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NFC team-by-team preview
• By Joe Lyons
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_8377a796-29eb-5c75-b069-be5e5c54d2df.html
EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Last year’s record • 10-6
Coach • Chip Kelly, second season as a head coach in the NFL and with Philadelphia.
Breakout youngster • LB Mychal Kendricks. A second-round draft choice in 2012, the athletic Kendricks struggled early but came on strong to finish second on the team in tackles (137) and interceptions (three) and third in sacks (four). He also led the league with four fumble recoveries.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Malcolm Jenkins, RB Darren Sproles (trade); rookie LB Marcus Smith, WR Jordan Matthews, WR Josh Huff.
Top weapons • QB Nick Foles, RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), WR Riley Cooper, TE Zach Ertz, G Evan Mathis, T Jason Peters, LB Trent Cole, LB DeMeco Ryans, DB Brandon Boykin.
Outlook • Kelly’s up-tempo style resulted in a division title as Foles excelled, throwing 27 TD passes with just two interceptions. It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinators adjust to the Eagles’ fast-paced game, but Sproles adds yet another wrinkle.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Last year’s record • 3-13
Coach • Jay Gruden, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • TE Jordan Reed. Before missing the last month of the season with a concussion, Reed, a third-round pick in 2013, had 45 catches for 499 yards and scored three times.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR DeSean Jackson, WR Andre Roberts, DT Jason Hatcher, S Ryan Clark; rookie LB Trent Murphy, T Morgan Moses, G Spencer Long.
Top weapons • QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jordan Reed, T Trent Williams, LB Brian Orakpo, LB Ryan Kerrigan, CB DeAngelo Hall.
Outlook • The Redskins are simply too talented to be a 3-13 squad. Gruden takes over after three seasons as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati and should help bring out the best in RGIII. Washington could be the surprise team of 2014.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Tom Coughlin, 19th season in the NFL and 11th with New York.
Breakout youngster • T Justin Pugh. The team’s No. 1 pick in 2013, Pugh did a solid job as a 16-game starter a year ago and has added 10 or so pounds of muscle for his sophomore campaign.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Rashad Jennings, G Geoff Schwartz, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, rookie WR Odell Beckham, C Weston Richburg.
Top weapons • QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz, WR Rueben Randle, G Chris Snee, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, LB Jon Beason, S Antrel Rolle.
Outlook • In need of an overhaul after starting 0-6 and missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, the Giants spent nearly $115 million and added better than a dozen players through free agency. The key, however, is Manning, who had career-worsts in sacks (39) and interceptions (27) a year ago.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Jason Garrett, fifth season in the NFL and with Dallas.
Breakout youngster • WR Terrence Williams. With fellow wideout Dez Bryant in the spotlight, Williams quietly snagged 44 passes for 736 yards — 16.7 per catch — and scored five times as a rookie last year. He’ll get even more opportunities with Miles Austin gone.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DT Henry Melton, rookie G Zack Martin, DE Demarcus Lawrence, LB Anthony Hitchens.
Top weapons • QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, T Tyron Smith, C Travis Frederick, S Barry Church.
Outlook • The clock is ticking for Garrett, Romo and the Cowboys, who’ve finished 8-8 in each of the last three seasons. The highly paid QB is 34 and is again coming off back surgery. In eight seasons, he’s produced one playoff win. The defense, led by former defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, took a major hit when LB Sean Lee tore his ACL in an offseason workout.
NORTH
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Last year’s record • 8-7-1
Coach • Mike McCarthy, seventh season in the NFL and with Green Bay.
Breakout youngster • LT David Bakhtiari. Drafted in the fourth round, the University of Colorado product stepped into the all-important left tackle spot when Bryan Bulaga went down with a knee injury. Bulaga is back, at right tackle, with a bigger, stronger Bakhtiari protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE Julius Peppers, DT Letroy Guion, rookie S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, WR Davante Adams.
Top weapons • QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Eddie Lacy, WR Jordy Nelson, WR Randall Cobb, G Josh Sitton, DE Julius Peppers, LB Clay Matthews, LB A.J. Hawk, S Morgan Burnett.
Outlook • With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers can compete with anyone. When he’s out, it’s a different story; last year, after Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone, the team went 0-4-1. He did return to beat the Bears to clinch the division title. Green Bay is the class of the NFC North because of its offense; the defense, even with the addition of Peppers and Clinton-Dix, is suspect.
DETROIT LIONS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Jim Caldwell, fourth season in the NFL, first with Detroit.
Breakout youngster • TE Eric Ebron. Even with Brandon Pettigrew (41 catches, 416 yards, two TDs) and Joseph Fauria (18, 207, seven) on the roster, the Lions used the No. 10 overall pick in May to grab Ebron, who caught 62 passes for 973 yards and three TDs at North Carolina last fall.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Golden Taint, rookie LB Kyle Van Noy, C-G Travis Swanson.
Top weapons • WR Calvin Johnson, QB Matthew Stafford, RB Reggie Bush, TE Brandon Pettigrew, T Riley Reiff, DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Ziggy Ansah, CB Rashean Mathis.
Outlook • There’s no question the Lions, who lost six of their last seven games in 2013, have top-level talent at the skill spots on offense and along the defensive line. But Caldwell, who enjoyed success in Indy, needs to get more from an up-and-down defense.
CHICAGO BEARS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Marc Trestman, second year in the NFL and with Chicago.
Breakout youngster • DB Kyle Fuller. The team’s first-round pick in May (14th overall), Fuller brings youth and talent to a veteran secondary unit. At Virginia Tech, he was a four-year starter who excelled in coverage and run support.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE Jared Allen, DL Lamarr Houston, DE Willie Young; rookie DT Ego Ferguson, DT Will Sutton.
Top weapons • QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Alshon Jeffery, TE Martellus Bennett, G Kyle Long, LB Lance Briggs, CB Charles Tillman.
Outlook • Like the other two contenders in the North, the Bears should have no trouble putting points on the board. Chicago doesn’t need its defense to be great, but it will have to be better this season if the Bears hope to reach the playoffs.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Last year’s record • 5-10-1
Coach • Mike Zimmer, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • S Harrison Smith. A first-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 2012, Smith has a chance to thrive in the attack-style defense preferred by Zimmer and defensive coordinator George Edwards.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DT Linval Joseph, DE Corey Wooton, CB Captain Munnerlyn, rookie LB Anthony Barr, QB Teddy Bridgewater.
Top weapons • RB Adrian Peterson, QB Matt Cassel, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Greg Jennings, TE Kyle Rudolph, T Matt Kalil, G Brandon Fusco, LB Chad Greenway.
Outlook • After 35 years in coaching Zimmer, 58, gets his shot. He’s a no-nonsense guy who’s had success rebuilding defenses in Dallas and Cincinnati. That experience will be a plus with this young bunch as it continues the rebuilding process.
SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Asshole Face, seventh season in the NFL and with New Orleans.
Breakout youngster • T Terron Armstead. The Cahokia High and Arkansas-Pine Bluff product was thrust into the mix late last season and, after a rough start, came on strong. With his size (6-5, 304) and athletic ability, he should be a fixture at left tackle for a long time.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Jairus Byrd (Clayton); rookie WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste.
Top weapons • QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, RB Mark Ingram, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, G Jahri Evans, G Ben Grubbs, DE Cameron Jordann, LB Junior Galette, LB Curtis Lofton, S Kenny Vaccaro, CB Keenan Lewis.
