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your schedule All times EST Note: Under the NFL s Flexible Schedule policy beginning in Week 5 the Sunday night game on NBC is subject to change WEEK 1 THURSDAY, SEP. 08 Carolina at Denver 8:30 PM NBC SUNDAY, SEP. 11 Buffalo at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS Green Bay at Jacksonville 1:00 PM FOX San Diego at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS Oakland at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX Chicago at Houston 1:00 PM FOX Cleveland at Philadelphia 1:00 PM CBS Minnesota at Tennessee 1:00 PM FOX Tampa Bay at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX Cincinnati at N.Y. Jets 1:00 PM CBS Miami at Seattle 4:05 PM CBS N.Y. Giants at Dallas 4:25 PM FOX Detroit at Indianapolis 4:25 PM FOX New England at Arizona 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, SEP. 12 Pittsburgh at Washington 7:10 PM ESPN Los Angeles at San Francisco 10:20 PM ESPN WEEK 2 THURSDAY, SEP. 15 N.Y. Jets at Buffalo 8:25 PM CBS SUNDAY, SEP. 18 New Orleans at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX Kansas City at Houston 1:00 PM CBS Cincinnati at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS Dallas at Washington 1:00 PM FOX Miami at New England 1:00 PM CBS Tennessee at Detroit 1:00 PM CBS Baltimore at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS San Francisco at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX Tampa Bay at Arizona 4:05 PM FOX Seattle at Los Angeles 4:05 PM FOX Indianapolis at Denver 4:25 PM CBS Jacksonville at San Diego 4:25 PM CBS Atlanta at Oakland 4:25 PM CBS Green Bay at Minnesota 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, SEP. 19 Philadelphia at Chicago 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 3 THURSDAY, SEP. 22 Houston at New England 8:25 PM CBS SUNDAY, SEP. 25 Minnesota at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX Detroit at Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX Baltimore at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS Arizona at Buffalo 1:00 PM FOX Oakland at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS Cleveland at Miami 1:00 PM CBS Washington at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX Denver at Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS San Francisco at Seattle 4:05 PM FOX Los Angeles at Tampa Bay 4:05 PM FOX N.Y. Jets at Kansas City 4:25 PM CBS San Diego at Indianapolis 4:25 PM CBS Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 4:25 PM CBS Chicago at Dallas 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, SEP. 26 Atlanta at New Orleans 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 4 THURSDAY, SEP. 29 Miami at Cincinnati 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, OCT. 02 Indianapolis at Jacksonville 9:30 AM CBS Buffalo at New England 1:00 PM CBS Seattle at N.Y. Jets 1:00 PM FOX Detroit at Chicago 1:00 PM FOX Carolina at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX Oakland at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS Tennessee at Houston 1:00 PM CBS Cleveland at Washington 1:00 PM CBS Denver at Tampa Bay 4:05 PM CBS Los Angeles at Arizona 4:25 PM FOX New Orleans at San Diego 4:25 PM FOX Dallas at San Francisco 4:25 PM FOX Kansas City at Pittsburgh 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, OCT. 03 N.Y. Giants at Minnesota 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 5 THURSDAY, OCT. 06 Arizona at San Francisco 8:25 PM CBS SUNDAY, OCT. 09 Washington at Baltimore 1:00 PM FOX Tennessee at Miami 1:00 PM CBS Houston at Minnesota 1:00 PM CBS Chicago at Indianapolis 1:00 PM FOX N.Y. Jets at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS Philadelphia at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX New England at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS Atlanta at Denver 4:05 PM FOX San Diego at Oakland 4:25 PM CBS Buffalo at Los Angeles 4:25 PM CBS Cincinnati at Dallas 4:25 PM CBS N.Y. Giants at Green Bay 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, OCT. 10 Tampa Bay at Carolina 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 6 THURSDAY, OCT. 13 Denver at San Diego 8:25 PM CBS SUNDAY, OCT. 16 Los Angeles at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX San Francisco at Buffalo 1:00 PM FOX Jacksonville at Chicago 1:00 PM CBS Cleveland at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS Philadelphia at Washington 1:00 PM FOX Baltimore at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM