Community Tailgate - Pro Football Rumors

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win AFC West?

August 6th, 2015 at 6:02pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we want to know who you think will win the AFC West in 2015. The Broncos have won the division four years in a row but there’s reason to think that we could see a changing of the guard this season. For starters, familiar faces such as tight end Julius Thomas and nose tackle Terrance Knighton are out of the picture and it’s fair to wonder if Peyton Manning, now entering his age-39 season, can still be an elite quarterback at this stage of his career. There are also questions on the defensive line. Still, with Manning under center, Wade Phillips calling plays on the other side of the ball, and a not-too-difficult schedule, the Broncos are the favorites in the eyes of many.

There’s still plenty of uncertainty about the future of the Chargers given the talk of a possible move to Los Angeles and Philip Rivers‘ contract situation, but they did address their offensive line troubles this offseason. With guard Orlando Franklin in the fold and powerful tackle King Dunlap re-signed, Rivers should have a much easier time moving his offense down the field in 2015. Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Franklin was plucked away from Denver, which theoretically could take a bit out of the reigning AFC West champs.

The Chiefs’ offense sputtered in 2014 but they may have found a solution when they gave Jeremy Maclin a five-year, $55MM deal this offseason. With the additions of guards Paul Fanaika and Ben Grubbs, KC has also gone to great lengths to address the offensive line. Things are looking up for the Chiefs, even with a rigorous start to their schedule.

Meanwhile, in Oakland, star quarterback Derek Carr has a bonafide No. 1 receiver available to him in rookie Amari Cooper and a veteran wideout in Michael Crabtree who is looking to reestablish himself. And while the Raiders didn’t reel in the big fish they were targeting on the open market, they did sign notables such as center Rodney Hudson, linebacker Curtis Lofton, defensive tackle Dan Williams, safety Nate Allen, and running back Roy Helu.

Who do you think will win the AFC West in 2015? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: T.Y. Hilton’s Value

August 5th, 2015 at 4:37pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing T.Y. Hilton‘s value as he is in contract discussions with the Colts. Hilton, of course, is a very productive player, but he’s not the sort of prototypical No. 1 receiver that guys like Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas are. This offseason, Bryant and Thomas signed nearly identical deals with their respective clubs worth $70MM over five seasons. That comes out to an average annual value of $14MM, and Hilton is expected to look for at least that much on a new long-term pact.

While Hilton probably isn’t on the same level as Bryant and Thomas, there is something to be said for timing. With the salary cap growing each year, Hilton could have a case for a contract on the same level. There’s also something to be said for the Colts taking the “safe” route and locking Hilton up before he could potentially have the best season of his career in 2015, boosting his value even further.

What kind of a contract do you think the Colts should give to Hilton? Do you think he can match or come close to the deals given to Bryant and Thomas? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: 8/4/15

August 4th, 2015 at 5:03pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing the Texans running back situation in light of news that Arian Foster sustained a groin injury that will require surgery. The surgery will require quite a bit of recovery time, so much so in fact that he could be a candidate for the IR-DTR. Not long ago, the Texans had an underrated but quite talented backup in Ben Tate that they could turn to. Years later, Tate is unemployed and no longer the promising back he once was and the Texans don’t have a clearcut Plan B to turn to.

If Houston decides to roll with its in-house options, Alfred Blue is there, with Chris Polk, Jonathan Grimes, and rookie Kenny Hilliard also in the mix. However, if the Texans decide to go out-of-house, they could explore the trade market or the free agent market, where veterans like Steven Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw, Pierre Thomas, Chris Johnson, and ex-Texan Tate remain unsigned. There’s also the embattled Ray Rice, who is only a few years removed from being one of the league’s most productive rushers.

With Foster sidelined for an extended period of time, what do you think the Texans should do? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: Should Rice Get Second Chance?

July 24th, 2015 at 5:00pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still several weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be addressing a report from Ed Werder of ESPN.com, which suggests that running back Ray Rice and some of his supporters – including former Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano – have been contacting NFL teams in the hopes of landing Rice a job for training camp.

According to Werder, one club was seriously considering signing Rice, but team ownership “became uncomfortable” late in the process due to public relations concerns. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun passes along a similar report, tweeting that there are teams with interest in Rice, but owners are reluctant to sign off on any deal.

Those P.R. concerns stem from a leaked Atlantic City hotel elevator video that shows Rice hitting his then-fiancée and knocking her unconscious. The recording earned Rice his release from the Ravens, a suspension from the NFL, and so far has cost him a chance to catch on with another team in the league.

While Rice’s actions were appalling, and I can’t blame a team for not wanting to bring him aboard, it’s fair to wonder if the existence of a video in his case has resulted in him being blackballed from the league. Rice isn’t the first NFL player to strike a woman, but with no video evidence in most cases, players have often received second and third chances from NFL teams.