Outlook • The Saints are a legitimate title contender, featuring a high-powered offense keyed by Brees and a defense that made major strides under Rob Ryan.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Ron Rivera, fourth season in the NFL and with Carolina.
Breakout youngster • CB Melvin White. An undrafted free agent from Louisiana-Lafayette, White started 10 games and picked off two passes as a rookie left cornerback last fall.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Jerricho Cotchery, WR Jason Avant; S Roman Harper, S Thomas DeCoud, rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin, DE Kony Ealy (Missouri), G Trai Turner.
Top weapons • QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, RB Jonathan Stewart, TE Greg Olsen, C Ryan Kalil, DE Greg Hardy, DE Charles Johnson, DT Star Lotulelei, LB Luke Kuechly.
Outlook • The defense, led by Kuechly and Hardy, is as good as it gets, but Newton lost his top four wide receivers, including franchise icon Steve Smith, to free agency. Look for the Panthers, who have never posted consecutive winning seasons, to take a step back in 2014.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Mike Smith, seventh season in the NFL and with Atlanta.
Breakout youngster • T Jake Matthews. The sixth overall pick in the draft, Matthews, who starred at Texas A&M, will be thrown into the fire at left tackle after veteran Sam Baker went down in the preseason with another season-ending knee injury.
Notable newcomers • Free agent G Jon Asamoah, DT Paul Soliai, DE Tyson Jackson, rookie T Jake Matthews, RB Devonta Freeman, DE Ra’Shede Hageman.
Top weapons • QB Matt Ryan, RB Steven Jackson, WR Julio Jones, WR Roddy White, WR Harry Douglas, DE Osi Umenyiora, LB Kroy Biermann, LB Paul Worrilow, S William Moore (Missouri), CB Desmond Trufant.
Outlook • Injuries decimated the Falcons, who fell from 13-3 to 4-12, and they’re threatening again, with LB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) and LT Baker already done for 2014. This talent-laden team will have to dig deep to rejoin the league’s elite.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Lovie Smith, 10th season in the NFL, first with Tampa Bay.
Breakout youngster • WR Mike Evans. The No. 7 overall pick out of Texas A&M, Evans is a big (6-5, 225) and gifted receiver who should take some of the pressure off QB Josh McCown and WR Vincent Jackson. In two seasons with the Aggies, he had 151 catches for 2,499 yards and scored 17 times.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Josh McCown, G Logan Mankins (trade), T Anthony Collins, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, DE Michael Johnson, CB Alterraun Verner, rookie WR Mike Evans, RB Charles Sims, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Top weapons • RB Doug Martin, WR Vincent Jackson, DT Gerald McCoy, DE Adrian Clayborn (Webster Groves), LB Lavonte David.
Outlook • A lot has changed, including the uniforms, in Tampa. Smith, the former Rams coordinator and head coach in Chicago, has former Minnesota head coach Leslie Frazier running the defense and longtime University of California head coach Jeff Tedford at the offensive controls. The Bucs have some front-end talent, but it’ll take time.
WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Last year’s record • 13-3
Coach • Pete Carroll, ninth season in the NFL, fifth with Seattle.
Breakout youngster • T Justin Britt. The second-round pick from Mizzou has stepped in and won the job at right tackle. The Lebanon, Mo., product was a three-year starter and team leader in Columbia.
Notable newcomers • Free agent G Stephen Schilling, rookie WR Paul Richardson.
Top weapons • QB Russell Wilson, RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Percy Harvin, T Russell Okung, C Max Unger, DE Michael Bennett, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Malcolm Smith, S Earl Thomas, CB Richard Sherman, S Kam Chancellor.
Outlook • The Seahawks lost depth to free agency but return 17 starters from last year’s rout of Denver in the Super Bowl and will enter season as the team to beat.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Jim Harbaugh, fourth season in the NFL and with San Francisco.
Breakout youngster • S Eric Reid. He started every game and became the first 49ers rookie safety to play in the Pro Bowl, after 92 tackles and four interceptions.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Antoine Bethea, WR Stevie Johnson (trade), rookie S Jimmie Ward, RB Carlos Hyde.
Top weapons • QB Colin Kaepernick, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Anquan Boldin, G Mike Iupati, T Joe Staley, DT Justin Smith (Missouri), LB Aldon Smith (Missouri), LB NaVorro Bowman, LB Patrick Willis, CB Tramaine Brock.
Outlook • The 49ers have been to the NFC title game the last three seasons. They lost to Baltimore in the Super Bowl (2012 season) and fell to the eventual champion in 2011 (New York Giants) and 2013 (Seattle Seahawks). It’s probably now or never for a veteran squad without two of its better players in LBs NaVorro Bowman, recovering from knee surgery, and Aldon Smith, suspended for nine games. And DT Ray McDonald got in some domestic trouble last weekend.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Jeff Fisher, 20th season in the NFL, third with St. Louis.
Breakout youngster • LB Alec Ogletree. As a rookie last year, the first-round draft pick from Georgia improved as the season went on and led the team in tackles. With his strength, speed and athletic ability, he is the type of player who could really thrive in the aggressive defense of new coordinator Gregg Williams.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Shaun Hill, WR Kenny Britt, G Davin Joseph, rookie OL Greg Robinson, DT Aaron Donald, DB Lamarcus Joyner.
Top weapons • RB Zac Stacy, TE Jared Cook, T Jake Long, G Rodger Saffold, DE Robert Quinn, DE Chris Long, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Janoris Jenkins, P Johnny Hekker.
Outlook • Losing QB Sam Bradford is a major setback but does not end the Rams’ season. Hill is a veteran who’s capable of leading this team as long as the offensive line stays healthy, the run game produces and Williams’ defense shines. The youthful Rams need to grow up in a hurry.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Last year’s record • 10-6
Coach • Bruce Arians, second season in the NFL and with Arizona.
Breakout youngster • RB Andre Ellington. He turned in a solid rookie season, rushing for 652 yards and three TDs while hauling in 39 passes for 371 yards and another score. Arians has said he’d like to get him the ball 25 to 30 times a game.
Notable newcomers • Free agent LT Jared Veldheer, CB Antonio Cromartie, WR Ted Ginn, rookie S Deone Bucannon, WR John Brown.
Top weapons • QB Carson Palmer, WR Larry Fitzgerald, WR Michael Floyd, C Lyle Sendlein, DE Calais Campbell, NT Dan Williams, LB John Abraham, CB Patrick Peterson, S Tyrann Mathieu.
Outlook • The Cardinals enjoyed a turnaround season in Arians’ first campaign, going from 5-11 to 10-6 while winning seven of their last nine games. With Palmer and Fitzgerald leading the way, Arizona should be better offensively, but the always-reliable defense has taken some hits, including the free-agent loss of top tackler Karlos Dansby, the year-long substance-abuse suspension of LB Daryl Washington and a season-ending knee injury suffered by DT Darnell Dockett.
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AFC team-by-team preview
• By Joe Lyons
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_0275a06d-c3c4-596b-a32d-4d5ee1da881a.html
EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Bill Belichick, 20th year as a head coach in the NFL and 15th with New England.
Breakout youngster • DE-OLB Chandler Jones. A first-round pick in 2012, Jones has progressed to become a force off the right end or as a outside linebacker in the Pats’ 3-4 alignment. He led the team last year with 11½ sacks.
