NEW ORLEANS SAINTS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                  

2019 Record - 13-3-0

Head Coach - Sean Payton


New Players in 2020 - Emmanuel Sanders (WR), Jameis Winston (QB), Michael Burton (RB), Malcolm Jenkins (DB),
Margus Hunt (DL), Deatrick Nichols (DB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Jason Vander Laan (TE), Cole Wick (TE)


OFFENSE - Drew Brees is back at quarterback for another season, his 15th in New Orleans and 20th NFL season. In 2019, Brees was injured and missed five games, but still passed for 2,979 yards with 27 touchdowns and four interceptions. Backing him up at quarterback is Jameis Winston (formerly starting QB in Tampa Bay) and perhaps Taysom Hill, who plays multiple positions on offense. Hill caught 19 passes for 234 yards and six touchdowns and also rushed for 156 yards (5.8 ypc) and one score.
Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray are the running backs. Kamara rushed for 797 yards (4.7 ypc average) and had five rushing touchdowns and also made 81 receptions for 533 yards and one touchdown. Murray had 637 rushing yards (4.4 ypc) and scored five touchdowns and had 34 receptions with one score.
The receiving corps is led by Michael Thomas, the best in the NFL right now. Thomas broke the NFL record for single season receptions in 2019 with 149 receptions for 1,725 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Along with Thomas are Emmanuel Sanders (36 receptions for 502 yards and three TD with San Francisco and also 30, 367, two TD with Denver) and Tra'Quan Smith, who had 18 receptions, with five of them for touchdowns. The tight ends are Jared Cook (43, 705, nine TD) and Josh Hill (25, 226, three TD).


DEFENSE - Cameron Jordan (15 1/2 QB sacks) and Marcus Davenport (six sacks) play the ends and Sheldon Rankins (two sacks) and David Onyemata (three sacks) are the tackles on the defensive line. In reserve are Mario Edwards (three sacks), Troy Hendrickson (4 1/2 sacks), Malcom Brown and Shy Tuttle, who each had two sacks.
Kiko Alonso is the middle linebacker and is flanked by Alex Anzalone and Demario Davis, who had four quarterback sacks. In the Saints defensive backfield are safeties Malcolm Jenkins and Marcus Williams, who had four interceptions (one for a touchdown) last season. Also in the mix is D.J. Swearinger and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The cornerbacks include Janoris Jenkins, Marshon Lattimore, Patrick Robinson and Deatrick Nichols.
New Orleans allowed 333 yards per game in 2019, ranking eleventh in the NFL while giving up 21.3 points per game. The run defense ranked fourth overall (91 YPG allowed) and the pass defense allowed 242 yards a game. The Saints intercepted 13 passes last season and had a plus-15 (2nd in NFL) in turnovers and also had 51 quarterback sacks.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - After winning their third consecutive NFC South division title, the Saints bowed out in the playoffs without reaching the Super Bowl.
That isn't cutting it with this team and both Brees and Head Coach Sean Payton (who battled back from the COVID-19 virus this year) are determined to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2009 season. But it will not come easy, if at all.
The Saints offense scored 28.6 points per game  a year ago and they ranked ninth in total offense, gaining 374 yards per game. The running game rushed for 109 YPG (16th in NFL) and the passing game averaged 265 yards per game.
As long as the offensive line gives good pass protection again (only 25 sacks allowed in 2019) Brees should be able to deliver to his talented receivers and light up the scoreboards. Add to that two solid running backs and Kamara's ability as well to be another receiver out of the backfield and that is a lot for opposing defenses to handle.
As long as they continue to force turnovers, the Saints defense is adequate, but the pass defense needs to improve this season as the Saints got torched by big plays last year. The run defense is solid and should continue to be barring injuries or COVID-19 problems taking away key members in the front seven.
It looks like it should be another winning season in New Orleans and a playoff appearance again, but this time the Saints want to avoid the letdowns of the past three years in the post-season and get back to the Super Bowl in what might well be the last one for Drew Brees.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - Tampa Bay
Week Two - at Las Vegas
Week Three - vs. Green Bay
Week Four - at Detroit
Week Five - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Six - BYE
Week Seven - vs. Carolina
Week Eight - at Chicago
Week Nine - at Tampa Bay
Week Ten - vs. San Francisco
Week Eleven - vs. Atlanta
Week Twelve - at Denver
Week Thirteen - at Atlanta
Week Fourteen - at Philadelphia
Week Fifteen - vs. Kansas City
Week Sixteen - vs. Minnesota
Week Seventeen - at Carolina

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS                                     

2019 Record - 7-9-0

Head Coach - Frank Reich


New Players in 2020 - Philip Rivers (QB), DeForest Buckner (DL), Xavier Rhodes (DB), Roosevelt Nix (RB), T.J. Carrie (DB), Trey Burton (TE), Sheldon Day (DL)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Skai Moore (LB), Rolan Milligan (DB), Marvell Tell (DB)


OFFENSE - Philip Rivers is the Colts new quarterback for the 2020 season after spending 14 seasons as the Chargers starter. Rivers had 4,615 passing yards with 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions last year. In reserve is Jacoby Brissett, the starter for Indianapolis last season. Brissett had 2,942 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions and scored four rushing touchdowns.
The Colts will see Marlon Mack (1,091 yards, 4.4 ypc average and eight touchdowns) and rookie Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin) handle the rushing attack. The wide receivers are T.Y. Hilton, who was injured last season and only had 45 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns. Paris Campbell (18, 127, one TD), Marcus Johnson (17, 277, two TD) and rookie Michael Pittman, Jr. (USC) are the others wideouts. The tight ends in the fold are Jack Doyle (43, 448, four TD) and Trey Burton, who had 14 receptions in an injury filled 2019 season with Chicago.
The Indianapolis offense ranked 25th overall last season, averaging 327 yards per game and scored 22.6 points per game. The running game averaged 133 YPG while the passing offense went for 194 yards a game.


DEFENSE - The Colts will line up with tackles Denico Autry (3 1/2 QB sacks) and DeForest Buckner (7 1/2 sacks with San Francisco) and ends Justin Houston (eleven sacks) and Kemoko Turay. The linebackers are led by Darius Leonard, who had five sacks and five interceptions, including a "pick six." Anthony Walker mans the middle spot and Bobby Okereke is the other outside linebacker.
In the secondary is Kenny Moore (two interceptions) and Xavier Rhodes (free agent from Minnesota Vikings) at the corners while Malik Hooker (two picks) and Khari Willis play the safety position. Rookie Julian Blackmon (Utah) is a third round pick and will look to contribute along with T.J. Carrie, Rock Ya-Sin, George Odum and Rolan Milligan.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - After a strong start last year, the injuries started to mount for Indianapolis and Head Coach Frank Reich saw his team slip out of playoff contention. Heading into this year, the Colts brought in some big name free agents (Rivers, Buckner, Rhodes) in the hopes it will get them back into the mix with Houston and Tennessee in the rugged AFC South division.
Rivers had a rough year in Los Angeles with the Chargers last season and they didn't re-sign him, so here he is now in Indy looking to rebound and help the Colts get back to the playoffs. The 16-year veteran signal caller has put up some huge numbers throughout his career and as long as his wide receivers are healthy this season, the Colts could have a formidable offense.
Last season, Indianapolis relied on the running game and will likely feature a two-headed monster this season as (rookie) Jonathan Taylor joins Marlon Mack in the backfield. Rivers loves to check down to the backs when his guys are covered, so these players should fit right in with the Colts offensive plans.
The Colts defense was solid against the run a year ago (98 YPG allowed - ranked 7th in NFL) but the pass defense was weak, giving up 249 yards per game (23rd). The Colts allowed 23.3 points per game and finished 16th in total defense, giving up 347 yards per game while also getting 41 QB sacks and 15 interceptions, which led to a plus-two in the turnovers category.
Bringing in Buckner to tag with Justin Houston on the defensive line along with having Leonard and company at the linebacker spots should form a pretty good front seven for the Colts this year. The secondary did get lit up at times in 2019, but they also take chances and so it was either feast or famine when it came to that.
The schedule could be set up for a quick start and then in the second half of the season, the Colts face both Tennessee and Houston twice in the final eight game stretch. The AFC South division title could very well be decided with those four games. If the Colts control their division games, they should get a playoff spot and perhaps even win a division title for the first time in six years.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Jacksonville
Week Two - vs. Minnesota
Week Three - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Four - at Chicago
Week Five - at Cleveland
Week Six - vs. Cincinnati
Week Seven - BYE
Week Eight - at Detroit
Week Nine - vs. Baltimore
Week Ten - at Tennessee
Week Eleven - vs. Green Bay
Week Twelve - vs. Tennessee
Week Thirteen - at Houston
Week Fourteen - at Las Vegas
Week Fifteen - vs. Houston
Week Sixteen - at Pittsburgh
Week Seventeen - vs. Jacksonville

CAROLINA PANTHERS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                  

2019 Record - 5-11-0

Head Coach - Matt Rhule


New Players in 2020 - Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Robby Anderson (WR), Russell Okung (OL), Tahir Whitehead (LB), Michael Schofield (OL)

Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Jordan Mack (LB), Christian Miller (LB)


OFFENSE - Teddy Bridgewater takes over at quarterback for Carolina this season after filling in for an injured Drew Brees for nine games last season in New Orleans. Bridgewater passed for nine touchdowns and only two interceptions and totaled 1,384 yards through the air. Will Grier and P.J. Walker will be in reserve roles.
Christian McCaffrey leads the offense as the top running back. In 2019, McCaffrey rushed for 1,387 yards (4.8 ypc average) and scored 15 touchdowns in addition to making 116 receptions for 1,005 yards and four more touchdowns for 19 total scores. Reggie Bonnafon (116 rush yards and one TD) backs him up.
The wide receivers include Robby Anderson (52 receptions, 779 yards and five TD) who comes over from the New York Jets this season. Also available are Curtis Samuel (54, 627, six TD) and D.J. Moore, who made 87 receptions for 1,175 yards and four touchdowns. Ian Thomas (16, 136, one TD) takes over at tight end this year and Chris Manhertz adds depth.


