WK 16 @ DEN WK 17 BAL SEASON TOTALS u

4 1 5 10 5 10 3 16 7 18 3 -2 6 4 6 5 4 31 8 34 2 4 4 11 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 57 142

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

TYLER EIFERT

GIOVANI BERNARD

MOHAMED SANU

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 63 0 4 3 45 1 13 10 227 2 10 7 82 0 8 6 78 0 7 4 36 0 17 11 118 1 6 4 53 0 7 5 67 0 12 4 79 0 8 6 61 2 6 5 128 1 9 6 132 1 3 1 37 0 9 5 57 1 5 4 34 1 132 86 1,297 10

3 2 19 0 5 2 48 1 8 5 94 1 2 1 4 0 8 5 61 0 12 9 95 1 5 2 12 0 6 5 78 0 9 4 44 0 9 4 60 0 5 3 25 0 5 5 55 1 8 6 61 0 6 4 89 0 7 3 33 0 5 5 38 0 103 65 816 4

12 9 104 2 5 4 49 1 3 0 0 0 4 3 69 0 12 8 90 2 4 4 30 1 8 4 39 0 6 5 53 3 7 3 26 0 3 3 22 2 4 3 40 1 Inactive 2 2 42 0 Inactive Inactive 4 4 51 1 74 52 615 13

6 6 25 0 3 3 16 0 4 3 34 0 0 0 0 0 8 5 21 0 2 1 23 0 3 2 22 0 1 1 14 0 8 5 43 0 10 8 128 0 3 2 51 0 1 1 9 0 5 3 27 0 4 4 18 0 5 4 29 0 3 1 12 0 66 49 472 0

3 2 34 0 2 1 15 0 4 2 28 0 6 4 84 0 5 5 69 0 4 2 30 0 3 2 10 0 3 3 25 0 2 1 5 0 3 2 19 0 1 1 8 0 1 0 0 0 5 2 24 0 2 2 8 0 3 3 29 0 2 1 6 0 49 33 394 0

depth at tackle.

uLINEBACKERS When healthy, Burfict is a dynamic difference-maker on the weak side with a great understanding of the defense, but Burfict’s well-documented character and injury issues oftentimes offset his considerable talent. Enter veteran free-agent addition Karlos Dansby, who should offer valuable experience during Bufrict’s suspension and beyond with his ability to play all three LB spots and provide consistently solid coverage. Dansby is the projected starter on the strong side replacing A.J. Hawk, who was released right before the draft. In the middle, Maualuga is a physical, hard-working leader both on the field and in the locker room who specializes in stopping the run. Versatile Vincent Rey has been like a fourth starter, leading the team in tackles each of the past two seasons coming off the bench to fill in at all three LB spots. Rey will likely replace Burfict on the weak side the first three games. Third-round rookie Nick Vigil, who has

B-

MARVIN JONES

displayed Luke Kuechly-type flashes, adds depth inside. Second-year thirdrounder Paul Dawson and Marquis Flowers, who was on injured reserve all of last season with a shoulder injury, add depth outside.

uDEFENSIVE BACKS Re-signing free agents Iloka and Jones was a top offseason priority, as both players are coming off their best seasons, Jones’ costly wild-card brain cramp notwithstanding. Iloka has developed into an ace in coverage with excellent range, athleticism and intelligence, but he did not take enough advantage of his prototypical size as a tackler. As for Jones, “He’s the passion, the leader,” Iloka said. “You need a guy like that.” Spirited position battles are expected on the left corner, where three first-rounders (Dre Kirkpatrick, injury-prone Darquez Dennard and newest No. 1 pick William Jackson III) figure in the mix; and the safety spot previously occupied by Reggie Nelson, where promising Shawn Williams and Derron Smith initially get

56 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

top billing. Jackson III, who at 6 feet 2, fits the Bengals’ profile for tall cornerbacks, led the nation with 28 pass breakups last season, in addition to running a 4.37 40 at this year’s Combine. Williams was impressive relieving Iloka last season. Second-year pro Josh Shaw is a strong slot candidate to replace UFA Leon Hall, a long shot to still return at an affordable price. Seventh-round rookie Clayton Fejedelem adds depth at safety along with returnee Taylor Mays, who was a valuable reserve for the Raiders last season. Mays will be suspended the first four games of the season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK Mike Nugent specializes in booming kickoffs, but his accuracy is sporadic. Left-footed punter Kevin Huber, who has seen his better days, is ordinary at best. Brandon Tate has proven to be a steady kick-returner who became the franchise career leader in punt returns (153) and punt return yards (1,411) last season. GRADE

GAME OPP

A.J. GREEN

GRADE

ANDY DALTON

GRADE

A.J. McCARRON

C+

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 18 GREEN WR 11 LaFELL OLT 77 WHITWORTH OLG 65 BOLING C 61 BODINE ORG 68 ZEITLER ORT 73 WINSTON TE 85 EIFERT H-B 89 HEWITT QB 14 DALTON RB 32 HILL

83 Boyd* 86 Wright 70 Ogbuehi 63 Westerman* 63 Westerman* 66 Hopkins 44 Fisher 81 Kroft

19 Tate 16 Core* 66 Hopkins 60 T.J. Johnson

5 McCarron 25 Bernard

3 Wenning 30 Peerman

61 Baldwin 87 Uzomah

DEFENSE

DLE 96 DUNLAP 99 Hunt NT 94 PEKO 92 Sims DRT 97 ATKINS 98 Thompson DRE 90 M. JOHNSON 93 Clarke SLB 56 DANSBY 41 Roach MLB 58 MAUALUGA 57 Rey WLB 55 BURFICT (Susp.) 47 Dawson LCB 27 KIRKPATRICK 21 Dennard RCB 24 JONES Jackson III SS 43 ILOKA 20 Mays (Susp.) FS 36 S. WILLIAMS 40 Smith

75 Billings* 91 Hardison 51 Dimanche 59 Vigil* 53 Flowers 26 Shaw* 37 Lewis-Harris 41 Raven 42 Fejedelem*

SPECIALISTS

P 10 HUBER PK 2 NUGENT H 10 HUBER PR 19 TATE KR 19 TATE LS 46 HARRIS

24 Jones 24 Jones * Rookie

COACHING STAFF Paul Alexander, assistant head coach/offensive line; Jacob Burney, defensive line; Kyle Caskey, running backs; Brayden Coombs, assistant special teams/quality control; Robert Couch, offensive quality control; Kevin Coyle, defensive backs; Jeff Friday, assistant strength and conditioning; Paul Guenther, defensive coordinator; Jim Haslett, linebackers; Jonathan Hayes, tight ends; Bill Lazor, quarterbacks; Marcus Lewis, defensive assistant/quality control; Marvin Lewis, head coach; David Lippincott, assistant linebackers/ quality control; Robert Livingston, assistant defensive backs; Chip Morton, strength and conditioning; Dan Pitcher, offensive assistant; Darrin Simmons, special-teams coordinator; James Urban, wide receivers; Ken Zampese, offensive coordinator.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD

PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

William Jackson Tyler Boyd Nick Vigil Andrew Billings Christian Westerman Cody Core Clayton Fejedelem

CB WR ILB DT OG WR SS

Houston Pittsburgh Utah State Baylor Arizona State Ole Miss Illinois

24 55 87 122 161 199 245

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Lewis, who will be working off a one-year contract extension for the third-straight season, earns a long-term contract after the Bengals not only finally get a playoff victory under his direction after seven previous failures but also make their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989. Dalton picks up where he left off before his thumb injury, Green and Eifert remain at the top of their games, and the replacements for Marvin Jones and Sanu make a big impact.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The Marvin Lewis era in Cincinnati comes to a crashing halt after his team once again implodes both physically and mentally at the worst possible time. Dalton reverts to his inconsistent form before last season, and the cries for McCarron as his replacement grow louder with every passing day. If that all isn’t disappointing enough, the Bengals get squat from their draft class for the second year in a row.

POS

15 Alford, Mario WR 97 Atkins, Geno DT 72 Baldwin, Darryl T 80 Bennett, Michael WR 25 Bernard, Giovani HB 75 Billings, Andrew DT 61 Bodine, Russell C 65 Boling, Clint G 83 Boyd, Tyler WR 23 Brown, Chykie CB 7 Brown, Jonathan K 67 Brown, Ryan DE 55 Burfict, Vontaze LB 33 Burkhead, Rex HB 39 Carson, Tra HB 93 Clarke, Will DE 64 Cooper, Alex G/C 16 Core, Cody WR 14 Dalton, Andy QB 56 Dansby, Karlos ILB 47 Dawson, P.J. LB 71 Dean, David DT 21 Dennard, Darqueze CB 51 DiManche, Jayson LB 96 Dunlap, Carlos DE 85 Eifert, Tyler TE 12 Erickson, Alex WR 42 Fejedelem, Clayton S 74 Fisher, Jake OT 53 Flowers, Marquis LB 82 Grant, Antwane WR 18 Green, A.J. WR 91 Hardison, Marcus DT 46 Harris, Clark LS 45 Harris, Darien LB 89 Hewitt, Ryan H-B 28 Hillary, Darius CB 34 Hill, Bronson HB 32 Hill, Jeremy HB 4 Hocker, Zach K 66 Hopkins, Trey G 10 Huber, Kevin P 99 Hunt, Margus DE 43 Iloka, George S Jackson, William CB 95 Johnson, Dezmond DE 8 Johnson, Matt QB 90 Johnson, Michael DE 60 Johnson, T.J. C 24 Jones, Adam CB 27 Kirkpatrick, Dre CB 81 Kroft, Tyler TE 84 Kumerow, Jake WR 11 LaFell, Brandon WR 88 Lengel, Matt TE 37 Lewis-Harris, Chris CB 50 Luc, Jeff LB 58 Maualuga, Rey LB 20 Mays, Taylor S 5 McCarron, AJ QB 35 Mobley, Dy’Shawn HB 2 Nugent, Mike K 70 Ogbuehi, Cedric OT 49 Paul, Gionni LB 30 Peerman, Cedric HB 94 Peko, Domata DT 48 Peters, John TE 41 Raven, Floyd S 62 Redmond, Alex G/C 57 Rey, Vincent LB 52 Roach, Trevor LB 17 Russell, Alonzo WR 26 Shaw, Josh CB 92 Sims, Pat DT 31 Smith, Derron S 19 Tate, Brandon WR 98 Thompson, Brandon DT 67 Thurman, Trip G/C 38 Tindal, Corey CB 87 Uzomah, C.J. TE 59 Vigil, Nick ILB 79 Weidenaar, John OT 3 Wenning, Keith QB 63 Westerman, Christian 77 Whitworth, Andrew OT 69 Williams, DeShawn DT 36 Williams, Shawn S 73 Winston, Eric G 86 Wright, James WR 68 Zeitler, Kevin G

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

180 24 300 28 305 24 200 24 205 24 311 308 23 305 27 197 190 29 197 23 267 21 250 25 210 25 227 23 291 25 300 24 205 216 28 251 34 240 23 295 23 197 24 244 25 280 27 250 25 195 23 200 306 23 250 24 202 23 207 27 315 24 250 31 224 23 254 25 183 23 215 23 235 23 191 24 300 23 214 30 290 28 225 26 189 250 24 212 23 280 29 300 25 180 32 190 26 246 23 206 24 210 29 266 25 186 27 256 24 255 29 236 28 210 25 220 22 190 34 306 24 231 23 212 29 325 31 261 24 202 23 294 21 255 28 237 24 206 23 201 24 340 30 200 24 195 28 305 26 307 23 187 25 271 23 239 295 23 225 25 298 330 34 295 23 210 24 302 32 201 24 315 26

AGE COLLEGE West Virginia Georgia Ohio State Georgia North Carolina Baylor North Carolina Georgia Pittsburgh Texas Louisville Mississippi State Arizona State Nebraska Texas A&M West Virginia Houston Mississippi Texas Christian Auburn Texas Christian Virginia Michigan State Southern Illinois lorida Notre Dame Wisconsin Illinois Oregon Arizona Western Kentucky Georgia Arizona State Rutgers Michigan State Stanford Wisconsin Eastern Michigan Louisiana State Arkansas Texas Cincinnati Southern Methodist Boise State Houston Duke Bowling Green Georgia Tech South Carolina West Virginia Alabama Rutgers Wis.-Whitewater LSU Eastern Kentucky Tennessee-Chattanooga Cincinnati Southern California Southern California Alabama Eastern Kentucky Ohio State Texas A&M Utah Virginia Michigan State Mount St. Joseph Texas A&M UCLA Duke Nebraska Toledo USC Auburn Fresno State North Carolina Clemson Florida Marshall Auburn Utah St. Montana State Ball State Arizona State Louisiana State Clemson Georgia Miami (Fla.) Louisiana State Wisconsin

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3 Ravens BALTIMORE

PREDICTION

8-8

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RB Trent Richardson, WR Mike Wallace, TE Benjamin Watson, S Eric Weddle. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Chris Canty, OG Kelechi Osemele, ILB Daryl Smith, FB Courtney Upshaw.

GENERAL MANAGER Ozzie Newsome 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 By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE Injuries were a major pain for Ravens offensive coordinator Marc Trestman last season. QB Joe Flacco, RB Justin Forsett, WRs Steve Smith and rookie Breshad Perriman, OLT Eugene Monroe and C Jeremy Zuttah, among others, suffered serious ailments, forcing Trestman to make adjustments with less than a full deck on a regular basis. With a variety of quarterbacks combining to throw a league-leading 676 passes, the Ravens somehow managed to rank a respectable eighth in passing and 14th in total yards. But an equal variety of rushers carried the ball a franchise-low 383 times on the way to a 26th-place ranking in rushing yards, and even though Trestman has always preferred a pass-heavy spread approach, a much more balanced attack figures to be a top priority.

u QUARTERBACKS Flacco had never missed a game with the Ravens before tearing ligaments in

B+

u RUNNING BACKS Forsett is a well-rounded back without any particular strengths. Look for secondyear pro Javorius Allen, who performed admirably during Forsett’s absence, to push for playing time after producing 867 all-purpose yards (514 rushing, 353 receiving) as a rookie. Lorenzo Taliaferro has good skills, but he has had problems staying healthy. Terrance West played well in limited snaps on his third team in two seasons. Fourth-round rookie Kenneth Dixon is a quality receiver out of the backfield with patience and excellent vision. H-back Kyle Juszczyk is one of the league’s best run-blockers, as well as a decent receiver. Underachieving former first-rounder Trent Richardson could conceivably be in the mix.

C+

u RECEIVERS Do not underestimate Smith, who at the age of 36 was continuing to perform at a high level before tearing his right Achilles tendon in Week Eight. Kamar Aiken was a revelation replacing Smith as the team’s top target, catching at least five passes in nine straight games. Free-agent addition Mike Wallace has the outside speed the Ravens lacked last season. Perriman could be another long-distance threat, but the knee injury that sidelined him as a rookie remains

58 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

a concern. Holdovers Jeremy Butler and Chris Matthews and rookies Chris Moore (fourth round) and Keenan Reynolds (sixth round) add decent WR depth. Moore has elite speed (21.8 ypc last season). Reynolds still needs clearance from the Navy to pursue his football career. Plenty of warm bodies are also available at tight end, led by Benjamin Watson, another freeagent addition coming off a strong campaign with the Saints (74-825-6). Watson is joined by second-year pro Maxx Williams, who started off slow but came on strong; sure-handed thirdyear pro Crockett Gillmore, who had surgery on both shoulders; and – maybe – a fully rehabilitated Dennis Pitta.

GRADE

OWNER Stephen Bisciotti

GRADE

2015 RECORD 5-11

his left knee in Week 11. Despite tying a career high with five 300-yard passing games, he was performing far below par before the injury, regularly struggling under pressure. But when he’s on his game, he’s still as good as anybody. “He has a great arm and can throw the ball the length of the field with guys hanging all over him,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. “He’s mobile. He’s athletic enough to extend plays, makes good decisions and uses all his weapons.” Ryan Mallett will back up Flacco after doing a commendable job in relief late last season.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The left side of the line leaves a lot to be desired. Eugene Monroe has struggled with his health, and the left tackle’s pass protection has been porous when he’s been on the field. With Monroe’s medical status unclear at press time, don’t be surprised if he is replaced sooner than later by first-round rookie Ronnie Stanley, an exceptional pass-protector with a solid all-around skill set who must turn up his intensity a notch and cut down on penalties. The downgrade at left guard, meanwhile, is significant with John Urschel the front-runner to replace Kelechi Osemele (signed with Raiders), who is widely considered one of the best young guards in the NFL. Urschel has smarts and good technique, but he has limited range and athleticism. The Ravens also must right the ship at right tackle, where Ricky Wagner ran into too many problems run-blocking after a breakout 2014 campaign. C Jeremy Zuttah was having a good season, especially pass-blocking, before going down last November with a partially torn pectoral muscle. Thank God for Pro Bowl ORG Marshal Yanda, a flawless technician with great strength and

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC NORTH

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Joe Flacco

Eric Weddle

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Javorius Allen DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Za’Darius Smith POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH LCB: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 12 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1

Buffalo at Cleveland at Jacksonville Oakland Washington at N.Y. Giants at N.Y. Jets BYE Pittsburgh Cleveland at Dallas Cincinnati Miami at New England Philadelphia at Pittsburgh at Cincinnati

Injuries also took their toll on coordinator Dean Pees’ hybrid 3-4 unit last season, starting with the seasonending torn Achilles suffered by sixtime Pro Bowl edge rusher Terrell Suggs in Week One. Nonetheless, the defense ranked a respectable eighth in total yards allowed, 10th in passing yards and 12th in rushing yards and made particular strides defending the pass, improving by more than 100 yards per game while allowing a league-leading 182.6 ypg the second half of last season. But the defense allowed too many big plays (24th in points allowed) and did not register nearly enough takeaways

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The line is rock-solid up the middle thanks to Brandon Williams, who has arguably developed into the league’s best run-stuffing nose tackle. Taking on constant double teams, Williams still manages to consistently collapse the pocket with great leverage and pad level. DT Timmy Jernigan rebounded from a slow start last season and is a disruptive defender more often than not, but he needs to be more disciplined. DE Lawrence Guy specializes in providing great strength

GRADE

DEFENSE

(league-low six interceptions). The additions of free agent Eric Weddle at free safety and well-regarded Leslie Frazier as the secondary coach should help alleviate those problems.

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

2015 RESULTS

Elvis Dumervil explosion. OTs James Hurst and fourthround rookie Alex Lewis and C-OG Ryan Jensen are the top backups.

TIME

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.

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Denver L 13-19 Sept. 20 at Oakland L 33-37 Sept. 27 Cincinnati L 24-28 Oct. 1 at Pittsburgh *W 23-20 Oct. 11 Cleveland *L 30-33 Oct. 18 at San Francisco L 20-25 Oct. 26 at Arizona L 18-26 Nov. 1 San Diego W 29-26 Nov. 15 Jacksonville L 20-22 Nov. 22 St. Louis W 16-13 Nov. 30 at Cleveland W 33-27 Dec. 6 at Miami L 13-15 Dec. 13 Seattle L 6-35 Dec. 20 Kansas City L 14-34 Dec. 27 Pittsburgh W 20-17 Jan. 3 at Cincinnati L 16-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS JOE FLACCO

RYAN MALLETT

JUSTIN FORSETT

JAVORIUS ALLEN

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ DEN WK 2 @ OAK WK 3 CIN WK 4 @ PIT WK 5 CLE WK 6 @ SF WK 7 @ AZ WK 8 SD WK 10 JAX WK 11 STL WK 12 @ CLE WK 13 @ MIA WK 14 SEA WK 15 KC WK 16 PIT WK 17 @ CIN SEASON TOTALS u

32 18 117 0 2 38.2 45 32 384 2 1 102.5 49 32 362 2 1 92.4 33 20 189 1 1 73.9 35 19 210 1 0 81.8 53 33 343 2 2 77.8 40 26 252 1 1 80.4 37 25 319 1 0 103.3 45 34 316 3 2 98.0 44 27 299 1 2 70.2 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 125 76 828 4 1 87.7

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 Inactive 41 28 274 1 0 95.0 56 30 292 1 2 59.5 97 58 566 2 2 74.5

14 43 0 15 68 0 10 13 0 27 150 0 21 121 1 17 62 0 12 36 1 17 69 0 14 53 0 4 26 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 151 641 2

TERRANCE WEST

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 Inactive 7 37 8 31 5 16 7 35 14 44 5 17 46 180

JAVORIUS ALLEN

JEREMY BUTLER

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

3 1 -1 0 7 5 89 0 1 0 0 0 7 5 77 1 9 4 78 0 8 3 22 1 3 1 6 0 6 6 62 0 14 7 73 0 8 5 50 1 10 6 80 1 11 6 48 0 7 5 90 0 12 8 128 1 8 8 66 0 13 5 76 0 127 75 944 5

7 2 13 0 16 10 150 0 17 13 186 2 7 4 24 0 Inactive 10 7 137 1 9 5 78 0 7 5 82 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 73 46 670 3

4 2 23 0 6 5 88 2 3 3 40 0 Inactive Inactive 6 3 30 0 7 5 53 0 4 2 8 1 4 4 42 1 8 5 101 0 4 3 20 0 1 1 7 0 Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve 47 33 412 4

1 1 4 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 8 0 1 1 10 0 4 3 30 0 2 1 4 0 6 5 48 0 5 4 29 1 13 12 107 1 9 5 44 0 1 0 0 0 5 5 35 0 10 6 32 0 40 45 353 2

Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Inactive 1 1 21 0 5 4 45 0 4 3 27 0 5 4 43 0 10 7 72 0 5 3 60 0 6 3 38 0 8 6 57 0 44 31 363 0

u LINEBACKERS Needless to say, the Ravens will welcome back Suggs, the franchise career leader with 106½ sacks. That said, Suggs turns 34 in October and is coming off his second Achilles tear. Nobody will welcome Suggs back more than fellow OLB Elvis Dumervil, whose sack total dropped from 17 to six last season after being worn down by his major increase in snaps and added attention from opposing defenses. Hard-working C.J. Mosley has developed into a topgrade every-down inside linebacker in short order, but his coverage could be

GRADE

CROCKETT GILMORE

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

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

and toughness against the run, but also does a decent job stacking up blockers and freeing up his teammates to make plays off the edge. Interior backup Carl Davis regressed after a strong start last season, but he has potential, provided he works harder in the weight room. Highmotor rookies Bronson Kaufusi (third round) and Willie Henry (fourth round) provide fresh blood at end and tackle, respectively.

B-

STEVE SMITH

9 30 1 5 3 12 5 19 8 58 4 13 3 25 4 1 5 19 22 67 12 55 17 63 8 14 4 18 17 77 15 38 137 514

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

better. OLB Za’Darius Smith provided some unexpected pop with 5½ sacks but is a total work in progress as a pass defender. Raw but relentless secondround rookie Kalamei Correa should get an opportunity to compete for a starting LB spot. Correa had 19 sacks combined the last two seasons at Boise State and has never missed a game in his college career. Fifth-round rookie OLB Matt Judon led all of college football with 20 sacks last season, but he is raw from a technique standpoint.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS The hope is Weddle can follow in the footsteps of Ed Reed and excel as the last line of defense after becoming one of the league’s best coverage safeties with the Chargers. Plans call for Lardarius Webb to switch from left cornerback to the other safety spot. A wide-open battle could be on tap at the left corner involving Will Davis and Shareece Wright, among others. Both Davis and Wright performed well for the Ravens last season and

60 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

C+

also could pose a challenge on the right corner for Jimmy Smith, a strong natural talent who has had a hard time overcoming injuries. Keep an eye on rookie CBs Tavon Young (fourth round), who has lateral movement skills tailormade for the slot, and Maurice Canady, who has good size (6-foot-1) and fluidity. Disappointing former Patriot Kyle Arrington adds depth at cornerback. Equally disappointing Kendrick Lewis adds depth at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS Take away PK Justin Tucker’s six missed FG attempts from 50 yards and beyond, and he converted 33-of-34 opportunities, in addition to averaging a booming 72 yards per kickoff. No kicker in the league has a stronger leg. Punter Sam Koch’s first Pro Bowl selection was welldeserved after posting a 42.9yard net average. Webb and Kaelin Clay are serviceable kick returners. Clay had an 82-yard punt return for a TD last year, but needs to make better decisions.

GRADE

WK 1 @ DEN WK 2 @ OAK WK 3 CIN WK 4 @ PIT WK 5 CLE WK 6 @ SF WK 7 @ AZ WK 8 SD WK 10 JAX WK 11 STL WK 12 @ CLE WK 13 @ MIA WK 14 SEA WK 15 KC WK 16 PIT WK 17 @ CIN SEASON TOTALS u

KAMAR AIKEN

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

GRADE

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

A-

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 11 AIKEN WR 89 S. SMITH OLT 79 STANLEY* OLG 64 URSCHEL C 53 ZUTTAH ORG 73 YANDA ORT 71 WAGNER TE 82 WATSON QB 5 FLACCO RB 29 FORSETT FB 44 JUSZCZYK

18 Perriman 12 Wallace 60 Monroe 74 Hurst 66 Jensen 61 Broxton 72 A. Lewis* 87 M. Williams 7 Mallett 37 Allen

DT 97 JERNIGAN NT 98 B. WILLIAMS DE 67 GUY OLB 55 SUGGS ILB 57 MOSLEY ILB 45 BEYER SLB 51 CORREA* LCB 39 W. DAVIS RCB 22 J. SMITH FS 32 WEDDLE SS 21 WEBB

95 Lewis-Moore 94 C. Davis 96 Urban 58 Dumervil 54 Orr 51 Correa* 91 Judon* 35 Wright 24 Arrington 23 K. Lewis 40 Whitehead

17 Butler 13 Matthews 74 Hurst

77 Wesley 80 Gilmore 8 Johnson 48 Dixon*

DEFENSE

79 Reynolds 69 Henry* 92 Kaufusi* 90 Z. Smith 59 A. Brown 59 A. Brown 51 Carter 43 Young* 49 Canady* 31 Brooks 49 Canady*

SPECIALISTS

P 4 KOCH PK 9 TUCKER H 4 KOCH PR 21 WEBB KR 16 CLAY LS 46 COX

16 Clay

* Rookie COACHING STAFF Richard Angulo, tight ends; Juney Barnett, assistant strength and conditioning; Andy Bischoff, offensive assistant; Clarence Brooks, senior defensive assistant; Randy Brown, kicking consultant; Juan Castillo, offensive line; Scott Cohen, coaching assistant/opponent analysis; Joe Cullen, defensive line; Bobby Engram, wide receivers; Leslie Frazier, secondary; Thomas Hammock, running backs; John Harbaugh, head coach; Chris Hewitt, defensive backs; Chris Horton, assistant special teams; Mike Macdonald, defensive assistant; Don Martindale, linebackers; Megan McLaughlin, football information manager; Marty Mornhinweg, quarterbacks; Dan Parsons, assistant to the head coach; Dean Pees, defensive coordinator; Bob Rogucki, director of strength and conditioning; Jerry Rosburg, special-teams coordinator/associate head coach; Steve Saunders, director of performance and recovery; Eugene Shen, director of coaching analytics; Marc Trestman, offensive coordinator; Craig Ver Steeg, senior offensive assistant; Todd Washington, assistant offensive line; Matt Weiss, offensive assistant, Drew Wilkins, defensive coaching assistant.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 2 3 4 4 4 4 4 5 6 6

Ronnie Stanley Kamalei Correa Bronson Kaufusi Tavon Young Chris Moore Alex Lewis Willie Henry Kenneth Dixon Matt Judon Keenan Reynolds Maurice Canady

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT OLB DE CB WR OT DT RB DE RB CB

Notre Dame Boise State Brigham Young Temple Cincinnati Nebraska Michigan Louisiana Tech Grand Valley State Navy Virginia

6 42 70 104 107 130 132 134 146 182 209

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Benefiting from a healthier roster, head coach John Harbaugh duplicates his heroics as a rookie head coach in 2008, when he transformed a 5-11 team into an instant AFC Championship contender. When you consider the 5-11 Ravens lost nine games last season by eight points or fewer, a dramatic turnaround does not seem that unlikely.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

As was the case last season, injuries once again begin cutting the Ravens’ heart out right away and just keep on coming, with heavy hitters on both sides of the ball toppling over like dominoes on a regular basis.

NO NAME

POS

WR RB CB OLB TE S ILB WR WR G WR WR/RS CB DE OLB T WR/RS DT OLB LS DT CB RB OLB S C QB RB TE DE DT OL G/C DT QB OLB FB DE P DB DE T S LB P/K QB WR ILB T WR ILB T OLB OLB ILB ILB WR DB DT TE WR RB DB C WR CB OLB T OLB RB K DE G/C G/T WR TE/WR TE DB/RS S G/T RB DB DT TE CB CB G/T CB G/C

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

215 220 190 256 260 200 240 225 214 327 213 185 195 249 240 339 195 304 245 233 320 190 215 255 200 303 245 195 270 305 305 312 310 302 251 275 248 285 219 200 315 315 205 238 184 245 218 254 300 205 235 322 246 255 213 255 218 211 329 245 190 230 188 305 195 206 275 315 265 225 183 295 305 310 205 245 255 182 200 326 225 197 335 250 205 182 305 185 300

11 Aiken, Kamar 37 Allen, Javorius 24 Arrington, Kyle 45 Beyer, Brennen 86 Boyle, Nick 31 Brooks, Terrence 59 Brown, Arthur 83 Brown, Daniel 14 Brown, Marlon 61 Broxton, Jarell 17 Butler, Jeremy 15 Campanaro, Michael 49 Canady, Maurice 42 Capi, Nordly 56 Carter, Chris 63 Clausell, Blaine 16 Clay, Kaelin 70 Coley, Trevon 51 Correa, Kamalei 46 Cox, Morgan 94 Davis, Carl 39 Davis, Will 48 Dixon, Kenneth 58 Dumervil, Elvis 26 Elam, Matt 65 Fabiano, Anthony 5 Flacco, Joe 29 Forsett, Justin 80 Gillmore, Crockett 93 Guy, Lawrence 69 Henry, Willie 74 Hurst, James 66 Jensen, Ryan 97 Jernigan, Timmy 8 Johnson, Jerrod 91 Judon, Matt 44 Juszczyk, Kyle 92 Kaufusi, Bronson 4 Koch, Sam 41 Levine Sr., Anthony 95 Lewis-Moore, Kapron 72 Lewis, Alex 23 Lewis, Kendrick 46 Luckett, Cavellis 3 Lutz, Wil 7 Mallett, Ryan 13 Matthews, Chris 50 McClellan, Albert 60 Monroe, Eugene 81 Moore, Chris 57 Mosley, C.J. 67 Nembot, Stephane 44 Ochi, Victor 53 Ojemudia, Mario 47 Onwuasor, Patrick 54 Orr, Zachary 18 Perriman, Breshad 36 Perry, Nick 78 Pierce, Michael 88 Pitta, Dennis 6 Reynolds, Keenan 33 Richardson, Trent 38 Rolle, Jumal 62 Skura, Matt 89 Smith Sr., Steve 22 Smith, Jimmy 90 Smith, Za’Darius 79 Stanley, Ronnie 55 Suggs, Terrell 34 Taliaferro, Lorenzo 9 Tucker, Justin 96 Urban, Brent 64 Urschel, John 71 Wagner, Rick 12 Wallace, Mike 84 Waller, Darren 82 Watson, Benjamin 21 Webb, Lardarius 32 Weddle, Eric 77 Wesley, De’Ondre 28 West, Terrance 40 Whitehead, Jermaine 98 Williams, Brandon 87 Williams, Maxx 47 Wilson, Julian 35 Wright, Shareece 73 Yanda, Marshal 43 Young, Tavon 53 Zuttah, Jeremy

AGE COLLEGE 26 24 29 23 23 25 25 23 25 23 25 25 21 23 27 24 24 21 22 30 24 26 22 32 24 22 31 30 24 26 22 24 24 23 27 23 25 24 33 29 26 24 27 23 21 27 26 29 29 22 23 24 22 21 23 23 22 24 23 30 21 25 25 23 36 27 23 22 33 24 26 25 24 26 29 23 35 30 31 23 25 23 27 22 24 29 31 22 29

Central Florida USC Hofstra Michigan Delaware Florida State Kansas State James Madison Georgia Baylor Tennessee-Martin Wake Forest Virginia Akron Fresno State Mississippi State Utah Florida Atlantic Boise State Tennessee Iowa Utah State Louisiana Tech Louisville Florida Harvard Delaware California Colorado State Arizona State Michigan North Carolina Colorado State-Pueblo Florida State Texas A&M Grand Valley State Harvard Brigham Young Nebraska Tennessee State Notre Dame Nebraska Mississippi Middle Tennessee State Georgia State Arkansas Kentucky Marshall Virginia Cincinnati Alabama Colorado Stony Brook Michigan Portland State North Texas Central Florida 1 Alabama Samford Brigham Young Navy Alabama Catawba Duke 1Utah Colorado Kentucky Notre Dame 1Arizona State Coastal Carolina Texas Virginia Penn State Wisconsin Mississippi Georgia Tech Georgia Nicholls State Utah Brigham Young Towson Auburn Missouri-Southern State Minnesota Oklahoma USC Iowa Temple Rutgers

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| 61

AFC

NORTH

4 Browns CLEVELAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS QB Robert Griffin III, ILB Demario Davis, S Rahim Moore.

PREDICTION

3-13

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES QB Johnny Manziel, C Alex Mack, OT Mitchell Schwartz, WR Travis Benjamin, S Tashaun Gipson, S Donte Whitner, ILB Karlos Dansby, ILB Craig Robertson, DE Randy Starks.

EXEC. VP, FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Sashi Brown HEAD COACH Hue Jackson ASSOC. HEAD COACH/OFFENSE Pep Hamilton DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ray Horton STADIUM FirstEnergy Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 73,200 | Natural grass By

NATE ATKINS @ NateAtkinsCF

OFFENSE After two years of nonstop quarterback drama, the Browns’ new analytics-based front office tabbed one of the league’s most respected quarterback developers to be its new head coach and leader on that side of the ball. Hue Jackson will take it on himself as the play-caller, although he’ll work with former Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton in that respect. He’ll likely look to install the multiheaded rushing attack in a balanced prostyle offense he’s always run.

u QUARTERBACKS Cleveland’s first big move of the offseason after releasing troubled former first-round pick Johnny Manziel was taking a gamble on Robert Griffin III. The former No. 2 overall pick is a project after his injury-riddled fallout in Washington, but he’s still a mobile player with a great arm who stands to be the most talented quarterback Cleveland has had in years.

C+

u RUNNING BACKS Jackson loves to pound the rock, and he likes to do it in an unpredictable fashion when it comes to splitting the carries. In Cleveland, he’ll start with last year’s third-round selection, Duke Johnson. At just 5 feet 9 and 206 pounds, Johnson isn’t an every-down player, but he’s impressive as a receiver, totaling 61 receptions for 534 yards and two touchdowns on fewer than 500 pass snaps. Isaiah Crowell is a bit more of a lowto-the-ground runner, although he measures just 190 pounds. He doesn’t have a special singular trait, but he averaged 5.2 yards per carry over the final five games.

B-

u RECEIVERS When Josh Gordon is eligible – and it’s not that often anymore – he’s as talented as any player in the game with his hands and body control. But the 2013 receiving yards leader has only played five games the past two years due to substance-abuse violations, and he’ll find out in August if he can return this year. If he does, conditioning should be a concern, but his talent at age 25 is undeniably real. TE Gary Barnidge put forth a stunning breakout 2015 season at age 30, posting the best numbers of any tight end outside of Rob Gronkowski. It earned him an extension and a likely role

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as a go-to man. At wideout, the Browns spent their top pick on Baylor speedster Corey Coleman, who should stretch the field but will need some adjustment as he learns an NFL route tree. He’ll replace the speed element Cleveland lost in Travis Benjamin this offseason. Brian Hartline offers strong route-running, but he’s a 29-year-old who at his best only scored four touchdowns in a season. Andrew Hawkins had a breakout 2014 and worked with Jackson in Cincinnati, but concussions limited him to no touchdowns last season. He’ll compete against 5-8 speedster Taylor Gabriel. The Browns drafted five pass-catchers total in the draft, and three of them — Ricardo Louis, Jordan Payton, Rashard Higgins — will compete against each other for outside spots on a thinner depth chart this season.

GRADE

OWNER Jimmy Haslam

GRADE

2015 RECORD 3-13

After trading down in the draft, the Browns are treating 2016 as RGIII’s trial season. His running style will keep him a risk behind a patchwork offensive line, though, so Cleveland will look to 37-year-old Josh McCown to provide stability. He’s as smart as they come and threw 12 touchdowns to just four interceptions last year when he played, but his age will become a concern at some point. Third-round pick Cody Kessler out of USC is a developmental backup with strong decision-making and accuracy, although his strength is limited.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The trenches were supposed to be one of the team’s few strengths last season, and that was not the truth for most of the year. The two players who improved the most by season’s end, center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz, departed in free agency. The powerful Cameron Erving was a first-round pick last year to project as a center, and he should fit in better there after a woeful, penalty-filled rookie season at guard. The right tackle spot should be up for grabs between former Jaguars starter Austin Pasztor and third-round rookie Shon Coleman, an aggressive runblocker who once beat leukemia. Future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas has never missed a snap, but at 31, he’s a possibility to be traded if the Browns want to go full rebuild mode. Left guard Joel Bitonio took a step back last season after a brilliant rookie year. His pass blocking was exposed, but he’s still a pretty solid road-grader. Ninth-year RG John Greco isn’t overwhelming but provides versatility, strength and balance.

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN AFC NORTH

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Gary Barnidge

Joe Haden

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Duke Johnson DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT NT Danny Shelton POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH CB: K’Wuan Williams vs. Tramon Williams

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 10 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Philadelphia Baltimore at Miami at Washington New England at Tennessee at Cincinnati N.Y. Jets Dallas at Baltimore Pittsburgh N.Y. Giants BYE Cincinnati at Buffalo San Diego at Pittsburgh

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Browns have lacked beef up front for years, and although they made a commitment to improve it last year

with first-round nose tackle Danny Shelton, the effect was only minimal. Shelton provided a nice general twogap presence but was only a two-down player and struggled with his on-field discipline. Desmond Bryant supplies some nice pass rush at end, providing 11 sacks the past two years, but the 30-year-old is a little light against the run. Third-round sack machine Carl Nassib will probably start behind long-time backup John Hughes until Nassib gains the weight to transition to a twogapping end role. Last-year’s third-round trade target, Xavier Cooper, also needs to add size, as he appeared overwhelmed last season. Effort man Jamie Meder provides a constant push, but at 6-3 and 295 pounds, he’s going to be limited in the situations

GRADE

The Browns have pumped more money than any team into their defense, and they have watched it pay off with horribly disappointing results. The team finished 30th against the run, 22nd against the pass and 28th overall. This year, the Browns will look back to Ray Horton, who was the defensive coordinator in 2013 for the best Cleveland defense since the franchise’s return. He spent the past two years in Tennessee, but now he’ll be back to work in the 3-4 with a few familiar faces, like Joe Haden and outside linebackers Barkevius Mingo and Paul Kruger.

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Joe Thomas

DEFENSE

TIME

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. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

DATE

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Nov. 30 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

OPPONENT

at N.Y. Jets Tennessee Oakland at San Diego at Baltimore Denver at St. Louis Arizona at Cincinnati at Pittsburgh Baltimore Cincinnati San Francisco at Seattle at Kansas City Pittsburgh All times Eastern

RESULT

L 10-31 W 28-14 L 20-27 L 27-30 W 33-30 L 23-26 L 6-24 L 20-34 L 10-31 L 9-30 L 27-33 L 3-37 W 24-10 L 13-30 L 13-17 L 12-28

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| 63

AFC

NORTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS JOSH McCOWN

ISAIAH CROWELL

DUKE JOHNSON

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ NYJ WK 2 TEN WK 3 OAK WK 4 @ SD WK 5 @ BAL WK 6 DEN WK 7 @ STL WK 8 AZ WK 9 @ CIN WK 10 @ PIT WK 12 BAL WK 13 CIN WK 14 SF WK 15 @ SEA WK 16 @ KC WK 17 PIT SEASON TOTALS u

8 5 49 0 0 79.7 Inactive 49 28 341 2 1 83.8 41 32 356 2 0 119.1 51 36 457 2 0 111.3 39 20 213 2 2 63.3 32 26 270 0 0 101.8 34 18 211 3 1 89.2 Inactive Inactive 38 21 212 1 0 80.2 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 292 186 2,109 12 4 93.3

Inactive Active, did not play Inactive Active, did not play Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Active, did not play Active, did not play 7 77 1 25 230 0 Active, did not play Active, did not play Active, did not play 24 240 0 56 547 1

12 20 15 72 10 36 12 63 13 49 11 32 8 9 10 14 10 38 6 -5 7 7 11 62 20 145 9 23 16 88 15 53 185 706

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

7 22 12 43 4 3 8 31 9 22 9 38 6 17 1 3 3 0 4 10 7 27 5 2 13 78 4 46 8 26 4 11 104 379

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

GARY BARNIDGE

TRAVIS BENJAMIN

10 38

46 94

DUKE JOHNSON

0 125.8 1 71.2

2 49.2 3 66.2

BRIAN HARTLINE

TAYLOR GABRIEL

ANDREW HAWKINS

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ NYJ WK 2 TEN WK 3 OAK WK 4 @ SD WK 5 @ BAL WK 6 DEN WK 7 @ STL WK 8 AZ WK 9 @ CIN WK 10 @ PIT WK 12 BAL WK 13 CIN WK 14 SF WK 15 @ SEA WK 16 @ KC WK 17 PIT SEASON TOTALS u

5 3 38 0 1 1 17 0 10 6 105 1 6 6 75 1 10 8 139 1 9 3 39 2 7 6 101 0 11 7 53 1 7 2 35 0 8 6 65 1 11 7 91 0 8 5 59 0 7 5 84 1 4 3 29 1 8 3 47 0 13 8 66 0 125 79 1,043 9

3 3 89 1 4 3 115 2 10 4 45 1 10 6 79 0 12 6 83 0 13 9 117 0 8 4 47 0 5 3 26 0 6 3 22 0 11 7 113 0 13 6 90 1 2 0 0 0 7 4 41 0 5 3 26 0 5 2 20 0 11 5 53 0 125 68 966 5

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 32 0 10 9 85 1 8 6 55 0 4 3 18 0 7 7 73 0 2 2 68 0 4 2 38 1 4 4 18 0 6 5 23 0 4 4 30 0 3 1 6 0 5 5 39 0 4 3 15 0 6 4 34 0 74 61 534 2

5 2 20 0 3 0 0 0 7 5 96 0 1 1 7 0 3 1 5 0 3 0 0 0 3 3 22 0 10 4 32 2 Inactive 9 6 77 0 12 8 74 0 11 8 83 0 10 8 107 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 77 46 523 2

4 2 20 0 1 1 -3 0 5 3 28 0 5 4 22 0 5 4 75 0 2 1 5 0 4 4 15 0 7 4 32 0 6 1 3 0 3 2 26 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 2 18 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 28 241 0

6 3 24 0 4 3 43 0 6 2 18 0 3 2 27 0 9 7 49 0 4 1 25 0 3 2 21 0 Inactive Inactive 8 7 69 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve 43 27 276 0

The Browns have committed to their outside linebacker spots, and the results have been up and down. Mingo, the No. 6 pick in 2012, didn’t record a single sack last season and has just seven in three years, although he’s better against the run than many will notice. His struggle has been getting off blocks, but he’s reportedly gained 20 pounds this offseason to reach 260. The powerrushing Kruger took a significant step back last year after a career-high 11 sacks in 2014. Now 30, he faces an important bounce-back year. The Browns likely drafted his future replacement in second-rounder Emmanuel Ogbah, a powerful player who needs to work on his consistent motor. On the inside, the Browns added Demario Davis, who has started all 48 games the past three years for the run-stuffing Jets; the fact that the Jets declined to bring him back, though, should signal something after his run defense really slipped in his fourth

B-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS The Browns’ secondary was supposed to be a strength last year, but naturally, it underachieved for a variety of reasons. Haden’s injuries to his head, finger and ankle hurt – literally – and one of the NFL’s better man-cover playmakers was shut down after five mediocre games. Still just 27, he should bounce back with health. CB Tramon Williams gave some feisty veteran play, but now he’s 33. K’Wuan Williams continues to offer great depth and nickel play, which is more than can be said for 2014 first-rounder Justin Gilbert, whom the team has moved to kick returner and toyed with at receiver. Both starting safeties are gone, as Donte Whitner was released

64 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

B-

and Tashaun Gipson demanded a bigger payday in Jacksonville. The Browns did bring in former Broncos safety Rahim Moore, but he was permanently benched in Houston because he can’t cover. Second-year Ibraheim Campbell needs to develop instincts but has some hitting and coverage ability. He’ll compete with fourth-round thumper Derrick Kindred.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Gilbert averaged 28.3 yards on 12 returns last year, even though his long was just 40. He should be primed to try that role again. Cleveland will look to replace Benjamin’s steady punt return threat with either speedy slot man Taylor Gabriel or veteran Tramon Williams, who had the NFL’s longest punt return of 94 yards in 2007. Kicker Travis Coons is coming off a solid rookie year in which he hit on 28 of 32 field goals, with the four misses all being blocks, though he did miss two PATs. Three-time Pro Bowl veteran Andy Lee is still one of the steadiest punters, booting with distance and pinpoint accuracy.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

season, but he’ll look to replace released team leader Karlos Dansby. Rookie Joe Schobert provides coverage, sidelinetracking ability and pass rush; he should compete for a starting inside role right away. Christian Kirksey and Tank Carder provide reliable depth and the potential to start if Schobert needs time.

GRADE

in which he can impress.

GRADE

AUSTIN DAVIS

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

AFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 19 C. COLEMAN* OLT 73 THOMAS OLG 75 BITONIO C 74 ERVING ORG 77 GRECO ORT 67 PASZTOR TE 82 BARNIDGE WR 16 HAWKINS QB 10 GRIFFIN III RB 34 CROWELL WR 12 GORDON (Susp.)

80 Louis* 79 France 65 Johnson 62 Gerhart 66 Drango* 72 S. Coleman* 88 Bibbs 18 Gabriel 13 McCown 29 Johnson 83 Hartline

DE 93 HUGHES NT 55 SHELTON DE 92 BRYANT OLB 99 KRUGER ILB 53 SCHOBERT* ILB 56 DAVIS OLB 51 MINGO LCB 23 HADEN RCB 22 WILLIAMS SS 24 CAMPBELL FS 20 MOORE

94 Nassib* 97 Wynn 98 Meder 96 Cooper 97 Wynn 90 Ogbah* 91 Jeffcoat 59 Carder 50 Wright* 58 Kirksey 52 Tuggle 44 Orchard 95 Bryant 36 Williams 21 Gilbert 26 Desir 27 Taylor 30 Kindred* 40 Baker 33 Poyer 37 Scott

84 Payton* 62 Gerhart 78 Bailey 66 Drango* 87 DeValve* 81 Higgins* 5 Kessler* 28 Winston 11 Pryor

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 8 LEE PK 6 COONS H 8 LEE PR 22 WILLIAMS 18 Gabriel KR 21 GILBERT 15 Moore LS 47 HUGHLETT * Rookie COACHING STAFF Pep Hamilton, assistant head coach for offense; Al Saunders, senior offensive assistant for wide receivers; Kirby Wilson, running game coordinator; Hal Hunter, offensive line; Mark Hutson, assistant offensive line; Greg Seamon, tight ends; Bob Saunders, offensive quality control/assistant wide receivers; Rock Cartwright, offensive quality control/assistant running backs; Ray Horton, defensive coordinator; Louie Cioffi, defensive backs; Ken Delgado, assistant defensive line; Johnny Holland, inside linebackers; Cannon Matthews, assistant defensive backs; Eric Sanders, defensive quality control; Ryan Slowik, outside linebackers.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD

1 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 7

PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

Corey Coleman Emmanuel Ogbah Carl Nassib Shon Coleman Cody Kessler Joe Schobert Ricardo Louis Derrick Kindred Seth DeValve Jordan Payton Spencer Drango Rashard Higgins Trey Caldwell Scooby Wright III

WR DE DE OT QB OLB WR SS WR WR OG WR CB ILB

Baylor 15 Oklahoma State 32 Penn State 65 Auburn 76 Southern California 93 Wisconsin 99 Auburn 114 TCU 129 Princeton 138 UCLA 154 Baylor 168 Colorado State 172 Louisiana-Monroe 173 Arizona 250

PICK

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

RGIII stays healthy, getting back to being the electrifying dual-threat who can alter game plans. He and his Baylor boys, Coleman and a reinstated Gordon, combine with Gary Barnidge to create a layered offense. Horton returns his pass rush to 2013 levels, and the Browns become one of the NFL’s surprise teams.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

RGIII doesn’t last more than a week, which is more than Gordon can get on the field for. The receivers and O-line are too raw. Major holes at safety cost a unit with some underdeveloped young players starting in the front seven. The Browns are in the Deshaun Watson race at the top of the draft.

POS

54 Alexander, Dominique 78 Bailey, Alvin 40 Baker, Sean 82 Barnidge, Gary 88 Bibbs, E.J. 75 Bitonio, Joel 68 Boffeli, Conor 61 Bowie, Michael 95 Bryant, Armonty 92 Bryant, Desmond 31 Caldwell, Trey 13 Campbell, Ibraheim 59 Carder, Tank 19 Coleman, Corey 72 Coleman, Shon 6 Coons, Travis 96 Cooper, Xavier 3 Craddock, Brad 34 Crowell, Isaiah 7 Davis, Austin 56 Davis, Demario 48 Dennis, Kenya 26 Desir, Pierre 87 DeValve, Seth 66 Drango, Spencer 74 Erving, Cameron 49 Everette, Mikell 79 France, Dan 18 Gabriel, Taylor 43 Gaines, Charles 62 Gerhart, Garth 21 Gilbert, Justin 12 Gordon, Josh (Susp.) 77 Greco, John 10 Griffin, Robert 23 Haden, Joe 85 Hall, Rannell 89 Hamlett, Connor 83 Hartline, Brian 16 Hawkins, Andrew 81 Higgins, Rashard 49 Holtz, J.P. 41 Howard, Tracy 93 Hughes III, John 47 Hughlett, Charley 91 Jeffcoat, Jackson 17 Jennings, Darius 29 Johnson Jr, Duke 57 Johnson, Cam 65 Johnson, Kaleb 42 Johnson, Malcolm 35 Jones, Don 5 Kessler, Cody 30 Kindred, Derrick 58 Kirksey, Christian 99 Kruger, Paul 69 Ladson, Erle 70 Lawrence-Stample, Nile 8 Lee, Andy 80 Louis, Ricardo 60 Matthews, Mike 13 McCown, Josh 98 Meder, Jamie 64 Miller, Darrian 51 Mingo, Barkevious 15 Moore, Marlon 20 Moore, Rahim 25 Mostert, Raheem 94 Nassib, Carl 90 Ogbah, Emmanuel 44 Orchard, Nate 67 Pasztor, Austin 84 Payton, Jordan 33 Poyer, Jordan 11 Pryor, Terrelle 63 Rose, Kyle 37 Scott, Tim 53 Schobert, Joe 9 Shaw, Connor 55 Shelton, Danny 48 Skov, Patrick 39 Stamps, A.J. 27 Taylor, Jamar 86 Telfer, Randall 73 Thomas, Joe 52 Tuggle, Justin 38 Watson, Terrell 36 Williams, K’Waun 22 Williams, Tramon 28 Winston, Glenn 50 Wright III, Scooby 97 Wynn, Dylan

LB OL DB TE TE OL OL OL LB DL DB DB LB WR OL K DL K RB QB LB DB DB TE OL OL DB OL WR DB OL DB WR OL QB DB WR TE WR WR WR TE DB DL LS LB WR RB DL OL FB DB QB DB LB LB OL DL P WR OL QB DL OL LB WR DB RB DL LB LB OL WR DB WR DL DB LB QB DL FB DB DB TE OL LB RB DB DB RB LB DL

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

WT 235 320 209 250 258 305 304 320 265 310 185 208 235 185 310 200 300 186 225 221 239 200 206 244 315 313 185 315 167 180 310 202 225 318 222 195 200 266 200 180 196 240 180 320 248 253 169 210 260 316 231 205 215 207 235 270 346 320 185 215 300 218 308 307 240 190 195 195 275 273 255 308 207 191 233 295 195 245 210 339 235 195 195 250 312 249 242 183 192 220 240 283

AGE COLLEGE 21 24 27 30 24 24 24 24 25 30 22 23 27 21 24 24 24 23 23 26 27 22 25 23 23 23 23 25 25 23 27 24 25 31 26 27 24 24 29 30 21 22 22 27 25 25 23 22 25 23 23 25 22 22 23 30 24 23 33 22 22 36 25 23 25 28 26 24 23 22 23 25 22 25 26 23 23 22 24 22 23 22 25 23 31 26 22 24 33 27 21 22

Oklahoma Arkansas Ball State Louisville Iowa State Nevada Iowa Northeastern St. (Okla.) East Central (OK) Harvard Louisiana-Monroe Northwestern Texas Christian Baylor Auburn Washington Washington State Maryland Alabama State Southern Mississippi Arkansas State Missouri Lindenwood Princeton Baylor Florida State Sam Houston State Michigan State Abilene Christian Louisville Arizona State Oklahoma State Baylor Toledo Baylor Florida Central Florida Oregon State Ohio State Toledo Colorado St. Pittsburgh Miami Cincinnati Central Florida Texas Virginia Miami Virginia Rutgers Mississippi State Arkansas State USC TCU Iowa Utah Delaware Florida State Pittsburgh Auburn Texas A&m Sam Houston State Ashland Kentucky LSU Fresno State UCLA Purdue Penn State Oklahoma St. Utah Virginia UCLA Oregon State Ohio State West Virginia North Carolina Wisconsin South Carolina Washington Georgia Tech Kentucky Boise State USC Wisconsin Kansas State Azusa Pacific Pittsburgh Louisiana Tech Northwood Arizona Oregon State

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| 65

AFC

1 Colts

SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Patrick Robinson, RB Jordan Todman, QB Scott Tolzein, RB Robert Turbin.

PREDICTION

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Colt Anderson, TE Coby Fleener, ILB Jerrell Freeman, QB Matt Hasselbeck, C Khaled Holmes, OG Todd Herremans, WR Andre Johnson, S Dwight Lowery, LB Jonathan Newsome, CB Greg Toler, OLB Bjoern Werner, WR Griff Whalen.

GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Grigson HEAD COACH Chuck Pagano OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Rob Chudzinski DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ted Monachino STADIUM Lucas Oil Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 67,000 | FieldTurf By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE

Pardon the play on words, but better luck at quarterback figures to put a lot less stress on a Colts offense that ranked 22nd in passing yards and 24th in points last season after finishing first and third, respectively, in those same categories the previous year. Better protection certainly wouldn’t hurt after repeated breakdowns on the offensive line were greatly responsible for taking QBs Andrew Luck, Matt Hasselbeck and David Whitehurst out of commission for extended periods due to injuries. The line should get a boost from wellregarded new position coach Joe Philbin, the former head coach of the Dolphins. A full season under coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who replaced Pep Hamilton in early November, also should help. In the one game that Luck and Chudzinski worked together, Luck threw for 252 yards with two TDs and zero interceptions and ran for 34 yards on six carries against the league’s top-ranked defense in a 27-

Luck, who missed nine games with shoulder, kidney and abdominal injuries, had a forgettable season in more ways than one, completing only 55.3 percent of his passes and registering 13 turnovers (12 interceptions and one lost fumble) in only seven games after throwing for a franchise-record 4,761 yards and a league-leading 40 TD passes the previous season. In order to justify what is expected to be the most lucrative contract in league history before the summer runs its course, Luck must cut way down on his mistakes (55 interceptions in 55 career starts) and alter his oftenreckless playing style. With Hasselbeck retiring, Luck’s new backup is cerebral ex-Packer Scott Tolzien.

A-

u RUNNING BACKS In his first year with the Colts, RB Frank Gore also had a rough season. With opposing defenses able to focus more on the ground game, Gore averaged a career-low 3.7 yards per carry and failed to gain 100 yards in a game for the first time in his rock-solid 11year career. That said, Gore played all 16 games for the fifth year in a row and fell only 33 yards short of becoming the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Joseph Addai in 2007. Robert Turbin, who has displayed flashes with three previous teams, and Jordan Todman, most recently with the Steelers, are the new primary backups.

C+

u RECEIVERS T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief provide Luck with an explosive 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Hilton overcame the absence of his franchise quarterback for more than half of the 2015 season with his thirdstraight 1,000-yard receiving campaign, averaging a very respectable 16.3 yards per catch with excellent speed and

66 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

change-of-direction skills. In his second season, Moncrief made major strides, nearly doubling his rookie stats with only four dropped passes. The Colts are excited about projected No. 3 WR Phillip Dorsett, the team’s first pick last year who was a virtual nonfactor after missing five games in the middle of the season. “He’s obviously going to get more playing time, more exposure,” head coach Chuck Pagano said of the fastest player available in the 2015 draft. “He’s a big-play guy, and [Chudzinski] will do a great job creating ways to get the ball in his hands.” Tenacious but injuryprone Dwayne Allen and local product Jack Doyle, who moves up from the No. 3 role with Coby Fleener departing, team up at tight end.

GRADE

OWNER, CEO James Irsay

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

2015 RECORD 8-8

24 victory over the eventual Super Bowl champion Broncos.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Former first-round OT Anthony Castonzo and OG Jack Mewhort are good but not great performers on the left side, but the rest of the offensive line is not nearly as stable. A major change is taking place at center, where first-round rookie Ryan Kelly is expected to immediately start and hopefully become the same kind of rock-solid center that Jeff Saturday was for so long in front of Peyton Manning. “It’s not like he’s just some overachiever in there,” Colts GM Ryan Grigson said of Kelly, the reigning Rimington Award winner. “He’s a talented player. You’re talking about a guy that’s close to 320 pounds and is over 6-4, it’s almost tackle size.” Denzelle Good, who did some good things filling in on both flanks as a rookie, appears to have a leg up on versatile journeyman Joe Reitz at right tackle, but he is still really raw. Rookie OTs Le’Raven Clark (third-round), who has good length and athleticism, and Joe Haeg (fifth-round), who protected Carson Wentz at North Dakota State, could figure in the OT equation. Injuries and inconsistency have been a problem for presumptive starting ORG Hugh Thornton, who will likely be backed up by Jonotthan Harrison. Seventh-round

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Andrew Luck

Vontae Davis

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Phillip Dorsett DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT FS Clayton Geathers POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 5 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Detroit 4:25 p.m. at Denver 4:25 p.m. San Diego 4:25 p.m. at Jacksonville (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. Chicago 1:00 p.m. at Houston 8:30 p.m. at Tennessee 1:00 p.m. Kansas City 1:00 p.m. at Green Bay 4:25 p.m. BYE Tennessee 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m. at N.Y. Jets 8:30 p.m. Houston 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota 1:00 p.m. at Oakland 4:05 p.m. Jacksonville 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Andrew Luck

DEFENSE Mediocrity prevailed, as the Colts ranked 26th in total yards allowed, 25th in points and rushing yards, 24th in passing yards and 22nd in sacks per pass attempt, down from a respectable ninth each of the previous two seasons. Enter new coordinator Ted Monachino, who coached with Pagano in Baltimore in 2010 and 2011. “Ted and I obviously have history together,” Pagano said at this year’s Scouting Combine. “We want to be multiple. We want to be simpleme, complex-you. We always want to be aggressive, we want to be attacking, we want to be sound. When you turn the film on, the hallmark of a great defense is a great tackling defense, and we want to be a great tackling defense and accentuate,

put a premium on fundamentals and technique and communication.” The defense must replace two of its most productive players, ILB Jerrell Freeman, who signed with the Bears, and FS Dwight Lowery, who signed with the Chargers.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN DLE Kendall Langford definitely earned his keep in his first season with the Colts, tying for the team lead with a career-high seven sacks and performing well against the run with top-notch length and leverage. It was a different story for DT Arthur Jones, who has suffered early season-ending injuries the past two seasons after making a name for himself as an exceptional run defender. Keep a close eye on Henry Anderson, who did a

GRADE

rookie C Austin Blythe will back up Kelly.

C+

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Buffalo L 14-27 Sept. 21 NY Jets L 7-20 Sept. 27 at Tennessee W 35-33 Oct. 4 Jacksonville *W 16-13 Oct. 8 at Houston W 27-20 Oct. 18 New England L 27-34 Oct. 25 New Orleans L 21-27 Nov. 2 at Carolina *L 26-29 Nov. 8 Denver W 27-24 Nov. 22 at Atlanta W 24-21 Nov. 29 Tampa Bay W 25-12 Dec. 6 at Pittsburgh L 10-45 Dec. 13 at Jacksonville L 16-51 Dec. 20 Houston L 10-16 Dec. 27 at Miami W 18-12 Jan. 3 Tennessee W 30-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 67

AFC

SOUTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS ANDREW LUCK

FRANK GORE

ANDREW LUCK

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ BUF WK 2 NYJ WK 3 @ TEN WK 4 JAX WK 5 @ HOU WK 6 NE WK 7 NO WK 8 @ CAR WK 9 DEN WK 11 @ ATL WK 12 TB WK 13 @ PIT WK 14 @ JAX WK 15 HOU WK 16 @ MIA WK 17 TEN SEASON TOTALS u

49 26 243 2 2 63.6 37 21 250 1 3 52.8 30 18 260 2 2 82.6 Inactive Inactive 50 30 312 3 0 98.1 44 23 333 3 2 81.0 47 23 231 2 3 50.9 36 21 252 2 0 98.4 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 293 162 1,881 15 12 74.9

Active, did not play Active, did not play Active, did not play 47 30 282 1 0 87.4 29 18 213 2 0 107.4 Active, did not play Active, did not play Active, did not play Active, did not play 32 23 213 2 2 84.5 42 26 315 2 0 100.8 26 16 169 1 2 61.2 35 18 252 0 0 74.9 30 17 147 1 1 66.9 15 8 99 0 0 74 Inactive 256 156 1,690 9 5 84

8 31 15 57 14 86 17 53 22 98 13 78 9 43 22 70 28 83 14 34 19 24 13 45 16 60 16 44 15 85 19 76 260 967

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

4 20 4 24 6 21 Inactive Inactive 4 35 3 27 6 35 6 34 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 33 196

AHMAD BRADSHAW

T.Y. HILTON

DONTE MONTCRIEF

COBY FLEENER

ANDRE JOHNSON

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

FRANK GORE

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ BUF WK 2 NYJ WK 3 @ TEN WK 4 JAX WK 5 @ HOU WK 6 NE WK 7 NO WK 8 @ CAR WK 9 DEN WK 11 @ ATL WK 12 TB WK 13 @ PIT WK 14 @ JAX WK 15 HOU WK 16 @ MIA WK 17 TEN SEASON TOTALS u

Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team Not on Team 4 8 0 1 5 0 7 31 0 6 3 0 9 32 0 4 6 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 31 85 0

14 7 88 0 7 4 45 0 7 4 94 0 13 7 67 0 9 5 88 0 9 6 74 1 15 4 150 2 7 1 15 0 6 5 82 0 4 2 21 0 12 6 95 2 5 3 36 0 7 4 132 0 5 3 29 0 7 4 64 0 7 4 44 0 134 69 1,124 5

11 6 46 1 8 7 122 1 7 4 32 1 9 6 75 0 3 1 3 0 11 6 69 1 6 4 34 1 7 2 18 0 4 3 30 0 8 5 41 0 9 8 114 0 1 1 33 0 10 3 52 0 7 5 51 1 2 2 15 0 2 1 -2 0 105 64 733 6

1 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 6 4 51 0 12 9 83 1 3 2 9 0 6 3 20 0 5 3 47 0 11 7 43 1 6 4 22 0 5 3 45 0 3 3 27 0 8 4 20 0 4 1 6 0 3 1 12 0 4 2 13 0 7 7 88 1 84 54 491 3

10 4 24 0 7 3 27 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 7 6 77 2 6 3 35 0 4 4 44 0 8 4 81 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 13 0 3 1 22 0 3 2 44 0 5 3 19 0 5 3 32 0 5 3 39 0 6 4 46 1 77 41 503 4

3 2 0 0 1 1 4 0 2 1 8 0 7 5 34 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 16 0 8 5 32 0 3 3 22 0 3 1 19 0 5 5 46 0 3 2 13 0 5 3 49 1 5 1 -1 0 2 1 15 0 4 2 10 0 4 0 0 0 58 34 267 1

u LINEBACKERS While Robert Mathis exceeded expectations coming off a seasonending Achilles injury, tying Langford for the team lead in sacks and finishing second behind Langford with 14 QB hits, fellow veteran OLB Trent Cole was a major disappointment, registering only three sacks and seven QB hits in 14 games. On the strong side, Erik Walden continued to be serviceable in his third season with the team, but he does not offer much as a pass-rusher. On the inside, D’Qwell Jackson is a durable tackle machine (team-leading 150) with

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Pro Bowl alternate Vontae Davis remains among the best right corners in the business (team-leading 16 passes defensed), although he wasn’t as stellar as he was in 2014, when he allowed zero touchdowns. On the left corner, it won’t take much for free-agent addition Patrick Robinson to do better than the departed Greg Toler. “He was a fit on a number of levels in regards to overall skill but also adds some strong intangibles,” Colts

68 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

GM Ryan Grigson said of Robinson. Feisty veteran Mike Adams has proven to be a great fit at strong safety, earning his second-straight Pro Bowl berth after registering a team-leading five interceptions (one returned for a TD), three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. At free safety, hard-hitting sophomore Clayton Geathers likely will replace Lowery after showing lots of potential as a rookie. Second-round rookie T.J. Green, whose stock skyrocketed after he ran a 4.34 40 at this year’s Combine, could push Geathers. Darius Butler is a decent slot option.

GRADE

limited coverage skills, although he did manage a pivotal pick-six in a Week 11 victory over the Falcons. At the other inside spot, Freeman’s departure leaves a gaping hole that ex-Bronco Nate Irving had the best shot at filling entering the draft. Keep a close eye on fourth-round rookie Antonio Morrison, who had more than 100 tackles in each of his last two seasons at Florida. Sio Moore, who was acquired in a trade from the Raiders shortly before last season, will probably get more playing time after spending most of his time in 2015 on special teams. Seventh-round rookie Trevor Bates adds youth on the outside.

B-

SPECIAL TEAMS The good news is that ancient Adam Vinatieri and Pat McAfee continue to rank right up there among the best PK-P duos in the league, and Quan Bray appears on the cusp of developing into a dynamic kick returner. The bad news is that shoddy coverage units allowed three punt returns for scores.

GRADE

quality job stepping in for Jones before tearing his ACL in Week Nine. With Anderson not expected to be ready for the start of training camp, fourth-round DT Hassan Ridgeway, who has had his own share of injury issues, could get more playing time. Sophomore David Parry more than held his own in 16 starts at nose tackle, despite leveling off a bit late in the season. Zach Kerr is a solid interior backup.

GRADE

MATT HASSELBECK

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 MONCRIEF WR 13 HILTON OLT 74 CASTONZO OLG 75 MEWHORT C 78 KELLY* ORG 69 THORNTON ORT 71 GOOD TE 83 ALLEN TE 84 DOYLE QB 12 LUCK RB 23 GORE

5 Bray 15 Dorsett 62 Clark* 65 O’Brien 63 Blythe* 72 Harrison 76 Reitz 80 McFarland 86 Swoope 16 Tolzein 33 Turbin

DLE 90 LANGFORD NT 54 PARRY DT 97 JONES OLB 93 WALDEN ILB 52 JACKSON ILB 55 IRVING OLB 98 MATHIS LCB 26 ROBINSON CB 21 DAVIS SS 29 ADAMS FS 42 GEATHERS

96 Anderson 94 Kerr 91 Ridgeway* 46 Obiora 51 Moore 44 Morrison* 58 Cole 30 Smith 20 Butler 35 Davis 32 Green*

17 Boyce 14 Stangby 76 Reitz

73 Haeg* 73 Haeg* 85 Clear 7 Morris 28 Todman

DEFENSE

95 Okine 68 Lumpkin 67 McGill 50 Bates* 44 Sylvestre 49 Herrera 57 McNary 25 Brown 36 Glover-Wright 25 Southward 27 Guy

SPECIALISTS

P/KO 1 McAFEE PK 4 VINATIERI H 1 McAFEE PR 5 BRAY KR 5 BRAY LS 45 OVERTON

15 Dorsett

* Rookie COACHING STAFF Tim Berbenich, offensive assistant/assistant quarterback coach; Rob Chudzinski, offensive coordinator; Maurice Drayton, assistant special-teams coach; Gary Emanuel, defensive line coach; Joe Gilbert, assistant offensive line coach; Frank Giufre, offensive quality control coach; Jim Herrmann, linebackers coach; Jim Hostler, tight ends coach; Richard Howell, assistant strength coach; Lee Hull, wide receivers coach; Darren Klein, head strength and conditioning coach; Tom McMahon, special-teams coordinator; Ted Monachino, defensive coordinator; Chuck Pagano, head coach; Joe Philbin, assistant head coach/offensive line; Brian Schottenheimer, quarterbacks coach; Jemal Singleton, running backs coach; Shawn Terlecky, defensive quality control; Brad White, outside linebackers; Greg Williams, defensive backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 2 3 4 4 5 7 7

Ryan Kelly T.J. Green Le’Raven Clark Hassan Ridgeway Antonio Morrison Joe Haeg Trevor Bates Austin Blythe

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

C FS OT DT ILB OT DE C

Alabama Clemson Texas Tech Texas Florida North Dakota State Maine Iowa

18 57 82 116 125 155 239 248

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

With leaks on the offensive line significantly reduced, Luck proves worthy of a stratospheric new contract while leading the Colts to the Super Bowl berth so many critics were predicting a year ago at this time. A surprising boost comes from a ground game that produces top-10 numbers after finishing no higher than 20th the past four seasons. On defense, the pass rush is equally surprising, and the replacements for Freeman and Lowery come through with flying colors.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Owner Jim Irsay rues the day he decided to give Pagano and Grigson contract extensions through 2019, as dismal failures in the draft and on the transactions front make former busts Trent Richardson and Bjoern Werner look decent in comparison. Luck struggles behind a lousy offensive line, the defense is once again a rankings disaster, and the Colts are sitting out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.

NO NAME

POS

S TE DT WR DE LB C WR WR CB CB G T T OLB CB S CB WR TE RB S CB T RB T S TE S T C ILB WR ILB ILB ILB DT C NT DE WR QB DT LB OLB P S TE DT WR LB T/G TE CB CB WR ILB ILB QB G DE LS DT DT G G DT CB WR LB DT CB WR S WR TE ILB LB G RB QB RB WR RB K OLB CB CB S RB

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

205 265 300 193 282 245 290 205 182 210 188 312 311 316 270 190 200 207 185 267 200 215 180 340 217 309 205 264 220 304 308 249 180 253 242 230 320 313 334 305 210 240 300 246 245 233 205 262 299 210 251 312 250 190 190 222 240 232 218 325 290 243 310 312 290 323 314 191 180 235 295 193 205 210 185 243 242 255 324 203 213 222 205 225 206 250 180 190 212 195

29 Adams, Mike 83 Allen, Dwayne 96 Anderson, Henry 6 Anthrop, Daniel 67 Bailey, Sterling 50 Bates, Trevor 63 Blythe, Austin 17 Boyce, Josh 11 Bray, Quan 31 Brown, Jalil 20 Butler, Darius 60 Cage, Isiah 74 Castonzo, Anthony 62 Clark, Le’Raven 58 Cole, Trent 34 Davie, Daniel 35 Davis, Akeem 21 Davis, Vontae 15 Dorsett, Phillip 84 Doyle, Jack 34 Ferguson, Josh 26 Geathers, Clayton 39 Glover-Wright, Tay 71 Good, Denzelle 23 Gore, Frank 66 Graf, Kevin 32 Green, T.J. 85 Griswold, Darion 27 Guy, Winston 73 Haeg, Joe 72 Harrison, Jonotthan 49 Herrera, Amarlo 13 Hilton, T.Y. 56 Irving, Nate 52 Jackson, D’Qwell 53 Jackson, Edwin 97 Jones, Arthur 78 Kelly, Ryan 94 Kerr, Zach 90 Langford, Kendall 8 Leak, Marcus 12 Luck, Andrew 68 Lumpkin, Ricky 92 Maggitt, Curt 98 Mathis, Robert 1 McAfee, Pat 42 McClure, Stefan 80 McFarland, Mike 99 McGill, T.Y. 2 McKay, MeKale 57 McNary, Josh 75 Mewhort, Jack 49 Miller, Mike 40 Milton, Christopher 43 Mitchel, Tevin 10 Moncrief, Donte 51 Moore, Sio 44 Morrison, Antonio 7 Morris, Stephen 65 O’Brien, Kitt 95 Okine, Earl 45 Overton, Matt 54 Parry, David 64 Quarles, Kelcy 61 Redmond, Adam 76 Reitz, Joe 91 Ridgeway, Hassan 25 Robinson, Patrick 3 Rogers, Chester 47 Sarao, Anthony 65 Simmons, Delvon 30 Smith, D’Joun 5 Smith, Tevaun 41 Southward, Dezmen 14 Stangby, Josh 86 Swoope, Erik 48 Sylvestre, Junior 59 Thompson, Ron 69 Thornton, Hugh 28 Todman, Jordan 16 Tolzien, Scott 33 Turbin, Robert 81 Tyms, Brian 38 Varga, Tyler 4 Vinatieri, Adam 93 Walden, Erik 37 White, Darius 9 Williams, Frankie 36 Williamson, Andrew 40 Williams, Trey

AGE COLLEGE 35 26 24 22 23 22 23 25 23 28 30 22 27 23 33 22 26 27 23 26 22 23 23 25 32 24 21 23 26 23 24 24 26 27 32 24 29 22 25 30 23 26 27 23 35 29 23 24 23 22 28 24 24 23 23 22 26 21 23 26 26 30 24 24 22 30 21 28 22 23 23 23 23 25 25 24 24 22 24 26 28 26 27 22 43 30 22 23 23 23

Delaware Clemson Stanford Purdue Georgia Maine Iowa TCU Auburn Colorado Connecticut Wisconsin-Eau Claire Boston College Texas Tech Cincinnati Nebraska Memphis Illinois Miami Western Kentucky Illinois Central Florida Utah State Mars Hill Miami (FL) USC Clemson Arkansas State Kentucky North Dakota State Florida Georgia Florida International North Carolina State Maryland Georgia Southern Syracuse Alabama Delaware Hampton Maryland Stanford Kentucky Tennessee Alabama A&M West Virginia California South Florida North Carolina State Cincinnati Army Ohio State Taylor Georgia Tech Arkansas Mississippi Connecticut Florida Miami FL Ball State Florida Western Washington Stanford South Carolina Harvard Western Michigan Texas Florida State Grambling State USC USC Florida Atlantic Iowa Wisconsin Ottawa (KS) Miami (FL) Toledo Syracuse Illinois Connecticut Wisconsin Utah State Florida A&M Yale South Dakota State Middle Tennessee State California Purdue Vanderbilt Texas A&M

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AFC

SOUTH

2 Texans HOUSTON

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OG Jeff Allen, RB Lamar Miller, QB Brock Osweiler.

8-8

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OG Brandon Brooks, DE Jared Crick, RB Arian Foster, C Ben Jones, WR Nate Washington.

2ND PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

GENERAL MANAGER Rick Smith HEAD COACH Bill O’Brien OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR George Godsey DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Romeo Crennel STADIUM NRG Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 72,200 | Natural grass By

XXXX AARON XXXXXX WILSON @ Txxxxxxx AaronWilson _ NFL

OFFENSE Embarrassed following a shutout loss in the playoffs to the Kansas City Chiefs, Texans owner Bob McNair was adamant throughout this offseason that the offense must be overhauled. It’s been a dramatic change in the backfield as the Texans signed former Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler to a $72 million deal to replace Brian Hoyer. That wasn’t the only change as the Texans signed former Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller to a $26 million deal as the replacement for former Pro Bowl runner Arian Foster. The Texans also drafted wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller to upgrade their speed outside to work in tandem with Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. If the offensive line provides sufficient time for Osweiler to throw and opens up some holes for the running game, this could be a transformative year for an offense that

DeAndre Hopkins is one of the top receivers in the NFL, showing off crisp moves, glue-fingered hands and the strength to outmuscle smaller cornerbacks. He has outstanding body control and leaping ability. When the Texans drafted rookies Will Fuller and Braxton Miller in the first round and third round, Hopkins Tweeted: ‘Ain’t no more double teams, baby!’ The Texans need Fuller to create separation behind defensive backs, and he appears capable of doing so. Jaelen Strong was arrested for possession of marijuana during the offseason after emerging as a key contributor at the end of last season. Miller is shifty, but has a lot to learn about playing wide receiver as a converted quarterback. When healthy, Cecil Shorts is good after the catch. Keith Mumphery didn’t make many big plays, but has good hands and is effective on special teams. Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz’s blocking and hands are fine, but he’s rarely used as a receiver. Ryan Griffin has talent and size, but catches inconsistently. Garrett Graham was a healthy scratch most of last season and was cut and wound up in Denver. Tight end is one of the weakest positions on the team. Anthony Denham showed potential last season before being placed on injured reserve. The Texans signed former Cal tight end Stephen Anderson, who has 4.58 speed, after the NFL draft.

Osweiler is a towering pocket passer at 6-8, 240 pounds. He has a strong arm and every physical tool and was making progress under Gary Kubiak as the standin for Peyton Manning until he struggled late in the season and the Broncos went back to Manning for the playoffs and won the Super Bowl. Osweiler has displayed some leadership qualities since joining the Texans, organizing informal offseason workouts in Arizona to develop chemistry with Hopkins and the other wide receivers. Osweiler has displayed a tendency to lock onto his primary read in the past, but has been working on that shortcoming and is just 25 years old and isn’t regarded as a finished product. Texans coach Bill O’Brien has been labeled as the quarterback whisperer in the past and has managed to win 18 games in two seasons despite inadequate talent under center. It will be interesting to see how O’Brien fares while coaching arguably his most gifted quarterback since working with Tom Brady.

B-

u RUNNING BACKS The Texans’ defense got worn out by Lamar Miller last season in Miami. He ran roughshod over them for 185 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown jaunt. It was enough to convince the front office and coaching staff that they needed to acquire him as they transitioned from the Arian Foster era. Miller is a multidimensional back with ideal speed and moves and is an accomplished pass-catcher. The Texans drafted fourth-round running back Tyler Ervin to provide a versatile presence behind Miller. They also have power back Alfred Blue back for short-yardage and red-zone work as a change of pace to Miller and Ervin. There’s solid depth at this position, including Jonathan Grimes and Akeem Hunt.

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B+

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Robert C. McNair

u RECEIVERS

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

2015 RECORD 9-7

lacked consistency last season.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Left tackle Duane Brown was a Pro Bowl alternate, but his play is slipping a bit and he’s coming off a major injury. Brown tore his right quadriceps tendon in the final game of the regular season. Brown says he’ll be ready for the first game of the season. Center Ben Jones and Brandon Brooks left in free agency and are likely to be replaced by rookie Nick Martin and newcomer Jeff Allen. Martin is a technically sound competitor

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

DeAndre Hopkins

J.J. Watt

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Will Fuller DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Benardrick McKinney POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Quintin Demps vs. K.J. Dillon

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 22 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 13 Nov. 21 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Chicago 1:00 p.m. Kansas City 1:00 p.m. at New England 8:25 p.m. Tennessee 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota 1:00 p.m. Indianapolis 8:30 p.m. at Denver 8:30 p.m. Detroit 1:00 p.m. BYE at Jacksonville 1:00 p.m. at Oakland (MEXICO CITY) 8:30 p.m. San Diego 1:00 p.m. at Green Bay 1:00 p.m. at Indianapolis 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati 8:25 p.m. at Tennessee 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

J.J. Watt

GRADE

and the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys standout lineman Zack Martin. Allen is a feisty, physical blocker who landed a $28 million deal with the Texans as he left the Kansas City Chiefs. Xavier Su’a Filo returns as the starting left guard, but could face competition from Martin or Tony Bergstrom, a former Oakland Raiders starter signed to play center and guard. Right tackle Derek Newton is versatile, lining up at every spot last season except for center. His run blocking is above average, but his pass protection could stand for improvement.

C+

DEFENSE Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel operates an aggressive, hybrid 3-4 scheme that incorporates a lot of fire blitzes and stunts intended to highlight

TIME

the skills of Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. Watt. Watt is the scourge of NFL quarterbacks and routinely dominates offensive tackles. The Texans don’t get enough plays out of the rest of their defensive line and need more impactful contributions from the linebackers. The secondary is solid, especially at cornerback where they have three former first-round draft picks. Safety is another question mark for an otherwise stacked defense.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The headliner of the defense is J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt had 17 ½ sacks last season to lead the NFL along with 29 tackles for losses and 50 quarterback hits despite enduring groin injuries that required surgery and a broken hand. A healthy Watt could spell 20 sacks if

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 13 Kansas City Sept. 20 at Carolina Sept. 27 Tampa Bay Oct. 4 at Atlanta Oct. 8 Indianapolis Oct. 18 at Jacksonville Oct. 25 at Miami Nov. 1 Tennessee Nov. 16 at Cincinnati Nov. 22 NY Jets Nov. 29 New Orleans Dec. 6 at Buffalo Dec. 13 New England Dec. 20 at Indianapolis Dec. 27 at Tennessee Jan. 3 Jacksonville POSTSEASON Jan. 9 Kansas City All times Eastern

RESULT

L 20-27 L 17-24 W 19-9 L 21-48 L 20-27 W 31-20 L 26-44 W 20-6 W 10-6 W 24-17 W 24-6 L 21-30 L 6-27 W 16-10 W 34-6 W 30-6 L 0-30

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AFC

SOUTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS BRIAN HOYER

CHRIS POLK

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 KC WK 2 @ CAR WK 3 TB WK 4 @ ATL WK 5 IND WK 6 @ JAX WK 7 @ MIA WK 8 TEN WK 10 @ CIN WK 11 NYJ WK 12 NO WK 13 @ BUF WK 14 NE WK 15 @ IND WK 16 @ TEN WK 17 JAX SEASON TOTALS u

34 18 236 1 1 72.7 Active, did not play Active, did not play 30 17 232 2 0 103.8 31 24 312 2 1 116.6 36 24 293 3 0 119.3 49 23 273 3 1 76.3 35 23 235 2 0 103.9 22 12 123 0 1 51.9 Inactive 27 21 205 2 1 107.6 43 26 293 3 1 94.4 22 11 155 0 0 73.1 Inactive Inactive 40 25 249 1 1 78.0 369 224 2,606 19 7 91.4

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 11 5 69 1 0 96.4 34 16 229 2 0 89.0 Active, did not play Active, did not play 2 1 4 0 0 56.2 10 6 68 0 1 40.8 Injured reserve Injured reserve 57 28 370 3 1 80.3

9 42 5 6 31 139 6 17 6 22 0 0 3 8 14 39 12 22 21 58 16 77 4 14 0 0 20 107 15 45 21 102 183 698

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

5 22 14 38 5 5 3 27 1 5 8 37 4 4 8 18 4 14 Inactive 6 21 12 61 11 34 4 6 11 38 3 4 99 334

6 28 2 7 6 19 Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 33 6 37 7 25 5 28 7 53 1 1 6 25 4 26 56 282

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

CECIL SHORTS

JONATHAN GRIMES

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

RYAN GRIFFIN

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

13 9 98 2 11 5 53 0 14 8 101 1 22 9 157 0 14 11 169 0 15 10 148 2 12 6 50 0 11 8 94 1 11 5 57 1 12 5 118 2 8 5 36 0 9 5 88 1 6 3 52 0 11 8 94 0 11 7 117 1 12 7 89 0 192 111 1,521 11

11 6 105 0 8 3 63 0 9 4 42 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive 16 9 127 2 6 4 74 1 5 2 32 0 6 2 13 0 4 3 43 0 11 6 44 0 4 1 49 0 6 3 18 0 5 3 42 1 3 1 6 0 94 47 658 4

8 4 57 0 12 6 34 0 9 6 58 0 10 6 87 1 Inactive 6 4 63 0 Inactive Inactive 7 3 16 0 5 2 51 0 4 3 18 1 10 6 91 0 3 2 9 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive 75 42 484 2

2 1 2 0 7 6 40 0 4 4 19 0 Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 12 0 1 1 12 0 3 3 28 0 1 1 8 0 2 2 15 0 2 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 28 1 31 26 173 1

4 1 18 0 IR to return IR to return IR to return IR to return IR to return IR to return IR to return 6 3 36 0 2 2 6 0 5 4 72 1 5 3 29 1 6 1 20 0 2 2 30 0 1 1 13 0 3 3 27 0 34 20 251 2

B+

u LINEBACKERS Whitney Mercilus is coming off a breakthrough season with a dozen sacks in the regular season and three more in the playoffs. They need Jadeveon Clowney to get and stay healthy after another injury-plagued season. Clowney isn’t a bust yet, but he needs to turn things around. John Simon is a grinder who’s solid against the run and the pass. Middle linebacker Brian Cushing manufactured a good second half of the season after a slow start and the arrow appears to be

C+

NATE WASHINGTON

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

pointing up for him after a significant injury history. Benardcrick McKinney flashed potential as a rookie starter next to Cushing. At 6-5, 240 pounds, McKinney needs to play with a lower pad level.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Veteran corner Johnathan Joseph proved he still has it after a rough start last year. He had a resurgent season and should be able to keep up his standard as one of the top defensive players in franchise history. Kareem Jackson has made a full recovery from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games last season. Last year’s first-round pick, Kevin Johnson, was one of the top rookie corners last season, displaying coverage skills and an ability to tackle in the open field. He’s coming off foot and wrist surgery, but is expected to be 100 percent before training camp. Andre Hal is an inexpensive starter, a converted corner who intercepted four passes last season. The Texans will start out with veteran

72 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Quintin Demps at strong safety, but rookie K.J. Dillon could overtake him.

SPECIAL TEAMS Nick Novak is an accurate kicker, especially from 40 yards and less. His lack of distance on kickoffs shouldn’t matter much with the NFL rule change. Punter Shane Lechler closed out last season in strong fashion and looks to have at least one more good season left in him. The return game is hoping to be energized by the additions of Will Fuller, Braxton Miller and undrafted rookie speedster Wendall Willliams. The Texans lacked consistency in kick coverage and allowed a touchdown on a kickoff in the playoff loss to Kansas City, prompting the team to fire special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky and hire former Pro Bowl special teams ace Larry Izzo to coach the special teams. Izzo is an intense competitor who’s expected to energize the special teams. With his addition, the Texans shouldn’t lack for motivation in the kicking game.

GRADE

WK 1 KC WK 2 @ CAR WK 3 TB WK 4 @ ATL WK 5 IND WK 6 @ JAX WK 7 @ MIA WK 8 TEN WK 10 @ CIN WK 11 NYJ WK 12 NO WK 13 @ BUF WK 14 NE WK 15 @ IND WK 16 @ TEN WK 17 JAX SEASON TOTALS u

DeANDRE HOPKINS

GRADE

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

other defenders take some pressure off of one of the most indomitable forces in the game. Nose tackle Vince Wilfork is stout inside, but rarely makes any big plays and is slowing down. Right end is wide open after Jared Crick signed with the Denver Broncos. The top candidates are Devon Still, Christian Covington and Jeoffrey Pagan. Brandon Dunn is a productive rotation player.

