Buffalo Bills Owner Mode Episode 1

Xavier Banks Road to Glory - Episode 3

Sports by Schmucks Podcast - Episode 6

(Recorded on August 26, 2013)

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Xavier Banks: Episode 2

Sports by Schmucks: Episode 4

NFL Offseason Review: NFC North

We finish our tour of the NFC with a look at the North, which had 3 teams with 10 or more wins last season. Can the Lions bounce back from a down year? Will the Vikings three first round draft picks make a big difference? Will a CFL coach make an impact and get the Bears back to the Super Bowl? Or can the Green and Gold from the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field keep up their domination and be heading back to the Super Bowl?

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler (Photo from smokinjaycutler.tumblr.com)

The Chicago Bears biggest move this offseason wasn't the addition of Marc Trestman from the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. No, it was the addition of some key offensive linemen who will finally protect Jay Cutler. Oh ya, and letting go some middle linebacker who had been the face of the franchise. Let's get to Jay Cutler first though, and the celebration he must be having at finally having a solid offensive line to protect him with the signing of Jermon Bushrod from New Orleans and the drafting of Kyle Long in the first round. Both should improve this line from terrible to better then average. Cutler should have a big year because of this. In a contract year, expect him to light it up especially if All-Pro running back Matt Forte can stay healthy and bounce back this year. New coach Trestman will open this offense up and be an attacking style team. If you look at his work in the CFL, expect Forte to be heavily involved in catching the ball out of the back field. The receivers for Chicago will be led by another All-Pro in Brandon Marshall, who should continue to be on of the best wide outs in the game. The Bears have to hope Alshon Jeffery can step up and have a bigger role in the offense in his second year in the league. The tight end position should be fine with Martellus Bennett signed in free agency to be the starter. A good pass catcher and blocker, Martellus is a solid option at tight end.

Julius Peppers (Photo from suntimes.com)

The defense - even with the lost of Brian Urlacher - will still be solid. Having two All-Pros on your defensive line is a good place to start. Julius Peppers and Henry Melton are two of the best in the game at getting at the quarterback. Melton will be especially motivated this year after being franchise tagged, and a great season will just bring in the dollars in free agency - and this kid is worth every penny he is going to get. At line backer, D.J. Williams comes over from Denver to man the position Urlacher has been playing for over a decade and will be a solid replacement in the Cover 2 scheme the Bears use. Lance Briggs has still got it for an old man, and still will be counted on to be the new official leader of the defense and continue to come up with big plays. This secondary is a bit underrated I think. They don't get the national exposure of say Seattle or now Tampa Bay, but Tim Jennings and Charles "Peanut" Tillman are one of the best corner tandems in the game. Safety Chris Conte is underrated in my eyes. He's a solid tackler and the man makes plays. I think the Bears can win 9-10 games, but in this tough division and conference, that may not be enough to sneak into even a wildcard spot this year.

Detroit Lions

Calvin Johnson (Photo from espn.com)

Coming off a 4-12 year, the Lions should be able to rebound to a better record - closer towards the 8-8 territory. Matthew Stafford, fresh off his new extension, should have another big year again. Now the Lions have a legit weapon in the back field in free agency signing Reggie Bush from Miami. The addition of Bush to the team gives the Lions a proven runner for the first time in a couple years. With his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, teams will have to account for a pass out to the flats and short yardage with the ability to bust it out. Making teams play back on their heels will certainly help Megatron - Calvin Johnson - have another big year. Maybe not record setting like last year, but certainly just as close. Ghe big question will be if another wide receiver like Nate Burleson or Ryan Broyles can step up and take heat off the big man and give Stafford another legit option on the outside. If not, the duo of Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler give a great 1-2 punch at tight end, both being pass catching threats, especially Scheffler down in the red zone. The offensive line will have to play better this year to help the offense out. The addition of big Larry Warford from Kansas in the third round will definitely help.