Notable newcomers • Free agent CB Darrelle Revis, CB Brandon Browner, DE Will Smith, rookie DT Dominique Easley.
Top weapons • QB Tom Brady, RB Stevan Ridley, WR Julian Edelman, WR Aaron Dobson, WR Danny Amendola, TE Rob Gronkowski, T Sebastian Vollmer, DT Vince Wilfork, LB Jerod Mayo, LB Dont’a Hightower.
Outlook • The Patriots battled through injuries and inexperience to win the East for the eighth time in nine years. The addition of Revis and the healthy return of some key parts could allow them to challenge Denver for the top spot in the AFC.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Joe Philbin, third season in the NFL and with Miami.
Breakout youngster • DE Olivier Vernon. A local product from the U, he was drafted in the third round in 2012 and came into his own a year ago with 11½ sacks in 14 starts.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Branden Albert, RB Knowshon Moreno, G Shelley Smith, CB Cortland Finnegan, S Louis Delmas, rookie T Ja’Wuan Jones, WR Jarvis Landry.
Top weapons • QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Mike Wallace, WR Brian Hartline, TE Charles Clay, C Mike Pouncey, DE Cameron Wake, DE Dion Jordan, CB Brent Grimes.
Outlook • In spite of last year’s off-field distractions involving the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin harassment problem, all Miami needed was a win in its last two games to reach the playoffs. This year, the Dolphins should be able to take that step.
NEW YORK JETS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Rex Ryan, sixth season in the NFL and with New York.
Breakout youngster • CB Dee Milliner. The team’s top pick in 2013, Milliner struggled early and was even benched for a time last fall. But he finished strong, recording 12 tackles, 10 passes defended and three interceptions in the season’s final two games.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Chris Johnson, WR Eric Decker, T Breno Giacmini, QB Michael Vick, rookie TE Jace Amaro, S Calvin Pryor.
Top weapons • QB Geno Smith, WR Jeremy Kerley, T D’Brickashaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Sheldon Richardson (Missouri), LB David Harris, LB Calvin Pace.
Outlook • The Jets, who won three of their last four, hope to be better on offense as Geno Smith continues to progress and cut down on turnovers. The defense, which features Mizzou’s Richardson, is exceptional against the run but needs to be better against the pass.
BUFFALO BILLS
Last year’s record • 6-10
Coach • Doug Marrone, second season in the NFL and with Buffalo.
Breakout youngster • LT Cordy Glenn. A second-round pick out of Georgia in 2012, Glenn has started 29 games over the last two seasons and has emerged as a force for the Bills, who ranked second in the league in rushing a year ago.
Notable newcomers • Free agent LB Brandon Spikes, G Chris Williams, WR Mike Williams (trade), RB Bryce Brown (trade), rookie WR Sammy Watkins, T Cyrus Kouandjio.
Top weapons • QB E.J. Manuel, RB C.J. Spiller, RB Fred Jackson, WR Robert Woods, TE Scott Chandler, DE Mario Williams, DT Kyle Williams, S Aaron Williams, CB Stephon Gilmore.
Outlook • The Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999, the longest drought in the NFL, and don’t seem likely to get there this year. Young E.J. Manuel needs to be more consistent, and the defense took a major hit when tackling machine Kiko Alonso needed season-ending knee surgery in the offseason.
NORTH
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Marvin Lewis, 12th season in the NFL and with Cincinnati.
Breakout youngster • WR Marvin Jones. He came into his own last fall as a second-year pro, hauling in 51 passes for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns. Not bad for a fifth-round draft choice.
Notable newcomers • Rookie CB Darqueze Dennard, RB Jeremy Hill.
Top weapons • QB Andy Dalton, RB Giovani Bernard, WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, TE Tyler Eifert, T Andrew Whitworth, DT Geno Atkins, DE Carlos Dunlap, LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Rey Maualuga, CB Adam Jones.
Outlook • The Bengals have been good for a while, earning three consecutive playoff berths, but they haven’t won a postseason game since the 1990 season. This year, they’ll also need to deal with the losses of offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who are now head coaches in Washington and Minnesota.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • John Harbaugh, seventh season in the NFL and with Baltimore.
Breakout youngster • WR Marlon Brown. An undrafted free agent from Georgia, the 6-foot-5, 214-pound Brown excelled as a rookie in 2013, with 49 catches for 524 yards and seven TDs.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Steve Smith, TE Owen Daniels, C Jeremy Zuttah (trade), rookie LB C.J. Mosley, DT Timmy Jernigan, DB Terrence Brooks.
Top weapons • QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Torrey Smith, TE Dennis Pitta, T Eugene Monroe, LB Terrell Suggs, LB Elvis Dumervil, S Matt Elam, CB Jimmy Smith.
Outlook • Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the 2013 Ravens failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in Harbaugh’s tenure. The addition of Steve Smith helps the passing game, but Baltimore’s forte remains running the ball and defense. Rice opens the season with a two-game suspension.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Mike Tomlin, eighth season in the NFL and with Pittsburgh.
Breakout youngster • RB-WR-KR Dri Archer. A third-round draft choice from Kent State, Archer packs a lot of excitement into a 5-foot-8, 174-pound package. In his last two college seasons, he scored 34 touchdowns, four on kickoff returns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Lance Moore, RB LeGarrette Blount, S Mike Mitchell, rookie LB Ryan Shazier, DE Stephon Tuitt.
Top weapons • QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le’Veon Bell, WR Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller, C Maurkice Pouncey, DE Cameron Heyward, LB Jason Worilds, LB Jarvis Jones, LB Lawrence Timmons, S Troy Polamalu; CB Ike Taylor.
Outlook • Back-to-back 8-8 seasons simply don’t cut it in the Steel City. But at least the Steelers did manage to win six of their last eight. The hope is that they can build off that momentum and challenge for a wild-card berth.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Mike Pettine, first season in the NFL and with Cleveland.
Breakout youngster • LB Chris Kirksey. A third-round draft choice from Hazelwood East and Iowa, Kirksey has been a playmaker for the Browns and was recently voted by the Cleveland media as the team’s top rookie in camp, beating out two first-rounders and a second-round selection.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Ben Taint, LB Karlos Dansby, S Donte Whitner, WR Miles Austin, rookie CB Justin Gilbert, QB Johnny Manziel, G Joel Bitonio, DB Pierre Desir (Francis Howell Central, Lindenwood).
Top weapons • QB Brian Hoyer, TE Jordan Cameron, T Joe Thomas, C Alex Mack, DE Desmond Bryant, CB Joe Haden.
Outlook • This is a team with talent — Cleveland had six Pro Bowl selections last year — but it needs some direction as Pettine, who served as defensive coordinator for the Bills and Jets, becomes the Browns’ third coach in as many seasons. The season-long suspension of Josh Gordon is a major blow. Hoyer starts the season at QB, but it’s only a matter of time before the “Johnny Football” era begins.
SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Chuck Pagano, third year in the NFL and with Indianapolis.
Breakout youngster • LB Bjoern Werner. Born in Germany, Werner was the Colts’ first-round draft pick in 2013. He played in 13 games and made one start, coming up with 2½ sacks. He’ll be counted on to fill in as NFL sacks leader Robert Mathis opens with a four-game suspension.
Notable newcomers • Free agent Hakeem Nicks, DE Arthur Jones, LB D’Qwell Jackson, rookie T Jack Mewhort.
