1. The Buffalo Bills
2. The Cleveland Browns
3. The Houston Texans
4. The Dallas Cowboys
5. The Detroit Lions
Why were these teams chosen as the 2014 Risers is because they all had one thing in common- they were terrible in 2013, and they rose a good amount to where they may just be on the mend, or are already fixed, for 2015. They were the most improves teams of 2014, and here is why.
THE HOUSTON TEXANS
The Texans rise in 2014 can only be attributed to Bill O'Brien, who showed incredible promise as a coach in the NFL. He got the very most out of all his QB's, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, and Ryan Mallett, who each started 2 or more games. Arian Foster and DeAndre Hopkins each combined for over 1200 yards of total offense, Foster finishing at 1573 over 13 games, and Hopkins at 1210. Don't forget JJ Watt, registering 20.5 sacks, his second 20 sack season, earning him the AP DPOY award, and the Bert Bell.
The Weaknesses are pretty simple. One, while JJ Watt was getting 20 sacks, and scoring his 5 TD's (3 receiving, 1 fumble return, and 1 INT return), his teammates were struggling. After Watt's 20.5 sacks, the Texans managed a total of 17.5 sacks.
Second, the Texans had no elite QB. Yes, Fitzpatrick had one of the best, if not the best, season in his career, but it wasn't enough a lot of times to utilize the talent he had in the receiving areas. Then, Fitzpatrick missed 4 games, leaving Case Keenum and Ryan Mallett to play QB. Luckily, they put together a 3-1 record, but the play became sub-par, and the Running Backs took the load.
Thirdly, the Defense was structured around Jadevion Clowney playing. He missed 12 games of the season with injuries, and it effected the lineup. It moved in Whitney Mercilus, the only man who could replace him, and he didn't generate the pressure that Clowney did against linemen.
In summary, the Texans survived mainly on their incredible run game and the pass rush from JJ Watt. Just missing the Playoffs is a milestone, a step up towards bigger days.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Buffalo Bills surprised a lot of people by placing 2nd in the AFC East, and well overplayed their expected result.
The Bills success is much owed to the efforts of Doug Marone and Kyle Orton, who revived the offense upon the benching of EJ Manuel, and to 5 players who caught over 40 passes for 400 yards or more (Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Fred Jackson, Scott Chandler & Chris Hogan).
Basically, Sammy Watkins brought to Buffalo an incredible explosiveness, averaging 15.1 yards on 65 catches. Robert Woods improved from his rookie campaign, catching 65 balls as well, but with 24 less targets then Watkins. The Buffalo Bills improved their passing game,
It's scary to think that Buffalo was missing their best defensive player all season, Kiko Alonso. Rookie Linebacker Preston Brown filled well for him, but didn't nearly have the athletic ability and sheer talent that Alonso has. Either way, Buffalo collected 54 sacks, and collected 30 turnovers, 19 of them being INT's.
The reasons why Buffalo fell... One, Kiko Alonso wasn't on the field. With a 3rd round pick holding the spot down, they struggled terribly against the run, and covering the middle of the field, especially in the Red Zone.
Secondly, the Bills didn't have an elite QB. Having an average QB in Orton was a blessing, and he was boosted by the athleticism in the receiving corps.
Thirdly, the schedule was very tough last season. New England played Buffalo twice, Buffalo handing them one of their losses week 17, but Denver, early season San Diego, Detroit and Green Bay were all opponents too. Buffalo couldn't keep up with the schedule, but made the most out of every game.
Lastly, Buffalo's Running Backs struggled with injuries all season. CJ Spiller especially. Spiller has always been explosive when healthy, but that hasn't been much.
Buffalo has a lot of upside going into 2015, now it's up to Rex Ryan to take over the team and run it well.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Dallas exploded onto the scene in 2014, sweeping the NFC East, and beating Detroit out of the playoffs with a fabulous offensive line and running talent in DeMarco Murray. Oh, Dez Bryant too. And Tony Romo playing in his prime.