GRADE

ALFRED BLUE

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

JONATHAN GRIMES

GRADE

T.J. YATES

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 HOPKINS OLT 76 BROWN OLG 71 SU’A-FILO C 66 MARTIN* ORG 79 ALLEN ORT 75 NEWTON TE 87 FIEDOROWICZ WR 15 FULLER* QB 17 OSWEILER RB 26 L. MILLER TE 84 GRIFFIN

18 Shorts 12 Mumphrey 74 Clark 69 McDonald 68 Bergstrom 68 Bergstrom 68 Bergstrom 78 Aboushi 74 Clark 77 Quessenberry 81 Denham 11 Strong 13 B. Miller* 5 Weeden 3 Savage 28 Blue 34 Ervin* 83 Tomlinson

DRE 99 WATT NT 75 WILFORK DLE 91 STILL SAM 59 MERCILUS MIKE 56 CUSHING WILL 55 McKINNEY JACK 90 CLOWNEY LCB 25 JACKSON RCB 24 JOSEPH SS 32 DEMPS FS 29 HAL

97 Pagan 95 Covington 98 Reader* 92 Dunn 51 Simon 50 Dent 53 Bullough 52 Peters 44 Thompson 30 Johnson 49 Washington 34 Bouye 31 James 36 Dillon* 35 Pleasant 20 Allen

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 9 LECHLER PK 8 NOVAK H 9 LECHLER PR 13 B. MILLER* 12 Mumphery KR 34 ERVIN* 12 Mumphery LS 46 WEEKS * Rookie COACHING STAFF Brian Bell, assistant strength and conditioning; Shane Bowen, defensive assistant; John Butler, secondary; Doug Colman, assistant special teams; Romeo Crennel, defensive coordinator; Mike Devlin, offensive line; Craig Fitzgerald, head strength and conditioning; George Godsey, offensive coordinator; Sean Hayes, assistant strength and conditioning; Larry Izzo, special teams coordinator; Tim Kelly, offensive quality control/assistant offensive line; Will Lawing, defensive quality control; Charles London, running backs; Anthony Midget, assistant secondary; Bill O’Brien, head coach; Pat O’Hara, offensive assistant; Pat O’Hara, offensive assistant; John Perry, tight ends; Sean Ryan, wide receivers; Mike Vrabel, linebackers; Anthony Weaver, defensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR C WR RB SS DT

Notre Dame Notre Dame Ohio State San Jose State West Virginia Clemson

21 50 85 119 159 166

1 2 3 4 5 5

Will Fuller Nick Martin Braxton Miller Tyler Ervin K.J. Dillon D.J. Reader

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Texans emerge as a fast, quick-striking offense. Osweiler emerges as a leader and proves the Broncos made a mistake by not bidding more to try to keep him. Defense overcomes lack of talent opposite J.J. Watt at right defensive end and lack of proven playmakers at safety as key, older veterans like cornerback Johnathan Joseph remain healthy. If they do, this could be one of the best units in the NFL.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Texans don’t develop the necessary chemistry on offense, take a step back on defense and fail to qualify for the playoffs for the second time in past three seasons. AFC South division is improving markedly, leading to a step backward for defending division champion.

NO NAME

POS

OT OT DB OG TE SAF OG C RB CB OT ILB OT OLB LB DT ILB FS TE MLB S S DT RB K TE C WR TE RB DB DE RB WR RB DB DB CB WR CB DE OT P OLB WR CB C OG OT ILB LB WR RB S WR WR DB OT K QB DE LB DE SAF FB OT ILB DT OLB QB OLB WR LB OG DT WR OG CB OLB TE OT FB CB OLB DE QB LS DT WR

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

308 24 305 26 210 27 306 26 230 215 23 313 24 315 29 222 25 191 24 303 30 249 24 305 30 222 24 266 23 289 22 249 29 208 30 235 24 239 28 210 208 24 300 23 192 185 265 24 291 25 172 22 254 26 209 26 188 23 293 226 24 207 23 190 23 188 28 179 25 188 23 225 188 32 297 305 23 237 39 260 195 25 189 301 24 296 310 27 246 23 258 25 204 23 225 25 206 23 208 215 23 175 26 313 28 198 34 240 25 310 22 235 27 277 24 210 27 256 23 307 25 235 327 250 25 228 26 264 202 28 252 25 315 24 310 26 217 22 307 25 178 243 24 263 24 305 255 177 247 23 289 27 228 32 246 30 325 34 185

78 Aboushi, Oday 70 Adams, Jeff 20 Allen, Antonio 79 Allen, Jeff 89 Anderson, Stephen 39 Ballentine, Lonnie 73 Barton, Karim 68 Bergstrom, Tony 28 Blue, Alfred 21 Bouye, A.J. 76 Brown, Duane 53 Bullough, Max 74 Clark, Chris 58 Cliett, Reshard 90 Clowney, Jadeveon 95 Covington, Christian 56 Cushing, Brian 27 Demps, Quintin 81 Denham, Anthony 50 Dent, Akeem 36 Dillon, K.J. 23 Drummond, Kurtis 92 Dunn, Brandon 34 Ervin, Tyler 14 Fairbairn, Ka’imi 87 Fiedorowicz, C.J. 64 Freeman, Dalton 15 Fuller, Will 84 Griffin, Ryan 41 Grimes, Jonathan 29 Hal, Andre 93 Heath, Joel 22 Hilliard, Kenny 10 Hopkins, DeAndre 33 Hunt, Akeem 25 Jackson, Kareem 31 James II, Charles 30 Johnson, Kevin 88 Jones, Tevin 24 Joseph, Johnathan 94 Kamalu, Ufomba 63 Lamm, Kendall 9 Lechler, Shane 61 Lee, Eric 19 Lenz, Josh 38 Leonard, Richard 65 Mancz, Greg 66 Martin, Nick 69 McDonald, Andrew 55 McKinney, Benardrick 59 Mercilus, Whitney 13 Miller, Braxton 26 Miller, Lamar 43 Moore, Corey 16 Mullaney, Richard 12 Mumphery, Keith 32 Nelson, Robert 72 Newton, Derek 8 Novak, Nick 17 Osweiler, Brock 97 Pagan, Jeoffrey 52 Peters, Brian 96 Pettinato, Dan 35 Pleasant, Eddie 45 Prosch, Jay 77 Quessenberry, David 42 Rashad, Shakeel 98 Reader, D.J. 48 Rivers, Gerald 3 Savage, Tom 57 Scarlett, Brennan 18 Shorts, Cecil 51 Simon, John 62 Slade, Chad 91 Still, Devon 11 Strong, Jaelen 71 Su’a-Filo, Xavier 34 Thomas, Duke 54 Thompson, Carlos 83 Tomlinson, Eric 67 Uzdavinis, Arturo 47 Vainuku, Soma 37 Wallace, Cleveland 49 Washington Jr., Tony 99 Watt, J.J. 5 Weeden, Brandon 46 Weeks, Jon 75 Wilfork, Vince 82 Williams, Wendall

AGE COLLEGE Virginia Columbia South Carolina Illinois California Memphis Morgan State Utah LSU Central Florida Virginia Tech Michigan State Southern Mississippi South Florida South Carolina Rice Southern California Texas-El Paso Utah Georgia West Virginia Michigan State Louisville UCLA Iowa Clemson Notre Dame Connecticut William & Mary Vanderbilt Michigan State LSU Clemson Purdue Alabama Charleston Southern Wake Forest Memphis South Carolina Miami Appalachian State Texas A&M South Florida Iowa State Florida International Toledo Notre Dame Indiana Mississippi St. Illinois Ohio State Miami (Fla.) Georgia Alabama Michigan State Arizona State Arkansas State Maryland Arizona State Alabama Northwestern Arizona Oregon Auburn San Jose State North Carolina Clemson Mississippi Pittsburgh Stanford Mount Union Ohio State Auburn Penn State Arizona State UCLA Texas Mississippi Texas-El Paso Tulane Southern California San Jose State Oregon Wisconsin Oklahoma State Baylor Miami (Fla.) Cumberlands

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| 73

AFC

SOUTH

3 Jaguars JACKSONVILLE

PREDICTION

7-9

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DT Malik Jackson, S Tashaun Gipson, CB Prince Amukamara. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OG Zane Beadles, C Stefen Wisniewski, P Bryan Anger

GENERAL MANAGER David Caldwell HEAD COACH Gus Bradley OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Greg Olson DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Todd Wash STADIUM EverBank Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 67,246 | Natural grass

VITO STELLINO @ vitostellino

OFFENSE The Jaguars upgraded their passing game from 31st to 10th in the league last year. The development of three secondyear players – quarterback Blake Bortles and wide receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns – was the main reason for the improved passing game. Bortles threw for 4,428 yards and Robinson (1,400) and Hurns (1,031) both topped a thousand receiving yards. “Those things don’t happen by accident,” GM Dave Caldwell said. “Credit the players and coaches.’’ With Bortles, Robinson and Hurns working in the second season of offensive coordinator Greg Olson’s system, the passing game could be even better this year. They also hope that the signing of Chris Ivory will upgrade the running game that ranked 27th last year, especially if T.J. Yeldon can stay healthy after he had injury problems as a rookie and gained only 740 yards.

GRADE

OWNER Shahid Khan

Blake Bortles had an impressive second season as he set single-season franchise records for yards (4,428), completions (355) and attempts (606). His 35 touchdown passes was second in the league to Tom Brady’s 36. The one area he has to work on is interceptions. He had 17 as a rookie and 18 last year. He could be a franchise quarterback for the next decade if he keeps maturing. They have a dependable backup in veteran Chad Henne, who didn’t take a snap last season, but can fill the gap if Bortles is injured. Henne has accepted his backup role and works well with Bortles. Brandon Allen was productive in the SEC in 2015 and gives Olson a developmental No. 3.

u RUNNING BACKS The Jaguars drafted T.J. Yeldon in the second round last year to be their running back, but he had some injury issues, missing the sixth game with a groin injury and the last three with a foot injury. The result is that he gained only 740 yards and the Jaguars lacked a dependable backup behind him, so they signed Chris Ivory from the New York Jets. They feel Yeldon and Ivory, who was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time after leading all AFC rushers with 1,070 yards, will give them a good 1-2 punch. Toby Gerhart was released in March, leaving Denard Robinson, Jonas Gray, Corey Grant and Joe Banyard fighting for backup spots.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 5-11

u QUARTERBACKS

u RECEIVERS The Jaguars think the sky is the limit for their wide receiving duo of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns after they had sensational second seasons. Robinson had 1,400 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns and Hurns added 1,031 receiving yards and 10 TDs. And they hope that Marqise Lee, who was hampered with injuries in his first

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

74 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

A-

two years, can stay healthy and give them a deep threat. They also like the potential of Rashad Greene, who missed seven games with a thumb injury. They are solid at tight end. Julius Thomas, who missed the first four games with a thumb injury last year and was limited to 46 catches, gives them a deep threat and Marcedes Lewis is a dependable blocker.

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Jaguars will have a revamped offensive line this year after they struggled last year and gave up 51 sacks. They cut left guard Zane Beadles and didn’t try to re-sign center Stefan Wisniewski. Their best lineman, Brandon Linder, who missed last year after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum, likely will switch from guard to center. A.J. Cann, who filled in for Linder last year, will return to guard and Jermey Parnell will return to right tackle. Kelvin Beachum was signed as a free agent and will push Luke Joeckel, who gave up four sacks in the final game. The other guard is open with Luke Bowanko and Tyler Shatley among the candidates.

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

DEFENSE GM Dave Caldwell put his emphasis this year on upgrading the defense that ranked 24th overall, 29th in pass defense with just 36 sacks and nine interceptions. Head coach Gus Bradley started the process by firing defensive coordinator Bob Babich and promoting defensive line coach Todd Wash to the position. They signed three free agents who figure to start on defense: tackle Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. They also have two new first-round picks on the defense – last year’s top choice, Dante Fowler, who missed last season with a torn ACL, and this year’s top choice (CB Jalen Ramsey). In addition to Ramsey, the draft’s top defender, Jacksonville ended LB Myles Jack’s slide because of concerns regarding his

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Blake Bortles

Malik Jackson

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Marqise Lee DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Dan Skuta POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Johnathan Cyprien vs. James Sample

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 27 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Green Bay 1:00 p.m. at San Diego 4:25 p.m. Baltimore 1:00 p.m. Indianapolis (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. BYE at Chicago 1:00 p.m. Oakland 1:00 p.m. at Tennessee 8:25 p.m. at Kansas City 1:00 p.m. Houston 1:00 p.m. at Detroit 1:00 p.m. at Buffalo 1:00 p.m. Denver 1:00 p.m. Minnesota 1:00 p.m. at Houston 1:00 p.m. Tennessee 1:00 p.m. at Indianapolis 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Allen Robinson

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Jaguars stabilized the inside of their line when they signed Malik Jackson to a six-year, $90 million deal. Jackson plays the same three-technique position as Sen’Derrick Marks, who had injury issues and played in only four games last year. With Jackson and Marks, they will have good depth at tackle and they may both play at the same time in some packages. Dante Fowler, who missed his rookie season with a torn ACL, will step into the ‘Leo’ pass-rushing end position. Ryan

Davis and Chris Smith will add depth at the position. Roy Miller is solid at the other tackle spot. Rookies Sheldon Day, dubbed by some as a “poor man’s Aaron Donald;” Yannick Ngakoue, an explosive edge rusher from Maryland; and Jonathan Woodard, a tall, strong developmental prospect from Central Arkansas, will look for backup roles along with returning players Michael Bennett, Abry Jones and Richard Ash. Jared Odrick, who is solid against the run, plays the so-called big end position on the other side. Tyson Alualu is a good backup both inside and outside.

GRADE

torn meniscus in Round Two, giving the Jaguars perhaps the top two defensive talents in the rookie class. “I think it’s easier in this league to fix a defense than it is on offense,’’ Caldwell said. He’ll find out this year if he’s right.

TIME

u LINEBACKERS Two starters – Paul Posluszny in the middle and Telvin Smith outside – are

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Carolina L 9-20 Sept. 20 Miami W 23-20 Sept. 27 at New England L 17-51 Oct. 4 at Indianapolis *L 13-16 Oct. 11 at Tampa Bay L 31-38 Oct. 18 Houston L 20-31 Oct. 25 Buffalo W 34-31 Nov. 8 at NY Jets L 23-28 Nov. 15 at Baltimore W 22-20 Nov. 19 Tennessee W 19-13 Nov. 29 San Diego L 25-31 Dec. 6 at Tennessee L 39-42 Dec. 13 Indianapolis W 51-16 Dec. 20 Atlanta L 17-23 Dec. 27 at New Orleans L 27-38 Jan. 3 at Houston L 6-30 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

SOUTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS BLAKE BORTLES

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 CAR WK 2 MIA WK 3 @ NE WK 4 @ IND WK 5 @ TB WK 6 HOU WK 7 BUF WK 9 @ NYJ WK 10 @ BAL WK 11 TEN WK 12 SD WK 13 @ TEN WK 14 IND WK 15 ATL WK 16 @ NO WK 17 @ HOU SEASON TOTALS u

40 22 183 1 2 54.5 33 18 273 2 0 102.2 33 17 242 2 1 83.1 50 28 298 1 0 80.3 33 23 303 4 1 125.4 53 30 331 3 3 70.6 29 13 182 2 1 74.2 40 24 381 2 2 87.6 45 22 188 2 1 65.8 30 21 242 1 1 91.3 49 30 329 2 1 86.2 36 24 322 5 0 134.5 30 16 250 3 0 114.6 38 23 297 1 1 82.9 35 27 368 4 2 124.5 32 17 239 0 2 51.4 606 355 4,428 35 18 88.2

12 51 25 70 11 33 22 105 11 32 Inactive 20 115 14 64 18 61 14 54 9 36 15 57 11 62 Inactive Inactive Inactive 182 740

ALLEN HURNS

JULIUS THOMAS

BLAKE BORTLES

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

BRYAN WALTERS

DENARD ROBINSON

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 26 2 27 3 7 4 31 1 21 4 37 5 -3 4 32 2 25 2 9 6 33 2 -1 4 17 6 44 3 5 0 0 52 310

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

5 19 1 9 Inactive Inactive Inactive 7 19 0 0 1 2 1 1 7 27 3 23 3 21 14 75 14 41 6 20 5 9 67 266

T.J. YELDON

ALLEN ROBINSON

0 0

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

DENARD ROBINSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

1 1 27 0 12 6 155 2 9 4 68 0 12 4 80 0 9 7 72 2 12 6 86 1 9 6 98 1 11 6 121 0 11 5 51 1 7 5 113 0 11 5 56 1 15 10 153 3 4 1 4 1 5 3 57 1 9 6 151 1 9 5 108 0 146 80 1,400 14

MARQISE LEE

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 CAR WK 2 MIA WK 3 @ NE WK 4 @ IND WK 5 @ TB WK 6 HOU WK 7 BUF WK 9 @ NYJ WK 10 @ BAL WK 11 TEN WK 12 SD WK 13 @ TEN WK 14 IND WK 15 ATL WK 16 @ NO WK 17 @ HOU SEASON TOTALS u

7 5 60 0 4 4 68 0 4 2 70 1 15 11 116 1 6 5 116 1 7 2 30 1 8 2 53 1 8 5 122 1 9 5 62 1 4 3 19 0 9 4 42 0 Inactive 4 3 105 1 5 2 44 0 10 8 107 2 5 3 17 0 105 64 1,031 10

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 2 20 0 13 7 78 1 5 1 4 0 8 3 14 0 5 2 23 0 8 5 28 1 10 9 116 1 5 2 15 1 7 5 54 1 9 6 79 0 2 2 12 0 6 2 12 0 80 46 455 5

2 2 17 0 Did not play 3 2 28 0 3 2 27 0 4 4 64 0 12 8 87 0 1 1 5 0 7 5 54 1 5 3 29 0 3 2 35 0 3 1 4 0 2 2 18 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 45 32 368 1

4 3 16 0 4 3 13 0 3 2 9 0 3 2 4 0 6 5 31 1 Inactive 3 1 9 0 3 3 37 0 6 5 6 0 4 3 28 0 5 4 46 0 4 4 79 0 1 1 1 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 46 36 279 1

2 2 26 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 3 3 19 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 9 0 1 1 2 0 2 1 12 0 10 8 46 0 7 5 50 0 1 0 0 0 30 21 164 0

Inactive 4 2 27 0 2 1 13 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 5 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 4 1 17 0 4 1 21 0 2 2 46 0 4 3 26 1 6 3 30 0 32 15 191 1

u DEFENSIVE BACKS The Jaguars upgraded their secondary in the offseason, signing free agents Tashaun Gipson and Prince Amukamara and then drafting Jalen Ramsey with the fifth overall pick. Ramsey was the player they wanted all along but feared he wouldn’t last to No. 5. But he fell to them when the Rams and Eagles traded up to the top two spots for quarterbacks and Dallas not only picked running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth pick but rejected a trade offer with Baltimore, which coveted Ramsey. Ramsey and Davon House, who set a team record with 23 pass breakups, will start. The only negative about Ramsey is that he had just three picks and two fumble recoveries in his career at Florida State but he didn’t give up big plays. He has prototypical size, length and speed for a Gus Bradley corner. Amukamara and Aaron Colvin, who will miss the first four games with

76 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

a PED suspension, will add depth in sub packages. Dwayne Gratz, Demetrius McCray and Nick Marshall will fight for roster spots. Gipson, who had 14 picks in 19 games in Cleveland, will start at free safety alongside Johnathan Cyprien, who will be pushed by James Sample.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Jaguars improved from 27th to third in the annual Dallas Morning News special teams rankings. Rookie Rashad Greene played a key role as he led the NFL in punt returns with a 16.7-yard average, including returns of 73 (for a touchdown) and 63 yards even though he played in only nine games. And they think they upgraded their punting game when they brought in Brad Nortman to replace Bryan Anger. Rookie kicker Jason Myers had an up-and-down year, missing seven extra points but making 24-of-28 field goal attempts. The kickoff-return job is wide open with Corey Grant, who averaged 27.5 yards on eight returns, having a good chance at winning it.

GRADE

Armbrister, Hayes Pullard, Jordan Tripp and rookie Tyrone Holmes will be looking for backup roles.

GRADE

returning but they need to make more big plays. Enter rookie Myles Jack, who also played running back at UCLA and can do it all on the field, from rush to covering slot receivers to range sideline to sideline with rare speed and instincts. The only thing that would appear to hold Jack back (and which held him out of Round One) is his surgically repaired right knee. His final season as a Bruin ended in September after the meniscus injury, which scared some teams and Jack admitted has degenerative issues that could necessitate microfracture surgery down the road. “... You’re not going to [close the talent gap] without taking risks,” Caldwell said. “This is a calculated risk. Hopefully he’s here for 10-to-12 years.” Posluszny is a good two-down run stuffer, but he usually plays all three downs and is sometimes victimized in pass coverage. Smith led the team with 128 tackles, which was fifth-best in the league, and 2015 starter Dan Skuta plays a so-called Otto position in which he sometimes rushes the passer but he had only 1.5 sacks. Thurston

GRADE

T.J. YELDON

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

B+

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 ROBINSON OLT 68 BEACHUM OLG 76 JOECKEL C 65 LINDER ORG 60 CANN ORT 78 PARNELL TE 80 THOMAS TE 89 LEWIS WR 88 HURNS QB 5 BORTLES RB 24 YELDON

13 Greene 87 Sterling 72 Wells 70 Bowanko 69 Shatley 60 Cann 70 Bowanko 72 Wells 85 Jacobs 48 Koyack 11 Lee 17 Benn 7 Henne 9 Allen* 33 Ivory 16 Robinson

DLE 75 ODRICK DT 97 MILLER DT 90 JACKSON DRE 56 FOWLER OLB 50 T. SMITH MLB 51 POSLUSZNY OLB 44 JACK* CB 31 HOUSE SS 37 CYPRIEN FS 39 GIPSON CB 38 RAMSEY*

98 C. Smith 66 Woodard* 93 Alualu 61 Day* 99 Marks 96 Bennett 59 Davis 91 Ngakoue* 49 Holmes* 57 Armbrister 55 Skuta 52 Pullard 21 Amukamara 27 Gratz 36 Sample 20 Loston 29 Colvin 41 Marshall

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 3 NORTMAN PK 2 MYERS H 3 NORTMAN PR 13 GREENE 41 Marshall KR 33 GRANT 16 Robinson LS 46 TINKER * Rookie COACHING STAFF John Benton, assistant offensive line; Gus Bradley, head coach; Daniel Bullocks, assistant defensive backs; John Donovan, offensive quality control; Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks; Scottie Hazleton, assistant linebackers; Monte Kiffin, defensive assistant; Mike Mallory, special teams coordinator; Doug Marrone, assistant head coach/offensive line; Ron Middleton, tight ends/assistant special teams; Tom Myslinski, strength and conditioning coordinator; Chris O’Hara, offensive coaching associate; Greg Olson, offensive coordinator; Mike Gutenberg, defensive assistant; Robert Saleh, linebackers; Dan Shamash, defensive quality control; Kelly Skipper, running backs; Matthew Smiley, assistant special teams; Tony Sorrentino, assistant wide receivers; Jerry Sullivan, wide receivers; DeWayne Walker, defensive backs; Todd Wash, defensive coordinator; Aaron Whitecotton, assistant defensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

FS OLB OLB DT OLB QB DE

Florida State UCLA Maryland Notre Dame Montana Arkansas Central Arkansas

5 36 69 103 181 201 226

1 2 3 4 6 6 7

Jalen Ramsey Myles Jack Yannick Ngakoue Sheldon Day Tyrone Holmes Brandon Allen Jonathan Woodard

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The Jaguars, who went 2-4 in the division last year, would like to flip that to 4-2 by sweeping Tennessee and splitting with Houston and Indianapolis. If they can then go 6-4 in their other 10 games, they would be in playoff contention at 10-6 and save the job of head coach Gus Bradley, who got only a one-year extension this season so he wouldn’t be a lame-duck coach this year.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The Jaguars face four top quarterbacks – Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers, Joe Flacco and Andrew Luck – in their first four games. If they start out 1-3 or, even worse, go 0-4, the heat would be on Bradley coming back from London for the bye week. They started off 0-8, 0-6 and 1-5 in Bradley’s first three seasons and need a better start if they are to save Bradley’s job.

NO NAME

POS

QB DE CB LB DT WR RB OLB OT WR DT G CB QB C TE G CB CB S DE DT G S WR DE S RB CB RB WR QB OT CB OLB CB WR RB LB DT TE OT CB DT TE WR WR TE G S DT CB CB OL DT K DE P K DL OT OLB LB LB CB G CB WR RB/WR WR S G LB OT DE DE LB WR TE CB LS OLB WR WR OT S QB SS DE RB

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

217 23 310 28 207 26 235 23 314 23 205 22 221 27 230 26 303 26 220 27 305 23 322 30 190 23 245 24 310 24 240 22 315 24 190 25 194 24 223 25 270 27 293 21 313 25 210 24 203 25 261 21 205 25 205 24 206 26 225 25 185 23 220 30 309 24 184 22 250 196 26 205 24 222 28 245 21 293 26 295 24 315 24 200 25 320 24 255 23 195 23 200 24 275 31 320 24 217 26 316 29 206 23 194 24 289 23 320 28 195 24 252 21 215 26 187 305 28 315 29 242 25 240 31 236 24 209 21 320 23 187 25 215 22 215 25 205 23 215 23 305 25 265 30 335 270 24 255 26 223 25 240 24 260 27 185 25 250 26 244 25 195 28 195 25 310 25 210 22 236 23 210 26 271 225 22

9 Allen, Brandon 93 Alualu, Tyson 21 Amukamara, Prince 57 Armbrister, Thurston 94 Ash, Richard 10 Bailey, Rasheed 29 Banyard, Joe 54 Bartu, Joplo 68 Beachum, Kelvin 17 Benn, Arrelious 96 Bennett, Michael 74 Bernadeau, Mackenzy 30 Boddy-Calhoun, Briean 5 Bortles, Blake 70 Bowanko, Luke 86 Bowman, Braedon 60 Cann, A.J. 43 Casey, Chance 22 Colvin, Aaron 37 Cyprien, Johnathan 59 Davis, Ryan 61 Day, Sheldon 73 Edwards, Kadeem 26 Evans, Josh 84 Evans, Shaq 56 Fowler Jr., Dante 39 Gipson, Tashaun 30 Grant, Corey 27 Gratz, Dwayne 34 Gray, Jonas 13 Greene, Rashad 7 Henne, Chad 67 Hill, Rashod 48 Hilton, Mike 49 Holmes, Tyrone 31 House, Davon 88 Hurns, Allen 33 Ivory, Chris 44 Jack, Myles 90 Jackson, Malik 85 Jacobs, Nic 76 Joeckel, Luke 36 Johnson, Josh 95 Jones, Abry 83 Koyack, Ben 18 Lawrence, Rashad 11 Lee, Marqise 89 Lewis, Marcedes 65 Linder, Brandon 20 Loston, Craig 99 Marks, Sen’Derrick 41 Marshall, Nick 35 McCray, Demetrius 77 Miller, Patrick 97 Miller, Roy 2 Myers, Jason 91 Ngakoue, Yannick 3 Nortman, Brad 4 Oberkrom, Jaden 75 Odrick, Jared 78 Parnell, Jermey 53 Porter, Sean 51 Posluszny, Paul 52 Pullard, Hayes 38 Ramsey, Jalen 64 Reed, Chris 40 Reynolds, Rashaad 15 Robinson, Allen 16 Robinson, Denard 19 Robinson, Jamal 23 Sample, James 69 Shatley, Tyler 55 Skuta, Dan 79 Slater, Pearce 98 Smith, Chris 92 Smith, Quanterus 50 Smith, Telvin 87 Sterling, Neal 80 Thomas, Julius 25 Thompson, Peyton 46 Tinker, Carson 58 Tripp, Jordan 81 Walters, Bryan 12 Washington, Tony 72 Wells, Josh 47 Wilson, Jarrod 6 Wittek, Max 42 Wolff, Earl 66 Woodard, Jonathan 24 Yeldon, T.J.

AGE COLLEGE Arkansas California Nebraska Miami (Fla.) Western Michigan Delaware Valley Texas-El Paso Texas State Southern Methodist Illinois Ohio State Bentley Minnesota Central Florida Virginia South Alabama South Carolina Baylor Oklahoma Florida International Bethune-Cookman Notre Dame Tennessee State Florida UCLA Florida Wyoming Auburn Connecticut Notre Dame Florida State Michigan Southern Miss Mississippi Montana New Mexico State Miami (Fla.) Tiffin University UCLA Tennessee McNeese State Texas A&M Purdue University Georgia Notre Dame Northwestern Southern California UCLA Miami (Fla.) Louisiana State Auburn Auburn Appalachian State Auburn Texas Marist Maryland Wisconsin Texas Christian Penn State Mississippi Texas A&M Penn State USC Florida St. Minnesota State Oregon State Penn State Michigan Louisiana-Lafayette Louisville Clemson Grand Valley State San Diego State Arkansas Western Kentucky Florida State Monmouth (N.J.) Portland State San Jose State Alabama Montana Cornell Appalachian State James Madison Michigan Hawaii North Carolina State Central Arkansas Alabama

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| 77

AFC

SOUTH

4 Titans TENNESSEE

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Michael Griffin, CB Coty Sensabaugh, LB Zach Brown, LB Steven Johnson.

2015 RECORD 3-13 CONTROLLING OWNER Amy Adams Strunk GENERAL MANAGER Jon Robinson HEAD COACH Mike Mularkey OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Terry Robiskie DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dick LeBeau STADIUM Nissan Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 69,143 | Natural grass

TERRY McCORMICK @ terrymc13

OFFENSE

The Tennessee Titans’ edict for the offseason was to protect and build around second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota, their top draft pick in 2015. New general manager Jon Robinson pulled a pre-draft coup by dealing the first overall pick to the Rams for four picks this year and two more in 2017, which allowed him to trade back into the top 10 and draft OT Jack Conklin. Mariota excelled at times as a rookie, completing 62 percent of his passes and tossing 19 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. Most of that was accomplished with a less-than-adequate supporting cast. Beyond Pro Bowl tight end Delanie Walker (94 receptions), there was little help. The offensive line yielded 54 sacks, including hits on Mariota that twice knocked him out of action with knee injuries. No Titans receiver had 40 catches or 600 receiving yards last year, and their leading rusher barely had 500 yards. The Titans made moves in the offseason to try and improve, trading

for 2014 Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray and drafting Heisman winner Derrick Henry to anchor the running game, and signing former Texans center Ben Jones to help fix a sub-standard offensive line. The Titans have to hit on draft picks, have Mariota stay upright and continue to develop and hope that some project players already on the roster (notably Dorial Green-Beckham) come through. The building is just beginning in Tennessee, and as Robinson has stated, he simply is trying to find as many pieces as he can as quickly as possible. “At the end of August, we want the most competitive 53-man roster that we can have,” he said.

u QUARTERBACKS Mariota quickly alleviated any thoughts that he would need a long time to learn the NFL, having come from a spread offense at Oregon. The 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, Mariota threw six touchdown passes in the Titans’ season opener last year, outdueling No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston in the process. Mariota should only get better with time, as the Titans want to see two things improve from him in Year Two. Mike Mularkey and new offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie want him to run more often, and they hope to improve his deep ball accuracy as well. Behind Mariota, the Titans brought in veteran Matt Cassel to compete with Zach Mettenberger for the No. 2 spot. Mettenberger, who is 0-10 as a starting quarterback in the NFL, seemed to take a step backward in limited duty a year ago after showing promise as a rookie.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u RUNNING BACKS This unit has had a failing grade the past couple of seasons, as evidenced by the disappointment of 2014 second-round pick Bishop Sankey and the fact that Antonio Andrews led the team in rushing in 2015 with a mere 520 yards. Enter DeMarco Murray, who had a washout year in Philadelphia after signing a huge

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free-agent deal. The Titans got Murray on the cheap in a trade and reworked his contract to make it more team-friendly. Murray probably won’t be the guy who rushed for more than 1,800 yards in 2014, especially with Henry’s arrival, but they are banking that he will be better than the guy who ran for just over 700 yards with the Eagles last year. “He is big, he is physical, he is fast, and plays the kind of football we want to play,” Robinson said of Henry, before emphasizing the rookie will begin as the clear No. 2 behind Murray. “He is tough, he is accountable and he is going to embody everything we are about as a Titan.”

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN AFC SOUTH

B-

u RECEIVERS The Titans have long sought to find a true game-breaking wide receiver, wasting past high picks on players like Kenny Britt, Tyrone Calico, Paul Williams and Justin Hunter. The latest hope is Dorial Green-Beckham, who showed flashes of that as a rookie in 2015 with 32 receptions for 549 yards. DGB has high-end talent, but the Titans need him to show dedication to his craft and to improve his football acumen. Kendall Wright, plagued by injury and seeming frustration last year, is devolving into a reclamation project after catching 94 passes in 2013. The Titans signed Rishard Matthews away from Miami, and he should help some as a No. 2-type receiver. Veteran Harry Douglas seems to be low on fuel, and Hunter gets one last shot to prove he is salvageable. Slender but productive rookie Tajae Sharpe is also in the mix. The woeful receiver group is at least boosted by the tight ends. Veteran Delanie Walker has developed into a star after playing second fiddle with the 49ers. He caught 94 passes for 1,088 yards last year. Behind him, Craig Stevens and Anthony Fasano are capable.

GRADE

6-10

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RB DeMarco Murray, C Ben Jones, LB Sean Spence, LB Nate Palmer, WR Rishard Matthews, S Rashad Johnson, CB Antwon Blake, CB Brice McCain.

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The offensive line was terrible in both

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Marcus Mariota

Jurrell Casey

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Dorial Green-Beckham DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Avery Williamson POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH LG: Jeremiah Poutasi vs. Brian Schwenke vs. Quinton Spain

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 27 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Minnesota at Detroit Oakland at Houston at Miami Cleveland Indianapolis Jacksonville at San Diego Green Bay at Indianapolis at Chicago BYE Denver at Kansas City at Jacksonville Houston

GRADE

1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Marcus Mariota run blocking and pass protection a year ago. Tennessee ranked 30th in offense overall last season, and the trouble on the line played a big part. The Titans believe they have some building blocks, but need to get more consistent play from former first-rounders Taylor Lewan and Chance Warmack at left tackle and right guard, respectively. Conklin, a self-made former walk-on and second tackle drafted, will be an immediate starter, likely on the right edge. “I pride myself on being a mauler, but I pride myself more importantly on playing every play of the game, playing the first play like I play the last,” he said. Ben Jones comes over from Houston to hopefully end the revolving door at center the past several years. The Titans have questions at left guard, where big and powerful

TIME

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. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

rookie Sebastian Tretola could compete with holdovers Jeremiah Poutasi and Byron Bell. The Titans are hopeful that a mix of young talent can help new O-line coach Russ Grimm fix the mess of the last few years.

DEFENSE A year after he came on board as an associate head coach, Dick LeBeau is now officially running the Titans defense. There is talent to work with here but still a few holes to fill. Jurrell Casey anchors a solid defensive line group, while three of the four linebackers are in place, including pass rushers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. The Titans put an emphasis on players who fit LeBeau’s 3-4 zone blitz system in free agency, adding defensive backs Antwon Blake and Brice McCain and linebacker Sean Spence.

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay W 42-14 Sept. 20 at Cleveland L 14-28 Sept. 27 Indianapolis L 33-35 Oct. 11 Buffalo L 13-14 Oct. 18 Miami L 10-38 Oct. 25 Atlanta L 7-10 Nov. 1 at Houston L 6-20 Nov. 8 at New Orleans *W 34-28 Nov. 15 Carolina L 10-27 Nov. 19 at Jacksonville L 13-19 Nov. 29 Oakland L 21-24 Dec. 6 Jacksonville W 42-39 Dec. 13 at NY Jets L 8-30 Dec. 20 at New England L 16-33 Dec. 27 Houston L 6-34 Jan. 3 at Indianapolis L 24-30 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

SOUTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS MARCUS MARIOTA

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ TB WK 2 @ CLE WK 3 IND WK 5 BUF WK 6 MIA WK 7 ATL WK 8 @ HOU WK 9 @ NO WK 10 CAR WK 11 @ JAX WK 12 OAK WK 13 JAX WK 14 @ NYJ WK 15 @ NE WK 16 HOU WK 17 @ IND SEASON TOTALS u

15 13 209 4 0 158.3 37 21 257 2 0 96.3 44 27 367 2 2 84.2 32 21 187 0 1 68.1 33 21 219 1 2 67.6 Inactive Inactive 39 28 371 4 0 135.7 24 16 185 0 1 72.4 35 22 231 0 0 82.0 37 17 218 3 2 69.4 29 20 268 3 1 118.2 39 21 274 0 1 65.5 6 3 32 0 0 66.0 Inactive Inactive 370 230 2,818 19 10 91.5

Inactive Inactive 12 49 7 9 9 23 10 57 16 64 19 88 11 8 15 78 11 32 13 58 4 8 14 45 2 1 0 0 143 520

DEXTER McCLUSTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 8 0 10 98 0 5 7 0 8 20 0 5 23 0 5 20 0 3 15 0 8 19 0 3 25 1 2 0 0 Inactive Inactive 4 12 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 55 247 1

3 3 43 1 Inactive 10 7 68 0 6 4 36 0 10 8 97 0 9 7 55 0 6 6 62 0 8 7 95 2 4 3 52 0 10 8 109 0 8 6 91 0 12 8 92 1 13 7 71 0 5 2 64 2 15 9 59 0 14 9 94 0 133 94 1,088 6

ANTHONY FASANO

JUSTIN HUNTER

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0 0 2 1 13 1 3 2 22 1 0 0 0 0 6 3 57 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 12 0 10 5 77 0 2 0 0 0 6 3 40 0 5 1 22 0 6 5 119 1 7 3 53 0 9 6 113 0 3 0 0 0 5 2 21 1 67 32 549 4

0 0 0 0 4 4 26 0 2 1 35 0 1 1 -2 0 4 3 19 1 8 6 48 0 6 4 23 0 4 2 28 0 5 4 27 0 2 2 18 0 Inactive Inactive 5 4 38 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 41 31 260 1

1 1 18 0 7 5 84 1 2 1 26 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 4 3 21 0 1 1 9 0 3 3 33 1 4 1 19 0 2 2 14 0 2 2 22 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 3 21 0 7 2 21 0 0 0 0 0 42 26 289 2

2 1 11 0 2 2 34 0 2 1 29 0 6 4 38 0 4 3 54 0 4 2 17 0 3 2 17 0 4 3 17 1 4 4 47 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 31 22 264 1

GRADE

succumbed to a shoulder injury, the Titans play here dropped off immensely. Both are back, and they’ll be backed up by second-round pick Kevin Dodd, who, at 6-5, 277 pounds, has the length, power and lateral agility to be a good fit, Robinson says. Seventh-rounder Aaron Wallace provides more depth after running a 4.57 40 at his Pro Day and responding well at UCLA after replacing an injured Myles Jack in the starting lineup. On the inside, Avery Williamson continues to be a consistent performer and makes the calls for the defense. At the other inside linebacker spot, Wesley Woodyard was resurgent last year, but he might get a challenge from new acquisitions Sean Spence and Nate Palmer.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Jason McCourty was limited to just four games because of a groin injury last year, and when he was out, the Titans secondary suffered. Perrish Cox was OK as a free-agent import but might be better suited to play in the slot. Coty Sensabaugh was allowed to leave, and

80 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

long-time safety Michael Griffin was shown the door. The Titans brought in Rashad Johnson to play safety alongside Da’Norris Searcy, in addition to drafting speedy local product Kevin Byard, whose 19 INTs set a Middle Tennessee record. The Titans also brought in Brice McCain and Antwon Blake, both former LeBeau disciples, and rookies LeShaun Sims, whom they traded up in Round Five for, and “Mr. Irrelevant” Kalan Reed to help upgrade depth in a woeful secondary.

GRADE

4 4 101 1 4 2 17 0 12 7 95 1 6 3 29 0 5 4 34 0 8 4 46 1 7 4 21 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 7 2 19 0 4 3 28 0 Inactive Inactive 3 3 18 0 Inactive 60 36 408 3

When the tandem of Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo was healthy last year, the Titans defense was pretty good, creating lots of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. But once Morgan

0 0 1 0 1 0 0

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 2 24 1 8 1 9 0 6 3 20 0 3 2 17 0 4 1 11 0 Inactive Inactive 5 5 73 0 3 3 26 0 5 2 16 0 8 3 29 1 3 1 8 0 7 3 65 0 4 2 15 0 12 6 79 0 2 2 19 0 72 36 411 2

u LINEBACKERS

0 0 0 0 0

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ KC WK 2 DAL WK 3 @ CIN WK 5 @ IND WK 6 CLE WK 7 JAX WK 8 @ WAS WK 9 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 u

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

2 6 3 19 0 0 5 47 0 0 Inactive Inactive 1 5 5 24 5 29 1 7 9 112 3 3 0 0 Inactive Inactive 34 252

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Casey was a quiet star on a bad Titans defense for the past couple of years and finally got recognition last year with a Pro Bowl bid. The defensive line is one of the team’s few true strengths, as young defensive ends DaQuan Jones and Angelo Blackson improved as the year went on. The Titans also have Al Woods and rookie Austin Johnson, a true nose who is a load against the run but limited versus the pass, in the middle. Karl Klug is a capable pass rusher in sub packages. What they have is solid. They just need a couple of more pieces to complete it.

RUSHING ATT YDS

DELANIE WALKER

DORIAL GREEN-BECKHAM

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

DEXTER McCLUSTER

KENDALL WRIGHT

GAME OPP

This defensive unit, which was ranked in the top 10 for most of last year until injuries took their toll, has potential, but must gel quickly.

MARCUS MARIOTA

C-

SPECIAL TEAMS The Titans were solid with punter Brett Kern, who got plenty of opportunities last year (88 punts with a 47.4 yard average) and kicker Ryan Succop, who did not (only 16 field goal attempts last year). The Titans return game was not very good either as several different players got a try on kickoffs without much success. Dexter McCluster was a little better on punt returns before suffering a season-ending injury.

GRADE

HARRY DOUGLAS

GRADE

ANTONIO ANDREWS

C+

AFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 17 GREEN-BECKHAM 83 Douglas 18 Matthews OLT 77 LEWAN 76 Bell OLG 72 POUTASI 79 Tretola* C 60 B. JONES 62 Schwenke 69 Gallik ORG 70 WARMACK 60 Spain ORT CONKLIN* 76 Bell TE 82 WALKER 80 Fasano TE 88 STEVENS WR 13 WRIGHT 15 Hunter 87 Sharpe* QB 8 MARIOTA 7 Mettenberger 16 Cassel RB 29 MURRAY 2 Henry* 26 Andrews DEFENSE

DLE 90 D. JONES NT 96 WOODS DT 99 CASEY LOLB 91 MORGAN LILB 59 WOODYARD RILB 54 WILLIAMSON ROLB 98 ORAKPO CB 30 McCOURTY SS 21 SEARCY FS 49 R. JOHNSON CB 39 COX

95 Blackson 92 Pitoitua 94 A. Johnson* 97 Klug 93 Dodd* 55 Spence 50 Palmer 53 Mount 51 Bass 52 Wallace* 47 Blake 36 Sims* 28 Huff 20 Byard* 33 McCain 32 Reed* SPECIALISTS

P 6 KERN PK 4 SUCCOP H 6 KERN PR 22 McCLUSTER KR 26 ANDREWS LS 48 BRINKLEY * Rookie COACHING STAFF Bobby April, special teams coordinator; Brandon Blaney, defensive assistant; Bob Bratkowski, wide receivers; Sylvester Croom, running backs; Nick Eason, defensive line; Russ Grimm, offensive line; Steve Hoffman, assistant special teams; Steve Jackson, assistant secondary; Dick LeBeau, assistant head coach/defensive coordinator; Jason Michael, quarterbacks; Mike Mularkey, head coach; Terry Robiskie, offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, tight ends; Lou Spanos, linebackers; Luke Steckel, offensive assistant; Mike Sullivan, assistant offensive line; Deshea Townsend, secondary; Jason Tucker, assistant wide receivers; Keith Willis, assistant defensive line; Steve Watterson, assistant head coach/ strength and conditioning.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

OT DE DT RB SS WR CB OG OLB CB

Michigan State 8 Clemson 33 Penn State 43 Alabama 45 Middle Tennessee 64 Massachusetts 140 Southern Utah 157 Arkansas 193 UCLA 222 Southern Mississippi 253

1 2 2 2 3 5 5 6 7 7

Jack Conklin Kevin Dodd Austin Johnson Derrick Henry Kevin Byard Tajae Sharpe LeShaun Sims Sebastian Tretola Aaron Wallace Kalan Reed

PICK

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

GM Jon Robinson’s wheeling and dealing for extra draft picks (plus a few free-agent acquisitions) netted him several players who not only could start now, but be long-term building blocks around Marcus Mariota. For a team that is 5-27 the past two years, if it can show enough improvement to win seven or eight games, that would be a great start to the Robinson-Mularkey era.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

There are still lots of moving parts in the rebuilding process and plenty of questions about depth in a number of areas. If the O-line, a focal point this offseason, doesn’t improve enough to create a running game with new backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, and can’t protect Mariota better than a year ago, it could be another top five pick for the Titans in 2016.

NO NAME

POS

DE RB S OLB T/G DE CB LS S S T DT QB WR RB OT CB OLB DE WR TE TE RB FB C/G LB WR TE WR RB DB WR DE NT FS C DL P DL DE T QB T G WR WR CB RB CB QB OLB OLB RB OLB LB DE T G/T CB CB CB T K RB C S WR CB G ILB S LB TE K TE QB OLB OG WR TE OLB G CB LB DL NT LB CB WR

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

284 225 207 256 340 318 198 248 206 216 301 305 228 183 229 308 190 248 277 183 253 255 224 254 306 240 237 242 195 247 196 203 297 314 204 308 322 214 278 292 309 222 316 309 217 210 190 170 193 224 261 249 217 257 248 298 334 335 198 187 190 300 195 209 318 207 194 203 330 231 218 245 263 218 248 220 249 314 195 248 240 323 190 246 307 318 233 198 191

68 Abdesmad, Mehdi 26 Andrews, Antonio 31 Aubrey, Josh 51 Bass, David 76 Bell, Byron 95 Blackson, Angelo 47 Blake, Antwon 48 Brinkley, Beau 44 Brutus, LaMarcus 20 Byard, Kevin 72 Carlson, Sam 99 Casey, Jurrell 16 Cassel, Matt 12 Ceaser, Rashon 23 Cobb, David 78 Conklin, Jack 24 Cox, Perrish 40 Cudjoe-Virgil, Yannik 93 Dodd, Kevin 83 Douglas, Harry 49 Ellis, Alex 80 Fasano, Anthony 32 Fluellen, David 45 Fowler, Jalston 69 Gallik, Andy 58 Grant, Curtis 17 Green-Beckham, Dorial 81 Greene, Kevin 85 Harwell, Nick 2 Henry, Derrick 28 Huff, Marqueston 15 Hunter, Justin 75 Iosia , Iosia 94 Johnson, Austin 49 Johnson, Rashad 60 Jones, Ben 90 Jones, DaQuan 6 Kern, Brett 97 Klug, Karl 72 Lathan, Terrell 77 Lewan, Taylor 8 Mariota, Marcus 68 Marz, Tyler 66 Matias, Josue 18 Matthews, Rishard 10 McBride, Tre 33 McCain, Brice 22 McCluster, Dexter 30 McCourty, Jason 7 Mettenberger, Zach 91 Morgan, Derrick 53 Mount, Deiontrez 29 Murray, DeMarco 98 Orakpo, Brian 50 Palmer, Nate 92 Pitoitua, Ropati 75 Poehls, William 73 Poutasi, Jeremiah 32 Reed, Kalan 37 Riggs, Cody 35 Riley, Curtis 61 Ritcher, Nick 3 Rosas, Aldrick 20 Sankey, Bishop 62 Schwenke, Brian 21 Searcy, Da’Norris 87 Sharpe, Tajae 36 Sims, LeShaun 67 Spain, Quinton 55 Spence, Sean 39 Stafford, Daimion 57 Staples, Justin 88 Stevens, Craig 4 Succop, Ryan 89 Supernaw, Phillip 11 Tanney, Alex 41 Tavai, J.R. 79 Tretola, Sebastian 86 Turzilli, Andrew 82 Walker, Delanie 52 Wallace, Aaron 70 Warmack, Chance 38 Webb, B.W. 54 Williamson, Avery 96 Woods, Al 71 Woods, Antwaun 59 Woodyard, Wesley 25 Wreh-Wilson, Blidi 13 Wright, Kendall

AGE COLLEGE 24 23 25 25 27 23 25 26 23 22 23 26 33 22 22 21 29 23 23 31 23 32 24 25 25 23 23 25 25 21 24 24 24 22 30 26 24 30 28 22 24 22 23 23 26 23 29 27 28 24 27 23 28 29 26 31 24 21 22 24 23 23 21 23 25 27 21 22 24 25 25 26 31 29 26 28 22 24 24 31 23 24 26 24 29 23 29 26 26

Boston College Western Kentucky Stephen F. Austin Missouri Western State New Mexico Auburn Texas-El Paso Missouri Florida State Middle Tennessee St. Colorado State USC USC Louisiana-Monroe Minnesota Michigan St. Oklahoma State Maryland Clemson Louisville Tennessee Notre Dame Toledo Alabama Boston College Ohio State Oklahoma USC Kansas Alabama Wyoming Tennessee West Texas A&M Penn St. Alabama Georgia Penn State Toledo Iowa Texas Christian Michigan Oregon Wisconsin Florida State Nevada William & Mary Utah Mississippi Rutgers LSU Georgia Tech Louisville Oklahoma Texas Illinois State Washington State Montana Utah Southern Miss Notre Dame Fresno State Richmond Southern Oregon Washington California North Carolina Massachusetts Southern Utah West Virginia Miami (Fla.) Nebraska Illinois California South Carolina Ouachita Baptist Monmouth (Ill.) USC Arkansas Rutgers Central Missouri UCLA Alabama William & Mary Kentucky LSU Southern California Kentucky Connecticut Baylor

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AFC

WEST

1 Chiefs KANSAS CITY

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS RT Mitchell Schwartz, WR Rod Streater.

11-5

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Sean Smith, OL Jeff Allen, OT Donald Stephenson, S Tyvon Branch, QB Chase Daniel, S Husain Abdullah (retired)

GENERAL MANAGER John Dorsey HEAD COACH Andy Reid CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATORS Brad Childress / Matt Nagy DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Bob Sutton STADIUM Arrowhead Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 79,451 | Natural grass

HERBIE TEOPE @ Herbieteope

OFFENSE Coach Andy Reid’s version of the West Coast offense features a passing attack predicated on timing and precise routes. Reid likely would prefer more through the air, but the Chiefs haven’t been special since he arrived in 2013, ranking 30th in the league in 2015 (203.4 yards per game), 28th in 2014 (198.9) and 24th in 2015 (208.8). While the Chiefs do enough to keep the sticks moving in the passing game, Reid’s offense thrives in the running game. The Chiefs ranked sixth in the league in rushing (127.8 yards per game) in 2015 despite not having Jamaal Charles, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in Week Five.

u QUARTERBACKS Alex Smith won’t produce video game-like statistics, but he more than accomplishes what is expected by running the offense and taking care

u RUNNING BACKS A potent running game only improves with Jamaal Charles’ return, with the Chiefs eyeing the start of training camp. But even if Charles is limited early, Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, both of whom signed identical two-year extensions, ensure the Chiefs don’t skip a beat. With West and Ware providing a thunder-lightning combination after Charles’ injury, the Chiefs went 10-1 to close the regular season. West led the team in rushing with 634 yards on 160 carries, adding 214 yards receiving on 20 catches and five total touchdowns (four rushing). Ware totaled 403 yards and a team-high six touchdowns on the ground. Knile Davis, who was relegated to special teams, could be the odd man out and it wouldn’t surprise if the Chiefs move him via trade.

u RECEIVERS Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and tight end Travis Kelce, who comes off his first career Pro-Bowl selection,

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anchor a capable receiving corps. Maclin proved his value after signing a fiveyear, $55 million contract to lead the team in receiving with 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns on 87 catches. Maclin became just the fourth wide receiver in an Andy Reid-led offense to record a 1,000-yard season (Terrell Owens in 2004, Kevin Curtis in 2007 and DeSean Jackson in 2009-10 are the other three). Kelce, who had 875 yards receiving and five touchdowns on 72 catches, leads a tight end group consisting of Demetrius Harris, James O’Shaughnessy and Brian Parker. The Chiefs spread the ball around among the wide receivers, tight ends and running backs, but need a No. 2 wide receiver to step up. That role falls between Rod Streater, who joins the team on a one-year deal, third-year pro Albert Wilson, who had 451 yards receiving and two touchdowns on 35 catches last season, and secondyear pro Chris Conley, who totaled 199 yards receiving and a touchdown on 17 catches. Third-year pro De’Anthony Thomas contributes on special teams as a returner. Rookie DeMarcus Robinson has the quickness to compete for playing time, while fifth-rounder Tyreek Hill has track-star speed.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Clark Hunt

GRADE

2015 RECORD 11-5

of the football, traits on clear display during a 10-game winning streak to close the 2015 season. Smith comes off a campaign where he passed for a careerhigh 3,486 yards, rushed for a careerhigh 498 yards and threw just seven interceptions. In a league where starting quarterbacks seem to go down every week, Smith has also been a model of durability, starting all 16 games in 2015, while missing just two games since arriving via trade in 2013. The Chiefs must determine Smith’s primary backup with Chase Daniel now with the Philadelphia Eagles. The choices are Aaron Murray and Tyler Bray, whom the Chiefs are high on as evidenced by a two-year extension despite Bray never playing a regular-season snap, and fifth-round rookie Kevin Hogan, a smart signal-caller who was productive and successful at Stanford.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Chiefs have allowed 136 sacks since 2013 and quarterback Alex Smith tied a career-high when he was sacked 45 times in 2015. Still, the signing of offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz from the Cleveland Browns should help stabilize a unit that saw four players start at right tackle in 2015. Schwartz, who has appeared and started at right tackle in 64 consecutive games since entering the league as a secondround pick in 2012, pairs with left tackle Eric Fisher as bookends on the offensive line. With second-year pro Mitch Morse at center and third-year pro Laurent Duvernay-Tardif projected at

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN AFC WEST

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Jeremy Maclin

Derrick Johnson

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Chris Conley DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLB Dee Ford POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH WR: Rod Streater vs. Chris Conley vs. Albert Wilson

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1

San Diego at Houston N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh BYE at Oakland New Orleans at Indianapolis Jacksonville at Carolina Tampa Bay at Denver at Atlanta Oakland Tennessee Denver at San Diego

DATE

Hali, both of whom signed three-year deals to stay in Kansas City, the defensive core remains intact. But the Chiefs could be without outside linebacker Justin Houston to start the season. Houston underwent a procedure to fix the ACL in his left knee in mid-February.

DEFENSE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Dontari Poe, Allen Bailey and Jaye Howard form the nucleus of arguably one of the league’s most underrated defensive fronts. The trio does more than take up space and can get after the quarterback. Howard led the way with a career-high 5½ sacks, Bailey had 4½ sacks and Poe chipped in with one. Adding versatility to the front is Chris Jones, with the length to play end and the strength to help the D-line inside. Because of their ability to get up the field, the Chiefs don’t need

GRADE

The Chiefs closed the 2015 regular season on a historic, 10-game winning streak after starting 1-5 because of the defense. The unit dominated down the stretch and ranked among the league leaders in numerous statistical categories, including third in points allowed per game (17.9), fourth in sacks (47), fifth in takeaways (29), seventh in yards allowed per game (329.3), eighth against the run (98.2 yards) and ninth against the pass (231.1 yards). With the returns of inside linebacker Derrick Johnson and outside linebacker Tamba

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

2015 RESULTS

Derrick Johnson right guard, the Chiefs must identify a left guard with the release of Ben Grubbs and Jeff Allen signing a free-agent deal with the Houston Texans. The options on the roster are Jah Reid, Zach Fulton, Jarrod Pughsley and fourth-round rookie Parker Ehinger.

TIME

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

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Houston W 27-20 Sept. 17 Denver L 24-31 Sept. 28 at Green Bay L 28-38 Oct. 4 at Cincinnati L 21-36 Oct. 11 Chicago L 17-18 Oct. 18 at Minnesota L 10-16 Oct. 25 Pittsburgh W 23-13 Nov. 1 Detroit W 45-10 Nov. 15 at Denver W 29-13 Nov. 22 at San Diego W 33-3 Nov. 29 Buffalo W 30-22 Dec. 6 at Oakland W 34-20 Dec. 13 San Diego W 10-3 Dec. 20 at Baltimore W 34-14 Dec. 27 Cleveland W 17-13 Jan. 3 Oakland W 23-17 POSTSEASON Jan. 9 @ Houston W 30-0 Jan. 16 @ New England L 20-27 All times Eastern

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS ALEX SMITH

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ HOU WK 2 DEN WK 3 @ GB WK 4 @ CIN WK 5 CHI WK 6 @ MIN WK 7 PIT WK 8 DET WK 10 @ DEN WK 11 @ SD WK 12 BUF WK 13 @ OAK WK 14 SD WK 15 @ BAL WK 16 CLE WK 17 OAK SEASON TOTALS u

33 22 243 3 0 118.6 25 16 191 0 2 53.9 40 24 290 1 1 80.2 45 31 386 0 0 95.2 30 16 181 1 0 82.8 37 22 282 1 0 92.4 32 21 251 1 0 99.9 26 18 145 2 0 108.7 31 17 204 1 0 86.0 25 20 253 0 0 108.8 30 19 255 2 0 112.5 22 16 162 2 0 123.7 23 15 191 1 1 87.4 25 21 171 1 0 108.5 22 15 125 2 1 93.9 24 14 156 2 2 70.8 470 307 3,486 20 7 95.4

0 0 0 0 0 0 5 17 7 31 9 33 22 110 20 97 24 69 11 16 Inactive 9 35 10 54 16 76 14 62 13 34 160 634

JEREMY MACLIN

TRAVIS KELCE

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

ALBERT WILSON

ALEX SMITH

SPENCER WARE

RUSHING ATT YDS

9 15 3 15 6 33 5 25 3 21 2 10 3 5 5 78 6 33 7 33 6 35 5 23 5 40 4 17 6 54 9 61 84 498

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

JAMAAL CHARLES

RUSHING ATT YDS

JAMAAL CHARLES

RUSHING ATT YDS

Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad 0 0 0 2 8 0 2 12 1 2 4 0 11 96 2 19 114 1 7 26 1 8 52 0 0 0 0 5 15 0 16 76 1 72 403 6

16 57 0 21 125 1 11 49 3 11 75 0 12 58 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 71 364 4

CHARCANDRICK WEST

CHRIS CONLEY

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ HOU WK 2 DEN WK 3 @ GB WK 4 @ CIN WK 5 CHI WK 6 @ MIN WK 7 PIT WK 8 DET WK 10 @ DEN WK 11 @ SD WK 12 BUF WK 13 @ OAK WK 14 SD WK 15 @ BAL WK 16 CLE WK 17 OAK SEASON TOTALS u

9 5 52 0 7 4 57 0 11 8 141 1 13 11 148 0 12 8 85 0 4 3 48 0 Inactive 5 3 35 1 6 3 17 0 6 3 29 0 11 9 160 1 10 9 95 2 9 6 68 0 10 7 50 1 7 5 49 1 4 3 54 1 124 87 1,088 8

6 6 106 2 5 4 58 0 10 6 80 0 7 5 49 0 6 3 35 0 7 5 88 0 6 5 73 0 8 6 49 1 9 5 36 0 7 5 46 0 7 4 69 1 3 2 42 0 5 3 18 0 7 6 73 0 8 6 43 1 2 1 10 0 103 72 875 5

3 3 25 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive 6 3 57 1 6 3 71 0 4 3 12 0 4 1 16 0 4 4 56 0 3 3 25 0 3 1 17 0 6 4 87 1 4 4 27 0 4 3 34 0 6 3 24 0 57 35 451 2

8 5 46 1 5 4 2 0 7 5 33 0 6 6 70 0 4 1 26 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 30 21 177 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 2 1 5 0 2 1 6 0 5 2 19 0 6 4 25 0 5 3 92 1 2 2 48 0 Inactive 3 2 9 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 1 1 -1 0 1 1 -2 0 34 20 214 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 16 0 7 2 53 0 3 1 6 0 7 3 16 0 7 6 63 1 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 17 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 22 0 31 17 199 1

Long considered the strength of the defense, the linebacker corps enters a period of uncertainty with outside linebacker Justin Houston recovering from an ACL procedure. The good news is Houston didn’t suffer a tear and the Chiefs are optimistic he will be available for the upcoming season. The bad news is, considering the projected six to 12-month recovery timeline, when he returns remains in question. Tamba Hali and the continued development of Dee Ford, the team’s first-round pick in 2014, should help compensate for Houston’s absence. The Chiefs also have outside linebacker Frank Zombo, who returns on a two-year deal and provides experience. Derrick Johnson remains the heart and soul of the interior linebackers alongside Josh

A-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Cornerback Sean Smith signed a freeagent deal with the Oakland Raiders, leaving a gaping hole opposite of Marcus Peters, who enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign. The Chiefs logical in-house options include third-year pro Phillip Gaines, who returns from an ACL injury, and second-year pro Steven Nelson. “There’s a reason why we drafted Nelson where we did, there’s a reason why we drafted Phillip Gaines where we did,” general manager John Dorsey said during the offseason. “I think those are two good players there.”

84 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

B+

Third-round rookie KeiVarae Russell is a tough, competitive man corner who will push Gaines and Nelson for playing time. Fourth-round CB Eric Murray brings good size and speed. The Chiefs also have Marcus Cooper, who has 11 career starts in Kansas City, and sixth-round pick D.J. White, a physical corner. At safety, the Chiefs are deep with Eric Berry, Ron Parker, Stevie Brown, Daniel Sorensen, and Jamell Fleming, who will transition from cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS Punter Dustin Colquitt thrived in switching field position in 2015 with 37 punts inside the 20-yard line, which ranked third in the NFL. Placekicker Cairo Santos converted 30-of-37 field goal attempts, including four makes from 50 or more yards. The return game could experience transition should the Chiefs move primary kickoff returner Knile Davis. Likely replacements include De’Anthony Thomas, who is the primary punt returner, or wide receiver Chris Conley.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

Mauga, who could face a challenge for the starting job in training camp from second-year pro Ramik Wilson. Secondyear pro D.J. Alexander provides depth and was a steady contributor on special teams in his rookie season. The player to watch as he returns from an ACL injury is inside linebacker Justin March, whom the Chiefs are very high on. Rookie Dadi Nicolas has the get-off required to make plays in the backfield.

GRADE

an elaborate blitz scheme and can rely on the front seven to apply pressure, a must-have component in defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s press-man scheme. Nick Williams, David King and Rakeem Nunez-Roches provide depth.

GRADE

CHARCANDRICK WEST

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 12 A. WILSON 17 Conley 85 Hammond OLT 72 FISHER OLG 75 REID 60 Pughsley 79 Ehinger* C 61 MORSE 73 Fulton 77 Munyer ORG 76 DUVERNAY-TARDIF 79 Eginher* Devey ORT 71 SCHWARTZ 69 Fragel TE 87 KELCE 80 O’Shaughnessy WR 19 MACLIN 10 Streater 14 Robinson* FB 42 SHERMAN 32 Ware 40 Millard QB 11 SMITH 7 A. Murray 8 Hogan* RB 25 CHARLES 35 West 32 Ware DEFENSE

DLE 96 HOWARD NT 92 POE DRE 97 BAILEY LOLB 50 HOUSTON (Injury) LILB 56 JOHNSON RILB 90 MAUGA ROLB 91 HALI CB 22 PETERS SS 38 PARKER FS 29 BERRY CB 23 GAINES

95 Jones* 99 Nunez-Roches 79 Ta’amu 79 Ta’amu 98 Williams 43 Obada 51 Zombo 52 Nicolas* 57 Alexander 52 Adams 53 R. Wilson 55 Ford 46 Massaquoi 26 Russell* 31 Cooper 27 Brown 30 Fleming 49 Sorenson 20 Nelson 21 E. Murray* SPECIALISTS

P 2 COLQUITT PK 5 SANTOS H 2 COLQUITT PR 85 HAMMOND KR 34 DAVIS LS 41 WINCHESTER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Eric Bieniemy, running backs; Tommy Brasher, special projects; Brad Childress, cooffensive coordinator; Travis Crittenden, assistant strength and conditioning; David Culley, assistant head coach/wide receivers; Mark DeLeone, assistant linebackers; Matt Frazier, statistical analysis coordinator; Al Harris, secondary/cornerbacks; Gary Gibbs, linebackers; Andy Heck, offensive line; Corey Matthaei, assistant quarterbacks; Tom Melvin, tight ends; Matt Nagy, co-offensive coordinator; Brock Olivo, assistant special teams; Andy Reid, head coach; Britt Reid, defensive line; Barry Rubin, strength and conditioning; Bob Sutton, defensive coordinator; Emmitt Thomas, defensive backs; Dave Toub, special teams coordinator.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6

Chris Jones KeiVarae Russell Parker Ehinger Eric Murray Demarcus Robinson Kevin Hogan Tyreek Hill D.J. White Dadi Nicolas

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT CB OG CB WR QB WR CB OLB

Mississippi State Notre Dame Cincinnati Minnesota Florida Stanford West Alabama Georgia Tech Virginia Tech

37 74 105 106 126 162 165 178 203

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

With exceptional coaching and locker room environment, the Chiefs are a playoff-caliber team capable of making a deep push in the postseason. And the window to secure dominance in the AFC West is wide open with the retirement of arch-nemesis Peyton Manning. Given the Chiefs players’ familiarity with the offensive and defensive schemes, anything less than an AFC West crown would be a disappointment.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Should outside linebacker Justin Houston miss a lot of time, the Chiefs could sputter to start the season and are unable to overcome early struggles. Quarterback Alex Smith has been durable, but the Chiefs also can’t afford to lose him for any stretch of time. Unlike the past three seasons with Chase Daniel, the Chiefs don’t have a proven backup quarterback on the roster.

NO NAME

POS

52 Adams, Tyrell 57 Alexander, D.J. 97 Bailey, Allen 29 Berry, Eric 9 Bray, Tyler 4 Brown, Da’Ron 27 Brown, Stevie 1 Carr, Deveron 25 Charles, Jamaal 2 Colquitt, Dustin 17 Conley, Chris 6 Cook, Kenny 31 Cooper, Marcus 34 Davis, Knile 95 Davis, Nico Devey, Jordan 76 Duvernay-Tardif, Laurent 34 Edwards, Shannon 79 Ehinger, Parker 62 Feigt, Curtis 72 Fisher, Eric 30 Fleming, Jamell 55 Ford, Dee 69 Fragel, Reid 73 Fulton, Zach 23 Gaines, Phillip 91 Hali, Tamba 85 Hammond, Frankie 84 Harris, Demetrius Harris, Vernon 81 Hill, Tyreek 8 Hogan, Kevin 50 Houston, Justin 96 Howard, Jaye 56 Johnson, Derrick 95 Jones, Chris Jones, Tre 87 Kelce, Travis 93 King, David 40 Lewis, Keith 19 Maclin, Jeremy 59 March, Justin 46 Massaquoi, Jonathan Mathews, Mitch 90 Mauga, Josh 52 Mayweather, Garrick 40 Millard, Trey 89 Moore, Kashif 61 Morse, Mitch 62 Mulumba, Andy 64 Munyer, Daniel 7 Murray, Aaron 21 Murray, Eric 20 Nelson, Steven 52 Nicolas, Dadi Nowak, Drew 99 Nunez-Roches, Rakeem 80 O’Shaughnessy, James 43 Obada, Efe 82 Parker, Brian 38 Parker, Ron 22 Peters, Marcus 92 Poe, Dontari 60 Pughsley, Jarrod Randolph, Shak 24 Reaves, Darrin 75 Reid, Jah 14 Robinson, Demarcus 26 Russell, KeiVarae 5 Santos, Cairo 71 Schwartz, Mitchell 42 Sherman, Anthony 11 Smith, Alex Smith, Terrance 49 Sorensen, Daniel 94 Staten, Jimmy 74 Sterup, Zach 10 Streater, Rod 79 Ta’amu, Alameda 13 Thomas, De’Anthony 88 Travis, Ross 32 Ware, Spencer 35 West, Charcandrick 24 White, D.J. 15 Williams, Mike 98 Williams, Nick 12 Wilson, Albert 53 Wilson, Ramik 41 Winchester, James 51 Zombo, Frank

LB LB DL DB QB WR DB DB RB P WR WR DB RB DE OL OL DB OL OL OL DB LB OL OL DB LB WR TE DB WR QB LB DL LB DL DB TE DL DB WR LB LB WR LB OL FB WR OL LB OL QB DB DB LB OL DL TE DE TE DB DB DL OL DB RB OL WR DB K OL RB QB LB DB DL OL WR DL WR TE RB RB CB WR DL WR LB SP LB

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

228 24 233 24 288 27 212 27 215 24 199 24 215 28 194 25 199 29 210 34 205 23 218 23 192 26 227 24 285 25 320 28 321 25 194 310 314 26 315 25 206 27 252 25 308 25 316 24 193 25 275 32 184 26 230 24 197 185 218 258 27 301 27 242 33 308 21 194 260 26 281 26 190 27 198 27 222 22 264 27 222 245 28 319 247 24 180 27 305 24 260 26 305 24 207 25 199 194 23 235 292 307 22 245 24 265 24 265 23 206 28 197 23 346 25 310 25 213 215 23 325 27 203 196 22 160 24 320 26 242 27 217 32 235 208 26 311 25 318 195 28 348 176 23 235 23 229 24 205 24 193 212 309 26 200 23 237 23 240 26 254 29

AGE COLLEGE West Georgia Oregon State Miami (Fla.) Tennessee Tennessee Northern Illinois Michigan Arizona State Texas Tennessee Georgia Gardner-Webb Rutgers Arkansas Liberty Memphis McGill (Canada) Fresno State Cincinnati West Virginia Central Michigan Oklahoma Auburn Ohio State Tennessee Rice Penn State Florida Wis.-Milwaukee Dartmouth West Alabama Stanford Georgia Florida Texas Mississippi State Mount Union Cincinnati Oklahoma Lynchburg College Missouri Akron Troy BYU Nevada Fordham Oklahoma Connecticut Missouri Eastern Michigan Colorado Georgia Minnesota Oregon State Virginia Tech Western Michigan Southern Mississippi Illinois State No College Albany Newberry Washington Memphis Akron SMU Alabama-Birmingham Central Florida Florida Notre Dame Tulane California Connecticut Utah Florida State Brigham Young Middle Tennessee State Nebraska Temple Washington Oregon Penn State LSU Abilene Christian Georgia Tech Syracuse Samford Georgia State Georgia Oklahoma Central Michigan

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2 Raiders OAKLAND

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OG Kelechi Osemele, CB Sean Smith, LB/DE Bruce Irvin, S Reggie Nelson, S Brynden Trawick, LB Darren Bates.

PREDICTION

10-6

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Charles Woodson (retirement), DE Justin Tuck (retirement), LB Curtis Lofton, DE Benson Mayowa, WR Rod Streater.

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 By

SCOTT BAIR @ BairCSN

OFFENSE

The Raiders believe they have a fran chise quarterback in Derek Carr, and spent significant resources last offseason surrounding him with weapons. GM Reggie McKenzie drafted Amari Cooper and signed Michael Crabtree at receiver. He drafted Clive Walford and signed Lee Smith at tight end. He made elite center Rodney Hudson a rich man. That helped the offense function well under new coordinator Bill Musgrave, who created a scheme suited for Carr. The passing game took flight, but the rushing attack ranked a disappointing 28th with 91.1 yards per contest. Adding free-agent guard Kelechi Osemele and re-signing Donald Penn fortified the offensive line, which should be the backbone of a dynamic, wellrounded scoring machine in 2016.

u QUARTERBACKS The Raiders are comfortable at quarterback, a rarity since the early 2000s. Carr gives the silver and black hope after a solid sophomore season that

B+

u RUNNING BACKS Latavius Murray was the first Raiders rusher to exceed 1,000 yards since 2010, yet he considered 2015 a minor disappointment. Too many available yards went unearned, illustrated by a pedestrian 4.0 yards per carry. He also wore down as the season wore on because he didn’t have much help. He took 79 percent of the Raiders’ carries last year, as ineffectiveness from other backs made him the only rushing option. Taiwan Jones and Roy Helu Jr. have returned to health after injury-plagued seasons. A solid secondary option could make this group far better than the one-man show it is now, and it’s possible that could come from fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington, who is just 5-8 but should be an asset on third down.

B-

u RECEIVERS A full decade passed without a Raiders receiver reaching 1,000 yards. The position group was a particularly barren wasteland last offseason, before the front office enlisted reinforcements. Crabtree was signed late in free agency, Cooper was selected No. 4 overall and Seth Roberts was developed into a quality slot receiver. Carr had threats on the outside, and the passing game took flight. Cooper ended the 1,000-

86 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

yard drought with 1,070 in a Pro-Bowl campaign, and Crabtree resurrected his career with 922 yards and nine touchdowns. Walford grew as his rookie year progressed, and is expected to assume significant responsibility in 2016. Smith is a stout blocking tight end perfect for short-yardage sets. The Raiders’ receiving corps is complete and diverse, a dynamic group ready for a big year.

GRADE

OWNER Mark Davis

GRADE

2015 RECORD 7-9

ended with a 91 passer rating and a ProBowl berth. Carr has become a respected team leader and steady producer, someone with the work ethic required to improve on a solid start to his NFL career. Experience should keep him calm under pressure, when games are won and lost. The Raiders hope Carr plays every snap, but Matt McGloin is a quality backup with six starts to his credit. He’ll compete for that spot against Connor Cook, whom the Raiders snagged after he dropped to the fourth round. He’s likely future trade bait but should offer good insurance to Carr in the meantime.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN McKenzie believes success starts up front, and has no problem investing heavily in the offensive line. Hudson was 2015’s big purchase, and Osemele got a huge payday this offseason. That addition, and left tackle Donald Penn’s re-signing, created one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. Gabe Jackson should switch from left guard to the right side, with either Austin Howard or Menelik Watson at right tackle. The starting five has tremendous size and physicality, using a power-based scheme that revered position coach Mike Tice prefers. Seventh-round pick Vadal Alexander was one of the draft’s big fallers and could provide early depth at both guard and tackle. Effective line play should help the running game and continue a trend of solid pass protection.

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN AFC WEST

DEFENSE

Del Rio is a defensive-minded coach. It pained him to struggle stopping opponents last season without the skill sets required to run a hybrid defensive scheme – a 4-3 base defense looks like a 3-4 at times, a 5-2 at others – called by Ken Norton Jr. that prizes versatility. The Raiders were ranked No. 22 in yards and points allowed last year, which wasn’t good enough. The secondary was weak outside safety Charles Woodson and the defensive front had holes at linebacker despite relentless pressure from All-Pro Khalil Mack. Run defense was solid, but everything else needed improvement.

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Amari Cooper

Khalil Mack

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Clive Walford DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Ben Heeney POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH ORT: Austin Howard vs. Menelik Watson

2016SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 21 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 8 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at New Orleans Atlanta at Tennessee at Baltimore San Diego Kansas City at Jacksonville at Tampa Bay Denver BYE Houston (MEXICO CITY) Carolina Buffalo at Kansas City at San Diego Indianapolis at Denver

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Raiders were strong up front last season, even with Smith’s suspension near midseason. Mack was a force rushing the passer, something he did

GRADE

more in 2015 than his rookie year. He had 15 sacks a year ago and was a devastating run defender, earning All-Pro honors at end and linebacker. Second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. emerged near midseason as a versatile end and tackle. Veteran Dan Williams and youngster Justin Ellis, affectionately dubbed “Meat and Potatoes,” were a force in interior run defense. Denico Autry was a solid reserve inside and out. Edwards Jr. is a question mark moving forward due to a neck injury suffered late in 2015. If he comes back strong, the Raiders’ defensive line could be intimadating. Mack is the marquee attraction, with Irvin rushing the passer from the other side as an end or a linebacker. Second-round tackle Jihad Ward brings a lot of upside but

A-

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

2015 RESULTS

Khalil Mack The Raiders vowed to upgrade the entire defense this offseason and did so, adding edge rusher Bruce Irvin, imposing cornerback Sean Smith and Pro Bowl safety Reggie Nelson. Draft picks Karl Joseph, Jihad Ward and Shilique Calhoun are expected to contribute, while Aldon Smith is expected to return from a yearlong suspension later in the year. The unit should be better with better fits at several positions. Weak spots remain, and there’s a leadership void with Woodson and end Justin Tuck choosing retirement. Filling it will be key for this new-look unit.

TIME

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

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Cincinnati L 13-33 Sept. 20 Baltimore W 37-33 Sept. 27 @ Cleveland W 27-20 Oct. 4 @ Chicago L 20-22 Oct. 11 Denver L 10-16 Oct. 25 @ San Diego W 37-29 Nov. 1 NY Jets W 34-20 Nov. 8 @ Pittsburgh L 35-38 Nov. 15 Minnesota L 14-30 Nov. 22 @ Detroit L 13-18 Nov. 29 @ Tennessee W 24-21 Dec. 6 Kansas City L 20-34 Dec. 13 @ Denver W 15-12 Dec. 20 Green Bay L 20-30 Dec. 24 San Diego *W 23-20 Jan. 3 @ Kansas City L 17-23 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS DEREK CARR

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 CIN WK 2 BAL WK 3 @ CLE WK 4 @ CHI WK 5 DEN WK 7 @ SD WK 8 NYJ WK 9 @ PIT WK 10 MIN WK 11 @ DET WK 12 @ TEN WK 13 KC WK 14 @ DEN WK 15 GB WK 16 SD WK 17 @ KC SEASON TOTALS u

12 7 61 0 0 71.9 46 30 351 3 1 100.9 32 20 314 2 0 115.9 33 20 196 2 1 84.9 39 26 249 1 1 82.1 31 24 289 3 0 137.7 36 23 333 4 0 130.9 44 24 301 4 1 96.9 43 29 302 2 2 83.7 25 13 169 0 0 73.6 37 24 330 3 0 120.3 48 31 283 2 3 68.3 29 12 135 2 0 79.0 47 23 276 2 2 63.8 38 23 204 1 1 72.7 33 21 194 1 1 77.1 573 350 3,987 32 13 91.1

11 44 15 65 26 139 15 49 13 39 15 85 20 113 17 96 12 48 13 28 22 59 20 86 16 27 21 78 19 79 11 31 266 1,066

AMARI COOPER

LATAVIUS MURRAY

DEREK CARR

JAMIZE OLAWALE

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 6

1 8 2 23 1 -1 1 0 1 -1 2 3 2 -2 2 3 2 12 1 8 4 5 0 0 4 -4 4 42 4 30 2 12 33 138

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

1 6 Inactive Inactive 1 -1 6 13 2 4 0 0 1 19 5 24 4 12 2 17 2 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 110

MYCHAL RIVERA

SETH ROBERTS

MARCEL REECE

MICHAEL CRABTREE

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

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 5 37 0 16 9 111 1 9 4 36 0 6 5 80 0 9 4 54 0 8 6 63 1 12 7 102 1 12 7 108 2 5 4 55 0 11 6 50 0 8 4 19 1 11 5 45 1 5 4 19 0 11 6 70 0 8 6 39 1 7 3 34 1 146 85 922 9

CLIVE WALFORD

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 CIN WK 2 BAL WK 3 @ CLE WK 4 @ CHI WK 5 DEN WK 7 @ SD WK 8 NYJ WK 9 @ PIT WK 10 MIN WK 11 @ DET WK 12 @ TEN WK 13 KC WK 14 @ DEN WK 15 GB WK 16 SD WK 17 @ KC SEASON TOTALS u

9 5 47 0 11 7 109 1 11 8 134 0 9 4 49 1 4 4 47 0 6 5 133 1 9 5 46 0 13 7 88 1 9 5 79 0 4 1 4 0 12 7 115 0 8 4 69 0 8 0 0 0 9 6 120 2 3 2 10 0 5 2 20 0 130 72 1,070 6

7 7 36 0 3 3 22 0 1 1 10 0 5 3 12 0 4 3 18 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 6 0 2 2 -1 0 5 5 29 0 0 0 0 3 1 23 0 6 4 11 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 5 5 38 0 6 4 25 0 53 41 232 0

2 1 4 0 5 3 15 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 12 0 3 3 33 0 3 2 11 0 0 0 0 3 2 16 0 7 6 46 0 2 1 21 0 2 2 28 0 3 2 13 0 4 3 49 1 6 3 20 0 0 0 0 2 2 12 0 46 32 280 1

6 3 12 0 1 1 12 1 5 3 56 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 6 0 1 1 21 0 4 3 73 0 4 1 5 0 2 2 54 0 7 6 113 2 5 4 51 0 4 2 20 1 1 0 0 0 6 2 37 0 3 3 20 0 55 32 480 5

4 3 26 2 2 1 1 0 2 1 16 0 2 1 4 0 2 1 55 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 16 0 1 0 0 0 8 7 49 1 1 1 33 0 3 3 15 0 2 2 42 1 3 3 26 0 3 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 1 2 1 0 0 3 2 18 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 25 0 1 1 7 0 2 1 14 0 3 3 19 0 5 5 53 0 0 0 0 0 7 3 47 0 3 3 37 0 7 2 10 0 3 2 3 0 3 1 22 0 Suspended 4 4 46 0 37 30 269 3 50 28 329 3

The Raiders will use Irvin heavily as a pass-rushing linebacker, a role Aldon Smith will also occupy when he’s reinstated from a long suspension. Those strong-side options will attack regularly, leaving two others to cover great space and stop the run at the second level. Malcolm Smith was the only consistent coverage linebacker last year. He never found a partner on the interior – free-agent signee Curtis Lofton was underwhelming at best – though 2015 fifthrounders Ben Heeney and Neiron Ball have the best chance to support Smith this season. Interior linebacker remains a suspect spot against the run and pass, especially with two guys carrying most of that weight. Plain and simple:

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Del Rio vowed to upgrade a weak secondary this offseason, using resources in free agency and the NFL draft. They did that in free agency with a pair of veteran imports. Sean Smith and Nelson should provide stability in the back, something required after Woodson’s retirement. The Raiders mistakenly went young at cornerback last season, when DJ Hayden and Keith McGill failed to provide. Week Three waiver claim David Amerson proved a marked improvement last year and will start opposite Smith in 2016. In the draft, Oakland surprised with the firstround pick out of West Virginia, safety Karl Joseph, a hard hitter who can cover but who is recovering from a serious knee injury. He might start out behind former Eagles starting safety and second-round pick Nate Allen as he eases back, but he’ll eventually start alongside Nelson on the back end. T.J.

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RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

Carrie could be a roving contributor, either at nickel back or safety. The secondary should be better this season, with talent that fits the Raiders defensive scheme.

u SPECIAL TEAMS Marquette King evolved into a topflight punter last season with a strong net average while dropping nearly half his volleys inside the opposing 20-yard line. He’ll be a mainstay after signing a five-year contract extension this offseason. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski has two years left on a pricey deal, and should carry on despite a disappointing season by his lofty standards. Daren Bates and Brynden Trawick were signed to aid coverage units, but the return game remains suspect. The Raiders could turn to Andre Debose, a 2015 seventh-round pick who missed the season with an Achilles tear. Taiwan Jones and Carrie are also options, though they rarely wowed last year.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

the Raiders need more here.

GRADE

will start out developing behind Ellis and Williams. Third-rounder Shilique Calhoun will need to add some strength but should be a pass-rush option at end in the 4-3 packages and at outside linebacker in the 3-4 ones.

GRADE

LATAVIUS MURRAY

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

C+

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 15 CRABTREE OLT 72 PENN OLG 66 JACKSON C 61 HUDSON ORG 70 OSEMELE ORT 77 HOWARD TE 88 WALFORD WR 89 COOPER QB 4 CARR WR 10 ROBERTS RB 28 MURRAY

84 Debose 73 McCants 71 Watson 68 Feliciano 68 Feliciano 74 Alexander* 71 Watson 73 McCants 86 Smith 81 Rivera 18 Holmes 14 McGloin 8 Cook* 18 Holmes 33 Washington* 26 Helu

DLE 97 EDWARDS JR. NT 78 ELLIS DT 90 WILLIAMS DRE 52 MACK SLB 51 IRVIN MLB 50 HEENEY WLB 53 M. SMITH CB 21 S. SMITH SS 42 JOSEPH* FS 27 NELSON CB 29 AMERSON

96 Autry 95 Ward* 92 McGee 96 Autry 93 Orr 75 Harris 99 A. Smith (susp.) 91 Calhoun* 58 Ball 56 Bates 54 Toomer 57 James* 25 Hayden 31 Thorpe 20 Allen 38 Carrie 20 Allen 38 Carrie 39 McGill

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 7 KING PK 11 JANIKOWSKI 3 Tavecchio H 7 KING PR 38 CARRIE 84 Debose KR 22 JONES 84 Debose LS 59 CONDO 48 East * Rookie COACHING STAFF Sam Anno, defensive assistant; Jack Del Rio, head coach; Todd Downing, quarterbacks; Darryl Eto, assistant strength and conditioning; Jethro Franklin, defensive line; Joe Gomes, head strength and conditioning; Tim Holt, assistant offensive line; Nick Holz, quality control/offense; Bobby Johnson, tight ends; Kevin Kijowski, strength and conditioning assistant; Wesley Miller, strength and conditioning assistant; Rob Moore, wide receivers; Bill Musgrave, offensive coordinator; Ken Norton Jr., defensive coordinator; Bernie Parmalee, running backs; Jake Peetz, assistant quarterbacks; Marcus Robertson, defensive backs; Brad Seely, special teams coordinator; Travis Smith, quality control/defense; Sal Sunseri, linebackers; Mike Tice, offensive line; Brent Vieselmeyer, assistant linebackers; Rod Woodson, assistant defensive backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

SS DT DE QB RB OLB OG

West Virginia Illinois Michigan State Michigan State Texas Tech Colorado State LSU

14 44 75 100 143 194 234

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Karl Joseph Jihad Ward Shilique Calhoun Connor Cook DeAndre Washington Cory James Vadal Alexander

BEST-CASE SCENARIO The Raiders haven’t been to the playoffs since 2002, but the AFC West is wide open for the taking, and an upgraded defense could push the silver and black over the top. A division title is a realistic goal for this group. That’s something that hasn’t been the case in a long, long time. Double-digit wins are possible if enough of the free-agent signings pay off.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO The Raiders spent significant funds on a few free agents, and a few flops could start a downward spiral. Expectations are high, and early disappointment – the schedule’s first half is far easier than the home stretch – might start a free fall. The starting lineup is solid in most spots, but depth is an issue at key areas that couldn’t recover from an injury plague. If top-dollar additions like Irvin and Smith don’t mesh, another losing season could be in order.