CBS Carolina at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX Pittsburgh at Miami 1:00 PM CBS Cincinnati at New England 1:00 PM CBS Kansas City at Oakland 4:05 PM CBS Atlanta at Seattle 4:25 PM FOX Dallas at Green Bay 4:25 PM FOX Indianapolis at Houston 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, OCT. 17 N.Y. Jets at Arizona 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 7 THURSDAY, OCT. 20 Chicago at Green Bay 8:25 PM CBS SUNDAY, OCT. 23 N.Y. Giants at Los Angeles 9:30 AM NFLN Washington at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX Minnesota at Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX Cleveland at Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS Indianapolis at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS Baltimore at N.Y. Jets 1:00 PM CBS Oakland at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS New Orleans at Kansas City 1:00 PM FOX Buffalo at Miami 1:00 PM CBS San Diego at Atlanta 4:05 PM FOX Tampa Bay at San Francisco 4:05 PM FOX New England at Pittsburgh 4:25 PM CBS Seattle at Arizona 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, OCT. 24 Houston at Denver 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 8 THURSDAY, OCT. 27 Jacksonville at Tennessee 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, OCT. 30 Washington at Cincinnati 9:30 AM FOX N.Y. Jets at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS Seattle at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX New England at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS Green Bay at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX Oakland at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM CBS Kansas City at Indianapolis 1:00 PM CBS Detroit at Houston 1:00 PM FOX San Diego at Denver 4:05 PM CBS Arizona at Carolina 4:25 PM FOX Philadelphia at Dallas 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, OCT. 31 Minnesota at Chicago 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 9 THURSDAY, NOV. 03 Atlanta at Tampa Bay 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, NOV. 06 Dallas at Cleveland 1:00 PM FOX Pittsburgh at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX Detroit at Minnesota 1:00 PM FOX N.Y. Jets at Miami 1:00 PM CBS Jacksonville at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS New Orleans at San Francisco 4:05 PM FOX Carolina at Los Angeles 4:05 PM FOX Tennessee at San Diego 4:25 PM CBS Indianapolis at Green Bay 4:25 PM CBS Denver at Oakland 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, NOV. 07 Buffalo at Seattle 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 10 THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Cleveland at Baltimore 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, NOV. 13 Houston at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS Kansas City at Carolina 1:00 PM CBS Los Angeles at N.Y. Jets 1:00 PM FOX Atlanta at Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX Green Bay at Tennessee 1:00 PM FOX Minnesota at Washington 1:00 PM FOX Chicago at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX Denver at New Orleans 1:00 PM CBS Miami at San Diego 4:05 PM CBS San Francisco at Arizona 4:25 PM FOX Dallas at Pittsburgh 4:25 PM FOX Seattle at New England 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, NOV. 14 Cincinnati at N.Y. Giants 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 11 THURSDAY, NOV. 17 New Orleans at Carolina 8:25 PM NBC SUNDAY, NOV. 20 Chicago at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX Arizona at Minnesota 1:00 PM FOX Baltimore at Dallas 1:00 PM CBS Tennessee at Indianapolis 1:00 PM CBS Buffalo at Cincinnati 1:00 PM FOX Pittsburgh at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS Jacksonville at Detroit 1:00 PM CBS Tampa Bay at Kansas City 1:00 PM FOX Miami at Los Angeles 4:05 PM FOX Philadelphia at Seattle 4:25 PM CBS New England at San Francisco 4:25 PM CBS Green Bay at Washington 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, NOV. 21 Houston at Oakland 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 12 THURSDAY, NOV. 24 Minnesota at Detroit 12:30 PM CBS Washington at Dallas 4:30 PM FOX Pittsburgh at Indianapolis 8:30 PM NBC SUNDAY, NOV. 27 N.Y. Giants at Cleveland 1:00 PM FOX San Francisco at Miami 1:00 PM FOX Los Angeles at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX Tennessee at Chicago 1:00 PM CBS Jacksonville at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS Arizona