Top weapons • QB Andrew Luck, RB Trent Richardson, RB Vick Ballard, WR Reggie Wayne, WR T.Y. Hilton, TE Coby Fleener, T Anthony Castonzo, LB Robert Mathis, LB Jerrell Freeman, CB Vontae Davis, S LaRon Landry.
Outlook • The Colts have posted back-to-back 11-5 seasons with Luck, who played most of last year without Wayne. Indianapolis is the clear favorite to retain its division title and to challenge for a spot in the AFC title game.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Ken Whisenhunt, seventh season in the NFL, first with Tennessee.
Breakout youngster • ILB Zach Brown. A third-year pro who started 13 games a year ago, Brown was second on the team in tackles and had four sacks and an interception.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Michael Oher, RB-WR Dexter McCluster, LB Shaun Phillips, rookie T Taylor Lewan, RB Bishop Sankey.
Top weapons • QB Jake Locker, RB Shonn Greene, WR Kendall Wright, WR Nate Washington, TE Delanie Walker, G Andy Levitre, NT Jurrell Casey, CB Jason McCourty, S Bernard Pollard.
Outlook • The Titans are a team in transition under Whisenhunt, who led Arizona to the playoffs twice. Workhorse back Chris Johnson has moved on, putting the pressure on Locker, who has missed 14 of a possible 32 starts over the last two seasons.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Last year’s record • 2-14
Coach • Bill O’Brien, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • QB Tom Savage. The Texans added plenty of young talent in May’s draft, but none more intriguing than Savage, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 21 TDs last year at Pitt. Ryan Fitzpatrick is only keeping the seat warm for the tough and strong-armed Savage.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, S Kendrick Lewis, rookie DE Jadeveon Clowney, QB Tom Savage, G Xavier Su’a-Filo, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, DT Louis Nix.
Top weapons • RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, WR DeAndre Hopkins, TE Garrett Graham, DE J.J. Watt, LB Brian Cushing, CB Johnathan Joseph, S D.J. Swearinger.
Outlook • The Texans won’t be as good as they were in winning AFC South titles in 2011 and 2012, but they also aren’t as bad as the team that lost its last 14 games last fall. With Clowney and Watt rushing the passer, they’re sure to be entertaining, at least on defense.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Gus Bradley, second season in the NFL and with Jacksonville.
Breakout youngster • S Johnathan Cyprien. The team’s second-round draft pick in 2013, Cyprien gave up too many big plays as a rookie, but he also finished second on the team with 104 tackles, a sack and an interception.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Toby Gerhart, TE Clay Harbour (Missouri State), G Zane Beadles, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, DT Ziggy Hood (Missouri), rookie QB Blake Bortles, WR Marquise Lee, WR Allen Robinson, G Brandon Linder.
Top weapons • WR Cecil Shorts, TE Marcedes Lewis, T Luke Joeckel, LB Paul Posluszny, CB Will Blackmon.
Outlook • New faces abound as the Jaguars hit the free agent market hard and added some top-level talent in the draft. The young receivers will have to step up fast as former first-round pick Justin Blackmon deals with yet another drug suspension. Jacksonville will be improved but not by a lot.
WEST
Denver Broncos
Last year’s record • 13-3
Coach • John Fox, 13th season in the NFL, fourth with Denver.
Breakout youngster • RB Montee Ball. With Knowshon Moreno off to Miami, the Timberland High and Wisconsin product will be counted on to carry the load at running back. As a rookie, Ball ran for 559 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE DeMarcus Ware, WR Emmanuel Sanders, CB Aqib Talib, S T.J. Ward, rookie CB Bradley Roby, WR Cody Latimer.
Top weapons • QB Peyton Manning, WR Wes Welker, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Julius Thomas, T Ryan Clady, LB Von Miller, LB Danny Trevathan, CB Chris Harris, S Rahim Moore.
Outlook • With the blowout loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl in the back of their minds, Manning and the Broncos are as hungry as ever. They’ve retooled by adding top-flight free agents and should also get a boost from injured veterans who missed the Super Bowl. This is the team to beat in the AFC.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Last year’s record • 9-7
Coach • Mike McCoy, second season in the NFL and with San Diego.
Breakout youngster • TE Ladarius Green. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Green brings freaky athletic ability to play opposite future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. In his second pro season, Green averaged 22.1 yards on 17 catches and had late-season scoring catches covering 60, 30 and 22 yards.
Notable newcomers • Free agent CB Brandon Flowers, RB Donald Brown, rookie CB Jason Verrett, LB Jeremiah Attaochu, G Chris Watt.
Top weapons • QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews, RB Danny Woodhead, WR Keenan Allen, WR Malcolm Floyd, TE Antonio Gates, T King Dunlap, T D.J. Fluker, DE Corey Liuget (Illinois), LB Dwight Freeney, LB Donald Butler.
Outlook • Chargers were among the league’s hottest teams down the stretch, following a four-game winning streak to end the regular season with an upset win over Cincinnati in the wild-card round. San Diego probably doesn’t have enough to beat out Denver but can make things uncomfortable for the Broncos.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Andy Reid, 16th season in the NFL, second with Kansas City.
Breakout youngster • RB Knile Davis. A third-round pick in 2013, Davis could be asked to ease a bit of the load carried by Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs’ all-everything back. As a rookie, Davis rushed for 242 yards and four touchdowns, caught 11 passes and had a 108-yard kickoff return.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Jeff Linkenbach, DE Vance Walker, rookie LB Dee Ford, CB Phillip Gaines, RB-KR De’Anthony Thomas.
Top weapons • QB Alex Smith, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Donnie Avery, T Eric Fisher, NT Dontari Poe, LB Tamba Hali, LB Justin Houston, LB Derrick Johnson, S Eric Berry.
Outlook • The Chiefs were the league’s surprise team a year ago, going from 2-14 to 11-5, relying on Charles and a stout defense. They struggled in the division, going 0-4 against Denver and San Diego, and would seem to be a prime candidate for a fall after suffering some key losses in free agency.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Dennis Allen, third season in the NFL and with Oakland.
Breakout youngster • TE Mychal Rivera. Selected in the sixth round of the 2013 draft, Rivera hopes to build on a solid rookie campaign that featured 38 catches for 407 yards and four touchdowns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Maurice Jones-Drew, QB Matt Schaub (trade), WR James Jones, T Donald Penn, T Austin Howard, DE LaMarr Woodley, DE Justin Tuck, DT Antonio Smith, CB Carlos Rogers, rookie LB Khalil Mack, QB Derek Carr, G Gabe Jackson.
Top weapons • RB Darren McFadden, WR Rod Streater, LB Nick Roach, CB D.J. Hayden, S Charles Woodson.
Outlook • The Raiders, who haven’t had a winning season since 2002, went all-in by signing a bunch of big-name, past-their-prime free agents. On the plus side, they drafted a pair of keepers in LB Mack and QB Carr.
• By Joe Lyons
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_8377a796-29eb-5c75-b069-be5e5c54d2df.html
EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Last year’s record • 10-6
Coach • Chip Kelly, second season as a head coach in the NFL and with Philadelphia.
Breakout youngster • LB Mychal Kendricks. A second-round draft choice in 2012, the athletic Kendricks struggled early but came on strong to finish second on the team in tackles (137) and interceptions (three) and third in sacks (four). He also led the league with four fumble recoveries.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Malcolm Jenkins, RB Darren Sproles (trade); rookie LB Marcus Smith, WR Jordan Matthews, WR Josh Huff.