POS

74 Alexander, Vadal G 20 Allen, Nate S 29 Amerson, David CB 34 Atkinson III, George RB 96 Autry, Denico DL 58 Ball, Neiron LB 56 Bates, Daren LB 74 Bell, Mitch G 91 Calhoun, Shilique DE 4 Carr, Derek QB 38 Carrie, TJ CB 59 Condo, Jon LS 8 Cook, Connor QB 89 Cooper, Amari WR 15 Crabtree, Michael WR 84 Debose, Andre WR 48 East, Andrew LS 97 Edwards, Mario Jr. DE 30 Edwards, SaQwan DB 78 Ellis, Justin DT 68 Feliciano, Jon OL 5 Gilbert, Garrett QB 36 Hackett, Chris FS 43 Hall, Jimmy LB 75 Harris, Shelby DE 25 Hayden, DJ CB 50 Heeney, Ben LB 26 Helu, Jr., Roy RB 18 Holmes, Andre WR 82 Holmes, Gabe TE 77 Howard, Austin T 61 Hudson, Rodney C 51 Irvin, Bruce OLB 66 Jackson, Gabe G 57 James, Cory LB 11 Janikowski, Sebastian K 22 Jones, Taiwan RB 42 Joseph, Karl S 7 King, Marquette P 55 Lotulelei, John LB 52 Mack, Khalil DE 73 McCants, Matt OL 35 McDonald, Dewey DB 23 McDonald, Dexter CB 37 McDonald, Tevin FS 92 McGee, Stacy DT 39 McGill, Keith CB 14 McGloin, Matt QB Moore, Damontre DE 28 Murray, Latavius RB 27 Nelson, Reggie S 49 Olawale, Jamize FB 93 Orr, Leon DT 70 Osemele, Kelechi OL 72 Penn, Donald T 45 Reece, Marcel FB 81 Rivera, Mychal TE 10 Roberts, Seth WR 86 Smith, Lee TE 53 Smith, Malcolm LB 21 Smith, Sean CB 3 Tavecchio, Giorgio K 31 Thorpe, Neiko CB 54 Toomer, Korey LB 41 Trawick, Brynden S 87 Underwood, Colton TE 88 Walford, Clive TE 95 Ward, Jihad DE 33 Washington, DeAndré RB 71 Watson, Menelik T 90 Williams, Dan DT Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner 99 Smith, Aldon LB

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

326 210 205 218 273 236 225 345 251 214 204 240 217 211 214 190 220 280 200 334 323 221 195 230 288 190 231 215 210 255 330 300 260 336 229 258 195 205 192 235 252 309 220 200 195 310 211 210 250 225 210 240 320 330 340 250 245 195 265 226 218 182 200 234 225 254 258 296 204 315 315

AGE COLLEGE 22 28 24 23 25 23 25 23 24 25 25 34 23 21 28 25 24 22 23 25 24 24 22 24 24 25 23 27 27 25 29 26 28 24 22 38 27 22 27 24 25 26 25 24 23 26 27 26 23 26 32 27 24 26 33 30 25 25 28 26 28 25 26 27 26 24 24 22 23 27 28

LSU South Florida North Carolina State Notre Dame Mississippi State Florida Auburn Louisiana Tech Michigan State Fresno State Ohio Maryland Michigan St. Alabama Texas Tech Florida Vanderbilt Florida State New Mexico Louisiana Tech Miami (Fla.) Southern Methodist Texas Christian Northwestern Illinois State Houston Kansas Nebraska Hillsdale Purdue Northern Iowa Florida State West Virginia Mississippi State Colorado St. Florida State Eastern Washington West Virginia Fort Valley State Nevada-Las Vegas Buffalo Alabama-Birmingham California (PA) Kansas Eastern Washington Oklahoma Utah Penn State Texas A&M Central Florida Florida North Texas Florida Iowa State Utah State Washington Tennessee West Alabama Marshall USC Utah California Auburn Idaho Troy Illinois State Miami (Fla.) Illinois Texas Tech Florida State Tennessee

6-4

265

Missouri

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3 Broncos DENVER

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

QB Mark Sanchez, OT Donald Stephenson, OT Russell Okung, DE Jared Crick, TE Garrett Graham.

9-7

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

QB Peyton Manning, QB Brock Osweiler, DE Malik Jackson, OT Ryan Clady, ILB Danny Trevathan, S David Bruton, G Louis Vasquez, TE Owen Daniels.

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 By

NICKI JHABVALA @ Nickihabvala

OFFENSE When coach Gary Kubiak arrived in 2015, the switch to the zone-blocking, stretch-run offense was as much a necessity for the Broncos and 39-yearold and future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning as it was a preferred change for the new coach. But the transition was bumpy and made more difficult by late signings (Evan Mathis) and injuries to Manning (ribs, foot). It never reached its full potential, and with the league’s leading defense behind it, that was OK. But rebuilding the offense and starting anew at quarterback was general manager John Elway’s top offseason priority as the Broncos seek a Super Bowl repeat. And he might have put his team in the best situation imaginable.

u RUNNING BACKS Despite playing in a system that featured its running backs, the Broncos’ rushers failed to find a rhythm and level of production sought by Kubiak last season. Starters C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman were held to 4.7 and 4.2 yards per carry, respectively, while the team as a whole ranked 17th with 107.4 rushing yards per game. Anderson showed flashes of his ability to bounce off tackles and change directions on a dime – key in the zone-blocking scheme – but he couldn’t put together a full season. The expectations are higher now, though, after the Broncos handed him a four-year, $18 million deal. And he, as well as Hillman, will face competition from fourth-round pick Devontae Booker, who was given the nickname of “Baby Marshawn Lynch” for a reason.

u QUARTERBACKS

u RECEIVERS

The Broncos expected to lose Manning, but the additional departure of Brock Osweiler to Houston left

Except for the loss of starting tight end Owen Daniels, the Broncos’ receiving corps remains intact after a

90 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

season marred by dropped passes and a general inconsistency on offense. Although Demaryius Thomas tallied a team-high 1,304 receiving yards (seventh-most in the NFL), Emmanuel Sanders emerged as the Broncos’ most consistent offensive starter. Six receivers return, with Bennie Fowler showing signs of promise behind the two starters. The tight-end position also struggled last year, but there is high hope second-year player Jeff Heuerman, who was lost to injury during minicamp in 2015, can provide a needed spark. Garrett Graham, a Kubiak disciple from Houston, was also brought on for experience and depth. But a player to watch is Mose Frazier. An undrafted free agent, Frazier was Lynch’s leading receiver in Memphis last season (70 catches, 797 yards), and their rapport on and off the field this summer could land Frazier a spot on the practice squad.

GRADE

OWNER Pat Bowlen

GRADE

2015 RECORD 12-4

them with a gaping hole at QB. Denver traded for veteran Mark Sanchez to boost competition and provide a bit of insurance as it seeks a long-term answer to its quarterback question. But after months of preaching patience in seeking their next passer, Elway made his biggest play of the offseason by trading up in the draft to snag Paxton Lynch. With a 6-foot-7, 245-pound frame, a strong arm and quick feet, Lynch is ideal for Kubiak’s system. He will vie for the starting job with Sanchez, and 2015 seventhround pick Trevor Siemian could likely see more reps as the Broncos try to develop their young quarterbacks. The speculation and uncertainty has given way to hope and promise as the Broncos might have found the heir to Manning’s throne.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The trouble started and ended up front last season. The Broncos’ front five didn’t play a single snap together before the season opener, and the new faces and new scheme proved difficult to adapt. Elway’s first order of offseason business started with rearranging the line. Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung arrived with zone-blocking experience, while veterans Mathis, Louis Vasquez and Ryan Clady departed. Okung, a former first-round pick, will need to prove he can stay healthy. He’s got the traits to be a formidable blind-side tackle. Stephenson is a good athlete who has played in 60 games but has only 21 starts. The newcomers will bolster a line that features Matt Paradis at center and the returns of second-year linemen Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia. A mix of youth and veteran experience should improve a line that has undergone numerous shifts over the

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN AFC WEST

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Emmanuel Sanders

Von Miller

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Jeff Heuerman DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB Bradley Roby POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH QB: Mark Sanchez vs. Trevor Siemian

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 8 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 13 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 25 Jan. 1

Carolina Indianapolis at Cincinnati at Tampa Bay Atlanta at San Diego Houston San Diego at Oakland at New Orleans BYE Kansas City at Jacksonville at Tennessee New England at Kansas City Oakland

Perhaps the Broncos’ greatest freeagent acquisition of 2015 was Wade Phillips, the long-time coach and coordinator who had been out of the game for a year before Kubiak and Co. called. Phillips converted the Broncos’ 4-3 into his version of the 3-4, getting the most of edge rushers DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller and turning the defensive line into an opposing quarterback’s nightmare. Some key pieces of the 2015 group that led the NFL in total defense (283.1 yards), pass defense (199.6 yards) and sacks (52) are gone, but the group remains a threat that could, again, carry an offense in transition.

DATE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Broncos’ biggest free-agent loss was the most expected one. Defensive end Malik Jackson, who evolved into a key cog on the line in Phillips’ 3-4, left for a six-year contract worth up to $90 million with the Jaguars. Derek Wolfe returns on a four-year extension he signed late last season and will again be key to Denver’s run defense. To fill the void left by Jackson, the Broncos will look to newcomer Jared Crick, who played with Kubiak, Phillips and defensive line coach Bill Kollar in Houston; and Kenny Anunike, whose first year on the active roster was cut short by yet another knee injury. The Broncos also picked up former first-round pick Phil Taylor for depth and have Sylvester Williams back at nose tackle. Williams

GRADE

DEFENSE

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

2015 RESULTS

Von Miller past few years. One player to keep an eye on: fifth-round pick Connor McGovern, a weight-room fiend who could provide a powerful spark on the line.

TIME

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

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Baltimore W 19-13 Sept. 17 at Kansas City W 31-24 Sept. 27 at Detroit W 24-12 Oct. 4 Minnesota W 23-20 Oct. 11 at Oakland W 16-10 Oct. 18 at Cleveland *W 26-23 Nov. 1 Green Bay W 29-10 Nov. 8 at Indianapolis L 27-24 Nov. 15 Kansas City L 29-13 Nov. 22 at Chicago W 17-15 Nov. 29 New England *W 30-24 Dec. 6 at San Diego W 17-3 Dec. 13 Oakland L 15-12 Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh L 34-27 Dec. 28 Cincinnati *W 20-17 Jan. 3 San Diego W 27-20 POSTSEASON Jan. 17 Pittsburgh W 23-16 Jan. 24 New England W 20-18 Feb. 7 Carolina W 24-10 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS PEYTON MANNING

BROCK OSWEILER

C.J. ANDERSON

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 BAL WK 2 @ KC WK 3 @ DET WK 4 MIN WK 5 @ OAK WK 6 @ CLE WK 8 GB WK 9 @ IND WK 10 KC WK 11 @ CHI WK 12 NE WK 13 @ SD WK 14 OAK WK 15 @ PIT WK 16 CIN WK 17 SD SEASON TOTALS u

40 24 175 0 1 59.9 45 26 256 3 1 86.9 42 31 324 2 1 101.7 27 17 213 1 2 68.9 35 22 266 0 2 62.3 48 26 290 1 3 53.3 29 21 340 0 1 96.9 36 21 281 2 2 78.6 20 5 35 0 4 0.0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 9 5 69 0 0 80.3 331 198 2,249 9 17 67.9

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 24 14 146 1 1 72.6 27 20 250 2 0 127.1 42 23 270 1 1 72.5 26 16 166 1 1 76.8 51 35 308 0 0 84.4 44 21 296 3 1 83.1 39 27 299 1 0 100.3 22 14 232 1 2 76.3 275 170 1,967 10 6 86.4

12 41 9 34 7 13 11 103 7 21 20 111 19 60 7 1 11 42 21 102 14 59 19 56 12 20 14 48 9 35 15 117 207 863

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

DEMARYIUS THOMAS

EMMANUEL SANDERS

OWEN DANIELS

C.J. ANDERSON

RONNIE HILLMAN

RUSHING ATT YDS

12 29 0 12 27 0 8 18 0 11 43 0 11 22 0 13 41 0 14 101 1 7 34 0 2 9 0 12 59 0 15 113 2 7 42 0 Active, did not play 4 14 0 9 73 1 15 95 1 152 720 5

JORDAN NORWOOD

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 BAL WK 2 @ KC WK 3 @ DET WK 4 MIN WK 5 @ OAK WK 6 @ CLE WK 8 GB WK 9 @ IND WK 10 KC WK 11 @ CHI WK 12 NE WK 13 @ SD WK 14 OAK WK 15 @ PIT WK 16 CIN WK 17 SD SEASON TOTALS u

11 7 60 0 14 8 116 0 13 9 92 1 12 9 93 0 8 5 55 0 17 10 111 0 11 8 168 0 7 5 50 0 10 7 71 0 8 3 59 1 13 1 36 0 6 6 61 1 14 10 95 0 12 5 61 2 12 7 59 0 9 5 117 1 177 105 1,304 6

12 8 65 0 14 8 87 2 9 6 87 0 6 3 68 0 12 9 111 0 12 4 109 1 5 2 22 0 11 6 90 1 4 0 0 0 Inactive 9 6 113 0 8 3 19 0 6 2 17 0 16 10 181 1 5 4 67 1 8 5 99 0 137 76 1,135 6

2 2 5 0 5 3 19 0 9 5 28 1 5 2 9 1 5 0 0 0 3 2 24 0 3 3 44 0 9 6 102 1 5 1 14 0 5 4 69 0 6 5 48 0 3 2 13 0 4 3 43 0 5 2 14 0 7 5 70 0 1 1 15 0 77 46 517 3

8 4 19 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 9 0 1 1 27 0 2 2 18 0 4 4 25 0 1 1 5 0 2 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 13 0 4 4 40 0 1 1 12 0 Active, did not play 3 1 6 0 2 1 8 0 3 1 -5 0 36 25 183 0

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 1 1 5 0 2 1 5 0 5 3 4 0 2 1 -5 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 9 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 9 7 41 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 37 0 3 2 10 0 35 24 111 0

5 2 25 0 5 3 14 0 3 3 27 0 0 0 0 3 2 15 0 2 1 -1 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 1 8 0 Inactive Inactive 1 1 5 0 2 2 29 0 6 4 37 0 4 3 48 0 32 22 207 0

chemistry of Trevathan and Marshall inside could be difficult to replicate, but the defense has enough weapons around them to compensate. Denver is thin in the middle of the defense with 2014 seventhrounder Corey Nelson as a reserve.

u LINEBACKERS

In addition to Phillips, Darian Stewart proved to be an invaluable signing, if unheralded at the time. Stewart seamlessly fit in the Broncos’ “No Fly Zone,” joining Pro Bowlers Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward, as well as Bradley Roby, to provide air-tight coverage. The Broncos allowed just 5.15 air yards per completion, secondfewest to the Rams’ 4.49. Talib is big and physical and when he plays disciplined is a lock-down corner; he had 13 passes defensed last season. Harris has emerged as one of the league’s best man corners with his coverage abilities. The group remains intact, but it lost a starter-worthy reserve in David Bruton, Jr., who filled in when suspension and injuries depleted the

A-

GRADE

The Broncos’ two biggest weapons on the edge, Miller and Ware, will get another year together. Ware, who missed five games with a back injury last year, restructured his contract to reflect his changing role; Phillips said the plan is to use him on situational downs. Behind them are Shaquil Barrett and 2015 first-rounder Shane Ray, who give the Broncos some depth most teams would drool over. The four combined for 28 sacks and 67 quarterback hits. The group inside, however, took a hit. Starter and leading tackler Danny Trevathan signed with Chicago in free agency, and Todd Davis is expected to move up and vie for the starting job alongside Brandon Marshall. The

u DEFENSIVE BACKS

92 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

secondary last season. The versatility of third-round draft pick Justin Simmons could help fill the void left by Bruton, but he might need time to adjust to the pro speed. He was productive at Boston College and has good length and agility, but needs to add some strength.

SPECIAL TEAMS The losses of Bruton and Bolden cannot be understated. Bruton led the team with 55 total special-teams stops since he arrived in 2009, and Bolden led the Broncos with 342 yards on 15 kick returns and had an 83-yard punt returned for a touchdown last season. The good news: Jordan Norwood, a heady returner, is back on a one-year deal, and could take the lead on kick returns. And kicker Brandon McManus, who morphed into one of the more consistent in the game (30 of 35 field goals made) last season, will be back, as well. Punter Britton Colquitt had his busiest season since 2011 last year but responded with his best net punting average since 2012.

GRADE

can plug the middle of the defense and had four tackles for loss last season. Second-round rookie Adam Gotsis has a massive wingspan to play on the D-line along with good quickness, but he is considered a developmental prospect.

GRADE

RONNIE HILLMAN

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 88 THOMAS OLT 73 OKUNG OLG 73 GARCIA C 61 PARADIS ORG 70 MYERS ORT 71 STEPHENSON TE 85 GREEN WR 10 SANDERS QB 6 SANCHEZ RB 22 ANDERSON RB 23 HILLMAN

16 Fowler 87 Taylor 74 Sambrailo 66 Roberts 65 Brenner 53 Ferentz 62 Day 60 McGovern* 75 Jefferson 79 Schofield 77 Weems 82 Heuerman 80 Graham 11 Norwood 14 Latimer 12 Lynch* 3 Siemian 20 Booker* 28 Gray 40 Thompson 35 Bibbs DEFENSE

DLE 95 WOLFE 96 Walker NT 92 WILLIAMS 87 Taylor 98 Kilgo DRE 93 CRICK 91 Anunike 99 Gotsis* WLB 58 MILLER 48 Barrett ILB 54 MARSHALL 52 Nelson ILB 51 DAVIS SLB 94 WARE 56 Ray 47 Anderson LCB 21 TALIB 29 Roby 38 Doss RCB 25 HARRIS 36 Webster 39 Nixon SS 43 WARD 33 Keo 33 Parks* FS 26 STEWART 31 Simmons* 27 Ross SPECIALISTS

P 4 COLQUITT 9 Dixon* PK 8 McMANUS H 4 COLQUITT PR 10 SANDERS KR 11 NORWOOD LS 42 KREITER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Clancy Barone, offensive line; Chris Beake, defensive assistant; Samson Brown, assistant secondary; Tony Coaxum, assistant special teams; James Cregg, assistant offensive line; Joe DeCamillis, special teams coordinator; Rich Dennison, offensive coordinator; Mike Eubanks, assistant strength and conditioning; Reggie Herring, linebackers; Greg Knapp, quarterbacks/passing game coordinator; Bill Kollar, defensive line; Gary Kubiak, head coach; Klint Kubiak, offensive assistant/quarterbacks; 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.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

QB DT FS RB OG FB SS P

Memphis Georgia Tech Boston College Utah Missouri Nebraska Arizona Syracuse

26 63 98 136 144 176 219 228

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7

Paxton Lynch Adam Gotsis Justin Simmons Devontae Booker Connor McGovern Andy Janovich Will Parks Riley Dixon

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Broncos’ pass rush, the crux of Denver’s defense, remains lethal. The Broncos’ quarterback position could see good improvement over last year, with Lynch. What’s more: Demaryius Thomas will regain his confidence, and a handsomely paid C.J. Anderson will use his speed and power all season, not just half of it. Denver could return to the Super Bowl.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The re-jiggered O-line creates a repeat of the Broncos’ 2015 struggles, which will inevitably lead to continued problems on the ground and in the air. The loss of Jackson on the line and Trevathan inside will poke gaping holes into the Broncos’ run defense. If Von Miller holds out during the offseason while negotiating a long-term deal, he might not return at the same level. Denver could miss the playoffs in a tough division.

NO NAME

POS

WR RB ILB DE OLB RB RB C/G P DE ILB C P OLB CB C WR WR G TE/FB S DE TE RB TE T CB TE NT RB FB T DE S NT LS TE WR CB QB ILB G K OLB NT T G WR G ILB CB ILB TE WR T C S DT WR WR OLB T CB S T QB WR T ILB QB S T S OLB CB WR NT LS WR RB CB DE S OLB CB T NT DE DE

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

197 224 220 275 250 203 219 310 205 285 230 299 221 262 187 285 212 190 309 239 190 287 243 206 255 308 199 255 315 195 238 317 275 205 319 250 248 215 193 244 250 306 201 250 311 304 335 201 301 226 187 230 255 180 310 300 194 305 210 160 245 305 194 190 315 225 180 301 229 220 202 312 214 254 205 210 335 238 229 225 191 305 200 258 198 310 313 285 259

2 Addison, Bralon 22 Anderson, C.J. 50 Anderson, Zaire 91 Anunike, Kenny 48 Barrett, Shaquil 35 Bibbs, Kapri 20 Booker, Devontae 67 Brenner, Sam 4 Colquitt, Britton 93 Crick, Jared 51 Davis, Todd 55 Day, Dillon 9 Dixon, Riley 68 Dora, Vontarrius 37 Doss, Lorenzo 53 Ferentz, James 16 Fowler, Bennie 17 Frazier, Mose 76 Garcia, Max 41 Garner, Manasseh 38 Glover, Antonio 99 Gotsis, Adam 80 Graham, Garrett 28 Gray, Cyrus 85 Green, Virgil 78 Hanson, Lars 25 Harris Jr., Chris 82 Heuerman, Jeff 63 Heurtelou, Calvin 23 Hillman, Ronnie 32 Janovich, Andy 75 Jefferson, Cameron 69 Jenkins, Shaneil 33 Keo, Shiloh 98 Kilgo, Darius 42 Kreiter, Casey 84 Krieger-Coble, Henry 14 Latimer, Cody 30 Lowery, B.J. 12 Lynch, Paxton 54 Marshall, Brandon 60 McGovern, Connor 8 McManus, Brandon 58 Miller, Von 62 Moala, David 64 Murray, Justin 70 Myers Jr., Robert 5 Neal, Durron 72 Neary, Aaron 52 Nelson, Corey 39 Nixon, Taurean 46 Norman, Dwayne 83 Norris, Anthony 11 Norwood, Jordan 73 Okung, Russell 61 Paradis, Matt 34 Parks, Will 90 Peko, Kyle 15 Posey, DeVier 19 Raymond, Kalif 56 Ray, Shane 66 Roberts, Kyle 29 Roby, Bradley 27 Ross, Brandian 74 Sambrailo, Ty 6 Sanchez, Mark 10 Sanders, Emmanuel 79 Schofield, Michael 47 Shannon, Frank 13 Siemian, Trevor 31 Simmons, Justin 71 Stephenson, Donald 26 Stewart, Darian 59 Sulleyman, Sadat 21 Talib, Aqib 87 Taylor, Jordan 97 Taylor, Phillip 49 Theus, Nathan 88 Thomas, Demaryius 40 Thompson, Juwan 45 Tidwell, John 96 Walker, Vance 43 Ward, T.J. 94 Ware, DeMarcus 36 Webster, Kayvon 77 Weems, Darrion 92 Williams, Sylvester 95 Wolfe, Derek 65 Yarbrough, Eddie

AGE COLLEGE 22 25 23 25 23 23 23 26 31 26 23 24 22 23 22 26 24 22 24 24 23 23 29 26 27 23 26 23 23 24 22 24 22 28 24 25 23 23 24 22 26 23 24 27 23 23 24 23 23 24 25 22 24 29 28 26 21 22 26 21 22 24 24 26 24 29 29 25 23 24 22 27 27 23 30 24 28 23 28 23 23 29 29 33 25 27 27 26 23

Oregon California Nebraska Duke Colorado State Colorado State Utah Utah Tennessee Nebraska Sacramento State Mississippi State Syracuse Louisiana Tech Tulane Iowa Michigan State Memphis Florida Pittsburgh Georgia Southern Georgia Tech Wisconsin Texas A&M Nevada Sacramento State Kansas Ohio State Miami (Fla.) San Diego State Nebraska Arkansas Shepherd Idaho Maryland Iowa Iowa Indiana Iowa Memphis Nevada Missouri Temple Texas A&M Utah State Cincinnati Tennessee State Oklahoma Eastern Washington Oklahoma Tulane Duke Southern Utah Penn State Oklahoma State Boise State Arizona Oregon State Ohio State Holy Cross Missouri Nevada Ohio State Youngstown State Colorado State Southern California Southern Methodist Michigan Oklahoma Northwestern Boston College Oklahoma 7 South Carolina Portland State Kansas Rice Baylor Georgia Georgia Tech Duke Sioux Falls Georgia Tech Oregon Troy South Florida Oregon North Carolina Cincinnati Wyoming

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| 93

AFC

WEST

4 Chargers SAN DIEGO

6-10

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS WR Travis Benjamin, NT Brandon Mebane, S Dwight Lowery, CB Casey Hayward, TE Jeff Cumberland. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Eric Weddle, CB Patrick Robinson, WR Malcom Floyd, TE Ladarius Green, DE Kendall Reyes.

4TH PLACE IN AFC WEST

OWNER Alex G. Spanos GENERAL MANAGER Tom Telesco HEAD COACH Mike McCoy OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Ken Whisenhunt DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR John Pagano STADIUM Qualcomm Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 70,561 | Natural grass By

MICHAEL GEHLKEN @ sdutGehlken

OFFENSE A franchise quarterback can mask many roster deficiencies. Philip Rivers, however, cannot do it alone. The Chargers are coming off their worst record in 12 years despite excellent play at the quarterback position. A mess surrounded Rivers. San Diego owned the worst running game in the NFL, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. The offensive line was dismantled by injury, playing 24 unique combinations – five left tackles, six left guards, three centers, five right guards and four right tackles. The receiving corps also dealt with injuries, none more glaring than a season-ending Week Eight kidney laceration to Keenan Allen. Toss in a four-game suspension and then MCL sprain for Antonio Gates, and this is how a team with the 12th-best passer rating (94.5) can go 4-12. The Chargers made nearly wholesale changes to their offensive coaching staff. That included

u QUARTERBACKS Just how bad was the disparity between Rivers and everyone else? He threw for 503 yards in Green Bay last October – in a loss. And that was with Allen missing most of the second half to a hip flexor injury. “He’s a warrior, the best in the business,” coach Mike McCoy said postgame, his voice trailing off as tears filled his eyes. Teammates echo that reverence. The 34-year-old has four more seasons under contract. Before he’s done, the franchise hopes to surround him with enough pieces to reach a Super Bowl. If not, what a shame. Rivers threw for 2,753 yards in the first eight weeks, second-most in NFL history. Kellen Clemens is his backup, but Rivers hasn’t missed a game in his 10 seasons as a starter.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 4-12

a new coordinator in Ken Whisenhunt, who held the same role in 2013 before becoming the Titans’ head coach. That year doubles as the last time the Chargers had balance on offense, Ryan Mathews rushing for a career-high 1,255 yards. It also was the last time the franchise made the playoffs.

u RUNNING BACKS Ideally for the Chargers, Danny Woodhead won’t repeat what he did in 2015. He became the first running back in franchise history to accomplish the receiver’s Triple Crown, leading them in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also ranked first among all NFL backs in those categories. He’ll remain a fixture in the passing game, a safety valve Rivers trusts. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon looks to find a rhythm. The first-round pick flashed early as a rookie. In Week Two, he became the first Charger since LaDainian Tomlinson to have three 20-plus yard runs in the same game. That success was fleeting. Gordon looked uncomfortable

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

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B-

running out of the shotgun, a foreign concept from his Wisconsin career. His six fumbles were third-most among NFL running backs and led to multiple benchings. His confidence was shot, and ultimately, a knee injury ended his year. This year, he’ll run a little behind his former Wisconsin fullback, Derek Watt, the team’s sixth-round pick. A big year lies ahead for Gordon.

u RECEIVERS Allen missed the final eight games of 2015, and the Chargers missed him. His 67 receptions in those first eight weeks were tied for third-most in NFL history, totaling 725 yards and four touchdowns. Rivers completed 75.3 percent of his passes in Allen’s direction compared to 63.6 percent toward other receivers. When Allen was in the lineup, San Diego owned the NFL’s No. 1 offense, averaging 423.3 yards per game. In the eight weeks without him, it had the No. 24 offense, averaging 102.9 yards fewer. An improved run game and the arrival of Travis Benjamin, the team hopes, will create less reliance on Allen. Benjamin signed a four-year contract in March, the ex-Browns speedster thereby becoming the top vertical threat in an offense that lost 12-year veteran Malcom Floyd to retirement. Stevie Johnson was the position’s main freeagency addition last year. He struggled with injuries, as many Chargers did. One of those, Gates, returns for a 14th season but at age 36 will share duties with second-rounder Hunter Henry, the draft’s best receiving TE.

GRADE

PREDICTION

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Injuries, injuries, injuries. Left guard Orlando Franklin missed one game in four seasons with the Broncos. He joined the Chargers and, at one point, was carted off in consecutive games due to a knee and ankle injury, respectively. His 10-game season ended with a concussion when a fellow line man mistakenly went right instead of left off the snap, colliding with him.

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Philip Rivers

Jason Verrett

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Melvin Gordon DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Denzel Perryman POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH No. 3 TE: Jeff Cumberland vs. Sean McGrath

2016 SCHEDULE

Philip Rivers

GRADE

Left tackle King Dunlap was inactive six of the final eight games due to a high-ankle sprain. He finished two of the seven games he started. Center Chris Watt was hobbled to just three starts and will compete with third-round center Max Tuerk, who excels at pulling. The Chargers did not make a major splash here in free agency. Like Andy Dufresne in “Shawkshank Redemption,” they largely are banking that salvation lies within.

D+

DEFENSE

This unit was a mixed bag in 2015. Where there was disappointment at inside linebacker with Donald Butler, since released in March, there was excitement in second-round rookie Denzel Perryman. Cornerback Brandon Flowers looked slow and was unable to tough out a knee injury, but cornerback Jason Verrett was the only Charger

at the Pro Bowl despite foot, groin and hamstring ailments. And the defensive line… well, that wasn’t mixed at all; it was just flat bad. Put it all together and you get a defense that, although finishing the year on somewhat of a high note, allowed far too many big plays and struggled to stop the run. Now, a new era begins. The franchise mutually parted ways with five-time All-Pro safety Eric Weddle. He spent nine seasons at safety.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The Chargers coveted Joey Bosa since September, so they have a plan for the No. 3 overall pick. GM Tom Telesco has indicated that’s at end, where the Chargers could use his strength against the run as well as an additional layer of pass rush. They could also decide to stand him up to rush at outside linebacker. Maybe the five-year, $51.15 million extension Corey Liuget signed in 2015 will pay dividends, but it didn’t in the months that followed. The defensive

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 13 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Kansas City Jacksonville at Indianapolis New Orleans at Oakland Denver at Atlanta at Denver Tennessee Miami BYE at Houston Tampa Bay at Carolina Oakland at Cleveland Kansas City

TIME

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

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Detroit W 33-28 Sept. 20 at Cincinnati L 19-24 Sept. 27 at Minnesota L 14-31 Oct. 4 Cleveland W 30-27 Oct. 12 Pittsburgh L 20-24 Oct. 18 at Green Bay L 20-27 Oct. 25 Oakland L 29-37 Nov. 1 at Baltimore L 26-29 Nov. 9 Chicago L 19-22 Nov. 22 Kansas City L 3-33 Nov. 29 at Jacksonville W 31-25 Dec. 6 Denver L 3-17 Dec. 13 at Kansas City L 3-10 Dec. 20 Miami W 30-14 Dec. 24 at Oakland *L 20-23 Jan. 3 at Denver L 20-27 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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AFC

WEST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS PHILIP RIVERS

DANNY WOODHEAD

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 DET WK 2 @ CIN WK 3 @ MIN WK 4 CLE WK 5 PIT WK 6 @ GB WK 7 OAK WK 8 @ BAL WK 9 CHI WK 11 KC WK 12 @ JAX WK 13 DEN WK 14 @ KC WK 15 MIA WK 16 @ OAK WK 17 @ DEN SEASON TOTALS u

41 34 403 2 2 103.6 27 21 241 2 1 113.1 34 21 246 1 1 81.2 38 23 358 3 0 118.1 48 35 365 2 1 99.7 65 43 503 2 0 99.7 58 38 336 3 2 83.7 37 28 301 3 0 126.1 42 26 280 1 0 89.4 30 19 178 0 1 65.7 43 29 300 4 0 118.4 35 18 202 0 1 57.1 43 24 263 0 1 64.4 36 26 311 3 2 102.9 49 31 277 1 0 85.2 35 21 228 2 1 86.4 661 437 4,792 29 13 93.8

14 51 0 16 88 0 14 51 0 12 38 0 15 42 0 7 29 0 7 29 0 18 54 0 11 31 0 15 37 0 14 60 0 12 55 0 14 35 0 15 41 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve 184 641 0

KEENAN ALLEN

ANTONIO GATES

STEVIE JOHNSON

DONALD BROWN

RUSHING ATT YDS

13 43 7 36 5 11 8 54 4 10 7 8 5 26 3 9 6 33 6 7 4 8 3 10 3 5 8 10 11 55 5 11 98 336

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

LADARIUS GREEN

RUSHING ATT YDS

DANNY WOODHEAD

Inactive Inactive Inactive Not on team Inactive 0 0 0 0 Inactive 2 13 0 0 3 2 7 26 0 0 12 90 14 17 21 81 59 229

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

DONTRELLE INMAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

6 3 19 0 6 6 68 0 4 3 32 0 4 4 84 0 7 5 66 0 7 5 63 0 12 11 75 2 3 2 36 0 10 6 78 1 2 1 9 0 6 6 39 0 7 3 24 0 6 3 8 0 6 6 50 3 10 8 53 0 10 8 51 0 106 80 755 6

MALCOM FLOYD

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 DET WK 2 @ CIN WK 3 @ MIN WK 4 CLE WK 5 PIT WK 6 @ GB WK 7 OAK WK 8 @ BAL WK 9 CHI WK 11 KC WK 12 @ JAX WK 13 DEN WK 14 @ KC WK 15 MIA WK 16 @ OAK WK 17 @ DEN SEASON TOTALS u

17 15 166 0 4 2 16 0 18 12 133 2 7 4 72 1 10 6 57 0 15 14 157 0 13 9 89 0 5 5 35 1 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 89 67 725 4

Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 11 9 92 2 16 9 95 0 Inactive 5 4 56 0 11 6 69 0 3 1 6 0 6 4 53 2 9 6 50 0 8 6 76 0 9 6 88 0 2 2 11 0 5 3 34 1 85 56 630 5

6 6 82 1 6 5 45 1 5 3 46 0 8 4 32 0 Inactive Inactive 8 4 50 0 4 2 28 0 10 7 68 0 8 7 54 0 10 7 92 1 0 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 65 45 497 3

6 5 74 1 6 5 47 0 Inactive 6 4 53 1 5 5 50 0 4 3 35 1 9 4 45 1 1 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 9 0 1 1 19 0 6 2 21 0 6 2 26 0 3 2 13 0 7 2 27 0 Injured reserve 63 37 429 4

Inactive 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 88 0 2 0 0 0 7 3 18 1 2 2 26 0 2 1 10 0 5 3 28 0 5 3 51 0 9 5 65 1 2 1 15 0 Inactive 5 3 78 0 13 8 82 1 6 3 25 0 63 35 486 3

2 1 29 0 4 2 55 1 7 4 63 0 2 1 20 0 4 3 48 0 12 5 95 0 3 1 7 0 6 4 92 2 1 0 0 0 Inactive 4 1 12 0 4 1 15 0 9 3 56 0 3 1 27 0 6 3 42 0 2 0 0 0 69 30 561 3

u LINEBACKERS Perryman grew up in the Miami area, revering the Ray Lewis breed of linebackers. He watched highlight tapes of the biggest NFL hits. His father taught him how to tackle in their living room as a 6-year-old. Yes, it’s fair to say Perryman was raised to be a thumper, and that’s what he was as a rookie. His game elevated that of Manti Te’o next

GRADE

B-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Can Verrett be the next great NFL cornerback? If he can play a full season, he’s well on his way. The 2014 firstround pick has no-doubt ability, his athleticism, physicality and ball skills already placing him firmly in the “elite” conversation. He can single-handedly wreck weeks for an opponent’s top wide receiver. Still, Verrett played just six games in 2014 and 14 in 2015. Flowers was a disappointment last year, and now his entire $7.75 million salary for 2016

96 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

C+

is fully guaranteed. Must be nice. The Chargers defense under John Pagano spends most games in its nickel and dime sub-packages, so having a nickel cornerback is key. Signed in March, ex-Packer Casey Hayward is one of the league’s best. Safety is a less proven position for the Chargers. Hard-hitting but undersized Jahleel Addae is the top returner.

SPECIAL TEAMS The Chargers spent a sixth-round pick on Drew Kaser, who averaged 48 yards per punt last year at Texas A&M. He should improve one of the NFL’s bottom units. Rookie kicker Josh Lambo missed four of eight field-goal attempts at one point in December, but he has some upside as a former soccer goalie who is still learning his craft. Benjamin ought to breathe life in the worst punt return game this league has seen since 1981. The Chargers had 84 punt return yards all season and one yard in the first 10 games, routinely losing the field-position battle.

GRADE

C-

to him, together flashing a promising duo. Te’o, however, has missed 13 combined games in his first three NFL seasons. At outside ’backer, Melvin Ingram totaled a careerhigh 10.5 sacks last year, including nine in the final nine games. He had just six sacks in his first three seasons combined. Jerry Attaochu, Kyle Emanuel and Tourek Williams round out a young group.

GRADE

end was limited by ankle and knee injuries to the left leg. In many weeks, he did well simply to get on the field. “It was not the season I planned,” said Liuget, who had arthroscopic knee surgery in December. “It was nowhere near what I wanted.” Too often, the Chargers lost at the point of attack, allowing 4.8 yards per rush, third-worst in the NFL. They lacked a true nose tackle, so Brandon Mebane should help. San Diego signed the former Seahawk on the first day of free agency. Darius Philon, a 2015 sixth-round pick, is the sleeper in this group. He quietly showed promise as a reserve.

GRADE

MELVIN GORDON

D+

AFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 12 BENJAMIN 8 Herndon 84 Burse OLT 77 DUNLAP 70 Hairston OLG 74 FRANKLIN 79 Wiggins 69 Huey C 62 TUERK* 65 Watt 60 Robinson ORG 76 FLUKER 63 Clark* ORT 72 BARKSDALE 78 Burwell TE 85 GATES 86 Henry* 87 Cumberland WR 13 ALLEN 11 Johnson 15 Inman QB 17 RIVERS 10 Clemens 9 Renner RB 28 GORDON 39 Woodhead 43 Oliver FB 34 WATT* DEFENSE

DE 99 BOSA* NT 91 MEBANE DE 94 LIUGET OLB 97 ATTAOCHO ILB 50 TE’O ILB 52 PERRYMAN OLB 54 INGRAM CB 24 FLOWERS CB 22 VERRETT SS 37 ADDAE FS 20 LOWERY

93 Philon 49 Gardner 98 Lissemore 92 Carrethers 72 Palepoi 71 Square 51 Emmanuel 99 Law 53 Perry* 48 Dzubnar 57 Brown* 58 Williams 59 Hekking 26 Hayward 33 Ducre 29 Mager 35 Crawford 30 Daniels 25 Stuckey 31 Phillips SPECIALISTS

P 6 KASER* 3 Redfern PK 2 LAMBO H 6 KASER* PR 12 BENJAMIN 8 Herndon 39 Woodhead KR 12 BENJAMIN 8 Herndon 39 Woodhead LS 47 WINDT * Rookie COACHING STAFF Craig Aukerman, special teams; Bob Babich, linebackers; Jeff Davidson, offensive line; Dave DeGuglielmo, assistant offensive line; Chris Harris, assistant defensive backs; Kent Johnson, strength and conditioning; Bobby King, assistant linebackers; Rick Lyle, assistant strength and conditioning; Mike McCoy, head coach; John McNulty, tight ends; Ron Milus, defensive backs; John Pagano, defensive coordinator; Tommy Rees, offensive assistant; Chris Shula, quality control/ defense; Nick Sirianni, wide receivers; Giff Smith, defensive line; Shane Steichen, quarterbacks; Ken Whisenhunt, offensive coordinator; Marquice Williams, assistant special teams; Ollie Wilson, running backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE TE C OLB OLB P FB OG

Ohio State Arkansas Southern California Ohio State Akron Texas A&M Wisconsin Michigan State

3 35 66 102 175 179 198 224

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7

Joey Bosa Hunter Henry Max Tuerk Joshua Perry Jatavis Brown Drew Kaser Derek Watt Donavon Clark

BEST-CASE SCENARIO San Diego staves off the injury bug en route to winning the AFC West for the first time since 2009. Excitement generated translates into the voting booth, and a Nov. 8 ballot for a stadium initiative is green lit, keeping the Chargers in San Diego and out of Los Angeles.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO More of the same. An organization that has lost seven straight divisional games continues the skid. It loses the election. San Diego loses its team. The Chargers fire McCoy, creating all kinds of turmoil up Interstate 5 and into Los Angeles. … Is there an NFL team with more to lose in 2016?

NO NAME

POS

37 Addae, Jahleel 13 Allen, Keenan 83 Allen, Torrence 97 Attaochu, Jeremiah 72 Barksdale, Joe 12 Benjamin, Travis 6 Bercovici, Mike 99 Bosa, Joey 57 Brown, Jatavis 89 Burse, Isaiah 78 Burwell, Tyreek 92 Carrethers, Ryan 40 Chestnut, Terrell 63 Clark, Donavon 10 Clemens, Kellen 45 Cleveland, Asante 35 Crawford, Richard 87 Cumberland, Jeff 30 Daniels, Matt 33 Ducre, Greg 77 Dunlap, King 48 Dzubnar, Nick 51 Emanuel, Kyle 27 Farrow, Kenneth 24 Flowers, Brandon 76 Fluker, D.J. 74 Franklin, Orlando 49 Gardner, Ben 85 Gates, Antonio 28 Gordon, Melvin 75 Hairston, Chris 26 Hayward, Casey 59 Hekking, Brock 86 Henry, Hunter 81 Herndon, Javontee 69 Huey, Michael 54 Ingram, Melvin 15 Inman, Dontrelle 64 Johansson, Sebastian 11 Johnson, Steve 70 Johnstone, Tyler 1 Jones, Jamaal 8 Kaser, Drew 2 Lambo, Josh 46 Landrum, Chris 98 Lissemore, Sean 94 Liuget, Corey 20 Lowery, Dwight 29 Mager, Craig 44 Marcordes, Tyler 38 McCoil, Dexter 27 McDonald, Adrian 84 McGrath, Sean 66 McQueen, Mike 91 Mebane, Brandon 96 Ndulue, Chuka 43 Oliver, Branden 95 Palepoi, Tenny 53 Perry, Joshua 52 Perryman, Denzel 56 Petteway, Shaq 31 Phillips, Adrian 93 Philon, Darius 73 Pulley, Spencer 67 Ramsay, Zeth 88 Reaves, Deandre 3 Redfern, Kasey 9 Renner, Bryn 17 Rivers, Philip 60 Robinson, Trevor 41 Scott, Larry 82 Semisch, Tim 36 Smith, Dreamius 71 Square, Damion 25 Stuckey, Darrell 41 Swain, Chris 50 Te’o, Manti 62 Tuerk, Max 22 Verrett, Jason 65 Watt, Chris 34 Watt, Derek 46 Weiser, Matt 79 Wiggins, Kenny 7 Williams, Dominique 23 Williams, Steve 58 Williams, Tourek 42 Williams, Trevor 16 Williams, Tyrell 47 Windt, Mike 39 Woodhead, Danny 90 Wray, Carlos

S WR WR OLB T WR QB DE OLB WR T NT CB G QB TE CB TE S CB T ILB OLB RB CB OG G DE TE RB T CB OLB TE WR G OLB WR G WR OT WR P K OLB NT DT FS CB OLB ILB S TE G NT DL RB DT LB ILB LB S DE C OT WR P QB QB C CB TE RB DT S FB ILB C CB C-G FB TE G-T WR CB OLB CB WR LS RB DE

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

195 26 211 24 183 25 252 23 326 28 170 26 206 269 20 227 22 187 24 305 24 333 25 188 315 23 220 32 250 24 192 25 260 29 212 26 183 24 330 30 240 24 250 24 220 187 30 339 25 320 28 270 25 255 35 215 23 330 27 192 26 250 24 250 21 194 24 317 27 247 27 205 27 284 207 29 295 192 212 23 215 25 260 303 28 300 26 212 30 200 23 237 220 24 205 259 28 287 311 31 300 24 208 25 298 25 254 240 23 230 210 24 300 22 300 280 179 215 24 225 26 228 34 300 25 192 267 24 225 23 293 27 212 28 247 241 25 298 22 188 24 310 25 236 241 314 27 200 185 25 262 25 200 205 24 237 29 200 31 290

AGE COLLEGE Central Michigan California West Texas A&M Georgia Tech LSU Miami (Fla.) Arizona State Ohio State Akron Fresno State Cincinnati Arkansas State West Virginia Michigan State Oregon Miami (Fla.) Southern Methodist Illinois Duke Washington Auburn Cal Poly-S.L.O. North Dakota State Houston Virginia Tech Alabama Miami (Fla.) Stanford Kent State Wisconsin Clemson Vanderbilt Nevada Arkansas Arkansas Texas South Carolina Virginia Marshall Kentucky Oregon Montana Texas A&M Texas A&M Jacksonville State William & Mary Illinois San Jose State Texas State Georgia Tech Tulsa Houston Henderson State Ohio California Oklahoma Buffalo Utah Ohio State Miami (Fla.) West Virginia Texas Arkansas Vanderbilt Colorado Mesa Marshall Wofford North Carolina North Carolina State Notre Dame Oregon State Northern Illinois West Virginia Alabama Kansas Navy Notre Dame USC Texas Christian Notre Dame Wisconsin Buffalo Fresno State Washington State California Florida International Penn State Western Oregon Cincinnati Chadron State Duke

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 97

NFC

EAST

1 Cowboys DALLAS

PREDICTION KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

10-6

C Joe Looney, DE Benson Mayowa, RB Alfred Morris, DE Cedric Thornton.

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Greg Hardy, RB Joseph Randle.

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 By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE Head coach Jason Garrett and coordinator Scott Linehan enter their fourth season calling plays in unison. Ideally, the offense will revert back to its successful 2014 form, dominating time of possession with a strong run game operating behind a top-grade offensive line that looks stronger than ever. Missing both Tony Romo and Dez Bryant for extended periods, the Cowboys finished a lowly 27th in passing and 31st in scoring last season. True to form, though, they ranked ninth in rushing, as newcomer Darren McFadden proved to be surprisingly effective. Romo, Bryant, first-round rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott and future Hall of Fame TE Jason Witten offer a solid offensive foundation – provided they all can avoid injuries and perform at peak efficiency. But the offense could really use an upgrade in speed that could open

u QUARTERBACKS When healthy, the 36-year-old Romo remains a top-tier signal-caller capable of posting big numbers on a regular basis with his compact delivery, deceptive mobility and great awareness in and out of the pocket. But coming off a surgical procedure in early March to help prevent future collarbone fractures after missing 12 games last season, Romo’s health can’t help but be a major concern. After three different quarterbacks failed miserably to replace Romo in 2015, fourthround rookie QB Dak Prescott steps into the backup role this season, in addition to becoming Romo’s heirapparent. Prescott is similar in size to Romo and shares his ability to make plays with his feet (10 TD runs as a senior). Prescott’s pocket presence has steadily improved.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 4-12

up the attack a bit and produce big plays with more regularity.

u RUNNING BACKS Carrying the ball a career-high 239 times, McFadden was more than adequate. But there are other rushers better equipped to make the quick, decisive cuts on which the Cowboys’ zone-blocking run scheme is predicated. Enter Elliott, an ultra-dependable chainmover who gained the second-most rushing yards in Ohio State history behind Archie Griffin; and free-agent addition Alfred Morris, a proven one-cut back who ran for more than 1,000 yards in three of his four seasons with Washington. Plans call for the wellrounded Elliott to provide the same dominating presence as DeMarco Murray two seasons ago. In addition to being a big-time road-grader, Murray is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and an outstanding pass protector, which should benefit Romo greatly. Lightning-quick Lance Dunbar’s status is up in the air after suffering

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

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A-

a season-ending left-knee injury in Week Four last year, which could result in more work for sixth-round rookie Darius Jackson. Look for FB-type duties to be carried out primarily by TE James Hanna, a strong run blocker.

u RECEIVERS After missing the entire offseason in a contract dispute, Bryant never fully recovered from the broken foot he suffered in last season’s opener that forced him to miss the next five games. Clearly lacking his usual explosiveness, he also had more drops than usual. With the benefit of a full training camp, a return to his dominating ways is more likely than not. No. 2 WR Terrance Williams runs solid routes, especially deep, but he also dropped too many catchable passes last season. The Cowboys are solid in the slot with undersized Cole Beasley winning most of his battles in the middle of the field. Brice Butler adds intriguing WR depth with impressive size (6-3, 215) and 4.37 speed. At tight end, Witten is still going strong after catching 77 balls on 104 targets last season with zero drops (that’s not a typo). Big-bodied backup Gavin Escobar has impressive hands but is extremely brittle. Baylor basketball star Rico Gathers is an intriguing sixthround project.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC EAST

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN It doesn’t get any better than three top-grade Pro Bowlers (OLT Tyron Smith, C Travis Frederick and ORG Zack Martin), an emerging Pro Bowler (OLG La’el Collins) and one of the league’s most capable right tackles (seven-year starter Doug Free). Smith could give Adonis a run for his money with his chiseled frame, rare strength and dynamic skill set. Despite having to deal with four different starting QBs, Frederick had only two penalties while seamlessly directing traffic on the line. The fundamentally flawless

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Tony Romo

DeMarcus Lawrence

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT OLG La’el Collins DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT FS Byron Jones POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH DRE: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE

Tyron Smith

DEFENSE One of the biggest selling points for defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was the success his defenses had forcing turnovers in his three seasons as the Bears’ coordinator (2010-12) before arriving in Dallas. In that span, the Bears led the league in forced fumbles, intercepted the third-most passes and scored the most defensive touchdowns. A major increase in takeaways is no doubt at the top of Marinelli’s 2016 todo list after the Cowboys registered only 11 in 2015, tying the league’s alltime season low since expanding to a 16-game schedule in 1978. A decrease

in baggage is equally essential after the draining high-maintenance dealings last season with high-priced free-agent DE Greg Hardy and already this season, with DEs Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence both serving four-game sus pensions to start the 2016 season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy. Double-digit sacks were being widely predicted for Lawrence after a breakout sophomore campaign (team-leading eight sacks). An exceptional athlete, Lawrence explodes off the snap. Gregory, meanwhile, has yet to make an impact. There will be lots of mixing and matching on the edges without Lawrence and Gregory the first month of the season with exRaider Benson Mayowa, Jack Crawford (four sacks, four TFLs in 2015), David Irving, Ryan Russell and fourth-round rookie Charles Tapper all available at a moment’s notice. Free-agent addition Cedric Thornton, the former starting left end in the Eagles’ 3-4, moves in to the starting DLT role. Thornton is a quality run stuffer. Like Lawrence, DRT

B-

OPPONENT

N.Y. Giants at Washington Chicago at San Francisco Cincinnati at Green Bay BYE Philadelphia at Cleveland at Pittsburgh Baltimore Washington at Minnesota at N.Y. Giants Tampa Bay Detroit Lions at Philadelphia

TIME

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

2015 RESULTS DATE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

GRADE

Martin has been rock-solid starting every game the past two seasons, displaying stellar leverage and hand usage. The physically dominating Collins provided an immediate edge in his rookie season after replacing Ron Leary at left guard last October. Chaz Green, free-agent addition Joe Looney and Leary are the top backups at tackle, center and guard, respectively. Green has the skills to push Free at right tackle.

DATE

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 26 Jan. 1

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 NY Giants W 27-26 Sept. 20 at Philadelphia W 20-10 Sept. 27 Atlanta L 28-39 Oct. 4 at New Orleans *L 20-26 Oct. 11 New England L 6-30 Oct. 25 at NY Giants L 20-27 Nov. 1 Seattle L 12-13 Nov. 8 Philadelphia *L 27-33 Nov. 15 at Tampa Bay L 6-10 Nov. 22 at Miami W 24-14 Nov. 26 Carolina L 14-33 Dec. 7 at Washington W 19-16 Dec. 13 at Green Bay L 7-28 Dec. 19 NY Jets L 16-19 Dec. 27 at Buffalo L 6-16 Jan. 3 Washington L 23-34 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TONY ROMO

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

WK 1 NYG WK 2 @ PHI WK 3 ATL WK 4 @ NO WK 5 NE WK 7 @ NYG WK 8 SEA. WK 9 PHI. WK 10 @ TB WK 11 @ MIA WK 12 CAR WK 13 @ WAS WK 14 @ GB WK 15 NYJ WK 16 @ BUF WK 17 WAS SEASON TOTALS u

45 36 356 3 2 103.3 27 18 195 0 0 87.7 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 28 18 227 2 2 83.5 21 11 106 0 3 27.2 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 121 83 884 5 7 79.4

TERRANCE WILLIAMS

JASON WITTEN

RUSHING ATT YDS TD 6 16 0

10 31 6 35 10 31 5 16 29 152 20 64 27 117 17 32 29 129 10 11 14 53 9 111 16 100 19 99 12 92 239 1,089

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

COLE BEASLEY

JOSEPH RANDLE

RUSHING ATT YDS

16 65 18 51 14 87 11 26 15 62 2 24 Inactive Released Released Released Released Released Released Released Released Released 76 315

ROBERT TURBIN

0 0 3 1 0 0

DEZ BRYANT

RUSHING ATT YDS

LANCE DUNBAR

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 7 35 2 11 6 12 7 51 3 1 5 23 2 6 32 139

0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

DARREN McFADDEN

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 0 1 8 0 1 5 0 3 54 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 5 67 0

LANCE DUNBAR

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 NYG WK 2 @ PHI WK 3 ATL WK 4 @ NO WK 5 NE WK 7 @ NYG WK 8 SEA. WK 9 PHI. WK 10 @ TB WK 11 @ MIA WK 12 CAR WK 13 @ WAS WK 14 @ GB WK 15 NYJ WK 16 @ BUF WK 17 WAS SEASON TOTALS u

8 5 60 0 7 4 84 1 2 0 0 0 10 3 49 1 6 2 30 0 7 4 70 0 2 2 20 0 5 3 27 0 3 2 33 0 4 4 79 1 7 4 39 0 3 2 63 0 5 3 38 0 5 2 13 0 10 4 62 0 9 8 173 0 93 52 840 3

9 8 60 2 8 7 56 0 8 6 65 0 6 4 57 0 6 5 33 0 8 6 73 0 4 2 16 0 8 6 43 0 5 5 42 0 3 2 27 0 6 4 36 0 9 5 46 0 9 5 40 0 5 5 49 0 2 1 12 0 8 6 58 1 104 77 713 3

6 4 49 0 5 4 14 0 4 4 49 0 6 6 62 0 6 4 40 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 11 9 112 2 1 1 8 0 3 1 14 0 7 6 44 1 3 0 0 0 4 3 25 0 7 3 37 0 2 2 29 0 7 5 53 2 75 52 536 5

7 5 48 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 6 2 12 0 8 5 104 1 12 5 45 0 9 4 45 1 8 2 26 0 7 3 62 0 6 1 9 0 9 4 50 1 Inactive Inactive 72 31 401 3

1 1 19 0 2 2 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 9 62 0 2 2 10 0 8 6 49 0 2 1 5 0 4 3 26 0 3 3 20 0 6 4 45 0 1 1 6 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 13 0 1 1 -1 0 8 5 53 0 53 40 328 0

8 8 70 0 5 3 45 0 10 10 100 0 0 0 0 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 23 21 215 0

WLB Sean Lee bounced back big-time after sitting out the 2014 season with a torn ACL. Lee was a driving force as both a run-stopper and in coverage, finishing in the top three in tackles in every game he played (team-leading 128 tackles), registering 10 tackles for loss, breaking up five passes and making a crucial interception vs. the Eagles in Week Two. MLB Rolando McClain offers great size and is strong in coverage, but his impact as a passrusher is negligible. On the strong side, Anthony Hitchens continued to more than hold his own in his second season, steadily disrupting QBs with

B-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Displaying impressive flashes at a multitude of spots as a first-round rookie, Byron Jones will start at free safety. But like the Cardinals’ Tyrann Mathieu, Jones is a rare hybrid player with exceptional athleticism who will be counted on to provide a disruptive presence all over the field. The Cowboys are also counting on a strong comeback from RCB Orlando Scandrick, who sat out all of last season with a torn ACL and MCL after a solid 2014 campaign. LCB Morris Claiborne signed a new cap-friendly deal after his best year as a Cowboy, which really isn’t

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100 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

saying much, as the former first-rounder has mostly been a big disappointment along with high-priced CB Brandon Carr, who has not made an interception in two years. Carr, however, does offer valuable leadership in the locker room. SS Barry Church and nickel-back Jeff Heath are both serviceable. Willing tackler J.J. Wilcox and sixth-round rookie Kavon Frazier add depth at safety. Deji Olatoye, who has Richard Sherman-like length; and sixth-round rookie Anthony Brown add depth at cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS Dan Bailey, the league’s all-time most accurate kicker (90.6 percent), had a career season leading up to his first-ever Pro Bowl, connecting on 30 of 32 FGs, including 5 of 6 kicks of 50 yards or more. Chris Jones was one of the league’s top directional punters with a 42.5-yard net average (third-best in the league). Lucky Whitehead was a lot better returning kickoffs (28.3yard average) than punts (5.8 yards per return).

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

solid pass-rush skills, but Hitchens is an inconsistent run defender. The primary backups are versatile Andrew Gachkar inside and veteran Kyle Wilber and second-year fourth-rounder Damien Wilson outside. Second-round rookie LB Jaylon Smith is not expected to play in 2016 while the nerves that he tore in his left knee in the Fiesta Bowl continue to regenerate. The 2015 Butkus Award winner is a top-five talent when healthy.

GRADE

Tyrone Crawford made a big leap in ’15, displaying elite quickness and agility (five sacks). Hard-working Terrell McClain, who was sorely missed last season after suffering a season-ending toe injury in Week Two, returns on the nose. Third-round rookie Maliek Collins, who played with Gregory at Nebraska, and steady but unspectacular veteran Nick Hayden add depth at tackle.

GRADE

DARREN McFADDEN

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 88 BRYANT WR 83 WILLIAMS OLT 77 T. SMITH OLG 71 COLLINS C 72 FREDERICK ORG 70 MARTIN ORT 68 FREE TE 82 WITTEN TE 84 HANNA QB 9 ROMO RB 21 ELLIOTT*

11 Beasley 19 Butler 78 Brown 65 Leary 75 Looney 62 J. Smith 79 Green 89 Escobar 87 Swaim 10 Prescott* 20 McFadden

DLE 90 LAWRENCE (susp) DLT 75 THORNTON DRT 98 T. CRAWFORD DRE 94 GREGORY (susp) SLB 59 HITCHENS MLB 55 R. McCLAIN WLB 50 LEE LCB 24 CLAIBORNE RCB 32 SCANDRICK SS 42 CHURCH FS 31 B. JONES

93 Mayowa 96 Hayden 97 T. McClain 58 J. Crawford 51 Wilber 52 Gackhar 57 Wilson 38 Heath 29 Olatoye 35 Frazier* 27 Wilcox

16 Mayle 15 Street

80 Gathers* 17 Moore 46 Morris

DEFENSE

99 Russell 71 M. Collins* 74 Renfrow 95 Irving 48 Harris 56 K. Smith 49 Nzeocha 36 Brown* 39 Carr

SPECIALISTS

P 6 JONES PK 5 BAILEY H 6 JONES PR 13 WHITEHEAD KR 13 WHITEHEAD LS 91 LADOUCER

11 Beasley 11 Beasley * Rookie

COACHING STAFF Joe Baker, secondary; Brett Bech, assistant strength and conditioning; Rich Bisaccia, assistant head coach/ special-teams coordinator; Ben Bloom, defensive ends; Gary Brown, running backs; Marc Colombo, assistant offensive line; Derek Dooley, wide receivers; Matt Eberflus, passing game coordinator/linebackers; Jason Garrett, head coach; Greg Jackson, safeties; Leon Lett, defensive tackles; Scott Linehan, offensive coordinator; Steve Loney, senior offensive assistant; Rod Marinelli, defensive coordinator; Keith O’Quinn, assistant special teams; Frank Pollack, offensive line; Michael Pope, tight ends; Kendall Smith, assistant strength and conditioning; Kyle Valero, assistant wide receivers; Turner West, defensive assistant; Wade Wilson, quarterbacks; Mike Woicik, strength and conditioning coordinator.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

RB OLB DT DE QB CB FS RB TE

1 2 3 4 4 6 6 6 6

Ezekiel Elliott Jaylon Smith Maliek Collins Charles Tapper Dak Prescott Anthony Brown Kavon Frazier Darius Jackson Rico Gathers

COLLEGE

Ohio State Notre Dame Nebraska Oklahoma Mississippi State Purdue Central Michigan Eastern Michigan Baylor

PICK

4 34 67 101 135 189 212 216 217

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The Cowboys experience a resounding turnaround after last season’s injury-riddled 4-12 debacle, rising to the top of the NFC East in the same dominant fashion they displayed two seasons ago. Marinelli’s defense regains the big-play flair it displayed in 2014, when it ranked second in the league with 31 takeaways.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

What else? Romo goes down for the count, and the Cowboys turn into immediate bottom-feeders for the second straight season without the overmatched Prescott able to effectively replace him. Bryant makes matters worse by continuing to regress, the offense still lacks another badly needed big-play threat and the defense once again makes more headlines for its off-the-field transgressions than its on-the-field production.

NO NAME

POS

56 Akunne, Derek 5 Bailey, Dan 11 Beasley, Cole 60 Brendel, Jake 30 Brown, Anthony 78 Brown, Charles 10 Brown, Chris 88 Bryant, Dez 19 Butler, Brice 39 Carr, Brandon 42 Church, Barry 24 Claiborne, Morris 67 Coe, Rodney 71 Collins, La’el 96 Collins, Maliek 36 Colquhoun, Arjen 58 Crawford, Jack 98 Crawford, Tyrone 25 Dunbar, Lance 85 Eagan, Ed 21 Elliott, Ezekiel 89 Escobar, Gavin 35 Frazier, Kavon 72 Frederick, Travis 68 Free, Doug 52 Gachkar, Andrew 80 Gathers, Rico 79 Green, Chaz 94 Gregory, Randy 84 Hanna, James 48 Harris, Jerrell 49 Hartson, Brandon 38 Heath, Jeff 69 Hedelin, David 59 Hitchens, Anthony 95 Irving, David 34 Jackson, Darius 81 Jones, Andy 31 Jones, Byron 6 Jones, Chris 45 King, Deon 91 LaDouceur, L.P. 90 Lawrence, Demarcus 65 Leary, Ronald 50 Lee, Sean 75 Looney, Joe 75 Mack, Ryan 70 Martin, Zack 16 Mayle, Vince 93 Mayowa, Benson 66 McAdoo, Mike 55 McClain, Rolando 97 McClain, Terrell 20 McFadden, Darren 28 McGee, Brandon 37 McKinnon, Jeremiah 43 Milligan, Rolan 23 Mitchell, Terrance 17 Moore, Kellen 46 Morris, Alfred 64 Neill, Jason 53 Nzeocha, Mark 29 Olatoye, Deji 4 Prescott, Dak 74 Renfrow, Justin 9 Romo, Tony 99 Russell, Ryan 32 Scandrick, Orlando 7 Showers, Jameill 62 Smith, Jared 54 Smith, Jaylon 41 Smith, Keith 45 Smith, Rod 14 Smith, Rodney 77 Smith, Tyron 63 Stiverson, Boston 15 Street, Devin 87 Swaim, Geoff 79 Tapper, Charles 26 Thomas, Josh 75 Thornton, Cedric 63 Walker, Casey 13 Whitehead, Lucky 51 Wilber, Kyle 27 Wilcox, J.J. 2 Wile, Matt 83 Williams, Terrance 57 Wilson, Damien 82 Witten, Jason

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

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

242 195 180 303 192 297 193 220 215 210 218 192 310 321 311 188 288 285 195 192 225 260 217 315 325 224 290 300 245 260 242 238 212 297 235 273 221 214 199 205 220 256 265 320 238 315 300 310 224 240 245 259 302 210 193 190 195 190 200 224 266 239 194 226 310 230 267 196 230 302 245 232 231 220 320 318 200 260 271 185 309 340 180 245 212 223 208 243 263

AGE COLLEGE 22 28 27 23 22 29 22 27 26 29 28 26 22 22 21 23 27 26 26 22 20 25 21 25 32 27 22 24 23 26 26 26 24 25 23 22 22 21 23 26 22 35 24 27 29 25 22 25 24 24 25 26 27 28 25 22 21 23 26 27 23 26 24 22 26 36 24 29 24 26 20 24 24 26 25 23 25 22 23 27 27 26 23 27 25 23 26 22 34

North Texas Oklahoma State Southern Methodist UCLA Purdue USC Notre Dame Oklahoma State San Diego State Grand Valley State Toledo LSU Akron LSU Nebraska Michigan State Penn State Boise State North Texas Northwestern State Ohio State San Diego State Central Michigan Wisconsin Northern Illinois Missouri Baylor Florida Nebraska Oklahoma Alabama Houston Saginaw Valley State Purdue Iowa Iowa State Eastern Michigan Jacksonville (Fla) Connecticut Carson-Newman Norfolk State California Boise State Memphis Penn State Wake Forest Memphis Notre Dame Washington State Idaho North Carolina Alabama South Florida Arkansas Miami (Fla.) Florida International Toledo Oregon Boise State Florida Atlantic Texas-San Antonio Wyoming North Carolina A&T Mississippi St. Miami (Fla.) Eastern Illinois Purdue Boise State Texas-El Paso New Hampshire Notre Dame San Jose State Ohio State Florida State USC Kansas State Pittsburgh Texas Oklahoma Buffalo Southern Arkansas Oklahoma Florida Atlantic Wake Forest Georgia Southern Michigan Baylor Minnesota Tennessee

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2 Giants NEW YORK

8-8

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DE Olivier Vernon, CB Janoris Jenkins, DT Damon Harrison, LB Keenan Robinson, FB Will Johnson, RB Bobby Rainey. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Prince Amukamara, DE Robert Ayers, LB Jon Beason, DT Cullen Jenkins, WR Rueben Randle.

2ND PLACE IN NFC EAST

PRESIDENT & CEO John K. Mara, Esq. SR. VP & GENERAL MANAGER Jerry Reese HEAD COACH Ben McAdoo OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Mike Sullivan DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Steve Spagnuolo STADIUM MetLife Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 82,566 | FieldTurf By

PAUL SCHWARTZ @ NYPost_Schwartz

OFFENSE Ben McAdoo was named head coach, replacing Tom Coughlin, mainly because in two years as offensive coordinator he helped rejuvenate Eli Manning and his scheme was productive enough to deserve better than a 12-20 record. McAdoo as a play-caller is daring but he has not shown a consistent ability to establish a running game. He has not yet decided if as a rookie head coach he will call plays or else hand off that responsibility to newly promoted coordinator Mike Sullivan, who has called plays in the NFL with the Buccaneers in 2012 and 2013. The Giants in 2015 finished eighth in offense but were only 19th in rushing offense. McAdoo’s version of the West Coast offensive system calls for the ball quickly escaping the quarterback’s hand, setting up plenty of yards after the catch. The Giants did not thrive in that department, with no game-breakers other than Odell Beckham Jr.

Once again, Eli Manning displayed durability that borders on remarkable, as he started all 16 games and every week lined up and stayed on the field, never having to miss a single snap. He amassed a career-high 35 touchdown passes and, again under McAdoo’s tutelage – kept his interceptions down, with a manageable 14. He was in full command of the offense in year No. 2 operating McAdoo’s system and had to survive despite a shaky ground game that offered little in the way of support or balance. Manning also commands great respect inside the locker room, but he is not a vocal leader and at times did not seem to get through to younger teammates. His inability to pick up first downs on scrambles or sneaks makes him exclusively an in-the-pocket threat, although he does have solid instincts when it comes to getting rid of the ball to avoid hits. In reserve, no one really knows what to make of Ryan Nassib, Manning’s unused backup for three years, which means his playing time is reserved for the preseason.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 6-10

u QUARTERBACKS

A-

u RUNNING BACKS This was strictly a by-committee approach until late in the season, when Rashad Jennings was finally handed the ball on a regular basis, and he responded with 81, 107, 74 and 170 rushing yards in his last four games. Before that late flurry, there was all sorts of struggle and confusion in the running game as four players were juggled in and out of the lineup. Shane Vereen in his first year with the Giants finished second on the team with 59 receptions, which was fewer than expected, and he was barely used (61 carries) running from scrimmage. Andre Williams has muscles to spare but endured a bad second NFL season, averaging only 2.9 yards per attempt. Orleans Darkwa (4.3yard average) showed a few flashes. Former Buccaneer Bobby Rainey was

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

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signed to add some speed to a group that lacks it and big-play ability. Paul Perkins (UCLA) as a fifth-round pick could serve a role, especially as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, and will likely push one of the holdovers off the roster.

u RECEIVERS The wondrous Odell Beckham Jr. stayed healthy in his sophomore season and showed he cannot be handled in single coverage. There was no legitimate second option and thus opposing defenses swung their coverage at Beckham. He was hurt by occasional bouts of immature or reckless play, unable to deal with all the extra attention and trash talk that goes with it from opponents. What should not be ignored is his intense desire to win. The Giants hope Victor Cruz, after missing the last 26 games with a torn patella tendon in 2014 and the entire 2015 season with a confounding calf injury, can return and approach his past form. Cruz was a lethal target in the slot but he’s coming off knee and calf surgeries and no one knows how much of a toll the wear and tear has taken. The Giants were thrilled WR Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma) was on the board in the second round; they believe he is a younger version of Cruz and will be able to contribute immediately lining up in the slot and also on the outside. In reserve, there’s Dwayne Harris, a special teams ace but scares no one. At tight end, there are youngsters Will Tye and Larry Donnell, who missed the last eight games with a neck issue. Sixth-round pick Jerell Adams (South Carolina) has speed but is more advanced as a blocking tight end, a skill-set in short supply on the roster. The signing of Will Johnson adds a blocking presence, but there is no real experience at tight end on the roster.

GRADE

PREDICTION

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Three-fifths of the line is set and the Giants believe they have their left side covered with young, talented starters. Center Weston Richburg in his second NFL season – his first at center – emerged

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Eli Manning

Olivier Vernon

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT C Weston Richburg DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DT Johnathan Hankins POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH MLB: Keenan Robinson vs. Jasper Brinkley

2016 SCHEDULE

Odell Beckham, Jr.

DEFENSE

Nothing went right for the Giants on defense in 2015, as they were historically bad on many levels. They finished 32nd – dead last – in total defense in the NFL, allowing a league-worst 298.9 passing yards per game. They were only slightly better, 24th in the league,

at 121.4 yards per game, against the run. A defense once renowned for its passrush excellence was dreadful, at times embarrassingly so, with only 23 sacks all season. It was not the way coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wanted to return to the Giants after his great success in 2007 and 2008. Spagnuolo prefers to get pressure with a four-man defensive line and mix in blitzes accordingly, but he could not generate much of a pass rush with his linemen and did not have any linebackers adept at blitzing.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN A quick-strike free agency barrage delivered DE Olivier Vernon from the Dolphins and Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison from the Jets. It was a much-needed infusion of talent. Vernon is a complete end who will improve the pass rush and, the Giants hope, attract enough double-teams to help others along the line. Harrison is a two-down tackle who should anchor the run defense and fit nicely with Johnathan Hankins, coming off

GRADE

as a budding star and is a fixture. Ereck Flowers, the 2015 first-round pick, was projected to begin his career at right tackle but he started 15 games at left tackle, where his massive size was an asset but his lack of refined technique was not. His toughness added nastiness to the line. Justin Pugh moved around but has found a home at left guard, where his ability to get out and pull is welcomed. The right side of the line is in flux. There is a need for a right tackle, as Marshall Newhouse, the starter in 2015, is considered more of a swing tackle on the scene for depth. At right guard, veteran John Jerry is an option, as is second-year Bobby Hart and newly-signed Ryan Seymour.

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 14 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Jan. 1

at Dallas 4:25 p.m. New Orleans 1:00 p.m. Washington 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota 8:30 p.m. at Green Bay 8:30 p.m. Baltimore 1:00 p.m. at Los Angeles (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. BYE Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati 8:30 p.m. Chicago 1:00 p.m. at Cleveland 1:00 p.m. at Pittsburgh 4:25 p.m. Dallas 8:30 p.m. Detroit 1:00 p.m. at Philadelphia 8:25 p.m. at Washington 1:00 p.m.

TIME

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Dallas L 26-27 Sept. 20 Atlanta L 20-24 Sept. 24 Washington W 32-21 Oct. 4 at Buffalo W 24-10 Oct. 11 San Francisco W 30-27 Oct. 19 at Philadelphia L 7-27 Oct. 25 Dallas W 27-20 Nov. 1 at New Orleans L 49-52 Nov. 8 at Tampa Bay W 32-18 Nov. 15 New England L 26-27 Nov. 29 at Washington L 14-20 Dec. 6 NY Jets *L 20-23 Dec. 14 at Miami W 31-24 Dec. 20 Carolina L 35-38 Dec. 27 at Minnesota L 17-49 Jan. 3 Philadelphia L 30-35 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS ELI MANNING

SHANE VEREEN

ANDRE WILLIAMS

ODELL BECKHAM JR.

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ DAL WK 2 ATL WK 3 WAS WK 4 @ BUF WK 5 SF WK 6 @ PHI WK 7 DAL WK 8 @ NO WK 9 @ TB WK 10 NE WK 12 @ WAS WK 13 NYJ WK 14 @ MIA WK 15 CAR WK 16 @ MIN WK 17 PHI SEASON TOTALS u

36 20 189 0 0 70.3 40 27 292 2 0 105.4 32 23 279 2 0 119.1 35 20 212 3 1 91.6 54 41 441 3 1 110.2 38 24 189 1 2 62.3 24 13 170 0 0 76.7 41 30 350 6 0 138.2 40 26 213 2 2 74.3 44 24 361 2 0 96.9 51 26 321 2 3 59.4 34 18 297 1 1 80.1 31 27 337 4 0 151.5 46 29 245 4 1 96.7 29 15 234 1 3 50.7 43 24 302 2 0 93.4 618 387 4,432 35 14 93.6

13 52 9 12 11 32 9 38 11 46 13 63 5 19 10 54 13 48 11 39 6 14 5 14 22 81 16 107 14 74 27 170 195 863

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

3 14 6 19 6 23 5 21 5 24 4 0 4 56 2 3 6 14 4 14 2 15 4 13 1 0 4 29 1 3 4 12 61 260

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

6 14 6 43 14 29 11 35 3 0 5 6 4 13 5 7 7 30 2 2 2 1 6 22 3 3 6 21 3 5 5 26 88 257

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

8 5 44 0 12 7 146 1 9 7 79 1 12 5 38 0 11 7 121 1 8 7 61 1 6 4 35 0 9 8 130 3 17 9 105 0 12 4 104 1 18 9 142 1 11 6 149 1 9 7 166 2 9 6 76 1 Suspended 7 5 54 0 158 96 1,450 13

SHANE VEREEN

RUEBEN RANDLE

WILL TYE

DWAYNE HARRIS

LARRY DONNELL

RASHAD JENNINGS

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 8 IND WK 9 @ SEA WK 10 SF WK 12 DAL WK 13 @ JAX WK 14 @ TEN WK 15 WAS WK 16 @ STL WK 17 PHI SEASON TOTALS u

5 4 45 0 8 8 76 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 86 1 4 1 6 0 3 1 6 0 9 8 60 1 4 4 29 1 4 2 12 0 5 4 21 0 3 2 7 0 2 1 10 0 10 8 43 1 5 2 21 0 8 6 72 0 81 59 494 4

5 3 23 0 2 1 5 0 7 7 116 1 6 3 31 1 6 5 42 0 6 5 44 0 5 2 68 0 9 5 55 0 5 5 40 1 4 3 51 0 6 1 36 1 6 2 22 0 6 5 58 1 5 4 47 1 5 2 80 1 7 4 79 1 90 57 797 8

Practice squad Practice squad Practice squad 1 0 0 0 4 4 48 0 3 2 22 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 7 0 6 2 19 0 7 5 56 0 8 6 74 0 4 3 70 0 5 5 30 1 8 5 43 1 4 3 28 0 8 5 67 1 62 42 464 3

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 5 51 1 8 6 72 0 4 2 18 0 2 2 43 0 7 3 37 2 3 1 1 0 9 6 82 1 5 2 28 0 2 1 8 0 5 5 41 0 3 2 9 0 2 1 6 0 Inactive 57 36 396 4

4 3 21 0 6 4 28 1 6 3 32 0 7 5 38 0 7 6 35 1 5 3 29 0 5 4 18 0 1 1 22 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 41 29 223 2

1 0 0 0 2 2 12 0 3 3 25 0 2 2 54 1 4 4 21 0 3 3 20 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 31 0 1 1 -1 0 3 2 12 0 3 2 14 0 2 1 19 0 2 2 21 0 3 1 0 0 3 2 62 0 5 2 6 0 40 29 296 1

Where have all the great Giants linebacker of yesteryear gone? Lawrence Taylor might be able to crack this lineup and LT is 57 years old. Things went awry in 2015 when Jon Beason went down (again) and Devon Kennard missed seven games with an assortment of leg injuries. Beason is retired and the Giants hope Kennard shows the promise he did as a rookie and sheds his nagging physical issues. Former Washington LB Keenan Robinson was signed and he will be given a shot at middle linebacker. Jasper Brinkley was re-signed after doing a decent job in the middle last season. J.T. Thomas, Jonathan Casillas, Mark Herzlich and Uani ‘Unga

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Injuries, inexperience and lackluster talent combined to produce the league’s worst-rated pass defense in 2015. The major free agent import is CB Janoris Jenkins, who was given a mammoth contract to move into the starting lineup, replacing Prince Amukamara, a former first-round pick the Giants did not have much interest in retaining. Jenkins figures to make more big plays than Amukamara but he arrives with a high-risk, high-reward reputation. Firstround pick Eli Apple from Ohio State is a gifted cover corner who needs work on his ball skills and will have to learn how to play in the slot, as there is not an outside starting spot open for him. Dominique RodgersCromartie has great talent but is often slowed by nagging ailments that hurt his

B-

104 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

consistency. S Landon Collins started all 16 games but he played out of position at free safety, where his deficiency in coverage skills was readily apparent. He will be better-suited this season at strong safety. Third-round pick Darian Thompson is a ball-hawk (19 INTs at Boise State) who should compete for the starting free safety job. The Giants are counting on Nat Berhe, Bennett Jackson or Mykkele Thompson, young players coming off injuries that kept them out in 2015, to fill the free safety role.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Dwayne Harris, signed from the Cowboys, had an immediate and prolonged impact, leading the Giants in kickoff returns (28.7 yards) and punt returns (10.0 yards) and providing strong play on coverage units. Josh Brown was nearly perfect in his field goal accuracy, hitting 30-of-32 and finishing fifth in the league with 134 points. Brad Wing in his first year as the Giants’ punter did not show an overwhelmingly strong leg but he did put 33 punts down inside the 20.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

are more suited to backup roles, but they all started at various points last season. Fourth-round pick B.J. Goodson (Clemson) is a middle linebacker prospect who could push some of the veterans at some point this season.

GRADE

a torn pectoral injury. The re-signing of Jason Pierre-Paul to a one-year deal after his horrific July 4th fireworks accident is a make-good situation. JPP must show his permanently damaged right hand is not a great hindrance as he attempts to regain the form that made him a Pro Bowler.

GRADE

RASHAD JENNINGS

B+

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART WR 13 BECKHAM JR. WR 87 SHEPARD* OLT 74 FLOWERS OLG 67 PUGH C 70 RICHBURG ORG 77 JERRY ORT 73 NEWHOUSE TE 84 DONNELL QB 10 MANNING RB 23 JENNINGS WR 80 CRUZ

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

NO NAME

POS

17 Harris 18 Davis 69 Jones 62 Seymour 64 McDermott 62 Seymour 68 Hart 45 Tye 12 Nassib 34 Vereen 19 White

MLB S TE CB DE WR S WR LB DT K LB T S RB WR S WR QB RB WR CB LS TE OG T WR G LB DT WR NT G LB DT CB S DB CB RB G FB C LB WR TE DT WR TE QB DE WR C DB DT QB T DT K DE DE LS RB DE WR G RB OL ILB CB OT DE OG WR MLB OT S LB FS S TE RB DE DB WR FB RB DE P DE

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

233 28 202 23 247 23 199 20 251 24 198 23 194 24 193 24 255 30 306 23 202 37 227 28 324 26 225 22 207 21 204 29 214 22 220 27 222 26 215 24 217 24 158 249 31 265 27 303 25 329 22 193 25 305 27 242 22 320 24 202 28 350 27 334 21 246 28 350 25 186 192 24 191 23 198 27 231 31 340 29 240 27 318 24 251 24 200 25 261 23 343 196 249 22 218 35 265 25 191 22 305 24 190 25 295 223 26 328 27 331 24 177 23 270 24 265 252 24 208 21 278 27 220 22 301 25 212 28 298 24 238 26 193 30 320 24 261 305 26 194 22 249 28 318 27 228 26 236 27 213 22 193 23 262 24 205 27 275 25 190 26 190 26 250 24 230 23 253 23 205 25 264 25

15 King 65 Rodgers 61 Farrell 68 Hart 75 Stingily 89 Adams* 2 Kinne 39 Perkins

DEFENSE

DLE 54 VERNON DLT 98 HARRISON DRT 95 HANKINS DRE 90 PIERRE-PAUL SLB 59 KENNARD MLB 57 ROBINSON WLB 55 THOMAS LCB 20 JENKINS RCB 41 RODGERS-CROMARTIE SS 21 COLLINS FS 29 BERHE

58 Odighizuwa 71 Maponga 92 Nix III 79 Hughes 96 Bromley 79 Hughes 72 Wynn 66 Bars 94 Herzlich 53 Brinkley 93 Goodson* 52 Casillas 91 Sheppard 31 Wade 37 McFadden 28 Apple* 25 Jacobs 30 Taylor 22 M. Thompson 27 D. Thompson* 24 Jackson

SPECIALISTS

P 9 WING PK 3 BROWN H 9 WING PR 17 HARRIS KR 17 HARRIS LS 51 DeOSSIE

5 Obarski 13 Beckham Jr. 26 Darkwa 48 Ott * Rookie

44 Williams

COACHING STAFF Frank Cignetti Jr., quarterbacks; Joe Danos, performance manager; Kevin M. Gilbride, tight ends; Patrick Graham, defensive line; Adam Henry, wide receivers; Craig Johnson, running backs; Rob Leonard, defensive assistant; Ben McAdoo, head coach; Bill McGovern, linebackers; Dave Merritt, secondary/safeties; Markus Paul, assistant strength and conditioning; Tom Quinn, special teams coordinator; Ryan Roeder, offensive assistant; Mike Solari, offensive line; Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator; Dwayne Stukes, assistant special teams; Mike Sullivan, offensive coordinator; Tim Walton, secondary/cornerbacks; Aaron Wellman, strength and conditioning; Jeff Zgonina, assistant defensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 2 3 4 5 6

Eli Apple Sterling Shepard Darian Thompson B.J. Goodson Paul Perkins Jerell Adams

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB WR FS ILB RB TE

Ohio State Oklahoma Boise State Clemson UCLA South Carolina

10 40 71 109 149 184

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

After three consecutive losing seasons and four years without a playoff berth, the Giants return to the postseason by finishing first in the weak NFC East, finding their way to a 10-6 record. All the money spent upgrading a shabby defense helps vault the Giants into the middle of the pack, which is enough to augment an offense that relies on Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. to once again put up plenty of points.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Ben McAdoo’s first season as head coach derails when the free agent spending spree fails to turn the defense into anything resembling a dominant unit. The lack of firepower on offense whenever Odell Beckham Jr. does not have the ball and a running game that lacks any explosiveness puts too much of a burden on Eli Manning, again. The league’s most injury-riddled team in 2013, 2014 and 2015 again is compromised, revealing a serious lack of depth.

47 ‘Unga, Uani 33 Adams , Andrew 89 Adams, Jerell 28 Apple, Eli 66 Bars, Brad 13 Beckham Jr, Odell 29 Berhe, Nat 6 Boone, Kadron 53 Brinkley, Jasper 96 Bromley, Jay 3 Brown, Josh 52 Casillas, Jonathan 63 Cleary, Emmett 21 Collins, Landon 35 Coprich, Marshaun 80 Cruz, Victor 36 Currie, Justin 8 Dablé, Anthony 15 Daniels, B.J. 26 Darkwa, Orleans 18 Davis, Geremy 38 Deayon, Donte 51 DeOssie, Zak 84 Donnell, Larry 61 Farrell, Dillon 74 Flowers, Ereck 9 Foster, Donte 60 Gettis, Adam 93 Goodson, B.J. 95 Hankins, Johnathan 17 Harris, Dwayne 98 Harrison, Damon 68 Hart, Bobby 94 Herzlich, Mark 79 Hughes, Montori 39 Hunter, Michael 24 Jackson, Bennett 25 Jacobs, Tramain 20 Jenkins, Janoris 23 Jennings, Rashad 77 Jerry, John 46 Johnson, Will 69 Jones, Brett 59 Kennard, Devon 15 King, Tavarres 81 LaCosse, Matt 76 Lewis, Melvin 82 Lewis, Roger 88 Malleck, Ryan 10 Manning, Eli 71 Maponga, Stansly 2 Maye, K.J. 64 McDermott, Shane 37 McFadden, Leon 64 Milhouse, Greg 12 Nassib, Ryan 73 Newhouse, Marshall 97 Nix, Louis 5 Obarski, Tom 58 Odighizuwa, Owa 78 Okwara, Romeo 48 Ott, Tyler 39 Perkins, Paul 90 Pierre-Paul, Jason 86 Powe, Darius 67 Pugh, Justin 33 Rainey, Bobby 70 Richburg, Weston 57 Robinson, Keenan 41 Rodgers-Cromartie, Dominique 65 Rodgers, Jake 99 Rose, Mike 62 Seymour, Ryan 87 Shepard, Sterling 91 Sheppard, Kelvin 75 Stingily, Byron 30 Taylor, Cooper 55 Thomas, J.T. 27 Thompson, Darian 22 Thompson, Mykkele 45 Tye, Will 34 Vereen, Shane 54 Vernon, Olivier 31 Wade, Trevin 19 White, Myles 49 Whitlock, Nikita 44 Williams, Andre 83 Williams, Ishaq 9 Wing, Brad 72 Wynn, Kerry

AGE COLLEGE Brigham Young Connecticut South Carolina Ohio State Penn State LSU San Diego State LSU South Carolina Syracuse 1Nebraska Wisconsin Boston College Alabama Illinois State Massachusetts Western Michigan South Florida Tulane Connecticut Boise State Brown Grambling New Mexico Miami (Fla.) Ohio Iowa Clemson Ohio State East Carolina William Penn Florida State Boston College Tennessee-Martin Oklahoma State Notre Dame Texas A&M North Alabama Liberty Mississippi West Virginia Regina (Canada) USC Georgia Illinois Kentucky Bowling Green Virginia Tech Mississippi Texas Christian Minnesota Miami (Fla.) San Diego State Campbell Syracuse Texas Christian Notre Dame Concordia-St. Paul UCLA Notre Dame Harvard UCLA South Florida California Syracuse Western Kentucky Colorado State Texas Tennessee State Eastern Washington NC State Vanderbilt Oklahoma LSU Louisville Richmond West Virginia Boise State Texas Stony Brook California Miami (Fla.) Arizona Louisiana Tech Wake Forest Boston College Notre Dame LSU Richmond

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

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NFC

EAST

3 Washington KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

PREDICTION

CB Josh Norman, TE Vernon Davis, DE Kendall Reyes, SS David Bruton, LB Terrance Garvin.

