Posts by @Mason Thompson

The Kyler Murray/Kliff Kingsbury experiment got off to a rocking start last year. Now in year two, Steve Keim decided to help Murray out by giving him the best receiver in the league, while also improving the offensive line. Keim also managed to add some pieces on defense as well. Arizona plays in potentially the toughest division in the league but could compete for a playoff spot.

Texan fans had to endure quite the offseason this year. They watched as their de facto general manager traded away their star receiver for an

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a difficult spot. Their defense is one of the best in the league, led by an elite secondary. The offensive line has added pieces around whoever is going to play quarterback, be it Tyrod Taylor, or Justin Herbert. Austin Ekeler will now be the workhorse out of the backfield with Melvin Gordon heading to the division-rival Denver Broncos. The Chargers are trying to make the most out of their great defense, but the quarterback question marks are a major concern.

The Falcons started the 2019 season with a 1-7 record. Atlanta finished the season at 7-9, saving Dan Quinn’s job in the process. The offense is now without Devonta Freeman who still hasn’t signed with a team and has been replaced by Todd Gurley who is returning to Georgia. The defense is still undergoing a major reconstruction, the reason why Atlanta only ranks 21st.

Since Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have been with the Raiders, the team has undergone a massive change. Gruden and Mayock have brought in hard-working players with limited off the field issues, except for the Antonio Brown’s fiasco. The two have started to completely remake the defense that was in shambles upon their arrival and has added weapons around Derek Carr… or Marcus Mariota?

The 23rd spot in my power rankings comes with the first major surprise. The Los Angeles Rams have endured quite the fall since they reached the Super Bowl in 2018. Since then, it seems that defenses have figured out Sean McVay’s gameplan and Jared Goff. Todd Gurley is now out the door and replaced with a bundle of other young backs vying for the starting role. The defense has lost valuable pieces as well. The Rams need to figure it out fast if they want to make the most out of this small window still left.

Cincinnati is now Joe Burrow’s team. The Bengals selected Burrow with the first selection in the draft and have surrounded him with weapons. Zac Taylor should put the Bengals in a better position as they weren’t the worst team in the league last year. They were competitive in a ton of games, especially against Seattle in week one. The front office has finally started spending in free agency, bringing in a ton of new faces on defense. This Bengals team will be interesting to watch and come in higher than many expect.

The New York Jets are in the right direction. Joe Douglas had his first offseason this year and spent the downtime looking to surround and help Sam Darnold any way possible. The offensive line is completely remade, including their first-round selection being spent on an offensive tackle. Unfortunately, though, the Jets still have Adam Gase who is once again on the hot seat heading into the 2020 season. Gase will have to show some development from Darnold to keep his job at all.

Once again, the Lions coaching staff is on the hot seat. Matt Patricia hasn’t been able to take the defense to the height many expected he would upon his arrival. Detroit has a multitude of talented players but the coaching staff has failed the team overall. Two starters on the offensive line are now elsewhere and the team traded their star cornerback away for scraps. Patricia needs to prove that he can improve the defense and compete in a tough NFC North to keep his job.

Mason Thompson | June 16th, 2020 When the Bears made the playoffs in 2018, many thought it was a sign of things to come. A

The Giants have undergone another coaching carousel during the offseason. Pat Shurmur is now out the door and in Denver and the Giants have brought in Joe Judge to lead the team. The offense has an intriguing trio of receivers and an improving offensive line to bring a new explosive offense to New York. The defense, meanwhile, has some issues. Let’s dive in and take a look at the Giants.

The Panthers coaching staff and roster endured a complete overhaul during the offseason. Ron Rivera, Cam Newton, Trai Turner, Luke Kuechly, and Mario Addison have all left in some way and have been replaced by a younger, offensive-minded staff that will have to rebuild a defense that is ranked dead last in these power rankings.