DEFENSE - Stephen Weatherly, Derrick Brown (rookie from Auburn), Kawann Short and Brian Burns (7 1/2 QB sacks) will man the defensive front this season. Yetur Gross-Matos (rookie from Penn State), Zach Kerr, Woodrow Hamilton and Efe Obada will likely back up. With Luke Kuechly retired, the linebackers now have Shaq Thompson, Tahir Whitehead and Marquis Haynes looking to start along with Andre Smith and Jermaine Carter also available.
In the secondary is safety Tre Boston, who had three interceptions last season. Along with him at the other safety spot is either rookie Jeremy Chinn (Southern Illinois) or Juston Burris and cornerbacks Donte Jackson (three picks), Corn Elder and rookie Troy Pride, Jr. from Notre Dame.
The Panthers defense gave up 29.4 points per game in 2019 and finished 23rd overall, allowing 375 yards per game. The run defense gave up 144 YPG and the pass defense, which intercepted 14 passes, allowed 231 yards per game while also getting 53 quarterback sacks, which was second in the NFL.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Panthers new Head Coach is Matt Rhule and he will lead the team in a rebuilding season after the team released quarterback Cam Newton, the face of the franchise and 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player, and All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly retired. In addition, six other defensive starters left in free agency.
Stopping the run is key for the Panthers defense along with maintaining a consistent pass rush, but with seven different starters on defense, the team might be looking at a rough start this season until things gel.
On offense, Bridgewater will be the quarterback and McCaffrey will once again be the main man after a monster season. The passing game averaged 228 yards a game last season and the running game went for 114 yards per game. The team scored 21.2 points a game and finished 19th in the league in total offense, averaging 342 yards per game.
With a new quarterback and three speedy receivers (including Robby Anderson coming in from the Jets this season) the Panthers should be able to mix things up and take some of the burden off McCaffrey for a more balanced offense. The O-line has to be better in pass protection as Carolina quarterbacks were sacked 58 times last season.
All in all, the 2020 season will be a rebuild for the Panthers as they contend with the likes of New Orleans, Atlanta and Tampa Bay, which now has Tom Brady playing quarterback, in the NFC South. If the Panthers can improve from the five win total of a year ago, that would be a plus, especially with the influx of young players on the defensive side. Either way, it should be an interesting season for them.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Las Vegas
Week Two - at Tampa Bay
Week Three - at L.A. Chargers
Week Four - vs. Arizona
Week Five - at Atlanta
Week Six - vs. Chicago
Week Seven - at New Orleans
Week Eight - vs. Atlanta
Week Nine - at Kansas City
Week Ten - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Eleven - vs. Detroit
Week Twelve - at Minnesota
Week Thirteen - BYE 
Week Fourteen - vs. Denver
Week Fifteen - at Green Bay
Week Sixteen - at Washington
Week Seventeen - vs. New Orleans 

HOUSTON TEXANS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

HOUSTON TEXANS                                              

2019 Record - 10-6-0

Head Coach - Bill O' Brien


New Players in 2020 - David Johnson (RB), Brandin Cooks (WR), Randall Cobb (WR), Eric Murray (DB), Tim Jernigan (DL), Daylen Watkins (DB), Brent Qvale (OT)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Eddie Vanderdoes (DL)


OFFENSE - Deshaun Watson is back for Houston as the starting quarterback this season. Last season, Watson had 3,852 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. He also scored seven rushing touchdowns to go with 413 yards and 5.0 ypc average. A.J. McCarron will likely be the backup.
David Johnson comes over from the Arizona Cardinals in the trade for DeAndre Hopkins and he had 345 rushing yards (3.7 ypc) with two touchdowns and also made 36 receptions for 370 yards and four scores while missing three games due to injury. Duke Johnson returns in the backfield and rushed for 410 yards with a 4.9 ypc average and scored twice on the ground while also making 44 receptions for 410 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receiver Will Fuller will be playing along with Brandin Cooks (42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns with L.A. Rams) and Randall Cobb (55, 828, three TD with Dallas) as the starting tandem this year. Fuller has missed 22 games in the past four years with injuries, but he did have 49 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns last season. The tight ends are Darren Fells (34, 341, seven TD) and Jordan Akins, who had 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns.


DEFENSE - Defensive end J.J. Watt (four QB sacks) returns after missing eight games during 2019 with injuries and Angelo Blackson and Brandon Dunn join him on the defensive front.  Charles Omenihu (three sacks) and Tim Jernigan provide depth. Whitney Mercilus (7 1/2 sacks and two interceptions), Jacob Martin (3 1/2 sacks), Brennan Scarlett (3 1/2 sacks), Bernardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham (two sacks) are the linebackers.
The secondary has Bradley Roby (two interceptions) and Gareon Conley at the corners and Justin Reid (two picks) and Eric Murray play safety. Backing up in the Texans secondary are Josh Reid, Jaylen Watkins, A.J. Moore, Lonnie Johnson and Michael Thomas.
Houston gave up 24.1 points per game last year and allowed 388 yards per game (28th in NFL) while getting 31 quarterback sacks and twelve interceptions. The Texans allowed 121 rushing yards each game (25th) and gave up 267 YPG on pass defense.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Texans had a strong second half comeback win over Buffalo in the wild card round of the 2019 NFL playoffs before they blew a 21-point lead (in the first half) and eventually lost to Kansas City in the divisional round.
A lot went right for Houston last season, evidenced by eight one-score victories that helped them win the AFC South division. If they want to repeat as division champions and perhaps move further in the playoffs, the defense must be better. Keeping Watt on the field all season would be a big help in that area.
The passing game will be under some scrutiny this year as Watson lost his top receiver (DeAndre Hopkins) in the trade that brings in running back David Johnson, who hasn't been the same player since injuries slowed him following the 2015 season. Houston Head Coach Bill O' Brien is sure hoping he will be and if not and the team stumbles badly, he could be on the hot seat in the 2020 season.
Watson has shown he is a dual threat and if he and the receivers mesh right away, it would be a big bonus as the running game (126 YPG last year) looks to click once again. The passing game averaged 236 YPG in 2019 and the total offense ranked 13th overall by gaining 362 yards per game. Houston averaged 23.6 points per game a year ago.
The Tennessee Titans served notice they will be in the hunt for the AFC South title again this season after a huge run in the post-season and Indianapolis is looking to rebound as well, so the Texans will be hard pressed to win another division crown.
Stay tuned.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Kansas City
Week Two - vs. Baltimore
Week Three - at Pittsburgh
Week Four - vs. Minnesota
Week Five - vs. Jacksonville
Week Six - at Tennessee
Week Seven - vs. Green Bay
Week Eight - BYE 
Week Nine - at Jacksonville
Week Ten - at Cleveland
Week Eleven - vs. New England
Week Twelve - at Detroit
Week Thirteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Fourteen - at Chicago
Week Fifteen - at Indianapolis
Week Sixteen - vs. Cincinnati
Week Seventeen - vs. Tennessee

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS                                

2019 Record - 7-9-0

Head Coach - Bruce Arians


New Players in 2020 - Tom Brady (QB), Rob Gronkowski (TE), LeSean McCoy (RB), Joe Haeg (OL)



Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Brad Seaton (OL)


OFFENSE - Playing quarterback for the Buccaneers this season is Tom Brady, who comes over after 20 years with the New England Patriots. The 43-year-old passed for 4,057 yards last season with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions along with scoring three rushing touchdowns. His backup will be Blaine Gabbert, who is entering his tenth season in the NFL.
Ronald Jones was the team leader last year in rushing with 724 yards (4.2 ypc) and six touchdowns. Jones also had 31 receptions for 309 yards. Also in the backfield are LeSean McCoy (465, 4.6 ypc and four TD and 28 receptions with one touchdown with Kansas City last year) and rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn (Vanderbilt).
The wide receivers are Mike Evans (67 receptions for 1,157 yards and eight touchdowns) and Chris Godwin, who snared 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns. Scotty Miller and Justin Watson are ready in reserve. Rob Gronkowski, who came out of retirement after playing along with Brady for nine seasons in New England, will be the tight end. The other tight ends are Cameron Brate (36, 311, four TD) and O.J. Howard, who had 34 receptions for 459 yards and one touchdown.


