Fifth Down Podcast

Fifth Down Podcast


Episode 65- 2014 Regular Season Preview

September 03, 2014

G-Boys   After watching the HOF game, we were excited by some of the things we saw out of Big Blue and their new offensive system. They looked quick, efficient, and ready to use all their weapons and attack their opponents. Then they played 4 more preseason games and they look absolutely awful. Eli finished the preseason completing under 50% of his passes, under 200 yards, and 1 TD. First round pick OBJ has yet to step on the field and is said to be out around 3 or more weeks. The run game looks good, but Eli and the receivers have no grasp on this west coast system and they look extremely uncomfortable. Legit concerns for G-Men or will they right the ship sooner than they did last year when they started 0-6? Embracing “ground-and-pound” J-E-T-S Just Exploit The Secondary   The Jets offense looked like that during the 2nd and 3rd preseason games, and offense. Geno looked more comfortable, receivers were catching balls, their assortment of quality running backs played aggressive and efficient. They all seemed to have a good read on the system. I’m not saying they’re going to compete with the Packers or Saints in terms of points or yardage, but i'm optimistic. Now for the concerns: 1. They release Stephen Hill. 2nd round pick 2 years ago. All the measurables and yet they couldn’t develop him. Guys with that size and speed are too rare and they should have done more by him. 2. The secondary is a mess. They are slotting safeties at CB, picking up waived CB’s and cutting others, and only carrying 2 qbs to add depth in the secondary. 3. John Idzik: This team is still over 20 million under the cap. They had 12 draft picks this past year. They didn’t address the CB situation properly. They let Cro sign cheap with Arizona and DRC sign with the Giants after he was in the building for a visit. They didn't even acknowledge Revis when he stated he wanted to come back. Of the 12 draft picks they had, 2 are on IR and 4 were released. They made no legit moves on draft day to draft quality players. Now, with the team playing 6 of the NFL’s top offenses in a row in the first half of the season, they are on the verge of going from a playoff contender to the same ol’ Jets.   Hoyer, Carr, Mallett Brian Hoyer returns from injury and gets the starting nod for the Browns Derrick Carr win/walks into starting role for the Raiders Texans trade for Ryan Mallett -Which newly appointed starter stands the best chance of being the guy for their respective team? Are the Jags doing the right thing by sitting Bortles and starting Henne?   Head Coaching First year head coaches: Bill O’Brien/Texans Ken Wisenhunt/ Titans Mike Pettine/ Browns Lovie Smith/ Buccs Jay Gruden/ Redskins Jim Caldwell/ Lions Mike Zimmer/ Vikings   Who has the best chance of succeeding? Who has the shortest leash?   Wes Welker: 3 concussions in 10 months, now suspended 4 games due to a violation of PED policy. Initial reports are that he took ecstasy and amphetamines at the Kentucky Derby. He only signed a 2 year deal with the Broncos, making this his last season under contract. Any chance he’s with them next year? any chance he’s on any NFL roster next year? He’s 33 years old, been in the league 10 years and has 841 receptions going into this season.   Take Your Pick: Division Winners Adam- Bengals, Patriots, Colts, Broncos Jets, Chiefs Eagles, Bears, Saints, Cardinals Panthers, Cardinals   Ryan-   AFCW- Broncos AFCN-  Bengals AFCS- Colts AFCE - Pats AFCWC- SD/Raven NFCW- Cardinals NFCN- Packers NFCS- Saints NFCE- Giants ( not just cause i’m a fan) NFCWS - Sea/ Panthers Superbowl: Adam: Bengals/ Bears Ryan: Broncos/ Saints   Week 1 picks   Adam- Packers, Saints, Bengals, Bears, Redskins, Chiefs, Patriots, Jets, Eagles, Browns, Rams, 49ers, Buccs, Broncos, Lions, Cardinals   Ryan- Seattle, Saints, Bengals, Chi, Wash, KC,NE, Jets, Philly, Brown, Rams, SF< Panthers, Broncos, Giants, Az