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES DE Jason Hatcher, FS Dashon Goldson, RB Alfred Morris, QB Robert Griffin III, NT Terrance Knighton.

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 By

BRIAN McNALLY @ bmcnally14

OFFENSE Washington seeks balance in 2016. Hoping to have a run-first identity last year, the coaching staff abandoned ship when it became clear that the best chance to win was for quarterback Kirk Cousins to get the ball to his playmakers. Cousins set a franchise record for passing yards (4,166), but Washington ranked 29th in rushing yards per play (3.65). Cousins has plenty of options. DeSean Jackson is a premier deep threat, Pierre Garcon a reliable presence, and long and athletic first-rounder Josh Doctson’s the future. Jamison Crowder had a fine rookie season as a slot receiver, and Jordan Reed is among the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the game – Washington’s best offensive player. A key now is finding a partner at running back for Matt Jones, who showed flashes during his rookie year but is not yet a full No. 1. Chris Thompson returns

It was a tale of two seasons for Cousins, who overtook Robert Griffin III during training camp and was named the starting quarterback by coach Jay Gruden. After an up-and-down first six weeks, he took off and rewarded that faith. Over the last 11 games, including the playoff loss to Green Bay, Cousins threw 24 touchdowns to three interceptions. Is that sustainable? It doesn’t necessarily have to be. Washington wants to build a roster that Cousins doesn’t have to carry by himself. But unless a long-term contract is negotiated by July 15, Cousins will play 2016 under the franchise tag ($19.95 million). Griffin is gone now, but Colt McCoy returns as the primary backup. Strong-armed rookie Nate Sudfeld’s arrival provides Gruden a young, developmental passer.

B+

u RUNNING BACKS Alfred Morris departed in free agency to Dallas after four years, so for now, Matt Jones is the guy. Washington added seventh-rounder Keith Marshall in the draft and could still acquire a veteran backup. Jones had 144 carries as a rookie. There were games where he was clearly the featured back. He also caught 19 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown and was excellent in pass protection. There was plenty to like. But Jones also lost four fumbles, averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and missed three games. He’s not yet ready to be a true No. 1. Chris Thompson had three runs over 20 yards and was Washington’s fourthleading receiver (35 catches). The key for him, as always, is staying healthy. Marshall was slowed by knee injuries at Georgia but brings speed to the backfield after pacing all Combine participants in the 40-yard dash (4.31).

C+

u RECEIVERS Lots of options for Cousins, but his

106 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

tight end was the most reliable. Reed stayed relatively healthy, playing 14 games, and was a matchup nightmare for safeties and linebackers. He caught 87 passes for 952 yards and 11 touchdowns. That more than made up for the absence of Jackson, who pulled his hamstring in the first quarter of the first game. His return coincided roughly with Cousins’ ascension. Jackson still caught 30 passes – 10 of those for over 20 yards, four of them for over 40 and four for touchdowns. His speed still gives opposing corners nightmares. Garcon has dropped from his 2013 level, when he had 113 catches. But he’s still a formidable presence with 68 and 72 receptions the past two seasons, respevtively. Garcon caught six touchdown passes. Only one rookie receiver – Oakland’s Amari Cooper – had more catches than Crowder (59). With Jackson and Garcon both free agents at the end of the season, Washington spent its first pick (22nd overall) on Doctson, an elite deep-ball tracker with sticky hands. His slight frame (202 pounds) and limited route tree might be issues early in his development, but Doctson looks like an ideal replacement for Garcon.

GRADE

OWNER Daniel Snyder

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

2015 RECORD 9-7

after a breakthrough year as the thirddown back.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

A-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Injuries hurt this unit last year. Center Kory Lichtensteiger missed 11 games, and left guard Shawn Lauvao was lost for the season in Week Three. Lauvao had surgery to repair torn ankle ligaments and then another procedure on his foot. His health bears watching. Four-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams is the anchor of this group. Few tackles have better feet. Williams played at a lighter weight in 2015 and it benefited him. The right side is young. But Brandon Scherff, the No. 5 pick in last year’s draft, was a plug-and-play starter at right guard and more than held his own as a rookie. Morgan Moses had penalty issues at right tackle. It remains to be seen if

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC EAST

B-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Kirk Cousins

Ryan Kerrigan

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Matt Jones DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT LB Will Compton POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: David Bruton vs. Duke Ihenacho

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 19 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Pittsburgh 7:10 p.m. Dallas 1:00 p.m. at N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m. Cleveland 1:00 p.m. at Baltimore 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. at Detroit 1:00 p.m. at Cincinnati (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. BYE Minnesota 1:00 p.m. Green Bay 8:30 p.m. at Dallas 4:30 p.m. at Arizona 4:25 p.m. at Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. Carolina 8:30 p.m. at Chicago 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Ryan Kerrigan he’s a long-term solution there.

at outside linebacker?

DEFENSE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

DATE

The most stable group on the team in 2015 featured some turnover in the offseason. That’s to be expected when you rank 31st in rushing yards allowed per play (4.83). Defensive end Jason Hatcher was cut and nose tackle Terrance Knighton and defensive end Frank Kearse both left via free agency to New England. Chris Baker led this group with six sacks last season. Washington would like to see more from Stephen Paea. Ricky Jean Francois proved a versatile role player, the kind of reasonably cheap free agent GM Scot McCloughan loves. This year’s version? Defensive end Kendall Reyes, who was a key role player in San Diego. Rookie Matt Ioannidis, who played all

GRADE

The late addition of cornerback Josh Norman is a game changer. No one expected one of the game’s top corners to hit the open market, but Carolina rescinded the franchise tag it had tendered Norman, and suddenly in late April, he was free. Washington struck quickly. In two days, it had Norman under contract. He had four interceptions last year, two for touchdowns, and gives his new team someone to match up with division rivals Odell Beckham Jr. and Dez Bryant. A better effort against the run is necessary, and there have been some changes on the defensive line. But the key for all of this is the pass rush. Will Junior Galette return from a torn Achilles tendon and give Washington a legitimate threat opposite Ryan Kerrigan

TIME

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

OPPONENT

Miami St. Louis @ NY Giants Philadelphia @ Atlanta @ NY Jets Tampa Bay @ New England New Orleans @ Carolina NY Giants Dallas @ Chicago Buffalo @ Philadelphia @ Dallas

RESULT

L 10-17 W 24-10 L 21-32 W 23-20 *L 19-25 L 20-34 W 31-30 L 10-27 W 47-14 L 16-44 W 20-14 L 16-16 W 24-21 W 35-25 W 38-24 W 34-23

POSTSEASON Jan. 10 Green Bay L 18-35 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 107

NFC

EAST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS KIRK COUSINS

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 MIA WK 2 STL WK 3 @ NYG WK 4 PHI WK 5 @ ATL WK 6 @ NYJ WK 7 TB WK 9 @ NE WK 10 NO WK 11 @ CAR WK 12 NYG WK 13 DAL WK 14 @ CHI WK 15 BUF WK 16 @ PHI WK 17 @ DAL SEASON TOTALS u

31 21 196 1 2 68.8 27 23 203 1 0 110.3 49 30 316 1 2 69.8 46 31 290 1 0 91.8 32 21 219 1 2 69.7 43 25 196 1 2 57.9 40 33 317 3 0 124.7 40 22 217 1 1 68.4 25 20 324 4 0 158.3 30 22 207 1 1 89.2 29 20 302 1 0 114.4 31 22 219 1 0 101.4 31 24 300 1 1 104.2 28 22 319 4 0 153.7 46 31 365 4 0 120.3 15 12 176 3 0 155.1 543 379 4,166 29 11 101.6

25 18 6 17 8 11 6 4 15 2 23 6 11 14 17 19 202

PIERRE GARÇON

JAMISON CROWDER

121 59 19 62 15 21 5 10 92 0 78 12 24 84 49 100 751

MATT JONES

RUSHING ATT YDS

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

6 28 19 123 11 38 7 11 11 20 Inactive 9 29 11 27 11 56 5 0 8 19 18 49 18 62 10 28 Inactive Inactive 144 490

CHRIS THOMPSON

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

DeSEAN JACKSON

RUSHING ATT YDS

3 11 0 0 2 29 6 53 3 15 5 12 Inactive 0 0 2 54 4 10 2 7 1 6 Inactive Inactive 0 0 7 19 35 216

0 0 0 0 0 0

JORDAN REED

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 0

11 7 63 1 6 6 82 0 9 6 96 0 8 5 37 0 Inactive Inactive 13 11 72 2 7 3 18 1 4 3 29 2 8 6 46 0 9 8 98 0 8 3 33 0 9 9 120 1 7 7 84 2 11 9 129 2 4 4 45 0 114 87 952 11

0 0 0 0 0

RYAN GRANT

MATT JONES

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 MIA WK 2 STL WK 3 @ NYG WK 4 PHI WK 5 @ ATL WK 6 @ NYJ WK 7 TB WK 9 @ NE WK 10 NO WK 11 @ CAR WK 12 NYG WK 13 DAL WK 14 @ CHI WK 15 BUF WK 16 @ PHI WK 17 @ DAL SEASON TOTALS u

8 6 74 0 7 6 23 1 12 5 64 0 8 7 55 1 8 3 51 0 8 5 28 1 6 5 55 0 8 4 70 0 2 2 10 0 4 3 43 0 6 3 35 0 7 5 54 0 7 5 52 0 4 3 34 1 12 7 80 1 4 3 49 1 111 72 777 6

1 1 0 0 1 1 7 0 6 6 45 0 12 7 65 0 8 8 87 0 9 4 40 0 5 5 48 0 8 6 50 0 5 4 60 1 1 1 5 0 4 2 12 0 4 3 29 0 1 1 13 0 3 3 21 0 3 2 13 0 7 5 109 1 78 59 604 2

1 0 0 0 1 1 10 0 11 8 57 1 3 2 24 0 7 6 33 0 10 6 26 0 Inactive 4 2 21 0 1 1 23 0 4 3 7 0 1 1 9 0 4 4 18 0 Inactive Inactive 1 1 12 1 0 0 0 0 48 35 240 2

1 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 6 3 15 0 5 2 44 0 8 5 87 1 4 2 66 1 7 6 80 1 4 2 43 0 8 6 153 1 6 4 40 0 Active, did not play 49 30 528 4

2 1 15 0 6 3 45 0 5 2 9 0 7 5 45 0 4 1 4 0 4 2 22 0 3 3 54 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 19 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 13 0 3 1 24 0 4 3 18 1 42 23 268 2

0 0 0 0 3 3 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 17 0 Inactive 4 3 22 0 3 2 17 0 3 3 131 1 2 2 12 0 1 1 45 0 1 1 5 0 3 2 24 0 3 1 8 0 Inactive Inactive 25 19 304 1

Kerrigan shook off a slow start after offseason knee surgery and again finished with double-digit sacks. He is always in contention to make a Pro Bowl. Galette had 22 sacks over two years with New Orleans. If he returns from that Achilles tear, Washington’s pass rush will be much more dangerous – especially if Preston Smith builds on his eight-sack rookie season. Second-round USC product Su’a Cravens is the latest in a line of hybrid safetylinebacker types, modeling his game after Cardinals budding star Deone Buccanon. Indeed, the productive and athletic Cravens offers fellow USC alum Joe Barry unique flexibility and will start out as a dime linebacker. Inside, there are question marks. Can Will Compton handle a full-time starting role? Mason Foster, added off the waiver

C+

Hall will transition there full-time in 2016. David Bruton and Duke Ihenacho will compete at strong safety. Kyshoen Jarrett was a valuable player as a rookie safety who helped at corner, too, but lingering nerve damage in his right shoulder leaves his health in question. Washington needs long-term answers at safety.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS

SPECIAL TEAMS

Norman was as good an addition as Washington could hope for at a position of need. His arrival triggered Chris Culliver’s release after just one season. Bashaud Breeland is solid entering his third season. Norman’s presence also means veterans like Will Blackmon, a candidate to move to safety, and Greg Toler can be used in reserve roles. Rookie Kendall Fuller is slightly undersized and coming off microfracture surgery, but he brings strong ball skills (eight career picks), sure tackling and impressive bloodlines. Quinton Dunbar showed promise as a rookie after converting from wide receiver. Safety remains a big question mark. DeAngelo

108 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

McCloughan made it a priority when he took over to improve special teams. He drafts in rounds four through seven with special teams in mind. Washington targeted free agents Terrance Garvin and David Bruton because both have been excellent special-teams players in their career. The team found a better balance between field-goal accuracy and kickoffs with Dustin Hopkins last season. Punter Tress Way shook off a slow start to finish strong. Even though Washington had two kickoff returns for touchdowns last season, Crowder had limited impact as a punt returner despite success in that role in college.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

wire in September, filled in nicely for Perry Riley in December, making Riley vulnerable to becoming a salary-cap casualty. Depth is in question at inside linebacker, though, and seventh-rounder Steven Daniels, a physical run-stuffer with speed limitations, will try and catch on as a reserve and special-teamer.

GRADE

over the line at Temple and boasts the size and strength McCloughan covets, should contribute against the run, where Washington has to get better.

GRADE

ALFRED MORRIS

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 88 GARCON WR 11 JACKSON OLT 71 WILLIAMS OLG 77 LAUVAO C 78 LICHTENSTEIGER ORG 75 SCHERFF ORT 76 MOSES TE 86 REED QB 8 COUSINS RB 31 JONES TE 84 PAUL

80 Crowder 12 Roberts 18 Doctson* 60 Booth 61 Long 74 Kouandjio 67 LeRibeus 62 Reiter 69 Cofield 79 Nsekhe 82 Paulsen 16 McCoy 2 Sudfeld* 25 Thompson 39 Marshall* 89 Carrier

DLE 92 BAKER NT 64 GOLSTON DRE 97 REYES SLB 58 GALETTE MLB 51 COMPTON MLB 56 PERRY WLB 91 KERRIGAN LCB 26 BREELAND RCB 24 NORMAN SS 29 IHENACHO FS 23 HALL

90 Paea 98 Ioannidis* 63 Powe 99 Jean-Francois 93 Murphy 54 Foster 36 Cravens* 50 Spaight 53 Daniels* 94 Smith 52 Garvin 47 Dunbar 38 Fuller* 20 Toler 41 Blackmon 30 Bruton 34 Jarrett

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 5 WAY PK 3 HOPKINS H 5 WAY PR 80 CROWDER 19 Ross KR 19 ROSS 25 Thompson LS 57 SUNDBERG * Rookie COACHING STAFF Robb Akey, defensive line; Bradford Banta, assistant special teams; Joe Barry, defensive coordinator; Bill Callahan, offensive line; Kevin Carberry, assistant offensive line; Matt Cavanaugh, quarterbacks; Mike Clark, head strength and conditioning; Perry Fewell, defensive backs; Chad Grimm, defensive quality control; Jay Gruden, head coach; Ike Hilliard, wide receivers; Randy Jordan, running backs; Ben Kotwica, special teams coordinator; Greg Manusky, outside linebackers; Sean McVay, offensive coordinator; Bret Munsey, special projects/special teams assistant; Kirk Olivadotti, linebackers; Wes Phillips, tight ends; Aubrey Pleasant, defensive quality control; Shane Waldron, offensive quality control.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

WR OLB CB DT QB OLB RB

TCU Southern California Virginia Tech Temple Indiana Boston College Georgia

22 53 84 152 187 232 242

1 2 3 5 6 7 7

Josh Doctson Su’a Cravens Kendall Fuller Matt Ioannidis Nate Sudfeld Steven Daniels Keith Marshall

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Another NFC East title and a playoff win could be in the cards for Washington. The Giants and Eagles both fired their coaches, and Dallas won four games in 2015. Any of them could improve, but Washington will be the early NFC East favorite, especially after adding Norman. Cousins proves last year was no fluke. Reed stays healthy and has another monster year, and the organization finds a complement to Jones at running back as the offense rolls.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

A difficult schedule featuring four division winners proves Washington was a paper tiger that took advantage of weak opponents at home. That won’t happen again. Green Bay, Carolina, Minnesota and Pittsburgh all visit FedEx Field. Cousins regresses, leaving the organization again looking for a QB solution. Instead of building on last season, Washington drops back to last place in a division with parity.

POS

92 Baker, Chris DL 96 Bates, Houston LB 41 Blackmon, Will CB 60 Booth, Cody OL Bowen, Kevin T 26 Breeland, Bashaud CB 34 Brown, Mack RB 30 Bruton Jr., David S 89 Carrier, Derek TE Carrington, Lloyd CB 69 Cofield, Takoby T 51 Compton, Will LB Cooper, Michael TE 8 Cousins, Kirk QB 36 Cravens, Su’a S 95 Crawford, Corey DE 80 Crowder, Jamison WR 53 Daniels, Steven LB Davis, Shiro LB 85 Davis, Vernon TE Diggs, Reggie WR 18 Doctson, Josh WR 47 Dunbar, Quinton CB Ederaine, Ejiro LB 22 Everett, Deshazor CB 59 Fields, Carlos LB 54 Foster, Mason LB 38 Fuller, Kendall CB 58 Galette, Junior LB 52 Garvin, Terence LB 88 Garçon, Pierre WR Gayle, James DE 64 Golston, Kedric DE Gore, Joe T 14 Grant, Ryan WR 23 Hall, DeAngelo DB 37 Harris, Jeremy CB Harris, Maurice WR 55 Hayward, Adam LB 73 Hood, Ziggy DL 3 Hopkins, Dustin K 29 Ihenacho, Duke S 98 Ioannidis, Matt DT 11 Jackson, DeSean WR Jackson, Dominick G 34 Jarrett, Kyshoen DB 99 Jean Francois, Ricky DE 46 Jefferson, Willie LB 83 Jensen, Marcel TE 31 Jones, Matt RB Kelley, Robert RB Kerridge, Joe FB 91 Kerrigan, Ryan LB 74 Kouandjio, Arie G Lanier, Anthony DE 77 Lauvao, Shawn G 67 LeRibeus, Josh C/G 78 Lichtensteiger, Kory C 61 Long, Spencer G 39 Marshall, Keith RB Matias-Smith, Geno S 16 McCoy, Colt QB 76 Moses, Morgan T 93 Murphy, Trent LB 24 Norman, Josh CB Northrup, Reggie LB 79 Nsekhe, Ty T 90 Paea, Stephen DE 84 Paul, Niles TE 82 Paulsen, Logan TE 35 Phillips, Dashaun CB 63 Powe, Jerrell NT 86 Reed, Jordan TE 62 Reiter, Austin C 97 Reyes, Kendall DE 56 Riley Jr., Perry LB 12 Roberts, Andre WR 19 Ross, Rashad WR 75 Scherff, Brandon G/T Showers, Valdez WR 94 Smith, Preston LB 50 Spaight, Martrell LB 2 Sudfeld, Nate QB 57 Sundberg, Nick LS 25 Thompson, Chris RB 20 Toler, Greg CB 48 Trail, Lynden LB 5 Way, Tress P 71 Williams, Trent T Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner 32 Redd Jr., Silas RB

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

325 28 250 25 204 31 292 25 330 197 24 214 24 217 28 241 25 190 310 24 230 26 257 202 27 226 20 299 24 185 22 243 23 256 250 32 200 202 23 201 23 234 193 24 238 25 241 27 187 21 258 28 222 25 216 29 259 25 318 32 300 193 25 198 32 185 25 195 240 31 300 29 193 25 207 26 299 22 178 29 315 200 23 297 29 241 25 270 26 231 23 220 249 260 27 310 24 265 315 28 315 26 296 31 311 25 219 22 196 215 29 318 25 258 25 195 28 231 325 30 300 27 241 26 261 29 182 25 331 29 237 25 296 24 300 26 238 28 187 28 181 26 319 24 193 271 23 236 22 234 22 254 28 193 25 190 31 269 25 215 26 337 27

AGE COLLEGE Hampton Louisiana Tech Boston College Temple East Central (Okla.) Clemson Florida Notre Dame Beloit Arizona State Duke Nebraska Indiana Michigan State USC Clemson Duke Boston College Texas Maryland Richmond TCU Florida Fresno State Texas A&M Winston-Salem State Washington Virginia Tech Stillman West Virginia Mount Union Virginia Tech Georgia Clemson Tulane Virginia Tech New Mexico State California Portland State Missouri Florida State San Jose State Temple California Alabama Virginia Tech LSU Stephen F. Austin Fresno State Florida Tulane Michigan Purdue Alabama Alabama A&M Arizona State SMU Bowling Green State Nebraska Georgia Alabama Texas Virginia Stanford Coastal Carolina Florida State Texas State Oregon State Nebraska UCLA Tarleton State Mississippi Florida South Florida Connecticut LSU The Citadel Arizona State Iowa Florida Mississippi State Arkansas Indiana California Florida State St. Paul’s (VA) Norfolk State Oklahoma Oklahoma

5-10

200

USC

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EAST

4 Eagles PHILADELPHIA

PREDICTION

6-10

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES

ILB Kiko Alonso, CB E.J. Biggers, WR Riley Cooper, CB Byron Maxwell, RB DeMarco Murray, LB DeMeco Ryans, QB Mark Sanchez.

EXEC. VP, FOOTBALL OPERATIONS Howie Roseman HEAD COACH Doug Pederson OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Frank Reich DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jim Schwartz STADIUM Lincoln Financial Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 69,176 | DD GrassMaster By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

u RUNNING BACKS After trading the disappointing DeMarco Murray, the Eagles are hoping Ryan Mathews can hold up as the undisputed lead back. Matthews is one of the league’s most explosive players. But he was hindered much of last season by a groin injury and a concussion and has been able to play an entire season only once in his career. Mathews also has fumbling issues. Veteran Darren Sproles remains a dynamic threat both rushing and receiving with his superb vision and rare acceleration. Third-year pro Kenjon Barner had his moments in limited snaps. Like Sproles, fifth-round rookie Wendell Smallwood is a strong receiver out of the backfield.

Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense will be replaced by a hybrid West Coast attack under new head coach Doug Pederson, the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator the past three seasons. Kansas City’s offense never ranked higher than 21st under Pederson. But the rushing attack was consistently strong under his direction, ranking first in the league in TD runs (54), third in yards per carry (4.6) and seventh in rushing yards (6,018) the last three seasons. Major improvement is a must for an offensive line that regressed significantly last season and a passing game in dire need of more deep threats.

GRADE

OFFENSE

B-

u QUARTERBACKS

u RECEIVERS

Despite trading up in the first round of the draft to select strong-armed North Dakota State signal caller Carson Wentz with the second overall pick, the Eagles kept reiterating at press time that Sam Bradford would remain the starting quarterback. But a clearly unhappy

Jordan Matthews is the best of a very ordinary lot at wide receiver. Among Eagles players in their first two seasons, Matthews ranks first in receptions (152), second in yards (1,869) and second in touchdowns (16). But he seems bettersuited as a quality No. 2 possession

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specialist than a No. 1 home-run hitter. Behind Matthews, both Nelson Agholor and Josh Huff have been big disappointments. They could be pushed hard by newcomers Rueben Randle, who was a respectable No. 2 behind Odell Beckham Jr. with the Giants, and speedy Chris Givens, who played with Bradford in St. Louis. The forecast at tight end is a lot more promising with Zach Ertz and Brent Celek combining forces. Ertz could be on the cusp of a Tyler Eifert-type breakthrough after dominating at times down the stretch last season, but dropped passes remain a big concern. Known more for his protection skills, Celek actually was a better receiver than blocker last season, averaging an impressive 14.7 ypc while not dropping a single pass.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN & CEO Jeffrey Lurie

GRADE

2015 RECORD 7-9

Bradford kept demanding a trade, setting the stage for a potentially contentious situation under center this summer. After a slow start, Bradford showed steady improvement in his first season in Philadelphia, setting single-season team records with 346 completions and a 65.0 completion percentage, which is also a career high. But Bradford threw multiple interceptions in a third of his starts (19-14 TD-interception ratio) and still struggled with his accuracy and ball placement on too many occasions. Chase Daniel, who capably backed up Alex Smith in Kansas City under Pederson, replaces Mark Sanchez as Bradford’s main backup. Ideally, Wentz will be kept under wraps under the watchful eye of Pederson, who has compared his top draft pick to Hall of Famer Brett Favre in terms of his “aggression” and “ability to throw the ball down the field.”

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Jason Peters remains an elite left tackle with freakish footwork and athleticism. But he is starting to wear down after being plagued by chronic back issues and a high-ankle sprain last season. It won’t be long before he is likely replaced by ORT Lane Johnson, who drew strong overall reviews last season but must greatly improve his discipline after being called for too many penalties, mostly resulting from pre-snap issues. C Jason Kelce struggles at times with his pass-blocking, but that’s never been the case with his run-blocking, which is as good as it gets at his position. Free-agent addition Brandon Brooks (Texans), a quality pass-blocker with great technique, provides a major upgrade at right guard. A wide-open battle is brewing at left guard, where Stefen Wisniewski, who played center the last four seasons in Oakland and Jacksonville, is taking on versatile third-round rookie Isaac Seumalo and so-so holdovers Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin, among others. Seumalo is a hard worker who started at four of the five spots on Oregon State’s O-line. Huge fifth-round rookie

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC EAST

TEAM PROFILE

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

OLB Nigel Bradham, OG Brandon Brooks, CB Ron Brooks, QB Chase Daniel, WR Chris Givens, CB Leodis McKelvin, FS Rodney McLeod, WR Rueben Randle, C Stefen Wisniewski.

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Ryan Mathews

Fletcher Cox

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Zach Ertz DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT MLB Jordan Hicks POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OLG: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 28 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Jan. 1

Cleveland at Chicago Pittsburgh BYE at Detroit at Washington Minnesota at Dallas at N.Y. Giants Atlanta at Seattle Green Bay at Cincinnati Washington at Baltimore N.Y. Giants Dallas

DEFENSE A dramatic schematic change is also underway on defense, with the Eagles switching from a two-gap 3-4 with a conservative front to an attacking 4-3 that depends heavily on pressure from the front four under new coordinator Jim Schwartz, whose Bills unit two seasons ago ranked fourth in both points and yards allowed while registering a league-high 54 sacks. The facelift is understandable considering the problems former coordinator Billy Davis’ unit had both against the run and pass last season. In addition to ranking last in the league in rushing defense, the Eagles surrendered a franchise-high 36 TD passes. The team

wasted no time making major defensive personnel moves this offseason, almost immediately trading away starters CB Byron Maxwell and ILB Kiko Alonso to Miami while signing free agents FS Rodney McLeod, LB Nigel Bradham and CBs Leodis McKelvin and Ron Brooks, the latter three having all played under Schwartz in Buffalo.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN While his numbers might not be as imposing after leading last season’s 3-4 defense with 9½ sacks and tying for third with 71 tackles, Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox figures to be just as dynamic moving inside to the pivotal three-technique position in Schwartz’s 4-3. Cox will be operating alongside undersized over achiever Bennie Logan, who should be freed up to make more plays as a pass

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

2015 RESULTS

Fletcher Cox Halapoulivatti Vaitai (6-6, 315) adds depth behind the aging Peters.

TIME

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

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 14 at Atlanta L 24-26 Sept. 20 Dallas L 10-20 Sept. 27 at NY Jets W 24-17 Oct. 4 at Washington L 20-23 Oct. 11 New Orleans W 39-17 Oct. 19 NY Giants W 27-7 Oct. 25 at Carolina L 16-27 Nov. 8 at Dallas *W 33-27 Nov. 15 Miami L 19-20 Nov. 22 Tampa Bay L 17-45 Nov. 26 at Detroit L 14-45 Dec. 6 at New England W 35-28 Dec. 13 Buffalo W 23-20 Dec. 20 Arizona L 17-40 Dec. 26 Washington L 24-38 Jan. 3 at NY Giants W 35-30 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS SAM BRADFORD

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ ATL WK 2 DAL WK 3 @ NYJ WK 4 @ WAS WK 5 NO WK 6 NYG WK 7 @ CAR WK 9 @ DAL WK 10 MIA WK 11 TB WK 12 @ DET WK 13 @ NE WK 14 BUF WK 15 AZ WK 16 WAS WK 17 @ NYG SEASON TOTALS u

52 36 336 1 2 77.1 37 23 224 1 2 65.6 28 14 118 1 0 73.2 28 15 270 3 0 122.6 45 32 333 2 2 88.5 38 24 280 1 3 61.3 46 26 205 0 1 58.7 36 25 295 1 0 103.4 25 19 236 1 0 118.1 Inactive Inactive 24 14 120 2 0 99.3 38 23 247 1 1 77.4 41 28 361 2 2 91.6 56 37 380 1 0 91.4 38 30 320 2 1 108.3 532 346 3,725 19 14 86.4

8 9 13 2 Inactive 8 36 20 83 21 112 18 65 18 83 22 61 13 64 14 30 8 24 11 34 2 3 5 27 12 69 193 702

JORDAN MATTHEWS

ZACH ERTZ

RYAN MATHEWS

1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6

DARREN SPROLES

RUSHING ATT YDS

3 4 1 0 24 108 5 20 8 73 9 40 6 97 11 67 7 18 Inactive Inactive Inactive 13 38 11 58 4 5 4 11 106 539

DARREN SPROLES

1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1

0 0 1 0 6

NELSON AGHOLOR

KENJON BARNER

RUSHING ATT YDS

5 50 1 -4 11 17 4 17 5 27 2 4 3 9 5 23 3 0 6 21 2 4 15 66 7 41 6 9 5 9 3 24 83 317

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

Inactive Did not play 0 0 0 0 Inactive Did not play Did not play 0 0 Inactive 7 37 7 30 9 39 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 18 28 124

BRENT CELEK

0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

JOSH HUFF

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 @ ATL WK 2 DAL WK 3 @ NYJ WK 4 @ WAS WK 5 NO WK 6 NYG WK 7 @ CAR WK 9 @ DAL WK 10 MIA WK 11 TB WK 12 @ DET WK 13 @ NE WK 14 BUF WK 15 AZ WK 16 WAS WK 17 @ NYG SEASON TOTALS u

13 10 102 0 9 6 80 1 8 6 49 0 8 3 50 0 7 5 44 0 11 6 59 0 7 3 14 0 12 9 133 1 5 3 21 0 4 4 13 0 5 3 60 1 6 3 36 1 5 3 19 0 11 8 159 1 8 6 104 1 9 7 54 2 128 85 997 8

8 3 46 0 7 3 17 0 2 2 30 0 3 2 11 0 7 5 60 0 7 4 43 0 8 5 63 0 6 5 44 0 10 7 68 0 4 2 12 0 Inactive 4 2 9 1 7 5 98 0 13 8 78 1 17 13 122 0 9 9 152 0 112 75 853 2

9 7 76 0 4 4 23 0 6 4 19 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 10 0 2 1 3 0 10 5 31 0 3 2 3 0 6 5 34 0 7 3 38 1 6 4 21 0 6 4 34 0 3 2 4 0 4 3 16 0 9 7 56 0 3 3 20 0 83 55 388 1

2 1 5 0 6 3 31 0 4 0 0 0 4 3 64 0 1 1 5 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 3 32 0 4 3 11 0 2 2 15 0 2 0 0 0 6 3 62 1 1 0 0 0 5 2 35 0 3 2 23 0 44 23 283 1

1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 1 3 3 44 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 11 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 134 0 10 7 79 0 4 2 10 1 1 1 16 0 2 1 1 0 2 2 31 0 1 1 18 0 2 2 38 0 35 27 398 3

3 2 19 0 3 2 20 0 Inactive 0 0 0 0 5 4 78 1 3 3 19 0 5 2 5 0 4 2 10 0 4 3 23 1 1 1 39 1 1 1 11 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 28 0 4 4 52 0 2 1 8 0 2 0 0 0 40 27 312 3

u LINEBACKERS Jordan Hicks was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, displaying an instant bigplay flair with a non-stop motor and exceptional athleticism before tearing his left pectoral tendon not long after returning an interception 67 yards for a TD vs. Dallas in Week Nine. Hicks’ future at middle linebacker in the new 4-3 couldn’t be brighter, provided he can stay healthy. Mychal Kendricks moves to the weak side after regressing at right inside linebacker in last year’s 3-4.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS The forecast is more promising at safety, where McLeod and holdover Malcolm Jenkins shape up as one of the league’s better starting duos, than cornerback, where holdovers Nolan Carroll and Eric Rowe could have a hard time holding back McKelvin, Brooks and sophomore JaCorey Shepherd. Shepherd showed promise in training camp last year before tearing his ACL. A starter in every game for the Rams the past three seasons, McLeod offers solid coverage sideline to sideline and has become a quality tackler. Jenkins also excels in the run game, but he struggles at

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GRADE

C+

times matched up against more athletic tight ends and running backs. Before breaking his ankle on Thanksgiving Day, Carroll did a decent job after beating out Rowe for a starting role. But he’s nothing special. Rowe was a lot better after getting a second shot as a starter replacing the injured Carroll in December. Sixth-round rookie Blake Countess adds depth at cornerback. Versatile seventh-round rookie Jalen Mills adds depth at safety.

C+

SPECIAL TEAMS Cody Parkey, who was limited to three games due to a groin injury after an excellent rookie campaign, figures to have a leg up on the starting PK job over Caleb Sturgis, a serviceable replacement last season. Leftfooted Donnie Jones is a topgrade directional punter. While Sproles is widely considered the league’s top punt returner after leading the league in punt-return yards (446) and TDs (two) last season, KR Josh Huff was mediocre at best.

GRADE

B+

Coming off a rock-solid 2014 campaign, Kendricks suffered too many coverage breakdowns last season, but he remains a strong pass-rusher. On the strong side, Schwartz can only hope Bradham regains the steadily disruptive form he displayed with the Bills in 2014, when he registered 104 tackles and seven pass breakups. Former Buccaneer Najee Goode and seventh-round rookie Joe Walker add depth inside.

GRADE

rusher after very effectively filling more of a read-and-react role at nose tackle in the old system. On the edges, the natural pass-rush skills of veterans Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry are all considered much better-suited for a 4-3. Whether that’s also the case for converted DE Marcus Smith, who has been a major firstround bust up to now, remains to be seen. Free-agent addition Mike Martin (Titans) and seventh-round rookie Alex McCalister add depth at tackle and end, respectively.

GRADE

DeMARCO MURRAY

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

B+

NFC

EAST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 81 MATTHEWS WR 17 AGHOLOR OLT 71 PETERS OLG 61 WISNIEWSKI C 62 KELCE ORG 79 B. BROOKS ORT 65 JOHNSON TE 87 CELEK QB 7 BRADFORD RB 24 MATHEWS RB 43 SPROLES

82 Randle 13 Huff 66 Gardner 73 Semualo* 61 Wisniewski 64 Tobin 67 Kelly 86 Ertz 10 Daniel 34 Barner 28 Smallwood*

DRE 55 GRAHAM DRT 91 COX DLT 96 LOGAN DLE 98 BARWIN SLB 53 BRADHAM MLB 58 HICKS WLB 95 KENDRICKS LCB 32 ROWE RCB 22 CARROLL S 23 McLEOD S 27 JENKINS

56 Braman 94 Allen 93 Martin 75 Curry 50 Hepburn 52 Goode 54 Skinner 21 McKelvin 33 R. Brooks 42 Maragos 30 Reynolds

11 Givens 18 Krause 72 Vaitai* 76 Barbre 68 Andrews 69 Boyko 47 Burton 11 Wentz* 34 Barner

DEFENSE

51 Means 97 Hart 90 Smith 59 Walker* 26 Watkins 36 Shepherd 31 Mills* 28 Couplin

SPECIALISTS

P 8 D. JONES PK 1 PARKEY H 8 D. JONES PR 43 SPROLES KR 13 HUFF LS 46 DORENBOS

6 Sturgis 34 Barner 34 Barner * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Eugene Chung, assistant offensive line/tight ends/run game; Phillip Daniels, defensive quality control/ assistant defensive line; John DeFilippo, quarterbacks; Joe D’Orazio, offensive quality control/ assistant wide receivers; Dave Fipp, special-teams coordinator; Ken Flajole, linebackers; Tim Hauck, safeties; Greg Lewis, wide receivers; Keith Gray, assistant strength and conditioning; Matthew Harper, assistant special teams; Josh Hingst, strength and conditioning; Shaun Huls, director of sports science and reconditioning; Justin Peelle, tight ends; Doug Pederson, head coach; Frank Reich, offensive coordinator; Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator; Duce Staley, running backs; Jeff Stoutland, offensive line; Press Taylor, offensive quality control/assistant quarterbacks; Cory Undlin, defensive backs; Dino Vasso, defensive quality control/assistant secondary; Chris Wilson, defensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

QB OG RB OT CB CB DE ILB

North Dakota State 2 Oregon State 79 West Virginia 153 TCU 164 Auburn 196 LSU 233 Florida 240 Oregon 251

1 3 5 5 6 7 7 7

Carson Wentz Isaac Seumalo Wendell Smallwood Halapoulivaati Vaitai Blake Countess Jalen Mills Alex McCalister Joe Walker

PICK

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

After Kelly totally wore out his welcome with many of his players, the communication under Pederson could not be better. Bradford benefits from Pederson’s tutelage the same way Alex Smith did in Kansas City, and the passing game very successfully spreads its wings. As for the new defense, Cox is a beast up front, Hicks excels in the middle and the secondary goes from being second-rate to stellar. To nobody’s surprise, the Eagles fly to the highest spot in the NFC East.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

For the second straight year, the Eagles’ aggressive offseason moves produce a lot more downs than ups. Once again, the passing game lacks pop, the O-line fizzles, and the defense regularly breaks down in both passing and rushing situations. The Philly boo-birds go out of their way to express their displeasure with the front office and Pederson, while Kelly leads the Niners to an unexpected playoff berth.

NO NAME

POS

17 Agholor, Nelson 94 Allen, Beau 68 Andrews, Josh 76 Barbre, Allen 34 Barner, Kenjon 98 Barwin, Connor 4 Bethel-Thompson, McLeod 69 Boyko, Brett 7 Bradford, Sam 53 Bradham, Nigel 56 Braman, Bryan 79 Brooks, Brandon 33 Brooks, Ron 74 Bunche, Malcolm 47 Burton, Trey 22 Carroll, Nolan 87 Celek, Brent 29 Countess, Blake 91 Cox, Fletcher 75 Curry, Vinny 10 Daniel, Chase 48 DePalma, John 46 Dorenbos, Jon 86 Ertz, Zach 41 Evans, Randall 66 Gardner, Andrew 49 Gause, Quentin 19 Givens, Chris 52 Goode, Najee 83 Gordon, Dillon 55 Graham, Brandon 16 Graham, T.J. 78 Greene, Darrell 38 Grymes, Aaron 97 Hart, Taylor 58 Hicks, Jordan 13 Huff, Josh 27 Jenkins, Malcolm 63 Johnson, Bruce 65 Johnson, Lane 84 Johnson, Marcus 77 Jones, Barrett 88 Jones, Cayleb 8 Jones, Donnie 62 Kelce, Jason 67 Kelly, Dennis 95 Kendricks, Mychal 18 Krause, Jonathan 96 Logan, Bennie 57 Long, Travis 42 Maragos, Chris 39 Marshall, Byron 93 Martin, Mike 24 Mathews, Ryan 81 Matthews, Jordan 50 McCalister, Alex 21 McKelvin, Leodis 23 McLeod, Rodney 51 Means, Steven 31 Mills, Jalen 35 O’Neal, Cedric 85 Pantale, Chris 1 Parkey, Cody 71 Peters, Jason 9 Quigley, Ryan 82 Randle, Rueben 30 Reynolds, Ed 35 Rice, Denzel 32 Rowe, Eric 89 Rush, Xavier 73 Seumalo, Isaac 14 Sharp, Hunter 36 Shepherd, JaCorey 61 Shittu, Aziz 54 Skinner, Deontae 28 Smallwood, Wendell 37 Smith, C.J. 90 Smith, Marcus 43 Sproles, Darren 6 Sturgis, Caleb 45 Tavarres, Myke 64 Tobin, Matt 80 Turner, Paul 77 Vaeao, Destiny 72 Vaitai, Halapoulivaati 59 Walker, Joe 26 Watkins, Jaylen 11 Wentz, Carson 61 Wisniewski, Stefen 74 Wujciak, Connor

WR DT C/G G/T RB DE QB T QB LB DE G CB G TE CB TE S DT DE QB LS LS TE DB T/G LB WR LB TE DE WR G CB DT LB WR S C T WR C/G WR P C G/T LB WR DT DE S RB DE RB WR DE CB S DE S RB TE K T P WR S CB CB WR G WR CB DT LB RB CB DE RB K LB G/T WR DT T LB CB QB G/C DT

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

198 327 311 310 195 264 236 301 224 241 241 335 190 320 235 205 255 184 300 279 225 251 250 250 195 308 243 203 244 322 265 188 321 185 281 236 206 204 302 317 204 308 209 221 295 321 240 190 315 255 200 201 298 220 212 239 185 195 263 196 215 254 193 328 188 208 207 196 205 202 303 198 199 288 250 208 189 251 190 192 230 290 193 299 315 236 194 232 305 291

AGE COLLEGE 22 24 24 31 27 29 27 23 28 26 29 26 27 24 24 29 31 22 25 27 29 22 35 25 24 30 23 26 26 22 28 26 23 25 25 23 24 28 23 26 21 25 23 35 28 26 25 24 26 24 29 22 25 28 23 22 30 25 25 22 22 26 24 34 26 25 24 23 23 23 22 22 23 21 25 22 23 24 32 26 23 25 23 22 22 23 24 23 27 23

USC Wisconsin Oregon State Missouri Southern State Oregon Cincinnati Sacramento State UNLV Oklahoma Florida State West Texas A&M Miami (Ohio) LSU UCLA Florida Maryland Cincinnati Auburn Mississippi State Marshall Missouri West Virginia UTEP Stanford Kansas State Georgia Tech Rutgers Wake Forest West Virginia LSU Michigan North Carolina State San Diego State Idaho Oregon Texas Oregon Ohio State Maine Oklahoma Texas Alabama Arizona LSU Cincinnati Purdue California Vanderbilt LSU Washington State Wisconsin Oregon Michigan Fresno State Vanderbilt Florida Troy Virginia Buffalo LSU Valdosta State Boston College Auburn Arkansas Boston College LSU Stanford Coastal Carolina Utah Tulane Oregon State Utah State Kansas Stanford Mississippi State West Virginia North Dakota State Louisville Kansas State Florida Incarnate Word Iowa Louisiana Tech Washington State TCU Oregon Florida North Dakota State Penn State Boston College

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NORTH

1 Packers GREEN BAY

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS TE Jared Cook, OLB Lerentee McCray.

11-5

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR James Jones, OLB Mike Neal, ILB Nate Palmer, NT B.J. Raji, QB Scott Tolzien.

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 By

ARTHUR ARKUSH @ ArthurArkush

OFFENSE Was 2015, the offense’s most incon sistent and least productive season since Aaron Rodgers’ first as the starter, an aberration? Rodgers’ best and most trusted target, Jordy Nelson, returns from an ACL tear that crippled the passing game. Coach Mike McCarthy again enters the season calling plays after relinquishing them and staff restructuring affected symmetry and development. Plus, the O-line returns five healthy starters after an injuryravaged year. Eddie Lacy seems rededicated in a contract year, and Jared Cook upgrades the TE spot. McCarthy still deploys a West Coast spread assault predicated on balance and rhythm. Will harmony return on what’s usually an elite offense under Rodgers-McCarthy?

u QUARTERBACKS In his worst full season since debuting as the starter, Rodgers, 32, tossed 31

A-

u RUNNING BACKS Lacy’s size went from being a plus to a problem. His weight hovered above 250, contributing to a pair of benchings and McCarthy stating in January, “He cannot play at the weight he was.” The extra pounds diminished Lacy’s fleet feet, extra gear and stamina, qualities that, when he’s right, make him one of the game’s elite backs. Lacy attacked his weight problem vigorously in the offseason, but remaining consistent and focused off the field is key to his second contract. Slashing James Starks, 30, returns on a two-year deal after outperforming Lacy. An upright, one-cut runner, Starks has good speed, strength and improving receiving skills, but he fumbled four times in December. With stalwart John Kuhn unsigned at press time, Aaron Ripkowski could get his first shot at fullback.

u RECEIVERS Nelson’s injury eliminated the one receiver who could consistently separate from man coverage and get on top of defenses. The 31-year-old boasts sure hands, surer routes and the sizespeed ratio the unit lacked. His absence magnified slot WR Randall Cobb’s

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inability to thrive while being the focal point. Cobb led the team in drops (14) and wasn’t as dynamic (10.5 yards per catch), though his versatility is maximized with McCarthy calling plays. A high ankle sprain stunted Davante Adams’ growth, and poor hands and route running and average speed made him highly undependable. Ty Montgomery flashed big-play and triple-threat promise early before an ankle injury requiring surgery ended his rookie campaign abruptly. Jared Abbrederis is tough, technically sound and seized his slot opportunity late in 2015, but injuries are a serious concern. Unrefined but explosive cult hero Jeff Janis (24.8 YPC, 2 TDs) hasn’t had chances because of his poor route running. Rookie burner Trevor Davis will fight for reps. Sure-handed TE Richard Rodgers’ production improved, and he made some clutch plays, but he provides zero threat downfield and after the catch. Enter free-agent signee Jared Cook. He’s big, extremely athletic and became the rare Packers veteran newcomer to add that YAC dimension.

GRADE

PRESIDENT/CEO Mark Murphy

GRADE

2015 RECORD 10-6

touchdowns and eight interceptions – superb by most QB standards. The two-time MVP still made plays only he can make, like a pair of epic Hail Mary throws that illustrate his blue-chip arm talent, escapability and killer instinct. But Rodgers has never been more inaccurate or less poised in the pocket than in 2015, and while it’s fair to point to Nelson’s absence and a depleted O-line that surrendered 46 sacks, it’s equally fair to say Rodgers didn’t elevate his teammates. Rodgers underwent a knee scope shortly after the season, but he said in February it “feels great.” Smart and athletic, Brett Hundley’s sensational rookie preseason helped elevate him to backup.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Only LG Josh Sitton started every game en route to his third Pro Bowl in the past four seasons. Sitton is smart, agile and outstanding in pass pro. RG T.J. Lang has become more aware, harnessing his emotions better, but his run blocking fell short of his usual excellence. C Corey Linsley, in his second season as the starter in 2015, regressed. He’s smallish but compensates with strength, agility and determination. LT David Bakhtiari is fluid and light on his feet. He needs more discipline (team-high 10 penalties) but has the necessary want-to and keeps improving. Rookie Jason Spriggs, an explosive athlete with superior length and strength to Bakhtiari, provides much better insurance than Don Barclay. Bakhtiari, Sitton and Lang are all in contract years.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC NORTH

B+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Aaron Rodgers

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Ty Montgomery DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT ILB Blake Martinez POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH No. 3 WR: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE

Aaron Rodgers

DEFENSE Dom Capers’ ‘D’ often catalyzed Green Bay en route to its sixth consecutive postseason berth. An athletic front spearheaded by DT Mike Daniels finished sixth versus the pass and fifth in sack percentage but 21st defending the run, albeit stouter in the postseason. The aggressive Capers oversees a base “30” front and still loves blitzing and operating frequently from sub packages. Clay Matthews is headed back outside after a selfless one-and-a-half year trial in the middle, and Julius Peppers is still a load at age 36. Arguably the unit’s greatest strength is the secondary, where speedy

Sam Shields, versatile Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and heady Morgan Burnett’s leadership supplement promising young CBs Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins. Daniels (5 sacks, 7 TFLs) parlayed his best season into a four-year, $42 million extension in December. At 6-0 and barely 300 pounds, he uses brute strength, surprising quickness and outstanding leverage and determination to disrupt the backfield. Active Letroy Guion wasn’t as good in his second season with Green Bay, but finished with a flourish. Thick and competitive rookie NT Kenny Clark replaces B.J. Raji, who took a “playing hiatus.” Clark can dominate single blockers and uses instincts and a bull rush to penetrate. Mike Pennel made huge strides in Year Two, but he’ll miss the first four games (PED suspension). Datone Jones has the athleticism to play on his feet – and made his biggest contributions at OLB late – but has underachieved. Towering

OPPONENT

at Jacksonville at Minnesota Detroit BYE N.Y. Giants Dallas Chicago at Atlanta Indianapolis at Tennessee at Washington at Philadelphia Houston Seattle at Chicago Minnesota at Detroit

TIME

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

2015 RESULTS DATE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

GRADE

Big and strong RT Bryan Bulaga has yet to start 16 games after a contract extension last offseason preceded ankle and knee issues. Versatile backup J.C. Tretter was a marked improvement over Barclay while filling in on both edges. Green Bay likes scrappy interior swing guy Lane Taylor. An athletic and natural bender, OT Kyle Murphy could be a sixthround steal.

DATE

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 20 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 28 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Chicago W 31-23 Sept. 20 Seattle W 27-17 Sept. 28 Kansas City W 38-28 Oct. 4 at San Francisco W 17-3 Oct. 11 St. Louis W 24-10 Oct. 18 San Diego W 27-20 Nov. 1 at Denver L 10-29 Nov. 8 at Carolina L 29-37 Nov. 15 Detroit L 16-18 Nov. 22 at Minnesota W 30-13 Nov. 26 Chicago L 13-17 Dec. 3 at Detroit W 27-23 Dec. 13 Dallas W 28-7 Dec. 20 at Oakland W 30-20 Dec. 27 at Arizona L 8-38 Jan. 3 Minnesota L 13-20 POSTSEASON Jan. 10 @ Washington W 35-18 Jan. 16 @ Arizona *L 20-26 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS AARON RODGERS

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ CHI WK 2 SEA WK 3 KC WK 4 @ SF WK 5 STL WK 6 SD WK 8 @ DEN WK 9 @ CAR WK 10 DET WK 11 @ MIN WK 12 CHI WK 13 @ DET WK 14 DAL WK 15 @ OAK WK 16 @ AZ WK 17 MIN SEASON TOTALS u

23 18 189 3 0 140.5 33 25 249 2 0 116.9 35 24 333 5 0 138.5 32 22 224 1 0 99.0 30 19 241 2 2 82.8 29 16 255 2 0 107.7 22 14 77 0 0 69.7 48 25 369 4 1 96.6 61 35 333 2 0 83.6 34 16 212 2 0 86.9 43 22 202 1 1 62.4 36 24 273 2 1 96.2 35 22 218 2 0 99.5 39 22 204 1 1 68.8 28 15 151 1 1 66.2 44 28 291 1 1 80.8 572 347 3,821 31 8 92.7

19 85 3 9 10 46 18 90 13 27 4 3 11 38 5 10 Inactive 22 100 17 105 5 4 24 124 11 23 12 60 13 34 187 758

RICHARD ROGERS

DAVANTE ADAMS

JAMES STARKS

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

JAMES JONES

AARON RODGERS

RANDALL COBB

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

2 2 20 95 17 32 9 28 5 17 10 112 5 9 10 39 15 42 8 14 7 39 9 15 11 71 9 51 3 11 8 24 148 601

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

8 35 6 23 2 16 3 33 8 39 2 14 2 31 4 22 2 8 3 6 4 33 4 27 3 27 1 -1 3 19 3 12 58 344

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

5 5 38 1 11 8 116 0 12 7 91 3 8 5 44 0 6 3 23 0 5 2 38 0 9 6 27 0 12 4 99 1 10 5 53 0 9 2 24 1 7 6 74 0 5 4 29 0 12 8 81 0 7 5 40 0 3 3 15 0 8 6 37 0 129 79 829 6

JAMES STARKS

EDDIE LACY

TY MONTGOMERY

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ CHI WK 2 SEA WK 3 KC WK 4 @ SF WK 5 STL WK 6 SD WK 8 @ DEN WK 9 @ CAR WK 10 DET WK 11 @ MIN WK 12 CHI WK 13 @ DET WK 14 DAL WK 15 @ OAK WK 16 @ AZ WK 17 MIN SEASON TOTALS u

3 3 27 0 4 3 23 1 4 2 15 0 6 5 45 1 8 6 45 0 5 2 34 0 4 2 16 0 9 5 19 2 5 5 32 1 5 3 7 0 7 4 30 0 8 8 146 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 7 0 3 1 2 0 8 7 59 1 85 58 510 8

8 4 59 0 5 5 33 0 2 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 1 8 0 11 7 93 0 21 10 79 0 4 3 36 0 11 2 14 0 7 4 21 1 3 2 12 0 8 5 32 0 6 3 42 0 6 4 54 0 94 50 483 1

4 4 51 2 3 1 29 1 8 7 139 1 6 5 98 0 3 2 77 1 5 2 30 1 2 1 2 0 6 2 57 0 2 0 0 0 11 6 109 1 6 0 0 0 3 1 19 0 7 4 49 0 9 6 82 1 11 5 46 0 13 4 102 0 99 50 890 8

0 0 0 0 4 4 11 0 1 1 19 0 2 2 11 0 6 3 29 0 2 1 5 1 2 2 9 0 8 6 83 1 7 6 54 0 1 1 30 0 5 4 41 0 7 5 45 0 4 4 32 1 1 1 5 0 0 0 0 3 3 18 0 53 43 392 3

3 2 14 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 41 0 3 1 3 0 1 1 8 0 2 2 17 0 2 1 9 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive 2 1 6 0 5 4 34 1 1 1 -3 0 1 1 24 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 28 1 2 2 7 0 28 20 188 2

0 0 0 0 4 4 37 0 2 2 14 1 6 3 15 0 5 4 59 1 2 2 11 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve 19 15 136 2

Matthews’ move should extend his career and amp up his pass rush. One of the game’s most fearless and energetic defenders, he had eight sacks and 14 TFLs (including playoffs). Matthews missed too many tackles and coverage assignments, however, struggling late in the season. Peppers’ impact plays diminished in his second season with the club, but he still pestered QBs (11.5 sacks 19 hurries) with unique speed, length and bend. Nick Perry, a powerful edge-setter and improving rusher with durability concerns, returns on a new deal after a strong finish. Jake Ryan and rookie Blake Martinez are penciled in as the young starting ILB tandem. Ryan struggled in coverage as a rookie but is ultra tough and always around the ball. Martinez, like Ryan, isn’t overly fast but he’s instinctive, polished and showed awareness and ball skills at Stanford that could spur second-level coverage strides.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Shields shined when healthy, as he was beat infrequently and utilized his strong jam and easy transition skills to thrive in press coverage, offering Capers flexibility. But he missed fiveplus games (concussion, shoulder) and some interceptions. Casey Hayward wasn’t re-signed; the future is bright with Randall, Rollins and 2015 UDFA Ladarius Gunter. Randall quickly replaced Hayward as a bigger, faster starter with a team-high four INTs and 16 PDs. Randall must improve his tackling and assignment understanding; not following Larry Fitzgerald across the field in overtime of the divisional round buried the Packers. Rollins is smaller than Randall but also a stronger tackler and better inside. He played

B+

116 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

tighter coverage, too, but missed some chances. Gunter playes faster than his stopwatch speed and has the size and strength needed to press. Clinton-Dix, a rangy and rugged swiss army knife, is ascending quickly. Burnett and ClintonDix form a strong pair, accentuating the other’s strengths. Burnett is the QB of the ‘D,’ lining up a young secondary and providing physicality near the line.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Franchise scoring leader Mason Crosby re-signed in March after his third consecutive stellar campaign. Crosby has converted an NFL record 20 straight field goals in the postseason and offers great consistency and dependability, though he missed his only game-winner (Detroit). P Tim Masthay set the team record for net average (40.2 yards) but struggled with touchbacks (six) and punts inside the 20 (18). Janis, also an impact returner, and Banjo are core guys. Montgomery also flashed as a kickoff returner. Davis will enter the fray for return chances.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

Thumping Sam Barrington, who quickly went from starter to I.R. (ankle), returns inside with Joe Thomas. Long and rangy rookie Kyler Fackrell provides edge depth with speedy Jayrone Elliott and vet Lerentee McCray.

GRADE

rookie Dean Lowry wins with smarts and effort.

GRADE

EDDIE LACY

B+

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 87 NELSON OLT 69 BAKHTIARI OLG 71 SITTON C 63 LINSLEY ORG 70 LANG ORT 75 BULAGA TE 82 RODGERS WR 18 COBB QB 12 RODGERS RB 27 LACY WR 84 ABBREDERIS

83 Janis 11 Davis* 78 Spriggs* 68 Murphy* 65 Taylor 67 Barclay 73 Tretter 79 Walker 74 Rotheram 67 Barclay 89 Cook 80 Perillo 88 Montgomery 7 Hundley 44 Starks 38 Crockett 17 Adams

LDE 98 GUION NT 97 CLARK* DT 76 DANIELS LOLB 52 MATTHEWS LILB 47 RYAN MLB 50 MARTINEZ* ROLB 56 PEPPERS LCB 23 RANDALL RCB 37 SHIELDS SS 42 BURNETT FS 21 CLINTON-DIX

95 Jones 64 Pennel

DEFENSE

94 Lowry*

91 Elliott 51 Fackrell* 48 Thomas 54 Bradford 58 Barrington 53 Perry 55 McCray 24 Rollins 36 Gunter 39 Goodson 32 Banjo 33 Hyde SPECIALISTS

P 8 MASTHAY PK 2 CROSBY H 8 MASTHAY KR 83 JANIS 11 Davis* PR 33 HYDE 18 Cobb LS 61 GOODE * Rookie COACHING STAFF Brian Angelichio, tight ends; Edgar Bennett, offensive coordinator; James Campen, offensive line; Dom Capers, defensive coordinator; Tom Clements, associate head coach - offense; Ejiro Evero, defensive quality control; Luke Getsy, wide receivers; Chris Gizzi, asst. strength and conditioning; Thadeus Jackson, asst. strength and conditioning; Mark Lovat, strength and conditioning coordinator; Mike McCarthy, head coach; Scott McCurley, asst. linebackers; Jerry Montgomery, defensive front assistant; Winston Moss, associate head coach - linebackers; Darren Perry, secondary - safeties; David Raid, asst. offensive line; Jason Simmons, asst. special teams; Ben Sirmans, running backs; Grant Thorne, asst. strength and conditioning; Mike Trgovac, defensive line; Alex Van Pelt, quarterbacks; Joe Whitt, Jr., secondary - cornerbacks; Ron Zook, special teams coordinator.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT OT OLB ILB DE WR OT

UCLA Indiana Utah State Stanford Northwestern California Stanford

27 48 88 131 137 163 200

1 2 3 4 4 5 6

Kenny Clark Jason Spriggs Kyler Fackrell Blake Martinez Dean Lowry Trevor Davis Kyle Murphy

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Asking less of Rodgers (career-high 572 pass attempts in 2015) equals more success. A hungry Lacy (figuratively), healthy Nelson and O-line, plus Cook – a Ted Thompson masterstroke similar to the Peppers signing – optimize the offense. Kicking Matthews outside and going young up the middle revitalizes the ‘D.’ Normalcy returns – Green Bay and Rodgers reclaim divisional and quarterback superiority – as does the Lombardi trophy.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Last season’s struggles foreshadowed the title window closing fast. Rodgers’ precision and Nelson’s explosion don’t return; the passing game is again out of sorts. Lacy’s weight issues return, exposing an average ground game. The aging of Peppers and Matthews and a dearth of front-seven playmakers is exposed. After relinquishing the division in 2015, their streak of postseason appearances is halted altogether.

NO NAME

POS

WR WR WR DT TE T S T/G LB LB S LB T RB S QB DT S WR TE RB K CB DT WR CB LB LB C LB CB DT CB CB TE QB DB RB T WR CB WR DE G/T DT RB G C LS DE LB P LB DE LB WR P T WR DT LB TE LB TE LB DT CB DT FB WR QB TE CB G LB CB G T FB RB G LB C/G G G WR WR QB

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

195 25 215 23 202 22 312 245 23 310 24 207 26 305 27 240 25 248 23 200 21 236 23 314 27 208 22 209 27 216 22 314 20 208 23 192 25 254 29 217 24 207 31 205 24 310 27 188 22 182 23 255 24 245 24 300 261 23 197 26 322 28 201 23 189 252 23 226 22 197 25 208 22 314 219 24 193 23 217 24 285 25 305 23 307 234 25 318 28 301 24 249 23 296 21 237 22 200 29 255 29 303 24 246 25 216 23 203 23 305 22 217 30 332 25 287 36 250 25 265 26 248 24 234 318 21 196 23 298 24 246 23 188 22 225 32 257 24 195 23 325 23 240 24 184 28 318 29 301 21 265 218 30 324 26 227 25 307 25 315 328 24 188 196 25 215

84 Abbrederis, Jared 17 Adams, Davante 81 Allison, Geronimo 60 Anderson, Demetris 86 Backman, Kennard 69 Bakhtiari, David 32 Banjo, Chris 67 Barclay, Don 58 Barrington, Sam 54 Bradford, Carl 29 Brice, Kentrell 43 Brown, Beniquez 75 Bulaga, Bryan 34 Burks, Brandon 42 Burnett, Morgan 6 Callahan, Joe 97 Clark, Kenny 21 Clinton-Dix, Ha Ha 18 Cobb, Randall 89 Cook, Jared 38 Crockett, John 2 Crosby, Mason 31 Daniel, Robertson 76 Daniels, Mike 11 Davis, Trevor 20 Dorleant, Makinton 91 Elliott, Jayrone 51 Fackrell, Kyler 57 Flores, Jacob 46 Gilbert, Reggie 39 Goodson, Demetri 98 Guion, Letroy 36 Gunter, LaDarius 28 Hawkins, Josh 85 Henry, Mitchell 7 Hundley, Brett 33 Hyde, Micah 26 Jackson, Don 72 James, Josh 83 Janis, Jeff 41 Jette, Randall 10 Johnson, Jamel 95 Jones, Datone 50 Kowalski, Vince 90 Kuder, Tyler 27 Lacy, Eddie 70 Lang, T.J. 63 Linsley, Corey 59 Lovato, Rick 94 Lowry, Dean 50 Martinez, Blake 8 Masthay, Tim 52 Matthews, Clay 77 McBryde, B.J. 55 McCray, Lerentee 88 Montgomery, Ty 1 Mortell, Peter 68 Murphy, Kyle 87 Nelson, Jordy 64 Pennel, Mike 56 Peppers, Julius 80 Perillo, Justin 53 Perry, Nick 49 Pierce, Casey 45 Pikula, Manoa 96 Price, Brian 23 Randall, Damarious 99 Ringo, Christian 22 Ripkowski, Aaron 13 Robinson, Devonte 12 Rodgers, Aaron 82 Rodgers, Richard 24 Rollins, Quinten 74 Rotheram, Matt 47 Ryan, Jake 37 Shields, Sam 71 Sitton, Josh 78 Spriggs, Jason 40 Squirewell, Alstevis 44 Starks, James 65 Taylor, Lane 48 Thomas, Joe 73 Tretter, JC 62 Tucker, Cory 79 Walker, Josh 16 Waters, Herb 19 Williams, Ed 9 Williams, Ryan

AGE COLLEGE Wisconsin Fresno State Illinois Central Florida Alabama-Birmingham Colorado SMU West Virginia South Florida Arizona State Louisiana Tech Mississippi State Iowa Troy Georgia Tech Wesley UCLA Alabama Kentucky South Carolina North Dakota State Colorado BYU Iowa California Northern Iowa Toledo Utah State Dartmouth Arizona Baylor Florida State Miami East Carolina Western Kentucky UCLA Iowa Nevada Carroll Saginaw Valley State Massachusetts Alabama State UCLA Villanova Idaho State Alabama Eastern Michigan Ohio State Old Dominion Northwestern Stanford Kentucky Southern California Connecticut Florida Stanford Minnesota Stanford Kansas State Colorado State-Pueblo North Carolina Maine Southern California Kent State BYU Texas San Antonio Arizona State Louisiana-Lafayette Oklahoma Utah State California California Miami (Ohio) Pittsburgh Michigan Miami (Fla.) Central Florida Indiana Newberry College Buffalo Oklahoma State South Carolina State Cornell Slippery Rock Middle Tennessee State Miami Fort Hays State Miami (Fla.)

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2 Vikings MINNESOTA

PREDICTION

GENERAL MANAGER Rick Spielman HEAD COACH Mike Zimmer OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Norv Turner DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR George Edwards STADIUM U.S. Bank Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 73,000 | FieldTurf By

ARTHUR ARKUSH @ ArthurArkush

OFFENSE

Coordinator Norv Turner’s 29thranked offense was one of three in the NFL with fewer passing attempts than runs – an illustration of rushing champion Adrian Peterson’s continued dominance at age 30 and Mike Zimmer’s defensive identity, but also Teddy Bridgewater’s and the passing game’s minimal strides. Bridgewater struggled, but his protection and WR corps are also culpable. Zimmer addressed the issues by replacing former O-line coach Jeff Davidson with Tony Sparano and adding a third former head coach, Pat Shurmur (tight ends). GM Rick Spielman pounced quickly in free agency to add a starting guard in Alex Boone and competition at right tackle with Andre Smith, then in the draft to secure big-bodied perimeter receiving threat Laquon Treadwell.

u QUARTERBACKS Bridgewater nearly doubled his win

C+

u RUNNING BACKS In his fourth full NFL season, Peterson returned from his 15-game layoff to being the game’s premier physical workhorse, handling 39 more carries than secondleading rusher Doug Martin. He seemed refreshed physically and, after a Week One adjustment to a new offense, showed the determined downhill running style that will land him in Canton. A.D. still has elite acceleration and lateral agility to set up defenders in the hole, and he showed good patience and vision to maximize his production with inconsistent blocking. He even chipped in as a receiver, leaving ball security – seven fumbles including a crippling giveaway in the playoff loss to Seattle – as his only weakness. No. 2 Jerick McKinnon continues to demonstrate explosive ability when Turner finds space for the speedster with surprising finishing ability in the quick passing game. Short-yardage option Matt Asiata was a distant third in the mix.

u RECEIVERS Laquon Treadwell brings the physicality and competitiveness outside that Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson haven’t. His 4.65 40-yard dash was a blessing in disguise for the Vikings.

118 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

GRADE

OWNER/CHAIRMAN Zygi Wilf

Treadwell plays fast, dominates at the catch point and should be a possession and downfield blocking nightmare. Stefon Diggs had the third-best receiving season ever by a Viking rookie. He erupted with 419 yards in his first four games. Diggs displays rare polish as a route runner, consistent hands and great quickness and suddenness in space. Last call for Patterson, an athletic freak who Spielman admits hasn’t grasped the nuances to be a dependable receiver and enters a contract year. Inviting target Kyle Rudolph quietly secured a careerhigh 49 catches in his first full season since 2012. His in-line blocking isn’t great, but Rudolph is just 26 and has the size, athleticism and route running chops to ascend. Jarius Wright is a steady slot option whose chances diminished in 2015. German rookie Moeritz Boehringer, a sizespeed prospect (6-4, 227; 4.43 40 and 39” vertical) is the NFL’s first-ever European drafted. MyCole Pruitt and Rhett Ellison bring athleticism and versatility, respectively, to the TE room, while David Morgan is a plus blocker.

B-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Matt Kalil has one last chance to translate his superb tools into consistency, which has evaded him since his Pro Bowl rookie season. Kalil is a battler who flashes nastiness but is a liability on an island with poor technique. The towering Alex Boone is a salty roadgrader and adept pass protector looking to re-establish his 2012-13 49ers play. John Sullivan was excellent before multiple back surgeries forced him to miss all of 2015, and Joe Berger’s strong pinch-hitting at center make Sullivan’s status dicey. Phil Loadholt, limited to 11 combined games the past two seasons and coming off a ruptured Achilles, watched fellow power player Andre Smith arrive on a one-year deal with plenty to prove. T.J. Clemmings, a 16-game rookie starter at

GRADE

2015 RECORD 11-5

total from Year One to Year Two but otherwise made marginal strides. His top offseason objective is to improve his throwing mechanics, especially on intermediate attempts over the middle that are key to the Turner attack. Bridgewater possesses terrific intangibles including his smarts and work ethic, but he can be cautious to a fault and wilted under the brightest lights. His accuracy waned on downfield throws and his pocket presence seemed to suffer behind consistently poor protection. Bridgewater’s arm strength is just adequate, but he has the mobility to burn defenses. Backup Shaun Hill, 36, is sharp and composed. GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Robert Blanton, CB Josh Robinson, WR Mike Wallace, OT Austin Wentworth.

GRADE

9-7

2ND PLACE IN NFC NORTH

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS OG Alex Boone, S Michael Griffin, LB Emmanuel Lamur, LB Travis Lewis, OT Andre Smith.

B-

PFN PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Adrian Peterson

Harrison Smith

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Laquon Treadwell DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT MLB Eric Kenricks POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH WLB: Greenway vs. Lamur

2016 SCHEDULE

Adrian Peterson

DEFENSE Coach Mike Zimmer has orchestrated a stunning turnaround, leading the defense from last in scoring when he arrived to No. 5 two seasons later. Star power abounds thanks to Spielman’s strong drafting and the tutelage of Zimmer’s staff, yielding playmakers at every level to produce arguably the NFL’s best young nucleus. Zimmer’s trademark double-A gap ‘D’ positions linebackers over both A gaps and leaves offenses guessing whether they’ll blitz or drop, helping the aggressive play-caller to disguise where heat comes from and what coverage – press-man is his preference but more zone was used in 2015. Everson Griffen (consecutive double-digit sack seasons), dynamic three-down linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks and secondary lynchpins Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith help the scheme flourish.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Griffen’s first Pro Bowl season, a 12.5-sack campaign, again featured a frighteningly effective combo of speed, strength and relentlessness versus the run and pass. Brian Robison fell off as a rusher but led the line in snaps by remaining a blue-collar run stuffer with strength and savvy. Robison’s sack drop-off was supplemented by six from Danielle Hunter, a freakish talent with unique length and speed whose rookie ascent turned heads. In his second season in Minnesota, strong and explosive Linval Joseph was among the NFL’s elite nose guards, contributing 56 tackles and 26 hurries in just 12 games to illustrate his two-way activeness. The only thing keeping three-technique Sharrif Floyd from stardom is health. Floyd missed time with an ankle injury but showed his versatility by playing nose with Joseph (toe) sidelined. His quickness, balance and burst are exceptional. Underrated Tom Johnson (50 hurries, 5.5 sacks) is instinctive and advantageous.

GRADE

right tackle, could be groomed for inside or the blind side. Brandon Fusco returns to his natural right guard post after struggling on the left. Michael Harris can play anywhere but center. Willie Beavers, like Clemmings a year ago, is a raw but intriguing developmental guy with great size, strength and agility.

u LINEBACKERS Anthony Barr entered the league as

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 3 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 31 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 1 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Tennessee Green Bay at Carolina N.Y. Giants Houston BYE at Philadelphia at Chicago Detroit at Washington Arizona at Detroit Dallas at Jacksonville Indianapolis at Green Bay Chicago

TIME

1:00 p.m. 8:30 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. 12:30 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 14 @ San Francisco L 20-3 Sept. 20 Detroit W 26-16 Sept. 27 San Diego W 31-14 Oct. 4 @ Denver L 23-20 Oct. 18 Kansas City W 16-10 Oct. 25 @ Detroit W 28-19 Nov. 1 @ Chicago W 23-20 Nov. 8 St. Louis W 21-18, OT Nov. 15 @ Oakland W 30-14 Nov. 22 Green Bay L 30-13 Nov. 29 @ Atlanta W 20-10 Dec. 6 Seattle L 38-7 Dec. 10 @ Arizona L 23-20 Dec. 20 Chicago W 38-17 Dec. 27 NY Giants W 49-17 Jan. 3 @ Green Bay W 20-13 POSTSEASON Jan. 10 Seattle L 10-9 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

JERICK McKINNON

TEDDY BRIDGEWATER

STEFON DIGGS

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ SF WK 2 DET WK 3 SD WK 4 @ DEN WK 6 KC WK 7 @ DET WK 8 @ CHI WK 9 STL WK 10 @ OAK WK 11 GB WK 12 @ ATL WK 13 SEA WK 14 @ AZ WK 15 CHI WK 16 NYG WK 17 @ GB SEASON TOTALS u

32 23 231 0 1 79.0 18 14 153 1 0 120.6 24 13 121 0 1 50.9 41 27 269 1 0 92.4 31 17 249 1 2 65.1 35 25 316 2 0 118.3 30 17 187 1 1 72.5 21 13 144 0 1 62.4 22 14 140 1 0 96.8 37 25 296 1 0 100.7 28 20 174 0 1 72.6 28 17 118 0 1 55.4 36 25 335 1 0 108.0 20 17 231 4 0 154.4 25 15 168 1 0 93.4 19 10 99 0 1 45.7 447 292 3,231 14 9 88.7

10 31 29 134 20 126 16 81 26 60 19 98 20 103 29 125 26 203 13 45 29 158 8 18 23 69 18 63 22 104 19 67 327 1,485

0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 11

3 20 3 6 6 18 1 6 1 2 9 36 2 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 33 4 18 0 0 7 10 7 89 4 15 52 271

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2

3 16 6 21 1 -1 3 23 3 -5 3 1 2 21 3 17 2 23 4 43 4 -3 1 2 1 3 4 17 2 12 2 2 44 192

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

Inactive Inactive Inactive 10 6 87 0 9 7 129 0 9 6 108 1 12 6 95 1 5 3 42 0 2 2 46 0 9 6 66 0 4 4 31 0 6 2 22 0 7 2 12 0 4 3 55 2 5 4 19 0 2 1 8 0 84 52 720 4

KYLE RUDOLPH

MIKE WALLACE

JARIUS WRIGHT

ADRIAN PETERSON

JERICK McKINNON

MATT ASIATA

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ SF WK 2 DET WK 3 SD WK 4 @ DEN WK 6 KC WK 7 @ DET WK 8 @ CHI WK 9 STL WK 10 @ OAK WK 11 GB WK 12 @ ATL WK 13 SEA WK 14 @ AZ WK 15 CHI WK 16 NYG WK 17 @ GB SEASON TOTALS u

7 5 53 0 7 5 30 1 5 2 14 0 4 2 7 0 5 2 9 1 2 2 10 1 2 2 22 0 2 2 30 0 4 1 7 0 9 6 106 1 10 7 53 0 4 3 13 0 6 6 67 0 2 2 21 0 3 2 53 1 1 0 0 0 73 49 495 5

7 6 63 0 3 3 38 0 4 3 49 0 10 8 83 1 9 2 23 0 5 4 36 0 4 0 0 0 6 1 4 0 2 1 22 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 43 0 5 3 42 1 3 3 37 0 6 2 11 0 3 1 22 0 72 39 473 2

4 1 27 0 2 1 17 0 4 3 28 0 0 0 0 3 2 69 0 6 3 31 0 2 1 8 0 3 1 12 0 2 1 2 0 5 4 50 0 2 2 13 0 2 2 24 0 6 5 51 0 3 3 32 0 3 3 57 0 3 2 21 0 50 34 442 0

3 3 21 0 2 2 58 0 0 0 0 0 6 4 13 0 1 1 -3 0 3 3 12 0 2 2 6 0 2 2 18 0 3 2 13 0 2 2 16 0 4 2 29 0 4 4 6 0 1 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 15 0 1 1 1 0 36 30 222 0

2 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 11 0 2 1 7 0 3 2 15 0 0 0 0 0 6 3 6 0 1 1 8 0 4 4 76 1 3 2 8 0 4 3 33 0 29 21 173 1

2 2 28 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 8 0 2 2 5 0 3 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 18 0 1 1 9 0 3 3 17 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 30 0 2 1 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22 19 132 0

u DEFENSIVE BACKS “A power forward, not a point guard” is how Zimmer wants No. 1 corner Xavier

120 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

with special ball skills and toughness. He’s a complete player poised for a massive deal. Longtime Titan Michael Griffin is an upgrade over 2015 starter Andrew Sendejo. Griffin is sturdy in the box and familiar with the scheme, but his range and ball skills have diminished. Giant rookie Jayron Kearse has excellent athleticism and length Zimmer craves. His upside is high; his technique just needs refining.

SPECIAL TEAMS Publicly, Blair Walsh’s coaches convey trust. Privately, they’ll hold their breath when the next clutch chance arises. Walsh’s “ridiculous” 27-yard shank in the closing seconds of the playoffs prevented Minnesota from advancing, a brutal conclusion to his resurgent regular season (NFL-high 34 conversions). Punter Jeff Locke’s paltry 37.8 net and 41.6 gross make him replaceable. Patterson is a onetrick pony, but that trick led the NFL in kick return average (31.8) and touchdowns. Marcus Sherels is penciled in as punt returner.

GRADE

Rhodes playing. His overaggressive style can hurt him (team-high 12 penalties), but Rhodes’ length (33 ¾” arms), strength and recovery speed fit the defense’s press style perfectly. Even at 37, Terence Newman led Minnesota in passes defensed while his intellgience and versatility – Newman started a game at safety – meant 2015 firstrounder Trae Waynes starred mostly on special teams. Waynes has elite long speed, fluid hips and likely a chance to contribute more on ‘D.’ Mackensie Alexander could see a similar defensive redshirt season with feisty nickel Captain Munnerlyn entering a contract year and coming off a greatly improved second season in Minnesota. The competitive Alexander was a Round Two bargain with quickness, confidence and press ability portending shutdown potential, but he’s undersized and was rarely challenged at Clemson. Harrison Smith, coming off his first Pro Bowl, has rare vision and instincts to see plays unfold and react instantly. He thrives near the line or in space as a sure, violent hitter

GRADE

one of its best athletes and finished his second season as a complete linebacker with rare athleticism, range, strength and reaction skills to affect the run and pass (six TFLs and seven PDef). Eric Kendricks saved his best for last as a rookie, showing surprising blitzing ability, excellent awareness and instincts in coverage and improvements at the point of attack while leading the team in tackles. Chad Greenway’s leadership and experience remain big assets entering his final season. He’ll be pushed for the ‘Will’ spot by newcomer Emmanuel Lamur, the speedy converted college safety who reunites with Zimmer. Kentrell Brothers, a volume tackler and playmaking machine at Mizzou, has a terrific blend of instincts and aggression that help offset size and speed deficiencies. Audie Cole, Brandon Watts, Edmond Robinson and Travis Lewis are the reserves.

GRADE

ADRIAN PETERSON

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 14 DIGGS OLT 75 KALIL OLG 76 BOONE C 65 SULLIVAN ORG 63 FUSCO ORT 71 LOADHOLT TE 82 RUDOLPH WR 11 TREADWELL* QB 6 BRIDGEWATER RB 28 PETERSON FB 48 LINE

12 Johnson 81 Boehringer* 72 Smith 68 Clemmings 79 M. Harris 61 Berger 62 Easton 79 M. Harris 72 Smith 64 Beavers* 85 Ellison 89 Morgan* 17 Wright 19 Thielen 13 Hill 6 Heinicke 31 McKinnon 44 Asiata 83 Pruitt

DLE 96 ROBISON DT 73 FLOYD NT 98 JOSEPH DRE 97 GRIFFEN SLB 55 BARR MLB 54 KENDRICKS WLB 52 GREENWAY LCB 30 NEWMAN RCB 29 RHODES SS 33 GRIFFIN FS 22 SMITH

96 Crichton 94 Trattou 92 Johnson 90 Dubose 92 Stephen 72 Ellis 99 Hunter 64 Weatherly* 50 Lewis 57 Cole 40 Brothers* 59 Lamur 58 Watts 26 Waynes 31 White 24 Munnerlyn 20 Alexander* 34 Sendejo 27 Kearse* 32 Exum 41 A. Harris

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 18 LOCKE PK 3 WALSH H 18 LOCKE PR 35 SHERELS 14 Diggs KR 84 PATTERSON 14 Diggs LS 47 McDERMOTT * Rookie COACHING STAFF George Edwards, defensive coordinator; Ryan Ficken, assistant special teams; Hank Fraley, assistant offensive line; Jonathan Gannon, assistant defensive backs/quality control; Jerr Gray, defensive backs; Jeff Howard, defensive assistant; Jeff Hurd, assistant strength and conditioning; Andrew Janocko, quality control - offense; Chaz Mahle, assistant strength and conditioning; Andre Patterson, defensive line; Drew Petzing, assistant wide receivers; Mike Priefer, special teams coordinator; Robert Rodriguez, assistant defensive line; Brent Salazar, strength and conditoning; Pat Shurmur, tight ends; Tony Sparano, offensive line; Kevin Stefanski, running backs; George Stewart, wide receivers; Norv Turner, defensive coordinator; Scott Turner, quarterbacks; Adam Zimmer, linebackers; Mike Zimmer, head coach.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

WR CB OT ILB WR TE DE SS

Ole Miss 23 Clemson 54 Western Michigan 121 Missouri 160 Schwabisch Hall (GERMANY) 180 Texas-San Antonio 188 Vanderbilt 227 Clemson 244

1 2 4 5 6 6 7 7

Laquon Treadwell Mackensie Alexander Willie Beavers Kentrell Brothers Moritz Boehringer David Morgan II Stephen Weatherly Jayron Kearse

PICK

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

They replicate Denver’s blueprint, riding a strong ground game and dominant ‘D’ to Houston. Offseason help for Bridgewater brings out the best in the third-year passer, who balances out the offense and closes the gap between the league’s best ‘D.’ Peterson repeats as rushing champ, leading Minnesota to its first Super Bowl title to culminate its first season at TCF Bank Stadium.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Peterson’s heavy 2015 workload leads to him breaking down. Despite the improved supporting cast, without A.D., Bridgewater can’t take the reins. The ‘D’ struggles to again pick up the slack. Playoff heartbreak lingers as Minnesota comes out flat and limping into the early bye. Missing the playoffs, the team heads into another offseason with QB doubts and is forced to replace the franchise RB.

NO NAME

POS

CB RB LB CB T G WR G QB OLB T TE OL DT LB DE WR DE C DT TE S G DT WR G LB LB DE FS RB S G QB QB DE WR DT DT DT T S LB C OLB TE OLB FB T P LS RB WR DE TE CB CB WR DE RB RB CB TE FB CB CB LB DE RB TE S OL CB WR G/T T S QB DT WR C WR DE WR K LB CB OLB DB WR

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

190 22 219 28 255 24 193 23 324 22 305 33 227 22 300 29 215 23 245 313 25 243 23 309 24 258 23 248 26 273 24 195 22 284 24 303 23 346 28 250 27 219 25 302 24 311 24 202 25 306 26 233 22 242 33 273 28 215 31 238 22 192 24 338 27 210 23 230 36 252 21 215 27 312 24 288 31 329 27 317 26 216 22 232 24 305 24 245 26 255 26 235 28 233 26 345 30 195 26 240 26 205 24 190 22 280 25 260 22 195 28 197 37 220 25 256 23 220 31 206 23 200 23 258 24 252 23 218 25 201 23 245 24 259 33 210 265 26 210 28 327 23 175 28 192 25 315 24 325 29 214 27 219 23 310 25 199 25 310 30 195 25 258 27 221 20 170 26 231 25 190 23 267 22 215 25 191 26

20 Alexander, Mackensie 44 Asiata, Matt 55 Barr, Anthony 38 Baxter, Keith 64 Beavers, Willie 61 Berger, Joe 81 Boehringer, Moritz 76 Boone, Alex 5 Bridgewater, Teddy 40 Brothers, Kentrell 60 Bykowski, Carter 86 Carter, Kyle 68 Clemmings, T.J. 67 Cockran, Theiren 57 Cole, Audie 95 Crichton, Scott 14 Diggs, Stefon 90 Dubose, B.J. 62 Easton, Nick 66 Ellis, Kenrick 85 Ellison, Rhett 32 Exum Jr., Antone 69 Faciane, Isame 73 Floyd, Sharrif 15 Fruechte, Isaac 63 Fusco, Brandon 56 Ganus, Jake 52 Greenway, Chad 97 Griffen, Everson 33 Griffin, Michael 30 Ham, C.J. 41 Harris, Anthony 79 Harris, Mike 6 Heinicke, Taylor 13 Hill, Shaun 99 Hunter, Danielle 12 Johnson, Charles 69 Johnson, Toby 92 Johnson, Tom 98 Joseph, Linval 75 Kalil, Matt 27 Kearse, Jayron 54 Kendricks, Eric 67 Kerin, Zac 59 Lamur, Emmanuel 87 Leonhardt, Brian 50 Lewis, Travis 48 Line, Zach 71 Loadholt, Phil 18 Locke, Jeff 47 McDermott, Kevin 21 McKinnon, Jerick 9 Michel, Marken 91 Moore, Zach 89 Morgan, David 24 Munnerlyn, Captain 23 Newman, Terence 84 Patterson, Cordarrelle 62 Perine, Denzell 28 Peterson, Adrian 42 Pressley, Jhurell 25 Price, Jabari 83 Pruitt, Mycole 49 Renaud, Blake 29 Rhodes, Xavier 36 Roberson, Tre 51 Robinson, Edmond 96 Robison, Brian 45 Ross, Brandon 82 Rudolph, Kyle 34 Sendejo, Andrew 74 Shepherd, Austin 35 Sherels, Marcus 16 Sinkfield, Terrell 78 Sirles, Jeremiah 72 Smith, Andre 22 Smith, Harrison 2 Stave, Joel 93 Stephen, Shamar 1 Stoudermire, Troy 65 Sullivan, John 19 Thielen, Adam 94 Trattou, Justin 11 Treadwell, Laquon 3 Walsh, Blair 58 Watts, Brandon 26 Waynes, Trae 64 Weatherly, Stephen 31 White, Melvin 17 Wright, Jarius

AGE COLLEGE Clemson Utah UCLA Marshall Western Michigan Michigan Tech Germany Ohio State Louisville Missouri Iowa State Penn State Pittsburgh Minnesota North Carolina St. Oregon St. Maryland Louisville Harvard Hampton USC Virginia Tech Florida International Florida Minnesota Slippery Rock Georgia Iowa USC Texas Augustana Virginia UCLA Old Dominion Maryland LSU Grand Valley State Georgia Southern Mississippi East Carolina USC Clemson UCLA Toledo Kansas State Bemidji State Oklahoma SMU Oklahoma UCLA UCLA Georgia Southern UMass Concordia-St. Paul Texas San Antonio South Carolina Kansas State Tennessee Florida International Oklahoma New Mexico North Carolina Southern Illinois Boise State Florida State Illinois State Newberry Texas Maryland Notre Dame Rice Alabama Minnesota Northern Iowa Nebraska Alabama Notre Dame Wisconsin UConn Minnesota Notre Dame Minnesota State Florida Ole Miss Georgia Georgia Tech Michigan State Vanderbilt Louisiana-Lafayette Arkansas

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 121

NFC

NORTH

3 Bears CHICAGO

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS ILB Jerrell Freeman, DE Akiem Hicks, OG Ted Larsen, OT Bobby Massie, OG Manny Ramirez, ILB Danny Trevathan

PREDICTION

8-8

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES TE Martellus Bennett, OT Jermon Bushrod, RB Matt Forte, DT Jarvis Jenkins, LB Shea McClellin, S Antrel Rolle, OG Matt Slauson

GENERAL MANAGER Ryan Pace HEAD COACH John Fox OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dowell Loggains DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Vic Fangio STADIUM Soldier Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 61,500 | Natural grass By

KEVIN FISHBAIN @ kfishbain

OFFENSE The Bears chose continuity by promoting Dowell Loggains to offensive coordinator, promising to keep most of the concepts from Adam Gase’s offense that allowed Jay Cutler to cut down on turnovers. Loggains and Cutler have a good rapport, and they should use similar concepts in an offense that features highpercentage throws for Cutler with an opportunity for the deep ball. Loggains will try to pick up Gase’s trait of matching his scheme to his players’ skill sets.

u QUARTERBACKS What worked for Cutler last season, allowing him to throw only 11 interceptions and post a career-high 92.3 rating? The aforementioned plan from Gase kept things simple, even when wide receivers were dropping like flies. Cutler has a cannon of an arm, but in 2015, he shook the tendency to rely too much on that strength, making quicker decisions

u RUNNING BACKS Jeremy Langford has big shoes to fill, replacing the franchise’s second all-time leading rusher, Matt Forte. Langford’s home-run ability sets him apart from Forte. He has breakaway speed, as seen in his 83-yard screen touchdown against the Rams last season. Langford’s six touchdowns showed his abilities near the goal line, and he was better than expected in pass protection. Langford had a couple crucial drops last season, too. Ka’Deem Carey is the team’s betweenthe-tackles back. Built low to the ground and always fighting for yardage, Carey can complement Langford in shortyardage and late-game situations. Carey will face competition from the big, physical northsouth rookie running back Jordan Howard, who can wear down defenses if he stays healthy. Jacquizz Rodgers can contribute on third down. Senorise Perry is a key special-teamer, and Paul Lasike is an intriguing fullback option.

