Report Card Grades for Every NFL Roster After Preseason Week 3

There's a chill in the air that can only mean two things—school is almost back in session, and the NFL is almost here.

While childrens' minds start racing with the idea of homework assignments and pop quizzes, NFL players and coaches are buzzing (and trembling) at the idea of soft-edged preseason "competition" becoming the cutthroat, razor-sharp regular season we all love to watch.

But like quizzes and tests, real competition means real results—and real assessment of the players and coaches. Consider this the season's first assessment: What did every NFL team learn over the summer? These are each team's roster report cards, after the "dress rehearsal" third preseason game.

Oh, and remember—just like in school, a "C" grade is supposed to be "average."

Arizona Cardinals: F

Offseason Assignment: Find a quarterback, fix the offensive line.

Overall Grade: F

The old saying goes, if you have two quarterbacks, you don't have one.

The Cardinals have one NFL quarterback, but only if you combine the strengths of high-priced free agent Kevin Kolb and former fifth-round draft pick John Skelton. Neither looks improved from a ghastly 2011.

The Cardinals drafted offensive tackles in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds, but none of them figure to make an impact on an offensive line that's among the league's worst.

New York Jets: F

Offseason Assignment: Fix the offensive line, replenish the defense, improve the passing game.

Overall Grade: F

In 2009, the Jets had the best defense in the NFL, and No. 2 wasn't close. They made the AFC Championship Game despite a rookie quarterback, thanks in part to an incredible power running game.

In 2010, they had the sixth-best scoring defense in the NFL and made it back to the game before the Big Game.

But in 2011, the Jets defense slipped to the 20th-best unit, and the running game went along with it. Even significant improvement by Mark Sanchez couldn't help the Jets make the postseason or even claim a winning record.

What did they do? Unbelievably, they traded for Tim Tebow and hired Tony Sparano to run the Wildcat offense. The Jets are set to take a massive step back in 2012.

Miami Dolphins: D

Offseason Assignment: Find a clear direction.

Overall Grade: D

The Miami Dolphins didn't appear to have a plan in place.

They pursued Jim Harbaugh in 2011, then they pursued Jeff Fisher in 2012, all with under-contract head coach Tony Sparano twisting in the wind. Finally, after another disappointing finish, Sparano was axed and Packers assistant Joe Philbin was brought in.

The scoring offense was ranked 20th last season, despite a quality receiver in Brandon Marshall and a solid all-purpose back in Reggie Bush. Some of that was poor quarterback play, and the Dolphins hope they have an answer for that in Ryan Tannehill.

That remains to be seen, especially after his preseason performances, but at least they have a direction.

There is some hope. The defense, you may be surprised to learn, was the sixth-best in the NFL in 2011. In fact, the Dolphins were only outscored by an average of one point! As long as the defense doesn't change at all, the Dolphins will be on the right track.

Oh no, wait—Philbin didn't retain successful defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, and new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle is already calling emergency meetings to get his unit on track.

St. Louis Rams: D

Offseason Assignment: "Do over!"

Overall Grade: D

In the NFL, if you have a coach and a quarterback, you're going to be a perennial contender.

The St. Louis Rams now have both, as well as a running back and a defensive lineman.

The trouble is, they don't have anything else.

The Rams, tabbed quick risers after a promising 2010 season, crashed and burned in 2011. They had the worst offense and sixth-worst defense. New skipper Jeff Fisher has his work cut out for him.

Cincinnati Bengals: D+

Offseason Assignments: Build around Andy Dalton, get better everywhere.

Overall Grade: D+

At the end of the 2010 season, Carson Palmer, Chad Ochocinco and Jonathan Joseph were three key pieces of the Bengals' nucleus.

By the beginning of the 2011 season, they were gone—replaced by two rookies, Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and a 10-year vet in Nate Clements.

And the Bengals...finally made the playoffs?

The Bengals snuck into the postseason with a 9-7 record, thanks to their ninth-ranked scoring defense. The offense, however, wasn't great; they averaged just 1.3 more points per game than their defense allowed.

To avoid major regression this season, the Bengals needed to upgrade their personnel in a big way. Instead, they lost workhorse back Cedric Benson and No. 2 wide receiver Jerome Simpson, then replaced each with a committee of lesser players.

Note: this slide was updated to correct factual errors about the rankings of the offense and defense. The author still does not believe that Benjarvus Green-Ellis or a third-round rookie wide receiver will replicate the recent production of Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson, respectively.

Buffalo Bills: D+

Offseason Assignment: Add skilled weapons for Ryan Fitzpatrick, improve entire defense.

