Road to Super Bowl 54: Offseason Headlines (Week of 5/27)

While some leagues enter a quiet stretch each offseason, the NFL remains abuzz with signings, rumors and offseason storylines. A quick roundup of some of the most newsworthy stories around the league from the week of May 27th, 2019.
 

Cowboys’ Jason Witten “anxious to go prove” he can still play

“Having spent a year away from the game in the Monday Night Football analyst chair, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten knows there are questions about his ability to continue to play at a high level.

“Look, it’s a show-me game and you’ve got to be able to find ways to get open and you’ve got to be able to find ways to play at the point of attack, and I’d want to see it from him,” Witten said. “I would want to see if they can do that … A lot of older players, as they got older, you hear them say, ‘This is the best I’ve felt.’ I think the year off helped me. I learned a lot. Also, I think I come back with a different perspective.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN.com’s Todd Archer


Jets begin General Manager interviews

“Two weeks after firing Mike Maccagnan as general manager, the New York Jets are poised to begin the interview process for a replacement.

The Jets are expected to meet in the coming days with Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer, Chicago Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly and Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas, starting Thursday with Fitterer.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini


Free agent Gerald McCoy reportedly deciding between two teams, visiting a third

“Longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was cut by the only team he’s ever played for earlier in May, has been taking free-agent visits this week. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McCoy wrapped up his visit with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, and will now decide whether to sign with the Ravens or Cleveland Browns — unless neither team offers him an agreeable contract.”

Read the rest of the story from CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin


Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles, wife Tori reveal family’s devastating news

“Tori Foles, wife of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles, announced in an emotional Instagram post Wednesday that the couple had miscarried.

Foles said that she went into “sudden labor” on Sunday while being only 15 weeks pregnant with the couple’s second child. She explained that she had been feeling ill and later learned she had contracted an infection of pneumonia in the blood.

“Not long after we learned we had miscarried our baby boy,” she wrote. “To fully labor and deliver and even see our baby boy was a pretty devastating process.”

Read the rest of the story from NBC News’ Doha Madani

 


 

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Super Bowl 54 in Miami

Countdown to Super Bowl 2019 Atlanta: Super Bowl XXXVIII

Their second Super Bowl appearance in three years, the New England Patriots were well on their way to solidifying themselves as a dynasty in the NFL, continuing on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in 2019… this time facing off against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Another For New England

The second of three Super Bowls to be hosted in Houston, Texas, the New England Patriots would square off against the Carolina Panthers in their second Super Bowl appearance in three years, winning the second Super Bowl of the Brady-Belichick era with a game-winning field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri, 32-29.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (surprise!) would go on to win his second Super Bowl MVP of his career, also the second in three years. Brady would set a Super Bowl record for most pass completions in a game, completing 32 of his 48 pass attempts, and netting 354 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

 

Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime lives infamously in history as far as public performances go, as this was the infamous Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake duo that featured a wardrobe malfunction on live television. There were over 89 million viewers who caught Super Bowl XXXVIII on CBS, a game that was called by Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Berstein. Beyonce would perform the national anthem ahead of kickoff, and the cost of a 30-second commercial rose to around $2.2 million in 2004.

 


 

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Road to Super Bowl 53: NFC South Preview

After a seemingly disappointing year in 2017 after such a successful campaign in the 2016 season, will the NFC South be able to rebound in the 2018 NFL season on the Road to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta?

New Orleans Saints

2017 Record: 11-5, NFC South Champions

After a relatively disappointing year in 2016, the New Orleans Saints rebounded in 2017, clawing their way to an 11-5 record and walking away winners of the NFC South via a tiebreaker with the Carolina Panthers.

The 2018 offseason was about not only securing the present, but preparing for life post-quarterback Drew Brees. While the status of Brees’ re-signing was up in the air, the Saints and Brees eventually agreed to a two-year contract extension, giving the Saints a few more years to prepare for the future. But that doesn’t mean the team is using Brees as a placeholder. The team reloaded on offense, signing former Browns running back Terrance West to pair with 2017 offensive standout rookie in Alvin Kamara. Returning wide receivers Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr., the team also signed former Bears wide receiver Cameron Meredith, brought back tight end Benjamin Watson, and re-signed offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod.

 


 

Carolina Panthers

2017 Record: 11-5

After finishing second in the division and trading offensive playmaking wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, the Carolina Panthers were due for a minor reset in the 2018 offseason. However, a relatively quiet offseason leaves fans wondering what the 2018 edition of the Panthers might look like once they hit the field.