Ndamukong Suh (Photo from espn.com)

On the defense, there are big changes along the outside of the defensive line. Top draft pick Ezekiel Ansah joins Jason Jones - who is coming over from Seattle in free agency - to rebuild this line who lost Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch in the offseason. Both players should be an improvement on each man they are replacing, but only if Ansah can live up to his draft selection. In the middle, Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are two über-talented players who have to keep their emotions in check. If they can, this combination can be one of the premier defensive tackle duos in the league. The line backing core of the Lions is very underwhelming. The presence of Stephen Tulloch is the only thing keeping these guys from being one of the worst in the league. Tulloch is a missile on the field: very rangy and a great tackler. The secondary has the potential to be a decent group if second round pick Darius Slay can crack the starting line up and play well. Chris Houston is a solid starter, but is more of a guy you would feel more comfortable throwing on a teams number two wide out. Glover Quin coming over from Houston in the offseason will be a great pairing with Louis Delmas to give the Lions a solid combination at safety. The Lions just need Delmas to get over the injury bug and get an entire full season out of him for this secondary to succeed.

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers (Photo from profootballrosters.com)

In the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Packers should remain the top dogs in the division. I predict 11 wins, but they will have a tougher go this season to remain on top. Aaron Rodgers - another quarterback who got his money this offseason - is the clear leader of this team, and one of the top quarterbacks in the game. This offseason, the Packers finally went out and got him some potential legit running backs for the first time. With the drafting of Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in this years NFL draft, the Packers have a nice 1-2 punch they can throw at rival teams. Lacy is the thunder to Franklin's a lightning. This duo should put other teams on notice that Green Bay can run it down your throats if they want to. They won't though because they still have one of the top passing attacks in the league, even without Greg Jennings. Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones are just playmakers for Rodgers, especially Cobb who's elusiveness can bust out big plays at anytime. The Packers will need a better year out of Jermichael Finley, who struggled last year and fell out of favour as one of Rodgers go-to guys. The offensive line is going to need to shore up this year. Last year, they had Rodgers getting hit left and right. But with the addition of an actual running attack, teams will have to respect the run and not just send the dogs at Rodgers knowing a pass is coming.

B.J. Raji (Photo from espn.com)

The Packers defense comes back pretty much intact from last year, but with the addition of first round pick Datone Jones to play on the defensive line. Mostly known for rushing the passer, Jones should be able to hold up well in the 3-4 system the Packers play. B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett are solid 3-4 defensive linemen and space eaters. Those space eaters allow the line backers to get to the quarterback and, with outside linebacker Clay Matthews, that happens very often. Yhe line backers are a very good group, with former first round pick AJ Hawk and Nick Perry being solid players. other inside linebacker Brad Jones is serviceable next to those gentlemen. Tramon Williams, Sam Shields, and Casey Heyward make a very solid combination at corner, with Heyward being put into more of a slot role this year. With Shields coming back, look for even more big plays from Heyward. Safeties for the Packers are unspectacular, but the corners make up for their deficiencies.

Minnesota Vikings

Christian Ponder (Photo from twincities.com)

This season for the Vikings and a return to the playoffs will not rest on All Day Adrian Peterson. It will rest on the arm of Christian Ponder and his ability to bring balance to the offense so Peterson can do his thing without nine people being in the box. He now has the weapons in former division-rival from Green Bay Greg Jennings coming over to the Vikings, and one of three first round picks Cordarrelle Patterson now manning the receiver position. So, he has his weapons on the outside. With his two solid pass catching tight ends in Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson, the excuses are gone. Ponder must produce or will be reduced to the bench or free agency, especially with a great class of quarterbacks coming out in this year's draft. The offensive line is anchored by Matt Kalil and is full of road graters who will open up massive holes for their All-World running back.

