NFC South's Struggles

From 2008-2013, the NFC South had been considered as one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL. During those six seasons, the NFC South had featured at least one team with 12 wins. This division has proven to bring some offensive firepower throughout those six seasons, but haven't shown the defensive potential that other divisions have provided. This season though, the NFC South Division has backfired, and has performed like a very weak division. The first place New Orleans Saints, aren't even at the .500 mark (5-7). The 2013 surprise team of the year, the Carolina Panthers, have a mear 3-8-1 record and really struggled on the defensive side of the ball. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are having a miserable 2-10 season, after having a good off-season. The Atlanta Falcons are also experiencing another down-year, despite posting a 4-0 record against their division. Overall, all four of these teams have been playing inconsistent, throughout the 2014 season. They have struggled on the road and are having a tough time, defending opposing offenses. Here are 5 reasons why the NFC South has been a weak division in 2014:

1. All four teams rank 20th or worst in total defense. (Saints: 20th, Panthers: 23rd, Buccaneers: 27th, Falcons: 30th)
2. All four teams rank 20th or worst in points allowed. (Saints: 21st, Falcons: 23rd, Panthers: 29th, Buccaneers: 30th)
3. Have had turnover problems on offense. (Saints: 7 Multi-Turnover Games, Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers: Averaged at least 1 Turnover per game)
4. None have a winning road record. (Saints: 2-4, Falcons: 2-4, Buccaneers: 2-4, Panthers: 1-4-1)
5. Lost key players in off-season/to injury.

The Saints haven't been able to overcome losses of Pro Bowl Saftey Jarius Byrd (knee), and the trade of versatile Running Back Darren Sproles (traded to Eagles). Their offense has been able to produce and perform at a high level, with Brees ranking third in passing yards in 2014. Marques Colston has had a down year, but young, speedy deep-threat Kenny Stills is emerging as a solid second reciever for the Saints. Cameron Jordan and Junior Galette pass rush hasn't been enough, to stop opponents passing games.

The Buccaneers brought in a new QB (Veteran Josh McCown), a new Left Tackle (Anthony Collins), a great deep threat in the draft (Mike Evans),signed a solid center (Evan Dietrich-Smith), hauled in a pass-rusher (Michael Johnson), brought in a star cornerback (Alterraun Verner) to replace Darrelle Revis, and a new coach (Lovie Smith). Their team chemistry has been very porous and the acquisition of good players hasn't improved the team moral. Their offense has shuffled through five different running backs, which resulted into the 28th rushing offense in football. The play from their defense hasn't improved, as they surrender 27.3 points per game.

The Panthers have followed up their surprising 12-4 performance, with a dismil 3-8-1 record. They were able to find their next gen reciever in rookie Kelvin Benjamen, but have failed to consistenly control the ball. Greg Hardy' absence has destroyed the 23rd ranked defenses, after yielding only the 2nd most yards per game in 2013.

Atlanta' offensive line continues to collapse Matt Ryan pocket, as their defense has been picked a part nearly each and every game. Their special teams has been a bright spot with Javier Arenas and Devin Hester returning kicks and punts. Atlanta Air Coryell offense needs a better third wide reciever, but have produced well enough, for Matt Ryan to throw for the 7th most passing yards in 2014.

Surprising Browns Continue to Stay Alive

For the past 12 years, the Cleveland Browns had been a mockery to the NFL. They have averaged 4.8 wins per season during that time span and have struggled to find a franchise QB. Most of all, their GM hasn't been able to sign a consistent, decent free agent. They had just came off a dissapointing 4-12 season, in which they had trouble running the ball, and stopping the run. They brought in a couple of average recievers on the downside of their career (Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin), but were able to find a solid running back in Ben Tate. Josh Gordon was suspended for the first 10 games of the season, and the run D, looked the same as last year. After losing a tight one to Pitsburgh, 30-27, the Browns looked to redeemed their tight loss against the rival Steelers. They shocked the world with a 26-24 nail biter over Brees and the Saints, and looked like they would make a little run, early in the season. The Browns standed 1-2 after their bye week, and came into Tennessee with lots of confidence. They then upset the Titans after eiminating a 11 point, 4th quarter lead. However, they had just lost their All-Pro Center, Alex Mack to a season ending, broken leg injury and the protection the Browns had gave Brian Hoyer, looked like it would be collpasing. From there on, the Browns have gone 5-2 since the bye week, yet still stand in last place, in arguably the best division in football right now. At 6-4, Cleveland has recoreded their best 10 game start to their season, since 2007 (Finished 10-6, but no playoffs that year), and have might have finally found their QB.

