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Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: Kansas City Chiefs
Reason for Optimism
The Chiefs have one of the best running backs in the game in Jamaal Charles and one of the best defenses in the game that’s strong at every level. They finished 9-7 last year and with a few breaks offensively, they could’ve been 11-5. They feel as though they’ve added enough with Jeremy Maclin and an improved offensive line to get them over the hump.
Cause for Concern
Quite frankly, it’s the passing game. If Kansas City’s passing game in 2015 is a continuation of what we saw in 2014, then they’ll be one-dimensional, easy to defend and ultimately out of the playoffs.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs
1. Passing Game Flourishes – This is the biggest key on offense. The TE position, right now, is better than the receiving corps. If they’re able to be productive on the flanks, everything opens up offensively.
2. Run Defense Improves – The Chiefs were 28th verses the run last year. Obviously improvement in this area, on an already tough defense that finished 7th in yards and 2nd in points allowed, will end up one of the best in the game.
3. Eric Fisher Blossoms – This is critical because there’s ‘decent’ depth behind him and they need the #1 overall pick of 2013 to play like it and become a impenetrable wall on the left side.
Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: Denver Broncos
Reason for Optimism
The Broncos are a dangerous team armed with arguably the best quarterback in the last 20 years, talented weapons on the outside, a rededication to the running game and a defense that’s able to get after the quarterback and pick off passes. The Broncos and their fans are optimistic for a reason.
Cause for Concern
Both sides of the lines of scrimmage are a concern. The offensive side more so than the defensive side. If the pass protection can hold up, they’ll be fine. The first quarter of the season for both groups will be huge.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the Denver Broncos
1. Game Managing Manning – As I’ve echoed in the video, going back to the early Manning/Colts days when they ran the outside zone and operated off of play action, Manning was deadly. If that happens this season, with this group of backs and receivers, they can have a ton of success.
2. More Turnovers, More Possessions – I think what’s underrated about this Broncos defense is their ability to take the ball away. When you have this type of offense, any takeaway could ultimately lead to touchdowns & not field goals; which then lead to blowouts.
3. Offensive Line Stands Tall – This goes without say, but if the Broncos offensive line proves to be a strength and not a liability, with the potential of two rookies starting, book their trip to Santa Clara.
Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Reason for Optimism
The Bucs have a franchise guy in QB Jameis Winston and already have a very good group of receivers and tight ends around him. The offense should be better, which in turn, will make the defense better by result.
Cause for Concern
If the offensive line issues from 2014 show itself again this season, it could derail another season in Tampa.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. Doug Martin Gets Loose – If Martin can stay healthy and regain the form from his rookie season, it’ll bring much needed balance to the offense and take a lot of pressure off of a rookie quarterback.
2. Jameis Winston Protects the Ball – Winston will make mistakes. However, if he’s able to keep them at a minimum, like he did his Redshirt Freshman year at Florida State, the Bucs offense will give opponents fits.
3. Special Teams are Special – Quietly, Tampa Bay invested in their special teams this year both in the draft with guys like Kenny Bell and Kaelin Clay and in free agency. If their able to generate big plays in the return game to go along with their already stout coverage units and kicking game, the Bucs could find themselves going far this season.
Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: New Orleans Saints
Reason for Optimism
The Saints offense will always put up points and be dangerous. Now you add another explosive talent in CJ Spiller and a rededication to the run game, it makes it even more exciting. Defensively, with the pieces they’ve added in free agency and in the draft, you can understand the optimism.
Cause for Concern
The biggest cause for concern would be if they struggle to stop the run because either inconsistent play or lack of depth on the inside and if the offensive line, despite the new parts, still struggles to protect and move opponents off the spot.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the New Orleans Saints
1. Drew Brees Stays Healthy – Truth be told, this is the only player on the Saints roster that they can’t afford to lose. The depth behind Brees isn’t even serviceable to put it bluntly.
2. Defensive Takeaways Increase – The Saints were -13 in the turnover differential last season. If the additions made at the 2nd and 3rd level of the defense pays immediate dividends, then that means more opportunities for an explosive to take the field.
3. Payton Remembers 2006 & 2009 – Run Game, Run Game, Run Game. Now armed with their best backfield since the ’06 & ’09 seasons, Sean Payton can’t continue to get pass happy in games. If the Saints play with great offensive balance, they’ll win a ton of games and could find themselves marching right on into Santa Clara.
Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: Carolina Panthers
Reason for Optimism
A strong defensive team that got better in the draft and QB Cam Newton is healthy as he gets the chance to develop even more chemistry with his wide receivers. Both of which could land the Panthers in the playoffs yet again, so you can understand the optimism.
Cause for the Concern
The offensive line was a big problem last year and you hope that the additions the Panthers made during the offseason, albeit small, are enough to not repeat itself in 2015.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the Carolina Panthers
1. Offensive Line is Stable – The Panthers are a run-first team, but had issues not only running the ball, but also in the pass protection department. If the offensive line is able to stabilize, in particularly on the edges, then the offense should be able to be consistent game after game.
2. Superman Flies – Cam Newton has played brilliantly considering the situations surrounding him in the passing game. If the trio of Benjamin and Olsen can build on their excellent 2014 season, and rookie Devin Funchess can get caught up pretty quick, then Newton will have his best season as a pro which could help the Panthers go to Santa Clara.
3. Defense Stays Dominant – This group was a problem for opposing offenses last year, especially within the front 7. If the secondary gets even better this year, look out NFC.
Football Gameplan’s 2015 NFL Team Preview: Atlanta Falcons
Reason for Optimism
New Coach, new attitude and a defense that looks to be strong at every level. The Atlanta Falcons under Dan Quinn will be tougher, more physical and should be exciting to watch. Oh by the way, their passing game is nothing to sneeze at either, so you can understand the optimism in Atlanta.
Cause for Concern
The offensive line, it’s health, growth and productivity could either make the season or break the season. If this unit does well, for a full season, the Falcons will do just fine.
The Road to the Super Bowl for the Atlanta Falcons
1. Run Game Flourishes – If the Falcons are able to get a ground game going, develop the balance within their offense, they’ll be tough to beat.
2. Defense becomes Dominant – They have the pieces to get it done. I think they’re really strong within the front 7 and have guys that can pick off passes on the back end. This Falcons defense could be Top 10 by season’s end.
3. Treat Opponent the Same Way – The Falcons have to make sure to treat every game like the Super Bowl and not get relaxed verses a struggling team. That’s the difference in what kept Atlanta out of the playoffs last year and helped Carolina get in.
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