Jared Allen (Photo from espn.com)

Sharrif's Floyd slide from potential top 5 pick to 23rd overall is a blessing in disguise for this former Florida defensive tackle. Granted, he loses out in millions of dollars. But sliding in next to another stud tackle in Kevin Williams can do nothing but make this kid better. Floyd has plenty of pass rush ability and with Jared Allen on the outside, this line can be incredibly formidable.  Look for Allen to take another run at the sack record this year. The line backers lead by Erin Henderson and Chad Greenway are a great group who are solid at the line, but struggle a bit in coverage. They will be joined by 4th round pick this year Gerald Hodges to make a solid group, making the front 7 a very strong group. The 3rd of the Vikings first round picks Xavier Rhodes will combine with Chris Cook and A.J. Jefferson to give them a bunch of young corners with a lot of potential. If they can live up to that, it will make the entire defense much much better. If they struggle, look for more pressure to be on the front 4 to get things done. Harrison Smith out of Notre Dame was one of the more pleasant surprises last year in the league, playing exceptionally well. He will be a Pro Bowl player one day in this league. I expect a 6 to 7 win season for the Vikings this year, and a new quarterback next year with them selecting one of the great quarterbacks coming out next year.

That is the end of the NFC. Now on to the AFC.

Up first will be the AFC West, where the Denver Broncos will hope to repeat at division champions and make another attempt to get Peyton another ring. Can the Kansas City Chiefs - a team with the worst record in the league last year - bounce back to sneak into a playoff spot? Will a new head coach get the San Diego Chargers back being Super and in to the playoffs? Can the Oakland Raiders make that next step from bottom of the division to even third?

I will let you know.

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NFL Offseason Review: NFC East

The NFC East - the bright lights of the NFL shine on this division much more than any other. Many of the NFL's glamour teams reside here: America's Team, a two-time Super Bowl champion in the last decade, an offensive genius coming from the college ranks, and the electric RG3. The NFC East has it all, and especially has a lot of questions about each and every team. So lets take a look.

Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo (Photo from espn.com)

Well, America's Team certainly had an interesting offseason. Between changing their defensive schemes to having a very interesting draft to say the least, let's see how Dallas measures up coming into this upcoming season. At quarterback, freshly-paid Tony Romo will have even more pressure thrown on top of him after signing a six-year, $108 million contract. Romo better lead the Cowboys back to the playoffs and win at least a game this year or the media will be all over the Cowboys and Jerry Jones for giving such a rich contract to someone who cannot win a big game come playoff time. Romo has to stop having his late season collapses to finally break his image as someone who cannot handle the pressure. Hopefully getting a full, healthy season out of running back DeMarco Murray this season will help. When healthy and on the field, Murray is a game changing back capable of taking a run to the house at any time. But, health is always an issue for Murray. The Cowboys do not have any great back-ups for Murray, so Murray better stay healthy or look for Romo to suffer the consequences. The receivers are a question mark for this team. They have talented - but pain in the neck - wideout Dez Bryant, and Miles Austin for Romo. Bryant is one of the best wideouts in the game if he is focused, but has constant outside distractions. Last year was his big break out season. I expect him to grow on that if he stays focused and in the game. Austin has to get back to his form from a couple years ago when he busted out because the depth behind them doesn't have very many proven players. Watch out for Cole Beasley. He's going to get a lot balls thrown his way this year. At tight end, the ageless wonder Jason Witten will have some assistance in this year's 2nd round pick Gavin Escobar. This duo will be a hard pair to cover and will cause many mismatches. Look for a great year from both. The offensive line should be better then last year with Tyron Smith getting another year of experience under his belt. With the addition of surprising first rounder Travis Frederick to anchor the line at center for Romo, they should not be as inconsistent as last years group who allowed 36 sacks, and couldn't get any push for any running back last year.