B-

u RECEIVERS Good luck finding a receiver with stronger hands than Alshon Jeffery. His ability to go up and make a grab over a defensive back, holding onto the ball in tough coverage, is unparalleled. Jeffery doesn’t have breakaway speed, but he showed last season that he can get open like a No. 1 receiver needs to. Now, he has

122 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

to stay healthy after missing nine games in 2015 for multiple injuries. Kevin White’s return after missing his rookie season should only help Jeffery. White has the size-strength-speed combo that got him drafted with the seventh overall pick, and the Bears are gushing over his potential as a player to blow the top off a defense. Eddie Royal battled injuries last year but when healthy is a solid route runner who can play out of the slot or the outside. If healthy, Royal can be a very productive receiver in this offense with the middle of the field opened up. Marquess Wilson is smooth in his routes and has good size. He’s a perfect No. 4. Marc Mariani came through in the clutch last season getting open. He can play out of the slot and has established a good rapport with Cutler. Deonte Thompson has intriguing speed. Seventh-round rookie Daniel Braverman was extremely productive at Western Michigan with the routerunning abilities and shortarea quickness to make an impact out of the slot. At tight end, Zach Miller takes over for Martellus Bennett. The former college QB is very athletic and can make key catches up the seam but still needs to work on his blocking. Rob Housler has the speed and athleticism, but it hasn’t translated to a productive NFL career. Khari Lee is a raw, blocking tight end who should improve in Year Two.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN George H. McCaskey

GRADE

2015 RECORD 6-10

to hit open players in the flat or over the middle. His footwork was superb last season, as many big plays resulted from Cutler avoiding a sack, extending the play and finding the open man. He is more mobile than given credit for and is comfortable throwing with a moving pocket. Veteran Brian Hoyer is a smart, experienced backup who threw 19 TDs to only seven picks with the Texans last year. David Fales hasn’t played a regular-season game. He’s a smart, accurate thrower who was efficient in college.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Bears’ best offensive lineman, and arguably top offensive player, is going back home to right guard. After moving to right tackle prior to Week One last year, the freakishly athletic Kyle Long will kick back inside. He has the size and strength to pass protect and rare athleticism for his size to get out and pull in the run game. Right tackle Bobby Massie has long arms to pass protect and the physicality to run block. Second-round pick Cody Whitehair

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC NORTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Jay Cutler

Pernell McPhee

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Kevin White DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DT Eddie Goldman POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OLG: Cody Whitehair vs. Ted Larsen

2016 SCHEDULE

Kyle Long

DEFENSE Vic Fangio installed the first 3-4 defense in Bears history, and it showed that even with talent deficiencies, the scheme could succeed. Fangio isn’t one to blitz often, and the defensive backs play man coverage. The key to the defense is up the middle, from the nose tackle to the inside linebackers, to be physical in stopping the run.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN The present and future of the Bears’ D-line rest in the giant frame of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, whose rookie season ended with an ankle injury. Goldman is strong at the point of attack and showed more pass-rush prowess last year than he did in college. The Bears liked how he progressed throughout the

year. Flanking Goldman is newcomer Akiem Hicks, the former Saint and Patriot who has great length for the defensive end spot. Rookie Jonathan Bullard has a quick get-off with long arms to play five- or threetechnique. Mitch Unrein proved to be a nice addition last year as a reliable run stuffer who could also rush the passer. Ego Ferguson is returning from an ankle injury and has the size to be an impact player. Will Sutton is quick off the ball but isn’t a perfect fit for the 30-front. Bruce Gaston is extremely strong as a reserve nose tackle.

GRADE

will compete with veteran newcomers Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez to start at left guard. Whitehair is versatile and agile, and Ramirez played for John Fox in Denver. The team was comfortable enough with the trio to part ways with Matt Slauson. Charles Leno impressed the staff last year at left tackle, where he has ideal size and footwork for the blind side. Hroniss Grasu has to get stronger, but the team likes his knowledge of the game and athleticism at the pivot. Massive and raw second-year player Tayo Fabuluje adds depth at tackle.

C+

u LINEBACKERS When healthy, Pernell McPhee was a force off the edge with his outstanding strength and hands. He made impact plays, but a knee injury limited him in the second half. If healthy, McPhee could be a Pro Bowl player in 2015. In his absence, when Willie Young, who has great length and bend off the edge, and the powerful Lamarr Houston came into their own as pass rushers in a new scheme, but all eyes will be on top pick Leonard Floyd. The former Georgia Bulldog will be counted on to use his freakish speed, length and athleticism to bend the edge and affect the passer. He’ll need to get stronger and keep the weight on to set the

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 20 Oct. 31 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Houston Philadelphia at Dallas Detroit at Indianapolis Jacksonville at Green Bay Minnesota BYE at Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants Tennessee San Francisco at Detroit Green Bay Washington at Minnesota

TIME

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

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Green Bay L 23-31 Sept. 20 Arizona L 23-48 Sept. 27 at Seattle L 0-26 Oct. 4 Oakland W 22-20 Oct. 11 at Kansas City W 18-17 Oct. 18 at Detroit *L 34-37 Nov. 1 Minnesota L 20-23 Nov. 9 at San Diego W 22-19 Nov. 15 at St. Louis W 37-13 Nov. 22 Denver L 15-17 Nov. 26 at Green Bay W 17-13 Dec. 6 San Francisco *L 20-26 Dec. 13 Washington L 21-24 Dec. 20 at Minnesota L 17-38 Dec. 27 at Tampa Bay W 26-21 Jan. 3 Detroit L 20-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 123

NFC

NORTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS JAY CUTLER

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 GB WK 2 AZ WK 3 @ SEA WK 4 OAK WK 5 @ KC WK 6 @ DET WK 8 MIN WK 9 @ SD WK 10 @ STL WK 11 DEN WK 12 @ GB WK 13 SF WK 14 WAS WK 15 @ MIN WK 16 @ TB WK 17 DET SEASON TOTALS u

36 18 225 1 1 67.5 9 8 120 1 1 116.2 Inactive 43 28 281 2 1 89.4 45 26 252 2 0 88.4 41 26 353 1 1 88.8 33 22 211 1 0 94.4 40 27 345 2 1 100.5 24 19 258 3 0 151.0 32 18 265 0 1 70.4 31 19 200 1 0 90.8 31 18 202 0 1 64.2 31 19 315 2 0 117.0 37 26 231 2 1 93.4 27 20 156 1 0 100.2 23 17 245 2 3 97.5 483 311 3,659 21 11 92.3

24 141 15 61 20 74 25 91 18 71 24 69 10 41 Inactive Inactive Inactive 15 44 21 84 10 45 8 47 11 54 17 76 218 898

MARTELLUS BENNETT

MATT FORTE

JEREMY LANGFORD

1 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 1 1 0 0 0 4

EDDIE ROYAL

Ka’DEEM CAREY

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 1 6 21 0 0 1 4 2 -2 5 10 12 46 18 72 20 73 13 25 12 48 12 59 11 37 11 46 19 83 5 14 148 537

0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 6

Inactive Inactive 0 0 Inactive 0 0 0 0 Inactive 7 28 14 56 9 32 Inactive 5 17 0 0 0 0 7 16 1 10 43 159

ZACH MILLER

ALSHON JEFFERY

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

MARQUESS WILSON

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 5 78 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 11 8 147 1 15 10 116 1 16 10 151 0 4 3 23 0 11 7 90 0 12 4 85 0 9 6 107 1 5 1 10 1 Inactive Injured reserve 94 54 807 4

MARC MARIANI

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 GB WK 2 AZ WK 3 @ SEA WK 4 OAK WK 5 @ KC WK 6 @ DET WK 8 MIN WK 9 @ SD WK 10 @ STL WK 11 DEN WK 12 @ GB WK 13 SF WK 14 WAS WK 15 @ MIN WK 16 @ TB WK 17 DET SEASON TOTALS u

7 5 55 1 6 4 48 0 5 4 15 0 13 11 83 1 11 4 32 0 11 6 59 0 5 3 32 0 9 8 57 1 3 3 18 0 6 2 26 0 Inactive 4 3 14 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 80 53 439 3

8 5 25 0 5 4 44 0 3 0 0 0 4 4 64 0 7 5 38 1 5 3 20 0 4 4 28 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 1 1 9 0 5 5 39 0 2 1 8 0 7 6 57 1 4 3 23 0 3 3 34 1 58 44 389 3

5 1 8 0 8 7 41 0 3 3 17 0 10 7 54 1 Inactive 7 5 49 0 3 3 2 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 1 15 0 6 5 31 0 6 5 21 0 Inactive 50 37 238 1

1 0 0 0 2 2 14 0 1 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 23 1 5 5 107 2 6 3 47 0 7 2 10 1 1 1 6 0 6 5 85 1 6 6 57 0 8 7 69 0 Inactive 46 34 439 5

2 2 59 0 5 1 10 0 2 0 0 0 9 6 80 0 8 6 85 1 4 2 54 0 3 1 14 0 3 1 15 0 3 1 1 0 7 4 102 0 5 4 44 0 Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 51 28 464 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 19 0 3 2 23 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 10 0 3 3 35 0 2 2 33 0 3 2 37 0 4 3 31 0 3 2 32 0 8 6 80 0 33 22 300 0

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Tracy Porter, a late spring addition on a minimum deal, turned out to be the best player in the secondary last season. He has the cover abilities to stick with opposing star receivers and instincts to

124 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

but will factor more on special teams. Harold Jones-Quartey made impact plays late last season. Omar Bolden and Chris Prosinski add depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS Robbie Gould was sensational to start the season before a major miss against the 49ers. Still, he converted 84.6 percent of his kicks and nailed a career-high seven field goals from 50 yards up. He is as dependable as they come. Punter Pat O’Donnell improved his net punting by two yards from his rookie season to Year Two. He is athletic with a strong leg. Deonte Thompson gave the Bears a breakaway speed element on kickoff returns. Marc Mariani came on strong down the stretch returning punts. Omar Bolden figures to compete at both spots, and Eddie Royal can also return punts. The Bears brought back Sherrick McManis, Chris Prosinski, Josh Bellamy and Jacquizz Rodgers in large part for their roles on special teams, where Bolden will play a role along with rookies Nick Kwiatkoski, Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson.

GRADE

B+

make plays, as seen in the win over Green Bay. Porter stayed healthy last year but injuries have been an issue in his career, and his play slipped down the stretch. Kyle Fuller improved late last season. He has the size and speed necessary for the corner spot, but his awareness and ball skills could still get better. This will be a crucial Year Three for the former first-rounder. Bryce Callahan is willing in run support and quick as a nickel corner. Long rookie Deiondre’ Hall tries to play like Charles Tillman. He was a ball hawk at Northern Iowa with his rare size and instincts. Sherrick McManis can play corner in a pinch, but he’s best as a special-teamer. At safety, the Bears released veteran Antrel Rolle, setting the table for Adrian Amos, who stepped up as a rookie and was better than expected against the run. Now he’ll need to hone his pass coverage. Fourth-round pick Deon Bush is a hard-hitting, well-sized safety who can improve his instincts and lay the lumber in the box. Sixth-rounder DeAndre Houston-Carson moved from corner to safety, so he has good ball skills

GRADE

edge, but he can also run with receivers and tight ends. OLB Sam Acho is solid against the run but is more of a specialteams contributor. Inside, Chicago made huge improvements by bringing in the explosive and productive Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, whose instincts allowed him to be a leading tackler in Indianapolis. Trevathan can run with tight ends, and both players have shown a nose for the football. Nick Kwiatkoski was a productive “throwback” player at West Virginia and should be the top reserve. He has sound instincts to defend the middle of the field. The coaches liked John Timu’s awareness and aggressiveness late in the season. Christian Jones has the physique but hasn’t translated it to the field. Jonathan Anderson can help in coverage and on special teams.

GRADE

MATT FORTE

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

B+

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 17 JEFFERY OLT 72 LENO OLG 65 WHITEHAIR* C 55 GRASU ORG 75 LONG ORT 70 MASSIE TE 86 MILLER WR 13 WHITE QB 6 CUTLER RB 33 LANGFORD WR 19 ROYAL

11 Bellamy 71 Becton 62 Larsen 63 Ramirez 62 Larsen 73 Fabuluje 82 Lee 10 Wilson 8 Hoyer 25 Carey 80 Mariani

DLT 69 BULLARD* NT 91 GOLDMAN DRT 96 HICKS LOLB 92 McPHEE ILB 50 FREEMAN ILB 59 TREVATHAN ROLB 97 YOUNG LCB 21 PORTER RCB 23 FULLER SS 29 JONES-QUARTEY FS 38 AMOS

98 Unrein 90 Washington 93 Sutton 76 Gaston 95 Ferguson 99 Houston 57 Barrow 44 Kwiatkoski* 58 Anderson 53 Timu 52 Jones 94 Floyd 32 Hall* 27 McManis 37 Callahan 39 Glenn 26 Bush* 31 Prosinski 36 Bolden 30 Hurst

14 Thompson 78 Weaver 71 Becton 60 Edison 63 Ramirez 64 Wallace 88 Housler 81 Meredith 12 Fales 24 Howard* 83 Braverman*

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 16 O’DONNELL PK 9 GOULD H 16 O’DONNELL PR 80 MARIANI 19 Royal KR 14 THOMPSON 36 Bolden LS 46 BREWER 48 Scales * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Sean Desai, defensive quality control; Ed Donatell, defensive backs; Stan Drayton, running backs; Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator; John Fox, head coach; Sam Garnes, assistant defensive backs; Jason George, head strength and conditioning; Richard Hightower, assistant special teams; Clint Hurtt, outside linebackers; Curtis Johnson, wide receivers; Dowell Loggains, offensive coordinator; Dave Magazu, offensive line; Ben McDaniels, assistant offensive line; Pierre Ngo, assistant strength and conditioning; Rick Perry, assistant strength and conditioning; Glenn Pires, linebackers; Dave Ragone, quarterbacks; Jay Rodgers, defensive line; Jeff Rodgers, special teams; Frank Smith, tight ends; Ben Wilkerson, assistant offensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OLB OG DE OLB FS FS RB FS WR

Georgia Kansas State Florida West Virginia Miami (Fla.) Northern Iowa Indiana William & Mary Western Michigan

9 56 72 113 124 127 150 185 230

1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 7

Leonard Floyd Cody Whitehair Jonathan Bullard Nick Kwiatkoski Deon Bush Deiondre’ Hall Jordan Howard DeAndre Houston-Carson Daniel Braverman

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Jay Cutler builds off last season’s success as Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White establish themselves as one of the best widereceiver tandems in the game. Vic Fangio’s defense benefits greatly from the new inside linebackers, and Pernell McPhee stays healthy enough to snag double-digit sacks, helping the Bears to a wild-card spot in the NFC.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Cutler takes a step back, relying too heavily on the athleticism of Jeffery and White and throwing too many crucial picks. The revamped O-line struggles, and the running game doesn’t get going without Matt Forte. Injuries return to the defense, which doesn’t boast a star in the secondary, keeping the Bears out of the playoffs for the sixth year in a row.

POS

49 Acho, Sam LB 38 Amos, Adrian S 58 Anderson, Jonathan LB 57 Barrow, Lamin LB 20 Bausby, De’Vante CB 71 Becton, Nick G/T 11 Bellamy, Joshua WR 2 Blanchard, Matt QB 22 Bolden, Omar S 43 Braunecker, Ben TE 83 Braverman, Daniel WR 46 Brewer, Aaron LS 67 Browner, Keith DL 53 Buchholz, Dan OL 74 Bullard, Jonathan DL 26 Bush, Deon DB 33 Calhoun, Taveze DB 37 Callahan, Bryce CB 25 Carey, Ka’Deem RB 43 Cherry, Don LB 6 Cutler, Jay QB 60 Edison, Cornelius C 73 Fabuluje, Tayo T 12 Fales, David QB 95 Ferguson, Ego DL 94 Floyd, Leonard LB 50 Freeman, Jerrell LB 23 Fuller, Kyle CB 76 Gaston, Bruce DL 39 Glenn, Jacoby CB 91 Goldman, Eddie DL 9 Gould, Robbie K 55 Grasu, Hroniss C 32 Hall, Deiondre’ DB 96 Hicks, Akiem DL 88 Housler, Rob TE 36 Houston-Carson, DeAndre DB 99 Houston, Lamarr LB 24 Howard, Jordan RB 8 Hoyer, Brian QB 30 Hurst, Demontre S 24 Jefferson, Anthony S 17 Jeffery, Alshon WR 29 Jones-Quartey, Harold S 52 Jones, Christian LB 18 Keaton, Derek WR 69 Kling, John OL 44 Kwiatkoski, Nick LB 33 Langford, Jeremy RB 62 Larsen, Ted OL 47 Lasike, Paul RB/FB 82 Lee, Khari TE 72 Leno, Charles T 75 Long, Kyle T/G 85 Lucas, Marcus WR/TE 80 Mariani, Marc WR/KR 45 Mason, Danny LB 70 Massie, Bobby T 27 McManis, Sherrick CB 92 McPhee, Pernell LB 81 Meredith, Cameron WR 86 Miller, Zach TE 16 O’Donnell, Pat P 15 Palmer, Nathan WR 32 Perry, Senorise RB 4 Peterson, Darrin WR 25 Peterson, Kevin DB 21 Porter, Tracy CB 31 Prosinski, Chris S 63 Ramirez, Manny G/C 47 Robertson-Harris, Roy LB 35 Rodgers, Jacquizz RB 19 Royal, Eddie WR 48 Scales, Patrick LS 87 Scruggs, Greg TE 84 Sinclair, Gannon TE 45 Sommers, Joe TE 93 Sutton, Will DL 14 Thompson, Deonte WR 53 Timu, John LB 59 Trevathan, Danny LB 98 Unrein, Mitch DL 64 Wallace, Martin T 90 Washington, Cornelius DL 78 Weaver, Jason T 65 Whitehair, Cody OL 13 White, Kevin WR 79 Williams, Terry DL 10 Wilson, Marquess WR 97 Young, Willie LB

WT AGE COLLEGE

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

257 218 227 237 179 323 208 225 195 250 177 230 288 301 283 199 180 185 210 240 220 295 342 219 309 244 240 194 310 180 332 185 300 199 324 250 201 270 230 215 183 198 216 215 248 180 305 243 208 305 232 235 302 328 235 187 235 316 197 275 200 240 220 198 207 190 190 190 208 325 255 199 185 244 310 270 240 315 203 247 240 306 330 285 305 300 217 322 199 251

27 23 24 25 23 26 26 27 27 22 22 25 28 22 22 22 23 24 23 21 33 22 24 25 24 23 30 24 24 22 22 34 24 21 26 28 23 28 21 30 25 23 26 22 25 22 22 22 24 28 25 24 24 27 24 29 25 26 28 27 23 31 25 27 24 21 22 29 29 33 23 26 29 28 25 23 23 24 27 23 26 29 26 26 27 23 23 24 23 30

Texas Penn State Texas Christian LSU Pittsburg State Virginia Tech Louisville Wis.-Whitewater Arizona State Harvard Western Michigan San Diego State California Duquesne Florida Miami (Fla.) Mississippi State Rice Arizona Villanova Vanderbilt Portland State Texas Christian San Jose State LSU Georgia Mary Hardin-Baylor Virginia Tech Purdue Central Florida Florida State Penn State Oregon Northern Iowa Regina (Canada) Florida Atlantic William & Mary Texas Indiana Michigan State Oklahoma UCLA South Carolina Findlay Florida State Georgia Southern Buffalo West Virginia Michigan State North Carolina State BYU Bowie State Boise State Oregon Missouri Montana Texas A&M-Commerce Mississippi Northwestern Mississippi State Illinois State Nebraska-Omaha Miami (Fla.) Northern Illinois Louisville Liberty Oklahoma State Indiana Wyoming Texas Tech UTEP Oregon State Virginia Tech Utah State Louisville Missouri State Wisconsin-Oshkosh Arizona State Florida Washington Kentucky Wyoming Temple Georgia Southern Mississippi Kansas State West Virginia East Carolina Washington State North Carolina State

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| 125

NFC

4 Lions

NORTH

DETROIT

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S Rafael Bush, WR Marvin Jones, WR Jeremy Kerley, RB Stevan Ridley, OL Geoff Schwartz, CB Darrin Walls, S Tavon Wilson.

PREDICTION

5-11

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES RB Joique Bell, S James Ihedigbo, WR Calvin Johnson, CB Rashean Mathis, OL Manny Ramirez, LB Stephen Tulloch.

EXECUTIVE VP & GM Bob Quinn HEAD COACH Jim Caldwell OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jim Bob Cooter DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Teryl Austin STADIUM Ford Field CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,000 | FieldTurf

ARTHUR ARKUSH @ ArthurArkush

OFFENSE Jim Bob Cooter’s first full season as coordinator coincides with Detroit’s first since 2006 without transcendent Calvin Johnson, who retired in March at age 30. Matthew Stafford hopes to maintain his momentum from the second half of 2015 – the best eight-game stretch of his career, when Detroit finished 6-2 behind his 19:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 70 completion percentage – without his vital lifeline. Picking up Megatron’s slack, Detroit hopes, is a still potent receiving group spearheaded by Golden Tate and newcomer Marvin Jones and supplemented by underrated Theo Riddick and improving Eric Ebron. The NFL’s 32nd-ranked run game, which improved after Cooter replaced fired Joe Lombardi and recommitted to a simplified version, is led by explosive sophomore Ameer Abdullah and buoyed by 2016 first-rounder OT Taylor Decker.

u RUNNING BACKS Abdullah has rare suddenness and acceleration, but also a fumbling issue that marred his first season. On his first NFL carry, Abdullah went 24 yards to the house, leaving the Chargers’ Eric Weddle (now with the Ravens) on a poster in the open field en route. Abdullah is an electrifying space player without elite long speed, tacklebreaking and bell-cow ability. Theo Riddick had the most prolific receiving season ever by a Lions back. He’s not overly fast or physical but his smarts, dependability and versatility as a receiver are invaluable. Veteran Stevan Ridley, two years removed from ACL reconstruction, could compete with dark horse Zach Zenner and rookie Dwayne Washington behind Abdullah, who didn’t eclipse 20 carries in a game.

C+

u RECEIVERS Golden Tate again led Detroit in catches, yet his average shrunk more

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than four yards per. He wasn’t the same deep threat as in 2014, but Tate remains one of the NFL’s tougher pound-forpound receivers, with an outstanding blend of ball skills and strength, speed and elusiveness running routes and after the catch. Marvin Jones received $20 million guaranteed to replace Calvin Johnson despite just one breakout season as Cincinnati’s No. 2 option. His size, high-pointing skills and ability to make acrobatic contested grabs are pluses. Former Jet Jeremy Kerley is more quick than fast and coming off his least productive season, but he’s experienced in the slot. Eric Ebron hasn’t played like a firstrounder but his improving hands, blocking and urgency after the catch bode well in Year Three. With Brandon Pettigrew suffering a December ACL tear, Matt Mulligan is the primary blocking tight end, while T.J. Jones and Corey Fuller, and Tim Wright add young receiving and tight end options, respectively.

GRADE

OWNER AND CHAIRMAN Martha Firestone Ford

The success Stafford experienced in the latter part of 2015, when coach Jim Caldwell raved about his quarterback’s consistency and “synergy” with Cooter, can’t be discounted, nor can Stafford’s abysmal first seven games, culminating in an embarrassing rout to the Chiefs in London and his first-ever benching. With Cooter’s simplified offense, Stafford thrived, showing off his special arm talent, toughness in the pocket and, most importantly, improved attention to detail and decisionmaking. The latter trait, however, has been Stafford’s Achilles, oftentimes counteracting his special physical tools with poor mechanics and bravado stemming from his big arm. Veteran backup Dan Orlovsky has size, smarts and the trust of Caldwell, but he’ll see competition from rookie Jake Rudock, whose intelligence and decision-making give him a shot.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 7-9

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Riley Reiff ’s grip on the blind-side is tenuous as he enters a contract year and with Taylor Decker, a mauling, agile, competitive former team captain, on board. “Taylor is a very durable player, tough, smart, really long player,” GM Bob Quinn said. “... We spent a lot of time with O-linemen in the pre-draft process ... and it really came across to us that he was clearly the best guy on the board at the time.” Reiff is gritty and durable but might be best inside or on the right. Detroit’s guard tandem of Larry Warford (right) and Laken Tomlinson (left) is full of power and promise. The nasty and nimble Warford is the unit’s premier player, though injuries have hampered him since his superb rookie 2013 campaign. Tomlinson is a similar blocker to Warford: strong, fiery and best in a phone booth. Pivot Travis Swanson simply wasn’t stout enough and has

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC NORTH

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Matthew Stafford

DeAndre Levy

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Eric Ebron DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB Quandre Diggs POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS Rafael Bush vs. Tavon Wilson

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

Ezekiel Ansah

DEFENSE The Lions falling from No. 2 in scoring ‘D’ in 2014 to No. 23 last season didn’t stop multiple teams from interviewing coordinator Teryl Austin for a head job for the second consecutive offseason. The adaptable and aggressive Austin oversees a penetrating 4-3 with wide-aligned ends and mixed coverages. He has playmakers at all three levels – Pro Bowler Ezekiel Ansah, sideline-to-sideline DeAndre Levy, and confident top corner Darius Slay — but also veteran leadership and experience voids to fill. Detroit showed signs of again being a top run ‘D’ late last season, but the unit covets more speed and impact players. A’Shawn Robinson’s entrance could help re-establish Detroit’s defensive identity in the trenches.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN With 30 sacks in his first 46 NFL games, including a career-high and NFC-best

14.5 in 2015, former fifth overall pick Ansah is a manchild with rare speed, length and athleticism to bend the edge. Yet, his most impressive play might’ve come 75 yards downfield, where the 6-5, 280-pound college sprinter ranged to track down the incomparable Adrian Peterson, an illustration of his pursuit speed and relentlessness. Opposite Ansah, Devin Taylor also broke out (seven sacks) and is another long, quick, imposing rusher with an expanding repertoire. Former Bengal Wallace Gilberry replaces Jones as a veteran with some nickel rush value. Haloti Ngata hasn’t lost his strength or instincts, but he just doesn’t move well and dealt with a plethora of injuries before finishing strong and signing a two-year deal. Robinson, just 21, is dominant at the point of attack with heavy hands, lateral agility and unlimited upside as a pass rusher, though his college production wasn’t great. “I think A’Shawn does bring some pass-rush ability, but he’s a 320-pound man, so that’s probably not the reason he’s going to be in there,” Quinn said. Tyrunn Walker flashed in four starts prior to breaking his leg and returns on a one-year deal to add juice to the inside push. Caraun Reid has even more burst and potential than Walker after

GRADE

competition from versatile Graham Glasgow, a finisher with terrific size and athleticism. Veteran newcomer Geoff Schwartz brings versatility and starting experience but has missed 19 combined games the past two seasons with leg injuries. He’ll compete with Michael Ola, who stabilized the unit after his October arrival off waivers, and road-grading rookie Joe Dahl.

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 Nov. 24 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 26 Jan. 1

OPPONENT

TIME

at Indianapolis 4:25 p.m. Tennessee 1:00 p.m. at Green Bay 1:00 p.m. at Chicago 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles 1:00 p.m. Washington 1:00 p.m. at Houston 1:00 p.m. at Minnesota 1:00 p.m. BYE Jacksonville 1:00 p.m. Minnesota 12:30 p.m. at New Orleans 1:00 p.m. Chicago 1:00 p.m. at N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m. at Dallas 8:30 p.m. Green Bay 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at San Diego L 28-33 Sept. 20 at Minnesota L 16-26 Sept. 27 Denver L 12-24 Oct. 5 at Seattle L 10-13 Oct. 11 Arizona L 17-42 Oct. 18 Chicago *W 37-34 Oct. 25 Minnesota L 19-28 Nov. 1 at Kansas City L 10-45 Nov. 15 at Green Bay W 18-16 Nov. 22 Oakland W 18-13 Nov. 26 Philadelphia W 45-14 Dec. 3 Green Bay L 23-27 Dec. 13 at St. Louis L 14-21 Dec. 21 at New Orleans W 35-27 Dec. 27 San Francisco W 32-17 Jan. 3 at Chicago W 24-20 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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NFC

NORTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS MATTHEW STAFFORD

JOIQUE BELL

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ SD WK 2 @ MIN WK 3 DEN WK 4 @ SEA WK 5 AZ WK 6 CHI WK 7 MIN WK 8 @ KC WK 10 @ GB WK 11 OAK WK 12 PHI WK 13 GB WK 14 @ STL WK 15 @ NO WK 16 SF WK 17 @ CHI SEASON TOTALS u

30 19 246 2 2 83.5 53 32 286 2 1 79.6 45 31 282 1 2 74.5 35 24 203 0 0 83.4 32 20 188 1 3 50.0 42 27 405 4 1 117.7 26 18 256 2 0 126.4 36 22 217 1 2 64.2 38 24 242 2 1 87.8 35 22 282 0 0 88.0 38 27 337 5 0 137.8 35 23 220 2 0 102.1 46 30 245 2 1 84.1 25 22 254 3 0 148.6 37 29 301 2 0 118.6 39 28 298 3 0 119.4 592 398 4,262 32 13 97.0

7 50 6 9 8 23 13 33 6 16 14 48 8 43 1 3 5 15 12 44 16 63 13 67 7 23 9 77 8 39 10 44 143 597

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

6 14 4 2 10 6 Inactive Inactive Inactive 3 21 7 56 14 17 6 22 7 25 8 5 7 50 8 71 7 13 3 9 90 311

CALVIN JOHNSON

THEO RIDDICK

ERIC EBRON

THEO RIDDICK

0 0 1

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 4

LANCE MOORE

GOLDEN TATE

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

0 0 1 5 0 0 1 5 0 0 7 28 3 8 5 17 3 1 6 14 2 6 1 4 3 18 2 3 7 20 2 4 43 133

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

8 4 24 0 10 6 80 0 7 5 57 0 4 3 29 0 18 8 74 0 8 6 40 1 6 2 14 0 7 6 59 0 4 4 52 0 11 8 73 0 8 7 50 1 10 8 63 0 10 9 60 2 6 6 45 2 5 4 59 0 6 4 34 0 128 90 813 6

AMEER ABDULLAH

JOIQUE BELL

GAME OPP

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 @ SD WK 2 @ MIN WK 3 DEN WK 4 @ SEA WK 5 AZ WK 6 CHI WK 7 MIN WK 8 @ KC WK 10 @ GB WK 11 OAK WK 12 PHI WK 13 GB WK 14 @ STL WK 15 @ NO WK 16 SF WK 17 @ CHI SEASON TOTALS u

4 2 39 0 17 10 83 1 13 8 77 0 11 7 56 0 7 5 67 0 9 6 166 1 7 5 86 1 10 5 85 0 9 6 81 0 9 5 88 0 14 8 93 3 8 3 44 1 5 1 16 0 1 1 19 0 10 6 77 1 15 10 137 1 149 88 1,214 9

2 2 37 1 6 5 41 0 10 8 66 0 5 5 31 0 13 10 53 1 6 3 50 0 4 3 40 0 7 6 30 0 3 3 25 0 6 5 72 0 5 5 62 1 6 5 27 0 11 7 44 0 2 2 27 0 8 7 63 0 5 4 29 0 99 80 697 3

5 4 53 1 10 5 43 1 5 4 61 0 3 2 22 0 Inactive Inactive 5 5 89 1 5 3 24 0 8 4 28 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 28 0 2 2 9 1 5 3 27 0 5 4 79 0 5 4 49 0 7 5 25 1 70 47 537 5

2 1 22 0 6 3 14 0 3 2 10 0 3 2 21 0 8 6 55 1 6 5 106 1 1 0 0 0 3 3 29 1 6 3 29 1 2 1 21 0 1 1 14 0 Inactive Inactive 1 1 10 0 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 43 29 337 4

4 4 44 0 1 1 9 0 5 2 19 1 5 2 11 0 2 1 9 0 4 3 21 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 2 1 2 0 2 1 12 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 21 0 2 2 12 0 4 4 9 0 1 1 7 0 38 25 183 1

2 2 27 0 2 2 16 0 1 1 -2 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 2 2 14 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 18 0 1 1 18 0 3 2 57 0 2 2 25 0 2 2 25 0 3 2 30 0 3 2 9 0 2 2 49 0 27 22 286 0

The healthy return of DeAndre Levy, a rangy playmaker with rare cover skills, awareness and production, is paramount to the success of Austin’s unit. After receiving an extension including $20 million guaranteed last August, he played just 17 snaps before a season-ending hip injury requiring offseason surgery. The speedy and physical Tahir Whitehead appears to finally be out of the doghouse after receiving a two-year, $9 million deal to potentially replace Tulloch. He’s started 23 games over the past two seasons and brings the athleticism Detroit missed without Levy. Josh Bynes, who plays the run instinctively and with intensity, started a career-high 10 games in 2015 and could play ‘Sam’ on early downs. He’s clearly ahead of 2014 second-rounder Kyle Van Noy, a player said by Caldwell in December to be “trending upward,” but he’s been

B-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Darius Slay was at his best playing “star corner,” following opposing No. 1 receivers confidently across the field with his excellent speed and agility, but he needs a consistent campaign in a contact year after taking a step back from his breakthrough 2014. Detroit is high on aggressive Nevin Lawson and scrappy nickel Quandre Diggs, who play bigger than their size. Lawson could face competition outside from second-year player Alex Carter, a 2015 third-rounder with length and instincts who remains raw after red-shirting with an ankle injury at age 20. Detroit signed former Saint Rafael Bush and ex-Patriot Tavon Wilson, and drafted Miles Killebrew to battle at strong safety opposite versatile and valuable

C+

128 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Glover Quin. Quin isn’t flashy but the converted corner is ultra dependable with good ball skills. Bush is a heatseeking missile who missed 21 of the past 32 games with injuries. Wilson is bigger and better in coverage than Bush, but he has just four career starts – all as a rookie in 2012. Killebrew is a blow-up hitter with special toughness and athleticism but a real lack of awareness in coverage.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Matt Prater and Sam Martin form a strong kicking duo. Prater’s 91.7 percent accuracy rate was fifth in the league, and he has a big leg and a clutch gene. Martin, a hang-time specialist who also handles kickoffs, is the franchise’s leading punter. Don Carey, Brandon Copeland and newly acquired ace Johnson Bademosi lead the coverage units. Abdullah broke Mel Gray’s franchise kickoff return record with a 29.4 average, No. 2 in the NFL. With Tate’s value increased in Johnson’s absence, Kerley could handle punt returns. Rookie Jimmy Landes was the only drafted long snapper.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

promised nothing by a new regime after two disappointing campaigns. Productive and physically imposing rookie Antwione Williams, specialteams stud Brandon Copeland and former Titan Zaviar Gooden add secondlevel security.

GRADE

improving in his second season. Bluecollar rookie Anthony Zettel produced at Penn State with smarts and tenacity.

GRADE

AMEER ABDULLAH

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

B+

NFC

NORTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 15 TATE OLT 71 REIFF OLG 72 TOMLINSON C 64 SWANSON ORG 75 WARFORD ORT 68 DECKER* TE 85 EBRON WR 11 M. JONES QB 9 STAFFORD RB 21 ABDULLAH TE 87 PETTIGREW

12 Kerley 17 Caldwell 74 Ola 66 Dahl* 60 Glasgow* 74 Schwartz 74 Ola 77 Lucas 80 Mulligan 13 T.J. Jones 10 Fuller 8 Orlovsky 14 Rudock* 25 Riddick 39 Ridley 89 Wright

DLE 98 TAYLOR DT 91 ROBINSON* NT 92 NGATA DRE 94 ANSAH SLB 57 BYNES MLB 59 WHITEHEAD WLB 54 LEVY LCB 23 SLAY RCB 24 LAWSON SS 31 BUSH FS 27 QUIN

95 Gilberry 93 Walker 67 Thornton 97 Reid 69 Zettel* 53 Van Noy 95 Copeland 58 Franklin 52 Williams* 50 Gooden Bostic 28 Diggs 30 Walls 33 Carter 32 Wilson 35 Killebrew* 41 Bademosi 26 Carey

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 6 MARTIN PK 5 PRATER H 6 MARTIN PR 12 KERLEY KR 21 ABDULLAH LS 48 MUHLBACH

2 Christy

15 Tate 13 T.J. Jones 42 Landes* * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator; Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator; Jim Caldwell, head coach; Brian Callahan, quarterbacks; Gunther Cunningham, senior assistant; Randy Edsall, director of football research - special projects; Devin Fitzsimmons, special teams assistant; Al Golden, tight ends; Kris Kocurek, defensive line; Joe Marciano, special teams coordinator; Michael McCarthy, quality control - O-line; Harold Nash, Jr., head strength and conditioning; Tony Oden, defensive backs - cornerbacks; Robert Prince, wide receivers; Ron Prince, asst. head coach - O-line; Matt Raich, defensive assistant - defensive ends; Evan Rothstein, offensive assistant - research & analysis; Josh Schuler, asst. strength and conditioning; Bill Sheridan, linebackers; David Walker, running backs; Alan Williams, defensive backs - safeties; Steven Williams, defensive quality control.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT DT OG SS OG OLB QB DE LS RB

Ohio State Alabama Michigan Southern Utah Washington State Georgia Southern Michigan Penn State Baylor Washington

16 46 95 111 151 169 191 202 210 236

1 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 6 7

Taylor Decker A’Shawn Robinson Graham Glasgow Miles Killebrew Joe Dahl Antwione Williams Jake Rudock Anthony Zettel Jimmy Landes Dwayne Washington

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Despite Johnson’s exit, rookie GM Bob Quinn’s maintaining staff continuity keeps Stafford hot. The O-line improvements and remaining playmakers keep the unit humming. The ‘D’ rediscovers its 2014 dominance with Levy’s return seamless, Ansah winning defensive player of the year and a youth movement adding vitality. Detroit returns to the playoffs.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

The village to replace Johnson isn’t big nor talented enough, burdening Stafford behind a still broken O-line. Lack of speed and playmaking on ‘D’ is exposed. Quinn’s first season is another cautionary tale of GMs inheriting coaches. The Lions drop into the NFC North basement before a complete coaching overhaul.

NO NAME

POS

21 Abdullah, Ameer 94 Ansah, Ezekiel 41 Bademosi, Johnson 38 Barnes, Adairius 16 Billingsley, Jace Bostic, Jon 46 Burton, Michael 31 Bush, Rafael 29 Butler, Crezdon 57 Bynes, Josh 17 Caldwell, Andre 26 Carey, Don 33 Carter, Alex 96 Charles, Stefan 2 Christy, Kyle 51 Copeland, Brandon 66 Dahl, Joe 80 Davis, Quinshad 68 Decker, Taylor 79 DeLoach, James 28 Diggs, Quandre 85 Ebron, Eric 62 Farris, Chase 58 Franklin, Jerry 86 Fuehne, Adam 10 Fuller, Corey 78 Gibson, Deonte 95 Gilberry, Wallace 60 Glasgow, Graham 50 Gooden, Zaviar 49 Greene, Khaseem 76 Holmes, Lamar 61 Hyder, Kerry 65 Ikard, Gabe 67 Johnson, Darius 43 Johnson, Isaiah 11 Jones, Marvin 13 Jones, TJ 12 Kerley, Jeremy 35 Killebrew, Miles 42 Landes, Jimmy 24 Lawson, Nevin 84 Lee, Jay 54 Levy, DeAndre 77 Lucas, Cornelius 6 Martin, Sam 48 Muhlbach, Don 80 Mulligan, Matthew 92 Ngata, Haloti 74 Ola, Michael 8 Orlovsky, Dan 87 Pettigrew, Brandon 5 Prater, Matt 27 Quin, Glover 97 Reid, Caraun 71 Reiff, Riley 25 Riddick, Theo 39 Ridley, Stevan 91 Robinson, A’Shawn 70 Robinson, Corey 14 Rudock, Jake 79 Schwartz, Geoff 23 Slay, Darius 18 Spadola, Ryan 9 Stafford, Matthew 64 Swanson, Travis 15 Tate, Golden 98 Taylor, Devin 67 Thornton, Khyri 72 Tomlinson, Laken 55 Tulloch, Stephen 53 Van Noy, Kyle 93 Walker, Tyrunn 30 Walls, Darrin 75 Warford, Larry 45 Washington, Charles 19 Washington, Corey 36 Washington, Dwayne 40 Wells, Ian 59 Whitehead, Tahir 89 Wick, Cole 52 Williams, Antwione 1 Willis, Austin 32 Wilson, Tavon 38 Winn, George 90 Wright, Gabe 83 Wright, Timothy 63 Zeller, Andrew 34 Zenner, Zach 69 Zettel, Anthony

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

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

203 279 200 181 189 245 247 205 191 235 200 202 198 323 202 248 306 218 320 284 197 255 295 245 255 200 266 270 308 231 241 333 301 304 300 206 198 190 188 222 252 191 211 234 328 211 258 267 345 312 215 278 211 207 298 308 201 220 312 316 207 340 190 205 226 307 198 275 315 322 246 248 305 190 332 192 214 223 199 241 255 239 175 215 215 305 255 316 222 271

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

Nebraska Brigham Young Stanford Louisiana Tech Eastern Oregon Florida Rutgers South Carolina State Clemson Auburn Florida Norfolk State Stanford Regina (Canada) Florida Pennsylvania Washington State North Carolina Ohio State Georgia Texas North Carolina Ohio State Arkansas Southern Illinois Virginia Tech Northwestern Alabama Michigan Missouri Rutgers Southern Mississippi Texas Tech Oklahoma Middle Tennessee State Georgia Tech California Notre Dame Texas Christian Southern Utah Baylor Utah State Baylor Wisconsin Kansas State Appalachian State Texas A&M Maine 1Oregon Hampton Connecticut Oklahoma State Central Florida New Mexico Princeton Iowa Notre Dame LSU Alabama South Carolina Michigan Oregon Mississippi State Lehigh Georgia Arkansas Notre Dame South Carolina Southern Mississippi Duke North Carolina State Brigham Young Tulsa Notre Dame Kentucky Fresno State Newberry Washington Ohio Temple Incarnate Word Georgia Southern Emporia State Illinois Cincinnati Auburn Rutgers Maryland South Dakota State Penn State

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SOUTH

1 Panthers CAROLINA

PREDICTION

11-5

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Brandon Boykin, DT Paul Soliai, OL Gino Gradkowski KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES CB Josh Norman, P Brad Nortman, DT Dwan Edwards

GENERAL MANAGER Dave Gettleman HEAD COACH Ron Rivera OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Mike Shula DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Sean McDermott STADIUM Bank of America Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 75,412 | Natural grass By

BILL VOTH @ BlackBlueReview

OFFENSE

The Panthers shocked the league with a 15-1 record last season, but a bigger surprise might have been their No. 1 scoring offense. In his previous two seasons as Carolina’s offensive coordinator, Mike Shula led units that ranked no better than 18th. QB Cam Newton leads a pick-your-poison attack headlined by the NFL MVP’s ability to hurt you with his arm and legs. The Panthers chuckle at the idea that “it’s a passing league” and instead base their offense on an “old-school” approach. No team attempted more rushes last year, and with Newton and FB Mike Tolbert, it’s not just the Jonathan Stewart show. Want one more surprise from 2015? The Panthers scored 35 touchdowns through the air, which tied for the third-highest total in the league.

u QUARTERBACKS Listing all of Newton’s 2015 accomplishments would take up at least

A-

u RUNNING BACKS Despite missing the final three games of the regular season, Stewart ranked eighth with 989 rushing yards. His 242 attempts were a career best, and his seven total touchdowns were his most since 2009. Durability will always be the question mark with Stewart – he missed three games last season – but he had his best season since 2009 and has embraced the role as lead back. The Panthers’ offense functions best when he’s the workhorse, complemented by Fozzy Whittaker, Cameron ArtisPayne and Tolbert. As a rookie, Artis-Payne showed flashes as a lateseason spot starter, but the Panthers aren’t sold on him as their future.

u RECEIVERS When top wideout Kelvin Benjamin was lost for the year in training camp with a torn ACL, most assumed the season was over. The Panthers disagreed, and then proved it by piecing together a solid if unspectacular committee. Tight end Greg Olsen led the team in receptions (77) and receiving yards (1,104), becoming just the seventh tight end in NFL history with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. After a slow start, 6-foot-4 rookie Devin Funchess started showing Benjamin-esque promise, but the guy who picked up most of the slack was Ted Ginn Jr. He destroyed his

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career high with 10 touchdown catches, doubling his total from his 2013 season in Carolina. In 31 regular season games with the Panthers, Ginn has caught 15 touchdowns. In 104 career games with other teams, he’s totaled six. Assuming Ginn isn’t able to replicate his doubledigit scoring output, the Panthers hope fellow Ohio State speedster Philly Brown continues his improvement through a third season. They’ll also give one more chance to former Jets second-round pick Stephen Hill, who tore his ACL two weeks before Benjamin. The Panthers aren’t bringing back Jerricho Cotchery for a third season, so they’ll need to replace the dependable veteran’s skills in the slot. In terms of depth at tight end, the Panthers have veteran Ed Dickson and seventh-round pick Beau Sandland.

GRADE

OWNER Jerry Richardson

GRADE

2015 RECORD 15-1

this whole page, so here are just a couple: He led the NFL with 45 total touchdowns, becoming the first player with at least 30 passing touchdowns (35) and 10 rushing touchdowns (10) in a single season. From Week Eight through the NFC Championship, Newton accounted for 37 touchdowns and threw just four interceptions. But he came back down to earth in the Super Bowl, both on the field and in his poorly handled post-game press conference. When needed, Derek Anderson has proven to be a solid backup.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN When asked to name the biggest personnel decision he made last year, GM Dave Gettleman picked Michael Oher. After a disastrous season in Tennessee, Oher resurrected his career by solidifying Newton’s blindside. But the strength of the Panthers’ line is in the middle. Sandwiched between mean and talented second-year guards Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, C Ryan Kalil made a fifth Pro Bowl. Mike Remmers held off rookie Daryl Williams at RT last year, but Remmers’ job won’t be so secure after his Super Bowl struggles. The Panthers needed to find a backup center this offseason, so they signed Gino Gradkowski, who can play both C and G.

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

B-

DEFENSE In 2015, the Panthers’ defense joined Seattle as the only two units with a top-10 defense in each of the past four seasons. Coordinator Sean McDermott’s bunch wasn’t dominant, but it led the league in takeaways, interceptions and opponent passer rating. Much of that had to do

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Cam Newton

Luke Kuechly

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Devin Funchess DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Kony Ealy POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RT: Mike Remmers vs. Daryl Williams

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 8 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 19 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Denver San Francisco Minnesota at Atlanta Tampa Bay at New Orleans BYE Arizona at Los Angeles Kansas City New Orleans at Oakland at Seattle San Diego at Washington Atlanta at Tampa Bay

DATE

pass rush, especially without Norman. How the ends develop is vital, but they also have one of the league’s rising defensive stars in DT Kawann Short.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

GRADE

A two-time Defensive Player of the Month, Short destroyed a franchise record for sacks by a defensive tackle with 11, tied for the most in the NFL. Fellow 2013 draftee Star Lotulelei wasn’t as prolific, but his role is more about taking up space than racking up stats. DT Paul Soliai, who fell out of favor in Atlanta, will be welcomed as a backup. That group wasn’t enough, as the Panthers used their first-round pick on Louisiana Tech’s Vernon Butler, who can match Short and Lotulelei with his outstanding wingspan and strength. The ceiling is high for Butler, and the

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

2015 RESULTS

Cam Newton with CB Josh Norman, who went from regaining his starting job midway through 2014 to one of the league’s best corners, but now the Panthers have to move on without Norman and rely on a group of young, unproven (on the big stage) corners. Ballhawking safety Kurt Coleman was also a huge help, tying for the NFC lead with seven interceptions. Linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis continue to be arguably the NFL’s best duo, and first-round pick Shaq Thompson provided plenty of pop in limited playing time. Kony Ealy broke out in the Super Bowl, and the Panthers are depending on him to keep improving. Fellow DE Charles Johnson has some tread left on his tires, but coaches are putting a lot of faith in young guys like Ryan Delaire, Rakim Cox and Arthur Miley. With Bené Benwikere coming off a broken leg and set to be a starter, the Panthers’ secondary needs help from its

TIME

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

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Jacksonville W 20-9 Sept. 20 Houston W 24-17 Sept. 27 New Orleans W 27-22 Oct. 4 at Tampa Bay W 37-23 Oct. 18 at Seattle W 27-23 Oct. 25 Philadelphia W 27-16 Nov. 2 Indianapolis *W 29-26 Nov. 8 Green Bay W 37-29 Nov. 15 at Tennessee W 27-10 Nov. 22 Washington W 44-16 Nov. 26 at Dallas W 33-14 Dec. 6 at New Orleans W 41-38 Dec. 13 Atlanta W 38-0 Dec. 20 at NY Giants W 38-35 Dec. 27 at Atlanta L 13-20 Jan. 1 Tampa Bay W 38-10 POSTSEASON Jan. 17 Seattle W 31-24 Jan. 24 Arizona W 49-15 Feb. 7 Denver L 10-24 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS CAM NEWTON

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ JAX WK 2 HOU WK 3 NO WK 4 @ TB WK 6 @ SEA WK 7 PHI WK 8 IND WK 9 GB WK 10 @ TEN WK 11 WAS WK 12 @ DAL WK 13 @ NO WK 14 ATL WK 15 @ NYG WK 16 @ ATL WK 17 TB SEASON TOTALS u

31 18 175 1 1 71.3 37 18 195 2 1 71.3 31 20 315 2 0 119.7 22 11 124 2 0 97.5 36 20 269 1 2 65.6 24 14 197 1 3 59.2 35 16 248 2 1 76.8 30 15 297 3 1 104.4 25 21 217 1 0 116.2 34 21 246 5 0 123.3 27 16 183 0 0 79.7 41 28 331 5 1 122.1 21 15 265 3 0 153.3 45 25 340 5 0 116.9 30 17 142 0 0 69.0 26 21 293 2 0 139.3 495 296 3,837 35 10 99.4

18 56 17 62 14 52 10 50 20 78 24 125 24 82 20 66 22 91 21 102 21 68 21 82 10 75 Inactive Inactive Inactive 242 989

TED GINN

JERRICHO COTCHERY

CAM NEWTON

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

COREY BROWN

MIKE TOLBERT

GREG OLSEN

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

14 35 10 76 7 33 12 51 7 30 4 20 10 41 9 57 9 23 4 16 12 45 10 49 3 4 8 100 7 46 6 10 132 636

0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 10

1 12 5 31 5 16 3 7 3 10 3 16 0 0 3 7 3 5 7 5 4 16 2 33 6 17 5 10 2 12 10 59 62 256

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

3 1 11 0 14 6 70 0 11 8 134 2 6 2 28 0 11 7 131 1 5 3 65 0 12 6 79 1 7 4 66 1 8 8 80 0 6 3 54 1 9 5 70 0 12 9 129 0 4 3 52 0 8 6 79 1 6 4 40 0 2 2 16 0 124 77 1,104 7

DEVIN FUNCHESS

MIKE TOLBERT

ED DICKSON

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ JAX WK 2 HOU WK 3 NO WK 4 @ TB WK 6 @ SEA WK 7 PHI WK 8 IND WK 9 GB WK 10 @ TEN WK 11 WAS WK 12 @ DAL WK 13 @ NO WK 14 ATL WK 15 @ NYG WK 16 @ ATL WK 17 TB SEASON TOTALS u

7 2 54 0 9 4 41 1 6 4 93 0 3 2 18 2 4 1 18 0 8 5 59 0 10 2 60 0 4 1 20 0 7 4 45 0 8 5 37 1 0 0 0 0 10 5 80 2 3 2 120 2 14 6 85 2 3 1 9 0 Inactive 96 44 739 10

6 4 45 1 1 1 11 0 Inactive Inactive 4 2 21 0 1 1 13 0 3 2 18 0 6 3 82 0 3 2 6 0 6 4 57 0 6 5 73 0 3 3 26 1 2 2 10 0 6 4 47 0 5 4 24 0 2 2 52 1 54 39 485 3

3 2 13 0 4 3 57 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 3 0 3 2 22 0 5 3 38 0 5 3 42 1 4 2 50 1 1 1 8 0 Inactive Inactive 4 2 7 0 6 3 59 0 4 3 51 1 6 3 39 0 6 3 58 0 54 31 447 4

2 1 9 0 4 1 15 0 4 1 14 0 2 0 0 0 6 2 24 0 2 1 20 0 1 1 8 0 4 3 71 1 2 2 41 0 8 4 64 1 4 2 19 0 3 1 13 1 5 3 25 0 7 2 30 1 1 0 0 0 8 7 120 1 63 31 473 5

2 1 6 0 3 2 4 0 3 3 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 1 40 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 16 0 2 2 5 1 1 0 0 0 3 2 18 1 2 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 17 0 1 1 5 0 23 18 154 3

2 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 19 0 2 1 11 0 4 3 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 6 0 3 3 21 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 27 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 26 17 121 2

There isn’t a whole lot to say about Kuechly and Davis that isn’t already known. Despite missing three games in 2015, Kuechly finished 12th in the NFL with 118 tackles. He also set a career high with six interceptions, including two he returned for touchdowns in the postseason while playing with a sore shoulder that required offseason surgery. In Davis’ 10th season, he made his first Pro Bowl with career bests of 5.5 sacks and four interceptions. Davis’ instincts are unparalleled, and he is still adept in coverage and handling the flats, working with Kuechly as the game’s top inside linebacker duo. As the No. 3 LB on a

A-

u DEFENSIVE BACKS After his stellar season, Norman wanted to be paid like the top corner in the game – and he was, by Washington. The Panthers were not willing to invest huge money at his spot, and they stunningly rescinded his franchise tag, moving on at the position. The Panthers plan to move Benwikere from No. 1 nickel to a starter, a role Benwikere has thrived in when given the chance, but now he’ll be expected to cover top opponent receivers, taking over for Norman. Freeagent pickup Brandon Boykin will slide into the slot, and to add depth at corner, the Panthers drafted three cover men. James Bradberry is a smallschool prospect with long arms who impressed against top competition at the Senior Bowl. Third-rounder Daryl

C+

132 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

Worley also has ideal size, and his ball skills will help Carolina’s secondary. Fifth-round pick Zack Sanchez had 13 picks in his last two years at Oklahoma but will need some time to develop. Safety’s a bit thin, too. Coleman was a pleasant surprise last year, and Tre Boston has starting experience, but the secondary could be a weak spot. Carolina is very thin at safety behind the starting duo.

SPECIAL TEAMS What was a sometimes disastrous unit in 2014 improved at least a bit last year. The biggest problem for K Graham Gano wasn’t accuracy, but that four of his six missed field goals were blocked. The Panthers let P Brad Nortman take more money in Jacksonville, so what happens next could be interesting. Neither punter currently on the roster – Swayze Waters and Michael Palardy – has kicked in an NFL regular-season game. Ginn still has skills as a punt returner, but Whittaker doesn’t provide much on kickoffs.

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

unit that mostly plays nickel, Thompson saw just one-third of possible defensive snaps as a rookie. But he flashed all sorts of potential, and along with A.J. Klein and David Mayo, the Panthers have plenty of LB depth.

GRADE

Panthers have a nice insurance plan if they can’t keep both of the stars at defensive tackle. The Panthers like to slide ends like Ealy into the middle, but they might opt to keep him mostly on the outside now. Johnson, Mario Addison and the young guys should combine for an OK pass rush, but Ealy has the highest ceiling.

GRADE

JONATHAN STEWART

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 17 FUNCHESS 16 Brown OLT 73 OHER 63 Foucault OLG 68 NORWELL 61 Yankey C 67 KALIL 66 Gradkowski ORG 70 TURNER 79 Scott ORT 74 REMMERS 60 Williams TE 88 OLSEN 84 Dickson WR 13 BENJAMIN 19 Ginn QB 1 NEWTON 3 Anderson RB 28 STEWART 43 Whittaker FB 35 TOLBERT

11 Bersin 78 Hawkins 69 Larsen 62 Dismukes 85 Sandland* 87 Hill 14 Webb 34 Artis-Payne

DEFENSE

DE 95 JOHNSON DT 99 SHORT DT 98 LOTULELEI DE 94 EALY OLB 54 THOMPSON MLB 59 KUECHLY OLB 58 DAVIS LCB 27 McCLAIN RCB 25 BENWIKERE SS 33 BOSTON FS 20 COLEMAN

97 Addison 92 Butler* 90 Soliai 96 Horton 56 Klein 55 Mayo 53 Jacobs 24 Bradberry* 29 Marlowe 42 Jones 23 Boykin

91 Delaire 61 Love 72 Crume 77 Cox 50 Blechen 31 Sanchez* 39 Robinson 36 Ball 26 Worley

SPECIALISTS

P 6 WATERS 5 Palardy PK 9 GANO H 6 WATERS PR 19 GINN 16 Brown KR 43 WHITTAKER 19 Ginn LS 42 JANSEN * Rookie COACHING STAFF Jason Benguche, assistant strength and conditioning; Ray Brown, offensive line; Bruce DeHaven, special teams coordinator; Ken Dorsey, quarterbacks; Curtis Fuller, assistant defensive backs/nickels; Pete Hoener, tight ends; Al Holcomb, linebackers; Joe Kenn, strength and conditioning; John Matsko, running game coordinator; Sean McDermott, defensive coordinator; Thomas McGaughey, assistant special teams; Sam Mills III, assistant defensive line; Ricky Proehl, wide receivers; Ron Rivera, head coach; Richard Rodgers, assistant defensive backs/safeties; Mike Shula, offensive coordinator; Jim Skipper, running backs; Cameron Turner, assistant wide receivers; Eric Washington, defensive line; Steve Wilks, assistant head coach/secondary.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT CB CB CB TE

Louisiana Tech Samford West Virginia Oklahoma Montana State

30 62 77 141 252

1 2 3 5 7

Vernon Butler James Bradberry Daryl Worley Zack Sanchez Beau Sandland

BEST-CASE SCENARIO Heading into last year, the Panthers would have considered anything less than a trip to the NFC Championship a disappointment. Then they lost their best wideout, started 14-0 and made the Super Bowl. So anything less than a Super Bowl win this season will be a disappointment. With the reigning league MVP, a now-recovered Benjamin and a salty, ballhawking defense, the Panthers are poised as well as anyone to win the Lombardi Trophy in 2016.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Because they have such good chemistry, it appears the only thing that could derail the Panthers is injuries. They suffered a big one in camp with Benjamin last year but then cruised through the season in relatively good health. If Newton goes down, so does the ship. Defensively, the Panthers proved they could win even without Kuechly last year, but what will happen without Norman? An early playoff exit would be disappointing.

NO NAME

POS

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

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

260 295 230 220 220 245 195 210 225 210 185 211 185 323 175 200 260 297 235 265 255 295 205 210 275 320 225 205 185 300 200 305 215 270 240 240 282 205 300 240 238 315 320 315 205 280 240 195 265 245 325 200 315 253 190 305 195 185 253 340 315 250 345 235 325 230 250 320 185 235 270 215 205 335 210 204 320 205

97 Addison, Mario 65 Alecxih, Chas 3 Anderson, Derek 34 Artis-Payne, Cameron 36 Ball, Marcus 13 Benjamin, Kelvin 25 Benwikere, Bene 11 Bersin, Brenton 50 Blechen, Brian 33 Boston, Tre 23 Boykin, Brandon 24 Bradberry, James 10 Brown, Philly 92 Butler, Vernon 18 Byrd, Damiere 20 Coleman, Kurt 77 Cox, Rakim 72 Crume, Eric 58 Davis, Thomas 91 Delaire, Ryan 84 Dickson, Ed 62 Dismukes, Reese 30 Dixon, Travell 37 Dowling, Ras-I 94 Ealy, Kony 63 Foucault, David 17 Funchess, Devin 9 Gano, Graham 19 Ginn, Jr., Ted 66 Gradkowski, Gino 83 Hamilton, Cobi 78 Hawkins, Donald 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 69 Larsen, Tyler 98 Lotulelei, Star 93 Love, Kyle 29 Marlowe, Dean 64 Masifilo, Matt 55 Mayo, David 27 McClain, Robert 71 Miley, Arthur 1 Newton, Cam 68 Norwell, Andrew 81 Norwood, Kevin 73 Oher, Michael 88 Olsen, Greg 5 Palardy, Michael 74 Remmers, Mike 39 Robinson, Trenton 31 Sanchez, Zack 85 Sandland, Beau 79 Scott, Chris 99 Short, Kawann 80 Simonson, Scott 90 Soliai, Paul 28 Stewart, Jonathan 76 Thomas, Robert 54 Thompson, Shaq 35 Tolbert, Mike 70 Turner, Trai 6 Waters, Swayze 14 Webb, Joe 75 Webster, Larry 32 Wegher, Brandon 43 Whittaker, Fozzy 60 Williams, Daryl 21 Williams, Teddy 26 Worley, Daryl 61 Yankey, David 22 Young, Lou

AGE COLLEGE 28 27 32 25 28 25 24 26 24 23 25 22 24 21 23 27 25 22 33 24 28 23 25 28 24 27 21 29 31 27 25 24 25 26 28 30 29 28 31 24 25 24 26 29 23 26 22 27 23 26 24 26 29 31 23 27 26 22 23 28 27 24 32 29 25 22 30 22 28 29 26 25 27 23 27 21 24 24

Troy Pittsburgh Oregon State Auburn Memphis Florida St. San Jose St. Wofford Utah North Carolina Georgia Samford Ohio State Louisiana Tech South Carolina Ohio State Villanova Syracuse Georgia Towson Oregon Auburn Washington Virginia Missouri Montreal Michigan Florida State Ohio State Delaware Arkansas Texas Georgia Tech Southern California Fresno State Notre Dame Georgia Texas Christian Southern California Iowa State Boston College Utah State Utah Mississippi State James Madison Stanford Texas St. Connecticut Southern Auburn Ohio State Alabama Mississippi Miami (Fla.) Tennessee Oregon State Michigan State Oklahoma Montanta St. Tennessee Purdue Assumption Utah Oregon Arkansas Washington Coastal Carolina LSU UAB UAB Bloomsburg Morningside College Texas Oklahoma Texas-San Antonio West Virginia Stanford Georgia Tech

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2 Falcons ATLANTA

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS C Alex Mack, WR Mohamed Sanu, LB Courtney Upshaw.

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Roddy White, SS William Moore, LB Nate Stupar.

CHAIRMAN AND OWNER 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

KNOX BARDEEN @ knoxbardeen

OFFENSE A season of adjustment and missed opportunities plagued the Falcons in 2015 as Atlanta meandered its path while fine-tuning new coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. For the first time in the Matt Ryan era (200815), the Falcons landed outside the top 20 in scoring (21st with 21.2 ppg), a feat exacerbated by the fact that Atlanta finished seventh in total yards (374.4 ypg). It’s tough to churn yardage at a high rate yet score so poorly. Only two other teams last season (Tampa Bay and San Diego) finished in the top 10 in yards but scored in the bottom third of the league. Ryan struggled at times, and the team coughed up the ball 30 times (only four teams were more prone to turnovers). With a year’s worth of experience under Shanahan, Ryan should bounce back. WR Julio Jones, arguably the best receiver in the NFL, can continue to help, RB Devonta Freeman, who enjoyed a 2015 breakout

u QUARTERBACKS Sure, Ryan threw for 4,591 yards (fifth in the NFL) in 2015, but he had one of the worst statistical years of his eight-year career. Breaking in a new coordinator was nothing new (Shanahan was Ryan’s third OC), but the transition wasn’t smooth. Ryan’s interception rate was the second worst of his career (2.6 percent), and his touchdown rate (3.4 percent) was rock bottom for him. To add insult to injury, Ryan was picked off 16 times, four of which occurred in opponents’ red zones and three others were returned into Atlanta’s red zone. Not only was Ryan off-target frequently, but his miscues happened at the worst times during Atlanta drives. Former Falcon Matt Schaub returns to Atlanta to back up Ryan.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 8-8

campaign, offers the Falcons a third massive weapon.

C+

u RUNNING BACKS With only 65 carries during Freeman’s rookie season of 2014 and with Steven Jackson gone, the Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Competition ensued, but injuries slowed both runners. It wasn’t until Week Three versus Dallas that Freeman grabbed hold of the starting job for good. His three touchdowns and 141 yards against the Cowboys and eight scores in four weeks spelled absolute breakout. Freeman finished with 1,056 yards (seventh in the NFL), and no running back topped his 11 rushing touchdowns. Injuries and fumbles slowed Coleman’s development, but 2016 should bring stability and an improved running game for the Falcons. Past the starting duo, the Falcons are thin at running back, but have fullback Patrick DiMarco.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

u RECEIVERS His name is Quintorris Jones, but everyone knows him as Julio. No matter

134 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

what he’s called, Jones showed he’s every bit the receiver Atlanta thought it was drafting in 2011 when the Falcons traded up 21 spots to obtain him. Jones set career highs in receptions (136), receiving yards (1,871) and yards per game (116.9) and either led the league or was tied in all three categories. Jones enjoyed an epic season and, at 27, should have many more to come. The issue, however, was Atlanta’s one-sided tendencies. Jones’ 204 targets were 27 more than every other receiver on the team combined in 2015. The Falcons could benefit from a wider distribution among their receivers in 2016, which is a huge reason they spent big bucks on free- agent pass-catcher Mohamed Sanu, who worked opposite A.J. Green in Cincinnati for four seasons. Green’s best season (2013) happened concurrently with Sanu working as his No. 2. Atlanta is hoping for more of the same in 2016. Justin Hardy is an intriguing No. 3 receiver, a spot the Falcons need to fill a year removed from losing Harry Douglas. Devin Hester and Eric Weems are more known for special teams. Veteran TE Jacob Tamme is a reliable receiving option but had only one touchdown last season. Rookie Austin Hooper has big hands and was a good route runner at Stanford. He won’t run people over as a blocker but he should help open the middle of the field.

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

B+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Tackles Ryan Schraeder and Jake Matthews offered a constancy to the Falcons offensive line that hadn’t been felt in years. Both blockers adapted to Shanahan’s outside zone-blocking scheme easily, and their production on the field offered proof. The interior linemen struggled, on the other hand, and the Falcons must adjust. Atlanta signed free-agent center Alex Mack in March, potentially fixing that problem. “Alex is a three-time Pro Bowler and is an ideal scheme fit for our offense,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Julio Jones

Desmond Trufant

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT RB Tevin Coleman DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE/OLB Vic Beasley POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH SS: Charles Godfrey vs. Kemal Ishmael vs. Robenson Therezie

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 3 Nov. 13 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Tampa Bay at Oakland at New Orleans Carolina at Denver at Seattle San Diego Green Bay at Tampa Bay at Philadelphia BYE Arizona Kansas City at Los Angeles San Francisco at Carolina New Orleans

DATE

GRADE

C-

DEFENSE Anyone who expected Quinn to bring along to Atlanta the same success from his days running Seattle’s defense was sorely mistaken, at least in Year One.

Quinn has made a name for himself finding valuable defensive pieces and moving them around to fit into his “4-3 Under” scheme, but, as the 2015 season showed, it’ll take time for Quinn to retool Atlanta’s defense and find the missing pieces. A far cry from his Seahawks days where he owned the league’s top defense, Atlanta finished 16th in yards per game (347.6) and 14th in points allowed (21.6). The Falcons finished dead last in the NFL with 19 sacks and must find ways to attack the passer. The linebacking corps also has to be addressed, as offenses gained too many yards in the middle of the defense.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Not only was Atlanta’s defensive front woefully bad at affecting opposing

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

2015 RESULTS

Julio Jones said. “We understand the importance of solidifying the center position and we have been able to do that. We are pleased to be able to add Alex to our roster and believe he will be an anchor to our line.” The guard spots remain areas of concern. Andy Levitre manned the left side and could do so again in 2016. But the team is on the lookout for help on the right side, where they will likely go with Ryan Schraeder and Chris Chester. Rookie Wes Schweitzer adds depth on the interior.

TIME

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

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 14 Philadelphia W 26-24 Sept. 20 at NY Giants W 24-20 Sept. 27 at Dallas W 39-28 Oct. 4 Houston W 48-21 Oct. 11 Washington *W 25-19 Oct. 15 at New Orleans L 21-31 Oct. 25 at Tennessee W 10-7 Nov. 1 Tampa Bay *L 20-23 Nov. 8 at San Francisco L 16-17 Nov. 22 Indianapolis L 21-24 Nov. 29 Minnesota L 10-20 Dec. 6 at Tampa Bay L 19-23 Dec. 13 at Carolina L 0-38 Dec. 20 at Jacksonville W 23-17 Dec. 27 Carolina W 20-13 Jan. 3 New Orleans L 17-20 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS MATT RYAN

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 PHI WK 2 @ NYG WK 3 @ DAL WK 4 HOU WK 5 WAS WK 6 @ NO WK 7 @ TEN WK 8 TB WK 9 @ SF WK 11 IND WK 12 MIN WK 13 @ TB WK 14 @ CAR WK 15 @ JAX WK 16 CAR WK 17 NO SEASON TOTALS u

34 23 298 2 2 90.1 46 30 363 1 0 96.6 36 24 285 2 0 109.1 27 19 256 1 0 112.6 42 24 254 0 2 55.1 44 30 295 2 0 102.0 38 22 251 1 2 64.7 45 37 397 2 1 109.0 45 30 303 1 0 93.1 46 25 280 3 3 67.3 31 22 230 1 2 76.0 45 30 269 1 1 80.7 34 22 224 0 1 71.2 35 22 246 1 1 81.4 30 23 306 1 0 119.6 36 24 334 2 1 103.2 614 407 4,591 21 16 89.0

10 18 12 25 30 141 14 68 27 153 13 100 25 116 21 88 12 12 3 43 Inactive 14 47 12 40 25 56 22 73 25 76 265 1,056

JACOB TAMME

RODDY WHTE

TEVIN COLEMAN

0 1 3 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 11

LEONARD HANKERSON

RUSHING ATT YDS

20 80 9 32 Inactive Inactive 2 3 4 40 3 14 3 11 1 3 17 48 18 110 3 13 3 15 4 23 Inactive Inactive 87 392

JULIO JONES

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

JUSTIN HARDY

DEVONTA FREEMAN

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

11 9 141 2 15 13 135 0 20 12 164 2 6 4 38 0 10 5 67 0 10 6 93 0 17 9 92 1 13 12 162 1 17 10 137 0 15 9 160 0 7 5 56 0 17 8 93 0 10 7 88 0 13 9 118 1 11 9 178 1 11 9 149 0 203 136 1,871 8

4 3 29 0 8 4 34 0 5 5 52 0 6 5 81 0 8 7 44 0 10 8 56 1 3 2 14 0 8 6 43 0 10 8 67 1 0 0 0 Inactive 11 10 56 0 5 3 22 0 10 7 45 0 5 3 17 0 4 2 18 1 97 73 578 3

NICK WILLIAMS

PATRICK DiMARCO

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 PHI WK 2 @ NYG WK 3 @ DAL WK 4 HOU WK 5 WAS WK 6 @ NO WK 7 @ TEN WK 8 TB WK 9 @ SF WK 11 IND WK 12 MIN WK 13 @ TB WK 14 @ CAR WK 15 @ JAX WK 16 CAR WK 17 NO SEASON TOTALS u

3 3 19 0 6 4 77 0 1 1 8 0 Inactive 10 8 94 0 5 3 32 0 6 3 36 0 12 10 103 1 10 6 61 0 3 1 16 0 6 5 69 0 4 3 26 0 5 4 26 0 1 0 0 0 4 4 29 0 5 4 61 0 81 59 657 1

8 4 84 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 8 0 4 2 23 0 4 3 23 1 4 3 48 0 3 2 24 0 2 1 20 0 9 4 24 0 8 6 60 0 4 3 33 0 5 4 35 0 4 3 47 0 6 5 67 0 4 1 10 0 70 43 506 1

4 2 16 0 11 6 77 1 6 3 45 0 8 6 103 1 4 1 13 0 6 4 37 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive 7 4 36 1 Inactive Not On Team Not On Team Not On Team Not On Team Not On Team 46 26 327 3

Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 4 2 21 0 4 4 17 0 2 1 7 0 2 2 21 0 3 2 34 0 7 1 9 0 5 3 36 0 3 2 15 0 6 4 34 0 36 21 194 0

1 1 5 0 1 1 12 0 1 1 6 0 1 1 8 0 4 1 13 0 1 1 11 0 5 3 43 0 Inactive 1 0 0 0 Inactive 4 3 16 1 2 1 5 1 4 4 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 17 159 2

0 0 0 0 1 1 19 0 1 1 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 18 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 21 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 18 0 3 2 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 17 13 110 2

u LINEBACKERS The Falcons’ approach in the middle of their defense has been to piecemeal parts together in an effort to improve. The endeavor is still a work in progress. Paul Worrilow progressed quickly from undrafted rookie to team leader in tackles, a rank he’s held for three seasons. Now, though, there may be enough pieces in place to push him to more of a rotational role. Free-agent addition Courtney Upshaw will attempt to bring a nastiness to Atlanta that’s been lacking for some

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Atlanta spent 2013 first- and secondround picks on cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, respectively. Two years later, the Falcons used a second-rounder on corner Jalen Collins. Trufant was almost instantly effective and now shines as a top cover corner. Alford started slower but has recently come around himself. Collins, who will serve a four-game suspension to start

136 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

GRADE

the 2016 season, hasn’t lived up to his draft status yet. Outside of them, corner depth is an issue in Atlanta. The Falcons looked smart by moving Ricardo Allen from corner to free safety prior to 2015 and hope they found their replacement for William Moore at strong safety with Florida’s Keanu Neal, a downhill, in-the-box player who was considered one of the hardest-hitting players in the draft.

B-

SPECIAL TEAMS For the first time in six seasons, PK Matt Bryant dropped below an 85-percent success rate on field goals, nailing just 14 of 18 and failing to land a 50-plus-yarder for the first time since 2008. He’ll turn 41 prior to the 2016 season and might be feeling the effects of age. Devin Hester might be the best return man ever to play in the NFL, but he only played in five games last season and still has to complete rehab from offseason foot surgery. Matt Bosher was again a rock in the punt game.

GRADE

time. Brooks Reed and Philip Wheeler, along with former Falcon-returnedhome Sean Weatherspoon, will attempt to stay healthy enough to produce. But the linebacking corps is still in definite need of upgrading, and the Falcons hope they got that with second-round pick Deion Jones, who had the top 40-time at the Scouting Combine among all linebackers. As a ‘Will’ linebacker, he has the speed and athleticism to go sideline-to-sideline to make plays. Fourth-round pick De’Vondre Campbell will take some time to develop but he certainly boasts the size to be a productive player.

GRADE

quarterbacks, an issue that’s plagued the Falcons for years, but no team in the league allowed more rushing touchdowns than the Falcons’ 20. This unit hasn’t found ways to regularly win battles in the trenches, failing to push forward or present an impenetrable wall. Last year’s first-round pick, Vic Beasley offers intriguing upside, but he played his entire rookie season with a torn labrum. Young interior linemen Ra’Shede Hageman and Grady Jarrett still haven’t offered enough to know if long-term success is in their future.

GRADE

DEVONTA FREEMAN

C-

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 11 J. JONES 16 Hardy 17 Hester OLT 70 MATTHEWS 76 Compton OLG 67 LEVITRE 71 Schweitzer* 64 Rahrig C 51 MACK 62 Stone ORG 65 CHESTER 68 Person 63 Garland ORT 73 SCHRAEDER 72 Harris TE 83 TAMME 81 Hooper* 80 Toilolo WR 12 SANU 14 Weems 89 Fuller* QB 3 RYAN 8 Schaub 13 Renfree RB 24 FREEMAN 26 Coleman 33 Ward FB 42 DIMARCO DEFENSE

RDE 99 CLAYBORN DT 90 SHELBY DT 97 JARRETT LDE 44 BEASLEY SLB 91 UPSHAW MLB 56 REED WLB 41 WHEELER LCB 21 TRUFANT RCB 23 ALFORD SS 22 NEAL* FS 37 ALLEN

94 Jackson 95 Babineaux 77 Hageman 74 Mbu 93 Goodman 52 Starr 55 Worrilow 45 D. Jones* 59 Campbell* 56 Weatherspoon 20 Adams 43 Van Dyke 32 Collins 28 King 36 Ishmael 30 Godfrey 48 Therezie 40 Parms SPECIALISTS

P 5 BOSHER PK 3 BRYANT H 5 BOSHER PR 14 WEEMS 17 Hester KR 17 HESTER 14 Weems LS 47 HARRIS * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Keith Armstrong, special teams coordinator; Keith Carter, assistant offensive line; Bryan Cox, defensive line; Wade Harman, tight ends; Jerome Henderson, assistant passing game coordinator; Mike LaFleur, offensive assistant; Doug Mallory, defensive assistant/linebackers; Marquand Manuel, secondary/senior defensive assistant; Mike McDaniel, offensive assistant; Raheem Morris, assistant head coach, wide receivers coach; Dan Quinn, head coach; Kyle Shanahan, offensive coordinator; Richard Smith, defensive coordinator; Eric Sutulovich, assistant special teams; Bobby Turner, running backs; Chad Walker, defensive assistant/defensive backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

SS OLB TE OLB OG WR

Florida LSU Stanford Minnesota San Jose State UCLA

17 52 81 115 195 238

1 2 3 4 6 7

Keanu Neal Deion Jones Austin Hooper De’Vondre Campbell Wes Schweitzer Devin Fuller

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

A return to the playoffs would be huge for the Falcons and not impossible. Atlanta’s last trip was 2012, but its offense should be much improved in 2016. Even though Carolina has vaulted to its NFC South big-dog perch, the Falcons still look better on paper than New Orleans and Tampa Bay. That didn’t help last season as Atlanta went 0-4 versus the Saints and Bucs, but familiarity with the new systems and staff should usher in success.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

After the Falcons started 5-0 last season, they finished with a 3-8 thud. If Quinn and Company can’t turn the ship around, if the offense continues to struggle under Shanahan, if the defense still can’t find a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks, the 2016 season could implode. A step back from 8-8 would be monumentally bad for this front office and coaching staff. Also, don’t forget that Atlanta is tied with San Francisco with the toughest 2016 schedule in the NFL.

NO NAME

POS

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

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

285 186 186 300 246 208 203 232 303 280 210 203 308 263 234 290 206 194 308 185 210 276 190 230 318 192 300 224 190 248 206 296 305 300 184 185 215 222 220 212 209 303 311 305 323 310 193 233 198 211 198 210 227 300 211 285 250 254 288 225 240 187 203 217 210 245 300 314 198 280 210 250 291 230 212 260 265 190 272 185 201 244 195 245 220 254 184 230

79 Ahmed, Shahbaz 23 Alford, Robert 37 Allen, Ricardo 95 Babineaux, Jonathan 44 Beasley, Vic 5 Bosher, Matt 3 Bryant, Matt 59 Campbell, De’Vondre 65 Chester, Chris 99 Clayborn, Adrian 26 Coleman, Tevin 32 Collins, Jalen 76 Compton, Tom 54 Dawson, Josh 42 DiMarco, Patrick 61 Elenz, Cody 24 Freeman, Devonta 87 Fuller, Devin 63 Garland, Ben 7 Glidden, David 30 Godfrey, Charles 93 Goodman, Malliciah 29 Goodwin, C.J. 46 Green, Torrey 77 Hageman, Ra’Shede 16 Hardy, Justin 72 Harris, Bryce 47 Harris, Josh 17 Hester, Devin 81 Hooper, Austin 36 Ishmael, Kemal 94 Jackson, Tyson 97 Jarrett, Grady 98 Johnson, Cory 89 Johnson, Daje 33 Johnson, Devonte 35 Johnson, Gus 45 Jones, Deion 11 Jones, Julio 25 King, Akeem 18 Leslie, Jordan 67 Levitre, Andy 51 Mack, Alex 70 Matthews, Jake 74 Mayes, Chris 92 Mbu, Joey 85 McKissic, J.D. 48 McLennan, Ivan 38 Mims II, David 22 Neal, Keanu 20 Neasman, Sharrod 40 Parms, Damian 82 Perkins, Joshua 68 Person, Mike 34 Poole, Brian 64 Rahrig, Collin 39 Ratelle, Will 50 Reed, Brooks 69 Reed, Jake 13 Renfree, Sean 53 Reynolds, LaRoy 19 Robinson, Aldrick 1 Rose, Nick 2 Ryan, Matt 12 Sanu, Mohamed 8 Schaub, Matt 73 Schraeder, Ryan 71 Schweitzer, Wes 39 Sefon, Jordan 90 Shelby, Derrick 4 Simms, Matt 52 Starr, Tyler 62 Stone, James 83 Tamme, Jacob 27 Therezie, Robenson 86 Tialavea, D.J. 80 Toilolo, Levine 21 Trufant, Desmond 91 Upshaw, Courtney 43 Van Dyke, DeMarcus 28 Ward, Terron 56 Weatherspoon, Sean 14 Weems, Eric 41 Wheeler, Philip 20 Wilds, Brandon 71 Williams, Brandon 15 Williams, Nick 55 Worrilow, Paul

AGE COLLEGE 21 27 24 34 23 28 40 22 33 27 23 23 27 22 27 22 24 22 28 23 30 26 26 22 25 24 27 27 33 21 25 29 23 24 22 23 22 21 27 23 24 29 30 24 24 23 22 22 22 20 24 23 22 27 23 24 23 29 23 26 25 27 22 30 26 34 28 22 22 27 27 25 24 31 24 24 24 25 26 27 24 28 30 31 22 22 25 26

Temple Southeastern Louisiana Purdue Iowa Clemson Miami (Fla.) Baylor Minnesota Oklahoma Iowa Indiana LSU South Dakota Georgia South Carolina Lamar Florida State UCLA Air Force Oklahoma State Iowa Clemson California (PA) Utah State Minnesota East Carolina Fresno State Auburn Miami (Fla.) Stanford Central Florida LSU Clemson Kentucky Texas Weber State Stephen F. Austin LSU Alabama San Jose State Brigham Young Oregon State California Texas A&M Georgia Houston Arkansas State Washington State Texas State Florida Florida Atlantic Florida Atlantic Washington Montana State Florida Indiana North Dakota Arizona Indiana Duke Virginia Southern Methodist Texas Boston College Rutgers Virginia Valdosta State San Jose State St. Cloud State Utah Tennessee South Dakota Tennessee Kentucky Auburn Utah State Stanford Washington Alabama University of Miami Oregon State Missouri Bethune-Cookman Georgia Tech South Carolina Southern Illinois Connecticut Delaware

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NFC

SOUTH

3 Saints NEW ORLEANS

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS TE Coby Fleener, DT Nick Fairley, LB James Laurinaitis, LB Craig Robertson, LB Nate Stupar

7-9

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES WR Marques Colston, OG Jahri Evans, TE Ben Watson, S Rafael Bush

OWNER Tom Benson EXEC.VP & GENERAL MANAGER Mickey Loomis HEAD COACH Sean Payton OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Pete Carmichael DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Dennis Allen STADIUM Mercedes-Benz Superdome CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 76,468 | Momentum Turf By

NICK UNDERHILL @ nick _ underhill

OFFENSE

Offense is never a concern with the Saints. As long as coach Sean Payton and Drew Brees are around, this team will always find a way to finish among the league leaders inw yards. And after bringing in tight end Coby Fleener this offseason to replace the veteran Ben Watson, that shouldn’t change. There are some questions to answer, as well as some depth issues, but offense should be the least of this team’s concerns.

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

After an offseason of talk about Drew Brees being in decline and the Saints making a move to seemingly prepare for the future by selecting Garrett Grayson in the third round of last year’s draft, the veteran quarterback turned back the clock in 2015 and had one of his more efficient seasons. The 37-year-old threw for 4,870 yards on 68.3 percent passing with 32

u RUNNING BACKS After not serving as much of a receiving back during the early portion of his career, Mark Ingram emerged as a viable option as a receiver and in blitz pickup and established himself as a three-down running back. Coming back from a shoulder injury that ended his season after 12 weeks and 1,174 scrimmage yards, he should reclaim that role and again serve as the primary back. Even after the first year of their marriage ended in disaster, the Saints remain intrigued by what C.J. Spiller can bring to this offense. He never got right last season after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee during training camp and ended the year with 351 yards from scrimmage. The team believes he can regain his burst and become a weapon in an offense that has historically made stars out of satellite backs with similar skill sets. The position is deep with veteran options Tim Hightower and Travaris Cadet, as well as seventh-round rookie and Scouting Combine workout warrior Daniel Lasco.

u RECEIVERS Sean Payton’s offense put Willie Snead, a previously unknown and overlooked receiver, on the cusp of a 1,000-yard season last year. So, perhaps the concerns about depth following the release of Marques Colston will end up being overblown, but adding secondround rookie Michael Thomas should only help. At the top, Brandin Cooks continues to settle in and has continued to get better with time. After his rookie season ended prematurely, he struggled to get open early in the year, but something clicked after the first quarter of the season and he started delivering on the potential that led to New Orleans

138 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

trading up to draft him in the first round two seasons ago. And Snead, who broke out last season, is a solid second receiver who runs solid routes. But that’s where the questions arise. With Colston gone, New Orleans is hoping former undrafted receiver Brandon Coleman can step up. He showed signs of potential down the stretch while Colston was out of action, but he did the bulk of his damage on the perimeters while Colston primarily worked inside. Thomas seems like a more natural option to pick up some of the slack over the middle. The addition of Fleener should help open things up for Cooks since teams often brought down a safety to help in coverage while Fleener was in Indianapolis. Fleener and Thomas will be formidable red-zone options for Brees, too. Thomas comes to the NFL with good size, and Fleener had plenty of success with Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. The Saints kept blocking TE Josh Hill, and Michael Hoomanawaunui brings good experience and depth.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 7-9

touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 15 games. Any quarterback his age could hit the wall without warning, but it would be surprising if Brees is not once again the backbone of this offense.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN The big question this season will be if the offensive line can come together and give Brees enough time to do his job. The Saints released Jahri Evans this offseason, meaning that either Tim Lelito or Senio Kelemete – or both – will likely be starting inside. If Zach Strief, who had a down 2015 after a strong showing the year before, can win the starting job at right tackle, then last year’s firstround pick, Andrus Peat, could also be in the mix at guard. The problem there is he filled in at guard last season and, despite having some positive moments, eventually lost the job. Considering how Brees likes to climb the pocket, being strong up the middle is paramount to success. It’s not impossible for this group to succeed – Terron Armstead is among the best left tackles in football, and Max Unger was a solid addition at center – but it will need to prove it can do the job.

