September 1, 2014 Table Of Contents
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Winning the Super Bowl can be dizzying for some QBs. For Russell Wilson, it was just the next phase of his plan—right before Jay Z and Bey, Obama and His Airness, Bieber, boats and business deals ...
By Greg Bishop
Colin Kaepernick Has A Checklist
The 49ers' quarterback has made good sport out of confounding the public. There is no ambiguity, however, about his goals
By Andy Benoit
From scared to safe, SI examines the job security of every NFL head coach
By RANKINGS BY Doug Farrar
By Andy Benoit
The controversial offensive line gets a remake and—even more important— a new scheme to make its job easier
By Andy Benoit
Trading up to draft a game-breaking receiver would have been a good move if that was all they needed. It's not
By Andy Benoit
Undecided on—or at least unsure of—their QB, they'll need help elsewhere on offense. And that's a problem
By Andy Benoit
This ain't the D you remember. Two years after a Super Bowl win, that unit's being rebuilt from the inside out
By Andy Benoit
If the defense is going to regain its reputation for greatness, investments in the front seven have to pay off
By Andy Benoit
A new coordinator tries to do what the last one couldn't with this QB: Win a playoff game. Or is that a lost cause?
By Andy Benoit
It's exciting to have Johnny Football in town, but he isn't the answer to this franchise's woes
By Andy Benoit
Already years ahead of where they hoped to be, Indy's passing game could take them on a deep playoff run
By Andy Benoit
Worst to first in the division? Not without more big-impact plays from some of their big-name defenders
By Andy Benoit
No matter who ends up taking the snaps, the team will have to mask its weakness at quarterback to succeed
By Andy Benoit
Through coaches, free agents and draft picks, the defense is being remade in the Seahawks' image
By Andy Benoit
Forget the defensive upgrades. With better receivers, this offense has a chance to outperform last year's
By Andy Benoit
A defense that has been getting by on its schemes adds a key free agent and has impact players on the mend
By Andy Benoit
With a dearth of weapons, they must manufacture offense. Which is where play design and a gifted back come in
By Andy Benoit
The choices at quarterback illustrate the dilemma of a team that's rebuilding but also wants to win now
By Andy Benoit
The team known for putting up points—fast—has a versatile, deep defense that deserves attention too
By Andy Benoit
The few parts left from a Super Bowl--winning front four will determine whether this team can win another title
By Andy Benoit
New coach Jay Gruden wants RG3 to be a pocket passer. That should keep him healthier. But will he be better?
By Andy Benoit
They run the Offense of the Future—and given their weaknesses on defense, the future better come soon
By Andy Benoit
They went to the ground game out of necessity last year. Now it will make them even more dangerous in the air
By Andy Benoit
Gunslinging QB. Quality protection. Downfield targets. All-purpose back. This offense has everything covered
By Andy Benoit
A new coordinator and a front four loaded with first-round talent must elevate a disappointing defense
By Andy Benoit
New coach Mike Zimmer has the players he needs up front to sugar the A gaps and reinvigorate the D
By Andy Benoit
Swashbuckling fans will adore new coach Lovie Smith's D—especially when it sails this team into the playoffs
By Andy Benoit
One weapon in the backfield is gone, but he won't be missed much in a well-designed offensive attack
By Andy Benoit
After an atypically awful season, they reaped a draft windfall. How much could it help? Remember the Alamo?
By Andy Benoit
On the rise the past few seasons, they have huge holes on offense that could easily cause them to plunge
By Andy Benoit
The reigning champions look primed to repeat, and it's because their defense puts its safeties first
By Andy Benoit
The next step for a team that for the past two years has verged on domination? A new passing attack
By Andy Benoit
A dangerous defense combines boatloads of talent with a design that is brilliantly deceptive
By Andy Benoit
Another draft, yet another direction. That's cause for alarm as the clock ticks on the Jeff Fisher era
By Andy Benoit
On every snap, whether run or pass, offensive linemen have their backs to the action. What they can't see can hurt them
By Tim Layden
POINT AFTER
Departments
Thanks in part to a barren farm system, the Yankees' post-Jeter years will look a lot like the shortstop's farewell season: not very bountiful
By Tom Verducci
Mo'ne's chances for the majors
Former All-Pro safety Gary Fencik is now a star in the financial world
By Rich Cohen
Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer—and of sports' supposed slow season. These five athletes each had a few months to remember, if not always for the sunniest of reasons
Edited by Alexandra Fenwick
By Interview by Dan Patrick
The Case for ... The Big Lawsuit
By Bob Litan