Top weapons • QB Nick Foles, RB LeSean McCoy, WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), WR Riley Cooper, TE Zach Ertz, G Evan Mathis, T Jason Peters, LB Trent Cole, LB DeMeco Ryans, DB Brandon Boykin.
Outlook • Kelly’s up-tempo style resulted in a division title as Foles excelled, throwing 27 TD passes with just two interceptions. It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinators adjust to the Eagles’ fast-paced game, but Sproles adds yet another wrinkle.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Last year’s record • 3-13
Coach • Jay Gruden, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • TE Jordan Reed. Before missing the last month of the season with a concussion, Reed, a third-round pick in 2013, had 45 catches for 499 yards and scored three times.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR DeSean Jackson, WR Andre Roberts, DT Jason Hatcher, S Ryan Clark; rookie LB Trent Murphy, T Morgan Moses, G Spencer Long.
Top weapons • QB Robert Griffin III, RB Alfred Morris, WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jordan Reed, T Trent Williams, LB Brian Orakpo, LB Ryan Kerrigan, CB DeAngelo Hall.
Outlook • The Redskins are simply too talented to be a 3-13 squad. Gruden takes over after three seasons as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati and should help bring out the best in RGIII. Washington could be the surprise team of 2014.
NEW YORK GIANTS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Tom Coughlin, 19th season in the NFL and 11th with New York.
Breakout youngster • T Justin Pugh. The team’s No. 1 pick in 2013, Pugh did a solid job as a 16-game starter a year ago and has added 10 or so pounds of muscle for his sophomore campaign.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Rashad Jennings, G Geoff Schwartz, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, rookie WR Odell Beckham, C Weston Richburg.
Top weapons • QB Eli Manning, WR Victor Cruz, WR Rueben Randle, G Chris Snee, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, LB Jon Beason, S Antrel Rolle.
Outlook • In need of an overhaul after starting 0-6 and missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, the Giants spent nearly $115 million and added better than a dozen players through free agency. The key, however, is Manning, who had career-worsts in sacks (39) and interceptions (27) a year ago.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Jason Garrett, fifth season in the NFL and with Dallas.
Breakout youngster • WR Terrence Williams. With fellow wideout Dez Bryant in the spotlight, Williams quietly snagged 44 passes for 736 yards — 16.7 per catch — and scored five times as a rookie last year. He’ll get even more opportunities with Miles Austin gone.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DT Henry Melton, rookie G Zack Martin, DE Demarcus Lawrence, LB Anthony Hitchens.
Top weapons • QB Tony Romo, RB DeMarco Murray, WR Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, T Tyron Smith, C Travis Frederick, S Barry Church.
Outlook • The clock is ticking for Garrett, Romo and the Cowboys, who’ve finished 8-8 in each of the last three seasons. The highly paid QB is 34 and is again coming off back surgery. In eight seasons, he’s produced one playoff win. The defense, led by former defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, took a major hit when LB Sean Lee tore his ACL in an offseason workout.
NORTH
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Last year’s record • 8-7-1
Coach • Mike McCarthy, seventh season in the NFL and with Green Bay.
Breakout youngster • LT David Bakhtiari. Drafted in the fourth round, the University of Colorado product stepped into the all-important left tackle spot when Bryan Bulaga went down with a knee injury. Bulaga is back, at right tackle, with a bigger, stronger Bakhtiari protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blind side.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE Julius Peppers, DT Letroy Guion, rookie S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, WR Davante Adams.
Top weapons • QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Eddie Lacy, WR Jordy Nelson, WR Randall Cobb, G Josh Sitton, DE Julius Peppers, LB Clay Matthews, LB A.J. Hawk, S Morgan Burnett.
Outlook • With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers can compete with anyone. When he’s out, it’s a different story; last year, after Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone, the team went 0-4-1. He did return to beat the Bears to clinch the division title. Green Bay is the class of the NFC North because of its offense; the defense, even with the addition of Peppers and Clinton-Dix, is suspect.
DETROIT LIONS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Jim Caldwell, fourth season in the NFL, first with Detroit.
Breakout youngster • TE Eric Ebron. Even with Brandon Pettigrew (41 catches, 416 yards, two TDs) and Joseph Fauria (18, 207, seven) on the roster, the Lions used the No. 10 overall pick in May to grab Ebron, who caught 62 passes for 973 yards and three TDs at North Carolina last fall.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Golden Taint, rookie LB Kyle Van Noy, C-G Travis Swanson.
Top weapons • WR Calvin Johnson, QB Matthew Stafford, RB Reggie Bush, TE Brandon Pettigrew, T Riley Reiff, DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Ziggy Ansah, CB Rashean Mathis.
Outlook • There’s no question the Lions, who lost six of their last seven games in 2013, have top-level talent at the skill spots on offense and along the defensive line. But Caldwell, who enjoyed success in Indy, needs to get more from an up-and-down defense.
CHICAGO BEARS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Marc Trestman, second year in the NFL and with Chicago.
Breakout youngster • DB Kyle Fuller. The team’s first-round pick in May (14th overall), Fuller brings youth and talent to a veteran secondary unit. At Virginia Tech, he was a four-year starter who excelled in coverage and run support.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE Jared Allen, DL Lamarr Houston, DE Willie Young; rookie DT Ego Ferguson, DT Will Sutton.
Top weapons • QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR Brandon Marshall, WR Alshon Jeffery, TE Martellus Bennett, G Kyle Long, LB Lance Briggs, CB Charles Tillman.
Outlook • Like the other two contenders in the North, the Bears should have no trouble putting points on the board. Chicago doesn’t need its defense to be great, but it will have to be better this season if the Bears hope to reach the playoffs.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Last year’s record • 5-10-1
Coach • Mike Zimmer, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • S Harrison Smith. A first-round draft pick from Notre Dame in 2012, Smith has a chance to thrive in the attack-style defense preferred by Zimmer and defensive coordinator George Edwards.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DT Linval Joseph, DE Corey Wooton, CB Captain Munnerlyn, rookie LB Anthony Barr, QB Teddy Bridgewater.
Top weapons • RB Adrian Peterson, QB Matt Cassel, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Greg Jennings, TE Kyle Rudolph, T Matt Kalil, G Brandon Fusco, LB Chad Greenway.
Outlook • After 35 years in coaching Zimmer, 58, gets his shot. He’s a no-nonsense guy who’s had success rebuilding defenses in Dallas and Cincinnati. That experience will be a plus with this young bunch as it continues the rebuilding process.
SOUTH
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Asshole Face, seventh season in the NFL and with New Orleans.
Breakout youngster • T Terron Armstead. The Cahokia High and Arkansas-Pine Bluff product was thrust into the mix late last season and, after a rough start, came on strong. With his size (6-5, 304) and athletic ability, he should be a fixture at left tackle for a long time.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Jairus Byrd (Clayton); rookie WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste.
Top weapons • QB Drew Brees, RB Pierre Thomas, RB Mark Ingram, WR Marques Colston, TE Jimmy Graham, G Jahri Evans, G Ben Grubbs, DE Cameron Jordann, LB Junior Galette, LB Curtis Lofton, S Kenny Vaccaro, CB Keenan Lewis.
Outlook • The Saints are a legitimate title contender, featuring a high-powered offense keyed by Brees and a defense that made major strides under Rob Ryan.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Ron Rivera, fourth season in the NFL and with Carolina.
