It’s a great opportunity to review teams each quarter mark
of the season, and review the upcoming schedules. So far after Week 4 this is
what we know!
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AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (3-1)
FIRST PLACE
BILLS FANS! Enjoy this! The Buffalo Bills are a surprise to most expect us here
at All Day Football. We fully endorsed the move to bring in Sean McDermott
& Brandon Beane to overhaul the team and bring a winning culture to the
club. The re-installation of a 4-3 defense enhancing the skill-sets of current
roster players has been a breath of fresh air. The Bills have looked dominate on
defense shutting down the opposition and allowing a slim 13.5 points per game.
Their bend but don’t break play has giving Tyrod Taylor and company the ability
to control the game with the run and short pass. The Bills easily could be 4-0
going into week 5 had Taylor found rookie Zay Jones for the game winning score
vs the Panthers in week 2. Tyrod simply doesn’t turn the ball over giving them
a chance to win every week. Surprisingly the Bills have 3 wins and workhorse
Shady McCoy is still yet to find the end-zone, shocking! Shady eventually will
find pay-dirt to which should help the Bills defensively to play with a lead.
The Bills brain trust is young, hungry, and extremely intelligent; rest easy
Bills fans you are in good hands.
The Bills
upcoming schedule consists of - @CIN,
BYE, TB, OAK, @NYJ, NWO, @LAC, all very winnable games if they stay true to
their formula. Could we see a Bills Division winning in 2017/2018? We shall see,
it’s still very early.
New York Jets (2-2)
Tank the
season was the mantra of the Jets going into camp, and yet they have competed
at a decent level in the last 2 weeks. They opened the season with very sub-par
performances vs the Bills and the Raiders echoing the stigma that the season
was already lost right out of the gates. Enter week 3 & 4 and we have seen
a much more inspired New York Jets squad. They dominated the Dolphins at home
with sound play and great run stuffing. While week 4 showed their ability to
game plan and exploit the leaky Jaguar run defense and steal they game late for
the win. Obviously, the Jets are capable of handling themselves vs similar
underachieving opponents, but don’t get used to that. The Jets defense is
extremely weak at the LB position which leaves their below average secondary at
risk for big plays all over the field. The schedule upcoming will put the Jets
back down to earth after a week 5 date with the Browns.
The Jets
upcoming schedule consists of - @CLE, NE, @MIA, ATL, BUF, @TB, minus Cleveland
they could drop all these upcoming games. I don’t expect the Jets to hold a top
spot in the division for very long.
New England Patriots (2-2)
Nobody wins
the Superbowl in the off season contrary to popular belief to those whom
anointed the Patriots at running the table to 16-0 in 2017/2018. The Patriots
again find themselves in somewhat of a crisis early when it comes to what they
actually are. Yes injuries have played a massive role in their 2-2 record but
there is a lot more to this puzzle. The Patriots possess absolutely no
sustainable run attack that would drill fear into opposing defenses. Familiar
to past New England teams the short pass game reflects the philosophy and
mimics a run game. The other huge disappointment and surprise is the lack of
understanding on how to utilize super-speedster Brandin Cooks. He’s shown his
abilities in this offence yet disappears from week to week making it unclear to
who is actually the problem, Cooks or the game plan? What we have learned from
the Patriots is that never go to sleep on them, Belichick is a master at
figuring out his weakness and promoting the strengths, this should be corrected
soon. The biggest concern here is the play of that high priced defense. Granted
they have endured injuries on that side of the ball, however, they lack that
killer instinct and sitting in the middle of the pack in generating turnovers.
I fully expect Belichick and co. to figure this out.
The Pats
upcoming schedule consists of - @TB, @NYJ, ATL, LAC, BYE, @DEN, @OAK. With 4
games on the road out of 6, with all capable opponents (minus the NYJ), it’s
safe to say this could get interesting. Could we see dethroning in the AFC
EAST?
Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Once Jay
Cutler was signed the Miami Dolphins instantly jumped on our radar at ADF. The
thought process was; Head Coach Adam Gase could re-ignite Cutler in a familiar
scheme combined with greater talent and could take the Dolphins to the next
level. Suffice it to say that hasn’t occurred outside the close victory in Week
2 vs the stumbling Chargers. In back to back weeks the Fins over-paid
underachieving defense hasn’t been able to fit the bill. All the blame can’t be
forced upon the defense though, that Miami offence has been upright terrible.