Just this offseason, Greg Hardy was found guilty in a non-jury domestic trial, but after reaching a plea deal, the defensive end signed a lucrative one-year pact with the Cowboys. If there had been a video of the alleged incident involving Hardy, he may not have received that second chance. Of course, in Hardy’s case, it’s worth noting that his performance on the field was still exceptional when we last saw him, which isn’t necessarily true of Rice.

What do you think? Does Rice, who has expressed more remorse than most NFL players involved in domestic incidents, deserve a second chance? Should a club give him an opportunity to try to earn a roster spot? Or is it entirely reasonable for the league’s 32 teams to pass on him, taking into account not only that elevator video, but also his advancing age and declining performance? Weigh in below in the comment section with your thoughts!

Community Tailgate: 7/23/15

July 23rd, 2015 at 6:00pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still several weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be taking your pulse on the Tom Brady appeal in light of word that settlement discussions for Brady have occurred between the NFL and the Players Association. The commissioner is being pushed by “a small handful of influential owners” to uphold Brady’s four-game suspension, but the league’s participation in settlement talks could be an indication that they are fearful of how a judge would rule on the matter in court.

NFLPA president Eric Winston, meanwhile, sounds fed up with the whole process. When asked how long it might take for Goodell to render his verdict, Winston said it’s “not even worth trying to guess” when Goodell will make his decision. The union prez hopes that Brady’s appeal is successful, but if he’s not, the union is prepared to take the next step, which would mean legal action.

With the possibility of a showdown in court becoming more and more realistic, how do you see Brady’s situation playing out? Do you think he could have his entire suspension overturned? Let us know in the comments!

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win AFC South?

July 22nd, 2015 at 4:15pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still several weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

As the 2015 season inches closer, we’re examining each NFL division, asking you which team you expect to finish atop the East, North, South, and West. Having already taken a closer look at the East and North divisions, along with the NFC South, we’re shifting our focus to the AFC South, perhaps the league’s most lopsided division.

According to betting site Bovada.lv, no NFL team is more likely to win its division than the Colts, who are even heavier favorites in the AFC South than the Packers, Seahawks, or Patriots are in their respective divisions. That’s not a surprise. After all, the Colts have won the division by multiple games in each of the last two seasons, averaging 11 wins per year while their division rivals average just 4.5 wins.

There’s not much reason to expect the Colts to fall off in 2015 either, with Andrew Luck continuing to improve, and veterans like Frank Gore and Andre Johnson now at his disposal, along with first-round receiver Phillip Dorsett. There are still some questions on the defensive side of the ball in Indianapolis, but as long as Luck stays healthy, those defensive shortcomings may not be a factor until the postseason.

While the Colts aren’t necessarily one of the league’s most dominant teams, the lack of competition in the AFC South contributes to Indianapolis’ strong odds to win the division. The Titans and Jaguars finished 2-14 and 3-13 respectively a year ago, and while they may not be quite that dismal again this year, it’s hard to imagine either team making a playoff push, even with some encouraging free agent additions in Jacksonville, and new quarterback Marcus Mariota in Tennessee.

That leaves the Texans as the team most likely to challenge the Colts for the AFC South crown, as they did a year ago, finishing 9-7. J.J. Watt has a greater impact on a given game than any other defender in the league, and a healthy Jadeveon Clowney would make that Houston D even more dangerous. But there’s still no clear-cut solution at the quarterback position, where Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett will battle for the No. 1 job. Additionally, with Johnson in Indianapolis, Arian Foster and DeAndre Hopkins will be asked to carry a significant load on offense, and the unit could be in real trouble if either player gets hurt.

What do you think? Will the Texans knock the Colts out of the top spot? Will the Jaguars or Texans make a surprise run for the division? Or will the Colts cruise to another division title? Who do you expect to win the AFC South? Weigh in below in the comment section with your thoughts!

Community Tailgate: Philip Rivers’ Contract

July 21st, 2015 at 5:06pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still several weeks away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this month, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing Philip Rivers and his contract status. Monday night, we learned that the Bolts hope to have a new deal in place with their starting quarterback before the start of training camp. It wasn’t long ago that Rivers’ future beyond 2015 was highly in question. In fact, there were rumblings that he would be wearing a different uniform this spring. Outside of perhaps Adrian Peterson, no veteran Pro Bowler was mentioned more as a potential trade candidate in April as Rivers.

Ultimately, Rivers was not dealt for Marcus Mariota or anyone else. The signal caller is set to make a total of $17.42MM in his walk year and the Bolts seem hopeful that they’ll get a new deal done, despite Rivers’ reported reservations about playing in Los Angeles. It’s fair to wonder, however, if the two sides will see eye-to-eye on his value. Rivers started all 16 games for the Chargers last season and threw for 4,286 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. In 2014, the advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked Rivers as the seventh-best quarterback in the league last season, putting him ahead of Cam Newton, Andrew Luck, and Peyton Manning. Still, Rivers is 33-year-old and it’s fair to wonder if he’ll continue playing at that level.