at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX Cincinnati at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS San Diego at Houston 1:00 PM CBS Seattle at Tampa Bay 4:05 PM FOX Kansas City at Denver 4:25 PM CBS Carolina at Oakland 4:25 PM CBS New England at N.Y. Jets 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, NOV. 28 Green Bay at Philadelphia 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 13 THURSDAY, DEC. 01 Dallas at Minnesota 8:25 PM NBC SUNDAY, DEC. 04 Miami at Baltimore 1:00 PM CBS San Francisco at Chicago 1:00 PM FOX Houston at Green Bay 1:00 PM CBS Kansas City at Atlanta 1:00 PM CBS Los Angeles at New England 1:00 PM FOX Detroit at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX Philadelphia at Cincinnati 1:00 PM FOX Denver at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS Buffalo at Oakland 4:05 PM CBS Tampa Bay at San Diego 4:25 PM FOX Washington at Arizona 4:25 PM FOX N.Y. Giants at Pittsburgh 4:25 PM FOX Carolina at Seattle 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, DEC. 05 Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 14 THURSDAY, DEC. 08 Oakland at Kansas City 8:25 PM NBC SUNDAY, DEC. 11 Pittsburgh at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS Houston at Indianapolis 1:00 PM CBS Washington at Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX Denver at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS New Orleans at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX San Diego at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX Cincinnati at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS Chicago at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX Minnesota at Jacksonville 1:00 PM FOX Arizona at Miami 1:00 PM FOX N.Y. Jets at San Francisco 4:05 PM CBS Seattle at Green Bay 4:25 PM FOX Atlanta at Los Angeles 4:25 PM FOX Dallas at N.Y. Giants 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, DEC. 12 Baltimore at New England 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 15 THURSDAY, DEC. 15 Los Angeles at Seattle 8:25 PM NBC SATURDAY, DEC. 17 Miami at N.Y. Jets 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, DEC. 18 Green Bay at Chicago 1:00 PM FOX Tennessee at Kansas City 1:00 PM CBS Detroit at N.Y. Giants 1:00 PM FOX Cleveland at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS Indianapolis at Minnesota 1:00 PM CBS Philadelphia at Baltimore 1:00 PM FOX Tampa Bay at Dallas 1:00 PM FOX Jacksonville at Houston 1:00 PM CBS New Orleans at Arizona 4:05 PM FOX San Francisco at Atlanta 4:05 PM FOX New England at Denver 4:25 PM CBS Oakland at San Diego 4:25 PM CBS Pittsburgh at Cincinnati 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, DEC. 19 Carolina at Washington 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 16 THURSDAY, DEC. 22 N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia 8:25 PM NBC SATURDAY, DEC. 24 Miami at Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS Tampa Bay at New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX N.Y. Jets at New England 1:00 PM CBS Tennessee at Jacksonville 1:00 PM CBS Minnesota at Green Bay 1:00 PM FOX San Diego at Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS Washington at Chicago 1:00 PM FOX Atlanta at Carolina 1:00 PM FOX Indianapolis at Oakland 4:05 PM CBS Arizona at Seattle 4:25 PM FOX San Francisco at Los Angeles 4:25 PM FOX Cincinnati at Houston 8:25 PM NFLN SUNDAY, DEC. 25 Baltimore at Pittsburgh 4:30 PM NFLN Denver at Kansas City 8:30 PM NBC MONDAY, DEC. 26 Detroit at Dallas 8:30 PM ESPN WEEK 17 SUNDAY, JAN. 01 New Orleans at Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX Chicago at Minnesota 1:00 PM FOX Jacksonville at Indianapolis 1:00 PM CBS Dallas at Philadelphia 1:00 PM FOX Green Bay at Detroit 1:00 PM FOX New England at Miami 1:00 PM CBS Buffalo at N.Y. Jets 1:00 PM CBS Carolina at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX N.Y. Giants at Washington 1:00 PM FOX Houston at Tennessee 1:00 PM CBS Baltimore at Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS Cleveland at Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS Kansas City at San Diego 4:25 PM CBS Oakland at Denver 4:25 PM CBS Seattle at San Francisco 4:25 PM FOX Arizona at Los Angeles 4:25 PM FOX pg 2 2016 NFL Preview BOTTLING CO., INC. 1701 PIDCO DRIVE, PLYMOUTH, IN 574-936-3220