Breakout youngster • CB Melvin White. An undrafted free agent from Louisiana-Lafayette, White started 10 games and picked off two passes as a rookie left cornerback last fall.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Jerricho Cotchery, WR Jason Avant; S Roman Harper, S Thomas DeCoud, rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin, DE Kony Ealy (Missouri), G Trai Turner.
Top weapons • QB Cam Newton, RB DeAngelo Williams, RB Jonathan Stewart, TE Greg Olsen, C Ryan Kalil, DE Greg Hardy, DE Charles Johnson, DT Star Lotulelei, LB Luke Kuechly.
Outlook • The defense, led by Kuechly and Hardy, is as good as it gets, but Newton lost his top four wide receivers, including franchise icon Steve Smith, to free agency. Look for the Panthers, who have never posted consecutive winning seasons, to take a step back in 2014.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Mike Smith, seventh season in the NFL and with Atlanta.
Breakout youngster • T Jake Matthews. The sixth overall pick in the draft, Matthews, who starred at Texas A&M, will be thrown into the fire at left tackle after veteran Sam Baker went down in the preseason with another season-ending knee injury.
Notable newcomers • Free agent G Jon Asamoah, DT Paul Soliai, DE Tyson Jackson, rookie T Jake Matthews, RB Devonta Freeman, DE Ra’Shede Hageman.
Top weapons • QB Matt Ryan, RB Steven Jackson, WR Julio Jones, WR Roddy White, WR Harry Douglas, DE Osi Umenyiora, LB Kroy Biermann, LB Paul Worrilow, S William Moore (Missouri), CB Desmond Trufant.
Outlook • Injuries decimated the Falcons, who fell from 13-3 to 4-12, and they’re threatening again, with LB Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri) and LT Baker already done for 2014. This talent-laden team will have to dig deep to rejoin the league’s elite.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Lovie Smith, 10th season in the NFL, first with Tampa Bay.
Breakout youngster • WR Mike Evans. The No. 7 overall pick out of Texas A&M, Evans is a big (6-5, 225) and gifted receiver who should take some of the pressure off QB Josh McCown and WR Vincent Jackson. In two seasons with the Aggies, he had 151 catches for 2,499 yards and scored 17 times.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Josh McCown, G Logan Mankins (trade), T Anthony Collins, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, DE Michael Johnson, CB Alterraun Verner, rookie WR Mike Evans, RB Charles Sims, TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Top weapons • RB Doug Martin, WR Vincent Jackson, DT Gerald McCoy, DE Adrian Clayborn (Webster Groves), LB Lavonte David.
Outlook • A lot has changed, including the uniforms, in Tampa. Smith, the former Rams coordinator and head coach in Chicago, has former Minnesota head coach Leslie Frazier running the defense and longtime University of California head coach Jeff Tedford at the offensive controls. The Bucs have some front-end talent, but it’ll take time.
WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Last year’s record • 13-3
Coach • Pete Carroll, ninth season in the NFL, fifth with Seattle.
Breakout youngster • T Justin Britt. The second-round pick from Mizzou has stepped in and won the job at right tackle. The Lebanon, Mo., product was a three-year starter and team leader in Columbia.
Notable newcomers • Free agent G Stephen Schilling, rookie WR Paul Richardson.
Top weapons • QB Russell Wilson, RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Percy Harvin, T Russell Okung, C Max Unger, DE Michael Bennett, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Malcolm Smith, S Earl Thomas, CB Richard Sherman, S Kam Chancellor.
Outlook • The Seahawks lost depth to free agency but return 17 starters from last year’s rout of Denver in the Super Bowl and will enter season as the team to beat.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Jim Harbaugh, fourth season in the NFL and with San Francisco.
Breakout youngster • S Eric Reid. He started every game and became the first 49ers rookie safety to play in the Pro Bowl, after 92 tackles and four interceptions.
Notable newcomers • Free agent S Antoine Bethea, WR Stevie Johnson (trade), rookie S Jimmie Ward, RB Carlos Hyde.
Top weapons • QB Colin Kaepernick, RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, WR Michael Crabtree, WR Anquan Boldin, G Mike Iupati, T Joe Staley, DT Justin Smith (Missouri), LB Aldon Smith (Missouri), LB NaVorro Bowman, LB Patrick Willis, CB Tramaine Brock.
Outlook • The 49ers have been to the NFC title game the last three seasons. They lost to Baltimore in the Super Bowl (2012 season) and fell to the eventual champion in 2011 (New York Giants) and 2013 (Seattle Seahawks). It’s probably now or never for a veteran squad without two of its better players in LBs NaVorro Bowman, recovering from knee surgery, and Aldon Smith, suspended for nine games. And DT Ray McDonald got in some domestic trouble last weekend.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Jeff Fisher, 20th season in the NFL, third with St. Louis.
Breakout youngster • LB Alec Ogletree. As a rookie last year, the first-round draft pick from Georgia improved as the season went on and led the team in tackles. With his strength, speed and athletic ability, he is the type of player who could really thrive in the aggressive defense of new coordinator Gregg Williams.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Shaun Hill, WR Kenny Britt, G Davin Joseph, rookie OL Greg Robinson, DT Aaron Donald, DB Lamarcus Joyner.
Top weapons • RB Zac Stacy, TE Jared Cook, T Jake Long, G Rodger Saffold, DE Robert Quinn, DE Chris Long, LB James Laurinaitis, CB Janoris Jenkins, P Johnny Hekker.
Outlook • Losing QB Sam Bradford is a major setback but does not end the Rams’ season. Hill is a veteran who’s capable of leading this team as long as the offensive line stays healthy, the run game produces and Williams’ defense shines. The youthful Rams need to grow up in a hurry.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Last year’s record • 10-6
Coach • Bruce Arians, second season in the NFL and with Arizona.
Breakout youngster • RB Andre Ellington. He turned in a solid rookie season, rushing for 652 yards and three TDs while hauling in 39 passes for 371 yards and another score. Arians has said he’d like to get him the ball 25 to 30 times a game.
Notable newcomers • Free agent LT Jared Veldheer, CB Antonio Cromartie, WR Ted Ginn, rookie S Deone Bucannon, WR John Brown.
Top weapons • QB Carson Palmer, WR Larry Fitzgerald, WR Michael Floyd, C Lyle Sendlein, DE Calais Campbell, NT Dan Williams, LB John Abraham, CB Patrick Peterson, S Tyrann Mathieu.
Outlook • The Cardinals enjoyed a turnaround season in Arians’ first campaign, going from 5-11 to 10-6 while winning seven of their last nine games. With Palmer and Fitzgerald leading the way, Arizona should be better offensively, but the always-reliable defense has taken some hits, including the free-agent loss of top tackler Karlos Dansby, the year-long substance-abuse suspension of LB Daryl Washington and a season-ending knee injury suffered by DT Darnell Dockett.
============
AFC team-by-team preview
• By Joe Lyons
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_0275a06d-c3c4-596b-a32d-4d5ee1da881a.html
EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Last year’s record • 12-4
Coach • Bill Belichick, 20th year as a head coach in the NFL and 15th with New England.
Breakout youngster • DE-OLB Chandler Jones. A first-round pick in 2012, Jones has progressed to become a force off the right end or as a outside linebacker in the Pats’ 3-4 alignment. He led the team last year with 11½ sacks.