Running back Jonathan Stewart departed in favor of the New York Giants, All-Pro offensive lineman Andrew Norwell signed a monster contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and defensive playmakers Star Lotulelei and Kurt Coleman also chose to go elsewhere. To help buffer those losses, the Panthers brought in defensive backs Da’Norris Search and Mike Adams, defensive tackle Dontari Poe, and acquired wide receivers Torrey Smith (PHI) and D.J. Moore (2018 NFL Draft, #24 overall pick).

 


 

Atlanta Falcons

2017 Record: 10-6

Just a year removed from a standout campaign in 2016, which saw the team capture the #2 overall seed in the NFC Playoffs and a Super Bowl LI appearance against the New England Patriots, the Falcons seemingly regressed in 2017, finishing with a 10-6 record and failing to make the playoffs.

The headline of the 2018 offseason thus far for the Falcons (and the NFL, for that matter) has been the ongoing contract negotiations (or lack thereof) with wide receiver Julio Jones, who reportedly is ready to holdout amidst the talks.

On the transactional side, the Falcons were relatively quiet on the free agency front, bringing in players like defensive backs Leon McFadden and Justin Bethel. But it’s the team’s 1st-round draft pick that has fans excited.. Calvin Ridley, a lengthy wide receiver out of Alabama, who has drawn comparisons to Jones himself.

 


 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2017 Record: 5-11

After a disappointing 5-11 campaign in 2017, it appears the offseason made matters worse for Buccaneers fans across the country.

Re-signing quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick became a priority the team didn’t know they needed after starting quarterback Jameis Winston received a three-game suspension due to conduct detrimental. And after losing running back Doug Martin (OAK) and a handful of key defensive contributors, the team was left looking at a minor rebuild.

Bulking up on the defensive side of the football, the Buccaneers signed Super Bowl champion defensive end Vinny Curry and acquired New York Giants standout Jason Pierre-Paul via trade, as well as drafting defensive tackle Vita Via out of Washington, adding to the depth of the defensive front-seven. To help on the offensive side, the team re-signed running back Charles Sims and drafted running back Ronald Jones out of USC to help carry the load.

 


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2018 NFL Expert Mock Draft: Picks 21-25

As teams get set for the month of April, the next step on the journey toward Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta involves invigorating the team’s rosters with an infusion of youth; the 2018 NFL Draft. We’re gathering some of the top experts from around the NFL world and taking a look at who they predict will go where, continuing with picks 21-25.

 

#21: Cincinnati Bengals

CBS Sports: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame | Bleacher Report: James Daniels, OL, Iowa | NFL.com: Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

 
“The Bengals took a step toward addressing their offensive line woes by acquiring left tackle Cordy Glenn from the Bills and moving down to this pick. They should keep adding talent to the position with McGlinchey, who is a fit at either tackle spot. He’ll slot in at right tackle initially but could move to the left side if Glenn can’t stay healthy. Either way, drafting the Notre Dame standout puts the Bengals halfway to fixing their line issues.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports


 

#22: Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU | Bleacher Report (traded to Indianapolis Colts): Derrius Guice, RB, LSU | NFL.com: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

 
“As part of the predicted trade for pick No. 6 overall, the Indianapolis Colts add this selection and get the workhorse running back they can plug in right behind Andrew Luck in Week 1.One of my philosophies is that a good running back makes the quarterback’s life easier, and that’s exactly what the physical, punishing, mean Guice would be as Luck gets back onto the field this season. The best way to take pressure off Luck is to give him a bell-cow back.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report


 

#23: Los Angeles Rams

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama | Bleacher Report: Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

 
“The trade of Alec Ogletree to the Giants opens a spot for this gifted LB. Like so many of recent vintage from ‘Bama, Evans runs well, and is well-versed in pro-style scheme, and reasoning. Plus, he makes an impact as soon as he arrives.” – Charles Davis, NFL.com


 

#24: Carolina Panthers

CBS Sports: Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama | Bleacher Report, NFL.com: Jaire Alexander, DB, Louisville