THE WATCH LIST Five players on new teams to watch 2016 Rookie Watch DeMarco Murray RB Eagles to Titans In 2014 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys DeMarco Murray was the NFL s rushing leader before signing with Philadelphia and enduring a whirlwind 2015 season. The Titans are building around Marcus Mariota and adding a proven back like Murray could be just what is needed to take the next step. If he succeeds, this could quickly become one the best offenses in the league. Marvin Jones WR Bengals to Lions With the retirement of Calvin Johnson the Lions had a big hole to fill at receiver and quickly turned to free agency signing Jones away from the Bengals. Jones is considered by many to be under-rated and while he may not be as iconic as Johnson he will be a viable target for Matt Stafford while he seeks his first 1,000-yard season. Opposite recently signed Anquan Boldin he just may get it in Detroit. Brock Osweiler QB Broncos to Texans As Peyton Manning s backup in Denver, Brock Osweiler kept the Broncos alive on their path to the Super Bowl. He then shocked the NFL by signing with the Texans who are looking to make a fresh start on offense. In four years with the Broncos he played in 21 games, starting seven, and will now carry the full load in Houston where there are a number of new faces on offense. Janoris Jenkins CB Rams to Giants The Giants were as active in the free agent market as any team and while they lost a few players, especially on defense, they also gained. They ve boosted their secondary signing Jenkins away from the Rams after having his best season. With the Giants he ll not only be a solid corner but also a possible mentor for first round draft pick Eli Apple. Mark Sanchez QB Eagles to Broncos The Broncos drafted Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch late in the first round of the 2016 draft, but still needed an insurance policy. So, they traded with the Eagles to get journeyman Mark Sanchez who has a knack for rising to the occasion in situations just like this. Sanchez will compete with Lynch and if Denver s defense is anything like last season, he ll keep them in a lot of games. Complete Auto Service 12750 US Hwy 6, Plymouth, IN 46563 574-784-9096 Mon-Fri: 8-5 cornerstoneautomotive.biz We Believe in God, Honesty & America 51 Years Combined Experience Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone ~ Ephesians 2:20 Ezekiel Elliott RB Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys will waste no time inserting Ezekiel Elliott into the backfield. A workhorse at Ohio State, Elliott is not only a powerful down-field runner but he s not afraid to pick up a blitz or run a pass route. He joins one of the most potent offenses in the league, when healthy. Will an alleged domestic abuse accusation disrupt his debut with the Cowboys? Jared Goff QB Los Angeles Rams The Rams return to Los Angeles with a rookie quarterback in Jared Goff. The top overall draft pick out of the University of California may not start opening day, nor is he expected to spend much time on the bench. The Rams eye Goff with long term designs and with the support of a solid running game he should be on the field fairly early in the season. Joey Bosa DE San Diego Chargers Many projected this Ohio State phenom to be the first overall pick in the draft but he fell to the Chargers who desperately needed defensive help with the third overall pick. Bosa is big, quick and immediately adds both pass rushing pressure and run stopping ability to the Chargers defense. Ryan Kelly C Indianapolis Colts The Colts threw a lot of cash at quarterback Andrew Luck in the offseason and turned to the draft to protect him in the future when they selected Alabama center Ryan Kelly with the 18th pick. A three-year starter, Rimington Trophy winner and National Champion at Bama, Kelly is a proven talent and is expected to start on opening day. Deforest Buckner DE San Francisco 49ers Chip Kelly, who recruited Buckner at Oregon, has now drafted him with the seventh overall pick. Buckner may or may not start on opening day but is pegged to be part of a rotation of defensive ends challenged with the task of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks in a tough division. Some NFL scouts felt Buckner was the best defensive player in the draft. 2016 NFL PREVIEW pg 3