Overall Grade: D+

The Bills had the third-worst scoring defense in the NFL in 2011, and on a per-attempt basis were poor against both the run (27th) and the pass (26th).

They made a huge splash in free agency, securing the services of monster defensive end Mario Williams and outside linebacker Nick Barnett. Then they added cornerback Stephon Gilmore with the No. 10 overall pick.

Unfortunately, the offense is stagnating, with no new targets or threats for Fitzpatrick and heralded tailback C.J. Spiller looking like he'll never fulfill his explosive potential.

Major points were deducted for the recent quarterback debacle. Cutting your presumptive backup quarterback after the third preseason game so you can trade for Tarvaris Jackson is criminally bad roster management.

Denver Broncos: C-

Offseason Assignments: Upgrade at quarterback, upgrade scoring defense.

Overall Grade: C-

If he's as healthy and as effective as he looked against San Francisco, Peyton Manning might represent the biggest single-season upgrade at the quarterback position any team has ever had.

Receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas will no doubt be much more productive, and Willis McGahee will have some pressure taken off of him.

The Broncos, though, went 8-8 and made the playoffs while getting outscored by 5.1 points per game. They can't possibly be that lucky two seasons in a row. Even if they're much better, they might have a worse record.

Indianapolis Colts: C-

Offseason Assignment: Replace entire team, basically.

Overall Grade: C-

If getting a franchise quarterback is half the battle, the Colts may or may not have half the battle won.

If Andrew Luck is as far ahead of the curve as it appears, the Colts have a quarterback around whom they'll be able to build another dynasty.

Until that happens, they've got enough talent to take a few teams by surprise, but not much more.

Minnesota Vikings: C-

Offseason Assignment: Replenish both lines with youth, support Christian Ponder.

Overall Grade: C-

The core of the team that—thanks to Brett Favre—came within an interception of the Super Bowl, is almost entirely gone.

The Williams Wall has half-fallen. Defensive end Jared Allen is an impact defender, but they need a lot more against the high-flying offenses of the NFC North.

Adrian Peterson is a workhorse who has busted his tail to recover from injury for this season. But ultimately, the fate of the team lies in Christian Ponder's hands. If he can take a big step forward this year and forge a rapport with talented young receivers Percy Harvin and Jerome Simpson, maybe the Vikings can "reload" the lines and contend again, starting with No. 4 overall pick Matt Kalil.

If he's a three-plus year project, though, the Vikings are going to be stuck in the NFC North cellar for years to come.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C-

Offseason Assignment: Fix the defense, then fix the offense. Help Josh Freeman.

Overall Grade: C-

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blazed a bold trail to the future after the 2008 season. They fired star coach Jon Gruden, promoted recently promoted defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and drafted quarterback Josh Freeman in the first round.

The Bucs weathered a 3-13 2009 season, with rookie coach and quarterback, and were rewarded with an un-jinxed 10-6 sophomore season.

Then it all fell apart. Freeman and the offense regressed in 2011, and whatever was left of the vaunted 2000s Buccaneers defense allowed a league-worst 30.9 points per game.

The Bucs turned to another rookie NFL head coach, Greg Schiano, who inherited Freeman and a handful of talented players. He then spent freely in free agency, bringing in a crop of new starters on both sides of the ball. Only time will tell if this quick rebuild can last.

Washington Redskins: C-

Offseason Assignment: Find a quarterback, improve the entire defense.

Overall grade: C-

The Washington Redskins had a quarterback problem, one of the worst in football.

Now, they have two excellent rookies playing very well in preseason. If the new crop of free-agent receivers led by Pierre Garcon can get open and if head coach Mike Shanahan has any magic left, the offense should be much improved over last season.

The defense? Well, there's only one draft per season.

Cleveland Browns: C

Offseason Assignments: Upgrade wide receiver, running back and quarterback.

Overall Grade: C

The Browns were dissatisfied with the play of quarterback Colt McCoy.

They traded up to get Brandon Weeden, who they hope will be their franchise quarterback. Like almost all rookie quarterbacks, Weeden has alternately shown flashes and struggled.

Peyton Hillis' health and production collapsed between 2010 and 2011, but the Browns drafted an outstanding tailback prospect in Trent Richardson.

Unfortunately, due to a knee procedure, Richardson has not played a preseason game. He won't hit the field until at least Week 1.

The Browns still don't have a wide receiver.

Fortunately for Cleveland fans, the Browns defense is quite excellent. Despite being chained to a miserable offense, Cleveland boasted the fifth-best scoring defense in the NFL last season. If Weeden and Richardson are for real, the Browns could be earning top marks soon.

Oakland Raiders: C

Offseason Assignment: Fix the rushing defense, get Carson Palmer protection and help.