DEFENSE - Up front in Tampa Bay's 3-4 defense are nose tackle Vita Vea (2 1/2 QB sacks) and tackles William Gholston and Ndamukong Suh, who had 2 1/2 sacks in the 2019 season. The linebackers are Shaquil Barrett, who had 19 1/2 sacks to lead the NFL last season, along with Jason Pierre-Paul (8 1/2 sacks), Devin White (2 1/2 sacks) and Lavonte David.
The safeties are Justin Evans and Mike Edwards while Sean Murphy-Bunting (three interceptions, one for a TD) and Carlton Davis play the cornerback spots. Jamel Dean (two INT), Jordan Whitehead, M.J. Stewart and rookie Antoine Winfield, Jr. (Minnesota) are the players who will back up in the secondary.
The Buccaneers defense allowed 28.1 points per game last season while finishing 15th overall, thanks in part to the league's top run defense, which allowed only 74 yards per game. The Bucs gave up 344 YPG in 2019. The pass defense allowed 270 yards a game, which ranked 30th overall. Tampa Bay did get 47 QB sacks (seventh in NFL) and picked off twelve passes.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Tampa Bay is in the mix as far as playoff contenders in the NFC is concerned and that is due to Brady, a six-time Super Bowl winner, coming to the team to pair up with his old teammate Rob Gronkowski and two top notch wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godley.
Head Coach Bruce Arians saw the team get better in the second half of last season, especially on the defensive side. The Bucs pass defense did get better and should continue to improve with more experience. It is a young defensive backfield and will have rookie safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. along with them this season. The front seven is solid and the Bucs can stop the run as they showed last year.
The offensive line will have to do better as they allowed 47 sacks last season and the Tampa Bay running game was lagging. Brady is one of the quickest quarterbacks in pro football at getting rid of the ball so that should help, but he can ill afford to end up on his backside too often, especially at his age.
As long as the defense shows the expected progress this season and the running game gets better, this team will score points again. Tampa Bay was third in scoring last season (28.6 points per game) and had the top passing offense in the NFL, averaging 303 yards per game. The running game ranked 24th in the league, averaging 95 yards per game. The team was a minus-13 in turnovers due mostly to former QB Jameis Winston throwing a record 30 interceptions last season.
The future looks bright for the Buccaneers in the hopes that Brady will have a big season as he looks to prove that he can without former coach Bill Belichick, with whom he has been linked since the 2001 season. Tampa Bay should challenge the New Orleans Saints for the NFC South title and at the very least get a wild card berth in this year's playoffs.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at New Orleans
Week Two -vs. Carolina
Week Three - at Denver
Week Four - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Five - at Chicago
Week Six - vs. Green Bay
Week Seven - at Las Vegas
Week Eight - at N.Y. Giants
Week Nine - vs. New Orleans
Week Ten - at Carolina
Week Eleven - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Twelve - vs. Kansas City
Week Thirteen - BYE
Week Fourteen - vs. Minnesota
Week Fifteen - at Atlanta
Week Sixteen - at Detroit
Week Seventeen - vs. Atlanta

Sneak Preview Of Trump's RNC Speech

CINCINNATI BENGALS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

CINCINNATI BENGALS                                            

2019 Record - 2-14-0

Head Coach - Zac Taylor


New Players in 2020 - Vonn Bell (DB), Mike Thomas (WR), Trae Waynes (DB), D.J. Reader (DL), Josh Bynes (LB), Austin Calitro (LB), Tony Brown (DB), LeShaun Sims (DB), Mackensie Alexander (DB), Xavier Su'a-Filo (OL), Samaje Perine (RB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Josh Tupou (DL), Isaiah Prince (OL), John Ross III (WR)


OFFENSE - The top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is Joe Burrow (LSU) and he shattered the record books last year for college football and will be the starting quarterback. The backup quarterback will be Ryan Finley, who passed for 474 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions last season as the backup to veteran Andy Dalton, who went to the Dallas Cowboys this off-season.
Joe Mixon (1,137 rushing yards, 4.3 ypc average and five TD and also 35 receptions for 287 yards and three TD) is the primary back and his backup is Gio Bernard, who rushed for 170 yards and caught 30 passes.
Tyler Boyd led the Bengals in receiving last year with 90 receptions for 1,046 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver A.J. Green, who missed last season with an ankle injury, is looking to be back in the mix this year. Meanwhile, John Ross III opted out this season, so rookie Tee Higgins (Clemson) will have his chance to show his skills. Alex Erickson (43 receptions for 529 yards) and Auden Tate (40, 575, one TD) are also available this season. The tight end is C.J. Uzomah, who had 27 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns.

DEFENSE - Carlos Dunlap (nine QB sacks), Sam Hubbard (8 1/2 sacks), Geno Atkins (4 1/2 sacks), Carl Lawson (five sacks) and D.J. Reader (2 1/2 sacks with Houston) man the defensive line. The linebackers will be Germaine Pratt, Josh Bynes (two interceptions with Baltimore), Jordan Evans and rookies Logan Wilson (Wyoming) and Akeem Davis-Gaither (Appalachian State).
The corners include Darius Phillips (four INT), Trae Waynes, William Jackson III and Mackensie Alexander. The safeties are Vonn Bell, Jessie Bates III (three picks), Brandon Wilson and Shawn Williams.
The Bengals defense was 29th in the NFL last year, allowing 394 yards per game. They gave up 26.2 points per game and their run defense finished last in the NFL, giving up 149 yards per game and the pass defense ranked 21st, allowing 245 yards per game. The Bengals accumulated 31 QB sacks and intercepted eleven passes. 


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor went through a very tough first season with the team, but now things should be looking better with Joe Burrows taking over as the quarterback.
Burrows is perhaps the highest touted rookie quarterback in many years and if he can maintain his cool under pressure (Bengals QBs were sacked 48 times last season) it would be a big plus for the offense. Cincinnati ranked 26th overall in total offense last season, gaining an average of 323 yards per game and scored 17.4 points per game. The running attack averaged 95 yards a game while the passing ranked 19th overall with 228 yards per game.
Joe Mixon is a solid running back and Gio Bernard has been around for eight years and does a decent job when healthy. The wideouts of Boyd, Green and (rookie) Higgins could be a good trio for Burrows to work with as long as they stay injury free. Red zone efficiency was big problem last year for Cincy, where they ranked 30th by scoring touchdowns just 44 percent of the time in the zone.
The defense was abysmal last season and the team brought in eight free agents this year and drafted four players on defense as well. The front line is decent, although Dunlap and Atkins are both entering their eleventh seasons in the NFL. Stopping the run and forcing more turnovers is the key to improving the defense in the 2020 season. Cincinnati was minus-14 in the turnover category last year.
The Bengals lost their first eleven games in 2019, so getting off to a better start would be an improvement for sure. The schedule doesn't appear to be as tough in the first half of the season, so it's possible to avoid the dreadful start again. An improvement from just two wins to at least five or six would show progress this season and anything better than that would be a bonus.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Two - at Cleveland
Week Three - at Philadelphia
Week Four - vs. Jacksonville
Week Five - at Baltimore
Week Six - at Indianapolis
Week Seven - vs. Cleveland
Week Eight - vs. Tennessee
Week Nine - BYE 
Week Ten - at Pittsburgh
Week Eleven - at Washington
Week Twelve - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Thirteen - at Miami
Week Fourteen - vs. Dallas
Week Fifteen - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Sixteen - at Houston
Week Seventeen - vs. Baltimore

ATLANTA FALCONS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

ATLANTA FALCONS                                            

2019 Record - 7-9-0

Head Coach - Dan Quinn


New Players in 2020 - Todd Gurley (RB), Justin McCray (OL), Dante Fowler, Jr. (DL), Hayden Hurst (TE), Charles Harris (DL), LaRoy Reynolds (LB), Josh Hawkins (DB), Edmond Robinson (LB), Laquon Treadwell (WR), Khari Lee (TE)


Players opting for 2020 season (COVID-19) - None


OFFENSE - The Falcons have Matt Ryan back for his 13th season as the starting quarterback. Ryan had 4,466 passing yards and 26 touchdowns with 14 interceptions last year. Matt Schaub (580 yards, three TD, one INT) will be in reserve again. Todd Gurley comes over this season from the L.A. Rams where he played his first five seasons. Gurley rushed for 857 yards last year (3.8 ypc average) and scored twelve touchdowns and had 31 receptions for 207 yards and two scores. Ito Smith backs him up along with Brian Hill, who ran for 323 yards (4.1 ypc) and scored two touchdowns.
Julio Jones once again leads the wide receivers and he had 99 receptions for 1,394 yards and six touchdowns. Along with Jones are Calvin Ridley (63, 866, seven TD), Russell Gage (49, 446, one TD) and Laquon Treadwell (nine receptions, 184, one TD with Minnesota). The tight ends are Hayden Hurst (30, 349, two TD with Baltimore) and Jaeden Graham, who had nine catches and one touchdown last year.