 
“The first order of business for returning general manager Marty Hurney in this draft should be fixing the mess his predecessor, Dave Gettleman, left at cornerback. Even considering how badly the team needs upgrades on the offensive line and at wide receiver, the secondary should get a look first.Louisville’s Jaire Alexander might not fit the size profile for some teams at 5’10 ¼” and 196 pounds, and he was banged up in 2017 with hand and leg injuries, but he’s a physical player at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. Alexander can match up with taller receivers thanks to his speed and instincts. His tool set would make him the Panthers’ best cornerback right away.” –  Matt Miller, Bleacher Report


 

#25: Tennessee Titans

CBS Sports, NFL.com: Harold Landry, LB, Boston College | Bleacher Report: Sam Hubbard, EDGE, Ohio State

 
“Landry is an athletic freak as an edge rusher, but he’ll likely be better served not playing a large role as a rookie while he adjusts to the NFL and potentially bulks up. That should be just fine for the Titans, who will have a huge need at edge rusher next offseason with Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan slated to reach free agency. Landry can be a subpackage player in Year 1 and eventually take over one of those starting spots in 2019.” – R.J. White, CBS Sports

To see full mock drafts:

For Matt Miller and Bleacher Report’s full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

For Charles Davis and NFL.com’s full 2018 Mock Draft, click here.

For R.J. White and CBS Sports’ full 2018 NFL Mock Draft, click here.

 


 

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Road to Super Bowl 52: Wild Card Weekend

The Road to Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis is officially here! Taking a quick look at all the games slated to kick off the 2017-18 NFL Playoffs throughout Wild Card Weekend.

Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs (Saturday, 4:35 p.m. ET on ESPN)

Quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans (9-7), just one game short of an AFC South title and coming off a win-and-in victory in Week 17, will travel to Kansas City to take on the AFC West champion Chiefs (10-6) to kick off NFL Wild Card weekend.

After a strong start to the 2017 NFL season had Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith in the early NFL MVP conversation, the Chiefs seemed to cool down in the second half of the season, losing 6 of 7 games in the middle of the season after winning their first five, and ending on a four-game win streak, to finish the year with 10 wins. The Titans, on the other hand, struggled with injuries early on, most notably with Mariota and a nagging hamstring injury.


 

Atlanta Falcons @ Los Angeles Rams (Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC)

After a collapse in Super Bowl 51 in Houston, the Atlanta Falcons (10-6) seemingly struggled to overcome that “Super Bowl hangover” in 2017. Touting one of the highest-flying offenses in 2016, the Falcons ranked just 14th in points per game (22.1), and quarterback Matt Ryan cooled off after his MVP campaign in 2016, throwing just 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, completing 65.7 percent of his passes.

The Los Angeles Rams (11-5) are the opposite. After an uninspiring campaign in 2016, the team brought in Sean McVay to be the new head coach, and the team was an offensive firestorm, leading the league in points per game (29.9), thanks large in part to a stellar season from running back Todd Gurley II, who finished the season with 1,305 yards and 13 touchdowns.


 

Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1:05 p.m. ET on CBS)

Perhaps the most surprising Wild Card matchup of the playoffs kicks off our Sunday action, as the Buffalo Bills (9-7) travel to take on the AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6).

Boasting the second-ranked defense in the league, the Jaguars held their opponents to just 15.5 points per game in 2017, second only to the Minnesota Vikings’ 14.8. The Jaguars also relied heavily on the legs of running back Leonard Fournette, as the team finished at the top of the league in rushing yards per game (141.4) and second in rushing touchdowns (18).

The Buffalo Bills seemingly snuck their way into the playoffs, thanks to a game-winning touchdown in Week 17 from the Cincinnati Bengals, defeating the Baltimore Ravens. When you look at the statistics, the Bills seem to have no business being in the playoffs, ranking second-to-last in passing yards per game (176.6), 27th in passing touchdowns (16) and 29th in sacks (27). However, the team ranked 6th overall in rushing yards per game (126.1), thanks large in part to running back LeSean McCoy.


 

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (Sunday, 4:40 p.m. ET on FOX)

One of the more highly anticipated matchups in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs is the Carolina Panthers (11-5) traveling to New Orleans to take on the NFC South champion Saints (11-5). These teams will face off for the third time this season (second in New Orleans) as both are members of the NFC South, which has a staggering three of its four teams in the playoffs.

Despite struggles early in the season, the Panthers offense returned to form, ranking 4th in rushing yards per game (131.4) and 7th in rushing touchdowns (15), thanks to a committee of quarterback Cam Newton and running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Stewart. The defense was also nothing to balk at, ranking near the top of the league in getting after the opponent’s quarterbacks (3rd – 50 sacks in 2017).