Overall Grade: C

The Oakland Raiders made a huge splash last season, trading a first-round pick and a conditional second-rounder to the Bengals for quarterback Carson Palmer.

Getting up off his couch and stepping onto a football field was asking a little too much, apparently—he threw 16 interceptions to just 13 touchdowns.

If Palmer, Darren McFadden and Darrius Heyward-Bey can click as an offensive trio, the Raiders could repeat as champions of the weak AFC West. They'll need to get much better performances out of their rushing defense, though—it was the worst in the NFL in 2011, and the defense as a whole was fourth worst in points allowed.

Unfortunately, the Raiders chose to spend their only draft pick in the first three rounds on offensive tackle Tony Bergstrom, not on the defense.

San Diego Chargers: C

Offseason Assignment: Get better on defense, get consistent on offense.

Overall Grade: C

The San Diego Chargers are one of the NFL's great puzzles. They have lots of great pieces in place, especially on offense, but can't seem to score when it counts.

With the power the modern passing game has in the NFL, a team with a top-five, pass-first offense should never be staring down the barrel of 4-7.

Still, last season the Chargers were doing just that, and they needed a 4-1 finish to claw back to .500 in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL.

Fortunately, the Chargers went defense with each of their first three picks. If Ryan Mathews can get healthy quick, the Chargers could finally capitalize on their great potential...or not.

Jacksonville Jaguars: C+

Offseason Assignment: Build passing offense.

Overall Grade: C+

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a defense to be proud of in 2011—the 11th-best scoring defense in the NFL.

However, the offense couldn't score points to save their lives. Rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert was thrown into the fire with almost no help, and the results were predictable.

But Gabbert has shown signs of life in his second camp, and No. 5 overall pick Justin Blackmon has shown much more than that, as coach Mike Mularkey told the Florida Times-Union. "We need more guys doing what he’s doing," Mularkey said.

Of course, what the Jaguars really need is holdout tailback Maurice Jones-Drew back.

Kansas City Chiefs: C+

Offseason assignment: Get healthy, get help for Matt Cassell.

Overall Grade: C+

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of one of the weirdest statistical runs in recent memory.

They were an unlikely 10-6 in 2010, and injuries laid them low in 2011.

Pythagorean expected wins show us last year's Chiefs were incredibly lucky. They were outscored by a whopping 7.9 points per game and "should have" gone 4-12. Instead, they went 7-9.

With running back Jamaal Charles, tight end Tony Moeaki and safety Eric Berry all back from ACL injuries, they'll need to play like they never got hurt to stave off the regression-to-the-mean reaper.

Carolina Panthers: C+

Offseason Assignment: Keep building around Cam Newton, bolster entire defense.

Grade: C+

It's easy to give a team poor marks when it is coming off of a 6-10 season with a 27th-ranked scoring defense.

But in today's NFL, finding a true franchise quarterback is half the battle, and Cam Newton makes up for many ills.

There's an awful lot of pressure on receiver Brandon LaFell to step up as the aging Steve Smith fights off a foot infection, with few talented targets behind them. The running game was the best in the NFL last season, with Newton, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams combining for an incredible 5.4 yards per carry.

However, the Panthers need much more production from defensive end Charles Johnson, linebacker Jon Beason and oft-injured nickel defender Thomas Davis, to whom the Panthers paid a collective kajillion dollars a year ago.

Tennessee Titans: C+

Offseason Assignment: Get Jake Locker ready, get Jake Locker help.

Overall Grade: C+

In theory, the Tennessee Titans' quarterback job was the most intriguing position battle in the NFL.

In reality, the Titans have invested heavily in sophomore Jake Locker, and a full season with Matt Hasselbeck and the eighth-best scoring defense in the NFL only resulted in a 9-7 season with a below-average offense.

With stud tailback Chris Johnson ready to return to CJ2K form and their first-round pick wide receiver already making noise, the Titans could be surprisingly dangerous if Locker continues to grow.

Dallas Cowboys: B-

Offseason Assignments: Fix the running game, shore up pass defense.

Overall Grade: B-

Every season, the Dallas Cowboys are named among the NFL's title contenders. But the Cowboys have only hit double-digit wins three times since 2000.

Last year, quarterback Tony Romo had a statistically excellent season. He completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 4,184 yards, 31 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions. His adjusted yards per attempt was an excellent 8.3.

However, that didn't translate to wins. The Cowboys were middle-of-the-pack in just about everything—their 8-8 record was backed up by a 15th-best scoring offense and 16th-ranked scoring defense.