AFC EAST ryan tannehill Lesean mccoy Rex Ryan trying to resurrect Bills Coach: Rex Ryan 2015 Record: 8-8 Are the Bills building something in Buffalo under Rex Ryan? While much of the attention in Buffalo is paid to running back LeSean McCoy and receiver Sammy Watkins, what should not be overlooked is the solid 2015 productivity of quarterback Tyrod Taylor. He threw for more than 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 6 interceptions, earning him a Pro Bowl appearance in place of Cam Newton. If Ryan can work his defensive magic, the Bills could be a tough out. Ryan Fitzpatrick rob gronkowski Dolphins continue to swim upstream Coach: Adam Gase 2015 Record: 6-10 Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has a big arm and puts up big numbers; throwing for over 4,000 yards the past two seasons along with a pile of touchdowns. But it doesn t reflect in the win column. He starts this season without receiver Greg Jennings, who recently retired, and running back LaMar Miller who departed to Houston. With a lot of new faces, including the head coach, things could get worse in Miami before they get better. Pats start season without Brady Coach: Bill Belichick 2015 Record: 12-4 Right or wrong, it looks like Tom Brady will start the season on the sideline as he serves a four-game suspension for his alleged role in deflategate. This will hopefully be the last anyone hears of the scandal while the Pats get a good idea of what life will one day be like without Brady. Tight end Rob Gronkowski should remain a key target for viable backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, keeping New England on pace in the AFC East. Jets move forward after signing Fitzpatrick Coach: Todd Bowles 2015 Record: 10-6 Just prior to training camp the Jets finally agreed to terms with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a deal that will likely get them through this season. They ve still got to figure out what to do with former starter Geno Smith, 2015 draft pick Bryce Petty and newly drafted Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Oh so close a year ago, if the Jets again get solid defensive play and Fitzpatrick can avoid costly interceptions, this is a potential playoff team. AFC WEST phillip rivers von miller Super Bowl champs start over at quarterback Coach: Gary Kubiak 2015 Record: 12-4 The Super Bowl 50 champs begin anew without Peyton Manning. Their biggest offseason move was making linebacker Von Miller, who anchored the league s best defense, the highest paid defender in NFL history. The Broncos hope to dominate defensively while the offense figures out the quarterback situation. Veteran Mark Sanchez comes from Philadelphia to battle with Trevor Siemian. However, many expect first round pick Paxton Lynch out of Memphis to eventually win the job. derek carr alex smith Chiefs defense key to improving in 16 Coach: Andy Reid 2015 Record: 11-5 The AFC West could be up for grabs this season and many expect the Chiefs to move up from the wild card and take the division. With quarterback Alex Smith consistently running the offense, that is not an overly great expectation. The defense, however, is the issue in KC, where safety Eric Berry, who got the franchise tag, has been holding out and injuries already plague one of last year s least productive units. Del Rio, Carr turning things around in Oakland Chargers putting dismal 2015 season behind them Coach: Jack Del Rio The Raiders haven t had a winning season since 2002 but with the maturation of Derek Carr and a continuously improving roster, there is hope for the silver and black. Carr has wideouts Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to choose from, while Latavius Murray made the 1,000 yard rushing mark in 2015. In the draft, coach Jack Del Rio used his top three picks on defensive players before taking Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook as a likely backup to Carr. Coach: Mike McCoy 2015 Record: 4-12 As quarterback Phillip Rivers enters his twilight years, he s eager to get the Chargers back in winning form. He could use some help from second-year running back Melvin Gordon, who no doubt underachieved in his rookie season. On the defensive side of the ball, third overall draft pick Joey Bosa is expected to be an immediate improvement in the sack department. The Chargers are a better team than last year s record and could easily win their division. I m on Hoham Drive behind Lowe s! pg 4 2016 NFL Preview 574-935-4600 Cell 952-0709 960 Hoham Drive, Plymouth