The Saints, whom plenty were ready to write off at the beginning of the season, were one of the best teams in the NFL in 2017. The offense, ranked near the top of the league in every statistical category, was a powerhouse, averaging 28 points per game (4th), 261.8 passing yards per game (5th), and had 23 rushing touchdowns on the season (1st). The defense, however, was the game changer for the Saints, thanks large-in-part to a stellar campaign from defensive end Cameron Jordan, who finished the season with 13 sacks, 48 tackles and two forced fumbles.

 


 

Super Bowl LII Travel Packages to Minneapolis

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2018 Super Bowl Countdown: Super Bowl XXXVIII

Entering the final two weeks of the 2017 NFL season, we’re staring down the home stretch to Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis. Next up on our countdown; the New England Patriots face the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

February 1, 2004

The second of three Super Bowls to be hosted in Houston, Texas, the New England Patriots would square off against the Carolina Panthers in their second Super Bowl appearance in three years, winning the second Super Bowl of the Brady-Belichick era with a game-winning field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri, 32-29.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (surprise!) would go on to win his second Super Bowl MVP of his career, also the second in three years. Brady would set a Super Bowl record for most pass completions in a game, completing 32 of his 48 pass attempts, and netting 354 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime lives infamously in history as far as public performances go, as this was the infamous Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake duo that featured a wardrobe malfunction on live television. There were over 89 million viewers who caught Super Bowl XXXVIII on CBS, a game that was called by Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Berstein. Beyonce would perform the national anthem ahead of kickoff, and the cost of a 30-second commercial rose to around $2.2 million in 2004.

 


 

Super Bowl LII Travel Packages to Minneapolis

Get excited for Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis! Book your five-star travel and hospitality packages today with Bullseye Event Group. Luxurious hotels such as the Hotel Ivy, Radisson Blu, Marriott AC Mall of America and the Marriott Towne Place Suites, a ticket to the 2018 Players Tailgate at the Super Bowl and more. Learn more about Bullseye’s complete Super Bowl LII Travel and Hospitality Packages today!

 

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2017 Expert NFL Mock Draft (#6-10)

As we embark on the month of April, teams are beginning to focus on the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft. A look at the expert predictions for picks #6 through #10.

#6: New York Jets

CBS Sports: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson | Bleacher Report: Marshon Lattimore, DB, Ohio State | MMQB: Marlon Humphrey, DB, Alabama

“We feel like we’ve seen this movie before (hi, Geno Smith!) inasmuch as the Jets took a flier on a physically gifted quarterback who needed a few years to grow into the position. It never happened with Smith, and the Geno era is officially over. Watson is better than Smith at this point in his career, but he shouldn’t be rushed onto the field. If the Jets can be patient, Watson could be worth the gamble.” – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

#7: Los Angeles Chargers

CBS Sports, Bleacher Report: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State | MMQB: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

“Pick No. 7 overall is too soon for the Los Angeles Chargers to start thinking about a future replacement for Philip Rivers. It’s not too early to add a playmaking free safety to fill the hole Eric Weddle left when he went to Baltimore in free agency last year.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

#8: Carolina Panthers

CBS Sports, MMQB: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU | Bleacher Report: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida | 

“Cam Newton had an off year, and Carolina needs to buttress its offensive line to ensure that doesn’t happen again. It’s too high to take an O-lineman here, but not too high to take a runner—if it’s a once-in-a-generation talent like Fournette. The LSU star could also alleviate some pressure on Newton as the Panthers look to reclaim a balanced offense and regain form in the NFC South.” – Emily Kaplan, MMQB

#9: Cincinnati Bengals

CBS Sports: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan | Bleacher Report: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama | MMQB: Derek Barnett, DL, Tennessee

“The Bengals drafted Tyler Boyd last year, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the loss of Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, who had great 2016 seasons in Atlanta and Detroit. Corey Davis (6-3, 209) and he would immediately upgrade a passing offense that already includes A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert and Boyd.” – Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

#10: Buffalo Bills

CBS Sports: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson | Bleacher Report, MMQB: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson | 

“Deshaun Watson has his warts as a prospect, but every quarterback in this class does. With Watson, you at least know you’re getting a poised passer with some dual-threat skills and an excellent leader. He’ll need some time to fully develop and learn an NFL offense, but he’s not far behind Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch in terms of developmental needs. His arm strength isn’t amazing, but offensive coordinator Rick Dennison doesn’t need a cannon back there. He needs touch, timing and anticipation. Watson has all those tools.” – Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

Full 2017 NFL Draft 1st-Round Mock Drafts.