Brian Hoyer' poise in the pocket and good decision making is one reason the Browns have the 14th best offense in the NFL. Part of Hoyer' success is the protection he's had from his offensive line. The Browns have yielded only 15 sacks (6th in the NFL), but still have some difficulties producing holes for their two headed attak (was three until waiving Ben Tate this week). Rookie Isaiah Crowell was nearly cut in training camp, and now he is the starting running back for the Browns. More of a power runner, Crowell has recorded 358 yards and a 4.6 AVG through 10 games. He's shown his power in goal line formations, as he has reached pador four times inside of 5 yards. Rookie Terrance West is playing just as good as Crowell, leading the Browns with 408 yards. Like Hoyer, the running game has produced better at home, then the road. The recieving corps aren't nearly as good if the Browns had Pro Bowler Josh Gordon, but are enough for Hoyer to play consistent. Free Agent signee Andrew Hawkins leads the Browns with 45 catches for 601 yards, while Miles Austin has 34 catches for 418 yards. What's been a real dissapointment for Cleveland has been the play of Tight End Jordon Cameron. After coming off an 80 catch, 917 yard season, Cameron has posted just a mere 13 catches. Part of the reason Cleveland is ranked higher on offense, is because they have only faced 2 top-15 defenses. Furthermore, this Browns has been surprising even though their defensive schedule has been realitivley easy.

Defensivley, these Browns have been pretty average for the most part. They're ranked 22nd, considering they have looked and played very good these past couple of weeks. There run defense hasn't been the same after losing NT Phil Taylor on November 14th. Even with Taylor, they still gave up at least 120 rush yards per game. The additions of Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner have helped re-group the defense, but it's still not quite where it's suppost to be. Even though the Browns are 29th against the run, they have still played well against the pass. They're 3rd in TD passes allowed and Interceptions. Pro Bowl CB Joe Haden hit a rough bump earlier this season, as he gave up 21 Rec, for 329 yards, and 2 TD, in his 1st five games. In his last 5 games, Haden has played like the shutdown corner, he has been throughout his career. Besides Haden, CB Buster Skrine and S Thaushon Gispon both rank top 5 in INT. Gipson leads the NFL with 6, and Skrine is tied for 3rd with 4. Cleveland's turnover game on defense has been on point throughout this season, as they average at least one takeaway per game. Although they give up a decent amount of passing yards, and don't put a lot of pressure on the QB, the Browns have been able to make plays and finish off games in both style and in ugly ways.

Injury Woes Hitting Texas Hard

After signing outfielder Shin Shoo-Choo, and trading for first baseman Prince Fielder, the Rangers looked like World Series contenders coming into this season. However, everything started to go downhill after two 4 game losing streaks in late April and early May. Then on May 17th, Prince Fielder was lost for the season after injuring his neck. Then the injuries started piling up as starting pitcher Matt Harrison (60 Day DL, back), first baseman Mitch Moreland (15 day DL, Ankle), starting pitcher Derek Holland (60 day DL, Knee), starting pitcher Tanner Scheppers (15 day DL, elbow) all landed on the disabled list. Even though the Texas Rangers have already suffered from a majority of injuries, they're still only three games under .500. Texas is also 4th in the majors in batting average (.267), 5th in on base percentage (.329), 5th in hits (573), but they still lack power as they are 28th in home runs hit (44). Right Fielder Alex Rios leads the A.L. with a .335 batting average and Adrian Beltre, who came back from his injury, is batting .320. While the offense has been decent in Texas, the pitching has struggled. Starter Yu Darvish has pitched phenomenal thus far as he has posted a 2.36 E.R.A. and has struck out 91 batters. Other than Yu, the other eight Rangers starters have a combined 5.00 E.R.A. To make matters worse, the Rangers haven't found consistent production from their catchers, since A.J. Pierzynski left for Boston. They have a combined .185 batting average. All in all, the Rangers are having a very up and down season and are hoping to overcome early struggles soon or after the All-Star break.