However, the secondary struggled to slow the pass, allowing 6.7 net yards per attempt. The Cowboys drafted cornerback Morris Claiborne with the No. 6 overall pick, but per Ed Werder of ESPN Dallas, they are already "frustrated" with his unwillingness to practice and play through minor injuries.

To take that next step, the Cowboys will need Dez Bryant to comply with his new behavior rules and tailback DeMarco Murray to make a major impact.

New York Giants: B-

Offseason Assignment: Improve the defense, bolster the running game.

Overall Grade: B-

It's true—the New York Giants won the last Super Bowl. However, it's also true that they went 9-7, and it's also true that they were lucky to do that well given their performance.

The Giants defense stepped it way up in the playoffs, but they were the 25th-ranked scoring defense during the regular season. In fact, even with Eli Manning's career year, the Giants were outscored by 0.4 points per game.

The Giants let tailback Brandon Jacobs walk and wisely drafted David Wilson in the first round to replace him.

However, the only defender they drafted before the seventh round was cornerback Jayron Hosley. The Giants defense is going to have to step way up if they hope to defend their title.

Seattle Seahawks: B-

Offseason Assignment: Find a quarterback, upgrade the passing game.

Overall Grade: B-

The Seattle Seahawks have a profoundly underrated defense.

It was the seventh-best scoring unit in football last season, and it could be even better this season. Better yet, the 'Hawks have a productive feature back in Marshawn Lynch.

All they needed was a quarterback (and a wide receiver)...and they got one (but not the other).

After signing former Green Bay backup Matt Flynn to a large-but-not-massive contract, third-round pick Russell Wilson has shocked the world with his preseason performance. If he can keep it up when the bullets go live, the Seahawks will be a true challenger to the 49ers in the NFC West.

New England Patriots: B

Offseason Assignment: Improve pass protection, shore up defense.

Overall Grade: B

The Patriots have Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, and that's basically all they need to contend year after year.

With the Patriots extending the contract of tight end Aaron Hernandez, Brady and the Patriots could be saying goodbye to star wideout Wes Welker sometime soon.

Until that day comes, though, the Patriots will score in bunches. Further, the Pats invested almost their entire 2012 draft (two first-round picks, plus a second-, third-, sixth- and seventh-round pick) on defenders, which will help restock the cupboard. Still, it may be a tall task for the rookies to dramatically improve a defense that allowed the second most yards per game last year.

Detroit Lions: B+

Offseason Assignments: Upgrade offensive line, upgrade secondary, settle running back position.

Overall Grade: B+

The Detroit Lions have their quarterback for a good long while, after Matthew Stafford set franchise records for yards, completions, attempts and touchdowns in 2011.

They have Calvin Johnson, the best receiver in the NFL. They have a bristling array of weapons behind him, including receivers Nate Burleson and Titus Young, and tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. They had the fourth-best scoring offense in the NFL last season.

The defense wasn't quite so effective, ranked 23rd in the NFL, and the Lions made few attempts to upgrade the starting lineup.

The ravaged secondary lost their second- and third-best corners to off-field issues and free agency, respectively, and rookie Bill Bentley and free agent Jacob Lacey haven't yet proved they're clear upgrades.

New Orleans Saints: B+

Offseason Assignment: Buy into new defensive philosophy.

Overall Grade: B+

The New Orleans Saints have Drew Brees and a perfect all-around stable of running backs.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is trying to make hay with the not-suspended defenders he's got.

Preseason results have been mixed so far, but ultimately Brees and the Saints have earned the benefit of the doubt.

Pittsburgh Steelers: B+

Offseason Assignment: Protect No. 7.

Overall Grade: B+

Ben Roethlisberger is one of the hardest quarterbacks to sack in the NFL, but the Steelers' pass protection has been so poor, even he was sacked 40 times last season.

The Steelers' line was ranked 28th in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Sack Rate.

The Steelers addressed this by drafting tackle Mike Adams and guard David DeCastro with their first two picks, but according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, DeCastro will be out 3-5 months with a knee injury suffered in the third preseason game.

The defense? Still the best in the business.

Philadelphia Eagles: B+

Offseason Assignment: Shore up linebackers, get healthy on offense, protect the ball.

Overall Grade: B+

The "Dream Team" they aren't, but the Philadelphia Eagles are a talented, balanced squad much better than their 8-8 record last season suggests.

They were in the NFL's top 10 in scoring offense (eighth) and defense (10th), and they outscored opponents by 4.2 points per game.

The Eagles' big problem was turnover margin. They were minus-14 for 2011, third-worst in the NFL. Quarterback Mike Vick alone accounted for 14 interceptions as well as 10 fumbles—that has to improve.