For Ryan Wilson’s CBS Sports mock draft, click here.

For Matt Miller’s Bleacher Report mock draft, click here.

For Emily Kaplan’s MMQB mock draft, click here.

Want to learn more about Bullseye Event Group’s events such as the 2017 Colts VIP TailgatesPlayers Tailgate at Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, Gate 6 Hospitality at The Masters and more? Click here.

Countdown to Super Bowl LI: Super Bowl XXXVIII

The Road to Super Bowl LI is set, as the NFL Playoffs begin with this upcoming Wild Card Weekend. We look back at Super Bowl XXXVIII, the second Super Bowl hosted in Houston, ahead of Super Bowl LI, Houston’s third-hosted Super Sunday.

Super Bowl XXXVIII was played on February 1, 2004 between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers. The Patriots would win their second Super Bowl of the Tom Brady-era, winning by final score of 32-29. The head referee of the game was Ed Hochuli, and the National Anthem was sung by Beyonce.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would go on to win his second Super Bowl MVP of his career, the second in three years. Brady set a Super Bowl record for most pass completions, completing 32 of his 48 pass attempts for 354 yards and three touchdowns.

The Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime show remains in infamy, as this was the infamous Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake halftime show which featured a wardrobe malfunction at halftime. There were a total of 89.8 million viewers who saw the game (and the incident) on CBS, a game announced by Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms, Armen Keteyian and Bonnie Berstein. The cost of a 30-second commercial in the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII was around $2.2 million.

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History in Houston: Super Bowls

In 2017, the Super Bowl returns to the city of Houston, Texas for the third time, with Super Bowl LI. So how have the previous two Super Bowls in Houston played out?

houstonbeg

Super Bowl VIII was played between the Minnesota Vikings and the Miami Dolphins after the 1973-74 NFL season. This game was played at Rice Stadium in Houston, and was the first Super Bowl site that was not that of a hosted NFL franchise. The Dolphins, fresh off the NFL’s first undefeated season in 1972-73, would defeat the Vikings 24-7 to capture their second straight Super Bowl victory.

Super Bowl XXXVIII was played between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers in the 2003-04 NFL season. This game was hosted at Reliant Stadium in Houston, now known as NRG stadium. The Carolina Panthers were making their first ever Super Bowl appearance, while the New England Patriots were seeking their second Super Bowl title in three years. Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time in three years after setting a Super Bowl record in pass completions and accumulating 354 yards and three touchdowns.

In 2017, the Super Bowl returns to Houston, to be played at NRG stadium, home of the Houston Texans. And in an NFL that is as competitive as ever, Super Bowl LI looks to add to the legacy of Houston Super Bowls.

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NFL Division Preview: NFC South

The NFC South produced the NFC’s Super Bowl 50 participant in the Carolina Panthers in 2015. Here’s what the road to Super Bowl LI in Houston looks like for the division.

DivisionPreview (4)

Last Year (2015): Carolina Panthers (15-1), Atlanta Falcons (8-8), New Orleans Saints (7-9), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)

The Carolina Panthers boasted the best record in the NFL in 2015, finishing at 15-1, the one loss being to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. The team, however, experienced a blow to their defense following their Super Bowl 50 loss to the Denver Broncos. Cornerback Josh Norman, arguably the MVP of the entire Panthers team, let alone the defense, had his franchise tag rescinded in April, resulting in the CB bolting for the Washington Redskins.

The Atlanta Falcons improved in 2015 under new head coach Dan Quinn, but still struggled mightily. The team did not make any big splashes in the offseason, losing wide receiver Roddy White being their most notable departure.

The New Orleans Saints remained quiet as well, with a mundane 2016 NFL Draft class and no big free agency moves.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a surprise move by firing head coach Lovie Smith after their improved 6-10 season with rookie quarterback Jameis Winston. The Bucs promoted offensive linemen Dirk Koetter to head coach, with Smith jetting for the college realm of Illinois.

Prediction; Panthers take the division again, but the Buccaneers continue to make an improvement and challenge for the 2nd spot.

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