Knicks Hire Derek Fisher

The New York Knicks announced Tuesday that Derek Fisher will be their new head coach. Fisher will also be re-uniting with former Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, who is the Knicks president. Fisher has won five NBA championships with Phil Jackson, when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers. On the first day of his job, Fisher stated that he has enough experience to succeed as a coach and help end the Knicks 41 year championship drought. According to ESPN.com and at the press, Fisher said "I am experienced. Basketball is a game that I'm experienced in playing, understanding, leading in, guiding in, helping another group of people achieve the greatest gift in the world, as a pro". A factor that helped Fisher choose New York was the relationship with Phil Jackson. According to Yahoo Sports, the Knicks and Fisher are finalizing a 5 year, $25M deal. As a player, Fisher averaged 8.3 points, 3 assists during his 18 year career. Fisher will hopefully get the Knicks back on track and into the playoffs after a disastrous 37 win season.

Red-Hot Jays Continue to Pace A.L. East

These are the Blue Jays records, through June 11th, for the past five seasons: 2013: 28-36, 2012: 32-29, 2011: 32-33, 2010: 35-27, and 2009: 35-27. The Toronto Blue Jays didn't make the playoffs in any of those seasons, and haven't been there since 1993. However, this years Blue Jays team has a different feeling and taste than most of their teams. They have brought back their winning ways and have used a new formula to succeeded in 2014. The Jays have sky-rocketed to a 39-28 start (1st in A.L. East, 2nd in A.L.) due to their pitching success and ability to score runs. From Top-Bottom, the Jays fierce lineup has crushed opposing pitching staffs, while their solidifying bullpen and decent pitching staff has proved to be enough to keep them in most games. The first 6 batters for the Jays continue to be a pitchers nightmare as they have combined a hitting line of .285/.359/.494 and have bombed 63 of their MLB leading 91 homers. The Jays also rank 2nd in runs scored (321), 2nd in hits (593), 5th in batting average (.262), and 2nd in slugging percentage (.446). It's also hard to believe that Toronto was only 18-20 a month ago. After May 11th, the Jays have stormed to a 20-8 record and are now atop the AL East. During that 20-8 run, the Jays averaged 4.7 runs per game and surrendered 3.9 runs per game. Closer Casey Janssen converted on 11 saves, Mark Buehrle went 5-1 with a 2.13 E.R.A., the rest of the pitching staff, and their tremendous hitting helped Toronto soar past the American League. The Blue Jays also swept the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Ballpark and the Oakland Athletics at home during that 28 game stretch. During those 6 games the Blue Jays combined for 31 runs (5.1 runs/game) as they faced Scott Kazmir, Jesse Chavez, Drew Pomeranz, Anibal Sanchez, Rick Porcello, and Justin Verlander. Those pitchers have a combined 33-20 record and a 2.93 E.R.A. The streaking Blue Jays aren't slowing down as they're on pace to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1993. The improved performance of Left Fielder Melky Cabrera (.305 AVG, 10 HR, 83 Hits), and the production from Jose Bautista (.311 AVG, 15 HR, 44 RBI 51 Walks) and Edwin Encarnacion (20 HR, 53 RBI) has rejoiced this Blue Jays lineup. On the pitching side, Mark Buehrle (10-2, 2.04 E.R.A.) is pitching like Cy Young winner, as he has thrown a gem after gem nearly every start. This 2014 Blue Jays team is dangerous, especially away (19-11 road record), and are going to be a fun team to watch, for the remainder of the season.