GRADE

3RD PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Drew Brees

Delvin Breaux

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Brandon Coleman DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT CB P.J. Williams POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OG: Senio Kelemete vs. Andrus Peat vs. Tim Lelito

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 26 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 17 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Oakland 1:00 p.m. at N.Y. Giants 1:00 p.m. Atlanta 8:30 p.m. at San Diego 4:25 p.m. BYE Carolina 1:00 p.m. at Kansas City 1:00 p.m. Seattle 1:00 p.m. at San Francisco 4:05 p.m. Denver 1:00 p.m. at Carolina 8:25 p.m. Los Angeles 1:00 p.m. Detroit 1:00 p.m. at Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m. at Arizona 4:05 p.m. Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m. at Atlanta 1:00 p.m.

2015 RESULTS

Drew Brees

DEFENSE The Saints don’t need defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who took over for Rob Ryan midway through last season, to turn this group into a top-five unit. If New Orleans can find a way to get to league average after finishing near the basement the past two seasons, it could be good enough for this team to compete for a playoff spot. But after the results of the last two seasons, that’s easier said than done.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN This group has a lot of “ifs” to answer to prove it can be adequate. It’s possible everything goes right and the offseason concerns end up looking foolish in retrospect, but it’s hard to find any sure things beyond defensive

end Cam Jordan. With his length and speed, Jordan notched 10 sacks last season, five more than any other Saints defensive player. The Saints added Nick Fairley to replace Kevin Williams as the three-technique defensive tackle this offseason. And although Fairley has talent, he’s yet to put it together and have a dominant season. Perhaps playing on a one-year deal will change that. If Fairley doesn’t step up, firstround pick Sheldon Rankins will be waiting for the opportunity to provide some interior rush. Rankins has the suddeness and athleticism to be a tear off the snap. He dominated at the Senior Bowl and impressed at the Combine, using those traits to make up for an undersized frame, though he does have long arms. The other defensive end spot remains up in the air. New Orleans

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at Arizona L 19-31 Sept. 20 Tampa Bay L 19-26 Sept. 27 at Carolina L 22-27 Oct. 4 Dallas *W 26-20 Oct. 11 at Philadelphia L 17-39 Oct. 15 Atlanta W 31-21 Oct. 25 at Indianapolis W 27-21 Nov. 1 NY Giants W 52-49 Nov. 8 Tennessee *L 28-34 Nov. 15 at Washington L 14-47 Nov. 29 at Houston L 6-24 Dec. 6 Carolina L 38-41 Dec. 13 at Tampa Bay W 24-17 Dec. 21 Detroit L 27-35 Dec. 27 Jacksonville W 38-27 Jan. 3 at Atlanta W 20-17 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 139

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SOUTH

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS DREW BREES

MARK INGRAM

TIM HIGHTOWER

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ AZ WK 2 TB WK 3 @ CAR WK 4 DAL WK 5 @ PHI WK 6 ATL WK 5 @ IND WK 8 NYG WK 9 TEN WK 10 @ WAS WK 12 @ HOU WK 13 CAR WK 14 @ TB WK 15 DET WK 16 JAX WK 17 @ ATL SEASON TOTALS u

48 30 355 1 1 83.2 38 24 255 1 1 80.5 Inactive 41 33 359 2 0 119.4 43 26 335 2 1 90.7 39 30 312 1 0 108.1 44 28 255 1 1 77.4 50 39 505 7 2 131.7 39 28 387 3 1 118.2 28 19 209 2 2 83.8 44 25 228 0 1 61.6 42 24 282 3 1 91.6 41 31 312 2 0 113.1 52 34 341 3 0 103.1 36 25 412 3 0 135.4 42 32 323 1 0 105.6 627 428 4,870 32 11 101.0

9 24 0 16 53 1 14 50 1 17 77 0 12 57 0 20 46 2 14 143 1 16 80 0 22 54 0 5 77 0 9 52 0 12 56 1 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 166 769 6

BENJAMIN WATSON

WILLIE SNEAD

MARK INGRAM

RUSHING ATT 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 0 0 11 46 0 0 1 2 28 85 13 54 27 122 16 66 96 375

0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 4

MARQUES COLSTON

RUSHING ATT YDS

BRANDIN COOKS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

8 19 0 5 48 0 7 12 1 6 16 1 5 30 0 7 23 0 14 28 2 4 4 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 56 180 4

8 4 49 0 7 5 62 0 8 7 79 0 8 4 25 0 9 5 107 1 5 4 41 0 13 6 81 0 8 6 88 2 6 4 71 1 8 5 98 2 8 5 35 0 10 6 104 1 5 3 29 0 13 10 124 1 7 5 123 1 6 5 22 0 129 84 1,138 9

C.J. SPILLER

BRANDON COLEMAN

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ AZ WK 2 TB WK 3 @ CAR WK 4 DAL WK 5 @ PHI WK 6 ATL WK 5 @ IND WK 8 NYG WK 9 TEN WK 10 @ WAS WK 12 @ HOU WK 13 CAR WK 14 @ TB WK 15 DET WK 16 JAX WK 17 @ ATL SEASON TOTALS u

5 3 19 0 4 2 12 0 4 4 42 0 3 3 30 0 5 3 36 1 12 10 127 1 5 4 59 0 10 9 147 1 5 5 60 0 5 3 19 0 9 4 53 0 8 4 38 1 11 7 70 0 12 6 49 1 2 1 5 0 10 6 59 1 110 74 825 6

3 1 63 0 6 4 44 1 7 5 44 0 6 6 89 0 11 6 141 0 5 4 55 0 7 3 25 0 8 6 70 2 10 6 95 0 1 0 0 0 7 4 50 0 Inactive 8 7 122 0 12 10 76 0 6 4 75 0 4 3 35 0 101 69 984 3

9 8 98 0 3 3 5 0 5 5 49 0 7 6 51 0 3 2 17 0 3 3 10 0 2 2 5 0 5 4 39 0 5 4 42 0 4 3 21 0 8 6 45 0 6 4 23 0 Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve Injured Reserve 60 50 405 0

7 3 29 0 5 4 69 0 6 4 47 0 5 4 19 0 5 3 36 0 Inactive 3 1 20 0 9 8 114 1 3 3 37 0 5 3 22 0 4 3 38 0 3 1 14 0 8 6 36 2 4 2 39 1 Inactive Inactive 67 45 520 4

Inactive 1 1 19 0 2 2 22 0 5 5 99 1 4 3 -8 0 5 4 17 0 6 6 32 0 4 2 15 1 2 1 2 0 2 2 10 0 3 2 8 0 2 1 0 0 3 3 7 0 5 2 16 0 Inactive Inactive 44 34 239 2

7 4 41 1 6 3 33 0 3 1 9 0 1 1 30 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 24 0 1 1 14 0 3 2 58 0 1 1 14 0 1 0 0 0 7 4 73 1 3 3 32 0 1 0 0 0 4 4 45 0 8 5 81 0 49 30 454 2

u DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Saints are hopeful that getting James Laurinaitis in the fold will have an impact beyond what he puts on the stat sheet. Communication was a major issue for this defense last season, and the Saints will turn to the veteran middle linebacker to help settle things and put the defense in the best position to succeed. If Laurinaitis is able to bounce back from an elbow injury that slowed him last season, New Orleans might have bought low on his talent.

Getting Keenan Lewis back and Brandon Browner out of the lineup should lead to major improvements in coverage. The big question is if Lewis, who had a series of hip injuries over the past year, can return to form. If he does, dropping him in next to last year’s breakout star, Delvin Breaux, should give the Saints a formidable 1-2 punch at cornerback. Further down the depth chart, if Damian Swann can bounce back from three concussions and P.J.

140 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

GRADE

u LINEBACKERS

C+

Williams returns to form after spending his rookie season on injured reserve, New Orleans could have a very good cast of young cornerbacks. At safety, Kenny Vaccaro is coming off a strong campaign and Jairus Byrd was solid at safety last season. The addition of rookie Vonn Bell could mean more threesafety packages for this defense. Bell was considered one of the better cover safeties in the draft, so he could factor in by playing center field in the Saints’ defense, complementing Vaccaro and Byrd on passing downs.

B-

SPECIAL TEAMS The Saints have no concerns at punter, where Thomas Morstead remains one of the better ones in the league. The team brought in Josh Scobee to compete with Kai Forbath at the position. Scobee is coming off a miserable 2015 season in Pittsburgh, but the hope is that he’ll bounce back after battling through a series of injuries. He’s said to be healthy now.

GRADE

With Laurinaitis in the fold, the Saints will likely move Stephone Anthony to the strong side and deploy Dannell Ellerbe on the weak side. Keeping Ellerbe, who only appeared in six games last season, healthy will be paramount. New Orleans gave up 1,035 yards on 111-of-138 passing attempts to the flats, screens and other short passes to the running backs. Having linebackers who can cover those routes, which is where Ellerbe can help most, will go a long way toward this defense rebounding.

is hoping Hau’oli Kikaha can move down from strongside linebacker and serve as a pass rusher off the weak side, but he’s yet to fill that role in the NFL. Run stuffer Jordan Jenkins can plug the inside next to Fairley, and intriguing developmental rookie David Onyemata can be in the rotation. Bobby Richardson adds depth. However the pieces come together, this group needs to be much better at stopping the run and getting after quarterbacks for the Saints to move out of the basement on defense.

GRADE

KHIRY ROBINSON

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 10 COOKS OLT 72 ARMSTEAD OLG 68 LELITO C 60 UNGER ORG 65 KELEMETE ORT 64 STRIEF TE 82 FLEENER WR THOMAS* QB 9 BREES RB 22 INGRAM RB 28 SPILLER

16 Coleman 75 Peat

14 Harris 69 Witzmann

62 Lemon 75 Peat 89 Hill 84 Hoomanawanui 83 Snead 11 Bell 7 McCown 18 Grayson 34 Hightower Lasco* 38 Cadet 48 Murphy DEFENSE

DE 94 JORDAN 78 Richardson NT 92 JENKINS 95 Davison 71 Eulls DT FAIRLEY Rankins* Onyemata* DE 45 KIKAHA 91 Edebali 58 Gwacham WLB 59 ELLERBE Robertson MLB LAURINAITIS 56 Mauti SLB 50 ANTHONY 54 Stupar LCB 40 BREAUX 38 Swann 36 Williams RCB 21 LEWIS 24 Wilson 20 Dixon SS 32 VACCARO 33 Sanford FS 31 BYRD Bell* SPECIALISTS

P 6 MORESTEAD PK 5 FORBATH H 7 McCOWN PR 28 SPILLER KR 28 SPILLER LS 47 DRESCHER * Rookie COACHING STAFF Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator; Charles Byrd, assistant strength and conditioning; Dan Campbell, assistant head coach/tight ends; Pete Carmichael, offensive coordinator; Ronald Curry, offensive assistant; Dan Dalrymple, head strength and conditioning; Peter Giunta, senior defensive assistant; Aaron Glenn, defensive backs; Bill Johnson, defensive line; Stan Kwan, assistant special teams; Joe Lombardi, quarterbacks; Greg McMahon, special teams coordinator; John Morton, wide receivers; Brendan Nugent, offensive assistant; Sean Payton, head coach; Dan Roushar, offensive line; Joel Thomas, running backs; Joe Vitt, assistant head coach/linebackers; Rob Wenning, assistant strength and conditioning; James Willis, defensive assistant/linebackers; Brian Young, pass rush specialist.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DT WR SS DT RB

Louisville Ohio State Ohio State Manitoba California

12 47 61 120 237

1 2 2 4 7

Sheldon Rankins Michael Thomas Vonn Bell David Onyemata Daniel Lasco

BEST-CASE SCENARIO If the defense comes together and the offensive line holds up, it’s not unrealistic to see this team winning 10 games and getting back into playoff contention. As Payton and Brees often point out, the team was a few bad breaks from being at that level in each of the past two 7-9 seasons. To get there, this team is going to need to create more pressure and turnovers on defense.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO It’s also not unrealistic to envision a scenario where the veteran additions on defense don’t pan out and Ellerbe fails to remain healthy. If this happens, it doesn’t matter how good the offense turns out to be. This team will struggle to win six or seven games, and the rebuilding process will continue. And if the Saints don’t find adequate answers on the offensive line, it could be a very long and painful season for Brees.

NO NAME

POS

66 Allen, Jack 88 Allen, RaShaun 50 Anthony, Stephone 72 Armstead, Terron 11 Bell, Reggie Bell, Vonn 40 Breaux, Delvin 9 Brees, Drew 31 Byrd, Jairus 38 Cadet, Travaris 43 Caputo, Mike 29 Carter, Tony 79 Cheek, Joe 16 Coleman, Brandon 10 Cooks, Brandin Crawley, Ken 85 Dangerfield, Jared 41 Darby, Alden 95 Davison, Tyeler 37 Dixon, Brandon 20 Dixon, Brian 47 Drescher, Justin 91 Edebali, Kasim 59 Ellerbe, Dannell 26 Elston, Trae 71 Eulls, Kaleb 90 Fairley, Nick 82 Fleener, Coby 5 Forbath, Kai 18 Grayson, Garrett 58 Gwacham, Obum Harris, De’Vante 30 Harris, Erik 14 Harris, R.J. 61 Henry, Marcus 45 Highland, Chris 34 Hightower, Tim 89 Hill, Josh 84 Hoomanawanui, Michael 39 Houma, Sione 22 Ingram, Mark 92 Jenkins, John 35 Johnson, Austin 94 Jordan, Cameron 65 Kelemete, Senio 44 Kikaha, Hau’oli Lasco, Daniel 53 Laurinaitis, James 57 Lee, Dillon 68 Lelito, Tim 62 Lemon, Cyril 21 Lewis, Keenan 87 Lewis, Tommylee 76 Loewen, Mitchell 96 Mabry, Ashaad 86 Manhertz, Chris 70 Mathews, Ryker 56 Mauti, Michael 7 McCown, Luke 6 Morstead, Thomas 23 Murphy, Marcus 4 Neal, Griffin Onyemata, David 75 Peat, Andrus 77 Pettway, D.J. 86 Prater, Kyle Rankins, Sheldon 78 Richardson, Bobby 52 Robertson, Craig 33 Sanford, Jamarca 51 Schoettmer, Jeff 3 Scobee, Josh 83 Snead, Willie 28 Spiller, C.J. 64 Strief, Zach 54 Stupar, Nathan 27 Swann, Damian 80 Tabb, Jack Thomas, Michael 42 Tovell, Dominique 55 Tull, Davis 78 Turner, Landon 60 Unger, Max 32 Vaccaro, Kenny 81 Williams-Lambert, Jordan 25 Williams, P.J. 24 Wilson, Kyle 69 Witzmann, Bryan 19 Wynn, Shane 67 Young, Avery

OL TE LB T WR S CB QB S RB DB CB OL WR WR DB WR S DT CB CB LS LB LB DB DT DT TE K QB DE DB DB WR OL LS RB TE TE RB RB DT FB DE C/G LB RB LB LB G G CB WR DE DT TE OL LB QB P RB/RS QB DT T DL WR DT DE LB S LB K WR RB T LB CB TE WR LB LB OL C S WR CB CB T WR T

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

296 23 250 26 245 23 304 24 201 24 205 21 196 26 209 37 203 29 210 27 206 23 175 29 311 23 225 23 189 22 180 23 215 23 192 23 309 23 203 26 195 26 235 28 253 26 245 30 176 22 285 24 308 28 251 27 197 28 220 24 246 25 190 22 225 26 194 23 190 23 230 24 220 29 250 25 265 27 243 21 215 26 359 26 240 26 287 26 300 26 246 23 209 248 29 242 23 315 26 315 23 208 29 168 23 275 23 315 23 255 24 320 23 243 26 217 34 235 30 195 24 220 300 316 22 270 23 231 23 304 22 286 23 234 28 200 30 235 22 200 33 195 23 200 28 320 32 240 28 189 23 250 23 212 21 232 23 240 24 325 22 305 30 214 25 228 22 196 22 190 28 311 25 167 23 305 23

AGE COLLEGE Michigan State Southern University Clemson Arkansas-Pine Bluff California-San Diego Ohio State None Purdue Oregon Appalachian State Wisconsin Florida State Texas A&M Rutgers Oregon State Colorado Western Kentucky Arizona State Fresno State NW Missouri State NW Missouri State Colorado Boston College Georgia Mississippi Mississippi State Auburn Stanford UCLA Colorado State Oregon State Texas A&M New Hampshire Boise State Illinois State Richmond Idaho State Illinois Michigan Alabama Georgia Tennessee California Washington Washington California Ohio State Alabama Grand Valley State North Texas Oregon State Northern Illinois Arkansas Texas-San Antonio Canisius College BYU Penn State Louisiana Tech Southern Methodist Missouri Concordia (Minn.) Stanford Alabama Northwestern Louisville Indiana North Texas Mississippi North Carolina Louisiana Tech Ball State Clemson Northwestern Penn State Georgia North Carolina Ohio St. Louisiana-Lafayette Tennessee-Chattanooga North Carolina Oregon Texas Ball State Florida State Boise State South Dakota State Indiana Auburn

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SOUTH

4 Buccaneers TAMPA BAY

PREDICTION

6-10

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DE Robert Ayers, CB Brent Grimes, LB Daryl Smith. KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OG Logan Mankins, LB Danny Lansanah, RB Bobby Rainey.

4TH PLACE IN NFC SOUTH

HEAD COACH Dirk Koetter OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Todd Monken DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Mike Smith STADIUM Raymond James Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 65,890 | Natural grass By

ROY CUMMINGS @ RCummingsTBO

OFFENSE It’s no wonder the Buccaneers promoted Dirk Koetter from offensive coordinator to head coach. After all, in his first year on the job last year, all Koetter did was orchestrate the most prolific offense (6,014 yards) in franchise history. Another record-setting year might be in store, because this attack has it all, including a Pro Bowl running back in Doug Martin, two wideouts in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans who are capable of tallying more than 1,000 yards in receiving, and a solid offensive line with lots of upside. And then there’s the quarterback, Jameis Winston, who last year became only the third passer in franchise history to throw for 4,000 yards in a season. For all its achievements, though, the Bucs still didn’t score very much last year. They ranked fifth in the league in total offense (375.9 yards per game) but only 20th in scoring (21.4). That has to change.

uRUNNING BACKS Martin proved last year that when he’s healthy he’s as good a back as there is in the league. That’s why backup Charles Sims is such an important piece to the puzzle. Sims allows the Bucs to reduce Martin’s workload without losing productivity. That’s critical because Martin is more of a power back who last year gained 906 of his 1,402 yards after contact. The Bucs believe Martin and Sims form what is arguably the best one-two running punch in the game, and now they’ll have a true fullback working in front of him in rookie Dan Vitale. Vitale is a very good lead blocker, but he’s an even better pass catcher, who could get snaps at tight end or even in the slot. When Vitale is tasked as a pass catcher the team will once again lean on either TE Luke Stocker or backup RB/FB Mike James to lead the way for Martin and Sims.

B+

142 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

GRADE

GENERAL MANAGER Jason Licht

Mike Evans struggled with the basics at times last year, dropping nearly a dozen passes. But he caught 74 for 1,206 yards and further established himself as one of the top young wideouts in the game. A couple of nagging knee injuries helped break Jackson’s streak of 1,000-yard seasons at four, but at 33, he can still contribute at an elite level and should prove to be a solid complement to Evans. If he can stay on the field, injury-plagued tight end Austin SeferianJenkins could make the Bucs extremely tough to defend in the passing game. Like Evans and Jackson, he and backup Cameron Brate stand 6 feet 5 and both have displayed the ability to make big plays down the seam and in the red zone. Undrafted rookie Adam Humphries emerged as the top slot option last year, but he’ll have to outplay veteran Louis Murphy and the promising Kenny Bell to keep that job.

uOFFENSIVE LINEMEN The Bucs spent second-round draft picks on left tackle Donovan Smith and right guard Ali Marpet last year and came away feeling like lottery winners. “We hit the jackpot with those two guys,’’ Koetter said. Perhaps they did. Smith and Marpet, the latter a Division III product out of Hobart College, both stepped in as starters and were among the primary reasons the Bucs finished the year ranked fifth in rushing while allowing just 27 sacks. The only newcomer here is J.R. Sweezy, who will take over at left guard after spending three years playing right guard for the Seahawks. Joe Hawley returns as the center and tone setter for this group, and Demar Dotson is back at right tackle following a season ruined by injuries. For years, Dotson was the best this team had to offer up front. The fact that’s no longer

GRADE

OWNER/PRESIDENT Glazer Family

uRECEIVERS

It’s hard to imagine a No. 1 overall draft pick exceeding expectations, but Winston did just that last year. Not only did he become only the third NFL rookie to throw for more than 4,000 yards (4,042), but he also slowly took over as the unquestioned leader of a team that, despite its struggles, has no shortage of capable captains. That said, there is plenty of room for improvement, especially with his mechanics. Winston will never be a 70-percent passer in Koetter’s big-play scheme, but if he can straighten out his footwork and speed up his release, he should complete at least 60 percent of his passes. Winston proved quite sturdy last year, but should he go down, the Bucs have a very capable backup in Mike Glennon, who can spin the ball like few others in the league and could probably start for several teams.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 6-10

uQUARTERBACKS

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Jameis Winston

Lavonte David

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Jacquies Smith POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH CB: Johnthan Banks vs. Alterraun Verner

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 10 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 3 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at Atlanta at Arizona Los Angeles Denver at Carolina BYE at San Francisco Oakland Atlanta Chicago at Kansas City Seattle at San Diego New Orleans at Dallas at New Orleans Carolina

The Bucs will continue to work pri marily out of a 4-3 alignment under new coordinator Mike Smith, but look for them to move people around and mix up their coverages and disguises. Smith has promised to give opponents “multiple’’ looks that will probably include the occasional 3-4 and 3-3-5 arrangements. The emphasis will be on taking the ball away and improving in the red zone. The Bucs ranked 10th in total yards last year but were 26th in points allowed.

uDEFENSIVE LINEMEN DT Gerald McCoy has averaged more sacks the past three years (8.8) than Hall of Famer Warren Sapp did during his

GRADE

DEFENSE

time with the Bucs (8.5). Those production figures should improve a bit now that McCoy has veteran Robert Ayers and rookie Noah Spence working the edges. Ayers can play inside and outside, and he’s good enough in both spots to draw a double team or two, which will aid McCoy immensely. Spence was considered by some to be the best pure pass rusher in the draft. Fellow end Jacquies Smith has a great burst off the edge, but he still needs to develop better technique. The same can be said of Will Gholston, but the Bucs like where he’s headed. Like Ayers, Gholston can play inside as well as outside, so the Bucs have plenty of versatility and depth here. Clinton McDonald and Akeem Spence are two of the more underrated nose tackles

B-

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

2015 RESULTS

Jameis Winston the case is further proof the Bucs are headed in the right direction.

TIME

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

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Tennessee L 14-42 Sept. 20 @ New Orleans W 26-19 Sept. 27 @ Houston L 9-19 Oct. 4 Carolina L 23-37 Oct. 11 Jacksonville W 38-31 Oct. 25 @ Washington L 30-31 Nov. 1 @ Atlanta *W 23-20 Nov. 8 NY Giants L 18-32 Nov. 15 Dallas W 10-6 Nov. 22 @ Philadelphia W 45-17 Nov. 29 @ Indianapolis L 12-25 Dec. 6 Atlanta W 23-19 Dec. 13 New Orleans L 17-24 Dec. 17 @ St. Louis L 23-31 Dec. 27 Chicago L 21-26 Jan. 3 @ Carolina L 10-38 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS JAMEIS WINSTON

CHARLES SIMS

JAMEIS WINSTON

MIKE EVANS

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 TEN WK 2 @ NO WK 3 @ HOU WK 4 CAR WK 5 JAX WK 7 @ WAS WK 8 @ ATL WK 9 NYG WK 10 DAL WK 11 @ PHI WK 12 @ IND WK 13 ATL WK 14 NO WK 15 @ STL WK 16 CHI WK 17 @ CAR SEASON TOTALS u

33 16 210 2 2 64.0 21 14 207 1 0 114.6 36 17 261 1 1 69.3 43 26 287 2 4 57.0 19 13 209 1 0 122.5 29 21 297 2 0 128.1 29 16 177 1 0 85.0 36 19 247 0 0 74.7 39 22 264 0 2 55.9 29 19 246 5 0 131.6 36 20 245 1 1 74.4 27 18 227 1 1 89.6 32 18 182 1 0 83.1 50 29 363 2 1 85.7 29 15 295 2 1 96.2 47 29 325 0 2 64.6 535 312 4,042 22 15 84.2

11 52 21 78 14 46 20 106 24 123 19 136 23 71 11 31 18 63 27 235 14 97 25 95 11 81 18 91 17 49 15 48 288 1,402

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

5 12 8 38 6 11 6 23 12 51 10 49 6 22 8 78 5 18 10 43 4 8 7 56 5 10 7 50 4 45 4 15 107 529

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

6 18 6 23 0 0 4 12 4 9 1 5 3 24 3 24 3 3 4 0 3 27 5 15 3 24 2 5 4 10 3 14 54 213

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 6

Inactive 3 0 0 0 17 7 101 0 8 3 32 0 5 3 41 0 12 8 164 1 9 3 48 0 19 8 150 0 13 8 126 0 7 4 63 1 10 5 64 0 7 5 61 1 4 3 39 0 17 9 157 0 8 4 61 0 9 4 99 0 148 74 1,206 3

CHARLES SIMS

DOUG MARTIN

VINCENT JACKSON

ADAM HUMPHRIES

CAMERON BRATE

AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 TEN WK 2 @ NO WK 3 @ HOU WK 4 CAR WK 5 JAX WK 7 @ WAS WK 8 @ ATL WK 9 NYG WK 10 DAL WK 11 @ PHI WK 12 @ IND WK 13 ATL WK 14 NO WK 15 @ STL WK 16 CHI WK 17 @ CAR SEASON TOTALS u

5 2 23 0 3 3 14 0 2 2 41 1 5 3 30 1 4 4 85 0 3 2 17 0 4 3 24 0 2 1 4 0 5 2 13 0 4 3 26 1 3 3 31 0 3 2 21 0 8 6 64 0 3 3 22 0 5 3 72 1 11 9 74 0 70 51 561 4

1 1 2 0 2 2 20 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 37 0 3 3 35 1 3 3 35 0 1 1 7 0 4 2 12 0 4 4 40 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 2 1 5 0 3 1 5 0 2 1 6 0 3 1 6 0 7 7 60 0 44 33 271 1

11 4 51 0 5 3 54 1 4 2 40 0 15 10 147 1 3 1 14 0 2 1 13 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive 6 4 56 1 10 4 76 0 5 3 87 0 1 1 5 0 Inactive Inactive Injured Reserve 62 33 543 3

4 2 14 0 0 0 0 0 Inactive 0 0 0 Practice Squad Practice Squad 6 3 14 0 5 5 55 0 3 2 25 0 5 4 50 0 3 2 20 0 1 1 6 0 3 1 6 1 6 6 60 0 2 1 10 0 2 0 0 0 40 27 260 1

Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 1 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 0 2 2 48 1 1 1 17 0 2 1 6 0 4 3 47 1 6 5 53 1 2 2 12 0 3 2 16 0 5 3 20 0 1 1 46 0 2 1 10 0 30 23 288 3

7 5 110 2 3 2 29 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 6 3 31 0 6 3 31 0 6 3 29 1 4 2 60 1 7 3 48 0 39 21 338 4

The Bucs grabbed Kwon Alexander in the fourth round of the draft last year thinking he might one day fit in as a starting strong-side linebacker. Alexander quickly became the starting middle linebacker, though, and quite a good one at that. Though he missed the last four games due to a PED suspension, Alexander still finished second on the team in tackles (93), interceptions (two), and forced fumbles (two). Speedy and instinctive, Alexander complements the skills of weak-side ‘backer Lavonte David, who finally earned a Pro Bowl berth last year after ranking third in the league in tackles (147) and leading the Bucs in tackles for loss (10), interceptions (three) and pass breakups (13). Along with veteran Daryl Smith, who will move into the strong-side breach, Alexander and David give the Bucs three potentially dynamic playmakers at what could be

uDEFENSIVE BACKS In a virtual offseason overhaul, the Bucs brought in 33-year-old Brent Grimes to start at one corner spot and drafted Vernon Hagreaves III 11th overall to start at the other. Neither has ideal size, which could prove problematic, but both have elite cover skills, and that alone should push the likes of Johnthan Banks, Alterraun Verner, Jude Adjei-Barimah and Josh Robinson into backup roles, which is where most of them belong. After allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 70 percent of their passes, including a whopping 31 for touchdowns, last year, the Bucs could have done a lot more to shake things up, but they opted to keep the safety corps intact, even re-signing Chris Conte to another one-year deal. It wasn’t a bad move. Conte and Bradley McDougald both proved to be solid playmakers last year, and they’re both getting a nudge now from Keith Tandy, who stepped in for an injured Conte late

C+

144 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

last year and proved himself worthy of starter reps.

SPECIAL TEAMS The Bucs traded back into the second round to take K Roberto Aguayo 59th overall, and although that proved to be one of the more controversial moves of the draft, it made sense from the Tampa Bay perspective. The Bucs went through three kickers last year, none of whom proved reliable in the clutch, and Aguayo has the ability to control his kickoffs, which could prove valuable with touchbacks coming out to the 25yard line. The team signed accurate and strong-legged Bryan Anger away from the Jaguars to improve their punting situation, and Anger is good enough to do that. His 113 drops inside the 20 the last four years are sixthmost in the league over that span. The return jobs are up for grabs again with Humphries, Bell, Donteea Dye and even Grimes as candidates. Dye, who has breakaway speed and maneuverability, is the one to watch.

GRADE

uLINEBACKERS

the strongest position on the team.

GRADE

in the game. Both have the ability to get after the passer and make plays against the run.

GRADE

DOUG MARTIN

C+

NFC

SOUTH

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 83 JACKSON OLT 76 DO. SMITH OLG 73 SWEEZY C 68 HAWLEY ORG 74 MARPET ORT 69 DOTSON TE 87 SEFERIAN-JENKINS WR 13 EVANS QB 3 WINSTON RB 22 MARTIN FB 86 VITALE*

11 Humphries 17 Dye 78 Cherilus 64 Pamphile 72 Gilkey 62 E. Smith 72 Gottschalk 62 E. Smith 77 Benenoch* 78 Cherilus 88 Stocker 84 Brate 80 Bell 85 Spencer 8 Glennon 4 Griffin 34 Sims 25 James 88 Stocker

DE 91 AYERS DT 93 McCOY DT 98 McDONALD DE 57 N. SPENCE* SLB 51 DA. SMITH MLB 58 ALEXANDER WLB 54 DAVID LCB 24 GRIMES RCB 28 HARGREAVES* SS 30 McDOUGALD FS 23 CONTE

94 Johnson 95 Jones 92 Gholston 70 Coleman 97 A. Spence 56 J. Smith 59 Bond* 57 Keyes 51 Da. Smith 52 George 21 Verner 27 Banks 27 Banks 38 Adjei-Barimah 29 R. Smith 31 Wright 37 Tandy

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 9 ANGER PK 19 AGUAYO* H 9 ANGER PR 11 HUMPHRIES KR 80 BELL LS 48 DePAOLA * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Mike Bajakian, quarterbacks; Butch Barry, assistant offensive line; Dave Borgonzi, defensive quality control; Mark Duffer, linebackers; Jon Embrue, tight ends; Jay Hayes, defensive line; Jon Hoke, secondary; Nate Kaczor, special teams coordinator; Dave Kennedy, head strength and conditioning; Dirk Koetter, head coach; Brett Maxie, defensive backs; Carlos Polk, assistant special teams; Mike Smith, defensive coordinator; Tim Spencer, running backs; Paul Spicer, assistant defensive line; Ben Steele, offensive quality control; George Warhop, run game coordinator/offensive line; Andrew Weidinger, assistant wide receivers/game management.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

CB DE K CB OT OLB FB

Florida Eastern Kentucky Florida State North Carolina Central UCLA Oklahoma Northwestern

11 39 59 108 148 183 197

1 2 2 4 5 6 6

Vernon Hargreaves Noah Spence Roberto Aguayo Ryan Smith Caleb Benenoch Devante Bond Dan Vitale

BEST-CASE SCENARIO GM Jason Licht is on record saying the Bucs should be a playoff team this year. But why stop there? This team is good enough to win its division. With Winston, Martin and Evans leading the way, the offense is as good as any the Bucs have ever had, and it should give opponents fits. The defense will tell the tale, though, and that unit should be better with Grimes and Ayers on board.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO There’s not a lot of in-between with the Bucs. Most of the team’s players are either very young or seemingly nearing the end. If age catches up to the likes of Grimes, Ayers and Dotson and inexperience leads to struggles for Winston, Alexander and Donovan Smith, this team could easily bring up the rear in the NFC South for a sixth straight year.

NO NAME

POS

CB K LB C P LB DE CB RB WR OL LB TE DT DE TE T DT S TE LB WR LS T WR WR T LB DE OL LB QB C QB CB RB CB C S WR WR RB DE S T RB DE LB DT QB G RB DE DT DT S LB WR K TE T WR LB G CB CB P TE WR S RB LB T C DE DB DT DE WR WR TE G S CB TE DE TE T QB S

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

200 23 203 21 227 21 315 24 205 27 221 22 275 30 185 26 225 22 197 24 305 21 236 235 24 293 22 253 28 245 24 316 31 295 25 203 27 235 23 233 26 211 22 230 28 315 30 195 22 231 22 330 23 234 24 281 24 315 25 230 25 225 26 293 24 210 26 185 32 195 22 205 20 302 27 215 195 23 230 33 223 25 265 28 209 23 301 216 23 238 26 223 23 282 21 230 29 307 23 223 27 268 26 300 28 297 29 209 25 235 23 200 28 182 24 256 30 315 25 175 24 242 23 324 21 199 25 190 23 211 27 260 23 195 25 224 22 211 25 250 34 338 22 308 29 260 26 190 22 307 24 251 208 22 200 23 253 27 298 27 205 27 187 27 225 279 23 257 23 305 23 231 22 204 27

38 Adjei-Barimah, Jude 19 Aguayo, Roberto 58 Alexander, Kwon 61 Allen, Josh 9 Anger, Bryan 44 Awe, Micah 91 Ayers, Robert 27 Banks, Johnthan 43 Barber, Peyton 80 Bell, Kenny 77 Benenoch, Caleb 59 Bond, Devante 84 Brate, Cameron 79 Britz, Travis 90 Brown, Kourtnei 46 Cartwright, Kivon 78 Cherilus, Gosder 70 Coleman, Davon 23 Conte, Chris 45 Cross, Alan 54 David, Lavonte 14 Davis, Andre 48 DePaola, Andrew 69 Dotson, Demar 17 Dye, Donteea 13 Evans, Mike 65 Fallin, Taylor 52 George, Jeremiah 92 Gholston, William 72 Gilkey, Garrett 53 Glanton, Adarius 8 Glennon, Mike 72 Gottschalk, Ben 4 Griffin, Ryan 24 Grimes, Brent 44 Hansbrough, Russell 28 Hargreaves, Vernon 68 Hawley, Joe 35 Henry, Traveon 11 Humphries, Adam 83 Jackson, Vincent 25 James, Mike 94 Johnson, George 39 Johnson, Isaiah 67 Johnson, Kelby 36 Johnson, Storm 95 Jones, Howard 50 Keyes, Josh 75 Lambert, DaVonte 6 LeFevour, Dan 74 Marpet, Ali 22 Martin, Doug 96 Matthews, Cliff 93 McCoy, Gerald 98 McDonald, Clinton 30 McDougald, Bradley 49 McKinzy, Cassanova 18 Murphy, Louis 7 Murray, Patrick 82 Myers, Brandon 64 Pamphile, Kevin 15 Reedy, Bernard 46 Rhodes, Luke 60 Robertson, Dominique 26 Robinson, Josh 32 Ross, Joel 5 Schum, Jacob 87 Seferian-Jenkins, Austin 89 Shepard, Russell 41 Shumate, Elijah 34 Sims, Charles 51 Smith, Daryl 76 Smith, Donovan 62 Smith, Evan 56 Smith, Jacquies 29 Smith, Ryan 97 Spence, Akeem 57 Spence, Noah 85 Spencer, Evan 16 Stewart, Dez 88 Stocker, Luke 73 Sweezy, J.R. 37 Tandy, Keith 21 Verner, Alterraun 86 Vitale, Danny 71 Ward, Channing 81 Westbrook, Tevin 66 Wester, Leonard 3 Winston, Jameis 31 Wright, Major

AGE COLLEGE Bowling Green Florida State Louisiana State Louisiana-Monroe California Texas Tech Tennessee Mississippi State Auburn Nebraska UCLA Oklahoma Harvard Kansas State Clemson Colorado State Boston College Arizona State California Memphis Nebraska South Florida Rutgers Southern Miss Heidelberg Texas A&M Memphis Iowa State Michigan State Chadron State Florida Atlantic North Carolina State Southern Methodist Tulane Shippensburg Missouri Florida Nevada-Las Vegas Northwestern Clemson Northern Colorado Miami (Fla.) Rutgers South Carolina Louisville Central Florida Shepherd Boston College Auburn Central Michigan Hobart Boise State South Carolina Oklahoma Memphis Kansas Auburn Florida Fordham Iowa Purdue Toledo William & Mary West Georgia Central Florida Appalachian State Buffalo Washington Louisiana State Notre Dame West Virginia Georgia Tech Penn State Idaho State Missouri North Carolina Central Illinois Eastern Kentucky Ohio State Ohio Dominican Tennessee North Carolina State West Virginia UCLA Northwestern Mississippi Florida Missouri Western Florida State Florida

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WEST

1 Seahawks SEATTLE

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS CB Brandon Browner, DE Chris Clemons, DT Sealver Siliga, OT Bradley Sowell, OL J’Marcus Webb.

PREDICTION

12-4

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES LB Bruce Irvin, RB Marshawn Lynch, DT Brandon Mebane, LT Russell Okung, OG J.R. Sweezy, DT Jesse Williams.

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 @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE

It’s impossible to forget just how spot-on QB Russell Wilson was down the stretch last season, flinging darts non-stop all over the field with deadly efficiency. But while it might not be as beastly with Marshawn Lynch sitting on his couch at home eating Skittles, it’s worth remembering that the ground game still sets the table for the Seahawks’ offense. True to form, Seattle ranked third in the league in rushing, thanks in great part to rookie revelation Thomas Rawls doing such a marvelous job replacing the injured Lynch before breaking his ankle in Week 14. The passing game, meanwhile, ranked only 20th after taking a while to catch fire. A 50-50 run-pass ratio sounds about right. More than anything, though, a very raw offensive line must show major improvement.

u QUARTERBACKS There was not a better quarterback in the league the last seven weeks of the 2015 season than Wilson, whose success

u RUNNING BACKS Leading the league with 5.6 yards per carry when he got hurt, Rawls instantly made a positive impression, showing off many Lynch-like qualities. “He’s very aggressive,” said head coach Pete Carroll after Rawls’ breakout Week Three performance. “He’s got nice wiggle and all of that, but he’s got an attitude that he’s going to let you know he’s coming.” Rawls is also a bona-fide breakaway threat. As for the rest of the backfield, really the only sure best bet is Christine Michael, whose 102-yard rushing performance against Arizona in Week 17 earned him a second contract as a Seahawk. RBs Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown and FB Will Tukuafu all were unsigned UFAs as of press time, while FB Derrick Coleman’s status was in question pending a felony charge. With that in mind, rookies C.J. Prosise (third round), Alex Collins (fifth round) and Zac Brooks (seventh round) all could get a legitimate shot at playing time. Prosise, an all-purpose weapon who models his game after Matt Forte, could replace Jackson as the team’s third-round back. Collins is more of a traditional back. Brooks had an impressive Pro Day at Clemson.

u RECEIVERS Memo to cornerbacks covering Doug Baldwin this season: Be prepared for a giant chip on the shoulder of the league’s 2015 co-leader in touchdowns (14) after he was denied a Pro Bowl invite. One of the most underrated receivers in the game maximized his sure hands and exceptional chemistry

146 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

with Wilson in critical situations time and again. WR Jermaine Kearse has been an equally reliable fit in the Seattle system, excelling mostly as a possession receiver with a flair for highlight-reel receptions. And let’s not forget second-year pro Tyler Lockett, whose world-class speed and big-play ability made him a major weapon with elite potential right away. Entering last season, TE Jimmy Graham was viewed as a potential blockbuster differencemaker after being obtained from the Saints. After rupturing his patellar tendon in Week 12 last season right when he appeared to be rounding into his normal All-Pro form, the expectations aren’t nearly as gaudy this season. TEs Luke Willson, Cooper Helfet and thirdround rookie Nick Vanett add solid depth behind Graham. Lengthy seventh-round WR Kenny Lawler could have a hard time earning a roster spot.

GRADE

CHAIRMAN Paul G. Allen

GRADE

2015 RECORD 10-6

on third down and in the red zone skyrocketed after he started getting rid of the ball a lot quicker. When you throw in Wilson’s ability to escape pressure with some of the craftiest footwork in the game, a 2016 MVP prediction hardly seems off base. Undrafted Trevone Boykin out of TCU was Wilson’s projected backup at press time.

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B+

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Having lost all five of its starters since winning the Super Bowl three seasons ago, the Seahawks’ front wall is undergoing major reconstruction. The closest player to being a surefire starter is naturally aggressive C Patrick Lewis, who steadily improved while starting the second half of last season. Garry Gilliam, who had his share of struggles starting every game at right tackle last season, and veteran ex-Cardinal Bradley Sowell are top candidates to start at either tackle spot. But a revamped right side featuring rookies Germain Ifedi (first-round) and Rees Odhiambo (third round) at tackle and guard, respectively, would hardly be a shock, although Odhiambo has had a hard time avoiding injuries. The 6-6, 324-pound Ifedi is an excellent athlete with great confidence and 36-inch arms. At left guard, converted tackle Justin Britt is the tenuous front-runner after struggling in pass protection more often than not in his first season at the position. Second-

GRADE

1ST PLACE IN NFC WEST

C-

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Russell Wilson

Earl Thomas

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR Tyler Lockett DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DE Frank Clark POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH OLT and ORG: Open competition

2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 7 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Miami at Los Angeles San Francisco at N.Y. Jets BYE Atlanta at Arizona at New Orleans Buffalo at New England Philadelphia at Tampa Bay Carolina at Green Bay Los Angeles Arizona at San Francisco

DEFENSE Seattle’s defense was once again exceptional, leading the league in fewest points allowed (17.3 ppg) for the fourth straight season while also ranking first in rushing yards allowed and second in both total yards and passing yards allowed. The defense was just so-so in terms of forcing turnovers, particularly interceptions (only nine), as opponents went out of their way to avoid testing the unit’s vaunted “Legion

of Boom” secondary deep. But the unit’s “Cover-3” alignment was never better diagnosing run plays. Doublebarreled star power overflows across the board. Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril are widely considered the league’s top pair of starting 4-3 defensive ends, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright pack an unrivaled inside-outside punch at linebacker and FS Earl Thomas and CB Richard Sherman excelled as usual on the back end.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Registering a career-high 10 sacks and 30 QB hits, Bennett imposed his will both inside and on the edge. Avril, who has superior instincts, was almost as menacing on the right side, registering nine sacks. Three-technique Ahtyba Rubin earned a new three-year contract after doing a terrific job handling blockers at the line of scrimmage, which

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

2015 RESULTS

Bobby Wagner year pro Mark Glowinski, considered by many to be the line’s strongest player, has an equally shaky grip on the starting ORG job, with J’Marcus Webb, another journeyman free-agent addition, looking closely over the shoulders of all the projected starters at tackle and guard. Sixth-round rookie Joey Hunt adds depth at center.

TIME

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

DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 at St. Louis *L 31-34 Sept. 20 at Green Bay L 17-27 Sept. 27 Chicago W 26-0 Oct. 5 Detroit W 13-10 Oct. 11 at Cincinnati *L 24-27 Oct. 18 Carolina L 23-27 Oct. 22 at San Francisco W 20-3 Nov. 1 at Dallas W 13-12 Nov. 15 Arizona L 32-39 Nov. 22 San Francisco W 29-13 Nov. 29 Pittsburgh W 39-30 Dec. 6 at Minnesota W 38-7 Dec. 13 at Baltimore W 35-6 Dec. 20 Cleveland W 30-13 Dec. 27 St. Louis L 17-23 Jan. 3 at Arizona W 36-6 POSTSEASON Jan. 10 at Minnesota W 10-9 Jan. 17 at Carolina L 24-31 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS RUSSELL WILSON

THOMAS RAWLS

MARSHAWN LYNCH

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 @ STL WK 2 @ GB WK 3 CHI WK 4 DET WK 5 @ CIN WK 6 CAR WK 7 @ SF WK 8 @ DAL WK 10 AZ WK 11 SF WK 12 PIT WK 13 @ MIN WK 14 @ BALT WK 15 CLE WK 16 STL WK 17 @ AZ SEASON TOTALS u

41 32 251 1 1 90.1 30 19 206 2 1 91.8 30 20 235 1 0 101.4 26 20 287 1 0 125.0 23 15 213 1 1 91.4 30 18 241 1 0 96.7 24 18 235 1 2 84.5 30 19 210 1 1 81.2 32 14 240 1 1 67.2 29 24 260 3 0 138.5 30 21 345 5 0 147.9 27 21 274 3 0 146.0 32 23 292 5 0 139.6 30 21 249 3 0 128.3 41 25 289 2 1 88.4 28 19 197 3 0 123.7 483 329 4,024 34 8 110.1

2 5 0 0 0 0 16 104 0 17 48 0 23 169 1 1 8 0 6 32 0 4 10 0 2 19 0 30 209 1 21 81 1 19 101 1 6 44 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 147 830 4

DOUG BALDWIN

TYLER LOCKETT

JERMAINE KEARSE

RUSHING ATT YDS

18 73 15 41 5 14 Inactive Inactive 17 54 27 122 21 71 8 42 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 111 417

RUSSELL WILSON

0 0 0 1 1 0 1

JIMMY GRAHAM

FRED JACKSON

RUSHING ATT YDS

8 31 10 78 6 28 10 40 3 21 8 53 7 20 6 32 6 52 9 30 4 14 9 51 1 6 5 46 6 38 5 13 103 553

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

3 13 0 0 2 13 3 21 2 5 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 11 1 4 1 5 7 15 0 0 2 11 0 0 26 100

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

FRED JACKSON

LUKE WILLSON

GAME OPP

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 @ STL WK 2 @ GB WK 3 CHI WK 4 DET WK 5 @ CIN WK 6 CAR WK 7 @ SF WK 8 @ DAL WK 10 AZ WK 11 SF WK 12 PIT WK 13 @ MIN WK 14 @ BALT WK 15 CLE WK 16 STL WK 17 @ AZ SEASON TOTALS u

9 7 35 0 8 7 92 1 3 3 35 0 4 3 36 1 3 3 70 0 4 3 23 0 3 2 19 0 6 3 35 0 10 7 134 1 6 6 60 0 8 6 145 3 7 5 94 2 9 6 82 3 6 4 45 2 10 8 118 1 7 5 46 0 103 78 1,069 14

4 4 34 0 2 2 17 0 1 0 0 0 5 4 58 0 5 2 29 0 2 0 0 0 5 5 79 1 4 3 36 0 1 1 7 0 5 4 48 2 3 3 38 0 7 7 90 0 7 6 104 2 7 5 55 1 7 3 33 0 4 2 36 0 69 51 664 6

10 8 76 0 2 0 0 0 6 6 76 0 2 2 84 0 3 2 38 1 3 0 0 0 4 3 64 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 10 0 5 3 34 0 5 4 47 2 1 0 0 0 8 7 74 0 8 7 110 0 5 3 38 1 3 3 34 1 68 49 685 5

8 6 51 1 2 1 11 0 8 7 83 1 5 4 29 0 5 3 30 0 12 8 140 0 5 2 31 0 10 7 75 0 8 3 41 0 3 3 39 0 8 4 75 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 71 48 605 2

1 1 16 0 2 2 16 1 2 2 9 0 4 2 33 0 3 3 29 0 2 2 7 0 4 4 33 0 1 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 11 0 2 2 7 0 2 2 13 1 4 1 8 0 3 2 17 0 8 5 43 0 1 1 6 0 41 32 257 2

1 0 0 0 4 2 36 0 Inactive 3 2 15 0 3 2 17 0 1 1 16 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 41 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 15 0 1 1 12 0 3 2 36 0 2 1 8 0 2 2 17 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive 26 17 213 1

u LINEBACKERS One of the best hitters in the game, Wagner more than earns his keep, effectively controlling the middle of the field on every down, taking advantage of his great vision and superb body control against both the run and pass.

GRADE

B+

u DEFENSIVE BACKS It took a while for Sherman to get his act together, but by the end of last season, he was as dominant as ever. Continuing to consistently disrupt pass routes with his great length and non-stop aggressiveness, Sherman also became more of a team leader. Nobody covers as

148 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

much ground or is as smart as fellow Pro Bowler Thomas, who tied a career high with five interceptions. It’s debatable whether SS Kam Chancellor deserved his Pro Bowl berth after making fewer impact plays than usual. But he remains an intimidating physical presence. Look for reliable Jeremy Lane and the athletically imposing DeShawn Shead to rotate between the right corner and the slot, with Shead operating on the outside against bigger receivers. Veteran CB Brandon Browner returns to the roster in a situational role.

GRADE

Wright has always been decent, but he definitely had the right stuff last season, blossoming into one the league’s top weak-side backers while seldom missing a tackle and displaying great range in coverage. Entering the draft, the frontrunner to replace Bruce Irvin on the strong side appeared to be Michael Morgan, who has primarily been a special-teams ace up to now. In two starts on the strong side last season, the athletic Morgan had 17 tackles with one sack. Competition will come from third-year pro Kevin Pierre-Louis, who has eye-catching 4.4 speed but has yet to make an impact, and converted safety Eric Pinkins. Hardworking Mike Coyle backs up Wagner.

A-

SPECIAL TEAMS There isn’t a better long-distance placekicker than Steven Hauschka, who was a perfect 6-of-6 on FG attempts beyond 50 yards. There isn’t a more accurate directional punter than veteran Jon Ryan, whose hang time is of the highest order. The electrifying Lockett, meanwhile, was a Pro Bowl kick returner as a rookie.

GRADE

freed up Wright and Wagner to make tackles in the run game. Injuries took their toll on DRT Jordan Hill, who had zero sacks after breaking out with 5½ sacks in 2014. Ex-Patriot Sealver Siliga and second-round rookie Jarran Reed could push Hill. Reed, considered one of the best run-stuffing tackles available in the draft, extends maximum effort and plays with great technique. Look for a lot more from talented DE Frank Clark, who started slow but came on strong as a rookie. Back for a second stint in Seattle, a rejuvenated Chris Clemons should provide a boost on the edge in a situational role. Fifthround rookie DT Quinton Jefferson shapes up initially as a strong interior pass-rusher in sub packages.

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 89 BALDWIN WR 15 KEARSE OLT 78 SOWELL OLG 68 BRITT C 65 LEWIS ORG 63 GLOWINSKI ORT 76 IFEDI* TE 88 GRAHAM QB 3 WILSON RB 34 RAWLS RB 32 MICHAEL

16 Lockett 10 Richardson 73 Webb 67 Sokoli 62 Nowak 73 Webb 79 Gilliam 82 Willson 2 Boykin* 22 Prosise* 36 Collins*

DLE 72 BENNETT DLT 77 RUBIN DRT 97 HILL DRE 56 AVRIL LOLB 57 MORGAN MLB 54 WAGNER ROLB 50 WRIGHT LCB 25 SHERMAN RCB 20 LANE SS 31 CHANCELLOR S 29 THOMAS

55 Clark 93 Reed* 98 Siliga 90 Clemons 95 Barnes 52 Coyle 58 Pierre-Louis 39 Browner 35 Shead 33 McCray 23 Terrell

11 Lawler* 69 Poole 53 Hunt* 70 Odhiambo* 69 Poole 84 Helfet 30 Brooks*

DEFENSE

59 Shirley 92 Jefferson* 91 Marsh 53 Moody 47 Pinkins 28 Burley 27 Simon

SPECIALISTS

P 9 RYAN PK 4 HAUSCHKA H 9 RYAN PR 16 LOCKETT KR 16 LOCKETT LS 43 FERRIS

89 Baldwin 89 Baldwin * Rookie COACHING STAFF

Michael Barrow, linebackers; Darrell Bevell, offensive coordinator; Dwaine Board, defensive line; Tom Cable, asst. head coach/offensive line; Dave Canales, wide receivers; Chris Carlisle, head strength and conditioning; Brennan Carroll, assistant offensive line; Nate Carroll, assistant wide receivers; Pete Carroll, executive VP of football operations/head coach; Andre Curtis, defensive backs; Mondray Gee, assistant strength and conditioning; John Glenn, defensive assistant; Will Harriger, assistant quarterbacks; Travis Jones, defensive line; Pat McPherson, tight ends; Ricky Manning Jr., defensive assistant; Chad Morton, assistant special teams/ running backs; Kris Richard, defensive coordinator; Pat Ruel, assistant offensive line; Brian Schneider, special teams coordinator; Rocky Seto, asst. head coach/defense; Carl Smith, quarterbacks; Sherman Smith, running backs; Nick Sorensen, assistant special teams/defensive backs; Lofa Tatupu, assistant linebackers; Jamie Yanchar, asst. strength and conditioning.

2015 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

OT DT RB TE OG DT RB C WR RB

Texas A&M Alabama Notre Dame Ohio State Boise State Maryland Arkansas TCU California Clemson

31 49 90 94 97 147 171 215 243 247

1 2 3 3 3 5 5 6 7 7

Germain Ifedi Jarran Reed C.J. Prosise Nick Vannett Rees Odhiambo Quinton Jefferson Alex Collins Joey Hunt Kenny Lawler Zac Brooks

BEST-CASE SCENARIO After operating on all cylinders on both sides of the ball for an entire season, the Seahawks easily win the Super Bowl for the second time in four years. Wilson picks up where he left off last year, and Rawls and Graham successfully overcome the injuries that silenced them last season. The defense once again dominates the statistical rankings while doubling its takeaway total.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO Faulty protection makes life miserable all season for Wilson, who ultimately breaks down under consistently heavy pressure. The defense also takes a turn for the worse with not enough turnovers for the second year in a row. In the end, the Seahawks choke while the division-rival Cardinals dominate the NFC West.

NO NAME

POS

DE WR DE DE QB G RB CB FB/DT CB SS DE DE RB TE LB CB T CB LS WR DE T G WR TE DT K QB TE DT C G/T CB DT WR CB WR C WR LB RB T DE CB SS WR WR RB LB G DE C DE LB LB T SS RB RB DT CB WR LB DE DT P T DB CB TE DT CB WR WR CB C/G T FS FS FB DE TE LB T TE WR TE QB LB

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

260 192 284 274 213 315 200 220 289 185 225 260 255 217 262 245 189 296 220 230 177 249 315 310 205 265 315 210 217 239 290 299 325 215 291 209 190 203 305 182 241 223 314 245 210 202 230 210 221 235 315 226 300 233 236 230 300 211 220 215 311 191 183 233 255 310 217 315 212 195 245 345 202 210 218 195 300 309 197 202 284 315 257 245 331 247 219 252 215 246

56 89 95 72 2 68 30 39 46 28 31 55 90 36 42 52 1 74 41 43 1 49 79 63 14 88 74 4 5 84 97 53 76 30 92 15 20 11 65 16 48 38 60 91 38 33 6 19 32 57 70 51 75 42 58 47 69 40 22 34 93 37 10 43 44 77 9 66 35 25 48 98 27 13 17 21 67 78 23 29 45 94 81 54 73 86 18 82 3 50

Avril, Cliff Baldwin, Doug Barnes, Tavaris Bennett, Michael Boykin, Trevone Britt, Justin Brooks, Zac Browner, Brandon Bryant, Brandin Burley, Marcus Chancellor, Kam Clark, Frank Clemons, Chris Collins, Alex Cottom, Brandon Coyle, Brock Elliott, DeAndre Fant, George Farmer, George Ferris, Drew Foxx, Deshon French, Christian Gilliam, Garry Glowinski, Mark Goodley, Antwan Graham, Jimmy Hamilton, Justin Hauschka, Steven Heaps, Jake Helfet, Cooper Hill, Jordan Hunt, Joey Ifedi, Germain Jean-Baptiste, Stanley Jefferson, Quinton Kearse, Jermaine Lane, Jeremy Lawler, Kenny Lewis, Patrick Lockett, Tyler Longa, Steve Madden, Tre Maiava, Lene Marsh, Cassius Marshall, Jamal McCray, Kelcie McEvoy, Tanner McNeil, Douglas Michael, Christine Morgan, Mike Odhiambo, Rees Overton, Montese Pericak, Will Perkins, David Pierre-Louis, Kevin Pinkins, Eric Poole, Terry Powell, Tyvis Prosise, C.J. Rawls, Thomas Reed, Jarran Reed, Trovon Richardson, Paul Robertson, Pete Robinson, Ryan Rubin, Ahtyba Ryan, Jon Schwenke, Kona Shead, DeShawn Sherman, Richard Shields, Ronnie Siliga, Sealver Simon, Tharold Slavin, Tyler Smith, Kevin Smith, Tye Sokoli, Kristjan Sowell, Bradley Terrell, Steven Thomas, Earl Tupou, Taniela Tyson, DeAngelo Vannett, Nick Wagner, Bobby Webb, J’Marcus Williams, Brandon Williams, Kasen Willson, Luke Wilson, Russell Wright, K.J.

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

Purdue Stanford Clemson Texas A&M TCU Missouri Clemson Oregon State Florida International Delaware Virginia Tech Michigan Georgia Arkansas Purdue Montana Colorado State Western Kentucky USC Florida Connecticut Oregon Penn State West Virginia Baylor Miami (Fla.) Louisiana-Lafayette North Carolina State Miami (Fla.) Duke Penn State Texas Christian Texas A&M Nebraska Maryland Washington NW State-Louisiana California Texas A&M Kansas State Rutgers USC Arizona UCLA North Texas Arkansas State Wisconsin Bowie State Texas A&M USC Boise State East Carolina Colorado Illinois State Boston College San Diego State San Diego State Ohio State Notre Dame Central Michigan Alabama Auburn Colorado Texas Tech Oklahoma State Iowa State Regina (Canada) Notre Dame Portland State Stanford Kentucky Utah LSU New Mexico Highlands Washington Towson Buffalo Mississippi Texas A&M Texas Washington Georgia Ohio State Utah State West Texas A&M Oregon Washington Rice Wisconsin Mississippi State

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WEST

2 Cardinals ARIZONA

PREDICTION

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 By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE The league-leading offense in total yards last season (408.3 ypg) is the total package. “You have Michael [Floyd] and Larry [Fitzgerald], your big, physical receivers, and then you have John Brown and J.J. [Nelson], who can either play in the slot or be perimeter threats down the field,” Cardinals GM Steve Keim said. “That’s what Bruce [Arians] loves.” Arians also no doubt loves his “Johnson & Johnson” backfield, featuring the contrasting styles of power-packed sophomore David Johnson, the league’s third-leading rusher the last five weeks of the 2015 season; and still-speedy veteran Chris Johnson, who was fourth in the league in rushing when he fractured his tibia in Week 12. Throw in QB Carson Palmer’s continued deepball prowess, and you have an offense capable of going the distance on pretty much every play.

Palmer was flat-out brilliant during the 2015 regular season, throwing for an NFC-best 4,671 yards (fourth-best overall) while averaging 8.7 yards per pass, tops among NFL starting QBs. But Palmer picked an awful time for his worst game as a Cardinal, committing six of his team’s seven turnovers (four interceptions and two lost fumbles) in the ugly 49-15 loss to the Panthers in the NFC title game. After a dislocated finger suffered in Week 15 contributed mightily to Palmer’s postseason meltdown, avoiding injury remains a major concern for the battle-scarred 14-year veteran. Bigbodied backup Drew Stanton is also a strong vertical passer.

A-

u RUNNING BACKS David Johnson proved to be an immediate do-it-all weapon, becoming the first player to score on a running play, pass reception and kickoff return in his first two NFL games. He shapes up as the featured back after showing steady improvement with his impressive size (6-1, 224), excellent straight-line speed and rare agility. After reviving his career before getting injured, Chris Johnson shapes up as a potent No. 2 back who can still cut on a dime with the best in the business when healthy. Injuries also have been an issue for Andre Ellington, a dangerous third option with exceptional short-area quickness.

A-

u RECEIVERS Fitzgerald further cemented future first-ballot Hall-of-Fame status with one of his best seasons ever at the age of 32. Utilizing his all-world hands and amazing body control mostly running pristine inside routes, he is the perfect complement to outside weapons Brown, Floyd and Nelson. Brown, who wracked

150 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

up 1,003 yards and seven TDs in a superb sophomore campaign, and fellow smallschool product Nelson could be the two fastest wideouts in the league (4.34 and 4.28 40 Combine times, respectively). But the diminutive Nelson is injury-prone and must add strength. Former firstrounder Floyd finished strong in 2015 with six TDs and five 100-yard outings in his last 10 games. Providing a commanding physical presence, both Floyd and Fitzgerald are excellent blockers. The trio of Jermaine Gresham, Eddie Fells and Troy Niklas offers a mixed bag at tight end. Niklas has imposing size and legitimate athleticism, but he also has had problems staying healthy.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 13-3

u QUARTERBACKS

A-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN On the left side, holdovers OT Jared Veldheer and OG Mike Iupati offer massive size and premiere runblocking ability, respectively. On the right side, two-time Pro Bowler Evan Mathis replaces Jonathan Cooper at guard, and second-year first-rounder D.J. Humphries replaces Bobby Massie at tackle. “To be able to get a guy like Evan, who can create movement in the run game and is extremely physical and aggressive, I think was a huge get for us,” Keim said. After being reprimanded as a rookie for his lack of maturity, a big-time rebound is expected from Humphries. “I would never tell him, but I would have played D.J. without hesitation in the second half of the season,” Arians said. With Lyle Sendlein expected to retire, overachieving but merely adequate holdover A.Q Shipley will battle fourth-round rookie Evan Boehm for the starting center job. “He’s a state wrestling champ, this guy’s tough as nails,” Arians said of Boehm, who played through a high-ankle sprain in his senior season at Missouri. “He’s not going to miss a game.” Instinctive but undersized fifth-

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

GRADE

2ND PLACE IN NFC WEST

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES S Rashad Johnson, OG Ted Larsen, LS Mike Leach, OT Bobby Massie, DL Cory Redding, OT Bradley Sowell, ILB Sean Weatherspoon.

GRADE

11-5

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS S-CB Tyvon Branch, DRT Chandler Jones, ORG Evan Mathis.

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

David Johnson

Tyrann Mathieu

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR J.J. Nelson DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT SLB Markus Golden POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH NT: Rodney Gunter vs. Corey Peters

2016 SCHEDULE

Patrick Peterson round Harvard graduate Cole Toner adds depth at tackle.

tearing an ACL for the second time in three seasons.

DEFENSE

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Offering great length and a diverse assortment of pass-rush moves, Jones provides considerable schematic versatility with his ability to wreak havoc across the line. He should get along well with 6-foot-8 fellow Pro Bowler Calais Campbell, who possesses an explosive burst and rare body control and leverage for a player of his stature. Nkemdiche, who fell in the first round of the draft after being charged with marijuana possession and falling 15 feet through a broken window in an Atlanta hotel room last December, also offers great flexibility. “He’s a nightmare for a guard or center,” Arians said, “and he can work a tackle off the edge.” The Cardinals are banking on Nkemdiche being able to overcome his character issues with guidance from Mathieu. On the nose, the competition should be keen between second-year pro Rodney Gunter, who showed plenty of promise as a rookie, and veteran

GRADE

Greatly overshadowed by the Cardinals’ prolific offense, coordinator James Bettcher’s attacking 3-4 hybrid defense deserved more credit after ranking in the top 10 in takeaways (second), total yards allowed (fifth) and points allowed (tied for seventh). But the ability to apply consistent pressure off the edge was a problem. Enter Pro Bowler Chandler Jones, obtained in a trade with the Patriots, and first-round rookie DT Robert Nkemdiche. “You don’t get 26-year-old pass rushers like him very often … I think it could be pretty dynamic,” Arians said of Jones, who ranked fifth in the NFL last season with a career-high 12½ sacks. The Cardinals already have a dynamic secondary featuring two of the league’s top-ranked defensive backs, Pro Bowlers Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. As is the case with Palmer on offense, the Cardinals can ill afford to lose Mathieu, who emerged as a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate before

B+

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 6 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

New England Tampa Bay at Buffalo Los Angeles at San Francisco N.Y. Jets Seattle at Carolina BYE San Francisco at Minnesota at Atlanta Washington at Miami New Orleans at Seattle at Los Angeles

TIME

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

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 New Orleans W 31-19 Sept. 20 at Chicago W 48-23 Sept. 27 San Francisco W 47-7 Oct. 4 St. Louis L 22-24 Oct. 11 at Detroit W 42-17 Oct. 18 at Pittsburgh L 13-25 Oct. 26 Baltimore W 26-18 Nov. 1 at Cleveland W 34-20 Nov. 15 at Seattle W 39-32 Nov. 22 Cincinnati W 34-31 Nov. 29 at San Francisco W 19-13 Dec. 6 at St. Louis W 27-3 Dec. 10 Minnesota W 23-20 Dec. 20 at Philadelphia W 40-17 Dec. 27 Green Bay W 38-8 Jan. 3 Seattle L 6-36 POSTSEASON Jan. 16 Green Bay *W 26-20 Jan. 24 at Carolina L 15-49 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS CARSON PALMER

DAVID JOHNSON

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 NO WK 2 @ CHI WK 3 SF WK 4 STL WK 5 @ DET WK 6 @ PIT WK 7 BAL WK 8 @ CLE WK 10 @ SEA WK 11 CIN WK 12 @ SF WK 13 @ STL WK 14 MIN WK 15 @ PHI WK 16 GB WK 17 SEA SEASON TOTALS u

37 24 304 2 0 108.0 32 19 307 3 0 122.8 24 17 185 4 1 115.5 32 20 311 2 1 102.5 46 29 352 1 1 84.7 14 11 161 3 0 154.2 45 29 421 1 2 83.7 29 20 275 2 0 122.1 38 23 374 4 1 117.7 47 29 363 3 1 98.1 31 20 317 4 2 111.2 40 24 271 0 0 80.3 40 26 356 2 0 110.0 35 25 310 2 0 117.6 32 20 274 1 0 100.3 27 18 265 2 1 107.8 537 342 4,671 35 11 104.6

10 37 0 20 72 0 22 110 2 16 83 0 11 103 0 14 40 0 18 122 1 30 109 0 25 58 0 18 63 0 12 17 0 Injured reserve — DFR Injured reserve — DFR Injured reserve — DFR Injured reserve — DFR Injured reserve — DFR 196 814 3

LARRY FITZGERALD

JOHN BROWN

MICHAEL FLOYD

RUSHING ATT YDS

0 0 0 5 42 7 25 3 18 3 6 3 9 3 5 1 4 0 0 2 9 8 21 22 99 19 92 29 187 9 39 11 25 125 581

ANDRE ELLINGTON

RUSHING ATT YDS

1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 8

12 69 Inactive Inactive Inactive 3 63 1 7 5 21 3 0 5 61 2 2 5 24 Inactive Inactive Inactive 7 40 2 2 45 289

DAVID JOHNSON

KERWYNN WILLIAMS

1 0 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 3

DARREN FELLS

RUSHING ATT YDS

Practice Squad 1 3 Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad Practice Squad 6 59 6 2 6 34 8 44 0 0 27 142

1 0 0 0 0 1

J.J. NELSON

GAME OPP

RUSHING TARG REC YDS TD

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

WK 1 NO WK 2 @ CHI WK 3 SF WK 4 STL WK 5 @ DET WK 6 @ PIT WK 7 BAL WK 8 @ CLE WK 10 @ SEA WK 11 CIN WK 12 @ SF WK 13 @ STL WK 14 MIN WK 15 @ PHI WK 16 GB WK 17 SEA SEASON TOTALS u

8 6 87 0 9 8 112 3 11 9 134 2 9 7 99 0 7 5 58 1 10 8 93 0 5 3 39 0 11 9 84 1 14 10 130 0 13 8 90 0 14 10 66 0 11 8 55 0 6 5 41 0 5 3 43 0 5 4 29 1 7 6 55 1 145 109 1,215 9

7 4 46 1 5 5 45 0 5 3 62 0 10 7 75 0 4 4 73 1 14 10 196 0 6 4 65 1 Did not play 3 0 0 0 3 3 43 1 7 5 99 0 8 6 113 0 5 4 78 1 9 3 38 1 4 3 25 1 11 4 45 0 101 65 1,003 7

1 1 18 0 1 0 0 0 5 1 12 0 7 5 59 0 3 1 15 0 8 5 50 1 4 3 59 1 8 4 106 1 9 7 113 2 Inactive 2 1 14 0 12 7 104 0 9 5 102 1 8 5 70 0 8 6 111 0 4 1 16 0 89 52 849 6

2 1 55 1 2 1 3 0 3 3 16 0 10 4 63 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 8 0 2 2 19 0 2 2 44 0 1 1 8 0 2 2 17 1 4 2 8 0 3 2 21 1 7 5 31 0 4 4 42 0 6 3 88 0 8 3 34 0 57 36 457 4

5 4 82 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 13 0 1 1 17 0 2 2 25 1 2 1 9 0 Inactive Inactive 4 3 21 0 2 1 18 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 22 0 4 3 43 0 3 3 54 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 7 0 28 21 311 3

3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive 0 0 0 0 4 3 70 0 Inactive 6 4 142 1 5 2 53 0 3 2 34 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 27 11 299 2

u LINEBACKERS A work in progress is the operative phrase for this unit. Start with Deone Bucannon, who raised eyebrows in his second season with his aggressive play-making (team-leading 112 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles) after switching from safety to inside linebacker full-time. Bucannon is joined inside by far less flashy fourth-year pro Kevin Minter, who is much better defending the run than the pass. The arrow is pointing up on the flanks with second-year second-rounder Markus Golden on the strong side and third-year third-rounder Kareem Martin on the weak side. A quick study who goes all out on every play, Golden showed real promise as a rookie. Martin also made strides playing

C+

u DEFENSIVE BACKS A fan favorite, the undersized Mathieu is over-the-top exceptional lining up all over the field and is the defense’s best tackler, as well as its smartest player. A noticeably faster, slimmer and more aggressive Peterson, meanwhile, is coming off the best season of his career on the left corner after a subpar 2014 campaign. The best bets as the other two starters in the secondary are either freeagent addition Tyvon Branch or Justin Bethel on the right corner – assuming incumbent UFA Jerraud Powers signs elsewhere – and Tony Jefferson at strong safety. Branch was up and down last season playing free safety for the Chiefs. Bethel, better known for his

152 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

special-teams excellence, had offseason foot surgery but should be ready for training camp. Jefferson did well under the radar last season, making big strides in coverage. Rookies Brandon Williams (third round) and Harlan Miller (sixth round) add depth on the corners. Holdover D.J. Swearinger and fifth-round rookie Marqui Christian add depth at safety.

GRADE

his third position in as many years and needs to continue learning how to take advantage of his considerable length. An err of uncertainty hangs over OLBs Alex Okafor, who landed in the doghouse after suffering a non-football-related toe injury late last season, and veteran Dwight Freeney, who was contemplating retirement at press time.

A-

SPECIAL TEAMS Improvement is imperative across the board. PK Chandler Catanzaro had more success connecting on field goals last season (28 of 31) than extra points (53 of 58). P Drew Butler was mediocre, landing only 22 of his 60 punts inside the 20yard line. Peterson has gone from being a top-grade punt returner to serviceable at best. Rookie Brandon Williams, one of the best special-teamers in the collegiate ranks last year, could be a potent complement to three-time Pro Bowl gunner Bethel in coverage in 2015.

GRADE

Corey Peters, who impressed in training camp last season before tearing his left Achilles in practice after just one preseason game. Veteran holdovers Frostee Rucker, Red Bryant and Cory Redding lead a deep bench up front.

GRADE

CHRIS JOHNSON

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER NO NAME

OFFENSE

WR 11 FITZGERALD WR 15 FLOYD OLT 68 VELDHEER OLG 76 IUPATI C 53 SHIPLEY ORG 69 MATHIS ORT 74 HUMPHRIES TE 85 FELLS TE 84 GRESHAM QB 3 PALMER RB 31 D. JOHNSON

12 Jo. Brown 14 Nelson 75 Fullington 60 McClain 70 Boehm* 78 Watford 73 Wetzel 87 Niklas 83 G. Christian 5 Stanton 27 C. Johnson

DLE 93 CAMPBELL NT 95 GUNTER DRT 55 JONES SLB 44 GOLDEN RILB 20 BUCANNON LILB 51 MINTER WLB 96 K. MARTIN LCB 21 PETERSON RCB 27 BRANCH SS 22 JEFFERSON FS 32 MATHIEU

71 Bryant 98 Peters 90 Nkemdiche* 57 Okafor 54 Demens 42 Nealy 50 G. Martin 26 B. Williams* 28 Bethel 36 Swearinger 29 Clemons

10 Golden 13 Ja. Brown 67 Crisp 65 Boggs 61 Toner* 61 Toner* 80 Momah 9 Barkley 38 Ellington

DEFENSE

72 Olsen 69 X. Williams 92 Rucker 58 Okpalaugo 59 Fua 94 Wagenmann 46 Jackson 34 Miller* 25 M. Christian* 37 Eskridge

SPECIALISTS

P 2 BUTLER PK 7 CATANZARO H 2 BUTLER PR 21 PETERSON KR 33 K. WILLIAMS LS 86 CANADAY*

14 Nelson 14 Nelson 48 Dillon* * Rookie

10 Golden

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; Darryl Drake, wide receivers; Larry Foote, inside linebackers; Kevin Garver, offensive assistant; Harold Goodwin, offensive coordinator; Steve Heiden, assistant special teams/assistant tight ends; Amos Jones, special teams coordinator; Levon Kirkland, outside linebackers; 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.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

1 3 4 5 5 6

Robert Nkemdiche Brandon Williams Evan Boehm Marqui Christian Cole Toner Harlan Miller

POS

DT CB C SS OT CB

COLLEGE

Ole Miss Texas A&M Missouri Midwestern State Harvard Southeastern Louisiana

PICK

29 92 128 167 170 205

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Dare we say a Lombardi Trophy? The additions of Jones on defense and Mathis on offense give the Cardinals the upper hand on the arch-rival Seahawks for NFC West supremacy before excelling in the second season with first-rate efforts on offense, defense and special teams. Palmer and Fitzgerald once again shine in the twilight of their careers, both David and Chris Johnson make a big impact in the backfield, and Arians and Keim set the standard for head coach-GM combos.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

As was the case last season, the Cardinals crash and burn big-time in the playoffs, making whatever good things they did during the regular season seem instantly forgettable. As was the case two seasons ago, Palmer suffers a serious injury, and the Cardinals’ offense fails to overcome his loss. An equally debilitating situation develops on defense with the injury-prone Mathieu once again going down for the count.

POS

9 Barkley, Matt QB 82 Beathard, Jeff WR 28 Bethel, Justin CB 70 Boehm, Evan C 65 Boggs, Taylor C 30 Bouka, Elie CB 27 Branch, Tyvon S 35 Brooks, Cariel CB 13 Brown, Jaron WR 12 Brown, John WR 71 Bryant, Red DT 20 Bucannon, Deone S 2 Butler, Drew P 43 Byndom, Carrington CB 93 Campbell, Calais DT 86 Canaday, Kameron LS 81 Carlisle, Amir WR 7 Catanzaro, Chandler K 83 Christian, Gerald TE 25 Christian, Marqui S 29 Clemons, Chris S 6 Coker, Jake QB 66 Coughman, Edawn T 67 Crisp, Rob T 62 DeBord, Clay T 48 Dillon, Daniel LS 38 Ellington, Andre RB 37 Eskridge, Durell S 33 Farley, Matthias S 85 Fells, Darren TE 11 Fitzgerald, Larry WR 15 Floyd, Michael WR 59 Fua, Alani ILB 10 Golden, Brittan WR 44 Golden, Markus OLB 84 Gresham, Jermaine TE 95 Gunter, Rodney DT 41 Hartfield, Trevon CB 19 Hubert, Chris WR 74 Humphries, D.J. T 76 Iupati, Mike G 46 Jackson, Asa CB 22 Jefferson, Tony S 23 Johnson, Chris RB 31 Johnson, David RB 55 Jones, Chandler OLB 18 King, Chris WR 52 Louis, Lamar ILB 50 Martin, Gabe ILB 96 Martin, Kareem OLB 32 Mathieu, Tyrann S 69 Mathis, Evan G 97 Mauro, Josh DT 60 McClain, Antoine G 34 Miller, Harlan CB 51 Minter, Kevin ILB 80 Momah, Ifeanyi TE 42 Nealy, Quayshawn ILB 14 Nelson, J.J. WR 87 Niklas, Troy TE 90 Nkemdiche, Robert DT 57 Okafor, Alex OLB 58 Okpalaugo, Tristan OLB 3 Palmer, Carson QB 35 Penny, Elijhaa RB 45 Person, Brandon S 98 Peters, Corey DT 21 Peterson, Patrick CB 72 Pierre, Olsen DT 39 Prater, Shaun CB 63 Price, Givens T 47 Riddick, Shaq OLB 92 Rucker, Frostee DT 53 Shipley, A.Q. C 16 Shipley, Jaxon WR 5 Stanton, Drew QB 91 Stinson, Ed DT 1 Swanson, Garrett P 36 Swearinger, D.J. S 30 Taylor, Stepfan RB 61 Toner, Cole G 89 Valles, Hakeem TE 68 Veldheer, Jared T 49 Wagenmann, Zack OLB 78 Watford, Earl G 73 Wetzel, John T 26 Williams, Brandon CB 33 Williams, Kerwynn RB 94 Williams, Xavier NT 38 Zamort, Ronald CB Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner 58 Washington, Daryl ILB

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

227 190 190 310 302 205 210 200 205 179 323 220 217 180 300 245 195 200 244 196 214 232 313 300 305 235 199 207 210 281 218 225 234 186 260 260 305 195 180 315 331 183 212 203 224 265 200 232 235 272 186 301 282 336 182 245 248 237 156 270 296 260 258 235 234 200 305 203 293 190 310 260 280 307 190 243 287 230 208 214 300 260 321 247 295 328 200 198 309 174

AGE COLLEGE 25 23 25 22 29 23 29 25 26 26 32 23 27 23 29 23 23 25 24 21 30 23 27 25 23 23 27 24 23 30 32 26 24 27 25 27 24 24 23 22 28 26 24 30 24 26 22 22 23 24 23 34 25 26 21 25 26 24 24 23 21 25 26 36 22 24 27 25 24 26 21 23 32 29 23 32 26 21 24 24 22 23 28 23 26 24 23 24 24 24

USC Appalachian State Presbyterian Missouri Humboldt State Calgary Connecticut Adams State Clemson Pittsburg State Texas A&M Washington State Georgia Texas Miami (Fla.) Portland State Notre Dame Clemson Louisville Midwestern St. Clemson Alabama Shaw North Carolina State Eastern Washington Campbell Clemson Syracuse Notre Dame California-Irvine Pittsburgh Notre Dame BYU West Texas A&M Missouri Oklahoma Delaware State SW Oklahoma State Fayetteville St Florida Idaho Cal Poly-S.L.O. Oklahoma East Carolina Northern Iowa Syracuse Duquesne LSU Bowling Green North Carolina LSU Alabama Stanford Clemson Southeastern Louisiana LSU Boston College Georgia Tech UAB Notre Dame Mississippi Texas Fresno State USC Idaho Tiffin University Kentucky LSU Miami (Fla.) Iowa Nebraska West Virginia USC Penn State Texas Michigan State Alabama Fresno State South Carolina Stanford Harvard Monmouth Hillsdale Montana James Madison Boston College Texas A&M Utah State Northern Iowa Western Michigan

6-2

230

TCU

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| 153

NFC

3 Rams

WEST

LOS ANGELES

PREDICTION

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS DE Quinton Coples, CB Coty Sensabaugh.

6-10

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES TE Jared Cook, DT Nick Fairley, CB Janoris Jenkins, MLB James Laurinaitis, DE Chris Long, FS Rodney McLeod.

3RD PLACE IN NFC WEST

GENERAL MANAGER Les Snead HEAD COACH Jeff Fisher OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Rob Boras DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Gregg Williams STADIUM Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 93,607 | Natural grass By

DAN ARKUSH @ PFWeekly

OFFENSE Forget the dismal offense the Rams displayed the first 12 games last season. In the final four games, the offense manufactured a respectable 91 points while finishing 3-1 with new coordinator Rob Boras calling the shots – a huge improvement over the 36 points while finishing 0-4 in the previous four games under Frank Cignetti. Adhering to head coach Jeff Fisher’s unwavering run-first philosophy, Boras ordered running plays 56 percent of the time in those last four games. With stud sophomore RB Todd Gurley leading the charge, look for Boras, who will be sharing the coordinator duties this season with new passing coordinator Mike Groh, to stick with that same percentage most of the time. Groh will concentrate on overhauling a pathetic aerial attack that ranked dead last in both passing yards and third-down conversions with emphasis on developing first-round rookie QB Jared Goff.

As is the case at quarterback, the WR prognosis is decidedly lackluster. WR Tavon Austin oozes with big-time breakaway ability as a receiver (five TDs in 2015), rusher (four TDs) and kick returner (one TD), but he still needs to develop as a complete route runner. Behind Austin, Kenny Britt averaged 18.9 yards per catch last season but caught only half the balls thrown to him (36of-72), while former high second-round pick Brian Quick continued to fall way short of expectations. Bradley Marquez displayed some flashes in the slot late in his rookie season. Rookie WRs Pharoh Cooper (fourth round) and Michael Thomas (sixth round) both figure to get good opportunities to strut their stuff. Cooper is very similar to Austin in terms of size and skill set. Thomas is an intriguing sleeper with good size. At tight end, the combination of veteran Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey is reliable – most of the time. Kendricks, who can effectively line up all over the place, did have a few bad drops last season, one of which could have been a game-winning TD pass in the 12-6 loss to Pittsburgh. Rookies Tyler Higbee (fourth round), a pass-catching tight end with character issues, and big-bodied Temmarick Hemingway (sixth round) will compete with Kendricks for touches.

C+

u RUNNING BACKS Potential ticket-buyers should not mind paying good money to watch Gurley, the best bet to eventually become the league’s premier long-term ballcarrier, as well as Los Angeles’ premiere superstar athlete replacing Kobe Bryant. After rumbling for 566 yards in his first four starts – the best first month of any RB in league history – the 6-1, 227-pound Gurley quickly established himself as a top-drawer talent with enough strength and high-octane speed to run over, around and through most tacklers trying to stop him. The Rams are hoping for more from backup Tre Mason, who struggled last season after never fully recovering from an early hamstring injury. Third-down back Benny Cunningham and blocking FB Cory Harkey are both solid contributors.

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GRADE

OWNER/CHAIRMAN E. Stanley Kroenke

u RECEIVERS

It was not a surprise when a franchise in a glitzy new venue in dire need of some pizzaz from its No. 1 pitcher selected Goff with the first pick in the draft and wasted little time anointing him as the starter on Opening Day. A hard worker with California roots that should increase his popularity, Goff has footwork and a quick release similar to fellow California alum Aaron Rodgers, as well as a calm, collected Joe Montanalike demeanor. The 6-foot-4 Goff started every game during his three seasons at California and set school records with 977 completions, 12,220 yards passing and 96 touchdown passes. After extending plays with impressive mobility and displaying strong leadership skills while engineering three wins in the final five games last season, Case Keenum shapes up as a very competent backup and mentor for Goff. Nick Foles, who started strong but completely fell apart last season after a five-pick nightmare in Week Five against the Packers, was considered likely trade bait at press time.

GRADE

2015 RECORD 7-9

u QUARTERBACKS

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

C-

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN There are some concerns on the left side, where OT Greg Robinson continues to fall short of his first-round billing, and veteran OG Rodger Saffold is coming off surgeries on both shoulders the past two seasons. Robinson, who has natural tools to die for, can look like a worldbeater one play and get beaten badly on the next. Inopportune penalties also have been a problem. On the right side, both sophomores, OT Rob Havenstein and OG Jamon Brown, look like longterm starters in the making. Havenstein, who did not allow a sack or get flagged

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Todd Gurley

Aaron Donald

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT ORT Rob Havenstein DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT MLB Alec Ogletree POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH RCB: E.J. Gaines vs. Coty Sensabaugh

2016 SCHEDULE

Todd Gurley

GRADE

all season, was particularly impressive. Brown displayed fluid footwork and mobility before breaking his leg in Week 10. Steady Tim Barnes shapes up as the starting center after signing a new two-year deal. Backup Garrett Reynolds did a nice job replacing the injured Saffold, especially blocking the run. Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann did the same relieving Havenstein and Brown, respectively.

C+

DEFENSE Looking dominant much of the time early last season, the Rams ranked as high as fifth in yards allowed at one point. But with injuries to DE Robert Quinn and CB E.J. Gaines in particular taking their toll, the unit struggled across the board, dropping to 20th vs. the run and 23rd vs. the pass by the end of the season. In the trenches, it has taken only

two seasons for Aaron Donald to become the league’s best interior defender. But the Rams did not take nearly enough advantage of the steady one-on-one opportunities Donald’s imposing presence created. Keep a special eye on middle linebacker, where there will be a new starter for the first time in eight seasons. Alec Ogletree will have his work cut out moving inside to replace James Laurinaitis, the defense’s longtime heart and soul who was released in an early salary-cap purge.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN How good is Donald, who excelled in 2015 both as a pass-rusher and run defender with 11 sacks and 63 tackles, respectively? When healthy, Quinn does his job quite well. Coming off consecutive double-digit sack campaigns (29½ total), he was having another strong season before hip and

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 15 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

at San Francisco 10:20 p.m. Seattle 4:05 p.m. at Tampa Bay 4:05 p.m. at Arizona 4:25 p.m. Buffalo 4:25 p.m. at Detroit 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Giants (LONDON) 9:30 a.m. BYE Carolina 4:05 p.m. at N.Y. Jets 1:00 p.m. Miami 4:05 p.m. at New Orleans 1:00 p.m. at New England 1:00 p.m. Atlanta 4:25 p.m. at Seattle 8:25 p.m. San Francisco 4:25 p.m. Arizona 4:25 p.m.