DEFENSE - Dante Fowler, Jr. (11 1/2 QB sacks with L.A. Rams) is at defensive end along with Takkarist McKinley (3 1/2 sacks) this season. The tackles are Marlon Davidson (rookie from Auburn) and Grady Jarrett, who registered 7 1/2 sacks. Playing linebacker are Deion Jones, Foye Oluokun and Mykai Walker, a rookie from Fresno State. LaRoy Reynolds and Edmond Robinson come over in free agency this season for the Falcons.
Isaiah Oliver and rookie A.J. Terrell (Clemson) will play cornerback and Damontae Kazee (three interceptions) and Keanu Neal are the safeties. Other in the secondary include Ricardo Allen, Jaylinn Hawkins (rookie - California), Kendall Sheffield and Blidi Wreh-Wilson.
The Falcons defense lagged against the pass a year ago, allowing 245 yards per game (22nd) while giving up 24.9 points per game. The run defense finished 15th in the league, allowing 111 yards per game. Atlanta was 20th in total defense, allowing 356 yards a game while intercepting twelve passes and 28 quarterback sacks.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Matt Ryan put up some decent numbers once again last season, but the run game was down as injuries limited Devonta Freeman, who is no longer with the team. Entering the picture this season is Todd Gurley, who has had some big seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, but has been limited the past two years with various injuries. The Falcons are hoping he can recapture some of the magic that made him an elite running back during his first three seasons.
The offense will be much better if it has balance and last season Atlanta finished fifth overall (380 YPG) thanks in large part to the passing game, which averaged 295 YPG, which was third in the NFL. The running game averaged only 85 yards per game (30th) so opponents were able to limit the Falcons, who only scored 22.8 points per game despite the strong air attack.
Head Coach Dan Quinn has been on the proverbial hot seat the last three seasons and knows this team can do better. Back-to-back 7-9 finishes are not getting it done and the defense needs to step up and make plays in crucial moments this season if the team wants to get back to the playoffs. Atlanta lost four one-score games a year ago.
Getting a better pass rush would help as would getting more turnovers (minus-5 in that area in 2019) this season. The offensive line needs to step up this year as well. The Falcons were not a good rushing team last year and they gave up 50 quarterback sacks that too often squashed drives.
The schedule is tough and having both (quarterbacks) Drew Brees (Saints) and now Tom Brady (Buccaneers) in their division doesn't make things easier.
The Falcons can be a playoff team again, but only if they improve against the pass on defense and maintain balance on offense. Anything is possible it seems in today's NFL, so the Falcons have reason for hope.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Seattle
Week Two - at Dallas
Week Three - vs. Chicago
Week Four - at Green Bay
Week Five - vs. Carolina
Week Six - at Minnesota
Week Seven - vs. Detroit
Week Eight - at Carolina
Week Nine - vs. Denver
Week Ten - BYE 
Week Eleven - at New Orleans
Week Twelve - vs. Las Vegas
Week Thirteen - vs. New Orleans
Week Fourteen - at L.A. Chargers
Week Fifteen - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Sixteen - at Kansas City
Week Seventeen - at Tampa Bay 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS                           

2019 Record - 5-11-0

Head Coach - Anthony Lynn


New Players in 2020 - Bryan Bulaga (OL), Nick Vigil (LB), Darius Jennings (WR), Linval Joseph (DL), Storm Norton (OL), Chris Harris, Jr. (DB), Trai Turner (OL)

Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - None


OFFENSE - For the first time since the 2006 season, the Chargers will have a different starting quarterback as Philip Rivers is now with Indianapolis. Tyrod Taylor is a ten-year veteran who has played with various teams and will be competing with rookie Justin Herbert (Oregon) for the position.
Austin Ekeler will be the primary running back after Melvin Gordon left for Denver as a fee agent in the off-season. Ekeler is a solid two-way back who caught 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns along with rushing for 557 yards (4.2 yards per carry average) and three touchdowns. Justin Jackson had 200 rushing yards and a 6.9 ypc average and will be the backup. Rookie Joshua Kelley (UCLA) will provide depth.
The wide receivers have Keenan Allen (104 receptions, 1,199 yards, six TD) and Mike Williams (49, 1,001, two TD) along with tight end Hunter Henry (55, 652, five TD) as the starters. Also in the mix are Jason Moore, Darius Jennings and rookie Joe Reed (Virginia), along with tight end Virgil Green, who had nine receptions and one touchdown last season.

DEFENSE - Joey Bosa (11 1/2 QB sacks) and Melvin Ingram (seven sacks) man the end positions and Linval Joseph (three sacks with Minnesota) and Justin Jones are the tackles. Uchenna Nwosu (two sacks), Nick Vigil and either Denzel Perryman or rookie Kenneth Murray, Jr. (Oklahoma) will man the starting linebacking spots. Emeke Egbule and Malik Jefferson are also available.
The secondary has Rayshawn Jenkins (three interceptions) and Derwin James at the safety spots along with corners Casey Heyward, Jr. and Chris Harris, Jr. who comes over from Denver this season. Michael Davis (two picks) and Desmond King (2 1/2 sacks and also one TD as the kick returner) will spell the starters.
The Chargers defense ranked sixth overall last year (313 yards per game allowed) and gave up 21.6 points per game. The run defense allowed 113 YPG (18th) while the pass defense was fifth in the NFL, allowing 200 yards per game while intercepting eleven passes and getting 30 QB sacks.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Head Coach Anthony Lynn is going into his fourth season with the team and he has new faces looking to fill the starting quarterback spot. Philip Rivers was the face of the franchise but suffered through one of his worst seasons in recent years with 20 interceptions and three lost fumbles, which helped the Bolts to a minus-17 in the turnover category.
Whether Tyrod Taylor (who is likely to be the starter in week one) or Justin Herbert plays the QB spot, they must not have those issues if the Chargers are to improve from their last place finish in the AFC West last year. The Chargers offense scored 20.7 points a game in 2019 while ranking tenth overall with 368 yards per game. The passing game averaged 277 YPG (6th) but the running game finished 28th in the NFL, gaining 91 yards per game.
With Austin Ekeler starting, the team can utilize the other two backs during games. Ekeler is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and was only seven yards short of giving the Chargers three 1,000-yard receivers last year. Wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are the men who make it happen for the passing game and they both were over 1,000 yards receiving last year. Hunter Henry is a solid tight end and is a red zone weapon for the team.
Defensively, with Bosa and Ingram the team has two of the better edge rushers in pro football. Problem is no other players were stepping up last year and the team was near the bottom of the league in sacks. Better pressure on opposing quarterbacks will help the secondary, which is one of the better ones in the league.
After making noise as a playoff team in 2018, the Chargers slipped badly last season and if they want to get back to at least being a .500 team in 2020, the defense must do better at stopping the run and forcing more turnovers. The offense needs to find balance by getting the running game back up to speed, which was a sore spot last season. There are many questions for the team, especially with a new quarterback taking over, but with some breaks and less turnovers, the Chargers could surprise some people.



TEAM SCHEDULE 
Week One - at Cincinnati
Week Two - vs. Kansas City
Week Three - vs. Carolina
Week Four - at Tampa Bay
Week Five - at New Orleans
Week Six - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Seven - at Miami
Week Eight - vs. Jacksonville
Week Nine - vs. Las Vegas
Week Ten - BYE 
Week Eleven - at Denver
Week Twelve - at Buffalo
Week Thirteen - vs. New England
Week Fourteen - vs. Atlanta
Week Fifteen - at Las Vegas
Week Sixteen - vs. Denver
Week Seventeen - at Kansas City

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - 2020 NFL Season Preview

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES                                  

2019 Record - 9-7-0

Head Coach - Doug Pederson


New Players in 2020 - Darius Slay (DB), Will Parks (DB), Javon Hargrave (DL), Nickell Robey-Coleman (DB), Jatavis Brown (LB)

Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Marquise Goodwin (WR)


OFFENSE - Carson Wentz is the starting quarterback, entering his fifth season. Wentz had 4,039 passing yards last season with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions and ran for 243 yards with one touchdown. Backing him up will be Jalen Hurts (rookie from Oklahoma) and Nate Sudfeld.
Miles Sanders (818 rushing yards, 4.6 ypc average and three TD) and Boston Scott (245, 4.0 ypc and five TD) will handle the bulk of the rushing attack again this season. The tight ends are Dallas Goedert (58 receptions, 608 yards and five touchdowns) and Zach Ertz, who had 88 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns to lead the team.
The wide receiving corps will be looking different this year as Alshon Jeffery is currently on the PUP list and Marquise Goodwin (traded from San Francisco) opted out for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Philadelphia will have Greg Ward (28, 254, one TD), DeSean Jackson (nine receptions for 159 yards and two TD in only two games played) and rookies Jalen Reagor (TCU) and John Hightower (Boise State) in the fold this season. J.J. Arcgea-Whiteside (10, 169, one TD) is another receiver who will help out.
Philadelphia finished 14th in total offense in the NFL with 361 yards per game while scoring 24.1 points per game last season. The Eagles also ranked eleventh in both rushing (121 YPG) and passing (240 YPG) last season.