A's Quietly Having Their Offensive Ways

The two best teams in baseball are both in the bay-area for the first time since 2002. The Oakland A's hold the best record in the A.L. at 39-26, and a 2.5 game lead over the division rival Los Angeles Angels. The A's have gotten stellar performances from their rotation and bullpen this season, but something else has really stuck out to me from this ball club. That is the A's hitting. The A's have batted in great fashion throughout the 2014 season as they lead the majors in runs scored (328), On-Base-Percentage (.334), and Team RBI (310). They also rank 6th in the majors in Slugging Percentage (.410), 3rd in Home Runs (76), and 4th in Total Bases (922). Third Baseman Josh Donaldson and First Baseman Brandon Moss have provided lots of pop in the middle of the A's lineup this season. Donaldson has jacked 17 dingers and has driven in 50 RBI, while Moss has smoked 16 homers and has driven in 53 RBI. Although Donaldson and Moss have proven that they're capable of powering there way through pitchers, they haven't been the on-base machines that Blly Beane has been asking for. Another Weakness in this A's powerhouse lineup is hitting for average. They don't have a qualifying hitter that has a batting average above .280. Their lead off hitter, Coco Crisp owns the best average on their team, and he's only hitting .269 this season. However, the emergence of catchers John Jaso and Derek Norris have provided solid numbers at the plate this season. Even though both players haven't gotten to 150 At-Bats this season, they've combined a hitting line of .288/.388/.473 and have smacked 12 homers and driven in 42 runs. Statistically and physically, the A's are becoming a power hitting team, which has helped paved the way to first place in the American League.

Ravens Hire Gary Kubiak as OC

The Baltimore Ravens have hired former Houston Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak, as offensive coordinator. Kubiak has become the 3rd offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens in the pat 13 months. Kubiak had previously coached the Houston Texans for 8 seasons, leading them to consecutive playoff berths in 2011 and 2012. He got fired by Houston after a disastrous 2-14 record, last season. Kubiak also backed up John Elway for 8 seasons as well. Under Kubiak, the Texans ranked Top 10 in offense, for 4 of the past 6 seasons. During the 4 seasons, the Texans ranked Top 10 in offense, Kubiak helped Houston contain a consistent balance in the passing and running game. Kubiak will have turn around a Ravens offense that ranked 29th in total yards last season (teams worst in 8 years). Kubiak stated "this is the day I've had in 2 months. It gives me a chance to be a part of a championship organization". While it seems great to take over a position, for a team that won the Super Bowl 2 years ago, it's going to be hard to adjust to a whole, new different offensive system. Prior before last season, the Ravens made quarterback Joe Flacco one of the highest paying quarterbacks in football. He didn't show it last year, as he had a TD-INT ratio of 19:22, despite throwing for 3,912 yards. The lack of protection and no replacement for Anquan Boldin threw off Joe' game last season. The Ravens offensive line couldn't hold up any better in the run game as they averaged a mere 3.1 yards per carry. They also allowed the 4th most sacks in the NFL(48) too. An inexperienced and struggling offensive line was one reason why Flacco got sacked and pressured so many times. Kubiak should be able to help Joe get back to rythem and mature into the franchise quarterback the Ravens had paid for. Former Texans offensive coordinator Rick Dennison was hired as quarterbacks coach too. Dennison helped improve and flourish Matt Schaub into a Pro Bowl quarterback, before his disastrous 2013 season. Flacco has the arm strength and intelligence to become a great quarterback, but just needs a few pointers and improvement on some mechanics in order to fall into that category. The Ravens also need to add some offensive line through the draft or free agency if they want Flacco to stay on his feet more often. The addition of Dennison and Kubiak should help the play of quarterback Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense. Dennison can work with Flacco, who is identical to Schaub, but faster. Kubiak can improve this run game, with two-tight end sets (if the Ravens choose to keep Pitta and Dickson this off-season), and the play-action game, something the Ravens haven't really established.

Texans Hire Bill O'Brien

The Houston Texans have started off the New Year by hiring former Penn State Head Coach Bill O'Brien. The Texans fired Gary Kubiak following a disasterous 2013 season. The Texans lost 14 consecutive games after starting off the season 2-0. O'Brien had exceeded expectations with Penn State as he led the team to a 15-9 record, after the program had to deal with the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Before coaching Penn Statem O'Brien was previously the New England Patriots assistant offensive coordinator from 2007-2012 and was Duke's offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. When O'Brien was with the Patriots, he relied on using formations with two tight end sets. The Houston Texans have fallen in love with the two tight end package, which has Bill O'Brien's offensive specialty. O'Brien helped the Patriots Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez become elite tight ends in the NFL, he could improve the game of Owen Daniels and Garrett Graham this year. Houston is a well-known patient run and play-action offensive team, which O'Brien has good knowlegde of. The hiring of Bill O'Brien is a good fit for the Houston Texans.