Notable newcomers • Free agent CB Darrelle Revis, CB Brandon Browner, DE Will Smith, rookie DT Dominique Easley.
Top weapons • QB Tom Brady, RB Stevan Ridley, WR Julian Edelman, WR Aaron Dobson, WR Danny Amendola, TE Rob Gronkowski, T Sebastian Vollmer, DT Vince Wilfork, LB Jerod Mayo, LB Dont’a Hightower.
Outlook • The Patriots battled through injuries and inexperience to win the East for the eighth time in nine years. The addition of Revis and the healthy return of some key parts could allow them to challenge Denver for the top spot in the AFC.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Joe Philbin, third season in the NFL and with Miami.
Breakout youngster • DE Olivier Vernon. A local product from the U, he was drafted in the third round in 2012 and came into his own a year ago with 11½ sacks in 14 starts.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Branden Albert, RB Knowshon Moreno, G Shelley Smith, CB Cortland Finnegan, S Louis Delmas, rookie T Ja’Wuan Jones, WR Jarvis Landry.
Top weapons • QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Mike Wallace, WR Brian Hartline, TE Charles Clay, C Mike Pouncey, DE Cameron Wake, DE Dion Jordan, CB Brent Grimes.
Outlook • In spite of last year’s off-field distractions involving the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin harassment problem, all Miami needed was a win in its last two games to reach the playoffs. This year, the Dolphins should be able to take that step.
NEW YORK JETS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Rex Ryan, sixth season in the NFL and with New York.
Breakout youngster • CB Dee Milliner. The team’s top pick in 2013, Milliner struggled early and was even benched for a time last fall. But he finished strong, recording 12 tackles, 10 passes defended and three interceptions in the season’s final two games.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Chris Johnson, WR Eric Decker, T Breno Giacmini, QB Michael Vick, rookie TE Jace Amaro, S Calvin Pryor.
Top weapons • QB Geno Smith, WR Jeremy Kerley, T D’Brickashaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Sheldon Richardson (Missouri), LB David Harris, LB Calvin Pace.
Outlook • The Jets, who won three of their last four, hope to be better on offense as Geno Smith continues to progress and cut down on turnovers. The defense, which features Mizzou’s Richardson, is exceptional against the run but needs to be better against the pass.
BUFFALO BILLS
Last year’s record • 6-10
Coach • Doug Marrone, second season in the NFL and with Buffalo.
Breakout youngster • LT Cordy Glenn. A second-round pick out of Georgia in 2012, Glenn has started 29 games over the last two seasons and has emerged as a force for the Bills, who ranked second in the league in rushing a year ago.
Notable newcomers • Free agent LB Brandon Spikes, G Chris Williams, WR Mike Williams (trade), RB Bryce Brown (trade), rookie WR Sammy Watkins, T Cyrus Kouandjio.
Top weapons • QB E.J. Manuel, RB C.J. Spiller, RB Fred Jackson, WR Robert Woods, TE Scott Chandler, DE Mario Williams, DT Kyle Williams, S Aaron Williams, CB Stephon Gilmore.
Outlook • The Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999, the longest drought in the NFL, and don’t seem likely to get there this year. Young E.J. Manuel needs to be more consistent, and the defense took a major hit when tackling machine Kiko Alonso needed season-ending knee surgery in the offseason.
NORTH
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Marvin Lewis, 12th season in the NFL and with Cincinnati.
Breakout youngster • WR Marvin Jones. He came into his own last fall as a second-year pro, hauling in 51 passes for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns. Not bad for a fifth-round draft choice.
Notable newcomers • Rookie CB Darqueze Dennard, RB Jeremy Hill.
Top weapons • QB Andy Dalton, RB Giovani Bernard, WR A.J. Green, TE Jermaine Gresham, TE Tyler Eifert, T Andrew Whitworth, DT Geno Atkins, DE Carlos Dunlap, LB Vontaze Burfict, LB Rey Maualuga, CB Adam Jones.
Outlook • The Bengals have been good for a while, earning three consecutive playoff berths, but they haven’t won a postseason game since the 1990 season. This year, they’ll also need to deal with the losses of offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who are now head coaches in Washington and Minnesota.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • John Harbaugh, seventh season in the NFL and with Baltimore.
Breakout youngster • WR Marlon Brown. An undrafted free agent from Georgia, the 6-foot-5, 214-pound Brown excelled as a rookie in 2013, with 49 catches for 524 yards and seven TDs.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Steve Smith, TE Owen Daniels, C Jeremy Zuttah (trade), rookie LB C.J. Mosley, DT Timmy Jernigan, DB Terrence Brooks.
Top weapons • QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Torrey Smith, TE Dennis Pitta, T Eugene Monroe, LB Terrell Suggs, LB Elvis Dumervil, S Matt Elam, CB Jimmy Smith.
Outlook • Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the 2013 Ravens failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in Harbaugh’s tenure. The addition of Steve Smith helps the passing game, but Baltimore’s forte remains running the ball and defense. Rice opens the season with a two-game suspension.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Last year’s record • 8-8
Coach • Mike Tomlin, eighth season in the NFL and with Pittsburgh.
Breakout youngster • RB-WR-KR Dri Archer. A third-round draft choice from Kent State, Archer packs a lot of excitement into a 5-foot-8, 174-pound package. In his last two college seasons, he scored 34 touchdowns, four on kickoff returns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent WR Lance Moore, RB LeGarrette Blount, S Mike Mitchell, rookie LB Ryan Shazier, DE Stephon Tuitt.
Top weapons • QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le’Veon Bell, WR Antonio Brown, TE Heath Miller, C Maurkice Pouncey, DE Cameron Heyward, LB Jason Worilds, LB Jarvis Jones, LB Lawrence Timmons, S Troy Polamalu; CB Ike Taylor.
Outlook • Back-to-back 8-8 seasons simply don’t cut it in the Steel City. But at least the Steelers did manage to win six of their last eight. The hope is that they can build off that momentum and challenge for a wild-card berth.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Mike Pettine, first season in the NFL and with Cleveland.
Breakout youngster • LB Chris Kirksey. A third-round draft choice from Hazelwood East and Iowa, Kirksey has been a playmaker for the Browns and was recently voted by the Cleveland media as the team’s top rookie in camp, beating out two first-rounders and a second-round selection.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Ben Taint, LB Karlos Dansby, S Donte Whitner, WR Miles Austin, rookie CB Justin Gilbert, QB Johnny Manziel, G Joel Bitonio, DB Pierre Desir (Francis Howell Central, Lindenwood).
Top weapons • QB Brian Hoyer, TE Jordan Cameron, T Joe Thomas, C Alex Mack, DE Desmond Bryant, CB Joe Haden.
Outlook • This is a team with talent — Cleveland had six Pro Bowl selections last year — but it needs some direction as Pettine, who served as defensive coordinator for the Bills and Jets, becomes the Browns’ third coach in as many seasons. The season-long suspension of Josh Gordon is a major blow. Hoyer starts the season at QB, but it’s only a matter of time before the “Johnny Football” era begins.
SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Chuck Pagano, third year in the NFL and with Indianapolis.
Breakout youngster • LB Bjoern Werner. Born in Germany, Werner was the Colts’ first-round draft pick in 2013. He played in 13 games and made one start, coming up with 2½ sacks. He’ll be counted on to fill in as NFL sacks leader Robert Mathis opens with a four-game suspension.