DEFENSE - Defensive ends Brandon Graham (8 1/2 QB sacks) and Derek Barnett (6 1/2 sacks) anchor the front line along with tackles Fletcher Cox (3 1/2 sacks) and Javon Hargrave, who had four sacks with Pittsburgh. Vinny Curry (five sacks) is also an option up front along with Josh Sweat, who had four sacks. The linebackers are T.J. Edwards, Nathan Gerry (2 1/2 sacks and two interceptions, one for a TD), Duke Riley and Davion Taylor, a rookie from Colorado.
In the secondary will be Darius Slay (two INT with Detroit) and Avonte Maddox at cornerback. Also in the mix are Nickell Robey-Coleman, Sidney Jones (two picks), Jalen Mills and Rasul Douglas. The safeties are Will Parks and Rodney McLeod, who had two interceptions. Others include rookie K'Von Wallace (Clemson) and Rudy Ford.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Eagles won the NFC East title for the second time in three years last season and it looks like they will again battle Dallas for the crown in the 2020 season. Head Coach Doug Pederson has recovered from the COVID-19 virus and is looking forward to his fifth season in Philly, where they won the Super Bowl just three seasons ago.
Quarterback Carson Wentz was injury free in 2019 for the first time since his rookie year and will have a different tandem of receivers this season, barring injuries or an outbreak of the virus. The team wanted to emphasize more speed and they drafted for that purpose at the wide receiver position after the two tight ends were the team's leading receivers a year ago. Having DeSean Jackson (14 games missed last year with injuries) for a full season would be a big boost as well. Sanders and Scott provide a decent running tandem and should get even better with a full season under their belts.
The defense could be another story as a number of changes take place for this coming season. Gone is Malcolm Jenkins, but Darius Slay was brought in from Detroit to help the secondary, which contributed to eleven interceptions last season. The Eagles had 43 QB sacks and ranked tenth in total defense, allowing 332 yards per game. The run defense gave up 90 yards (3rd in NFL) and the pass defense allowed 242 yards a game. Philadelphia allowed 22.1 points per game.
This team can win the NFC East again, but the passing game will be a work in progress as the season gets going with all the new faces. But if Wentz and the receivers connect quickly, this team should light up the scoreboard on a regular basis. The two head-to-head games with Dallas will once again likely determine the division winner. The Eagles should be a playoff team (wild card or otherwise) again, but how far they go from there will come down to limiting turnovers (minus-3 last year) and coming up big in crunch time.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Washington
Week Two - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Three - vs. Cincinnati
Week Four - at San Francisco
Week Five - at Pittsburgh
Week Six - vs. Baltimore
Week Seven - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Eight - vs. Dallas
Week Nine - BYE
Week Ten - at N.Y. Giants
Week Eleven - at Cleveland
Week Twelve - vs. Seattle
Week Thirteen - at Green Bay
Week Fourteen - vs. New Orleans
Week Fifteen - at Arizona
Week Sixteen - at Dallas
Week Seventeen - vs. Washington 

LOS ANGELES RAMS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

LOS ANGELES RAMS                                                                 

2019 Record - 9-7-0

Head Coach - Sean McVay


New Players in 2020 - Leonard Floyd (LB), A'Shawn Robinson 
(DL)



Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Chandler Brewer (OL)


OFFENSE - Jared Goff is the quarterback and last season passed for 4,638 yards along with 22 touchdowns and 16 interceptions while scoring two rushing touchdowns. His backup is John Wolford.
The wide receivers include Robert Woods, who had 90 receptions for 1,134 yards and two touchdowns while Cooper Kupp (94, 1,161, ten TD) and Josh Reynolds (21, 326, one TD). Rookie Van Jefferson (Florida) will get an opportunity as well. The tight ends are Tyler Higbee (69, 734, three TD) and Gerald Everett, who made 37 catches for 408 yards and two scores.
The Rams will have a new set of running backs this season as main man Todd Gurley signed a free agent contract with Atlanta. Rookie Cam Akers (Florida State) was the top draft pick for Los Angeles and he will be given the chance to earn the spot. Malcolm Brown (255 rushing yards, 3.7 ypc average and five TD) brings some experience with him and Darrell Henderson, Jr. is also available.


DEFENSE - Aaron Donald (12 1/2 QB sacks) leads the way up front at the tackle spot along with A'Shawn Robinson and defensive end Michael Brockers, who registered three sacks last year. The linebackers will be Samson Ebukam (4 1/2 sacks) and Justin Lawler on the outside and Leonard Floyd (three sacks with Chicago) and Micah Kiser inside. Rookie Terrell Lewis (Alabama) will get his chance to play as well.
The secondary has Jalen Ramsey and Troy Hill playing cornerback while Josh Johnson III (two interceptions) and Taylor Rapp play the safety spots. Adding depth are David Long, Jr., Darious Williams (two INT), Jake Gervase, Nick Scott and perhaps rookie Terrell Burgess (Utah).
Los Angeles gave up 340 yards per game last season to finish 13th in total defense. The Rams run defense was 19th (113 YPG) and the pass defense was twelfth (227 YPG) along with allowing 22.8 points per game. The Rams totaled 50 quarterback sacks and had 13 interceptions. 


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Rams had a roller coaster type season in 2019 and missed the playoffs after making the Super Bowl two years ago. Head Coach Sean McVay took some of the heat as the team became very one dimensional with the offense.
The Rams scored 24.6 points per game and finished seventh in total offense, gaining 375 yards per game, but the pass offense accounted for nearly 70 percent of the yardage last season, gaining 281 YPG while the running game only managed 94 yards per game, which was 26th overall.
The O-Line did a good job protecting Goff, who was sacked just 22 times (in 648 drop backs) last season, but the team struggled to put together a solid rushing attack. If the new tandem of Akers, Brown and Henderson can deliver, it would really help the Rams as they look to push San Francisco and Seattle in the NFC West division.
A lot of skeptics claim the "window of opportunity" is fast closing on the Rams and with a young and improving Arizona team also in the NFC West, might the Rams finish in last place this year? That's a stretch, but with the COVID-19 situation around and not a lot of normalcy in training camps this year, teams will be more susceptible to injuries and the Rams cannot afford that, especially at the quarterback position.
As long as the defense plays consistently and the running game improves, the Rams will be in most games this season. They both won and lost three one-score games in 2019 and they were also 3-3 when it came to blowout wins and losses. Avoiding injuries and playing consistently will determine whether or not the Rams return to the playoffs this year.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Dallas
Week Two - at Philadelphia
Week Three - at Buffalo
Week Four - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Five - at Washington
Week Six - at San Francisco
Week Seven - vs. Chicago
Week Eight - at Miami
Week Nine - BYE
Week Ten - vs. Seattle
Week Eleven - at Tampa Bay
Week Twelve - vs. San Francisco
Week Thirteen - at Arizona
Week Fourteen - vs. New England
Week Fifteen - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Sixteen - at Seattle
Week Seventeen - vs. Arizona 

WASHINGTON - 2020 NFL Season Preview

WASHINGTON                                                       

2019 Record - 3-13-0

Head Coach - Ron Rivera


New Players in 2020 - Thomas Davis (LB), Kyle Allen (QB), Kendall Fuller (DB), Ronald Darby (DB), Cornelius Lucas (OL), Peyton Barber (RB), Wes Schweitzer (OL), Cody Latimer (WR), Sean Davis (DB), Logan Thomas (TE), Richard Rodgers (TE), Kevin Pierre-Louis (LB), J.D. McKissic (RB)

Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Josh Harvey-Clemons (LB), Caleb Brantley (DL)


OFFENSE - Dwayne Haskins will be the quarterback for the Washington football team this year after he passed for 1,365 yards with seven touchdowns and also seven interceptions last season. Haskins rushed for 101 yards and had a 5.1 yards per carry average.
Case Keenum left for Cleveland as a free agent in the off-season and the team brought in Kyle Allen from Carolina via trade. Allen passed for 3,322 yards last year with 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and also scored two rushing touchdowns after taking over for the injured Cam Newton. Alex Smith could also be in the quarterback mix this season as he has made a near miraculous comeback from a devastating leg injury two years ago that required numerous surgeries.
The running game appears to have taken a hit as Derrius Guice was released following recent off-the-field incidents. Adrian Peterson, who led the team in rushing last season, is back for his 14th season after going for 898 yards (4.3 ypc) and scoring five touchdowns. Peyton Barber (470, 3.1 ypc and six TD with one receiving TD as well with Tampa Bay), J.D. McKissic (free agent from Detroit) and rookie draft pick Antonio Gibson (Memphis) are also ready to go this season.
Wide receivers include Terry McLaurin (58 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns), Kelvin Harmon (30, 365 yards), Steve Sims, Jr. (34, 310, four TD), Cody Latimer (24, 300, two TD with the Giants) and rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty). The tight ends are Jeremy Sprinkle (26, 241, one TD) and Logan Thomas, who had 16 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown with Detroit last year.


