The NFL preseason is a crucial period for teams to assess their roster and strategy, especially for those facing significant changes. Here's a deep dive into eight teams that need these exhibition games the most, along with my personal insights and analysis.
Miami Dolphins: A New Era, A New QB
The Dolphins are embarking on a new era with a new quarterback, Malik Willis, who has the potential to be a game-changer. However, the team must address several concerns, including the wide receiver position and the secondary. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle gone, the focus shifts to finding a reliable group of receivers for Willis. The battle for starting spots is intense, with several players vying for roles. The secondary, on the other hand, is a concern, with several key players banged up and the team looking to improve its overall defense. The preseason is crucial for the Dolphins to evaluate their new quarterback and address the weaknesses in their roster.
Cleveland Browns: QB Battle and Offensive Line Concerns
The Browns are in a quarterback battle, with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders vying for the starting spot. Watson, despite his past issues, is the favorite, but Sanders has the potential to make it a tough call for Todd Monken. The offensive line, meanwhile, is a concern, with the team losing its top five starters in the offseason. The new group, led by Spencer Fano and Zion Johnson, must come together quickly to protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game. The preseason is essential for the Browns to evaluate their quarterback options and address the offensive line concerns.
Las Vegas Raiders: A New Coach, A New Roster
The Raiders have a new coach, Klint Kubiak, and a new roster, with several key additions on both sides of the ball. The defense, in particular, has improved significantly with the addition of Kwity Paye and the development of Maxx Crosby. The offense, meanwhile, has some questions, with the wide receiver position in flux. The preseason is crucial for the Raiders to evaluate their new coach and roster, especially with the quarterback position still up in the air. The team must also address the wide receiver concerns to ensure a balanced offense.
New York Jets: Key Position Battles and High Expectations
The Jets have several key position battles, including the nickel spot and the safety position. The team is also high on its rookie class, with several first-year players vying for playing time. The preseason is essential for the Jets to evaluate their key position battles and determine the starting lineup. The team must also address the concerns in the secondary and the running game to ensure a competitive season.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Battle and Pass Rush Concerns
The Falcons are in a quarterback battle, with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. vying for the starting spot. Tagovailoa, despite his past struggles, has the potential to be a game-changer with the talent around him. The defense, meanwhile, has concerns, with the pass rush in flux due to injuries and suspensions. The preseason is crucial for the Falcons to evaluate their quarterback options and address the pass rush concerns.
Arizona Cardinals: A New Era, A Questionable Roster
The Cardinals are in a new era with Mike LaFleur as the head coach, but the roster has several questions. The quarterback position is up in the air, with Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck vying for the starting spot. The defense, meanwhile, has concerns, with several key players missing due to injuries and suspensions. The preseason is essential for the Cardinals to evaluate their new coach and address the roster concerns.
Philadelphia Eagles: A New Offense and Receiver Concerns
The Eagles are implementing a new offense under Sean Mannion, with a focus on Jalen Hurts under center and outside zone runs for Saquon Barkley. The team must also address the receiver concerns, with A.J. Brown gone and several new players vying for starting spots. The preseason is crucial for the Eagles to evaluate their new offense and address the receiver concerns.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Running Back Concerns and Draft Class Evaluation
The Jaguars have concerns in the running game, with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten vying for the starting spot. The team must also address the concerns in the secondary and the linebacker position, with several key players missing due to injuries and free agency losses. The preseason is essential for the Jaguars to evaluate their running back options and address the roster concerns. The team must also assess the performance of its draft class, which has been criticized by some pundits.