TIME

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 13 Seattle *W 34-31 Sept. 20 at Washington L 10-24 Sept. 27 Pittsburgh L 6-12 Oct. 4 at Arizona W 24-22 Oct. 11 at Green Bay L 10-24 Oct. 25 Cleveland W 24-6 Nov. 1 San Francisco W 27-6 Nov. 8 at Minnesota *L 18-21 Nov. 15 Chicago L 13-37 Nov. 22 at Baltimore L 13-16 Nov. 29 at Cincinnati L 7-31 Dec. 6 Arizona L 3-27 Dec. 13 Detroit W 21-14 Dec. 17 Tampa Bay W 31-23 Dec. 27 at Seattle W 23-17 Jan. 3 at San Francisco *L 16-19 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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| 155

NFC

WEST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS CASE KEENUM

TAVON AUTIN

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 SEA WK 2 @ WAS WK 3 PIT WK 4 @ AZ WK 5 @ GB WK 7 CLE WK 8 SF WK 9 @ MIN WK 10 CHI WK 11 @ BAL WK 12 @ CIN WK 13 AZ WK 14 DET WK 15 TB WK 16 @ SEA WK 17 @ SF SEASON TOTALS u

Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 26 12 136 1 0 75.2 Inactive Did not play 22 14 124 0 1 59.7 17 14 234 2 0 158.0 23 14 103 1 0 86.0 37 22 231 0 0 77.6 125 76 828 4 1 87.7

27 32 28 24 30 23 23 33 36

Inactive Inactive 6 9 0 19 146 0 30 159 0 19 128 2 20 133 1 24 89 1 12 45 1 25 66 1 9 19 0 9 41 0 16 140 2 21 48 1 19 83 1 Inactive 229 1,106 10

WK 1 SEA WK 2 @ WAS WK 3 PIT WK 4 @ AZ WK 5 @ GB WK 7 CLE WK 8 SF WK 9 @ MIN WK 10 CHI WK 11 @ BAL WK 12 @ CIN WK 13 AZ WK 14 DET WK 15 TB WK 16 @ SEA WK 17 @ SF SEASON TOTALS u

Inactive 7 26 9 16 2 -1 2 8 Inactive 15 46 3 3 6 31 Inactive 1 -2 2 13 4 7 3 13 3 3 18 44 75 207

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

KENNY BRITT

BENNY CUNNINGHAM

RUSHING ATT YDS

4 17 4 40 0 0 2 20 3 22 1 21 3 21 8 66 3 18 1 16 4 63 2 14 4 40 4 32 3 12 6 32 52 434

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

LANCE KENDRICKS

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

16 45 1 0 1 12 2 0 0 0 4 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 12 0 0 3 14 2 8 1 0 4 38 37 140

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

5 2 -2 0 3 1 6 0 5 5 38 0 7 6 96 2 5 2 6 1 7 4 43 0 7 4 98 1 7 4 15 0 4 2 5 0 5 1 5 0 6 6 33 0 3 1 24 0 5 3 19 0 3 3 41 1 7 3 16 0 8 5 30 0 87 52 473 5

3 2 37 0 4 2 44 1 10 7 102 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 1 41 0 2 0 0 0 5 3 87 0 3 1 6 0 5 2 24 0 11 6 63 0 6 2 41 0 5 2 35 0 2 2 71 1 4 3 49 1 5 3 81 0 72 36 681 3

7 4 77 0 6 4 27 0 2 2 18 0 2 2 4 0 2 2 28 0 2 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 2 1 20 0 3 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 14 0 3 3 34 0 36 26 250 0

2 2 42 1 2 1 15 0 5 2 12 0 2 0 0 0 3 2 16 0 Inactive 2 2 7 0 2 2 25 0 3 1 4 0 4 2 43 1 4 3 17 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 27 0 2 0 0 0 5 5 37 0 40 25 245 2

u LINEBACKERS Like Quinn, Ogletree was playing well before suffering a season-ending injury – a fractured right ankle that cost him 12 games. Ogletree welcomes the challenge of taking over the field-general duties Laurinaitis performed so ably for so long. Physically, there’s no question Ogletree is up to the task, possessing more than ample size, strength and quickness for his new position. Mark Barron takes over for Ogletree on the weak side after doing a magnificent job moving from safety to replace him last season, leading the team

TAVON AUSTIN

RUSHING ATT YDS

18 297 1 0 115.8 17 150 1 0 76.3 19 197 0 1 73.1 16 171 3 0 126.9 11 141 1 4 23.8 15 163 0 0 86.0 14 191 1 0 101.9 18 168 0 0 68.8 17 200 0 1 53.0 Did not play 46 30 228 0 3 49.9 35 15 146 0 1 43.3 Did not play Did not play Did not play Did not play 337 190 2,052 7 10 69.0

in tackles (135) and forced fumbles (four) while supplying nonstop energy. Greatly overshadowed by Barron, SLB Akeem Ayers did not make much of an impact. Second-year pro Bryce Hager, who mostly earns his keep on special teams, will back up Ogletree along with sixth-round rookie Josh Forrest. Harvard grad Zack Hodges was the primary outside backup entering the draft.

u DEFENSIVE BACKS LCB Trumaine Johnson blossomed into a top big-play defender with seven of the team’s 13 interceptions. Johnson allowed a 55.0 passer rating when targeted (second-lowest at his position) and played a more physical brand of football but with improved discipline. There is fresh blood on both the right corner, where either Gaines or newcomer Coty Sensabaugh is expected to replace Janoris Jenkins (signed with Giants), and free safety, where the replacement for Rodney McLeod (signed with Eagles) is anybody’s guess. Gaines sat out all of last season with a foot injury after

156 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

becoming the team’s best tackler and most consistent corner two years ago. Sensabaugh had success as a nickel corner under defensive coordinator Gregg Williams with the Titans. SS T.J. McDonald is a tough cookie, but he struggled last season to overcome a nagging foot injury before sitting out the final month with a shoulder injury. Rangy third-year pro Mo Alexander, second-year seventh-rounder Christian Bryant and Cody Davis top the list of challengers at free safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS The consensus seems to be that PK Greg Zuerlein can’t help but be on the shortest of leashes after whiffing on 10 field goals last season and owning the worst FG percentage in the NFL among active kickers. Meanwhile, Pro Bowler Johnny Hekker had one of the best punting seasons ever, leading the league in gross punting average, net punting average and punts inside the 20. The Rams get good mileage out of Austin returning punts and Cunningham returning kickoffs.

GRADE

RUSHING ATT YDS

GRADE

GAME OPP

BENNY CUNNINGHAM

back injuries forced him to miss eight games. Michael Brockers is a nice fit inside next to fellow former first-rounder Donald with great physical tools and natural explosion. William Hayes, a superb tackler with solid all-around skills, moves up the depth chart to replace Chris Long at left end. Eugene Sims and intriguing veteran project Quinton Coples add depth on the edges.

GRADE

TODD GURLEY

GAME OPP

TRE MASON

GRADE

NICK FOLES

B-

NFC

WEST

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

2016 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 18 BRITT WR 11 AUSTIN OLT 73 ROBINSON OLG 78 SAFFOLD C 61 BARNES ORG 68 BROWN ORT 79 HAVENSTEIN TE 88 KENDRICKS TE 46 HARKEY QB 16 GOFF* RB 30 GURLEY

10 Cooper* 83 Quick 63 Williams 71 Reynolds 65 Rhaney 64 Donnal 77 Battle 48 J. Cunningham 48 Higbee* 17 Keenum 36 B. Cunningham

DLE 95 HAYES DLT 99 DONALD DRT 90 BROCKERS DRE 94 QUINN OLB 56 AYERS MLB 52 OGLETREE OLB 26 BARRON LCB 22 JOHNSON RCB 33 GAINES SS 25 McDONALD FS 31 ALEXANDER

98 Coples 62 Trinca-Pasat 93 Westbrooks 97 Sims 57 Hodges 54 Hager 50 Lynch 20 Joyner 24 Sensabaugh 37 Bryant 38 Davis

15 Marquez 13 Thomas* 66 Arkin 60 Kush 69 Wichmann

84 Hemingway* 14 Mannion 27 Mason

DEFENSE

92 Longacre

92 Worthington 59 Forrest* 51 Wells 47 Robertson

SPECIALISTS

P 6 HEKKER PK 4 ZUERLEIN H 6 HEKKER PR 11 AUSTIN KR 36 CUNNINGHAM LS 44 McQUAIDE * Rookie COACHING STAFF J. Aggabao, assistant strength and conditioning; Rob Boras, assistant head coach/offense; Paul T. Boudreau, offensive line; Joe Bowden, assistant linebackers; Frank Bush, linebackers; Chuck Cecil, senior defensive assistant; Andy Dickerson, assistant offensive line; John Fassel, specialteams coordinator; Brandon Fisher, defensive backs; Jeff Fisher, head coach; Mike Groh, passing game coordinator/wide receivers; Rock Gullickson, head strength and conditioning; Jeff Imamura, defensive quality control; Dave McGinnis, assistant head coach; Skip Peete, running backs; Clyde Simmons, assistant defensive line; Kenan Smith, offensive assistant; Andy Sugarman, offensive quality control; Barrett Trotter, offensive assistant; Mike Waufle, defensive line; Chris Weinke, quarterbacks; Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator; Dennard Wilson, defensive backs.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

QB TE WR TE ILB WR

California Western Kentucky South Carolina South Carolina State Kentucky Southern Mississippi

1 110 117 177 190 206

1 4 4 6 6 6

Jared Goff Tyler Higbee Pharoh Cooper Temarrick Hemingway Josh Forrest Mike Thomas

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

Head coach Jeff Fisher makes good on his reputation at being adept at handling shifting franchises, and the Rams finish above .500, holding their own in the stacked NFC West with the heavyweight Cardinals and Seahawks. Goff quickly looks like a long-term Hollywood star in the making, engineering a greatly improved passing attack that gets a lot more than expected from its rookie receiving corps. Gurley picks up where he left off before getting injured at the end of the 2015 season, winning the league’s rushing title by a wide margin.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

After appearing on “Hard Knocks” in training camp, the Rams get knocked around big-time from beginning to end, as their act goes over like a lead balloon in every way imaginable on the Left Coast. The QB situation remains a hot mess, the defense disappoints for the second straight season and Fisher fails to survive his fifth season at the helm.

NO NAME

POS

SS OG WR LB WR C LB/S T K WR DT G RB DB LB WR WR DE RB TE DB DT T WR QB C LB DL CB DB QB RB LB RB LB TE T DE P TE LB TE CB LB CB DB DB QB TE C FB LB DB DE WR LB QB WR RB SS LS WR OL WR LB LB WR DE DB RB G OG DB T DB G DL DB DE WR OL WR WR DT LB DT G T DT K

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

220 25 307 28 176 25 255 26 194 25 306 27 213 26 290 23 174 223 27 326 25 323 23 224 22 198 24 240 195 25 207 21 290 25 217 25 258 25 206 26 285 24 316 24 218 25 243 27 310 26 249 259 190 24 185 215 21 201 220 227 21 235 24 259 25 321 23 278 31 236 26 244 22 227 243 182 24 235 24 208 26 200 184 25 205 28 250 28 313 26 225 23 227 194 260 24 192 24 229 22 233 24 196 23 207 22 217 25 244 28 192 295 216 245 24 225 218 26 264 25 198 205 28 305 28 301 23 191 23 332 23 174 332 27 256 187 27 269 30 205 304 200 21 218 27 292 24 222 25 267 25 319 24 301 22 318 28 196 28

31 Alexander, Maurice 66 Arkin, David 11 Austin, Tavon 56 Ayers, Akeem 12 Bailey, Stedman 61 Barnes, Tim 26 Barron, Mark 77 Battle, Isaiah 1 Bertolet, Taylor 18 Britt, Kenny 90 Brockers, Michael 68 Brown, Jamon 39 Brown, Malcolm 24 Bryant, Christian 53 Chubb, Brandon 82 Colter, Kain 10 Cooper, Pharoh 98 Coples, Quinton 23 Cunningham, Benny 48 Cunningham, Justice 38 Davis, Cody 99 Donald, Aaron 64 Donnal, Andrew 2 Ferguson, Isiah 5 Foles, Nick 67 Folkerts, Brian 59 Forrest, Josh 42 Fox, Morgan 33 Gaines, E.J. 36 Gaines, Rohan 16 Goff, Jared 36 Green, Aaron 55 Grigsby, Nic 30 Gurley, Todd 54 Hager, Bryce 46 Harkey, Cory 79 Havenstein, Rob 95 Hayes, William 6 Hekker, Johnny 84 Hemingway, Temarrick 49 Herring, Darreon 89 Higbee, Tyler 32 Hill, Troy 57 Hodges, Zack 22 Johnson, Trumaine 35 Jordan, Mike 20 Joyner, Lamarcus 17 Keenum, Case 88 Kendricks, Lance 60 Kush, Eric 45 Laskey, Zach 58 Littleton, Cory 37 Lomax, Jordan 96 Longacre, Matt 87 Long, Deon 50 Lynch, Cameron 14 Mannion, Sean 15 Marquez, Bradley 27 Mason, Tre 25 McDonald, T.J. 44 McQuaide, Jake 8 McRoberts, Paul 72 Murphy, Pace 3 North, Marquez 52 Ogletree, Alec 70 Palacio, Kache 83 Quick, Brian 94 Quinn, Robert 43 Randolph, Brian 34 Reynolds, Chase 71 Reynolds, Garrett 65 Rhaney, Demetrius 47 Roberson, Marcus 73 Robinson, Greg 41 Rose, Winston 76 Saffold, Rodger 72 Seau, Ian 21 Sensabaugh, Coty 97 Sims, Eugene 86 Spruce, Nelson 70 Swindle, Jordan 13 Thomas, Mike 81 Toon, Nick 62 Trinca-Pasat, Louis 51 Wells, Matt 93 Westbrooks, Ethan 69 Wichmann, Cody 63 Williams, Darrell 92 Worthington, Doug 4 Zuerlein, Greg

AGE COLLEGE Utah State Missouri State West Virginia UCLA West Virginia Missouri Alabama Clemson Texas A&M Rutgers LSU Louisville Texas Ohio State Wake Forest Northwestern South Carolina North Carolina Middle Tennessee State South Carolina Texas Tech Pittsburgh Iowa Arkansas-Pine Bluff Arizona Washburn Kentucky Colorado State-Pueblo Missouri Arkansas California TCU Pittsburgh Georgia Baylor UCLA Wisconsin Winston-Salem State Oregon State South Carolina State Vanderbilt Western Kentucky Oregon Harvard Montana Missouri Western Florida State Houston Wisconsin California (PA) Georgia Tech Washington Iowa Northwest Missouri St. Maryland Syracuse Oregon State Texas Tech Auburn USC Ohio State Southeast Missouri St. Northwestern State Tennessee Georgia Washington State Appalachian State North Carolina Tennessee Montana North Carolina Tennessee State Florida Auburn New Mexico State Indiana Nevada Clemson West Texas A&M Colorado Kentucky Southern Miss Wisconsin Iowa Mississippi State West Texas A&M Fresno State South Florida Ohio State Missouri Western State

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NFC

4 49ers

WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

PREDICTION

3-13

KEY VETERAN ARRIVALS

OG Zane Beadles, QB Thad Lewis.

KEY VETERAN DEPARTURES OG Alex Boone.

CEO Jed York GENERAL MANAGER Trent Baalke HEAD COACH Chip Kelly OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR Curtis Modkins DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR Jim O’Neil STADIUM Levi’s Stadium CAPACITY | PLAYING SURFACE 68,500 | Natural grass By

KEVIN LYNCH @ klynch49

OFFENSE

The Chip Kelly experiment continues in San Francisco. The 49ers hope that Kelly’s failure in his first NFL stint in Philly was due to his poor personnel decisions and the front office tension he helped create. But with general manager Trent Baalke handling personnel decisions, Kelly can presumably just coach. His up-tempo scheme and emphasis on passing won him 20 games in his first two years with the Eagles. However, with so many questions surrounding the 49ers’ roster, including at quarterback, Kelly will be challenged to just break even. Nevertheless, his offense isn’t likely to be boring, which is an unforgivable sin in San Francisco. With Levi’s Stadium in the lap of innovative Silicon Valley, and with the 49ers’ history of booming offense, maybe Kelly’s experimental scheme can revive their potent offensive tradition.

u QUARTERBACKS It’s surprising to many that Colin

GRADE

2015 RECORD 5-11

Kaepernick was still on the team as the offseason program opened. A $400,000 workout bonus dictates that Kaepernick attend, even though his agents have said that the embattled quarterback wants a trade. The bright side is Kaepernick will be seen up close by Kelly. Many postulate that Kaepernick’s big arm and fast feet would fit perfectly in Kelly’s system. If Kaepernick does stay, he will have to beat out Blaine Gabbert, the man who started the second half of 2015 after Kaepernick’s benching. The offense improved slightly with Gabbert, who was a first-round flame out in Jacksonville. The 49ers didn’t win behind Gabbert, however, players favored him because of his ability to go through a progression and get rid of the ball. Gabbert’s proclivity to check down on third down frequently killed drives. Free-agent signing Thad Lewis and athletic rookie Jeff Driskel will duel for the No. 3 spot.

C-

u RUNNING BACKS Carlos Hyde returns to an offense of his liking. Hyde became a Heisman Trophy candidate at Ohio State playing in a Chip Kelly-styled offense under Urban Meyer. Hyde was effective before a foot injury took him out in October. Recently, Hyde said he “couldn’t wait” to play in Kelly’s offense. At this stage, Hyde is the most talented offensive player, and it’s not close. Kelly’s rapid offense necessitates a multi-headed rotation at running back, and the 49ers found one last year in Shaun Draughn. The definition of a journeyman, Draughn picked things up quickly and contributed instantly. He’s a three-tool back with the ability to run, catch and pass protect, just like Hyde. 2015 fourth-rounder Mike Davis will get another opportunity after breaking his hand last season. Rookie Kelvin Taylor, the son of former Jaguars great Fred Taylor, is also in the RB mix. The big

GRADE

TEAM PROFILE

B-

158 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

question is what happens to FB Bruce Miller. It is not a position featured in a Kelly offense, yet Miller is one of the team’s best players.

u RECEIVERS Surprisingly, the 49ers failed to sign a free-agent receiver and they are likely to lose the aging Anquan Boldin. Boldin was the team’s leading receiver last year, and there’s no clear replacement for him. Free agent Torrey Smith disappointed after signing a fouryear deal with $20 million guaranteed. Injuries and a lack of deep passing thwarted Smith’s first season. He could experience a revival in the Kelly offense. However, without Boldin, the team is without a reliable target. Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington have yet to distinguish themselves. Rookie Aaron Burbridge, the Big 10’s leading receiver last season at Michigan State, plays bigger than his size and is dedicated to his craft. There could be some hope for DeAndre Smelter, a fifth-round pick who redshirted his rookie season with a knee injury. A big-bodied receiver, Smelter has Boldin-like potential along with deep-threat ability. Although some believe the tight end doesn’t fit in the Kelly offense, Eagles tight ends Zach Ertz and Brent Celek were productive under Kelly. The 49ers have a host of young and unproven tight ends, including Celek’s younger brother Garrett. They thought enough of him last year to trade Vernon Davis to Denver. Then, like the year before, Celek finished the season on injured reserve, this time with a high-ankle sprain. Celek was known as a blocker in college but has developed his receiving skills. Last year’s rookie Blake Bell shows promise, and the team is high on Rory Anderson, another late-round rookie drafted with an injury who missed the 2015 season. The team is still depending on Vance McDonald despite his frustrating series of dropped passes.

GRADE

4TH PLACE IN NFC WEST

D+

PFW PROJECTIONS

OFFENSIVE MVP DEFENSIVE MVP

Carlos Hyde

NaVorro Bowman

OFFENSIVE BREAKOUT WR DeAndre Smelter DEFENSIVE BREAKOUT DB Jimmy Ward POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH POS: QB Kaepernick vs. Gabbert

2016 SCHEDULE

Navorro Bowman

GRADE

The line was beset by sudden retire ments and injury last year. However, center Daniel Kilgore (broken leg) should be at full strength, and tackle Anthony Davis has applied for reinstatement from his one-year retirement last year, though he has said he won’t play for the 49ers. Left tackle Joe Staley continues to play at an All-Pro level. Kilgore’s addition should seriously bolster a team that had three of the worst-rated players in the league at center (Marcus Martin), left guard (Jordan Devey) and right tackle (Eric Pears), according to Pro Football Focus. However, Martin and Pears are now likely backups (Devey was cut). Hulking 2015 rookie Trent Brown showed surprisingly quick feet in late-season appearances and is penciled in as a starter at right tackle. Rookie Joshua Garnett, whom the 49ers traded back into Round One to nab, is smart, powerful and a Day One starter. Fellow rookies, versatile John Theus and tough Fahn Cooper, add young competition.

DEFENSE Kelly puts immense pressure on any defense because his rapidly paced offense puts the ‘D’ on the field for prolonged periods. A young unit might be able to run all day, and the 49ers

certainly have that. The new coaching staff also will be tasked with developing several young players on the D-line, at outside linebacker and in the secondary.

u DEFENSIVE LINEMEN During a disappointing season, nose guard Ian Williams shined. However, Williams re-injured the lower leg he broke two years ago, which might waylay him until after the season begins. The 49ers have more than an adequate replacement in Glenn Dorsey, who’s returning from injury, but the loss of Williams erodes needed depth. The development of 2015 first-rounder Arik Armstead is likely to continue, and he should be a starter. He’ll be flanked by fellow former Oregon standout DeForest Buckner, the seventh overall pick, who has tremendous size, stamina and overall athleticism and reunites with Kelly and D-line coach Jerry Azzinaro. Quinton Dial is a find as a former fifthrounder and a legitimate starter. However, Dorsey and Dial are unlikely to develop into consistent pass rushers. On passing downs, Aaron Lynch could be a feared sack leader with a higher dedication to his craft. Ahmad Brooks continues to be effective, however, maturity issues are always a factor with him. Eli Harold showed promise at the end of his rookie year as an

GRADE

u OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

B-

DATE

OPPONENT

Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 6 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 27 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Jan. 1

Los Angeles at Carolina at Seattle Dallas Arizona at Buffalo Tampa Bay BYE New Orleans at Arizona New England at Miami at Chicago N.Y. Jets at Atlanta at Los Angeles Seattle

TIME

10:20 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 8:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:05 p.m. 4:25 p.m. 4:25 p.m.

2015 RESULTS DATE

OPPONENT

RESULT

Sept. 14 Minnesota W 20-3 Sept. 20 at Pittsburgh L 18-43 Sept. 27 at Arizona L 7-47 Oct. 4 Green Bay L 3-17 Oct. 11 at NY Giants L 27-30 Oct. 18 Baltimore W 25-20 Oct. 22 Seattle L 3-20 Nov. 1 at St. Louis L 6-27 Nov. 8 Atlanta W 17-16 Nov. 22 at Seattle L 13-29 Nov. 29 Arizona L 13-19 Dec. 6 at Chicago *W 26-20 Dec. 13 at Cleveland L 10-24 Dec. 20 Cincinnati L 14-24 Dec. 27 at Detroit L 17-32 Jan. 3 St. Louis *W 19-16 All times Eastern / * — Overtime

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WEST

2015 TOP INDIVIDUAL PERFORMERS BLAINE GABBERT

CARLOS HYDE

SHAUN DRAUGHN

GAME OPP

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

RUSHING ATT YDS

WK 1 MIN WK 2 @ PIT WK 3 @ AZ WK 4 GB WK 5 @ NYG WK 6 BAL WK 7 SEA WK 8 @ STL WK 9 ATL WK 11 @ SEA WK 12 AZ WK 13 @ CHI WK 14 @ CLE WK 15 CIN WK 16 @ DET WK 17 STL SEASON TOTALS u

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 25 15 185 2 2 76.2 34 22 264 1 0 98.2 36 25 318 1 1 94.4 32 18 196 1 0 84.9 28 18 194 1 0 96.4 50 30 295 1 3 58.3 33 22 225 2 0 106.2 44 28 354 1 1 86.7 282 178 2,031 10 7 86.2

26 17 165 0 0 83 46 33 335 2 0 106.7 19 9 67 0 4 16.7 25 13 160 0 1 55.4 35 23 262 2 0 107.1 27 16 340 2 0 128.2 24 13 124 0 0 68.8 41 20 162 0 0 59.2 1 0 0 0 0 39.6 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 244 144 1,615 6 5 78.5

26 168 2 13 43 0 15 51 0 8 20 0 21 93 1 21 55 0 11 40 0 Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Inactive Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 115 470 3

ANQUAN BOLDIN

GAME OPP

RUSHING ATT YDS

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

WK 1 MIN WK 2 @ PIT WK 3 @ AZ WK 4 GB WK 5 @ NYG WK 6 BAL WK 7 SEA WK 8 @ STL WK 9 ATL WK 11 @ SEA WK 12 AZ WK 13 @ CHI WK 14 @ CLE WK 15 CIN WK 16 @ DET WK 17 STL SEASON TOTALS u

7 41 0 9 51 0 7 46 1 10 57 0 3 23 0 3 10 0 0 0 0 6 28 0 0 0 0 Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve Injured reserve 45 256 1

5 4 36 0 10 6 60 1 4 2 16 0 7 3 12 0 12 8 107 1 9 5 102 0 7 3 39 0 Inactive Inactive 7 5 93 0 11 8 93 0 13 5 37 0 3 2 22 0 10 8 74 1 5 5 27 0 8 5 71 1 111 69 789 4

u LINEBACKERS The losses of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to retirement undoubtedly weakened the 49ers’ run ‘D’ last year. Pro Bowler NaVorro Bowman continued to be effective but is not the same player he was before knee re-construction surgery in 2015. The team has responded to these circumstances by signing veterans like Desmond Bishop, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Gerald Hodges, all movement linebackers more than big thumping types. Bishop is returning from injury and has the ability to thwart guards and fullbacks so Bowman and others can be free to make tackles.

C+

u DEFENSIVE BACKS Cornerbacks are crucial to any championship drive. Even in the successful Jim Harbaugh years, the 49ers got away with temporary solutions

QUINTON PATTON

160 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

VANCE McDONALD

RUSHING ATT 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 16 58 0 12 37 0 15 51 0 13 36 1 11 43 0 9 38 0 Inactive Injured reserve 76 263 1

SHAUN DRAUGHN

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

RECEIVING TARG REC YDS TD

3 1 11 0 7 6 120 1 2 0 0 0 5 2 54 0 2 2 42 0 6 3 96 1 1 0 0 0 5 2 19 0 4 2 44 0 3 1 16 0 3 2 51 0 3 2 76 1 2 1 17 0 5 2 33 0 3 2 23 1 8 5 61 0 62 33 663 4

1 0 0 0 4 4 25 0 3 1 7 0 2 2 53 0 3 2 6 0 3 2 38 1 3 1 2 0 4 2 33 0 5 3 70 0 3 2 15 0 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 9 5 46 0 5 3 37 0 4 1 28 0 2 1 33 0 57 30 394 1

1 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 Inactive 2 1 7 0 3 2 9 0 1 1 10 0 1 1 1 0 2 1 13 0 5 2 19 0 4 4 65 1 7 6 71 1 3 2 18 0 Inactive 4 1 10 0 7 5 61 1 5 3 37 0 46 30 326 3

Not on team Not on team Not on team Not on team Not on team Not on team Not on team Not on team 5 4 38 0 11 8 40 0 5 5 35 0 6 5 50 0 3 2 8 0 2 1 4 0 Inactive Injured reserve 32 25 175 0

at cornerback by signing free agents like Carlos Rogers and Perrish Cox to reduced contracts. However, recently, their experiments with veterans like Chris Cook and Nnamdi Asomugha have failed. Meanwhile, the team allowed Cox and Chris Culliver to flee via free agency. It’s left the 49ers with an unstable rotation of young players like Dontae Johnson, Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker. All of them took turns as starters but didn’t exhibit starting proficiency. The 49ers feel comfortable with Tramaine Brock as a starter despite his injury history and inconsistent play. On the positive side, former top-round pick Jimmie Ward came on at the crucial nickel back position. A trio of rookie corners — feisty Will Redmond, who could redshirt after an October ACL tear; lanky Rashard Robinson, who was suspended his final season at LSU; and raw but athletic Prince Charles Iworah — will compete for roles. The 49ers are stacked at safety with veteran Antoine Bethea returning from injury, established player Eric Reid manning

GRADE

outside rusher. Rookie Ronald Blair has the length and fighter’s mentality to contribute early as a nickel rusher.

TORREY SMITH

RECEIVING ARG REC YDS TD T

free safety, and high draft picks Jaquiski Tartt and Ward as backups

SPECIAL TEAMS The ageless Phil Dawson returns for his 19th NFL season at 41. He only missed three field goals last year and booted a 54-yarder. Even at his age, the team has more than enough cap space to accommodate his $3.1 million, one-year deal. Dawson did have difficulty elevating kicks toward the end of last season, which might be a sign of fatigue and age. But the cagey veteran likely knows how to rectify the issue. Also, with punter Bradley Pinion, Dawson is relieved of kickoff duties. Pinion was inconsistent in his rookie year, which is not unusual for young punters. The team still believes he could become an Andy Lee-type player – the Pro Bowl punter the 49ers traded to Cleveland last year in order to keep Pinion. Finding a kick and punt returner continues to be a struggle. Wide receiver Bruce Ellington has been unimpressive the past few seasons as the main returner.

GRADE

COLIN KAEPERNICK

GRADE

COLIN KAEPERNICK

PASSING ATT CMP YDS TD INT RTG

NFC

PROJECTED

DEPTH CHART

2015 ROSTER

OFFENSE

WR 82 T. SMITH WR 11 PATTON OLT 74 STALEY OLG 65 GARNETT* C 67 KILGORE ORG 68 BEADLES ORT 77 BROWN WR 10 ELLINGTON TE 89 McDONALD QB 7 KAEPERNICK RB 28 HYDE

15 Smelter 14 Simpson 78 Theus* 61 Tiller 66 Martin 69 Devey 71 Pears 64 Cooper* 13 Burbridge* 88 Celek 84 Bell 2 Gabbert 9 Lewis 24 Draughn 23 Taylor*

DLE 69 ARMSTEAD NT 93 I. WILLIAMS DRE 99 BUCKNER* LOLB 55 BROOKS RILB 53 BOWMAN LILB 51 HODGES ROLB 59 LYNCH LCB 26 BROCK RCB 20 ACKER FS 35 REID SS 41 BETHEA

92 Dial 90 Dorsey 98 Blair* 95 Carradine 50 Bellore 51 Bishop 57 Wilhoite 54 Armstrong 58 Harold 96 Lemonier 25 Ward 23 Redmond* 36 D. Johnson 33 R. Robinson* 25 Ward 29 Tart

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

P 5 PINION PK 9 DAWSON H 5 PINION PR 10 ELLINGTON 18 D. White KR 10 ELLINGTON 18 D. White LS 86 NELSON * Rookie COACHING STAFF Roy Anderson, assistant defensive backs; Jerry Azzinaro, defensive line; Dana Bible, senior analyst; Bob Bicknell, wide receivers; Joe Bowden, inside linebackers; Michael Clay, assistant special teams; Ryan Day, quarterbacks; Pat Flaherty, offensive line; Jeff Hafley, defensive backs; Chip Kelly, head coach; Mick Lombardi, offensive quality control; Tem Lukabu, defensive quality control; Curtis Modkins, offensive coordinator; Bill Nayes, special assistant to head coach; Jeff Nixon, tight ends; Jim O’Neil, defensive coordinator; Vince Oghobaase, assistant defensive line; Tom Rathman, running backs; Jason Tarver, outside linebackers; Eric Wolford, assistant offensive line.

2016 DRAFT SELECTIONS RD PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

PICK

DE OG CB CB DE OT OT QB RB WR CB

Oregon Stanford Mississippi State LSU Appalachian State Georgia Ole Miss Louisiana Tech Florida Michigan State Western Kentucky

7 28 68 133 142 145 174 207 211 213 249

1 1 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 7

DeForest Buckner Joshua Garnett Will Redmond Rashard Robinson Ronald Blair John Theus Fahn Cooper Jeff Driskel Kelvin Taylor Aaron Burbridge Prince Charles Iworah

WEST

BEST-CASE SCENARIO

The offense could flourish under Kelly, who made an unlikely star out of QB Nick Foles early on in Philly. Now, he has QBs with far more raw talent. The ground game isn’t likely to be decimated by injury, and the O-line should be better. The team, fueled by an improved offense, could possibly finish at 8-8.

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Even if the offense improves, pressure is squarely on an undermanned ‘D.’ Also, even Jim Harbaugh failed to coax significant QB improvement over time. Will Kelly be different? Even with mass roster turnover, the personnel still might not be better than 5-11. Also, Kelly’s ability to relate to players and his front office remains an open question as does his offense, deemed by some too simplistic for the NFL.

NO NAME

POS

CB TE WR LB DL OLB OL G TE S LB S DL LB CB LB OL DL WR WR WR DT TE DL OL CB CB RB K DT DL RB QB WR LB QB G TE LB RB RB LB RB CB DT CB LB QB OL G/C DL LB QB K LB C S TE FB OL TE/LS WR G/T P OL NT DT CB CB S CB WR DL OL WR LB WR NT WR T S RB OL G G WR DB WR LB NT

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

195 246 190 244 292 220 310 315 252 205 250 206 270 242 197 259 355 300 208 227 206 295 252 300 306 195 201 217 200 318 297 205 231 197 270 235 321 236 247 203 220 236 235 193 301 200 270 230 298 308 315 255 219 185 270 321 210 267 248 315 240 204 316 229 311 303 285 190 186 213 177 210 251 306 190 247 227 300 205 315 221 205 303 317 324 180 193 192 240 305

20 Acker, Kenneth 83 Anderson, Busta 17 Anderson, Dres 48 Anderson, Kevin 91 Armstead, Arik 54 Armstrong, Ray-Ray 56 Balducci, Alex 68 Beadles, Zane 84 Bell, Blake 40 Bell, Jered 50 Bellore, Nick 41 Bethea, Antoine 98 Blair, Ronald 53 Bowman, NaVorro 26 Brock, Tramaine 55 Brooks, Ahmad 77 Brown, Trent 99 Buckner, DeForest 13 Burbridge, Aaron 86 Cajuste, Devon 19 Campbell, DiAndre 95 Carradine, Tank 88 Celek, Garrett 69 Cherry, Demetrius 64 Cooper, Fahn 47 Cromartie, Marcus 43 Davis, Chris 22 Davis, Mike 4 Dawson, Phil 92 Dial, Quinton 90 Dorsey, Glenn 24 Draughn, Shaun 6 Driskel, Jeff 10 Ellington, Bruce 45 Fanaika, Jason 2 Gabbert, Blaine 65 Garnett, Joshua 85 Hamm, Je’Ron 58 Harold, Eli 32 Harris, DuJuan 38 Hayne, Jarryd 51 Hodges, Gerald 28 Hyde, Carlos 30 Iworah, Prince Charles 63 Jerod-Eddie, Tony 36 Johnson, Dontae 46 Jones, Lenny 7 Kaepernick, Colin 75 Kelly, Colin 67 Kilgore, Daniel 62 Lake, Darren 96 Lemonier, Corey 9 Lewis, Thad 3 Lunsford, John 59 Lynch, Aaron 66 Martin, Marcus 31 McCray, L.J. 89 McDonald, Vance 49 Miller, Bruce 69 Muir, Blake 86 Nelson, Kyle 11 Patton, Quinton 71 Pears, Erik 5 Pinion, Bradley 63 Price, Norman 64 Purcell, Mike 68 Ramsey, Kaleb 27 Reaser, Keith 23 Redmond, Will 35 Reid, Eric 33 Robinson, Rashard 3 Rogers, Eric 44 Rush, Marcus 62 Silberman, Ian 14 Simpson, Jerome 56 Skov, Shayne 15 Smelter, DeAndre 78 Smith, Garrison 82 Smith, Torrey 74 Staley, Joe 29 Tartt, Jaquiski 23 Taylor, Kelvin 78 Theus, John 60 Thomas, Brandon 61 Tiller, Andrew 1 Treggs, Bryce 25 Ward, Jimmie 18 White, DeAndrew 57 Wilhoite, Michael 93 Williams, Ian

AGE COLLEGE 24 23 23 23 21 25 22 29 24 24 26 31 23 27 27 32 23 22 22 23 24 26 27 23 23 25 25 23 41 25 30 28 23 24 23 26 22 23 22 27 28 25 25 23 26 24 24 28 26 28 23 24 28 22 23 22 24 25 28 25 29 25 33 21 21 25 26 24 22 24 20 25 24 23 30 25 24 24 27 31 24 22 22 25 27 22 24 24 29 26

Southern Methodist South Carolina Utah Stanford Oregon Miami (FL) Oregon Utah Oklahoma Colorado Central Michigan Howard Appalachian State Penn State Belhaven Virginia Florida Oregon Michigan State Stanford Washington Florida State Michigan State Arizona State Ole Miss Wisconsin Auburn South Carolina Texas Alabama Louisiana State North Carolina Louisiana Tech South Carolina Utah Missouri Stanford Louisiana-Monroe Virginia Troy No College Penn State Ohio State Western Kentucky Texas A&M North Carolina State Nevada Nevada Oregon State Appalachian State Alabama Auburn Duke Liberty South Florida Southern California Catawba Rice Central Florida Baylor New Mexico State Louisiana Tech Colorado State Clemson Southern Mississippi Wyoming Boston College Florida Atlantic Mississippi State Louisiana State LSU California Lutheran Michigan State Boston College Coastal Carolina Stanford Georgia Tech Georgia Maryland Central Michigan Samford Florida Georgia Clemson Syracuse Cal Northern Illinois Alabama Washburn Notre Dame

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2015 NFL statistics AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE EAST

W L T PCT.

New England Patriots 12 4 New York Jets 10 6 Buffalo Bills 8 8 Miami Dolphins 6 10

0 0 0 0

.750 .625 .500 .375

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

465 387 379 310

315 314 359 389

7-1 6-2 5-3 3-5

5-3 4-4 3-5 3-5

4-2 3-3 4-2 1-5

9-3 7-5 7-5 4-8

7-6-3 8-6-2 8-7-1 5-11

NORTH

W L T PCT.

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns

12 10 5 3

419 423 328 278

SOUTH

W L T PCT.

Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Tennessee Titans

9 8 5 3

4 6 11 13 7 8 11 13

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

.750 .625 .313 .188 .563 .500 .313 .188

WEST

W L T PCT.

Denver Broncos Kansas City Chiefs Oakland Raiders San Diego Chargers

12 4 11 5 7 9 4 12

EAST

W L T PCT.

0 0 0 0

.750 .688 .438 .250

279 319 401 432

6-2 6-2 3-5 2-6

6-2 4-4 2-6 1-7

5-1 3-3 3-3 1-5

9-3 7-5 4-8 2-10

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

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

339 333 376 299

313 408 448 423

5-3 4-4 4-4 1-7

4-4 4-4 1-7 2-6

5-1 4-2 2-4 1-5

7-5 6-6 5-7 1-11

9-7 8-8 7-8-1 4-11-1

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

355 405 359 320

296 287 399 398

6-2 6-2 3-5 3-5

6-2 5-3 4-4 1-7

4-2 5-1 3-3 0-6

8-4 10-2 7-5 3-9

8-6-2 8-8 8-8 8-8

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE Washington Philadelphia Eagles New York Giants Dallas Cowboys

9 7 7 9 6 10 4 12

0 0 0 0

.563 .438 .375 .250

NORTH

W L T PCT.

Minnesota Vikings Green Bay Packers Detroit Lions Chicago Bears

11 5 10 6 7 9 6 10

SOUTH

W L T PCT.

Carolina Panthers 15 1 Atlanta Falcons 8 8 New Orleans Saints 7 9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

.688 .625 .438 .375 .938 .500 .438 .375

WEST

W L T PCT.

Arizona Cardinals Seattle Seahawks St. Louis Rams San Francisco 49ers

13 3 10 6 7 9 5 11

0 0 0 0

162 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

.813 .625 .438 .313

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

388 377 420 275

379 430 442 374

6-2 3-5 3-5 1-7

3-5 4-4 3-5 3-5

4-2 3-3 2-4 3-3

8-4 4-8 4-8 3-9

9-7 7-9 8-7-1 4-11-1

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

365 368 358 335

302 323 400 397

6-2 5-3 4-4 1-7

5-3 5-3 3-5 5-3

5-1 3-3 3-3 1-5

8-4 7-5 6-6 3-9

13-3 10-6 7-9 8-8

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

500 339 408 342

308 345 476 417

8-0 4-4 4-4 3-5

7-1 4-4 3-5 3-5

5-1 1-5 3-3 3-3

11-1 5-7 5-7 5-7

10-6 6-10 8-7-1 7-9

PF PA HOME AWAY DIV. CONF. ATS

489 423 280 238

313 277 330 387

6-2 5-3 5-3 4-4

7-1 5-3 2-6 1-7

4-2 3-3 4-2 1-5

10-2 7-5 6-6 4-8

8-8 8-7-1 7-8-1 7-9

2015

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

OFFENSE

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

1. ARI 2. NO

119.8 93.2

288.5 310.6

408.3 403.8

1. DEN 2. SEA

83.6 81.5

199.6 210.3

283.1 291.8

1. CAR 2. ARI

22.3 23.3

42.36 60.00 31.3 46.97 44.44 30.6

1. SEA 2. CIN

17.1 19.2

34.36 39.45

14.29 45.00

17.3 17.4

3. PIT 4. SEA

107.8 141.8

287.7 236.9

395.4 378.6

3. HOU 4. NYJ

99.8 83.4

210.4 235.2

310.2 318.6

3. NE 4. PIT

21.7 20.7

40.93 60.00 29.1 38.86 33.33 26.4

3. KC 4. DEN

19.6 18.1

33.18 35.24

48.15 35.71

17.9 18.5

5. T.B 6. N.E 7. ATL

135.1 87.8 100.4

240.8 286.7 273.7

375.9 374.4 374.1

5. ARI 6. CAR 7. KC

91.3 88.4 98.2

230.4 234.5 231.1

321.7 322.9 329.3

5. SEA 6. NYG 7. CIN

20.9 20.7 20.3

46.48 37.79 40.30

88.89 26.4 56.25 26.3 58.33 26.2

5. MIN 6. CAR 7. ARI

19.9 18.6 17.8

34.47 50.00 37.89 57.69 35.71 47.06

18.9 19.1 19.6

8. NYG 9. SD

100.6 84.9

271.7 286.9

372.3 371.8

8. BAL 9. NE

103.8 98.8

233.6 240.7

337.4 339.4

8. NO 9. KC

23.8 18.9

47.71 38.19

62.50 66.67

25.5 25.3

8. HOU 9. NYJ

17.6 16.9

28.50 33.19

58.33 56.52

19.6 19.6

10. NYJ 11. CAR 12. PHI

116.8 142.6 108.9

253.6 224.3 255.4

370.3 366.9 364.4

10. TB 11. CIN 12. TEN

100.4 92.3 112.3

240.0 248.5 229.9

340.4 340.8 342.2

10. WAS 11. NYJ 12. BUF

19.8 20.6 18.6

43.52 40.61 37.89

58.33 42.86 43.75

24.3 24.2 23.7

10. NE 11. PIT 12. GB

18.9 20.4 18.8

37.33 40.00 35.91

44.44 19.7 29.17 19.9 47.62 20.2

13. BUF 14. BAL

152.0 92.4

208.9 266.9

360.9 359.3

13. MIN 14. CHI

109.3 120.9

234.9 224.6

344.2 345.4

13. PHI 14. JAX

21.2 19.6

39.57 50.00 35.12 53.33

23.6 23.5

13. STL 14. ATL

20.0 20.9

34.67 42.93

26.67 20.6 33.33 21.6

15. CIN 16. DEN

112.8 107.4

245.2 248.1

358.0 355.5

15. GB 16. ATL

119.1 105.0

227.6 242.6

346.7 347.6

15. GB 16. MIN

19.8 18.6

33.65 38.19

52.38 45.45

23.0 22.8

15. BUF 16. DAL

20.1 19.8

40.48 23.08 38.94 50.00

22.4 23.4

17. WAS 18. JAX 19. HOU

97.9 92.1 108.2

255.9 256.8 239.6

353.8 348.8 347.8

17. DAL 18. DET 19. BUF

120.9 113.0 108.1

227.3 236.6 248.3

348.1 349.6 356.4

17. OAK 18. DET 19. DEN

18.8 21.1 19.6

39.09 38.46 36.95 50.00 35.27 50.00

22.4 22.4 22.2

17. WAS 18. SF 19. MIA

20.6 22.3 21.9

37.68 39.05 43.44

55.00 54.55 33.33

23.7 24.2 24.3

20. DET 21. CHI 22. DAL 23. GB 24. OAK

83.4 115.9 118.1 115.6 91.1

263.3 228.8 216.9 218.9 242.4

346.7 344.6 335.1 334.6 333.5

20. SD 21. PIT 22. OAK 23. STL 24. JAX

125.3 91.2 104.9 113.8 106.8

236.6 271.9 258.8 254.1 268.2

361.9 363.1 363.6 367.8 375.0

20. TB 21. ATL 22. HOU 23. CHI 24. IND

21.0 22.4 20.9 19.5 19.4

41.58 53.85 21.4 47.14 52.63 21.2 38.55 31.58 21.2 42.47 60.00 20.9 40.00 53.85 20.8

20. CHI 21. SD 22. OAK 23. DET 24. BAL

19.2 18.7 21.5 19.9 19.4

44.28 37.95 37.50 41.00 39.81

41.67 24.8 87.50 24.9 52.94 24.9 62.50 25.0 44.44 25.1

25. CLE 26. MIA 27. KC 28. IND 29. MIN 30. TEN 31. SF 32. STL

95.6 93.5 127.8 89.9 138.2 92.8 96.5 122.3

236.4 238.2 203.4 231.5 183.0 218.9 207.3 175.3

331.9 331.7 331.2 321.4 321.2 311.8 303.8 297.6

25. MIA 26. IND 27. CLE 28. WAS 29. SF 30. PHI 31. NO 32. NYG

126.2 122.0 128.4 122.6 126.3 134.6 129.4 121.4

250.0 257.1 250.8 258 261.2 267.1 284 298.9

376.2 379.1 379.2 380.6 387.4 401.6 413.4 420.3

25. BAL 26. SD 27. MIA 28. TEN 29. STL 30. CLE 31. DAL 32. SF

20.2 21.5 18.2 18.6 15.1 19.2 19.2 16.3

37.61 50.00 20.5 41.99 33.33 20.0 30.73 36.36 19.4 31.84 46.67 18.7 25.87 30.77 17.5 41.85 41.67 17.4 34.55 50.00 17.2 30.52 47.37 14.9

25. IND 26. TB 27. TEN 28. PHI 29. CLE 30. NYG 31. JAX 32. NO

20.7 21.9 19.8 22.8 20.1 22.9 22.6 23.8

39.21 71.43 25.5 45.97 66.67 26.1 42.59 33.33 26.4 42.86 66.67 26.9 39.90 66.67 27.0 46.96 57.14 27.6 46.26 50.00 28.0 40.34 76.92 29.8

POSTSEASON RESULTS

TEAMRETURNS YARDAGE KICK

TURNOVER TABLE TURNOVER TABLE

KICKOFF PUNT RETURN RETURN RK TM AVG RK TM AVG

SUPER BOWL 50 Denver 24, Carolina 10 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS Denver 20, New England 18 Carolina 49, Arizona 15 DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS New England 27, Kansas City 20 Arizona 26, Green Bay 20 Carolina 31, Seattle 24 Denver 23, Pittsburgh 16 WILD-CARD PLAYOFFS Kansas City 30, Houston 0 Pittsburgh 18, Cincinnati 16 Seattle 10, Minnesota 9 Green Bay 35, Washington 18

TAKEAWAYS TURNOVERS DIF

RK TM

INT FUM TOT INT FUM TOT

1. MIN

28.3

1. JAX

11.6

1 CAR

19 +20

2. DET

27.7

2. PHI

11.4

2 KC

+14

3. CHI

27.0

3. BLT

11.3

3 CIN

+11

4. ATL

25.7

4. CLV

11.2

4 AZ

5. SEA

25.5

5. SEA

10.7

5t SEA

6. CLV

25.4

6. MIA

10.3

5t NE

7. BLT

25.2

7. NYG

10.2

5t NYG 15 13 28 14 7 21 +7

8. DAL

25.1

8. NE

10.1

8t NYJ

9. WAS

25.0

9. TB

9.9

8t BUF

10. NYG

24.9

10. DEN

9.8

10t STL

11. GB

24.5

11. ATL

9.4

10t HOU

12. STL

24.4

11t. CAR

9.4

10t MIN

13. IND

24.3

13. MIN

9.1

10t GB

14. PIT

24.2

14. NO

8.6

10t WAS

15. ARZ

24.1

14t. NYJ

8.6

15t NO

15t. TB

24.1

16. PIT

8.3

15t PIT

17. HST

23.9

17. CIN

8.1

17 OAK

17t. OAK

23.9

17t. TEN

8.1

18 MIA

-3

19. SF

23.6

19. KC

7.9

19t CHI

-4

20. JAX

23.3

20. CHI

7.8

19t DEN

-4

21. KC

22.6

21. STL

7.7

19t SD

-4

22. MIA

22.3

22. BUF

7.5

22t TB

11 12 23 15 13 28 -5

23. DEN

21.8

22t. SF

7.5

22t PHI 15 11 26 18 13 31 -5

24. NO

21.6

24. ARZ

7.4

22t IND 17 8 25 19 11 30 -5

25. PHI

20.9

25. HST

7.3

22t SF

26. NYJ

20.8

26. DET

7.0

26 DET

-6

26t. SD

20.8

27. IND

6.9

27 ATL

-7

28t. CIN

20.6

28. OAK

6.5

28 CLE 11 10 21 12 18 30 -9

9 3 12 12 5 17 -5

28t. TEN

20.6

29. DAL

5.5

29 JAX 9 9 18 18 10 28 -10

30. BUF

18.8

30. GB

5.4

30t BAL

30t. NE

18.8

31. WAS

4.8

30t TEN

-14

32. CAR

18.5

32. SD

4.2

32 DAL

-22

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

-14

| 163

2015

STATISTICS

AFC TEAM STATISTICS OFFENSE

BAL

BUF

CIN

CLE

Yards / Game

359.30

360.9

358.00

331.90 355.50

Yards / Play

5.31

5.68 5.71 5.10 5.39 4.94 4.89 5.51 5.55 5.43 5.71 5.52 5.29 6.26 5.41 5.11

Rushing Yards / Game

92.40

152.00 112.80 95.60 107.40 108.20

Rushing Yards / Play

3.86

4.78 3.87 4.02 4.18 3.67 3.63 4.16 4.69 4.35 3.67 4.17 3.94 4.44 3.46 4.00

Passing Yards / Game

266.90

208.90

Passing Yards / Play

6.32

7.19 7.77 6.21 6.55 6.19 5.98 6.77 6.88 6.48 7.29 6.72 6.41 7.80 6.88 6.36

Interception Rate

3.11

1.94 1.78 1.97

Sacks / Pass Attempt

3.55

9.03 6.34

First Downs / Game

20.20

18.60 20.30 19.20 19.60 20.90

19.40 19.60 18.90 18.20 21.70

Punt Return Avg

11.30

7.50 8.10

11.20 9.80 7.30

6.90 11.60 7.90 10.30 10.10 8.60 6.50 8.30 4.20 8.10

Kickoff Return Avg

25.20

18.80 20.60

25.40 21.80 23.90

24.30 23.30 22.60 22.30 18.8

Field Goals Made

82.50

85.19 82.14

87.50 85.71

92.59 86.67 81.08 81.25 91.67 81.82 80.77 83.33 81.25 87.50

3rd Down Pct

37.61

37.89 40.30 41.85 35.27 38.55 40.00 35.12 38.19 30.73 40.93 40.61 39.09 38.86 41.99 31.84

4th Down Pct

50.00

43.75 58.33 41.67 50.00 31.58 53.85 53.33

Red Zone Pct

48.94

50.00

65.52 38.30 47.73 57.78

Goal to Go%

66.67

61.11

78.13

46.15 63.16

Avg Time of Possession

29:58

31:18

30:41

30:26

29:57

30:48

29:32

27:34

30:55

27:22

30:08

30:59

29:19

29:24

31:34

29:25

Points / Game

20.50

23.70

26.20

17.40

22.20

21.20

20.80

23.50

25.30

19.40

29.10

24.20

22.40

26.40

20.00

18.70

BAL

BUF

CIN

CLE

DEN

HOU

IND

JAX

MIA

NYJ

OAK

PIT

Yards / Game

337.40

356.40

340.80

379.20

283.10

Yards / Play

5.40

5.61 5.28 6.08 4.39 5.03 5.66 5.44 5.08 5.60 5.21 5.03 5.36 5.51 6.04 5.46

Rushing Yards / Game

103.80 108.10

Rushing Yards / Play

3.97

4.39 4.29 4.49 3.28 4.12 4.32 3.68 4.10 4.02 3.98 3.58 4.13 3.82 4.81 3.89

Passing Yards / Game

233.60

248.30

Passing Yards / Play

6.86

6.60 6.15 7.85 5.57 6.09 7.03 7.13 6.09 7.38 6.46 6.26 6.46 6.96 7.42 7.33

Interception Rate

1.10

2.82 3.25 2.15 2.44 2.53

2.91 1.50 3.62 2.40 2.01 3.00 2.18 2.72 2.16 2.19

Sacks / Pass Attempt

6.79

3.49

5.98

First Downs / Game

19.40

20.10 19.20 20.10 18.10 17.60 20.70 22.60 19.60 21.90 18.90 16.90 21.50 20.40 18.70 19.80

Punt Return Avg

5.00

8.80 6.30 10.30 6.90 10.20 10.70 10.30 6.50

10.50 8.90 12.70 6.70 8.70 9.80 12.90

Kickoff Return Avg

25.40

17.20

22.10 18.10 23.80 22.70 22.20 27.50 27.20

3rd Down Pct

39.81

40.48 39.45

4th Down Pct

44.44

23.08 45.00 66.67 35.71 58.33 71.43 50.00 48.15 33.33

Red Zone Pct

53.19

60.00 47.37

Goal to Go%

65.00

66.67

Points / Game

25.10 22.40 17.40 27.00 18.50

19.60 25.50 28.00 17.90 24.30 19.70 19.60 24.90 19.90 24.90 26.40

Point Differential / Game

-4.60

1.30 8.80 -9.60 3.70

1.60 -4.70 -4.50 7.40

-4.90 9.40 4.60

-2.50 6.50 -4.90 -7.80

Yard Differential / Game

21.90

4.60 17.20

37.60

-44.50

-30.10

DEFENSE

245.20

236.40

DEN

248.10

HOU

JAX

347.80 321.40 348.80

239.60

3.80 1.94

8.70 6.44

IND

MIA

NYJ

331.20

331.70 374.40 370.30

OAK

333.50 395.40

6.50

250.80

5.68

231.50 256.80

TEN

371.80 311.80

203.40

238.20

286.70

253.60

242.40

287.70 286.90

218.90

3.07 2.97 1.48 2.04 1.11 2.65 2.31 3.56 1.95 3.09

5.82 5.98 8.40 9.73 7.65 6.04 3.64 5.45 5.59 6.00 9.80

85.19

20.60 18.80 20.70 21.50 18.60

20.80 23.90 24.20 20.80 20.60

66.67 36.36 60.00 42.86 38.46 33.33 33.33 46.67

53.06 53.70 57.41 53.49 65.57 66.04 60.98 60.71 63.64 65.00

68.18 66.67

310.20 379.10

72.41 76.92

375.00 329.30

199.60 210.40 257.10 268.20

9.08 8.14

231.10

5.98 7.74

22.60 21.30 20.30 24.40 19.50 24.00 24.70 39.90 35.24

89.90 92.10 127.80 93.50 87.80 116.80 91.10 107.80 84.90 92.80

60.00 76.47 84.62 66.67 74.19 72.22 82.61

376.20 339.40 318.60 363.60

92.30 128.40 83.60 99.80 122.00 106.80 98.20 126.20 98.80 83.40 104.90

248.50

PIT

28.50 39.21

46.26 33.18

250.00

240.70

235.20

258.80

363.10

361.90 342.20

91.20 125.30 112.30

271.90 236.60

229.90

5.72 8.22 6.49 5.93 7.68 6.27 7.77

43.44 37.33 33.19 37.50 40.00 37.95 42.59 44.44 56.52

52.94 29.17 87.50 33.33

58.06 59.46 56.41 62.26 61.40 60.00 60.00 57.14 35.00 51.72 49.12 50.00 62.26

50.00 73.33 72.22 93.75 69.70 75.00 80.95 84.62

-47.30

164 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

72.40

-57.80 -26.20

1.90

65.00 43.48 55.17 53.33 69.23 75.00

35.00

51.70

32.40

9.90

-30.40

2015

STATISTICS

NFC TEAM STATISTICS OFFENSE

ATL

CAR

CHI

DAL

DET

MIN

Yards / Game

408.30

374.10

366.90

344.60

335.10

346.70

334.60

321.20 403.80

Yards / Play

6.28 5.58 5.54 5.38 5.53 5.39 5.07 5.28 5.90 5.66 5.29 5.85 5.02 5.18 5.91 5.60

Rushing Yards / Game

119.80 100.40

Rushing Yards / Play

4.24 3.82 4.34 3.96 4.63 3.77 4.24 4.66 3.76 3.99 3.94 4.54 3.96 4.56 4.75 3.65

Passing Yards / Game

288.50

Passing Yards / Play

8.21 7.05 7.16 7.00 6.57 6.66 6.11 6.45 7.45 6.98 6.56 7.75 6.30 5.93 7.20 7.38

Interception Rate

2.31 2.74 2.00 2.29 4.17 2.22 1.40 1.98 1.80 2.25 2.89 1.64 2.28 2.33 2.80 1.98

Sacks / Pass Attempt

4.80 5.15 6.59 6.50 6.25 6.96 8.20 9.91 4.80

First Downs / Game

23.30 22.40 22.30 19.50 19.20 21.10 19.80 18.60 23.80 20.70 21.20 20.90 16.30 15.10 21.00 19.80

Punt Return Avg

7.40 9.40 9.40 7.80 5.50 7.00 5.40 9.10 8.60 10.20 11.40 10.70 7.50 7.70 9.90 4.80

Kickoff Return Avg

24.10 25.70

Field Goals Made

90.32 80.65 83.33 84.62 93.75 91.67 85.71 87.18 69.23 93.75 80.77

3rd Down Pct

46.97 47.14 42.36 42.47 34.55 36.95 33.65 38.19 47.71

4th Down Pct

44.44 52.63 60.00 60.00 50.00 50.00 52.38 45.45 62.50 56.25 50.00 88.89 47.37 30.77 53.85 58.33

Red Zone Pct

60.32 54.72 68.25 48.00 44.44 69.39 53.85 50.00 60.34 44.44 55.81

55.10 43.59 52.78 52.94 61.22

Goal to Go%

70.00 68.97 77.14 68.97 55.56 82.76 60.00 63.64 82.14 66.67 70.83

65.22 55.56 56.25 64.00 76.67

Avg Time of Possession Points / Game DEFENSE

273.70

vNYG

372.30 364.40

142.60 115.90 118.10 83.40 115.60 138.20 93.20 100.60

224.30

228.80

216.90 263.30

PHI

108.90

218.90 183.00 310.60 271.70 255.40

4.33 5.94

SEA

378.60

303.80

STL

297.60 375.90 353.80

141.80 96.50 122.30 135.10

236.90

9.41

WAS

207.30 175.30 240.80

10.08 3.81

5.05

97.90

255.90

4.86

18.50 27.00 25.10 27.70 24.50 28.30 21.60 24.90 20.90 25.50 23.60 24.40 24.10 25.00 93.55 88.89 67.74 72.50 86.67

37.79 39.57 46.48 30.52 25.87 41.58 43.52

32:04

31:56

31:44

31:01

30:59

31:05

30:08

30:23

31:11

28:14

25:59

31:40

26:20

27:35

28:43

31:39

30.60

21.20

31.30

20.90

17.20

22.40

23.00

22.80

25.50

26.30

23.60

26.40

14.90

17.50

21.40

24.30

ATL

CAR

CHI

DAL

DET

MIN

vNYG

PHI

SEA

STL

WAS

346.70

344.20

413.40

420.30

401.60

Yards / Game

321.70 347.60 322.90

Yards / Play

5.24 5.58 4.88 5.64 5.58 5.60 5.47 5.43 6.64 6.09 5.60 4.93 5.73 5.39 5.22 6.03

Rushing Yards / Game

91.30 105.00 88.40 120.90 120.90 113.00 119.10 109.30 129.40 121.40 134.60 81.50 126.30 113.80 100.40

Rushing Yards / Play

3.91 4.04 3.89 4.47 4.20 4.22 4.54 4.25 4.92 4.37 4.50 3.60 4.01 4.02 3.45 4.83

Passing Yards / Game

230.40

Passing Yards / Play

6.43 6.92 5.77 7.02 7.19 7.17 6.61 6.70 8.35 7.50 6.75 6.14 7.61 6.81 7.11 7.29

Interception Rate

3.32 2.67 3.69 1.56 1.58 1.70 2.90 2.32 1.65 2.35 2.37 2.55

Sacks / Pass Attempt

6.28 3.39 6.77 6.84 6.13

First Downs / Game

17.80 20.90 18.60 19.20 19.80 19.90 18.80 19.90 23.80 22.90 22.80 17.10 22.30 20.00 21.90 20.60

Punt Return Avg

11.80 9.70

Kickoff Return Avg

24.30 27.20 26.60 25.20 23.90 25.40 26.70 26.10 26.50 20.30 20.70 25.50 25.70 22.40 25.20 20.10

3rd Down Pct

35.71 42.93 37.89 44.28 38.94 41.00 35.91 34.47 40.34 46.96 42.86 34.36 39.05 34.67 45.97 37.68

4th Down Pct

47.06 33.33 57.69 41.67 50.00 62.50 47.62 50.00 76.92 57.14 66.67 14.29 54.55 26.67 66.67 55.00

Red Zone Pct

55.32 62.26 52.50 60.00 51.02 62.71 57.14

Goal to Go%

81.82 78.13

Points / Game

19.60 21.60 19.10 24.80 23.40 25.00 20.20 18.90 29.80 27.60 26.90 17.30 24.20 20.60 26.10 23.70

Point Differential / Game

11.00 -0.40 12.10 -3.90 -6.20

-2.60 2.80 3.90 -4.30 -1.40 -3.30 9.10 -9.30 -3.10 -4.70 0.60

Yard Differential / Game

86.60

-2.90

242.60

26.40

234.50

345.40

224.60

347.90 349.60

227.30 236.60

8.14

227.60 234.90

7.80 7.66

284.00

5.70

298.90

267.10

3.61 5.85

291.80 387.40 367.80 340.40

210.30 261.20 254.10

240.00

380.60

122.60

258.00

1.64 2.18 2.04 1.94

6.75 5.10

6.87

7.04

6.71

7.80 7.50 6.80 6.10 4.20 5.20 8.30 10.00 5.10 13.30 6.40 7.20 5.20 8.60

44.19 67.69 53.85 65.57 42.11

59.26 41.67 64.29 55.10

64.71 69.57 76.92 66.67 64.29 58.82 77.14 75.00 68.75 61.54 84.38 52.38 71.88 65.22

44.00

-0.80

-13.10

-12.10

-23.00

-9.60

-48.10

-37.30

86.90

-83.70

-70.30

35.50

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

-26.80

| 165

2015

STATISTICS

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

25t

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

28t

23t

17t

10t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

Field Goals Made

16t

19t

14t

16t

12t

3rd Down Pct

19t

4th Down Pct

15t

10t

Red Zone Pct

24t

29t

Goal to Go%

15t

18t

15t

30t

27t

18t

Avg Time of Possession

11t

Points / Game

21t

ATL

BAL

BUF

CAR

CHI

CIN

CLE

DAL

DEN

DET

HOU

IND

JAX

Yards / Game

Yards / Play

Rushing Yards / Game

22t

Rushing Yards / Play

Passing Yards / Game

14t

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

19t

10t

14t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

30t

3rd Down Pct

4th Down Pct

10t

27t

16t

Red Zone Pct

26t

21t

16t

26t

Goal to Go%

10t

13t

22t

Points / Game

Point Differential / Game

25t

Yard Differential / Game

DEFENSE

166 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

2015

STATISTICS

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

25t

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

28t

12t

10t

17t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

Field Goals Made

24t

27t

19t

24t

12t

3rd Down Pct

19t

4th Down Pct

15t

29t

10t

Red Zone Pct

24t

29t

Goal to Go%

27t

18t

30t

Avg Time of Possession

18t

11t

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

14t

Passing Yards / Play

Interception Rate

Sacks / Pass Attempt

First Downs / Game

26t

14t

Punt Return Avg

Kickoff Return Avg

30t

3rd Down Pct

4th Down Pct

16t

10t

27t

Red Zone Pct

21t

16t

26t

Goal to Go%

10t

22t

Points / Game

Point Differential / Game

25t

Yard Differential / Game

DEFENSE

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;˘ PREVIEW 2016

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2015

STATISTICS AFC PASSING

Andy Dalton

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Dalton, Andy (CIN) 2. Brady, Tom (NE) 3. Taylor, Tyrod (BUF) 4. Smith, Alex (KC) 5. Roethlisberger, Ben (PIT) 6. Rivers, Philip (SD) 7. McCown, Josh (CLV) 8. Mariota, Marcus (TEN) 9. Hoyer, Brian (HST) 10. Carr, Derek (OAK) 11. Tannehill, Ryan (MIA) 12. Bortles, Blake (JAX) 13. Fitzpatrick, Ryan (NYJ) 14. Osweiler, Brock (DEN) 15. Hasselbeck, Matt (IND) 16. Flacco, Joe (BLT) 17. Luck, Andrew (IND) 18. Manning, Peyton (DEN) NON-QUALIFIERS 19. Clemens, Kellen (SD) 20. Tanney, Alex (TEN) 21. Lindley, Ryan (IND) 22. Weeden, Brandon (HST) 23. McCarron, A.J. (CIN) 24. McGloin, Matthew (OAK) 25. Smith, Geno (NYJ) 26. Yates, T.J. (HST) 27. Vick, Michael (PIT) 28. Manziel, Johnny (CLV) 29. Manuel, E.J. (BUF) 30. Jones, Landry (PIT) 31. Schaub, Matt (BLT) 32. Mallett, Ryan (BLT) 33. Clausen, Jimmy (BLT) 34. Mettenberger, Zach (TEN) 35. Davis, Austin (CLV) 36. Freeman, Josh (IND) 37. Mallett, Ryan (HST)

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Wilson, Russell (SEA) 2. Palmer, Carson (ARZ) 3. Cousins, Kirk (WAS) 4. Brees, Drew (NO) 5. Newton, Cam (CAR) 6. Stafford, Matthew (DET) 7. Manning, Eli (NYG) 8. Rodgers, Aaron (GB) 9. Cutler, Jay (CHI) 10. Ryan, Matt (ATL) 11. Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 12. Bradford, Sam (PHI) 13. Gabbert, Blaine (SF) 14. Winston, Jameis (TB) 15. Kaepernick, Colin (SF) 16. Foles, Nick (SL) NON-QUALIFIERS 17. Nassib, Ryan (NYG) 18. McCoy, Colt (WAS) 19. Weeden, Brandon (DAL) 20. McCown, Luke (NO) 21. Keenum, Case (SL) 22. Mannion, Sean (SL) 23. Jackson, Tarvaris (SEA) 24. Anderson, Derek (CAR) 25. Sanchez, Mark (PHI) 26. Romo, Tony (DAL) 27. Moore, Kellen (DAL) 28. Cassel, Matt (DAL) 29. Orlovsky, Dan (DET) 30. Clausen, Jimmy (CHI) 31. Hekker, Johnny (SL) 32. Hill, Shaun (MIN) 33. Stanton, Drew (ARZ) 34. Renfree, Sean (ATL)

COMP 255 402 242 307 319 437 186 230 224 350 363 355 335 170 156 266 162 198

ATT 386 624 380 470 469 661 292 370 369 573 586 606 562 275 256 413 293 331

YDS 3250 4770 3035 3486 3938 4792 2109 2818 2606 3987 4208 4428 3905 1967 1690 2791 1881 2249

AVG 8.4 7.6 8.0 7.4 8.4 7.2 7.2 7.6 7.1 7.0 7.2 7.3 6.9 7.2 6.6 6.8 6.4 6.8

5 10 6 26 79 23 27 28 40 129 52 32 52 58 49 101 56 15 78

6 14 10 42 119 32 42 57 66 223 84 55 80 97 85 166 94 28 147

63 99 58 305 854 142 265 370 371 1500 561 513 540 566 555 935 547 149 770

10.5 7.1 5.8 7.3 7.2 4.4 6.3 6.5 5.6 6.7 6.7 9.3 6.8 5.8 6.5 5.6 5.8 5.3 5.2

LONG 80 76 63 80 69 80 56 61 49 68 54 90 69 72 57 50 87 75

TD 25 36 20 20 21 29 12 19 19 32 24 35 31 10 9 14 15 9

19 29 18 44 66 14 28 61 72 61 58 88 48 39 48 57 42 57 48

1 1 1 3 6 2 2 3 2 7 3 3 3 2 2 4 1 1 3

INT SACK/YARDS RATING 7 20 118 106.2 7 38 225 102.2 6 36 212 99.4 7 45 235 95.4 16 20 141 94.5 13 40 264 93.8 4 23 137 93.3 10 38 258 91.5 7 25 185 91.4 13 31 230 91.1 12 45 420 88.7 18 51 320 88.2 15 19 94 88.0 6 23 151 86.4 5 16 101 84.0 12 16 124 83.1 12 15 88 74.9 17 16 95 67.9

0 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 5 3 4 4 2 3 7 3 1 4

0 3 0 2 12 2 3 5 10 19 6 2 3 2 3 13 11 1 4

0 34 0 15 63 20 19 33 53 141 45 17 27 19 8 98 96 7 13

150.0 114.9 109.6 107.7 97.1 88.3 87.9 80.3 79.8 79.4 78.5 77.3 76.0 74.5 70.5 66.7 66.2 65.9 63.6

NFC PASSING

Russell Wilson

168 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY â&#x20AC;˘ PREVIEW 2016

COMP 329 342 379 428 296 398 387 347 311 407 292 346 178 312 144 190

ATT 483 537 543 627 495 592 618 572 483 614 447 532 282 535 244 337

YDS 4024 4671 4166 4870 3837 4262 4432 3821 3659 4591 3231 3725 2031 4042 1615 2052

AVG 8.3 8.7 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.2 7.2 6.7 7.6 7.5 7.2 7.0 7.2 7.6 6.6 6.1

LONG 80 68 78 80 74 57 87 65 87 70 52 78 71 68 76 68

TD 34 35 29 32 35 32 35 31 21 21 14 19 10 22 6 7

5 7 71 32 76 6 4 4 59 83 61 119 22 23 1 2 11 3

5 11 98 39 125 7 6 6 91 121 104 204 40 40 4 7 25 7

68 128 738 335 828 31 37 36 616 884 779 1276 201 184 20 15 104 11

13.6 11.6 7.5 8.6 6.6 4.4 6.2 6.0 6.8 7.3 7.5 6.3 5.0 4.6 5.0 2.1 4.2 1.6

25 71 67 25 60 11 17 24 43 39 36 51 23 22 20 9 21 11

1 1 2 0 4 0 0 0 4 5 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 0

INT SACK/YARDS RATING 8 45 265 110.1 11 25 151 104.6 11 26 186 101.6 11 31 235 101.0 10 33 284 99.4 13 44 251 97.0 14 27 157 93.6 8 46 314 92.7 11 29 150 92.3 16 30 206 89.0 9 44 307 88.7 14 28 200 86.4 7 25 164 86.2 15 27 190 84.2 5 28 166 78.5 10 14 98 69.0

0 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 4 7 6 7 1 1 0 0 2 1

0 1 8 1 4 0 1 0 9 6 5 14 0 4 0 1 2 2

0 13 62 0 28 0 6 0 54 35 23 86 0 30 0 11 8 17

158.3 133.9 92.1 91.8 87.7 85.1 83.3 82.6 80.7 79.4 71.0 70.6 66.8 58.8 47.9 39.6 22.8 10.7

2015

STATISTICS

AFC RUSHING RK PLAYER (TEAM) ATT 1 Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 247 2 Murray, Latavius (OAK) 266 3 Gore, Frank (IND) 260 4 Williams, DeAngelo (PIT) 200 5 McCoy, LeSean (BUF) 203 6 Miller, Lamar (MIA) 194 7 Hillman, Ronnie (DEN) 207 8 Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 223 9 Yeldon, T.J. (JAX) 182 10 Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 154 11 Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 152 12 Crowell, Isaiah (CLV) 185 13 Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 165 14 Blue, Alfred (HST) 183 15 Gordon, Melvin (SD) 184 15 Forsett, Justin (BLT) 151 17 West, Charcandrick (KC) 160 18 Taylor, Tyrod (BUF) 104 19 Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 113 20 Andrews, Antonio (TEN) 143 21 Williams, Karlos (BUF) 93 22 Allen, Javorius (BLT) 137 23 Smith, Alex (KC) 84 24 Ware, Spencer (KC) 72 25 Johnson, Duke (CLV) 104 26 Charles, Jamaal (KC) 71 27 Woodhead, Danny (SD) 98 28 Polk, Chris (HST) 99 29 Powell, Bilal (NYJ) 70 30 Bortles, Blake (JAX) 52 31 Grimes, Jonathan (HST) 56 32 Fitzpatrick, Ryan (NYJ) 60 33 Gillislee, Mike (BUF) 47 34 Robinson, Denard (JAX) 67 35 Mariota, Marcus (TEN) 34 36 McCluster, Dexter (TEN) 55 37 Lewis, Dion (NE) 49 38 Manziel, Johnny (CLV) 37 39 Brown, Donald (SD) 59 40 Bolden, Brandon (NE) 63 41 Luck, Andrew (IND) 33 42 Sankey, Bishop (TEN) 47 43 Ajayi, Jay (MIA) 49 44 West, Terrance (BLT) 46 45 Foster, Arian (HST) 63 46 Cobb, David (TEN) 52 47 Dalton, Andy (CIN) 57 48 Tannehill, Ryan (MIA) 32 49 Carr, Derek (OAK) 33 50 Gray, Jonas (MIA) 31

YDS 1070 1066 967 907 895 872 863 794 740 730 720 706 703 698 641 641 634 568 556 520 517 514 498 403 379 364 336 334 313 310 282 270 267 266 252 247 234 230 229 207 196 193 187 180 163 146 142 141 138 122

AVG 4.3 4.0 3.7 4.5 4.4 4.5 4.2 3.6 4.1 4.7 4.7 3.8 4.3 3.8 3.5 4.2 4.0 5.5 4.9 3.6 5.6 3.8 5.9 5.6 3.6 5.1 3.4 3.4 4.5 6.0 5.0 4.5 5.7 4.0 7.4 4.5 4.8 6.2 3.9 3.3 5.9 4.1 3.8 3.9 2.6 2.8 2.5 4.4 4.2 3.9

LG TD 58 7 54 6 37 6 55 11 48 3 85 8 72 7 38 11 45 2 28 2 48 5 54 4 38 6 41 2 27 0 33 2 38 4 31 4 42 3 38 3 41 7 44 1 49 2 52 6 39 0 34 4 27 3 20 1 24 1 28 2 37 1 19 2 60 3 31 1 87 2 44 1 13 2 34 0 53 1 14 0 25 0 16 1 24 1 17 0 16 1 12 1 12 3 28 1 24 0 16 0

NFC RUSHING RK PLAYER (TEAM) ATT 1 Peterson, Adrian (MIN) 327 2 Martin, Doug (TB) 288 3 Gurley, Todd (SL) 229 4 McFadden, Darren (DAL) 239 5 Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 265 6 Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 242 7 Forte, Matt (CHI) 218 8 Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 195 9 Rawls, Thomas (SEA) 147 10 Johnson, Chris (ARZ) 196 11 Ingram, Mark (NO) 166 12 Lacy, Eddie (GB) 187 13 Morris, Alfred (WAS) 202 14 Murray, DeMarco (PHI) 193 15 Newton, Cam (CAR) 132 16 Starks, James (GB) 148 17 Abdullah, Ameer (DET) 143 18 Johnson, David (ARZ) 125 19 Wilson, Russell (SEA) 103 20 Mathews, Ryan (PHI) 106 21 Langford, Jeremy (CHI) 148 22 Sims, Charles (TB) 107 23 Jones, Matt (WAS) 144 24 Hyde, Carlos (SF) 115 25 Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 111 26 Tevin Coleman (ATL) 87 27 Tim Hightower (NO) 96 28 Aaron Rodgers (GB) 58

YDS 1485 1402 1106 1089 1056 989 898 863 830 814 769 758 751 702 636 601 597 581 553 539 537 529 490 470 417 392 375 344

AVG LG TD 4.5 80 11 4.9 84 6 4.8 71 10 4.6 50 3 4 39 11 4.1 44 6 4.1 27 4 4.4 38 3 5.6 69 4 4.2 62 3 4.6 70 6 4.1 29 3 3.7 48 1 3.6 54 6 4.8 47 10 4.1 65 2 4.2 36 2 4.6 47 8 5.4 24 1 5.1 63 6 3.6 23 6 4.9 59 0 3.4 39 3 4.1 22 3 3.8 24 3 4.5 46 2 3.9 26 1 5.9 18 0

Chris Ivory 29 Darren Sproles (PHI) 30 Joseph Randle (DAL) 31 Joique Bell (DET) 32 Andre Ellington (ARI) 33 Jerick McKinnon (MIN) 34 Shaun Draughn (SF) 35 Shane Vereen (NYG) 36 Andre Williams (NYG) 37 Mike Tolbert (CAR) 37 Colin Kaepernick (SF) 39 Chris Thompson (WSH)

83 76 90 45 52 76 61 88 62 45 35

317 315 311 289 271 263 260 257 256 256 216

3.8 4.1 3.5 6.4 5.2 3.5 4.3 2.9 4.1 5.7 6.2

27 37 36 63 68 30 39 35 29 15 42

1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 3

AFC RECEIVING

RK PLAYER (TEAM) NO 1 Brown, Antonio (PIT) 136 2 Hopkins, DeAndre (HST) 111 3 Marshall, Brandon (NYJ) 109 4 Robinson, Allen (JAX) 80 5 Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 105 6 Green, A.J. (CIN) 86 7 Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 72 8 Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 110 9 Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 76 10 Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 69 11 Walker, Delanie (TEN) 94 11 Maclin, Jeremy (KC) 87 13 Cooper, Amari (OAK) 72 14 Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 60 15 Barnidge, Gary (CLV) 79 16 Hurns, Allen (JAX) 64 17 Decker, Eric (NYJ) 80 18 Benjamin, Travis (CLV) 68 19 Aiken, Kamar (BLT) 75 20 Crabtree, Michael (OAK) 85 21 Kelce, Travis (KC) 72 22 Jones, Marvin (CIN) 65 23 Bryant, Martavis (PIT) 50 24 Woodhead, Danny (SD) 80 25 Wheaton, Markus (PIT) 44 26 Moncrief, Donte (IND) 64 27 Allen, Keenan (SD) 67 28 Edelman, Julian (NE) 61 29 Smith, Steve (BLT) 46 30 Matthews, Rishard (MIA) 43 31 Washington, Nate (HST) 47 32 Amendola, Danny (NE) 65 33 Gates, Antonio (SD) 56 34 Eifert, Tyler (CIN) 52 35 Woods, Robert (BUF) 47 36 Green-Beckham, Dorial (TEN) 32

YDS 1834 1521 1502 1400 1304 1297 1176 1157 1135 1124 1088 1088 1070 1047 1043 1031 1027 966 944 922 875 816 765 755 749 733 725 692 670 662 658 648 630 615 552 549

AVG 13.5 13.7 13.8 17.5 12.4 15.1 16.3 10.5 14.9 16.3 11.6 12.5 14.9 17.4 13.2 16.1 12.8 14.2 12.6 10.8 12.2 12.6 15.3 9.4 17 11.5 10.8 11.3 14.6 15.4 14 10 11.2 11.8 11.7 17.2

LG TD 59 10 61 11 69 14 90 14 72 6 80 10 76 11 50 4 75 6 87 5 61 6 61 8 68 6 63 9 40 9 80 10 35 12 61 5 48 5 38 9 42 5 47 4 88 6 61 6 72 5 33 6 38 4 59 7 50 3 53 4 49 4 41 3 40 5 31 13 37 3 47 4

37 Miller, Heath (PIT) 38 Johnson, Duke (CLV) 39 Clay, Charles (BUF) 40 Hartline, Brian (CLV) 41 Daniels, Owen (DEN) 42 LaFell, Brandon (NE) 43 Johnson, Andre (IND) 44 Johnson, Steve (SD) 45 Fleener, Coby (IND) 46 Inman, Dontrelle (SD) 47 Shorts, Cecil (HST) 48 Roberts, Seth (OAK) 49 Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 50 Thomas, Julius (JAX) 51 Wilson, Albert (KC) 52 Hogan, Chris (BUF) 53 Green, Ladarius (SD) 54 Gillmore, Crockett (BLT) 55 Douglas, Harry (TEN) 56 White, James (NE) 57 Wright, Kendall (TEN) 58 Miller, Lamar (MIA) 59 Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 60 Powell, Bilal (NYJ) 60 Lewis, Dion (NE) 62 Cameron, Jordan (MIA) 63 Walters, Bryan (JAX) 64 Williams, DeAngelo (PIT) 65 Allen, Javorius (BLT) 66 Juszczyk, Kyle (BLT) 67 McCoy, LeSean (BUF) 68 Rivera, Mychal (OAK) 69 Yeldon, T.J. (JAX) 70 Williams, Maxx (BLT) 71 Gore, Frank (IND) 72 Murray, Latavius (OAK) 73 Gordon, Melvin (SD)

60 61 51 46 46 37 41 45 54 35 42 32 49 46 35 36 37 33 36 40 36 47 33 47 36 35 32 40 45 41 32 32 36 32 34 41 33

535 534 528 523 517 515 503 497 491 486 484 480 472 455 451 450 429 412 411 410 408 397 394 388 388 386 368 367 353 321 292 280 279 268 267 232 192

8.9 8.8 10.4 11.4 11.2 13.9 12.3 11 9.1 13.9 11.5 15 9.6 9.9 12.9 12.5 11.6 12.5 11.4 10.2 11.3 8.4 11.9 8.3 10.8 11 11.5 9.2 7.8 7.8 9.1 8.8 7.8 8.4 7.9 5.7 5.8

27 52 40 41 37 54 35 34 57 68 42 43 45 34 44 46 31 46 51 68 52 54 52 25 40 29 31 34 41 39 22 29 67 28 34 23 18

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

AVG 13.8 15.1 11.1 13.8 16.3 13.5 14.3 13.7 15.4 11.7

LG TD 70 8 87 13 44 9 57 9 68 3 71 9 52 7 80 14 68 7 78 8

NFC RECEIVING RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1 Jones, Julio (ATL) 2 Beckham, Odell (NYG) 3 Fitzgerald, Larry (ARZ) 4 Johnson, Calvin (DET) 5 Evans, Mike (TB) 6 Cooks, Brandin (NO) 7 Olsen, Greg (CAR) 8 Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 9 Brown, John (ARZ) 10 Matthews, Jordan (PHI)

NO 136 96 109 88 74 84 77 78 65 85

YDS 1871 1450 1215 1214 1206 1138 1104 1069 1003 997

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2015

11 Snead, Willie (NO) 12 Reed, Jordan (WAS) 13 Jones, James (GB) 14 Ertz, Zach (PHI) 15 Floyd, Michael (ARZ) 16 Williams, Terrance (DAL) 17 Cobb, Randall (GB) 18 Watson, Benjamin (NO) 19 Tate, Golden (DET) 20 Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 21 Randle, Rueben (NYG) 22 Boldin, Anquan (SF) 23 Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 24 Ginn, Ted (CAR) 25 Diggs, Stefon (MIN) 26 Witten, Jason (DAL) 27 Riddick, Theo (DET) 28 Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 29 Britt, Kenny (SL) 30 Lockett, Tyler (SEA) 31 Smith, Torrey (SF) 32 Tamme, Jacob (ATL) 33 Graham, Jimmy (SEA) 34 Crowder, Jamison (WAS) 35 Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 36 Sims, Charles (TB) 37 Jackson, Vincent (TB) 38 Ebron, Eric (DET) 39 Beasley, Cole (DAL) 40 Colston, Marques (NO) 41 Rodgers, Richard (GB) 42 White, Roddy (ATL) 43 Rudolph, Kyle (MIN) 44 Vereen, Shane (NYG) 45 Cotchery, Jerricho (CAR) 46 Adams, Davante (GB) 47 Cook, Jared (SL) 48 Austin, Tavon (SL) 48 Wallace, Mike (MIN) 50 Tye, Will (NYG) 51 Johnson, David (ARZ) 52 Wright, Jarius (MIN) 53 Bennett, Martellus (CHI) 53 Miller, Zach (CHI) 55 Ingram, Mark (NO) 56 Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 57 Starks, James (GB) 58 Forte, Matt (CHI) 59 Sproles, Darren (PHI) 60 McFadden, Darren (DAL) 61 Murray, DeMarco (PHI) 62 Martin, Doug (TB) 63 Jackson, Fred (SEA) 64 Thompson, Chris (WAS) 65 Spiller, C.J. (NO) 66 Royal, Eddie (CHI)

69 87 50 75 52 52 79 74 90 54 57 69 72 44 52 77 80 49 36 51 33 59 48 59 73 51 33 47 52 45 58 43 49 59 39 50 39 52 39 42 36 34 53 34 50 36 43 44 55 40 44 33 32 35 34 37

984 952 890 853 849 840 829 825 813 807 797 789 777 739 720 713 697 685 681 664 663 657 605 604 578 561 543 537 536 520 510 506 495 494 485 483 481 473 473 464 457 442 439 439 405 396 392 389 388 328 322 271 257 240 239 238

14.3 10.9 17.8 11.4 16.3 16.2 10.5 11.1 9 14.9 14 11.4 10.8 16.8 13.8 9.3 8.7 14 18.9 13 20.1 11.1 12.6 10.2 7.9 11 16.5 11.4 10.3 11.6 8.8 11.8 10.1 8.4 12.4 9.7 12.3 9.1 12.1 11 12.7 13 8.3 12.9 8.1 11 9.1 8.8 7.1 8.2 7.3 8.2 8 6.9 7 6.4