AFC NORTH andy dalton joe flacco josh gordon ben roethlisberger Ravens just trying to get healthy Can Cincy end playoff losing streak? A new era begins in Cleveland Big Ben still driving Steeler offense Coach: John Harbaugh 2015 Record: 5-11 Injuries plagued the Ravens 2015 season but none was more significant than the torn ACL suffered by quarterback Joe Flacco. How a bigarmed deep thrower such as Flacco responds this season will be closely watched, especially since at the time of the injury he was having his worst season to date. Yet another question is the Achilles injury of linebacker Terrell Suggs, who is just as important to the Ravens defense as Flacco is to the offense. Coach: Marv Lewis 2015 Record: 12-4 The Bengals are the last team anyone wants to see on their schedule, at least until the playoffs. They lost their fifth straight playoff game in 2015 after handily winning the AFC North, and getting over that hump is their main goal. But quarterback Andy Dalton will be working with a pair of rookie receivers, and tight end Tyler Eifert is coming off ankle surgery. The defense may have to pick up some of the slack. Coach: Mike Pettine 2015 Record: 3-13 Seven different quarterbacks have started for the Browns in the past three seasons, including two first round picks. Now it s time for the Robert Griffin III era to begin, coincidentally with that of new head coach Mike Pettine. Most notable, however, will be the return of talented receiver Josh Gordon, who after being suspended for the entire 2015 season and four games this season, will get another chance from the NFL. The Browns could use some good news. Coach: Mike Tomlin 2015 Record: 10-6 As long as Big Ben Roethlisberger is on the field, the Steelers offense is one to be reckoned with. Still, having running back Le Veon Bell on the field, who will start the season serving a four-game suspension, would take some pressure off the aging quarterback. The Steelers top three draft picks were on defense, including Miami cornerback Artie Burns, as they seek to improve from being ranked 21st in 2015, when they earned a wild card playoff berth. AFC SOUTH andrew luck j.j. watt Colts add to Luck s supporting cast Coach: Chuck Pagano 2015 Record: 8-8 Quarterback Andrew Luck s injury-plagued 2015 season resulted in the Colts missing the playoffs for the first time since he joined the team in 2011. They recognized his significance in the offseason by making him the highest paid player in the NFL. The Colts also drafted heavily on the offensive side of the ball, including grabbing Alabama center Ryan Kelly with the 18th overall pick to deliver the ball to Luck for years to come. Texans get offensive in the offseason Coach: Bill O Brien 2015 Record: 9-7 It remains to be seen what the effects of offseason back surgery will be on menacing defensive end J.J. Watt, but no one expects him to be 100 percent. Still, the Texans are moving forward with revamping their offense and made headlines when they signed quarterback Brock Osweiler away from Denver. They also grabbed two receivers, including Ohio State s Braxton Miller, a running back and a center in the draft and signed Miami free agent running back Lamar Miller. marcus mariota blake bortles Bortles lights it up for Jags Coach: Gus Bradley 2015 Record: 5-11 Things are supposed to be getting better in Jacksonville and it could be happening, albeit at a slow pace. Quarterback Blake Bortles tore it up in 2015 throwing for 4,428 yards and 35 touchdowns in a record-breaking season. But the lack of a rushing attack left the Jags offense as one-dimensional and low scoring. This team s top six draft picks were all defenders, including Florida State stud cornerback Jalen Ramsey, taken fifth overall. Caring, Helpful Pro Shop Service - Our 25th Year #1 in Sales for all Crossbows Titans improved backfield supports Mariota Coach: Ken Whisenhunt 2015 Record: 3-13 The Titans are satisfied with the progress made by rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota in 2015. And, they may have had the best offseason in the NFL by giving him a supporting cast. They traded down in the draft to boost their roster, including picking Alabama running back Derek Henry who will share the backfield with 2014 NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray, acquired by trade. This could be one of the most improved teams in the league. Packages starting as low as $370 www.parkerbows.com New Mathews & Mission Bows in stock! Jim s Archery Shop 1/4 mi. W of 31 bypass on US 6 LaPaz 574-784-3695 Tues.-Fri. 4-8 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday 2016 NFL PREVIEW pg 5