DEFENSE - Up front for the defense are ends Matt Ioannidis (8 1/2 QB sacks) and Chase Young, the number-two pick in the NFL draft from Ohio State. The tackles are Jonathan Allen (six sacks) and Daron Payne, who had two sacks. Ryan Kerrigan (5 1/2 sacks) and Montez Sweat (seven sacks) provide more speed on the outside rush as well.
The linebacking unit includes Cole Holcomb and either Thomas Davis or Ryan Anderson (four sacks) on the outside along with Jon Bostic in the middle. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Kevin Pierre-Louis and rookie Khaleke Hudson (Michigan) will be the backups.
The safeties are Sean Davis and Landon Collins and the corners include Fabian Moreau (three interceptions), Kendall Fuller and Ronald Darby, who had two interceptions with Philadelphia last season. Other players in the mix are Sean Davis, Jimmy Moreland, Troy Apke and Deshazor Everett.
The Washington defense finished 27th overall in 2019, giving up 385 yards per game while allowing 27.2 points per game. The run defense was next to worst in pro football, allowing 146 YPG while the pass defense was 18th, allowing 239 yards a game. Washington had 13 interceptions along with 46 quarterback sacks and was a plus-one in turnovers.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - It's a new era of sorts for this team, formerly known as the Redskins as they dropped the team name and logo and will simply be known as The Washington Football Team for this season.
They also have a new Head Coach as Ron Rivera takes over and just recently revealed he is battling a treatable form of cancer as training camp continues. Rivera had been the head coach for Carolina for a number of years and led them to Super Bowl 50 following the 2015 NFL season.
The offense was abysmal last year and finished last in the NFL in both scoring (16.6 points per game) and passing (176 YPG). The rushing game averaged 99 YPG (22nd) and the total offense was 31st in the league, averaging 275 yards per game. Washington quarterbacks were sacked 50 times last season as well.
Ouch!
Dwayne Haskins took over at quarterback during the second half of the 2019 season and got a rough introduction as he went along. The team is looking for him to make some strides this year. Improved pass protection is a must if the passing game is to improve at all. The running game is decent and the ageless Adrian Peterson returns and continues to produce as he enters his 14th NFL season.
The team no longer has highly touted RB Derrius Guice, who was released following domestic violence charges. So backing up Peterson will be a rookie (Gibson) and Peyton Barber, who showed some flashes of brilliance with Tampa Bay in past seasons.
The Washington defense has many holes to fill as well this season and they will be looking to Chase Young to have an immediate impact as a rush end. The team accumulated 46 QB sacks last year, which was in the top ten in the league. So having Young playing along with Matt Ioannidis, the Washington team should have two formidable pass rushers.
The pass rush should also help out a decent secondary, which picked off thirteen passes last year. The run defense is another story and Washington is looking for improvement in that area as they signed five free agents and drafted four defensive players this off-season.
This is obviously a rebuilding year for the team as the Washington team (3-13 in 2019) has not had a winning season since 2016 and hasn't been to the playoffs since the 2015 season. Rivera is a no-nonsense guy who isn't afraid to take chances, thus his nickname as "Riverboat Ron" from his days as the Carolina Panthers head coach.
All bets are off this season with the way training camps are being conducted in this bizarre year with the COVID-19 pandemic still looming large in this country. Washington would do well to push the New York Giants for third place in the NFC East this season as they look toward better days in the future.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Philadelphia
Week Two - at Arizona
Week Three - at Cleveland
Week Four - vs. Baltimore
Week Five - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Six - at N.Y. Giants
Week Seven - vs. Dallas
Week Eight - BYE
Week Nine - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Ten - at Detroit
Week Eleven - vs. Cincinnati
Week Twelve - at Dallas
Week Thirteen - at Pittsburgh
Week Fourteen - at San Francisco
Week Fifteen - vs. Seattle
Week Sixteen - vs. Carolina
Week Seventeen - at Philadelphia

MIAMI DOLPHINS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

MIAMI DOLPHINS                                                                      

2019 Record - 5-11-0

Head Coach - Brian Flores


New Players in 2020 - Byron Jones (DB), Ted Karras (OL), Ereck Flowers (OL), Kyle Van Noy (LB), Matt Breida (RB), Shaq Lawson (DL), Emmanuel Ogbah (DL), Jordan Howard (RB), Kavon Frazier (DB), Kamu Grugier-Hill (LB), Elandon Roberts (LB), Clayton Fejedelem (DB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Allen Hurns (WR), Albert Wilson (WR)


OFFENSE - The Dolphins drafted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama) in the first round and he will eventually be the starter, it's just a matter of when. Ryan Fitzpatrick is back after starting last season. Fitzpatrick had 3,529 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in addition to leading the team in rushing with 243 yards (4.5 ypc average) and four touchdowns.
In the fold for Miami this year in the backfield will be Jordan Howard, a free agent from the Philadelphia Eagles who rushed for 525 yards (4.4 ypc) and scored six touchdowns. Matt Breida (623, 5.1 ypc and one TD with San  Francisco) is also expected to help the Dolphins ground game, which was the worst in the NFL in 2109, averaging just 72 yards per game.
The wide receivers for Miami include DeVante Parker (72 receptions for 1,202 yards and nine touchdowns) and Preston Williams (32, 428, three TD) along with tight end Mike Gisecki, who had 51 receptions for 570 yards and five scores.
Miami ranked 27th in total offense last season, averaging 310 yards per game and they scored 19.1 points per game. The passing offense ranked twelfth overall, averaging 238 yards per game. Miami was a minus-10 with turnovers and allowed 58 quarterback sacks. 


DEFENSE - Davon Godchaux (two QB sacks), Shaq Lawson (6 1/2 QB sacks with Buffalo) and Christian Wilkins play on the defensive line. Rookie Raekwon Davis (Alabama), Avery Moss and Emmanuel Ogbah are also available.
The linebackers are Kyle Van Noy (6 1/2 sacks), Vince Biegel (2 1/2 sacks), Elandon Roberts and Raekwon McMillan. Kamu Grugier-Hill and Jerome Baker add depth along with Curtis Weaver and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Playing cornerback is Byron Jones and Xavien Howard as well as Nik Needham (two interceptions) and rookie Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn). Bobby McCain (two INT) and Eric Rowe are the safeties. Kavon Frazier and rookie Brandon Jones (Texas) will spell the starters along with Adrian Colbert, Cordrea Tankersley and Clayton Fejedelem.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Dolphins showed some reason for hope heading into the 2020 season by finishing with five wins in their final nine games after a disastrous start. Head Coach Brian Flores is optimistic this team can have a better season after the strong finish.
The offense has some weapons with the wide receivers and Fitzpatrick will lead the air attack while rookie Tagovailoa awaits his turn. Two new running backs should help improve that area this season with both Howard, a 1,000-yard rusher three seasons ago, and Breida on hand.
The problem area in most need of improvement is the defense, which was 30th a year ago, allowing 398 yards per game, including 263 passing yards, which was 26th in the NFL. The run defense finished 27th overall, allowing 135 yards a game. Miami gave up 30.9 points per game, which was the weakest scoring defense in the NFL last year.
The team is hopeful that five draft picks and eight free agent signings will help fix things as the Dolphins surrendered 30 or more points ten different times last season. A better pass rush is also in order because Miami had a league low 23 QB sacks in 2019 while getting 13 interceptions.
If this team can get off to a decent start this season, it could go a long way in avoiding the AFC East basement once again. The team last made the playoffs in 2016, but with the influx of new players and a future franchise quarterback awaiting, there's reason for optimism in Miami once again. Now it's up to the Dolphins to go out and prove it.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at New England
Week Two - vs. Buffalo
Week Three - at Jacksonville
Week Four - vs. Seattle
Week Five - at San Francisco
Week Six - at Denver
Week Seven - vs. L.A. Chargers
Week Eight - vs. L.A. Rams
Week Nine - at Arizona
Week Ten - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Eleven - BYE
Week Twelve - at N.Y. Jets
Week Thirteen - vs. Cincinnati
Week Fourteen - vs. Kansas City
Week Fifteen - vs. New England
Week Sixteen - at Las Vegas
Week Seventeen - at Buffalo