Notable newcomers • Free agent Hakeem Nicks, DE Arthur Jones, LB D’Qwell Jackson, rookie T Jack Mewhort.
Top weapons • QB Andrew Luck, RB Trent Richardson, RB Vick Ballard, WR Reggie Wayne, WR T.Y. Hilton, TE Coby Fleener, T Anthony Castonzo, LB Robert Mathis, LB Jerrell Freeman, CB Vontae Davis, S LaRon Landry.
Outlook • The Colts have posted back-to-back 11-5 seasons with Luck, who played most of last year without Wayne. Indianapolis is the clear favorite to retain its division title and to challenge for a spot in the AFC title game.
TENNESSEE TITANS
Last year’s record • 7-9
Coach • Ken Whisenhunt, seventh season in the NFL, first with Tennessee.
Breakout youngster • ILB Zach Brown. A third-year pro who started 13 games a year ago, Brown was second on the team in tackles and had four sacks and an interception.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Michael Oher, RB-WR Dexter McCluster, LB Shaun Phillips, rookie T Taylor Lewan, RB Bishop Sankey.
Top weapons • QB Jake Locker, RB Shonn Greene, WR Kendall Wright, WR Nate Washington, TE Delanie Walker, G Andy Levitre, NT Jurrell Casey, CB Jason McCourty, S Bernard Pollard.
Outlook • The Titans are a team in transition under Whisenhunt, who led Arizona to the playoffs twice. Workhorse back Chris Johnson has moved on, putting the pressure on Locker, who has missed 14 of a possible 32 starts over the last two seasons.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Last year’s record • 2-14
Coach • Bill O’Brien, first season in the NFL.
Breakout youngster • QB Tom Savage. The Texans added plenty of young talent in May’s draft, but none more intriguing than Savage, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 21 TDs last year at Pitt. Ryan Fitzpatrick is only keeping the seat warm for the tough and strong-armed Savage.
Notable newcomers • Free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, S Kendrick Lewis, rookie DE Jadeveon Clowney, QB Tom Savage, G Xavier Su’a-Filo, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, DT Louis Nix.
Top weapons • RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, WR DeAndre Hopkins, TE Garrett Graham, DE J.J. Watt, LB Brian Cushing, CB Johnathan Joseph, S D.J. Swearinger.
Outlook • The Texans won’t be as good as they were in winning AFC South titles in 2011 and 2012, but they also aren’t as bad as the team that lost its last 14 games last fall. With Clowney and Watt rushing the passer, they’re sure to be entertaining, at least on defense.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Gus Bradley, second season in the NFL and with Jacksonville.
Breakout youngster • S Johnathan Cyprien. The team’s second-round draft pick in 2013, Cyprien gave up too many big plays as a rookie, but he also finished second on the team with 104 tackles, a sack and an interception.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Toby Gerhart, TE Clay Harbour (Missouri State), G Zane Beadles, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, DT Ziggy Hood (Missouri), rookie QB Blake Bortles, WR Marquise Lee, WR Allen Robinson, G Brandon Linder.
Top weapons • WR Cecil Shorts, TE Marcedes Lewis, T Luke Joeckel, LB Paul Posluszny, CB Will Blackmon.
Outlook • New faces abound as the Jaguars hit the free agent market hard and added some top-level talent in the draft. The young receivers will have to step up fast as former first-round pick Justin Blackmon deals with yet another drug suspension. Jacksonville will be improved but not by a lot.
WEST
Denver Broncos
Last year’s record • 13-3
Coach • John Fox, 13th season in the NFL, fourth with Denver.
Breakout youngster • RB Montee Ball. With Knowshon Moreno off to Miami, the Timberland High and Wisconsin product will be counted on to carry the load at running back. As a rookie, Ball ran for 559 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent DE DeMarcus Ware, WR Emmanuel Sanders, CB Aqib Talib, S T.J. Ward, rookie CB Bradley Roby, WR Cody Latimer.
Top weapons • QB Peyton Manning, WR Wes Welker, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Julius Thomas, T Ryan Clady, LB Von Miller, LB Danny Trevathan, CB Chris Harris, S Rahim Moore.
Outlook • With the blowout loss to Seattle in the Super Bowl in the back of their minds, Manning and the Broncos are as hungry as ever. They’ve retooled by adding top-flight free agents and should also get a boost from injured veterans who missed the Super Bowl. This is the team to beat in the AFC.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Last year’s record • 9-7
Coach • Mike McCoy, second season in the NFL and with San Diego.
Breakout youngster • TE Ladarius Green. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Green brings freaky athletic ability to play opposite future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. In his second pro season, Green averaged 22.1 yards on 17 catches and had late-season scoring catches covering 60, 30 and 22 yards.
Notable newcomers • Free agent CB Brandon Flowers, RB Donald Brown, rookie CB Jason Verrett, LB Jeremiah Attaochu, G Chris Watt.
Top weapons • QB Philip Rivers, RB Ryan Mathews, RB Danny Woodhead, WR Keenan Allen, WR Malcolm Floyd, TE Antonio Gates, T King Dunlap, T D.J. Fluker, DE Corey Liuget (Illinois), LB Dwight Freeney, LB Donald Butler.
Outlook • Chargers were among the league’s hottest teams down the stretch, following a four-game winning streak to end the regular season with an upset win over Cincinnati in the wild-card round. San Diego probably doesn’t have enough to beat out Denver but can make things uncomfortable for the Broncos.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Last year’s record • 11-5
Coach • Andy Reid, 16th season in the NFL, second with Kansas City.
Breakout youngster • RB Knile Davis. A third-round pick in 2013, Davis could be asked to ease a bit of the load carried by Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs’ all-everything back. As a rookie, Davis rushed for 242 yards and four touchdowns, caught 11 passes and had a 108-yard kickoff return.
Notable newcomers • Free agent T Jeff Linkenbach, DE Vance Walker, rookie LB Dee Ford, CB Phillip Gaines, RB-KR De’Anthony Thomas.
Top weapons • QB Alex Smith, RB Jamaal Charles, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Donnie Avery, T Eric Fisher, NT Dontari Poe, LB Tamba Hali, LB Justin Houston, LB Derrick Johnson, S Eric Berry.
Outlook • The Chiefs were the league’s surprise team a year ago, going from 2-14 to 11-5, relying on Charles and a stout defense. They struggled in the division, going 0-4 against Denver and San Diego, and would seem to be a prime candidate for a fall after suffering some key losses in free agency.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Last year’s record • 4-12
Coach • Dennis Allen, third season in the NFL and with Oakland.
Breakout youngster • TE Mychal Rivera. Selected in the sixth round of the 2013 draft, Rivera hopes to build on a solid rookie campaign that featured 38 catches for 407 yards and four touchdowns.
Notable newcomers • Free agent RB Maurice Jones-Drew, QB Matt Schaub (trade), WR James Jones, T Donald Penn, T Austin Howard, DE LaMarr Woodley, DE Justin Tuck, DT Antonio Smith, CB Carlos Rogers, rookie LB Khalil Mack, QB Derek Carr, G Gabe Jackson.
Top weapons • RB Darren McFadden, WR Rod Streater, LB Nick Roach, CB D.J. Hayden, S Charles Woodson.
Outlook • The Raiders, who haven’t had a winning season since 2002, went all-in by signing a bunch of big-name, past-their-prime free agents. On the plus side, they drafted a pair of keepers in LB Mack and QB Carr.