NFC EAST dez bryant ElI manning sam bradford kirk cousins Cowboys season could go either way Plenty of new faces in New York QB battle brews in Philly Skins hand the ball to Kirk Cousins Coach: Jason Garrett 2015 Record: 4-12 If flashy wide receiver Dez Bryant is not running routes and Tony Romo isn t throwing the ball to him, the Cowboys have problems. An aging and apparently fragile Romo remains just one of the big questions in Dallas. Their defense could possibly improve, if not for suspensions to multiple players. If No. 4 overall draft pick Ezekiel Elliott even approaches his running back potential and Romo and Bryant stay healthy, this offense will give opposing teams fits. Coach: Ben McAdoo 2015 Record: 6-10 Two-time Super Bowl winning coach Tom Coughlin is out, leaving quarterback Eli Manning to adjust to Ben McAdoo s system. Perhaps change is just what he needs along with having receivers Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. on the field at the same time. Still, the Giants ranked eighth in offense in 2015 while their defense ranked last, so plugging holes via the draft and free agency was a priority for McAdoo as he approached his first season. Coach: Doug Pederson The story in Philly remains centered on the quarterback position, where Sam Bradford is expected to start. Bradford initially pitched a fit about the Eagles trading up to the No. 2 slot and drafting North Dakota State s Carson Wentz. Apparently the job is Bradford s to lose but given his injury track record we may see Wentz sooner than later, regardless of where he is on the depth chart behind Bradford and journeyman Chase Daniel. Coach: Jay Gruden 2015 Record: 9-7 In Kirk Cousins the Redskins believe they have found their quarterback of the future. There s a void at running back as leading rusher Alfred Morris departed to Dallas. Still, Cousins has a collection of young and veteran receivers to throw to. But winning the division in 2015 may have happened by default. We ll find out about that this year if the divisional competition remains healthy and the Skins defense can withstand the potent offenses of New York and Dallas. NFC WEST carson palmer Cards thinking Super Bowl all the way Coach: Bruce Arians 2015 Record:13-3 As long as Carson Palmer stays healthy at quarterback, this team is a Super Bowl contender. Led by Palmer, the league s best offense in 2015 serves up as good of a supporting cast as a field general could ask for in running back Chris Johnson and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The fifth ranked defense remains intact and this team is built to win now. They do, however, play in an increasingly competitive division. todd gurley Rams right at home in L.A. Coach: Jeff Fisher If the Rams can overcome the fanfare of moving from St. Louis back to Los Angeles, they should be an improved team. Jeff Fisher continues to tinker with the defense even though he let a number of players depart via free agency while adding to the offense via the draft. He s got the league s top pick in California quarterback Jared Goff, who ll have second year running back Todd Gurley to give him some breathing room. carlos hyde russell wilson Seahawks still a team to be reckoned with Coach: Pete Carroll 2015 Record: 10-6 Some say that Seattle is a team on a downward spiral. Tell that to the teams on their schedule. It s true that the team that went to two straight Super Bowls is having their defense picked apart thanks to free agency. However, with Russell Wilson on the field anything is possible and nobody is better than Pete Carroll at keeping the ship upright. Carroll plans to fill the shoes of retired running back Marshawn Lynch by committee. Chip Kelly era begins in Frisco Coach: Chip Kelly 2015 Record: 5-11 The Chip Kelly show comes to the Bay Area where his fast-paced style just may resurrect the career of mobile quarterback Colin Kaepernick, assuming he beats out Blaine Gabbert for the starting job. Kelly plans to use running back Carlos Hyde as a key offensive component. In the draft he focused his attention on defense, including taking defensive end DeForest Buckner with the seventh overall pick from his former employer, Oregon. Divisional opponents highlight a tough schedule. Several Models Available Stop and See! MASTER TECH AUTO & TRUCK REPAIR 2233 Western Avenue, Plymouth 574-936-2705 pg 6 2016 NFL Preview