NEW YORK GIANTS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

NEW YORK GIANTS                                                 

2019 Record - 4-12-0

Head Coach - Joe Judge


New Players in 2020 - Blake Martinez (LB), Dion Lewis (RB), Colt McCoy (QB), James Bradberry (DB), Kyler Fackrell (LB),  Eric Tomlinson (TE), Cameron Fleming (OL), Nate Ebner (DB), Austin Johnson (DL), Levine Toilolo (TE)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Nate Solder (OL), Da'Mari Scott (WR), Sam Beal (DB)


OFFENSE - The quarterback is Daniel Jones, who last year took over for Eli Manning (now retired) and he passed for 3,027 yards with 24 touchdowns and twelve interceptions. Jones also rushed for 279 yards (6.2 ypc average) and scored twice. Veteran Colt McCoy is looking to be the backup this season.
Saquon Barkley (1,003 rushing yards, 4.6 ypc and six TD along with 52 receptions for 438 yards and two TD) is the top running back for the Giants and he is flanked by Dion Lewis, who comes over from the Tennessee Titans after running for 209 yards (3.9 ypc) and snaring 25 catches (6.6 yards per catch), including one touchdown last year.
The wide receivers include Sterling Shepard (57 receptions, 576 yards, three TD), Golden Tate (49, 676, six TD) and Darius Slayton (48, 740, eight TD) along with tight end Evan Engram, who had 44 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns.
New York scored 21.3 points per game last year and ranked 23rd overall on offense, gaining 339 yards per game. The rushing attack averaged 105 yards while the Giants averaged 234 passing yards per game.


DEFENSE - Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson (3 1/2 QB sacks) and Dexter Lawrence (2 1/2 sacks) lead the defense up front while the linebackers are Markus Golden (ten sacks) and Kyler Fackrell on the outside with Blake Martinez (three sacks with Green Bay) and Ryan Connelly (two interceptions) man the inside positions.
James Bradberry and Correy Ballentine are the cornerbacks and Xavier McKinney and Jabril Peppers play the safety spots. Bradberry had three interceptions while playing with Carolina in the 2019 season. Providing depth in the defensive backfield are Nate Ebner, Julian Love and rookie Darnay Holmes (UCLA).


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - The Giants will have a new Head Coach as Joe Judge takes over this season for a team that endured a nine-game losing streak last year while finishing in third place in the NFC East.
Daniel Jones will look to continue his progress as the starting quarterback as he put up some decent numbers while showing moxie in the position as a leader. The running game is solid with Barkley, who missed four games last season (ankle injury) while breaking the 100-yard barrier four times in games. Dion Lewis is aboard this season and has decent pass catching abilities out of the backfield. The receivers can go get the ball and Jones will not be afraid to air it out with the trio the Giants have in tow.
Defensively, New York has to improve from a year ago as they allowed 28.2 points per game (30th in NFL) while ranking near the bottom of the league in both overall and pass defense. They gave up 377 yards per game (25th) while allowing 264 passing yards per game, which was 28th overall. The run defense was slightly better,  yielding 113 yards per game, which ranked 20th in the NFL. The Giants had ten interceptions and 36 quarterback sacks last year.
As long as Jones improves and Barkley stays healthy this season, the offense should be decent. Better pass protection would help as Giants quarterbacks were sacked 43 times last year. The big question marks are with the defense, which has to do better against the pass and force more turnovers. The Giants were a miserable minus-17 in the turnover category last season.
It wouldn't be realistic to expect this team to finish any higher than they did last year in the division where both Philadelphia and Dallas are the co-favorites to win the NFC East title this season. However, the Giants should win more than just four games this season as they build toward a better future with a young core and new coaching staff.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Two - at Chicago
Week Three - vs. San Francisco
Week Four - at L.A. Rams
Week Five - at Dallas
Week Six - vs. Washington
Week Seven - at Philadelphia
Week Eight - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Nine - at Washington
Week Ten - vs. Philadelphia
Week Eleven - BYE
Week Twelve - at Cincinnati
Week Thirteen - at Seattle
Week Fourteen - vs. Arizona
Week Fifteen - vs. Cleveland
Week Sixteen - at Baltimore
Week Seventeen - vs. Dallas

NEW YORK JETS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

NEW YORK JETS                                           

2019 Record - 7-9-0

Head Coach - Adam Gase


New Players in 2020 - Pierre Desir (DB), Frank Gore (RB), Chris Hogan (WR), Connor McGovern (OL), Greg Van Roten (OL), George Fant (OL), Patrick Onwuasor (LB), Breshad Perriman (WR), Quincy Wilson (DB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Leo Koloamatangi (OL), C.J. Mosley (LB), Josh Doctson (WR)



OFFENSE - Sam Darnold is entering his third year as the starting quarterback and last season passed for 3,024 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. David Fales, Mike White and rookie James Morgan (Florida International) are listed as the backups in training camp.
Le'Veon Bell and 16-year veteran Frank Gore will be the primary running backs this season. Bell gained 789 yards last season with the Jets for a 3.2 yards per carry average and scored three touchdowns in addition to making 66 receptions for 461 yards and one score. Gore comes over from Buffalo and he rushed for 599 yards last year (3.6 ypg) and scored two rushing touchdowns.
Jamison Crowder is back this season for the wide receiving corps after leading the team last year with 78 receptions for 833 yards and six touchdowns. Robby Anderson left for Carolina via free agency so the Jets have Breshad Perriman (36, 645, six TD with Carolina) and Chris Hogan in camp this year.
Hogan played in just seven games with Carolina last year, but had several productive seasons with New England and Buffalo prior to that. Rookie Denzel Mims (Baylor) is another option and the tight ends will likely be Ryan Griffin (34, 320, five TD) and Chris Herndon.
The Jets signed three offensive linemen in free agency and used their top draft pick for another O-lineman to shore up a weak spot as they allowed 52 quarterback sacks last season while finishing 31st in the NFL in rushing (79 YPG) last season. The Jets were dead last in total offense, gaining 273 yards per game. The passing game ranked 29th overall, averaging 194 yards per game and they scored 17.2 points per game, which was 31st in the league.


DEFENSE - Henry Anderson, Tarell Basham (two QB sacks), Steve McLendon (2 1/2 sacks) and Quinnen Williams (two sacks) and rookie Jabari Zuniga (Florida) man the front line while James Burgess, Patrick Onwuasor (three sacks with Baltimore), Avery Williamson, Jordan Jenkins (eight sacks), Neville Hewitt (two interceptions) and Frankie Luvu will play linebacker.
In the secondary are corners Quincy Wilson and Pierre Desir (three INT) along with safeties Marcus Maye, rookie Ashtyn Davia (California) and Bennett Jackson. Nate Hairston and Bless Austin provide depth. The Jets intercepted twelve passes last year and had 35 QB sacks.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Head Coach Adam Gase is entering his second season with the Jets and during the off-season the team dealt All-Pro safety Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks while linebacker C.J. Mosley opted out (COVID-19) this season, so the defense, which was the strength of the team last year, will be filling those voids.
The Jets were seventh in the NFL last season on defense (allowing 323 yards per game) while giving up 22.4 points per game. The run defense was number-two in the NFL, giving up just 87 yards per game while the pass defense ranked 17th, allowing 236 yards per game.
The offense must step up this season and quarterback Sam Darnold will be under pressure to deliver in the passing game despite losing deep threat Robby Anderson, who went to Carolina in the off-season. The Jets running game was anemic last season and both Le'Veon Bell and Frank Gore will be relied upon to balance out the offense. Bell had his worst season as pro last year and must do better in the 2020 season.
The Jets rebounded from a terrible (1-7) start in 2019 and won four close games down the stretch to finish third in the AFC East. To move up or avoid last place this season won't be easy as Miami is improving while the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots both were playoff teams last season. This year is full of questions and the team will look to answer them on both sides of the ball, hoping for better results as they seek to to get back to at least .500 (or better) for the first time in five years.
Stay tuned.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Buffalo
Week Two - vs. San Francisco
Week Three - at Indianapolis
Week Four - vs. Denver
Week Five - vs. Arizona
Week Six - at L.A. Chargers
Week Seven - vs. Buffalo
Week Eight - at Kansas City
Week Nine - vs. New England
Week Ten - at Miami
Week Eleven - BYE 
Week Twelve - vs. Miami
Week Thirteen - vs. Las Vegas
Week Fourteen - at Seattle
Week Fifteen - at L.A. Rams
Week Sixteen - vs. Cleveland
Week Seventeen - at New England