Dallas finished 12-4, with Murray leading the league with his 1845 yards rushing, plus 13 TD's, Dez Bryant catching 1320 yards worth of balls, and a near perfect field goal kicker in Dan Bailey.
Dallas' defense was revived too. Despite seeming to lack in talent, this squad held opponents to just 352 points, or 22 points per game. The team lacked it's pass rushing potential, but they still tore opponents up with an effective secondary.
The Cowboys have spent 3 of their last 4 1st round picks on offensive linemen, and built a line that has become near unstoppable. Zach Martin played like he was a seasoned NFL veteran, despite playing a new position on the line, and the team steamrolled for 2354 yards rushing.
However, the Cowboys had their weaknesses. The Linebackers did struggle a good bit without Sean Lee. Bruce Carter did show a fantastic upside, despite only playing in 13 games, he picked off 5 passes, a team high.
Tony Romo fell victim to a whole lot of injuries. His back was messed up in the 20-17 loss to Washington, and he missed a full game as a result of that. And even with Dez Bryant on the team, they struggled having a consistent #2 WR.
However, the Cowboys, with or without free agent RB DeMarco Murray, are on the verge of another terrific season.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
The Cleveland Browns won the most games in a season since 2007, and finished as one of the most promising young teams going into 2015, even without Josh Gordon.
Credit has to go to Head Coach Mike Pettine, and Brian Hoyer, who lead the team on 4 game winning drives through the season, including an incredible comeback against the Titans, a 21 point deficit, the biggest comeback in Browns history. Hoyer very nearly had a 5th week 1 against the Steelers, but Pittsburgh pulled off the win with a last second field goal.
The defense was extremely strong until Joe Haden went out with an injury, holding opponents to 21 points per game. The pass rush finally kicked in, and several defensive players played better then expected.
However, the Browns had so many downs. Johnny Manziel was a wasted pick. He spent most of the season getting in trouble with the team, paying them crazy fines, and partying out with his friends. The running game didn't get going all season long, though the 2 rookie backs showed a lot of promise, and the receivers need an upgrade. The offense will be worked on heavily throughout the offseason.
The kickers weren't all that good either. Cundiff got cut 14 games into the season, forcing the team to sign Garrett Hartley, former Saints kicker.
The Browns have a lot of work still to go, but 2014 was a rebuilding season, and the Browns may have a shot at finally returning to their glory days from the early NFL, and the 1980's.
DETROIT LIONS
Head Coach Jim Caldwell revived the struggling Lions program in to a respectful NFC North competitor again, even with a Megatron struggling with injuries.
The Lions destroyed NFL secondaries with the combination of Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson, who both brought in 1000 yards receiving each and combined for 12 TD's and 1 fumble. Joique Bell kept the running game somewhat stable, running for 860 yards and 7 TD's, but the most important aspect of the team was the passing threat.
The defense stepped things up too. Collecting 42 sacks, and 20 INT's, the Lions defense featured 4 players with 5 sacks or more. 2013 2nd Round Pick Darius Slay is turning into a beast at corner, deflecting 18 passes and picking 2 off.
However, the Lions kickers struggled all season long. Rookie Nate Freese wasn't the answer, missing his 4th field goal attempt in 3 weeks, and the Lions cut him for former Eagles kicker Alex Henery. Henery wasn't much better, missing 4 in 2 weeks, getting himself cut for former Bronco kicker Matt Prater. Prater would finish the season, but it wouldn't be his best one.
Joique Bell was really the only run threat, and he averaged 3.9 yards a carry all season long. When Reggie Bush was healthy, he was starting over Bell just about every time. 2nd year veteran and former Notre Dame player Theo Riddick collected 2 starts, but Caldwell and crew knew they didn't have a stable back.
The Lions were already a solid team. Now, with the correct coaching, they were able to make the Playoff cut. The sky is the limit for the Lions in 2015, who can only better their chances in the upcoming season.
Up next, Falling Stock in 2014...
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