DeMarcus Ware (Photo from Dallas Observer)

The biggest change with the Cowboys is switching from there 3-4 attacking defense to a Cover-2 4-3 defense under the master Monte Kiffin. The defensive line should be solid with DeMarcus Ware being moved to defensive end in the scheme, allowing him to solely focus on rushing the passer without having to drop into coverage. Anthony Spencer had a solid year last year and should be just as effective this year with Ware rushing the passer full time. Tackles Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher will be solid up the gut in the middle against the run, but they will need to get pressure up the middle to be successful in the Tampa 2 scheme. Sean Lee, Bruce Carter, and Justin Durant make a fantastic group for Dallas to build around. Lee and Carter are both built for this scheme: rangy, athletic, and have great ball skills to excel in the Tampa 2 defense. The secondary will have to step up this year playing in mostly zone coverage. Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr will have to play extremely effectively for this defense to stop anyone. Safeties Will Allen and Barry Church will have to play well this season for Kiffin's defense. The safeties need to be playmakers. The 'Boys will have it rough in the NFC East this season. I do not expect the Cowboys to play up to owner Jerry Jones' standards, and coach Jason Garrett to be let go. Six wins for America's team.

New York Giants

Eli Manning (Photo from Village Voice)

The Super Bowl Champions of two years ago are still fill steam ahead towards another Super Bowl run. But do the Giant's have enough to make it to another Lombardi trophy? The quarterback position for the Giants is all set with Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning at the head of the team. Solid, reliable, and efficient, Eli is the unquestioned leader of the Giants this year. The wide receiver position is set with the resigning of Victor Cruz, and the return to health of Hakeem Nicks. Keep an eye out for Rueben Randle to have a big year as well. The signing of Brandon Myers to play tight end was an under-the-radar pick up. Myers is a solid blocker and good in the passing game which should help Eli out tremendously. David Wilson had a break out last couple games in 2012 for the Giants, who are hoping that their first round pick from last year is going to break out like Doug Martin from Tampa Bay did last year. The depth chart behind him is a bit sketchy, but serviceable. The offensive line should be solid if not unspectacular. The addition of first round pick Justin Pugh should help with his versatility on the line if he does not win a starting job out of camp.

Justin Tuck (left) and Jason Pierre-Paul (right) (Photo from nj.com)

The Giants' defense is going to have to rely on their front four to carry the weight this year, because the line backers are unproven and the secondary has talent but needs to step up and show maturity and play up to potential. Losing Osi Umenyiora in the off season hurts the depth of the defensive line, but if Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck can get back to playing to their ceilings, the line will be fine. JPP especially needs a bounce back after his down season last year. I fully expect both defensive ends to get into the 10+ sack territory. The tackles should be solid, especially with drafting Jon Hankins in the 2nd round this year. They have depth and talent at the position. It won't be a worry for the team. The line backers are lead by... well, no one really. There is no stand out talent in the line backing core, just a bunch of average fellas who won't scare anyone. Secondary outlook for the Giants is they have young talent in Prince Amukamara and a veteran presence in Corey Webster, which should be a solid pairing if Prince can live up to his first round pick in 2011. He has the talent and the size, but has yet to put together a solid showing. The safeties, lead by Antrel Rolle, are solid but unspectacular. As long as they are not being beat by the big play, the safety position will be fine. I see an eight win season ahead for the New York Football Giants.

Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly (Photo from emory.edu)

I am having a real hard time deciding how the Eagles are going to end up this year with so many questions about the team. Chip Kelly becoming head coach and bringing his uptempo offense to the NFL, Mike Vick being healthy and in a QB competition with Nick Foles,  and the defensive switch to the 3-4 brings up a lot of interesting questions. Let's start off at quarterback with Vick and Foles. I fully believe Vick will be the starter coming out of camp, but with his history of injuries, watch for Foles to close out the season. If healthy, in this offense, Vick will be an extremely dangerous man with the option and the weapons he has around him. With LeSean McCoy being back and healthy, if the option is going to be used, look for the Eagles to possibly even out pace the 49ers with the running game this year. This offense could be scary, but until they get on the field no one knows. Bryce Brown will be a solid back-up to McCoy this year, as long as he can get his fumbling under control. The receivers and tight ends will be solid with Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson on the outside, and new pick up from Tampa Bay Arrelious Benn in the slot. Zack Ertz and Brent Celek will be a fantastic duo of tight ends for Vick. Both are big athletic targets who will be dangerous in the end zone. With the return of Jason Peters to health and selection of Lane Johnson with their first round pick this year, this offensive line should be one of the top lines in the year.

