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Speed, depth, physical presence, and just doing what they do on defense was Seattle's recipe for success - JimmyK, Philly.com
The Seattle Seahawks don't think they need to disguise what they do defensively. They believe that opposing offenses know exactly what their defense is going to do from a scheme perspective, and they don't seem to care. The reason is simple. They're loaded with talented players who can all run and hit. The Seahawks feel that if they execute their simple defense, they'll win. That mindset didn't change even against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, which was one of the best offenses statistically in the history of the NFL.
College Boys - Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
Both Kelly and Johnson are smart enough to make some changes to their schemes, but they also were confident enough to stick with the ideas that made them so special in college. There is no magical formula for college coaches. Johnson was a bit of a tyrant. Carroll is Mr. Positive. Kelly has been more like a benevolent tyrant. The thing that helped these men to be successful is that they were true to themselves. Coaches must be sincere in order for players to respect and to respond to them.
Special Teams Takes Leap Under Fipp - Dan Klausner, PE.com
The Eagles special teams units, despite some fluctuations, were noticeably better throughout the 2013 season. The improved results were tangible as the Eagles ranked 19th overall with 374 points. The Eagles still need to improve their kickoff returns (26th in the league at 21.4 yards per return) and punt returns (27th in the league at 6.6 yards per return), as neither resulted in any touchdowns nor repeated instances of highly advantageous field position. The kickoff coverage units still have room for improvement, as well, finishing 19th in the NFL at 23.6 yards per return, including two touchdowns allowed - most in the league. The punt coverage units were effective overall, ranking 11th in the NFL by allowing just 8.0 yards per return. In a season where the Eagles turned over a new leaf and improved in every facet, the special teams under Fipp also showed marked progression and are primed for further improvement in 2014 and beyond.
Eagles can close gap with Seahawks - Jeff McLane, Inquirer
The Eagles aren't likely to catch the Seahawks or the 49ers - probably the league's second-best team last season - by building a defense with as much ammunition. They're too far behind already, and Kelly was brought in for his offensive innovations. He has enough firepower on offense to compete. But Kelly and Roseman need to add pieces to what was an overachieving defense in 2013. They can't just snap their fingers and remake the entire starting lineup or even acquire more than two or three new starters.
Offseason Outlook: Defensive Line - Birds 24/7
Will Bennie Logan go into 2014 as the starting nose tackle?
McManus: I believe he will. Overall, I thought Logan acquitted himself well in his rookie season. The Eagles felt comfortable dealing Isaac Sopoaga and handing the starting job to the LSU product, who finished with two sacks, seven hurries and 43 tackles (two for loss). He took to the techniques taught by Jerry Azzinaro and Billy Davis and was part of a young defensive front that proved to be a strength of this team. The 6-2, 309-pound Logan may not have a traditional frame for a 3-4 nose tackle but proved capable of occupying defenders and generating a push, though there is room for improvement in both areas. Just 24-years-old, he can add mass and power going forward.
Did the Seattle Seahawks remake the NFL with their Super Bowl win? - Andrew Kulp, The700Level
Does defense once again win championships? If Seattle was the only team in the league getting it done with defense right now, that would give us pause, but one look around the NFC tells that’s not the case. The San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers featured two of the toughest defenses this season, and to a lesser extent, the New Orleans Saints did too. All four franchises advanced to the Divisional Round of the tournament. Their combined record was 54-19. It’s no secret how these great defenses are being built, either. The emphasis is on size and speed at every level, period.
LeSean wants "some rings" for the Eagles - PFT
Eagles running back LeSean McCoy carried the FedEx Ground player of the year award out of Saturday night’s NFL Honors without a box. He wants his next prize to fit on his finger. "Now I need some rings," McCoy said, via Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Philadelphia’s waiting, baby."
Answer My Question, Commish! | The MMQB with Peter King
The marijuana crisis, future cold-weather Super Bowls and a question about health care for life sadly dodged: Here are 10 things 49ers tight end Vernon Davis thinks in response to Roger Goodell's State of the NFL address
Newark Airport perfectly trolls the Denver Broncos - SBNation.com
"The only thing the snow can stop is maybe the Broncos offense."