63 3 32 11 65 8 60 2 60 6 42 3 53 6 46 6 43 6 50 4 72 8 51 4 39 6 74 10 40 4 35 3 34 3 50 5 60 3 49 6 76 4 41 1 45 2 44 2 44 3 56 4 36 3 55 5 30 5 53 4 61 8 25 1 47 5 37 4 59 3 40 1 49 0 66 5 34 2 45 3 55 4 52 0 24 3 87 5 59 0 38 4 30 3 38 3 35 1 21 0 44 1 25 1 26 2 23 2 80 2 30 1

AFC SCORING TDS TDS TDS TDS R K PLAYER (TEAM) TOT RSH REC RET PAT FG PTS

1 Gostkowski, Stephen (NE) 0 0 0 0 52 33 151 2 Santos, Cairo (KC) 0 0 0 0 39 30 129 3 Tucker, Justin (BLT) 0 0 0 0 29 33 128 4 McManus, Brandon (DEN) 0 0 0 0 35 30 125 5 Nugent, Mike (CIN) 0 0 0 0 48 23 117 6 Boswell, Chris (PIT) 0 0 0 0 26 29 113 7 Myers, Jason (JAX) 0 0 0 0 32 26 110 8 Vinatieri, Adam (IND) 0 0 0 0 32 25 107 9 Coons, Travis (CLV) 0 0 0 0 22 28 106 9 Lambo, Josh (SD) 0 0 0 0 28 26 106 11 Carpenter, Dan (BUF) 0 0 0 0 34 23 103 12 Janikowski, Sebastian (OAK) 0 0 0 0 38 21 101 13 Marshall, Brandon (NYJ) 14 0 14 0 0 0 84 13 Robinson, Allen (JAX) 14 0 14 0 0 0 84 15 Novak, Nick (HST) 0 0 0 0 29 18 83 16 Eifert, Tyler (CIN) 13 0 13 0 0 0 78 17 Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 12 11 1 0 0 0 74 18 Franks, Andrew (MIA) 0 0 0 0 33 13 72 18 Decker, Eric (NYJ) 12 0 12 0 0 0 72 20 Succop, Ryan (TEN) 0 0 0 0 29 14 71 21 Brown, Antonio (PIT) 11 0 10 1 0 0 70 22 Williams, DeAngelo (PIT) 11 11 0 0 0 0 68 22 Hopkins, DeAndre (HST) 11 0 11 0 0 0 68 24 Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 11 0 11 0 0 0 66 25 Bullock, Randy (NYJ) 0 0 0 0 19 14 61

STATISTICS

Julio Jones 26 Miller, Lamar (MIA) 10 8 2 0 0 0 60 26 Green, A.J. (CIN) 10 0 10 0 0 0 60 26 Hurns, Allen (JAX) 10 0 10 0 0 0 60 29 Folk, Nick (NYJ) 0 0 0 0 19 13 58 30 Crabtree, Michael (OAK) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 30 Woodhead, Danny (SD) 9 3 6 0 0 0 54 30 Barnidge, Gary (CLV) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 30 Williams, Karlos (BUF) 9 7 2 0 0 0 54 30 Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 35 Maclin, Jeremy (KC) 8 0 8 0 0 0 48 35 Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 8 7 1 0 0 0 48 37 Bryant, Martavis (PIT) 7 1 6 0 0 0 42 37 Edelman, Julian (NE) 7 0 7 0 0 0 42 37 Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 37 Gore, Frank (IND) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 37 Hillman, Ronnie (DEN) 7 7 0 0 0 0 42 42 Walker, Delanie (TEN) 6 0 6 0 0 0 38 42 Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 6 1 4 1 0 0 38 44 Cooper, Amari (OAK) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 44 Moncrief, Donte (IND) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 44 White, James (NE) 6 2 4 0 0 0 36 44 Murray, Latavius (OAK) 6 6 0 0 0 0 36 44 Ware, Spencer (KC) 6 6 0 0 0 0 36 44 Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 44 Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 44 Benjamin, Travis (CLV) 6 0 5 1 0 0 36 52 Kelce, Travis (KC) 5 0 5 0 0 0 34 53 Roberts, Seth (OAK) 5 0 5 0 0 0 32 53 Wheaton, Markus (PIT) 5 0 5 0 0 0 32 53 McCoy, LeSean (BUF) 5 3 2 0 0 0 32 56 Charles, Jamaal (KC) 5 4 1 0 0 0 30 56 Gates, Antonio (SD) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 56 Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 56 Aiken, Kamar (BLT) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 56 Thomas, Julius (JAX) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 56 Crowell, Isaiah (CLV) 5 4 1 0 0 0 30 56 West, Charcandrick (KC) 5 4 1 0 0 0 30 56 Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 5 5 0 0 0 0 30 64 Green, Ladarius (SD) 4 0 4 0 0 0 28 65 Taylor, Tyrod (BUF) 4 4 0 0 0 0 26 65 Green-Beckham, Dorial (TEN) 4 0 4 0 0 0 26 67 Gillmore, Crockett (BLT ) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Juszczyk, Kyle (BLT) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Allen, Keenan (SD) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Johnson, Andre (IND) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Scobee, Josh (PIT) 0 0 0 0 6 6 24 67 Washington, Nate (HST) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Chandler, Scott (NE) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Holmes, Andre (OAK) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Lewis, Dion (NE) 4 2 2 0 0 0 24

170 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

67 Jones, Marvin (CIN) 67 Matthews, Rishard (MIA) 78 Fleener, Coby (IND) 79 Blue, Alfred (HST) 79 Andrews, Antonio (TEN) 79 Parker, DeVante (MIA) 79 Stills, Kenny (MIA) 79 Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 79 Woods, Robert (BUF) 79 Gillislee, Mike (BUF) 79 Strong, Jaelen (HST) 79 Allen, Javorius (BLT) 79 Yeldon, T.J. (JAX) 79 Walford, Clive (OAK) 79 Greene, Rashad (JAX) 79 Mariota, Marcus (TEN) 79 Amendola, Danny (NE) 79 Flacco, Joe (BLT) 79 Reece, Marcel (OAK) 79 Johnson, Steve (SD) 79 Foster, Arian (HST) 79 Floyd, Malcom (SD) 79 Brady, Tom (NE) 79 Smith, Steve (BLT) 79 Bradshaw, Ahmad (IND)

4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

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

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

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 0 0 0 0 0 0

24 24 20 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

NFC SCORING TDS TDS TDS TDS RK PLAYER (TEAM) TOT RSH REC RET PAT FG PTS

1 Gano, Graham (CAR) 0 0 0 0 56 30 146 Catanzaro, Chandler (ARZ) 0 0 0 0 53 28 137 2 3 Walsh, Blair (MIN) 0 0 0 0 33 34 135 4 Brown, Josh (NYG) 0 0 0 0 44 30 134 5 Gould, Robbie (CHI) 0 0 0 0 28 33 127 5 Hauschka, Steven (SEA) 0 0 0 0 40 29 127 7 Bailey, Dan (DAL) 0 0 0 0 25 30 115 8 Hopkins, Dustin (WAS) 0 0 0 0 39 25 114 9 Crosby, Mason (GB) 0 0 0 0 36 24 108 10 Prater, Matt (DET) 0 0 0 0 36 22 102 11 Barth, Connor (TB) 0 0 0 0 25 23 94 12 Dawson, Phil (SF) 0 0 0 0 20 24 92 13 Sturgis, Caleb (PHI) 0 0 0 0 35 18 89 14 Zuerlein, Greg (SL) 0 0 0 0 26 20 86 15 Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 14 0 14 0 0 0 84 15 Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 14 11 3 0 0 0 84 17 Beckham, Odell (NYG) 13 0 13 0 0 0 78 17 Johnson, David (ARZ) 13 8 4 1 0 0 78 19 Bryant, Matt (ATL) 0 0 0 0 26 14 68 20 Reed, Jordan (WAS) 11 0 11 0 0 0 66 20 Peterson, Adrian (MIN) 11 11 0 0 0 0 66

2015 22 Newton, Cam (CAR) 10 10 0 0 0 0 60 22 Forbath, Kai (NO) 0 0 0 0 33 9 60 22 Ginn, Ted (CAR) 10 0 10 0 0 0 60 22 Austin, Tavon (SL) 10 4 5 1 0 0 60 22 Gurley, Todd (SL) 10 10 0 0 0 0 60 27 Johnson, Calvin (DET) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 27 Fitzgerald, Larry (ARZ) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 27 Jones, Julio (ATL) 9 0 8 1 0 0 54 27 Cooks, Brandin (NO) 9 0 9 0 0 0 54 31 Jones, James (GB) 8 0 8 0 0 0 52 32 Rodgers, Richard (GB) 8 0 8 0 0 0 50 33 Matthews, Jordan (PHI) 8 0 8 0 0 0 48 33 Lockett, Tyler (SEA) 8 0 6 2 0 0 48 33 Randle, Rueben (NYG) 8 0 8 0 0 0 48 36 Forte, Matt (CHI) 7 4 3 0 0 0 44 36 Langford, Jeremy (CHI) 7 6 1 0 0 0 44 38 Brown, John (ARZ) 7 0 7 0 0 0 42 38 Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 38 Olsen, Greg (CAR) 7 0 7 0 0 0 42 38 Martin, Doug (TB) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 38 Mathews, Ryan (PHI) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 38 Cobb, Randall (GB) 7 0 6 1 0 0 42 38 Murray, DeMarco (PHI) 7 6 1 0 0 0 42 45 Graham, Shayne (ATL) 0 0 0 0 8 11 41 46 Ingram, Mark (NO) 6 6 0 0 0 0 38 46 Hocker, Zach (NO) 0 0 0 0 11 9 38 48 Winston, Jameis (TB) 6 6 0 0 0 0 36 48 Tate, Golden (DET) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 48 Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 6 0 4 2 0 0 36 48 Floyd, Michael (ARZ) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 48 Sproles, Darren (PHI) 6 3 1 2 0 0 36 48 Watson, Benjamin (NO) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 48 Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 6 0 6 0 0 0 36 55 Miller, Zach (CHI) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 55 Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 55 Beasley, Cole (DAL) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 55 Cousins, Kirk (WAS) 5 5 0 0 0 0 30 55 Starks, James (GB) 5 2 3 0 0 0 30 55 Rudolph, Kyle (MIN) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 55 Lacy, Eddie (GB) 5 3 2 0 0 0 30 55 Ebron, Eric (DET) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 55 Rawls, Thomas (SEA) 5 4 1 0 0 0 30 55 Funchess, Devin (CAR) 5 0 5 0 0 0 30 65 Smith, Torrey (SF) 4 0 4 0 0 0 26 65 Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 4 3 1 0 0 0 26 67 Brindza, Kyle (TB) 0 0 0 0 6 6 24 67 Jones, Matt (WAS) 4 3 1 0 0 0 24 67 Seferian-Jenkins, Austin (TB) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Diggs, Stefon (MIN) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Sims, Charles (TB) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Brown, Corey (CAR) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Randle, Joseph (DAL) 4 4 0 0 0 0 24 67 Robinson, Khiry (NO) 4 4 0 0 0 0 24 67 Bell, Joique (DET) 4 4 0 0 0 0 24 67 Hightower, Tim (NO) 4 4 0 0 0 0 24 67 Tolbert, Mike (CAR) 4 1 3 0 0 0 24 67 Jackson, DeSean (WAS) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Boldin, Anquan (SF) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Moore, Lance (DET) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Colston, Marques (NO) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Vereen, Shane (NYG) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 67 Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 4 0 4 0 0 0 24 84 Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 3 3 0 0 0 0 20 84 Jackson, Vincent (TB) 3 0 3 0 0 0 20 84 McFadden, Darren (DAL) 3 3 0 0 0 0 20 84 Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 3 3 0 0 0 0 20 88 Hyde, Carlos (SF) 3 3 0 0 0 0 18 88 Huff, Josh (PHI) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Carey, Ka’Deem (CHI) 3 2 1 0 0 0 18 88 McKinnon, Jerick (MIN) 3 2 1 0 0 0 18 88 Evans, Mike (TB) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Brate, Cameron (TB) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Ellington, Andre (ARZ) 3 3 0 0 0 0 18 88 Fells, Darren (ARZ) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Line, Zach (MIN) 3 2 1 0 0 0 18 88 Riddick, Theo (DET) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Ross, Rashad (WAS) 3 0 1 2 0 0 18 88 Snead, Willie (NO) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18 88 Williams, Terrance (DAL) 3 0 3 0 0 0 18

AFC PUNT RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Amendola, Danny (NE) 2. Benjamin, Travis (CLV) 3. Clay, Kaelin (BLT) 4. Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 5. Brown, Antonio (PIT)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

23 28 23 36 22

276 12.0 324 11.6 244 10.6 356 9.9 212 9.6

82 78 82 69 71

0 12 1 10 1 3 1 16 1 13

STATISTICS

6. McCluster, Dexter (TEN) 7. Kerley, Jeremy (NYJ) 8. Bray, Quan (IND) 9t. Mumphery, Keith (HST) 9t. Thomas, De’Anthony (KC) 11. Tate, Brandon (CIN)

24 48 21 36 29 27

217 411 166 280 227 171

9.0 8.6 7.9 7.8 7.8 6.3

37 58 33 20 37 18

0 15 0 19 0 77 0 14 0 2 0 11

NFC PUNT RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

1. Sproles, Darren (PHI) 2. Ginn, Ted (CAR) 3. Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 4. Rainey, Bobby (TB) 5. Lockett, Tyler (SEA) 6. Murphy, Marcus (NO) 7. Sherels, Marcus (MIN) 8. Peterson, Patrick (ARZ) 9. Austin, Tavon (SL) 10. Tate, Golden (DET) 11. Mariani, Marc (CHI) 12. Hyde, Micah (GB) 13. Crowder, Jamison (WAS)

38 27 34 29 40 28 34 32 34 20 29 27 30

446 11.7 277 10.3 341 10.0 288 9.9 379 9.5 261 9.3 311 9.1 260 8.1 268 7.9 149 7.5 192 6.6 157 5.8 158 5.3

89 37 80 58 66 74 65 38 75 23 20 16 16

2 18 0 22 1 7 0 14 1 21 1 7 1 15 0 17 1 15 0 14 0 22 0 18 0 16

AFC KICKOFF RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

1. Bray, Quan (IND) 2. Jones, Taiwan (OAK) 3. Davis, Knile (KC) 4. Williams, Damien (MIA)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

21 31 24 21

570 27.1 829 26.7 603 25.1 457 21.8

60 70 54 37

0 0 0 0

NFC KICKOFF RETURNS RK PLAYER (TEAM)

RET YDS AVG LONG TD FC

1. Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 32 1019 31.8 101 2. Abdullah, Ameer (DET) 37 1077 29.1 104 3. Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 22 631 28.7 100 4. Cunningham, Benny (SL) 25 714 28.6 102 5. Johnson, David (ARZ) 22 598 27.2 108 6. Lockett, Tyler (SEA) 33 852 25.8 105 7. Ellington, Bruce (SF) 26 665 25.6 40 8. Ross, Rashad (WAS) 28 684 24.4 101 9. Huff, Josh (PHI) 21 498 23.7 49

2 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 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 Brown, Antonio (PIT) 28 2 Landry, Jarvis (MIA) 113 3 Hopkins, DeAndre (HST) 0 4 Marshall, Brandon (NYJ) 0 5 Robinson, Allen (JAX) 0 6 Thomas, Demaryius (DEN) 0 7 Benjamin, Travis (CLV) 12 8 Murray, Latavius (OAK) 1066 9 Green, A.J. (CIN) 0 10 Ivory, Chris (NYJ) 1070 11 Sanders, Emmanuel (DEN) 29 12 Williams, DeAngelo (PIT) 907 13 Miller, Lamar (MIA) 872 14 Gore, Frank (IND) 967 15 Bernard, Giovani (CIN) 730 16 McCoy, LeSean (BUF) 895 17 Gronkowski, Rob (NE) 0 18 Hilton, T.Y. (IND) 0 19 Walker, Delanie (TEN) 36 20 Maclin, Jeremy (KC) 14 21 Cooper, Amari (OAK) -3 22 Amendola, Danny (NE) 11 23 Woodhead, Danny (SD) 336 24 Watkins, Sammy (BUF) 1 25 Barnidge, Gary (CLV) 0 26 Decker, Eric (NYJ) 0 27 Hurns, Allen (JAX) 0 28 Yeldon, T.J. (JAX) 740 29 Jones, Taiwan (OAK) 74 29 McCluster, Dexter (TEN) 247 31 Hillman, Ronnie (DEN) 863 32 Johnson, Duke (CLV) 379 33 Aiken, Kamar (BLT) 0 34 Crabtree, Michael (OAK) 0 35 Anderson, C.J. (DEN) 720 36 Crowell, Isaiah (CLV) 706 37 Kelce, Travis (KC) 0 38 Hill, Jeremy (CIN) 794

1834 1157 1521 1502 1400 1304 966 232 1297 217 1135 367 397 267 472 292 1176 1124 1088 1088 1070 648 755 1047 1043 1027 1031 279 106 260 111 534 944 922 183 182 875 79

0 321 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 6 0 5 0 0 0 0 172 0 0 0 0 0 0 829 285 0 52 0 0 0 0 0 0

212 2074 356 1947 0 1521 0 1502 0 1400 0 1304 324 1302 0 1298 0 1297 0 1287 103 1280 0 1274 0 1269 0 1234 0 1208 0 1187 0 1181 16 1140 0 1124 13 1115 41 1108 276 1107 0 1091 0 1048 0 1043 11 1038 0 1031 0 1019 0 1009 217 1009 0 974 0 965 0 944 0 922 0 903 0 888 0 875 0 873

39 Allen, Javorius (BLT) 514 353 0 0 867 40 Wheaton, Markus (PIT) 0 749 105 0 854 41 Jones, Marvin (CIN) 33 816 0 0 849 42 West, Charcandrick (KC) 634 214 0 0 848 43 Gordon, Melvin (SD) 641 192 0 0 833 44 Blue, Alfred (HST) 698 109 0 0 807 45 Bryant, Martavis (PIT) 37 765 0 0 802 46 Edelman, Julian (NE) 23 692 0 81 796 47 Forsett, Justin (BLT) 641 153 0 0 794 48 Mumphery, Keith (HST) 0 129 338 280 747 49 Blount, LeGarrette (NE) 703 43 0 0 746 50 Moncrief, Donte (IND) 0 733 5 0 738 51 Bray, Quan (IND) 0 0 570 166 736 52 Allen, Keenan (SD) 0 725 0 5 730 53 Powell, Bilal (NYJ) 313 388 20 0 721 54 Andrews, Antonio (TEN) 520 174 13 0 707 55 Smith, Steve (BLT) 0 670 0 32 702 56 Davis, Knile (KC) 72 24 603 0 699 57 Bell, Le’Veon (PIT) 556 136 0 0 692 58 Matthews, Rishard (MIA) 4 662 0 9 675 59 Washington, Nate (HST) 0 658 0 0 658 59 Williams, Damien (MIA) 59 142 457 0 658 61 Tate, Brandon (CIN) 0 59 413 171 643 62 Gates, Antonio (SD) 0 630 0 0 630 63 Martin, Keshawn (NE) 6 269 257 92 624 64 Lewis, Dion (NE) 234 388 0 0 622 65 Eifert, Tyler (CIN) 0 615 0 0 615 66 Williams, Karlos (BUF) 517 96 0 0 613 67 Shorts, Cecil (HST) 47 484 0 70 601 68 Clay, Kaelin (BLT) 0 0 343 244 587 69 Taylor, Tyrod (BUF) 568 4 0 0 572 70 Kerley, Jeremy (NYJ) 0 152 0 411 563 71 Floyd, Malcom (SD) 0 561 0 0 561 72 Woods, Robert (BUF) 0 552 0 0 552 73 Green-Beckham, Dorial (TEN) 0 549 0 0 549 74 Charles, Jamaal (KC) 364 177 0 0 541 75 Thomas, De’Anthony (KC) 34 140 138 227 539 76 Miller, Heath (PIT) 2 535 0 0 537 77 Whalen, Griff (IND) 0 205 244 85 534 78 Clay, Charles (BUF) 0 528 0 0 528 79 Roberts, Seth (OAK) 0 480 47 0 527 80 Sankey, Bishop (TEN) 193 139 192 0 524 80 LaFell, Brandon (NE) 9 515 0 0 524 82 Hartline, Brian (CLV) 0 523 0 0 523 83 Daniels, Owen (DEN) 0 517 0 0 517 84 Johnson, Andre (IND) 0 503 0 0 503 85 Smith, Alex (KC) 498 0 0 0 498 86 Johnson, Steve (SD) 0 497 0 0 497 87 Parker, DeVante (MIA) 0 494 0 0 494 88 Fleener, Coby (IND) 0 491 0 0 491 89 Inman, Dontrelle (SD) 0 486 0 0 486 90 Robinson, Denard (JAX) 266 164 54 0 484 91 Douglas, Harry (TEN) -6 411 0 73 478 91 Walters, Bryan (JAX) 0 368 80 30 478 93 Wilson, Albert (KC) 26 451 0 0 477 94 Sanu, Mohamed (CIN) 71 394 2 0 467 95 White, James (NE) 56 410 0 0 466 96 Bolden, Omar (DEN) 0 0 342 123 465 97 Ross, Jeremy (OAK) 2 88 265 109 464 98 Ross, Jeremy (OAK) 2 88 265 105 460 99 Thomas, Julius (JAX) 0 455 0 0 455 99 Grimes, Jonathan (HST) 282 173 0 0 455 101 Hogan, Chris (BUF) 4 450 0 0 454 102 Herndon, Javontee (SD) 13 195 157 81 446 103 Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) -1 0 328 118 445 104 Polk, Chris (HST) 334 109 0 0 443 105 Stills, Kenny (MIA) 0 440 0 0 440 106 Green, Ladarius (SD) 0 429 0 0 429 107 Wright, Kendall (TEN) 17 408 0 0 425 108 Ware, Spencer (KC) 403 5 14 0 422 109 Oliver, Branden (SD) 108 112 197 0 417 110 Jones, Adam (CIN) 0 0 235 179 414 111 Gillmore, Crockett (BLT) 0 412 0 0 412 112 Ross, Jeremy (OAK) 2 88 205 109 404 113 Ross, Jeremy (OAK) 2 88 205 105 400 114 Greene, Rashad (JAX) 0 93 0 301 394 115 Foster, Arian (HST) 163 227 0 0 390 116 Bolden, Brandon (NE) 207 180 0 0 387 117 Cameron, Jordan (MIA) 0 386 0 0 386 118 Cromartie, Antonio (NYJ) 0 0 377 0 377 119 Marshall, Nick (JAX) 0 0 346 30 376 120 Givens, Chris (BLT) 24 346 0 0 370 121 Butler, Jeremy (BLT) 0 363 0 0 363 122 Stacy, Zac (NYJ) 89 65 204 0 358 123 Harvin, Percy (BUF) 31 218 108 0 357 124 Archer, Dri (NYJ) 0 0 354 0 354

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 171

2015 125 Givens, Chris (BLT) -6 126 Gilbert, Justin (CLV) 0 127 Reece, Marcel (OAK) 36 128 Juszczyk, Kyle (BLT) 3 129 Walford, Clive (OAK) 0 130 Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) -1 131 Hankerson, Leonard (BUF) 0 132 Brown, Donald (SD) 229 133 Enunwa, Quincy (NYJ) 0 134 Heyward-Bey, Darrius (PIT) 0 135 Bortles, Blake (JAX) 310 136 Mostert, Raheem (CLV) 0 137 Ajayi, Jay (MIA) 187 138 Gillislee, Mike (BUF) 267 139 Mariota, Marcus (TEN) 252 140 Fasano, Anthony (TEN) 0 141 Norwood, Jordan (DEN) 0 142 Rivera, Mychal (OAK) 0 143 Hawkins, Andrew (CLV) 0 144 Jennings, Darius (CLV) 0 145 Williams, Maxx (BLT) 0 146 Fitzpatrick, Ryan (NYJ) 270 147 Hunter, Justin (TEN) 0 148 Chandler, Scott (NE) 0 149 Dorsett, Phillip (IND) 17 150 Griffin, Ryan (HST) 0 151 Gabriel, Taylor (CLV) 0 152 Jones, Jacoby (PIT) 0 153 Caldwell, Andre (DEN) 3 154 Grant, Corey (JAX) 2 155 Manziel, Johnny (CLV) 230 156 Lee, Marqise (JAX) 38 157 Lewis, Marcedes (JAX) 0 158 Jones, Jacoby (PIT) 0 159 Conley, Chris (KC) 0 160 Jones, Jacoby (PIT) 0 161 Jennings, Greg (MIA) 0 162 McBride, Tre (TEN) 8 163 Fowler, Bennie (DEN) 0 164 West, Terrance (BLT) 180 164 Davis, Vernon (DEN) 0 164 Holmes, Andre (OAK) 0 167 Helu, Roy (OAK) 39 168 Luck, Andrew (IND) 196 169 Olawale, Jamize (OAK) 110 169 Gray, Jonas (JAX) 122 169 Davis, Vernon (DEN) 0 172 Jones, Jacoby (PIT) 0 173 Thompkins, Kenbrell (NYJ) 0 174 Campanaro, Michael (BLT) 17 175 Green, Virgil (DEN) 0 176 Varga, Tyler (IND) 2 177 Fiedorowicz, C.J. (HST) 0 178 Mostert, Raheem (CLV) 0 179 Boyle, Nick (BLT) 0 180 Strong, Jaelen (HST) 0 180 Herron, Dan (IND) 42 182 Moore, Marlon (CLV) 0 183 Herron, Dan (IND) 37 184 Herron, Dan (IND) 42 184 Hunt, Akeem (HST) 96 186 Tannehill, Ryan (MIA) 141 186 Gragg, Chris (BUF) 0 188 Herron, Dan (IND) 37 188 Bradshaw, Ahmad (IND) 85 188 Harbor, Clay (JAX) 0 191 Dixon, Anthony (BUF) 44 191 Moore, Denarius (BUF) 0 193 Cobb, David (TEN) 146 194 Dalton, Andy (CIN) 142 195 Dobson, Aaron (NE) 0 196 Carr, Derek (OAK) 138 196 Owusu, Chris (NYJ) 0 198 Smith, Devin (NYJ) 0 199 Kroft, Tyler (CIN) 0 200 Cumberland, Jeff (NYJ) 0 200 Sims, Dion (MIA) 0 202 Gray, Jonas (JAX) 122 202 Gray, Jonas (JAX) 54 204 Stevens, Craig (TEN) 0 205 Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) -1 205 Avant, Jason (KC) 0 207 Carrie, T.J. (OAK) 0 208 Hammond, Frankie (KC) 0 209 Brown, Marlon (BLT) 0 210 Allen, Dwayne (IND) 1

346 0 269 321 329 0 327 88 315 314 0 0 90 29 41 289 207 280 276 117 268 0 264 259 225 251 241 0 72 13 0 191 226 0 199 0 208 8 203 21 201 201 75 0 84 72 194 0 165 35 173 18 167 0 153 161 27 81 27 20 39 9 150 20 64 149 44 0 -2 0 141 0 80 115 129 77 127 4 72 121 0 119 0 0 112 109

0 0 340 339 0 339 32 0 337 7 0 331 0 0 329 328 1 328 0 0 327 0 0 317 0 0 315 0 0 314 0 0 310 309 0 309 20 0 297 0 0 296 0 0 293 0 0 289 29 51 287 0 0 280 0 0 276 158 0 275 6 0 274 0 0 270 0 0 264 0 0 259 12 1 255 0 0 251 0 0 241 220 19 239 162 0 237 220 0 235 0 0 230 0 0 229 0 0 226 220 -4 216 14 0 213 193 19 212 0 0 208 190 0 206 0 0 203 0 0 201 0 0 201 0 0 201 85 0 199 0 0 196 0 0 194 0 0 194 0 0 194 193 -4 189 17 0 182 79 49 180 0 0 173 151 0 171 0 0 167 164 0 164 10 0 163 0 0 161 92 0 161 77 0 158 92 0 156 92 0 154 19 0 154 0 0 150 0 0 150 92 0 149 0 0 149 0 0 149 59 0 147 70 77 147 0 0 144 0 0 142 0 0 141 0 0 138 58 0 138 21 0 136 0 0 129 50 0 127 0 0 127 0 0 126 0 0 126 0 0 121 2 118 119 0 0 119 0 118 118 0 115 115 0 0 112 0 0 110

STATISTICS

211 Tipton, Zurlon (IND) 20 57 23 0 100 212 Hewitt, Ryan (CIN) 0 99 0 0 99 212 Thompson, Juwan (DEN) 48 51 0 0 99 212 Vick, Michael (PIT) 99 0 0 0 99 215 McCown, Josh (CLV) 98 0 0 0 98 215 Burkhead, Rex (CIN) 4 94 0 0 98 217 Matthews, Chris (BLT) 0 97 0 0 97 218 Doyle, Jack (IND) 0 72 22 0 94 219 Powell, Walter (BUF) 0 0 77 16 93 220 Williams, Tyrell (SD) 0 90 0 0 90 221 Brady, Tom (NE) 53 36 0 0 89 222 Ridley, Stevan (NYJ) 90 -2 0 0 88 223 O’Shaughnessy, James (KC) 0 87 0 0 87 223 Latimer, Cody (DEN) 1 59 27 0 87 223 Phillips, John (SD) 0 69 18 0 87 226 Smith, Lee (OAK) 0 70 8 0 78 227 Taliaferro, Lorenzo (BLT) 47 29 0 0 76 228 Harris, Demetrius (KC) 0 74 0 0 74 229 West, Terrance (BLT) 51 21 0 0 72 229 Robinson, Josh (IND) 39 33 0 0 72 231 Jackson, Steven (NE) 50 20 0 0 70 232 Gerhart, Toby (JAX) 44 23 0 0 67 233 Pead, Isaiah (PIT) 3 0 63 0 66 234 Manuel, E.J. (BUF) 64 0 0 0 64 234 Brown, Daniel (BLT) 0 64 0 0 64 236 Osweiler, Brock (DEN) 61 0 0 0 61 236 Dray, Jim (CLV) 0 61 0 0 61 238 Grimes, Brent (MIA) 0 0 0 59 59 239 Bohanon, Tommy (NYJ) 2 56 0 0 58 239 Gray, Jonas (JAX) 54 4 0 0 58 239 Easley, Marcus (BUF) 0 58 0 0 58 242 Goodwin, Marquise (BUF) 0 24 33 0 57 242 Fowler, Jalston (TEN) 13 44 0 0 57 242 Mostert, Raheem (CLV) 0 0 57 0 57 245 James, Jesse (PIT) 0 56 0 0 56 246 Sherman, Anthony (KC) 0 34 20 0 54 246 Matthews, Chris (BLT) 0 54 0 0 54 246 James, LaMichael (MIA) 0 0 54 0 54 249 Bowe, Dwayne (CLV) 0 53 0 0 53 250 Iosefa, Joey (NE) 51 0 0 0 51 251 Worthy, Chandler (NYJ) 0 14 27 9 50 252 Stoneburner, Jake (MIA) 0 47 0 0 47 253 Demps, Quintin (HST) 0 0 46 0 46 254 Peerman, Cedric (CIN) 0 0 44 0 44 254 Hoyer, Brian (HST) 44 0 0 0 44 254 Todman, Jordan (PIT) 22 0 22 0 44 254 Williams, Michael (NE) 0 26 18 0 44 258 Jones, Reshad (MIA) 0 0 43 0 43 259 Davis, Kellen (NYJ) 0 18 24 0 42 259 Toussaint, Fitzgerald (PIT) 42 0 0 0 42 259 Daniels, B.J. (HST) 6 18 0 18 42 262 Salas, Greg (BUF) 0 41 0 0 41 262 Pryor, Terrelle (CLV) -1 42 0 0 41 264 O’Leary, Nick (BUF) 0 37 0 0 37 265 Magee, Terrence (BLT) 5 2 28 0 35 266 Smith, Geno (NYJ) 34 0 0 0 34 267 Prosch, Jay (HST) 33 0 0 0 33 267 Davis, Austin (CLV) 33 0 0 0 33 269 Supernaw, Phillip (TEN) 0 32 0 0 32 270 Givens, Chris (BLT) 24 7 0 0 31 270 Daniels, B.J. (HST) 6 18 0 7 31 270 McCarron, A.J. (CIN) 31 0 0 0 31 270 Fisher, Jake (CIN) 0 31 0 0 31 274 Graham, Garrett (HST) 0 30 0 0 30 274 Weeden, Brandon (HST) 30 0 0 0 30 276 Clausen, Jimmy (BLT) 28 0 0 0 28 276 Rivers, Philip (SD) 28 0 0 0 28 278 Roethlisberger, Ben (PIT) 29 -3 0 0 26 278 Patmon, Tyler (MIA) 0 0 26 0 26 280 Turzilli, Andrew (TEN) 0 25 0 0 25 281 Freeman, Josh (IND) 24 0 0 0 24 282 Johnson, Will (PIT) 7 16 0 0 23 282 Flacco, Joe (BLT) 23 0 0 0 23 282 Harper, Chris (NE) 0 6 0 17 23 285 Brown, Vincent (SD) 0 22 0 0 22 286 Banyard, Joe (JAX) 0 0 21 0 21 286 Chung, Patrick (NE) 0 0 17 4 21 286 McKelvin, Leodis (BUF) 0 0 0 21 21 289 Felton, Jerome (BUF) 2 12 5 0 19 289 Alualu, Tyson (JAX) 0 19 0 0 19 291 McAfee, Pat (IND) 18 0 0 0 18 291 Pierce, Bernard (JAX) 11 7 0 0 18 291 Waller, Darren (BLT) 0 18 0 0 18 294 Weeden, Brandon (HST) 17 0 0 0 17 294 Vaughn, Cassius (SD) 0 0 17 0 17 294 Cox, Perrish (TEN) 0 0 0 17 17

172 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

297 Webb, Lardarius (BLT) 297 Nix, Roosevelt (PIT) 297 Murphy, Tyler (MIA) 300 Alford, Mario (CIN) 300 Johnson, Malcolm (CLV) 300 McGill, T.Y. (IND) 300 Bibbs, Kapri (DEN) 300 Smith, Za’Darius (BLT) 300 Hasselbeck, Matt (IND) 306 Williams, Trey (IND) 307 Mallett, Ryan (BLT) 307 Coates, Sammie (PIT) 309 Spaeth, Matt (PIT) 309 Schaub, Matt (BLT) 309 Poyer, Jordan (CLV) 312 Johnson, Damaris (TEN) 313 Clausen, Jimmy (BLT) 313 Johnson, David (SD) 313 Streater, Rod (OAK) 313 Washington, Tony (JAX) 313 Mettenberger, Zach (TEN) 318 Alexander, Lorenzo (OAK) 318 Koch, Sam (BLT) 318 Bibbs, E.J. (CLV) 318 Lamm, Kendall (HST) 322 Vigil, Zach (MIA) 322 Parker, Brian (KC) 322 Keo, Shiloh (DEN) 322 Jacobs, Nic (JAX) 326 Mallett, Ryan (BLT) 326 Anderson, Colt (IND) 326 Uzomah, C.J. (CIN) 329 Penn, Donald (OAK) 329 Levine, Anthony (BLT) 331 Thigpen, Marcus (BUF) 331 Mulligan, Matthew (BUF) 331 Branch, Tyvon (KC) 331 Gray, MarQueis (BUF) 331 Mager, Craig (SD) 336 Emanuel, Kyle (SD) 336 Poe, Dontari (KC) 336 Givens, Chris (BLT) 336 Cleveland, Asante (SD) 336 Williams, Tramon (CLV) 336 Whitehurst, Charlie (IND)

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 12 11 0 0 10 10 6 8 4 0 8 8 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 -1 0 0 3 -1 0 0 0 0 0 1 -6 0 0 1

0 16 16 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 10 0 0 0 0 4 8 0 0 0 0 7 7 0 6 0 6 0 0 4 3 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 7 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 15 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

16 16 16 15 15 15 15 15 15 12 11 11 10 10 10 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

NFC COMBINED YARDS RUSH REC KOR PR TOT RK PLAYER (TEAM) YDS YDS YDS YDS YDS

1 Lockett, Tyler (SEA) 20 2 Jones, Julio (ATL) 0 3 Abdullah, Ameer (DET) 597 4 Peterson, Adrian (MIN) 1485 5 Martin, Doug (TB) 1402 6 Johnson, David (ARZ) 581 7 Freeman, Devonta (ATL) 1056 8 Beckham, Odell (NYG) 3 9 McFadden, Darren (DAL) 1089 10 Harris, Dwayne (NYG) 12 11 Gurley, Todd (SL) 1106 12 Forte, Matt (CHI) 898 13 Fitzgerald, Larry (ARZ) 0 14 Johnson, Calvin (DET) 0 15 Evans, Mike (TB) 0 16 Austin, Tavon (SL) 434 17 Ingram, Mark (NO) 769 18 Sproles, Darren (PHI) 317 19 Cooks, Brandin (NO) 18 20 Jennings, Rashad (NYG) 863 21 Olsen, Greg (CAR) 0 21 Cunningham, Benny (SL) 140 23 Sims, Charles (TB) 529 24 Stewart, Jonathan (CAR) 989 25 Ginn, Ted (CAR) 60 26 Vereen, Shane (NYG) 260 27 Baldwin, Doug (SEA) 0 28 Patterson, Cordarrelle (MIN) 15 29 Tate, Golden (DET) 41 30 Brown, John (ARZ) 22 31 Murray, DeMarco (PHI) 702 32 Matthews, Jordan (PHI) 0 33 Starks, James (GB) 601 34 Snead, Willie (NO) 0 35 Ellington, Bruce (SF) 7 36 Reed, Jordan (WAS) 0 37 Lacy, Eddie (GB) 758

664 1871 183 222 271 457 578 1450 328 396 188 389 1215 1214 1206 473 405 388 1138 296 1104 250 561 99 739 494 1069 10 813 1003 322 997 392 984 153 952 188

852 0 1077 0 0 598 0 0 23 631 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 20 0 -7 0 714 0 0 8 321 0 1019 26 0 0 0 0 0 665 0 0

379 1915 0 1871 0 1857 0 1707 0 1673 0 1636 0 1634 26 1479 0 1440 341 1380 0 1294 0 1287 0 1215 0 1214 0 1206 268 1191 0 1174 446 1171 12 1168 0 1152 0 1104 0 1104 0 1090 0 1088 277 1084 0 1075 0 1069 0 1044 149 1029 0 1025 0 1024 0 997 0 993 0 984 137 962 0 952 0 946

2015 38 Mariani, Marc (CHI) 0 300 418 192 910 39 Rawls, Thomas (SEA) 830 76 0 0 906 40 Jones, James (GB) 0 890 0 0 890 41 Cobb, Randall (GB) 50 829 0 10 889 42 Johnson, Chris (ARZ) 814 58 0 0 872 43 Ross, Rashad (WAS) 0 184 684 0 868 44 Ertz, Zach (PHI) 0 853 9 0 862 45 Williams, Terrance (DAL) 0 840 9 0 849 45 Floyd, Michael (ARZ) 0 849 0 0 849 47 Riddick, Theo (DET) 133 697 0 0 830 48 Watson, Benjamin (NO) 0 825 0 0 825 49 Langford, Jeremy (CHI) 537 279 0 0 816 50 Huff, Josh (PHI) 0 312 498 0 810 51 Jeffery, Alshon (CHI) 0 807 0 0 807 52 Morris, Alfred (WAS) 751 55 0 0 806 53 Randle, Rueben (NYG) 0 797 0 0 797 54 Jones, Matt (WAS) 490 304 0 0 794 55 Rainey, Bobby (TB) 18 16 469 288 791 56 Boldin, Anquan (SF) 0 789 0 0 789 57 Garcon, Pierre (WAS) 0 777 0 0 777 57 Crowder, Jamison (WAS) 2 604 13 158 777 59 Diggs, Stefon (MIN) 13 720 22 0 755 60 Witten, Jason (DAL) 0 713 0 0 713 61 Kearse, Jermaine (SEA) 0 685 0 0 685 61 Mathews, Ryan (PHI) 539 146 0 0 685 61 Whitehead, Lucky (DAL) 107 16 452 110 685 64 Britt, Kenny (SL) 0 681 0 0 681 65 Smith, Torrey (SF) 0 663 0 0 663 66 Tamme, Jacob (ATL) 0 657 0 0 657 67 Weems, Eric (ATL) 4 11 403 221 639 68 Newton, Cam (CAR) 636 0 0 0 636 69 Bell, Joique (DET) 311 286 11 0 608 70 Graham, Jimmy (SEA) 0 605 0 0 605 70 Beasley, Cole (DAL) 0 536 0 69 605 72 Murphy, Marcus (NO) 0 0 300 261 561 73 Patton, Quinton (SF) 5 394 157 0 556 74 Wilson, Russell (SEA) 553 0 0 0 553 75 Draughn, Shaun (SF) 263 175 106 0 544 76 Jackson, Vincent (TB) 0 543 0 0 543 77 Ebron, Eric (DET) 0 537 0 0 537 78 Jackson, DeSean (WAS) 0 528 8 -5 531 79 Hyde, Carlos (SF) 470 53 0 0 523 80 Rodgers, Richard (GB) 11 510 0 0 521 81 Colston, Marques (NO) 0 520 0 0 520 82 Thompson, Chris (WAS) 216 240 63 0 519 83 White, Roddy (ATL) 0 506 0 0 506 84 Hightower, Tim (NO) 375 129 0 0 504 85 Cotchery, Jerricho (CAR) 16 485 0 0 501 86 Spiller, C.J. (NO) 112 239 149 0 500 87 Lynch, Marshawn (SEA) 417 80 0 0 497 88 Rudolph, Kyle (MIN) 0 495 0 0 495 89 Thompson, Deonte (CHI) 0 81 409 0 490 90 Brown, Corey (CAR) 38 447 0 0 485 90 Janis, Jeff (GB) 0 79 406 0 485 92 Adams, Davante (GB) 0 483 0 0 483 93 Cook, Jared (SL) 0 481 0 0 481 94 Wallace, Mike (MIN) 6 473 0 0 479 95 Funchess, Devin (CAR) 0 473 0 0 473 96 Wright, Jarius (MIN) 29 442 0 0 471 97 McKinnon, Jerick (MIN) 271 173 24 0 468 98 Wilson, Marquess (CHI) 0 464 0 0 464 98 Tye, Will (NYG) 0 464 0 0 464 100 Coleman, Brandon (NO) 0 454 0 0 454 101 Bennett, Martellus (CHI) 0 439 0 0 439 101 Miller, Zach (CHI) 0 439 0 0 439 103 Ellington, Andre (ARZ) 289 148 0 0 437 104 Dunbar, Lance (DAL) 67 215 146 4 432 105 Tolbert, Mike (CAR) 256 154 8 0 418 106 Coleman, Tevin (ATL) 392 14 0 0 406 107 Bryant, Dez (DAL) 0 401 0 0 401 107 Randle, Joseph (DAL) 315 86 0 0 401 109 Celek, Brent (PHI) 0 398 0 0 398 110 Whittaker, Fozzy (CAR) 108 64 209 0 381 111 Draughn, Shaun (SF) 263 1 106 0 370 112 Montgomery, Ty (GB) 14 136 218 0 368 113 Roberts, Andre (WAS) 0 135 231 0 366 114 Jackson, Fred (SEA) 100 257 0 0 357 115 Cooper, Riley (PHI) 0 327 28 0 355 116 Hyde, Micah (GB) 0 0 187 157 344 116 Sherels, Marcus (MIN) 0 0 33 311 344 116 Rodgers, Aaron (GB) 344 0 0 0 344 119 Seferian-Jenkins, Austin (TB) 0 338 0 0 338 119 Moore, Lance (DET) 0 337 0 1 338 121 Robinson, Khiry (NO) 180 115 33 0 328 122 McDonald, Vance (SF) 0 326 0 0 326 123 Nelson, J.J. (ARZ) 0 299 0 13 312

STATISTICS

124 Fells, Darren (ARZ) 0 311 0 0 311 125 Peterson, Patrick (ARZ) 0 0 46 260 306 126 Mason, Tre (SL) 207 88 0 0 295 127 Jones, T.J. (DET) -3 132 106 59 294 128 Draughn, Shaun (SF) 10 175 106 0 291 129 Brate, Cameron (TB) 0 288 0 0 288 130 Williams, Kerwynn (ARZ) 142 16 126 0 284 131 Agholor, Nelson (PHI) 0 283 0 0 283 132 Hester, Devin (ATL) 0 0 235 34 269 133 Grant, Ryan (WAS) 0 268 0 0 268 134 Williams, Andre (NYG) 257 7 0 0 264 135 Humphries, Adam (TB) 0 260 0 0 260 136 Butler, Brice (DAL) 0 258 0 0 258 137 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 16 146 94 1 257 138 Kaepernick, Colin (SF) 256 0 0 0 256 139 Royal, Eddie (CHI) -1 238 0 16 253 139 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 12 146 94 1 253 141 Kendricks, Lance (SL) 0 245 0 0 245 142 Asiata, Matt (MIN) 112 132 0 0 244 143 Artis-Payne, Cameron (CAR) 183 58 0 0 241 144 Harris, DuJuan (SF) 140 97 0 0 237 145 Bellamy, Josh (CHI) 0 224 12 0 236 146 Thielen, Adam (MIN) 89 144 0 0 233 147 Austin, Miles (PHI) 0 224 0 0 224 148 Donnell, Larry (NYG) 0 223 0 0 223 148 Gresham, Jermaine (ARZ) 0 223 0 0 223 150 Carey, Ka’Deem (CHI) 159 19 38 0 216 151 Winston, Jameis (TB) 213 0 0 0 213 151 Willson, Luke (SEA) 0 213 0 0 213 153 Bailey, Stedman (SL) 0 182 28 0 210 154 Michael, Christine (SEA) 192 14 0 0 206 155 Cutler, Jay (CHI) 201 0 0 0 201 156 Murphy, Louis (TB) 0 198 0 0 198 157 Michael, Christine (SEA) 192 2 0 0 194 157 Hardy, Justin (ATL) 0 194 0 0 194 159 Bridgewater, Teddy (MIN) 192 0 0 0 192 160 Celek, Garrett (SF) 0 186 0 0 186 160 Bell, Blake (SF) 0 186 0 0 186 162 Gabbert, Blaine (SF) 185 0 0 0 185 163 Darkwa, Orleans (NYG) 153 31 0 0 184 164 Ward, Terron (ATL) 95 73 10 0 178 165 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 16 66 94 1 177 165 Webb, Joe (CAR) -1 0 178 0 177 167 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 12 66 94 1 173 168 Dye, Donteea (TB) 0 132 37 0 169 169 White, DeAndrew (SF) 0 18 142 4 164 170 Abbrederis, Jared (GB) 0 111 52 0 163 171 Williams, Nick (ATL) 0 159 0 0 159 172 Hayne, Jarryd (SF) 52 27 0 76 155 173 Turbin, Robert (DAL) 139 15 0 0 154 174 Barner, Kenjon (PHI) 124 22 10 -3 153 174 Stafford, Matthew (DET) 159 -6 0 0 153 176 Miller, Bruce (SF) 14 135 3 0 152 177 Thomas, Pierre (WAS) 52 84 15 0 151 178 Line, Zach (MIN) 10 95 43 0 148 179 Turbin, Robert (DAL) 139 8 0 0 147 180 Harris, DuJuan (SF) 49 97 0 0 146 181 Brown, Jaron (ARZ) 0 144 0 0 144 182 Carrier, Derek (WAS) 0 141 0 0 141 183 Street, Devin (DAL) 0 114 22 0 136 184 Helfet, Cooper (SEA) 0 130 0 0 130 185 DiMarco, Patrick (ATL) 0 110 19 0 129 186 Myers, Brandon (TB) 0 127 0 0 127 186 Johnson, Charles (MIN) 0 127 0 0 127 188 Welker, Wes (SL) 0 102 0 23 125 189 Ellison, Rhett (MIN) 0 124 0 0 124 190 Dickson, Ed (CAR) 0 121 1 0 122 191 Hill, Josh (NO) 0 120 0 0 120 191 Meredith, Cameron (CHI) 0 120 0 0 120 193 Bersin, Brenton (CAR) 0 119 0 0 119 194 Draughn, Shaun (SF) 10 1 106 0 117 195 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 16 2 94 1 113 196 Thomas, Pierre (WAS) 12 84 15 0 111 197 Cadet, Travaris (NO) 12 2 94 1 109 198 Gaskins, Kendall (SF) 38 69 0 0 107 199 Quick, Brian (SL) 0 102 0 0 102 199 Perillo, Justin (GB) 0 102 0 0 102 201 Pruitt, MyCole (MIN) 0 89 12 0 101 202 Davis, Mike (SF) 58 38 0 0 96 203 Hoomanawanui, Michael (NO) 0 76 19 0 95 204 Kuhn, John (GB) 28 56 9 0 93 205 White, Myles (NYG) 0 88 0 0 88 205 Marquez, Bradley (SL) 0 88 0 0 88 207 Hanna, James (DAL) z 0 79 0 0 79 208 Cassel, Matt (DAL) 78 0 0 0 78 209 Wright, Timothy (DET) 0 77 0 0 77

210 Fuller, Corey (DET) 0 76 0 0 76 211 Turbin, Robert (DAL) 60 15 0 0 75 212 Brown, Bryce (SEA) 72 0 0 0 72 213 Zenner, Zach (DET) 60 11 0 0 71 214 Lockette, Ricardo (SEA) 0 69 0 0 69 215 Turbin, Robert (DAL) 60 8 0 0 68 216 Pettigrew, Brandon (DET) 0 67 0 0 67 217 Rodgers, Jacquizz (CHI) 41 10 15 0 66 218 Michael, Christine (SEA) 51 14 0 0 65 219 Escobar, Gavin (DAL) 0 64 0 0 64 219 Sherman, Richard (SEA) 0 0 0 64 64 221 Ryan, Matt (ATL) 63 0 0 0 63 222 Taylor, Stepfan (ARZ) 58 4 0 0 62 223 Manning, Eli (NYG) 61 0 0 0 61 223 Stocker, Luke (TB) 0 61 0 0 61 225 Fells, Daniel (NYG) 0 60 0 0 60 226 Cunningham, Jerome (NYG) 0 59 0 0 59 227 Moeaki, Tony (ATL) 0 58 0 0 58 228 Bush, Reggie (SF) 28 19 0 9 56 229 Simpson, Jerome (SF) 0 54 0 0 54 229 Nicks, Hakeem (NYG) 0 54 0 0 54 229 Burton, Trey (PHI) 0 54 0 0 54 232 Michael, Christine (SEA) 51 2 0 0 53 233 Cousins, Kirk (WAS) 48 0 0 0 48 234 Toilolo, Levine (ATL) 0 44 0 0 44 235 Smith, Kevin (SEA) 0 43 0 0 43 236 Coffman, Chase (SEA) 0 42 0 0 42 237 Burton, Michael (DET) 2 39 0 0 41 238 Parker, Preston (NYG) 0 40 0 0 40 238 Richardson, Paul (SEA) 0 40 0 0 40 240 Johnson, Austin (NO) 9 30 0 0 39 240 Bradford, Sam (PHI) 39 0 0 0 39 242 Smith, Rod (DAL) 5 6 26 0 37 243 Callahan, Bryce (CHI) 0 0 0 34 34 243 Abdul-Quddus, Isa (DET) 34 0 0 0 34 245 Niklas, Troy (ARZ) 0 33 0 0 33 246 Young, Darrel (WAS) 10 22 0 0 32 246 Coleman, Derrick (SEA) 32 0 0 0 32 248 Quarless, Andrew (GB) 0 31 0 0 31 249 Coffman, Chase (SEA) 0 29 0 0 29 249 Edwards, Ben (NYG) 0 9 20 0 29 251 Shepard, Russell (TB) 0 28 0 0 28 252 Blanton, Robert (MIN) 0 0 27 0 27 252 Housler, Rob (CHI) 0 27 0 0 27 254 Harkey, Cory (SL) 0 26 0 0 26 255 Graham, T.J. (NO) 0 24 0 0 24 255 Davis, Cody (SL) 0 20 0 4 24 255 Palmer, Carson (ARZ) 24 0 0 0 24 255 Tukuafu, Will (SEA) 1 7 16 0 24 259 LaCosse, Matt (NYG) 0 22 0 0 22 259 Sanchez, Mark (PHI) 22 0 0 0 22 261 Golden, Brittan (ARZ) 0 5 0 16 21 261 Crockett, John (GB) 21 0 0 0 21 261 Davis, Geremy (NYG) 0 21 0 0 21 264 Foles, Nick (SL) 20 0 0 0 20 265 Harris, Alonzo (GB) 19 0 0 0 19 266 Ripkowski, Aaron (GB) 0 18 0 0 18 267 Brown, Malcolm (SL) 17 -2 0 0 15 268 Brees, Drew (NO) 14 0 0 0 14 269 Romo, Tony (DAL) 13 0 0 0 13 269 Lane, Jorvorskie (TB) 0 13 0 0 13 269 Williams, Kasen (SEA) 5 8 0 0 13 272 Krause, Jonathan (PHI) 0 11 0 0 11 272 Jerod-Eddie, Tony (SF) 0 0 11 0 11 272 Smith, Antone (CHI) 11 0 0 0 11 275 Davison, Tyeler (NO) 0 0 10 0 10 275 Iupati, Mike (ARZ) 0 10 0 0 10 275 Simonson, Scott (CAR) 0 10 0 0 10 275 Hunter, Danielle (MIN) 0 0 10 0 10 279 Jones, Datone (GB) 0 0 9 0 9 279 Reynolds, Chase (SL) 0 0 9 0 9 281 Masthay, Tim (GB) 7 0 0 0 7 281 Lee, Khari (CHI) 0 7 0 0 7 283 Herzlich, Mark (NYG) 0 0 6 0 6 283 Housler, Rob (CHI) 0 6 0 0 6 285 Jenkins, Janoris (SL) 0 0 0 5 5 285 Keenum, Case (SL) 5 0 0 0 5 285 McClain, Robert (CAR) 0 0 0 5 5 288 Clutts, Tyler (DAL) 0 4 0 0 4 288 Ajirotutu, Seyi (PHI) 0 4 0 0 4 288 Leonhardt, Brian (SF) 0 4 0 0 4 291 Davis, Thomas (CAR) 0 0 3 0 3 292 Hunter, Kendall (NO) 2 0 0 0 2 292 Heath, Jeff (DAL) 2 0 0 0 2 294 Winn, George (DET) 1 0 0 0 1 294 Byrd, Jairus (NO) 0 0 0 1 1

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

| 173

2015

AFC INTERCEPTIONS

RK PLAYER (TEAM) INT 1 Reggie Nelson (CIN) 8 1 Marcus Peters (KC) 8 3 Marcus Williams (NYJ) 6 4 Mike Adams (IND) 5 4 Reshad Jones (MIA) 5 4 Darrelle Revis (NYJ) 5 4 Charles Woodson (OAK) 5 8 David Amerson (OAK) 4 8 Vontae Davis (IND) 4 8 Brent Grimes (MIA) 4 8 Andre Hal (HOU) 4 8 Davon House (JAC) 4 8 Dwight Lowery (IND) 4 8 Logan Ryan (NE) 4 15 Karlos Dansby (CLE) 3 15 Marcus Gilchrist (NYJ) 3 15 Stephon Gilmore (BUF) 3 15 Duron Harmon (NE) 3 15 Adam Jones (CIN) 3 15 Mike Mitchell (PIT) 3 15 Ron Parker (KC) 3 15 Paul Posluszny (JAC) 3 15 Jimmy Smith (BAL) 3 15 Aqib Talib (DEN) 3 15 Jason Verrett (SD) 3 26 Eric Berry (KC) 2 26 Antwon Blake (PIT) 2 26 A.J. Bouye (HOU) 2 26 Preston Brown (BUF) 2 26 Zach Brown (TEN) 2 26 David Bruton (DEN) 2 26 Vontaze Burfict (CIN) 2 26 Malcolm Butler (NE) 2 26 Ross Cockrell (PIT) 2 26 Ronald Darby (BUF) 2 26 William Gay (PIT) 2 26 Tashaun Gipson (CLE) 2 26 Corey Graham (BUF) 2 26 Leon Hall (CIN) 2 26 Chris Harris (DEN) 2 26 Justin Houston (KC) 2 26 Kareem Jackson (HOU) 2 26 Derrick Johnson (KC) 2 26 Josh Mauga (KC) 2 26 Leodis McKelvin (BUF) 2 26 Eddie Pleasant (HOU) 2 26 Jordan Poyer (CLE) 2 26 Calvin Pryor (NYJ) 2 26 Coty Sensabaugh (TEN) 2 26 Sean Smith (KC) 2 26 A.J. Tarpley (BUF) 2 26 Danny Trevathan (DEN) 2 26 Shawn Williams (CIN) 2 26 Steve Williams (SD) 2 55 Will Allen (PIT) 1 55 Nate Allen (OAK) 1

55 David Bass (TEN) 55 Zack Bowman (MIA) 55 Brandon Boykin (PIT) 55 Tyvon Branch (KC) 55 Josh Bush (DEN) 55 Josh Bush (DEN) 55 Darius Butler (IND) 55 T.J. Carrie (OAK) 55 Jamie Collins (NE) 55 Perrish Cox (TEN) 55 Johnathan Cyprien (JAC) 55 Quintin Demps (HOU) 55 Darqueze Dennard (CIN) 55 Marcus Easley (BUF) 55 Kyle Emanuel (SD) 55 Coby Fleener (IND) 55 Jerrell Freeman (IND) 55 Robert Golden (PIT) 55 Michael Griffin (TEN) 55 James Harrison (PIT) 55 D.J. Hayden (OAK) 55 Neville Hewitt (MIA) 55 Will Hill (BAL) 55 George Iloka (CIN) 55 D’Qwell Jackson (IND) 55 Kevin Johnson (HOU) 55 Chandler Jones (NE) 55 Jarvis Jones (PIT) 55 Johnathan Joseph (HOU) 55 Shiloh Keo (DEN) 55 Manny Lawson (BUF) 55 Brandon Marshall (DEN) 55 Rey Maualuga (CIN) 55 Brice McCain (MIA) 55 Devin McCourty (NE) 55 Rontez Miles (NYJ) 55 Barkevious Mingo (CLE) 55 Rahim Moore (HOU) 55 Deiontrez Mount (TEN) 55 Nate Orchard (CLE) 55 Adrian Phillips (SD) 55 Bacarri Rambo (BUF) 55 Vincent Rey (CIN) 55 Kendall Reyes (SD) 55 Craig Robertson (CLE) 55 Patrick Robinson (SD) 55 Bradley Roby (DEN) 55 Da’Norris Searcy (TEN) 55 Ryan Shazier (PIT) 55 Derrick Shelby (MIA) 55 Buster Skrine (NYJ) 55 Daryl Smith (BAL) 55 Malcolm Smith (OAK) 55 Telvin Smith (JAC) 55 Darian Stewart (DEN) 55 Manti Te’o (SD) 55 Neiko Thorpe (OAK) 55 Lawrence Timmons (PIT) 55 Stephon Tuitt (PIT)

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

55 Lardarius Webb (BAL) 55 B.W. Webb (TEN) 55 Aaron Williams (BUF) 55 Tramon Williams (CLE) 55 Avery Williamson (TEN) 55 Jimmy Wilson (SD)

NFC INTERCEPTIONS

RK PLAYER (TEAM) INT 1 Kurt Coleman (CAR) 7 1 Trumaine Johnson (STL) 7 3 Rashad Johnson (ARI) 5 3 Tyrann Mathieu (ARI) 5 3 Earl Thomas (SEA) 5 6 Thomas Davis (CAR) 4 6 Luke Kuechly (CAR) 4 6 Josh Norman (CAR) 4 6 Glover Quin (DET) 4 10 Kenneth Acker (SF) 3 10 Ricardo Allen (ATL) 3 10 Delvin Breaux (NO) 3 10 Tramaine Brock (SF) 3 10 Lavonte David (TB) 3 10 Micah Hyde (GB) 3 10 Janoris Jenkins (STL) 3 10 Trumaine McBride (NYG) 3 10 Terence Newman (MIN) 3 10 Damarious Randall (GB) 3 10 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (NYG) 3 10 Sam Shields (GB) 3 10 Walter Thurmond (PHI) 3 23 Kwon Alexander (TB) 2 23 Robert Alford (ATL) 2 23 Justin Bethel (ARI) 2 23 Will Blackmon (WAS) 2 23 Bashaud Breeland (WAS) 2 23 Nolan Carroll (PHI) 2 23 Kam Chancellor (SEA) 2 23 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (GB) 2 23 Chris Conte (TB) 2 23 Kyle Fuller (CHI) 2 23 Jeff Heath (DAL) 2 23 Jordan Hicks (PHI) 2 23 Tony Jefferson (ARI) 2 23 Malcolm Jenkins (PHI) 2 23 Jeremy Lane (SEA) 2 23 Byron Maxwell (PHI) 2 23 Bradley McDougald (TB) 2 23 Brandon Meriweather (NYG) 2 23 William Moore (ATL) 2 23 Captain Munnerlyn (MIN) 2 23 Patrick Peterson (ARI) 2 23 Perry Riley (WAS) 2 23 Quinten Rollins (GB) 2 23 Richard Sherman (SEA) 2 23 Darius Slay (DET) 2 23 Harrison Smith (MIN) 2 23 Charles Tillman (CAR) 2 23 Justin Trattou (MIN) 2

AFC FIELD GOALS RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Gostkowski, Stephen (NE) 2. Santos, Cairo (KC) 3. Tucker, Justin (BLT) 4. McManus, Brandon (DEN) 5. Nugent, Mike (CIN) 6. Boswell, Chris (PIT) 7. Myers, Jason (JAX) 8. Vinatieri, Adam (IND) 9. Coons, Travis (CLV) 9. Lambo, Josh (SD) 11. Carpenter, Dan (BUF) 12. Janikowski, Sebastian (OAK) 13. Novak, Nick (HST) 14. Franks, Andrew (MIA) 15. Succop, Ryan (TEN) 16. Bullock, Randy (NYJ) 17. Folk, Nick (NYJ) 18. Scobee, Josh (PIT) 19. Bullock, Randy (HST) 20. Quigley, Ryan (NYJ)

FGA 36 37 40 35 28 32 30 27 32 32 27 26 21 16 16 17 16 10 6 0

FGM FGBL LNG 33 0 57 30 1 53 33 0 52 30 0 57 23 1 52 29 0 51 26 1 58 25 0 55 28 4 47 26 0 54 23 0 52 21 1 56 18 0 51 13 0 53 14 0 51 14 0 49 13 0 55 6 0 45 5 0 47 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 1 1

Reggie Nelson 23 Uani’ Unga (NYG) 23 Paul Worrilow (ATL) 53 Phillip Adams (ATL) 53 Kiko Alonso (PHI) 53 Prince Amukamara (NYG) 53 Jonathan Anderson (CHI) 53 Stephone Anthony (NO) 53 Jonathan Babineaux (ATL) 53 Anthony Barr (MIN) 53 Vic Beasley (ATL) 53 Brandon Browner (NO) 53 Deone Bucannon (ARI) 53 Marcus Burley (SEA) 53 Jairus Byrd (NO) 53 Jonathan Casillas (NYG) 53 Landon Collins (NYG) 53 Will Compton (WAS) 53 Mike Daniels (GB) 53 Quinton Dunbar (WAS) 53 Jay Elliott (GB) 53 Dashon Goldson (WAS) 53 Chad Greenway (MIN) 53 Greg Hardy (DAL) 53 Jayron Hosley (NYG) 53 James Ihedigbo (DET) 53 Kemal Ishmael (ATL) 53 Colin Jones (CAR) 53 Harold Jones-Quartey (CHI) 53 Devon Kennard (NYG) 53 A.J. Klein (CAR) 53 James Laurinaitis (STL) 53 Sean Lee (DAL) 53 Rashean Mathis (DET)

2 2 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

53 Clay Matthews (GB) 53 Rolando McClain (DAL) 53 Robert McClain (CAR) 53 Rodney McLeod (STL) 53 Pernell McPhee (CHI) 53 Terrance Mitchell (DAL) 53 Sterling Moore (TB) 53 Deji Olatoye (DAL) 53 Tracy Porter (CHI) 53 Jerraud Powers (ARI) 53 Cory Redding (ARI) 53 Ed Reynolds (PHI) 53 Xavier Rhodes (MIN) 53 Bobby Richardson (NO) 53 Keenan Robinson (WAS) 53 Trenton Robinson (WAS) 53 Eric Rowe (PHI) 53 Ahtyba Rubin (SEA) 53 DeMeco Ryans (PHI 53 Jamarca Sanford (NO 53 Andrew Sendejo (MIN 53 DeShawn Shead (SEA 53 Eugene Sims (STL) 53 Jaquiski Tartt (SF) 53 Robenson Therezie (ATL) 53 Desmond Trufant (ATL) 53 Alterraun Verner (TB) 53 Jimmie Ward (SF) 53 Tahir Whitehead (DET) 53 J.J. Wilcox (DAL) 53 Michael Wilhoite (SF) 53 Kyle Wilson (NO) 53 Willie Young (CHI)

NFC FIELD GOALS XPA 52 41 29 36 49 27 39 35 24 32 40 39 31 36 31 20 19 7 5 4

174 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

XPM XPBL PTS 52 0 151 39 0 129 29 0 128 35 0 125 48 1 117 26 0 113 32 0 110 32 1 107 22 0 106 28 1 106 34 0 103 38 0 101 29 0 83 33 0 72 29 1 71 19 0 61 19 0 58 6 0 24 3 0 18 4 0 4

RK PLAYER (TEAM) 1. Gano, Graham (CAR) 2. Catanzaro, Chandler (ARZ) 3. Walsh, Blair (MIN) 4. Brown, Josh (NYG) 5. Gould, Robbie (CHI) 5. Hauschka, Steven (SEA) 7. Bailey, Dan (DAL) 8. Hopkins, Dustin (WAS) 9. Crosby, Mason (GB) 10. Prater, Matt (DET) 11. Barth, Connor (TB) 12. Dawson, Phil (SF) 13. Sturgis, Caleb (PHI) 14. Zuerlein, Greg (SL) 15. Bryant, Matt (ATL) 16. Forbath, Kai (NO) 17. Graham, Shayne (ATL) 18. Hocker, Zach (NO) 19. Brindza, Kyle (TB) 20. Parkey, Cody (PHI) 21. Hocker, Zach (SL) 21. Forbath, Kai (WAS)

FGA 36 31 39 32 39 31 32 28 28 24 28 27 22 30 18 13 13 13 12 4 1 2

FGM FGBL LNG 30 4 52 28 0 47 34 1 54 30 0 53 33 0 55 29 1 54 30 0 54 25 1 54 24 1 56 22 0 59 23 0 53 24 2 54 18 0 53 20 3 61 14 0 47 9 2 57 11 1 54 9 0 51 6 0 58 3 0 46 1 0 35 1 0 45

XPA 59 58 37 45 29 44 25 40 36 39 26 21 37 28 26 34 8 12 8 7 1 1

XPM XPBL PTS 56 1 146 53 0 137 33 0 135 44 0 134 28 1 127 40 2 127 25 0 115 39 0 114 36 0 108 36 1 102 25 0 94 20 1 92 35 0 89 26 1 86 26 0 68 33 0 60 8 0 41 11 1 38 6 0 24 7 0 16 1 0 4 1 0 4

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

2015

AFC SACKS

50 Dee Ford (KC) 50 Timmy Jernigan (BAL) 50 Derrick Johnson (KC) 50 Karl Klug (TEN) 50 Lorenzo Mauldin (NYJ) 50 Roy Miller (JAC) 50 Arthur Moats (PIT) 50 C.J. Mosley (BAL) 50 Shane Ray (DEN) 50 Malcolm Smith (OAK) 64 Ryan Davis (JAC) 64 Dont’a Hightower (NE) 64 Chris Kirksey (CLE) 64 Ryan Shazier (PIT) 64 Derrick Shelby (MIA) 64 Aldon Smith (OAK) 64 Avery Williamson (TEN) 71 Denico Autry (OAK) 71 Malcom Brown (NE) 71 Chris Clemons (JAC) 71 Trent Cole (IND) 71 Mike DeVito (KC) 71 Jerrell Freeman (IND) 71 Akiem Hicks (NE) 71 D’Qwell Jackson (IND) 71 Corey Liuget (SD) 71 T.Y. McGill (IND) 71 Nate Orchard (CLE) 71 Calvin Pace (NYJ) 71 Daryl Smith (BAL) 71 Erik Walden (IND) 71 Leonard Williams (NYJ) 71 Sylvester Williams (DEN) 71 Frank Zombo (KC) 88 Angelo Blackson (TEN) 88 Ben Heeney (OAK) 88 Paul Kruger (CLE) 88 Antonio Smith (DEN) 88 Telvin Smith (JAC) 93 Tyson Alualu (JAC) 93 Christian Covington (HOU) 93 Jared Crick (HOU) 93 Marcell Dareus (BUF) 93 Demario Davis (NYJ) 93 Dominique Easley (NE) 93 Mario Edwards (OAK) 93 Wallace Gilberry (CIN) 93 Reshad Jones (MIA) 93 Jarvis Jones (PIT) 93 Abry Jones (JAC) 93 Denzel Perryman (SD) 93 Jordan Phillips (MIA) 93 Kendall Reyes (SD) 93 Courtney Upshaw (BAL) 93 Vance Walker (DEN) 93 T.J. Ward (DEN)

RK PLAYER (TEAM) SACKS 1 J.J. Watt (HOU) 17.5 2 Khalil Mack (OAK) 15.0 3 Carlos Dunlap (CIN) 13.5 4 Chandler Jones (NE) 12.5 5 Whitney Mercilus (HOU) 12.0 5 Muhammad Wilkerson (NYJ) 12.0 7 Geno Atkins (CIN) 11.0 7 Von Miller (DEN) 11.0 9 Melvin Ingram (SD) 10.5 10 Jabaal Sheard (NE) 8.0 11 Justin Houston (KC) 7.5 11 Olivier Vernon (MIA) 7.5 11 DeMarcus Ware (DEN) 7.5 14 Jurrell Casey (TEN) 7.0 14 Cameron Heyward (PIT) 7.0 14 Kendall Langford (IND) 7.0 14 Robert Mathis (IND) 7.0 14 Brian Orakpo (TEN) 7.0 14 Cameron Wake (MIA) 7.0 20 Tamba Hali (KC) 6.5 20 Rob Ninkovich (NE) 6.5 20 Stephon Tuitt (PIT) 6.5 23 Jeremiah Attaochu (SD) 6.0 23 Desmond Bryant (CLE) 6.0 23 Elvis Dumervil (BAL) 6.0 23 Ndamukong Suh (MIA) 6.0 27 Shaquil Barrett (DEN) 5.5 27 Armonty Bryant (CLE) 5.5 27 Jamie Collins (NE) 5.5 27 Jaye Howard (KC) 5.5 27 Jared Odrick (JAC) 5.5 27 Za’Darius Smith (BAL) 5.5 27 Derek Wolfe (DEN) 5.5 34 James Harrison (PIT) 5.0 34 Jerry Hughes (BUF) 5.0 34 Malik Jackson (DEN) 5.0 34 Michael Johnson (CIN) 5.0 34 Ron Parker (KC) 5.0 34 Domata Peko (CIN) 5.0 34 Sheldon Richardson (NYJ) 5.0 34 John Simon (HOU) 5.0 34 Lawrence Timmons (PIT) 5.0 34 Mario Williams (BUF) 5.0 34 Wesley Woodyard (TEN) 5.0 45 Allen Bailey (KC) 4.5 45 Jadeveon Clowney (HOU) 4.5 45 Lawrence Guy (BAL) 4.5 45 David Harris (NYJ) 4.5 45 Derrick Morgan (TEN) 4.5 50 Will Allen (PIT) 4.0 50 Andre Branch (JAC) 4.0 50 Aaron Colvin (JAC) 4.0 50 Bud Dupree (PIT) 4.0

4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0

STATISTICS

93 Brandon Williams (BAL) 111 David Bass (TEN) 111 Sergio Brown (JAC) 111 Xavier Cooper (CLE) 111 John Hughes (CLE) 111 Brandon Marshall (DEN) 111 Dan Skuta (JAC) 111 Donte Whitner (CLE) 111 Marcus Williams (NYJ)

2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

NFC SACKS

RK PLAYER (TEAM) SACKS 1 Ezekiel Ansah (DET) 14.5 2 Aaron Donald (STL) 11.0 2 Kawann Short (CAR) 11.0 4 Everson Griffen (MIN) 10.5 4 Julius Peppers (GB) 10.5 6 Michael Bennett (SEA) 10.0 6 Cameron Jordan (NO) 10.0 8 Robert Ayers (NYG) 9.5 8 Fletcher Cox (PHI) 9.5 8 Ryan Kerrigan (WAS) 9.5 11 Cliff Avril (SEA) 9.0 12 Gerald McCoy (TB) 8.5 13 Dwight Freeney (ARI) 8.0 13 Lamarr Houston (CHI) 8.0 13 Demarcus Lawrence (DAL) 8.0 13 Preston Smith (WAS) 8.0 17 Connor Barwin (PHI) 7.0 17 Jacquies Smith (TB) 7.0 17 Devin Taylor (DET) 7.0 20 Ahmad Brooks (SF) 6.5 20 Brandon Graham (PHI) 6.5 20 Aaron Lynch (SF) 6.5 20 Clay Matthews (GB) 6.5 20 Willie Young (CHI) 6.5 25 Mario Addison (CAR) 6.0 25 Chris Baker (WAS) 6.0 25 Greg Hardy (DAL) 6.0 25 Danielle Hunter (MIN) 6.0 25 Pernell McPhee (CHI) 6.0 30 Thomas Davis (CAR) 5.5 30 William Hayes (STL) 5.5 30 Bruce Irvin (SEA) 5.5 30 Tom Johnson (MIN) 5.5 34 Calais Campbell (ARI) 5.0 34 Tyrone Crawford (DAL) 5.0 34 Kony Ealy (CAR) 5.0 34 Kasim Edebali (NO) 5.0 34 Howard Jones (TB) 5.0 34 Robert Quinn (STL) 5.0 34 Brian Robison (MIN) 5.0 41 Eddie Goldman (CHI) 4.5 41 Jason Jones (DET) 4.5 43 Vic Beasley (ATL) 4.0 43 Jack Crawford (DAL) 4.0

J.J. Watt 43 Mike Daniels (GB) 43 Markus Golden (ARI) 43 Jarvis Jenkins (CHI) 43 Eric Kendricks (MIN) 43 Hau’oli Kikaha (NO) 43 Mike Neal (GB) 51 Anthony Barr (MIN) 51 Vinny Curry (PHI) 51 Trent Murphy (WAS) 51 Nick Perry (GB) 55 Kwon Alexander (TB) 55 Michael Brockers (STL) 55 Deone Bucannon (ARI) 55 Frank Clark (SEA) 55 Adrian Clayborn (ATL) 55 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (GB) 55 Lavonte David (TB) 55 Jay Elliott (GB) 55 William Gholston (TB) 55 Cullen Jenkins (NYG) 55 Datone Jones (GB) 55 Mychal Kendricks (PHI) 55 Chris Long (STL) 55 Kyle Love (CAR) 55 Frostee Rucker (ARI) 55 Kenny Vaccaro (NO) 71 Kroy Biermann (ATL) 71 NaVorro Bowman (SF) 71 Ryan Delaire (CAR) 71 Quinton Dial (SF) 71 Sharrif Floyd (MIN) 71 Chad Greenway (MIN) 71 Obum Gwacham (NO)

AFC PUNTING RK PLAYER (TEAM)

NO YDS

1 Shane Lechler (HOU) 95 2 Matt Darr (MIA) 92 3 Brett Kern (TEN) 88 4 Pat McAfee (IND) 85 5 Colton Schmidt (BUF) 82 6 Bryan Anger (JAC) 80 7 Marquette King (OAK) 83 8 Britton Colquitt (DEN) 84 9 Ryan Quigley (NYJ) 75 10 Sam Koch (BAL) 74 11 Ryan Allen (NE) 73 12 Dustin Colquitt (KC) 75 13 Andy Lee (CLE) 70 14 Mike Scifres (SD) 72 15 Kevin Huber (CIN) 68 16 Steve Weatherford (NYJ) 4 17 Jordan Berry (PIT) 59

4,497 4,380 4,175 4,052 3,797 3,700 3,697 3,663 3,287 3,454 3,358 3,333 3,270 3,261 3,116 161 2,511

64 70 61 63 65 63 70 62 68 67 67 62 67 68 67 50 79

47.3 47.6 47.4 47.7 46.3 46.3 44.5 43.6 43.8 46.7 46 44.4 46.7 45.3 45.8 40.3 42.6

38.8 39.7 40.3 41.7 41.3 39.5 40.7 39.7 36.5 42.9 39.9 40.8 40.1 38.2 40.5 30.8 39.1

71 Sean Lee (DAL) 71 Haloti Ngata (DET) 80 Maurice Alexander (STL) 80 Jared Allen (CAR) 80 Arik Armstead (SF) 80 Bruce Carter (TB) 80 Jonathan Casillas (NYG) 80 Jason Hatcher (WAS) 80 Anthony Hitchens (DAL) 80 Ricky Jean Francois (WAS) 80 Tony Jefferson (ARI) 80 Lamarcus Joyner (STL) 80 Rolando McClain (DAL) 80 Henry Melton (TB) 80 Alec Ogletree (STL) 80 Alex Okafor (ARI) 80 Caraun Reid (DET) 80 Ahtyba Rubin (SEA) 80 O’Brien Schofield (ATL) 80 Darryl Tapp (DET) 80 Jaquiski Tartt (SF) 80 Walter Thurmond (PHI) 80 Ethan Westbrooks (STL) 80 Tahir Whitehead (DET) 102 Jonathan Babineaux (ATL) 102 Tyeler Davison (NO) 102 Terrance Knighton (WAS) 102 Kareem Martin (ARI) 102 Brandon Mebane (SEA) 102 Stephen Paea (WAS) 102 Eugene Sims (STL) 102 Marcus Smith (PHI) 102 Harrison Smith (MIN)

2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

NFC PUNTING

NET NET INS RET YDS LG AVG AVG BP 20 TB FC RET YDS

3,685 3,654 3,550 3,546 3,384 3,158 3,416 3,336 2,775 3,178 2,951 3,063 2,809 2,789 2,793 123 2,306

4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

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

24 10 15 60 612 30 10 15 50 526 34 1 23 47 605 28 6 23 36 386 22 3 20 40 353 26 4 22 45 462 40 4 19 30 201 22 4 16 36 247 27 4 14 34 432 29 5 12 35 176 31 3 14 39 347 37 5 21 26 170 25 4 15 37 381 15 2 14 44 432 22 6 15 32 203 0 0 0 3 38 28 2 21 19 165

RK PLAYER (TEAM)

NO YDS

1 Johnny Hekker (STL) 2 Donnie Jones (PHI) 3 Bradley Pinion (SF) 4 Sam Martin (DET) 5 Tim Masthay (GB) 6 Brad Wing (NYG) 7 Pat O’Donnell (CHI) 8 Brandon Fields (NO) 9 Tress Way (WAS) 10 Brad Nortman (CAR) 11 Chris Jones (DAL) 12 Jon Ryan (SEA) 13 Thomas Morstead (NO) 14 Jeff Locke (MIN) 15 Matt Bosher (ATL) 16 Drew Butler (ARI) 17 Jacob Schum (TB)

96 86 91 80 81 76 70 10 70 70 69 68 56 66 58 60 56

4,601 4,038 3,969 3,679 3,554 3,380 3,097 412 3,224 3,175 3,117 3,105 2,551 2,746 2,735 2,575 2,348

NET NET INS RET YDS LG AVG AVG BP 20 TB FC RET YDS

4,192 3,663 3,587 3,356 3,260 2,960 2,820 351 2,826 2,787 2,935 2,579 2,277 2,494 2,383 2,160 2,128

68 64 62 66 62 64 72 57 64 65 61 73 58 61 69 58 60

47.9 47 43.6 46 43.9 44.5 44.2 41.2 46.1 45.4 45.2 45.7 45.6 41.6 47.2 42.9 41.9

43.7 41.6 39.4 42 40.2 38.9 39.7 35.1 39.8 39.8 42.5 37.9 40.7 37.8 40.4 35.4 38

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

41 29 31 25 18 33 28 4 21 20 27 24 20 23 24 22 15

6 8 5 3 6 6 4 2 7 5 1 7 4 5 4 6 4

25 23 22 20 14 21 22 1 14 19 22 20 14 21 19 19 15

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40 42 43 43 41 30 27 2 30 37 24 29 24 29 28 25 27

289 215 282 263 174 300 197 21 258 288 162 386 194 152 272 295 140

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TEAM

A N A LY S I S

2016 NFL WEEKLY SCHEDULE ALL TIMES EASTERN

WEEK ONE

THURSDAY, SEPT. 8 Carolina at Denver, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 11 Green Bay at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Chicago at Houston, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m. Oakland at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m. Miami at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Detroit at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. New England at Arizona, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 12 Pittsburgh at Washington, 7:10 p.m. Los Angeles at San Francisco, 10:20 p.m.

WEEK TWO

THURSDAY, SEPT. 15 N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 18 Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1:00 p.m. Tennessee at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Dallas at Washington, 1:00 p.m. New Orleans at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m. San Francisco at Carolina, 1:00 p.m. Miami at New England, 1:00 p.m. Kansas City at Houston, 1:00 p.m. Seattle at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m. Tampa Bay at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. Jacksonville at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Atlanta at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 19 Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK THREE

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 Houston at New England, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 Arizona at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Oakland at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. Denver at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Carolina, 1:00 p.m. Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m. San Diego at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m. Chicago at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, SEPT. 26 Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK FOUR

Byes: Green Bay, Philadelphia THURSDAY, SEPT. 29 Miami at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 2 Indianapolis at Jacksonville (LONDON), 9:30 a.m. Tennessee at Houston, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Washington, 1:00 p.m. Seattle at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at New England, 1:00 p.m. Carolina at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. Oakland at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Denver at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Los Angeles at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. New Orleans at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 3 N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK FIVE

Byes: Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, Seattle THURSDAY, OCT. 6 Arizona at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 9 New England at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia at Detroit, 1:00 p.m.

Chicago at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. Tennessee at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Washington at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh, 1:00 p.m. Atlanta at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Cincinnati at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Buffalo at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. San Diego at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 10 Tampa Bay at Carolina, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK SIX

Byes: Minnesota, Tampa Bay THURSDAY, OCT. 13 Denver at San Diego, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 16 San Francisco at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia at Washington, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m. Carolina at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Pittsburgh at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati at New England, 1:00 p.m. Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Houston, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 17 N.Y. Jets at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK SEVEN

Byes: Carolina, Dallas THURSDAY, OCT. 20 Chicago at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 23 N.Y. Giants at Los Angeles (LONDON), 9:30 a.m. New Orleans at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m. Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. Washington at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Oakland at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. San Diego at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. New England at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Arizona, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 24 Houston at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK EIGHT

Byes: Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami, N.Y. Giants, Pittsburgh, San Francisco THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Jacksonville at Tennessee, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 30 Washington at Cincinnati (LONDON), 9:30 a.m. Kansas City at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. Oakland at Tampa Bay, 1:00 p.m. Seattle at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at Houston, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Green Bay at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. New England at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Denver, 4:05 p.m. Arizona at Carolina, 4:25 p.m. Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 31 Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK NINE

Byes: Arizona, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, New England, Washington THURSDAY, NOV. 3 Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 6 Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Dallas at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. Carolina at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m. New Orleans at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Tennessee at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Indianapolis at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Denver at Oakland, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 7 Buffalo at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

176 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • PREVIEW 2016

WEEK 10

Byes: Buffalo, Detroit, Indianapolis, Oakland THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Cleveland at Baltimore, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 13 Green Bay at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Washington, 1:00 p.m. Chicago at Tampa Bay, 1:00 p.m. Kansas City at Carolina, 1:00 p.m. Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles at N.Y. Jets, 1:00 p.m. Denver at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Miami at San Diego, 4:05 p.m. Dallas at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. San Francisco at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at New England, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 14 Cincinnati at N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 11

Byes: Atlanta, Denver, N.Y. Jets, San Diego THURSDAY, NOV. 17 New Orleans at Carolina, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 20 Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at Dallas, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. Chicago at New York, 1:00 p.m. Arizona at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. Miami at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m. New England at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m. Philadelphia at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. Green Bay at Washington, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 21 Houston at Oakland, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 12

THURSDAY, NOV. 24 Minnesota at Detroit, 12:30 p.m. Washington at Dallas, 3:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 27 Tennessee at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Arizona at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. San Francisco at Miami, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Houston, 1:00 p.m. Seattle at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. Carolina at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Kansas City at Denver, 4:25 p.m. New England at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 28 Green Bay at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 13

Byes: Cleveland, Tennessee THURSDAY, DEC. 1 Dallas at Minnesota, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 4 Kansas City at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. Los Angeles at New England, 1:00 p.m. Denver at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. Miami at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. San Francisco at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. N.Y. Giants at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m. Washington at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Tampa Bay at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Carolina at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 5 Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 14

THURSDAY, DEC. 8 Oakland at Kansas City, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 11 Pittsburgh at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Denver at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1:00 p.m. Washington at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Arizona at Miami, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Carolina, 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m.

Chicago at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Atlanta at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 12 Baltimore at New England, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 15

THURSDAY, DEC. 15 Los Angeles at Seattle, 8:25 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 17 Miami at N.Y. Jets, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 18 Green Bay at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at Dallas, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Houston, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 1:00 p.m. Tennessee at Kansas City, 1:00 p.m. Detroit at N.Y. Giants, 1:00 p.m. Indianapolis at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. New Orleans at Arizona, 4:05 p.m. San Francisco at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. New England at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Oakland at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 19 Carolina at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 16

THURSDAY, DEC. 22 N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 24 Miami at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. N.Y. Jets at New England, 1:00 p.m. Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1:00 p.m. Minnesota at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. San Diego at Cleveland, 1:00 p.m. Washington at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. Atlanta at Carolina, 1:00 p.m. Indianapolis at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Arizona at Seattle, 4:25 p.m. San Francisco at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. Cincinnati at Houston, 8:25 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 4:30 p.m. Denver at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY, DEC. 26 Detroit at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

WEEK 17

SUNDAY, JAN. 1 New Orleans at Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1:00 p.m. New York at Washington, 1:00 p.m. Houston at Tennessee, 1:00 p.m. Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1:00 p.m. Green Bay at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. New England at Miami, 1:00 p.m. Chicago at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. Buffalo at New York, 1:00 p.m. Dallas at Philadelphia, 1:00 p.m. Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 1:00 p.m. Arizona at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. Oakland at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Kansas City at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. Seattle at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

* — Sunday night games in Weeks 5-16 subject to change.

POSTSEASON

SATURDAY, JAN. 7 AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 8 AFC and NFC wild-card playoffs SATURDAY, JAN. 14 AFC and NFC divisional playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 15 AFC and NFC divisional playoffs SUNDAY, JAN. 22 AFC and NFC championship games SUNDAY, JAN. 29 Pro Bowl, in Hawaii SUNDAY, FEB. 5 Super Bowl LI, in Houston, TX

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