Aside from week 2 the Dolphins haven’t generated any run attack and Cutler is proving
he should’ve stayed in the broadcast booth. I still won’t give up on this team
just yet, but big improvements need to be made to right this ship, and needs to
be made quickly!
The Dolphins
upcoming schedule consists of – TEN, @ATL, NYJ, @BAL, OAK, @CAR, TB. Again
aside from the Jets (even though Miami has already lost to them), this upcoming
schedule should be tricky for them to overcome. There is no fear to play Miami
at this point.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
It’s
astonishing that the Steelers lead the division with the way they have played
through 4 weeks! They have become quite an underachiever the last few years
versus opponents with lower ambitions then their own. On the road they tend to
play to the level of their opponent making life very difficult on themselves.
With Bell holding out the entire preseason, he’s just found his football legs
in week 4. Big Ben flirted with the idea of retirement in the off season which
leads me to the opinion he has already checked out, I don’t like what I see.
That defense however has been pleasant to watch grow. T.J Watt has become a
favorite with ADF with his fantastic play and energy which seems to raise the
level of play on that defense. We do know what the Steelers potential is with
the core they have, especially on offence.
The Steelers
upcoming schedule consists of – JAX, @KC, CIN, @DET, BYE, @IND, TEN. The
schedule has favorable games for the Steelers to take advantage of, but they
should count themselves lucky they play in the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
We may have
been fooled with the exceptional play of the defense to begin the season as
they entertained extremely weak opponents. Struck back to earth by the Jaguars in
a colossal beat down in London, while drooping week 4 to a division foe with an
extreme lack of execution. At the start
of the season the Ravens looked to have a favorable schedule backed by a
defense that would carry the team. As recently seen the offence has become its
detriment causing the defense to falter. Offensively I believe Flacco is
playing injured while receiving little help from his cast of wide receivers.
Much improvement will be required for the Ravens to make any push this year.
With that said, they do play in the weak AFC North and could find a division
title again.
The Ravens
upcoming schedule consists of – @OAK, CHI, @MIN, MIA, @TEN, BYE, @GB. There are
winnable games upcoming, however Flacco might have to get out of his own way to
make that happen.
Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
The Bengals
started looking like the Bungles again to start the season at 0-3. Reliving
their offensive coordinator post week 2 and the terrible showing on Thursday
Night the Bengals looked to regroup the following week in Green Bay, which they
did. Since the firing, the Bengals have improved vastly on the offensive side
of the ball, however I don’t believe it’s sustainable as some may think. Dalton
has regressed every year since Hue Jackson left for the darker pastures of the
Browns. Cincinnati does possess playmakers that could keep them competitive but
I believe this ship has sailed for what they will be under Coach Marvin Lewis.
The way the Bengals have started the season it should be very difficult to
overcome the early shortcomings.
The Bengals
upcoming schedule consists of – BUF, @PIT, IND, @JAX, @TEN, @DEN, CLE. With an
improved Bills defense to begin week 5, then playing 4 of the next 5 on the
road, I wish the fans in Cincinnati the best of luck the rest of the year.
Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Crisis in
Cleveland yet again, but some seem confused by this revelation in the front
office. Perhaps when you invest in a full rebuild, with a rookie Head Coach
(now two years on the job), and a team built straight on the youth movement and
analytical specialists you get to 0-4 easily! It’s not to suggest the Browns
don’t have talent, they do possess some really nice pieces. To add to the frustration we still haven’t
seen the first overall pick Miles Garrett due to injury. I have never endorsed
Isaiah Crowell as I believe he is a change of pace RB that has no business
leading the pack. I viewed Kizer as a bust prospect from the combine and his
tape from Notre Dame, so far not much to get overly excited about. Week 5 vs a
beatable NYJ squad could be your best shot at a victory aside from the Bears
week 16! Sorry Browns fans it’s going to be another very long season.
The Browns
upcoming schedule consists of – NYJ, @HOU, TEN, MIN, BYE, @DET, JAX.
AFC SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
The Jaguars
have found their way into a three way tie for the division lead holding the
tie-breakers at this point. This team is a complete mystery on the offensive
side of the ball. Week in week out you have no clue to how they will perform.
One week they’ll put up 44 on a good defense like Baltimore then look
completely out-of-sync a week later. Leonard Fourentte has brought the
‘as-advertised’ feeling to the run game providing consistent production. Wish
we could say the same about Bortles. Defensively they have been somewhat Jekyll
& Hyde having great games then laying an egg in others. Their secondary is
one of the best in the NFL with Ramsey and Bouye locking down their respective
islands. In a division where it is completely up for grabs it literally rests
on the Jaguars shoulders to make it happen. Unless they begin to buy-in and
play consistent football they will once again find themselves on the outside
looking in.