When all is said and done, do you expect the Chargers and Rivers to reach agreement on a new deal? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win NFC South?

July 20th, 2015 at 3:09pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still over a month and a half away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

As the 2015 season inches closer, we’re examining each NFL division, asking you which team you expect to finish atop the East, North, South, and West. Having already taken a closer look at the East and North divisions, we’re shifting our focus to the NFC South, home of 2014’s most tepid division race.

A year ago, it only took seven wins – and, of course, a tie – for the Panthers to snag the NFC South crown, and Carolina is bringing back most of its key players that contributed to that team. Armed with a handful of veteran additions, including offensive tackle Michael Oher, cornerback Charles Tillman, and return specialist Ted Ginn Jr., the Panthers will be looking to repeat as division champions.

The Saints entered 2014 as favorites in the South, but it never came together for Drew Brees‘ squad, and the disappointing season resulted in a major overhaul over the last few months. Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, Curtis Lofton, and Ben Grubbs are among the players who were traded or released, and while the team brought in some veteran talent like C.J. Spiller, Max Unger, and Brandon Browner, there will be more pressure on the club’s younger contributors to produce in 2015.

While Carolina and New Orleans could only muster seven wins apiece, the Falcons and Buccaneers combined for just eight in total. It’s not clear yet whether either team has a bounce-back season in store, but there are major changes afoot in both Atlanta and Tampa Bay — the Falcons hired former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their new head coach, while the Buccaneers used the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to land a new quarterback, Jameis Winston. Quinn should help plug the leaks on the Falcons’ defense, and the Bucs could be an intriguing sleeper if Winston provides solid quarterback play.

What do you think? Does the NFL’s worst division from 2014 look any better in 2015? Which team do you expect to win the NFC South this season? Make your pick and let us know what you think in the comment section!

Community Tailgate: Will Chris Johnson Sign?

July 17th, 2015 at 3:57pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still more than a month and a half away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, our Community Tailgate feature focuses on a report from Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, who wrote today that veteran running back Chris Johnson, having survived a drive-by shooting earlier this year, hopes to land with an NFL team after training camps get underway.

“Right now is kind of a dead period,” Johnson told La Canfora on CBS Radio. “But things should pick back up when (camps start). I’ve just been working hard, getting back healthy, getting in shape. Now it’s just waiting and working out and seeing what my next situation is going to be.”

Johnson, who was shot during that aforementioned drive-by, has since been medically cleared for all football activities, and La Canfora spoke to some NFL executives who believe the former Titan showed more burst last year in New York than he had in some previous seasons.

It may take an injury or two for Johnson to draw any serious interest, but a few execs who spoke to La Canfora cited the Cowboys as a possible suitor. La Canfora also identifies the Ravens, Chiefs, Broncos, and Patriots as possibilities, particularly if any of those teams have injury problems in their respective backfields.

What do you think? Will we see Johnson on a regular season roster this year, or is his time as an NFL contributor behind him? If he does continue his playing career, which team do you think he’ll be playing for this fall? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win NFC North?

July 16th, 2015 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still nearly two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

As the 2015 season inches closer, we’re examining each NFL division, asking you which team you expect to finish atop the East, North, South, and West. Having already taken a closer look at the East divisions and the AFC North, we’re shifting our focus to the NFC North, where there’s one clear favorite up in Green Bay.

As long as Aaron Rodgers is at the helm, the Packers figure to be the perennial favorites in the division, especially if the club can continue locking up its key players to affordable deals, like it did this offseason with wide receiver Randall Cobb and offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. Green Bay wasn’t active on the trade market and didn’t bring in any notable outside free agents, but the team still heads into the 2015 season as the frontrunner in the North.

Still, it won’t be a cakewalk for the Packers. The Lions nearly took the division crown in 2014, and despite the loss of Ndamukong Suh, Detroit should field a solid team again this year. The Bears were one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments last season, and will look to rebound under new head coach John Fox in 2015. It remains to be seen if Fox and new offensive coordinator Adam Gase can have anywhere near the success in Chicago with Jay Cutler that they did in Denver with Peyton Manning, but the duo looks like an upgrade over former head coach Marc Trestman and OC Aaron Kromer.

Finally, the Vikings are a popular early dark horse pick in the NFC, with Teddy Bridgewater heading into his second season, Adrian Peterson returning to the field, and young linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks looking to help lead an underrated defense. Minnesota isn’t viewed as a probable playoff team at this point, but there’s plenty to like about Mike Zimmer‘s squad.

What do you think? Do any of the Packers’ three division rivals have a shot to take the division from Green Bay in 2015? Who do you expect to win the NFC North? Let us know in the comment section below!

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