DETROIT LIONS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

DETROIT LIONS                                               

2019 Record - 3-12-1

Head Coach - Matt Patricia


New Players in 2020 - Jamie Collins (LB), Danny Shelton (DL), Duron Harmon (DB), Reggie Ragland (LB), Chase Daniel (QB), Darryl Roberts (DB), Nick Williams (DL), Jayron Kearse (DB), Desmond Trufant (DB), Tony McRae (DB), Geremy Davis (WR), Hala Vaitai (OL), Elijah Lee (LB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Geronimo Allison (WR), John Atkins (DL), Russell Bodine (OL)



OFFENSE - Matthew Stafford returns to the role of starting quarterback this season after missing eight games a year ago with various injuries, most notably a back injury. Stafford threw for 2,499 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions. Backing up for Detroit are David Blough (984, four TD, six INT in 2019) and Chase Daniel, who comes over from the Chicago Bears.
Rookie running back D'Andre Swift (Georgia) is in camp and is likely to take over as the primary runner this season. Kerryon Johnson led the Lions last year with 406 rushing yards (3.6 ypc average) and three touchdowns.
The wide receivers are Kenny Golladay (65 receptions, 1,190 yards, eleven TD), Marvin Jones, Jr. (62, 779, nine TD), Danny Amendola (62, 678, one TD) and rookie Quintez Cephus (Wisconsin). The tight ends will be T.J. Hockenson (32, 367, two TD) and Jesse James (16, 142 yards).
The Lions passing offense was tenth last season (244 YPG) while the running game averaged 103 yards a game (21st) for a total offense that ranked 17th overall, gaining 347 yards per game. Detroit averaged 21.3 points per game.


DEFENSE - Lots of new personnel in place for this season as former New England Patriots players such as linebacker Jamie Collins (seven QB sacks and three interceptions, including one for touchdown), defensive lineman Danny Shelton (three sacks) and Duron Harmon, a safety who had two interceptions a year ago all are on board for the 2020 season. Rookie draft picks Jeff Okudah (number three overall in NFL draft) is a cornerback from Ohio State and along with linebacker Julian Okwara (Notre Dame) will definitely be in the mix right away.
Defensive end Trey Flowers (seven sacks) and tackles (Danny) Shelton and Nick Williams (six sacks with Chicago) form the front line. Collins will man the outside linebacker spot along with Christian Jones (two sacks) while Jarrad Davis and Jahlani Tavai play inside linebacker. Reggie Ragland (two sacks with Kansas City) and (Julian) Okwara will contribute as well.
The secondary will have the rookie Okudah and Desmond Trufant (four picks with Atlanta last season) at the corners while Harmon and Tracy Walker play safety. Others in the mix are Jayron Kearse, Will Harris, Darryl Roberts and Amani Oruwariye, who had two interceptions.


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Detroit went through a lot of changes since last season, during which they will look to improve from a dismal season that saw them lose their last nine games and finish last in the NFC North for the second consecutive season.
Head Coach Matt Patricia is on the hot seat and he now has four former players from when he was the defensive coordinator in New England on the team. Whether that translates into a better defense remains to be seen, but it cannot hurt after last year's debacle when the Lions were 31st in the NFL in defense, allowing 400 yards per game. The pass defense was the worst in pro football, allowing 284 yards per game while the run defense gave up 116 YPG (21st). The Lions allowed 26.4 points per game (26th) and only registered 28 sacks while getting just seven interceptions.
Protecting the quarterback (43 sacks allowed in 2019) and the football is a must this season. The Lions were a minus-five in the turnover category and have to improve if they want to compete in the NFC North division. Detroit was winless in their divisional games last season.
The offense has weapons and if Swift can deliver, it should help to improve the anemic running game. Matthew Stafford has to remain healthy if the team expects to have any type of consistency on offense. The Lions can air it out and they can score points. The key will be the defense limiting opponents.
The way teams make one-year turnarounds in the NFL these days isn't rare, so the Lions cannot be counted out. The first ten games on the schedule don't appear to be real tough for the Lions, but then again they have to make things happen if they expect to be competitive.



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Chicago
Week Two - at Green Bay
Week Three - at Arizona
Week Four - vs. New Orleans
Week Five - BYE
Week Six - at Jacksonville
Week Seven - at Atlanta
Week Eight - vs. Indianapolis
Week Nine - at Minnesota
Week Ten - vs. Washington
Week Eleven - at Carolina
Week Twelve - vs. Houston
Week Thirteen - at Chicago
Week Fourteen - vs. Green Bay
Week Fifteen - at Tennessee
Week Sixteen - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Seventeen - vs. Minnesota

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS - 2020 NFL Season Preview

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS                         

2019 Record - 6-10-0

Head Coach - Doug Marrone

New Players in 2020 - Tyler Eifert (TE), Joe Schobert (LB), Rodney Gunter (DL), Cassius Marsh (DL), Chris Thompson (RB)


Players opting out for 2020 season (COVID-19) - Lerentee McCray (DL),  Rashaan Melvin (DB), Al Woods (DL)


OFFENSE - Quarterback Gardner Minshew passed for 3,271 yards with 21 touchdowns and six interceptions in the 2019 season and also had 344 rushing yards. With Nick Foles now with the Bears, he will start again while either Mike Glennon, Joshua Dobbs or rookie Jake Luton (Oregon State) will be in reserve.
Running backs include Leonard Fournette (1,152 yards, 4.3 ypc average and five TD and also 76 receptions for 522 yards), Chris Thompson and Ryquell Armstead. The wide receivers are DJ Chalk, Jr. (73 receptions, 1,008 yards and eight TD), Dede Wetsbrook (66, 660, three TD) and Chris Conley, who made 47 receptions for 775 yards and five touchdowns. Keelan Cole (24, 361, three TD) and rookies Laviska Shenault, Jr. (Colorado) and Collin Johnson (Texas) provide depth.
Tight ends include James O'Shaughnessy (14, 153, two TD), Tyler Eifert (43, 436, three TD with Cincinnati) and Josh Oliver. The Jaguars ranked in the middle of the pack (20th) offensively last season, averaging 342 yards per game (107 rushing and 235 passing) while scoring 18.8 points per game.


DEFENSE - Yannick Ngakoue (eight QB sacks) and Josh Allen (10 1/2 sacks) and Dawaune Smoot (six sacks) are the ends along with tackles Abry Jones and either one of two free agents in Rodney Gunter (three sacks) or Cassius Marsh (2 1/2 sacks). First round draft pick K'Lavon Chaisson (LSU) will be ready when needed. Playing middle linebacker is Joe Schobert (four interceptions and two sacks with Cleveland) while Myles Jack and Leon Jacobs (two sacks) will be the outside backers.
The secondary features cornerbacks Tre Herndon (three interceptions) and most likely rookie CJ Henderson (first round pick from Florida) with Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison (two picks each last year) playing safety. Adding depth will be Daniel Thomas (rookie from Auburn), D.J. Hayden, Andrew Wingard and rookie Josiah Scott from Michigan State. 


OUTLOOK FOR 2020 - Head Coach Doug Marrone is entering his fourth season with the Jaguars and would like to see the team get back to the form they displayed three years ago when they reached the playoffs and made a deep run to the AFC title game before losing.
If Minshew can duplicate the performances he had early on last season when took over for the injured (QB) Nick Foles, it would go a long way toward helping the Jags improve the offense, which was near the bottom of the league in scoring. With Leonard Fournette back in the fold after a big bounce back season from the lackluster one of 2018, the running game looks solid. There is also a plethora of talented wide receivers and perhaps tight end Tyler Eifert will stay healthy after coming over from the Bengals.
The defense, once one of the best in the NFL, needs to get back to form after falling to 24th overall (allowing 375 YPG in 2019) as they simply couldn't stop the run. The Jags allowed 139 rushing yards per game (28th) and gave up 24.8 points per game while also allowing 236 passing yards per game, which ranked 16th in the NFL. They did get 47 QB sacks and picked off ten passes last year.
Jacksonville will have their work cut out for them once again in the 2020 season as they play in the AFC South and have Tennessee, Houston and Indianapolis as competition. If they can get the offense humming and the defense can improve, perhaps they can get back to a .500 level team, but this season looks to be a building block as they aim for better times in the future.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. Indianapolis
Week Two at Tennessee
Week Three - vs. Miami
Week Four - at Cincinnati
Week Five - at Houston
Week Six - vs. Detroit
Week Seven - BYE
Week Eight - at L.A. Chargers
Week Nine - vs. Houston
Week Ten - at Green Bay
Week Eleven - vs. Pittsburgh
Week Twelve - vs. Cleveland
Week Thirteen - at Minnesota
Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee
Week Fifteen - at Baltimore
Week Sixteen - vs. Chicago
Week Seventeen - at Indianapolis