The Jaguars
upcoming schedule consists of – @PIT, LAR, @ IND, BYE, CIN, LAC, @CLE. There
are many winnable games on tap for this Jacksonville team; I’m not buying into
what they are selling just yet.
Houston Texans (2-2)
Enter one of
the most exciting teams through 4 weeks of play! The infusion of rookie
sensation Deshaun Watson has sparked the increase in production we haven’t seen
in quite some time from that offence. Hopkins again has become a viable threat
on any play. Miller and Foreman will continue to carry the load, while other
options like Will Fuller and potentially Braxton Miller could take them over
the top. While the excitement is generated from that offence we cannot forget
about how talented that defense really is. Lead by J.J Watt & Jadeveon
Clowney that defense has performed admirably with a few hiccups. This Houston
team is definitely on the rise and should go as far as the progression of
Watson takes them. This has become a very exciting team to watch.
The Texans upcoming
schedule consists of – KC, CLE, BYE, @SEA, IND, @LAR, ARZ. Vegas will
under-dog the Texans at home to unbeaten
KC, but beware, this Texans team almost upset the Patriots in Foxborough. A few
more weeks and I might be sold on the Texans!
Tennessee Titans (2-2)
Most experts
sung the praises of the Titans right from camp; I assure you ADF wasn’t one of
them. I do believe the Titans are a well-built club but have shown many flaws
in their approach so far this season. First - they are built as a run first
team! That offensive line is built perfectly to do damage on the ground while
making defenses respect the run, this we haven’t seen so far in 4 games. It’s a
big mistake to stunt the progression of Mariota forcing him and this offence to
be pass first. Marcus hasn’t surpassed the 300 yard mark so far in 4 weeks,
that should tell you something. The Titans are an up and coming squad no
question but it’s achieved through the correct progression. With addition to
that, this defense isn’t on par to help the offence play with a lead. Coach
Mike Mularkey needs to review the tape so far this season, and go back to the
roots of his original philosophy. Set Murray and Henry free to gallop for W’s
in the win column. Hopefully he understands giving up 57 points to the Texans
week 4 should get him to review that!
The Titans
upcoming schedule consists of - @MIA, IND, @CLE, BYE, BAL, CIN, @PIT. The
Titans are hoping Mariota can go week 5 after suffering a hamstring injury as
the next 3 games before the bye week are clearly winnable. I really want to see
the Titans go back to their commitment in running the ball to set up the pass.
Recipe for success in Tennessee!
Indianapolis Colts (1-3)
This season
started with low expectations with franchise QB Andrew Luck on the shelf with
his injured shoulder. After getting blown out week 1 in LA the Colts swiftly
traded for Patriots Jacoby Brissett. This was a fantastic move to help the
Colts remain somewhat competitive until Luck returns. Brissett unfortunately
was thrown into the fire with limited preparation of the Colt play book thus
they sit at 1-3. The fundamental issue with the Colts is how they have built
this squad. Firstly, you draft a great talent in Luck and refuse to adequately
provide talent to the most important piece on that offence, THE OFFENSIVE LINE!
The Colts brain trust has failed their top talent as fans watch in disgust at
how their franchise QB is literally being killed on the field. That only begins
to show what the issue is in Indy. The lack of addressing the running back
situation to form a solid run game has been almost as mind boggling as the lack
of offensive line. Let’s not forget about the weakness which is the Colts
defense. This unit isn’t built to stop anyone with consistency. If I’m a Colts
fan I don’t believe Andrew Luck’s return will help you this season. Lick your
wounds and get ready for the next draft.
The Colts
upcoming schedule consists of – SF, @TEN, JAX, @CIN, @HOU, PIT, BYE.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Now we enter
the best division in football with the mighty Kansas City Chiefs. This team is
the epitome of perfection based on roster building. Andy Reid is an absolute
genius when it comes to producing in the regular season, and this year is no
different. Drafting Patrick Mahomes to push Alex Smith to another level, while
installing a deep pass game to compliment his new toy (Mahomes), has been a
stroke of genius. To his credit Smith has answered the bell. He has performed
on a level that could be considered elite. It does help when a team hits the
lottery in drafting young super-star in the making RB Kareem Hunt. This kid is
so dynamic it also has lifted the Chiefs to another level. KC possesses a
terrific offence to go along with a great defense. Losing star safety Eric
Berry was devastating; however the Chiefs are built with depth to overcome. I
haven’t even mentioned Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. I’m all on board with this
team for the regular season, Andy Reid will need to shake off the demons for
post season football to make me a true believer. This team is the front runner
after 4 weeks of play in the AFC, no question.