They also couldn't stay healthy. Vick, star tailback LeSean McCoy and starting wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin all missed at least one start. But more than most realize, the Eagles just need to reset and take another stab at it.

San Francisco 49ers: A-

Offseason Assignment: Upgrade the passing game.

Overall Grade: A- 

The San Francisco 49ers did not, allegedly, pursue Peyton Manning to make their team the most complete in football.

Instead, they stood pat on the No. 2 scoring defense, the No. 11 scoring offense and the best turnover margin in football.

Even though Alex Smith was clutch in the playoffs and the 49ers signed Randy Moss, their passing game remains the team's only weakness going forward.

Baltimore Ravens: A-

Offseason Assignment: Restock defensive line, improve targets for Joe Flacco.

Overall Grade: A-

Much was made of Joe Flacco's spring pronouncement that he's not only one of the five best quarterbacks, but "the best" quarterback in the NFL.

With the growth of second-year receiver Torrey Smith as a downfield threat, Flacco has certainly looked capable of producing like the best quarterback in the NFL.

The defense also hasn't missed defensive end Cory Redding, with linemen like Pernell McPhee and Ma'ake Kemoeatu stepping up into the gap.

Coming off an AFC Championship Game appearance, the Ravens should be playing deep into the postseason yet again—but Flacco and Smith have to keep it up for 16 games and then some.

Chicago Bears: A-

Offseason Assignment: Add backup quarterback and real wide receiver, improve pass protection.

Overall Grade: A-

The Bears got almost everything right last season—difference-making franchise quarterback, all-purpose running back and a disruptive defense.

After 10 games, they were outscoring opponents by almost a full touchdown, 26.8 points scored per game against 20.7 allowed.

But during that 10th game, Jay Cutler broke his thumb, ending his season and neutralizing the Bears offense. Two weeks later, Matt Forte sprained his MCL, and that was that. The Bears finished 8-8, outscoring opponents by just 0.8 points per game.

Not only did the Bears find a legit understudy in Jason Campbell, they swung a headline-making trade for talented, temperamental wideout Brandon Marshall. They also drafted a 6'4", 230-pound receiver in the second round in Alshon Jeffrey.

The Bears would have received an A, but failing to address the offensive line might be a fatal oversight.

Green Bay Packers: A-

Offseason Assignment: Shore up pass defense, find a running back.

Overall Grade: A-

The Packers went 15-1 last season and were the consensus "best team in the NFL" almost from wire to wire.

But their pass defense and lack of a consistent running game did them in against the Giants in the playoffs.

The running back problem got worse, not better, as Ryan Grant was let go, and James Starks is now ineffectively fighting through turf toe. The Packers appear to be ready to lean on recent pickup Cedric Benson, who does not fit the the team's pass-heavy profile.

Still, the Packers added pass-rushers Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy and defensive back Casey Heyward in the first three rounds of the draft. If those rookies can make an impact, Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy and the bevy of dangerous pass-catchers will smooth over all the cracks.

Atlanta Falcons: A

Offseason Assignment: Shore up run defense, get help for Michael Turner.

Overall Grade: A

The Falcons are powered by the yin of Matt Ryan's passing and balanced by the yang of Michael Turner's running.

Though Turner was one of the most productive NFL backs in 2011, he didn't have much room to work with. The Falcons were 27th in Football Outsiders' Adjusted Line Yards metric.

Further, the Falcons' scoring defense was ranked 18th in the NFL, and they weren't great against the run even with linebacker Curtis Lofton—since lost to free agency.

With their first three picks in the 2012 draft, they did everything they could to address this. They added guard/center Peter Konz, tackle Lamar Holmes and fullback Bradie Ewing. Unfortunately, Ewing is lost with an ACL injury, and Konz and Holmes haven't yet cracked the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, linebacker Lofa Tatupu went down for the season almost as soon as they signed him. They're lucky second-year MLB Akeem Dent recovered quickly from a recent concussion.

Fortunately, Matt Ryan's preseason form has been outstanding, and Julio Jones is quickly becoming one of the best in the NFL. Despite not upgrading their weaker spots, the Falcons and their incredible offense look like one of the favorites in the NFC.

Houston Texans: A

Offseason Assignment: Get Matt Schaub back, lather rinse repeat.

Overall Grade: A

The Texans might have been the best team in the NFL until quarterback Matt Schaub went down. They took a 10-3 start and finished 10-6 but still won a playoff game with T.J. Yates at the helm.

Even losing Schaub for a few games, the Texans had the 10th-best scoring offense and fourth-best scoring defense in 2011. Mostly, what they need to do is get healthy and repeat the feat.