NFC NORTH Aaron Rodgers Jay Cutler Teddy Bridgewater Matthew Stafford Bears have many holes to fill Lions move on without Megatron Healthy Packers bad news for opponents Can the Vikings keep pace in the NFC North? Coach: John Fox 2015 Record: 6-10 In 2015 the Bears did not have a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver. That doesn t bode well for quarterback Jay Cutler, who continues to be asked to carry the load in what has become a competitive division. Leading rusher Matt Forte is gone and Chicago fans are hoping that John Fox can get the defense turned around. The Bears drafted heavy on defense and expect three rookies, including Miami safety Deon Bush, to start. Coach: Jim Caldwell Calvin Megatron Johnson s early retirement took Detroit by surprise. To fill the void at receiver, the Lions signed free agent veteran Anquan Boldin and also Marvin Jones, giving quarterback Matthew Stafford formidable targets. They had a good draft that included taking Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker to help protect Stafford. A playoff team in 2014, things could be going in the wrong direction if they don t improve their running game and plug defensive holes. Coach: Mike McCarthy 2015 Record: 10-6 Even with Aaron Rodgers keeping them in the playoff picture, the Packers had their weaknesses, mainly injuries, exposed in the postseason. Last year with receiver Jordy Nelson among the injured, they settled for a wild card berth. Nelson s return and a healthy Eddie Lacy should benefit Rodgers, arguably the league s best quarterback. Meanwhile, the defense led by veteran linebacker Clay Matthews, can still get it done. The Pack still has the upper hand in the NFC North. Coach: Mike Zimmer 2015 Record: 11-5 The Vikings are a team on the rise (at least they were in 2015), thanks to a maturing Teddy Bridgewater and the defensive-minded coaching of Mike Zimmer. Building on that momentum becomes paramount and while the defense improved, the offense stalled at times, even with Adrian Peterson carrying the ball. Drafting Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell is a good start in putting a better supporting cast around Bridgewater, who needs to be less conservative. NFC SOUTH Matt Ryan Cam Newton Drew Brees Jameis Winston Falcons improved defense should boost offense Super Bowl or bust for Newton and the Panthers Brees still among the best of NFL quarterbacks Bucs build on Winston s rookie campaign Coach: Dan Quinn 2015 Record: 8-8 With quarterback Matt Ryan throwing deep balls to receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons can score at any time. Running back Devonta Freeman emerged with a 1,000-yard season and the Falcons had the seventh best offense in the league but only finished at.500. They addressed their defense in the offseason by re-signing Adrian Clayborn, grabbing Derrick Shelby from Miami and taking Florida safety Keanu Neal in the first round of the draft. Coach: Ron Rivera 2015 Record:15-1 There s only one way to improve on a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl loss and that is to win the Super Bowl. That s a lofty goal for franchise quarterback Cam Newton and the Panthers, who were sixth in defense and eleventh in offense in 2015. Taking some running pressure off Newton makes him more dangerous while the defense remains intact. Their divisional opponents may be improving but barring injuries, the division should belong to the Panthers. Coach: Sean Payton Quarterback Drew Brees led a potent offense in 2015 that at times looked like the Saints of old, before the bounty scandal and ensuing 2012 suspensions. But while their offense was the second best yardage wise in the NFL, the defense was the second worst. They did their best to address that during the offseason, drafting Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins in the first round and signing free agent linebackers Craig Robertson and James Laurinaitis. Coach: Lovie Smith 2015 Record: 6-10 Statistically the Bucs were one of the NFL s best in 2015, finishing fifth in offense and 10th in defense. It just didn t reflect in the standings. If they can improve on that in any way, they could be a playoff team. Quarterback Jameis Winston should be able to build on a commendable rookie season and coach Lovie Smith is always working on constructing a better defense. This could be a fun team to watch as the season progresses. & We Care for You Van Gilder Funeral Home 300 West Madison Street Plymouth, Indiana 574-936-2534 www.vangilderfuneralhome.com Your Family Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home Terry & Julie Clemens, Owners 115 South Main St. Bourbon, Indiana Honoring lives, paying tribute, celebrating memories. Proud to be part of our community 574-342-5395 www.deatonclemensfh.com 2016 NFL PREVIEW pg 7
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