DeMeco Ryans (Photo from philly.com)

The Eagles are switching from a traditional 4-3 to a 3-4 this year, and I believe that they will have a fantastic front seven to anchor the team. Up front on the defensive line, Fletcher Cox, Clifton Geathers, and free agent signing Isaac Sopoaga will be a good front three to hold the line with plenty of depth behind them. The line backers are the bright spot of the defense, with another free agent signee Conner Barwin brought in to rush the passer alongside converted defensive end Trent Cole. they should make a formidable duo on the outside. DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks in the middle are a fantastic athletic pairing who should excel this season with running backs being funnelled their way. Both are good in coverage as well. The secondary will be the big question, with the entire starting secondary being overhauled. Until training camp begins, I can't really give to many predictions about how they will perform together. But nothing can be worse then last year, so expect a better showing this year with a big bounce back year from Patrick Chung. I see a seven to eight win season out of the Eagles. They are a solid team that might need another year to contend for playoff spot under Chip Kelly.

Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III (Photo from espn.com)

Here is the team I am fully expecting to run away with this division this year - Robert Griffin or not. RG3 should be fine coming back from ACL surgery since he's already back on the field practicing with his team. When healthy, we all know he is a dynamic player who is a game changer. But if he can't get on the field, Kurt Cousins will be a fantastic replacement. I believe Cousins will be a starter very soon in this league. So if RG3 goes down, the Redskins will barely miss a beat. Alfred Morris had a breakout year last year in his rookie season, coming from nowhere to be the next in a long line of Mike Shanahan running backs to be the man. The depth behind Morris is solid with Roy Hulu and Evan Royster. The receivers for the Skins are solid veterans with the ability to create big plays. Santana Moss is ageless. Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan are big play guys. Fred Davis is a great all around tight end who is a great pass catcher and blocker. I expect him to bust out this year and put up close to elite tight end numbers. The offensive line is solid with Trent Williams protecting the left tackle position. The rest of the line is just ok. As long as they can hold up and protect RG3, they are the position that will decide how RG3 plays and if he gets injured.

Brian Orakpo (Photo from blog.redskins.com)

The front seven of the Redskins is great. Barry Cofield, Stephen Bowen, and Jarvis Jenkins are a solid big front three who are space eaters, and good against the run. The line backers are the stars of this team, with All-Pro Brian Orakpo returning from injury and Ryan Kerrigan gaining another year of experience. These two make a deadly pairing rushing the quarterback. The quarterbacks of the NFC East should be shaking at Orakpo's return. The ageless wonder London Fletcher is back and is manning the middle again for the Skins. He has always been underrated and I think he's a future hall of famer. Fletcher is a tackling machine and with another solid tackler Perry Riley beside him, this line backing core is a favourite of mine with every member of the squad being solid. The weak part of the defense is the secondary with DeAngelo Hall being the star of the secondary. Josh Wilson is a solid starter beside him at the corner position, with Brandon Meriweather and Reed Doughty being average starters at safeties. Both are unspectacular with their play, but solid all around players. I expect the Redskins to win 11 and easily win this division.

Three NFC divisions down, one more to go. Up next another storied division, including the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, the Monsters of the Midway, the reigning NFL MVP, and ... a bankrupt city. Last but not least, it's the NFC North next time.

Be sure to follow the new Sports by Schmucks Twitter for updates on when new articles will be posted. We've also started to live tweet some games and events. You never know which game we'll do. Plus, we added a YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe to get our latest videos and podcasts.