The Chiefs
upcoming schedule consists of - @HOU, PIT, @OAK, DEN, @DAL, BYE, @NYG. The
Chiefs one loss in these next 7 could come from the Broncos, other than that
they will have close games but should overcome.
Denver Broncos (3-1)
The Broncos
yet again proved to the NFL that they house one of the best defensive units in
the league. As strong as they are Head Coach Vance Joseph has greatly improved
Denver’s run defense, something that has lacked these past few seasons. Correcting
this has made the defense even more dominate. The biggest surprise should be
the play of the offence thus far. Though it shouldn’t be a shocker when OC Mike
McCoy rejoined his former squad to take control of the play calling duties. In
my opinion he is one of the best offensive minds in the game today, and it’s
shown on the field. Aside from a few bad decisions McCoy has made Trevor
Siemian look the part of a quality starting QB. CJ Anderson has impressed and
looks like he’s back to full health. Week 2 was the most impressive showing
from this Broncos team dismantling the Dallas Cowboys 42-17. The philosophy for
this team is simple, run the ball, play top notch defense, and don’t turn the
ball over. If they can keep pace with that process the Broncos should find
themselves back in the post-season.
The Broncos
upcoming schedule consists of – BYE, NYG, @LAC, @KC, @ PHI, NE, CIN. It was
stated when the NFL schedule was released that Denver did have the toughest road,
it appears that way still.
Oakland Raiders (2-2)
ADF was one
to fully endorse the Raiders in how they are building and producing on the
field. I still believe in what Oakland can be but the circumstances have
changed after week 4. Derek Carr once again is injured for what could be some
time. We have seen what happens to the Raiders when he goes down (remember last
year). Unfortunately for Oakland they don’t have a viable backup in EJ Manuel
to get them over the hump until Carr returns. The disappointing play of young
star turned young underachieving star Amari Cooper has been just that, a great
disappointment! Marshawn Lynch has been a breath of fresh air for the run game
but without Carr manning the ship his efforts should go by the waste side.
Lynch is no longer in the position physically to carry a team on his back. The
Raiders have also underachieved on the defensive side of the ball. Paying high
priced free agents and drafting well hasn’t translated into production on the
field. Khalil Mack is by far the best player on this defense and yet he seems
to disappear at times. In this division there is no room for error and it
doesn’t look like the Raiders will be in the mix.
The Raiders
upcoming schedule consists of – BAL, LAC, KC, @BUF, @MIA, BYE, NE. With Carr
playing, many of these games would favor Oakland, without Carr they should be
considered the under-dog majority of the time.
Los Angeles Chargers (0-4)
You can’t
make this stuff up and yet the story of the Chargers is constantly repeating
itself. Competitive in most games yet always finding a way to lose, that’s been
the Chargers. One would’ve thought the move to LA would’ve removed these demons
from the club, but the stench has following them up freeway I-405. It not like
the Chargers are a terrible team but it seems like they can’t put it all
together at the right time. Rivers seems to have enough in the tank for a few
more seasons, while Melvin Gordon is quickly defining himself as a premier back
in the league. Also, don’t discount Keenan Allen, he has picked up right where
he left off pre-injury. One major concern on offence is the under-utilization
of stud tight-end Hunter Henry. Anthony Lynn is a smart football man however he
lacks the full understanding of placing his top talent in the best position.
This was proven with his time in Buffalo where he focused far too much on the
weakness of Tyrod Taylor rather then placing Charles Clay in the appropriate
positions to help Taylor. The same is being done with Henry. This offence
should be created to run first with Gordon, Allen as the primary and Henry as
the secondary, force feed these men the ball. Don’t we see a similar situation
in Kansas City with a hot trio of Hill-Hunt-Kelce?!? Unfortunately starting 0-4
will seal a team’s fate for the season. Perhaps the Chargers will be in the
running for a new QB come draft time?
The Chargers
upcoming schedule consists of – @NYG, @OAK, DEN, @NE, BYE, JAX, BUF. By the looks
of it the Chargers have a very difficult road. Good luck to them and the fans.
Stay tuned for the 1/4 season review for the NFC...
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