Assessing Whether Every NFL Team Progressed or Regressed This Offseason
Every NFL team makes changes from year to year. But were these various moves enough to make a positive difference?
The offseason is usually reserved for optimism and understandably so. However, it doesn’t always wind up that way for all 32 franchises.
In case you’re counting, there’s 19 teams headed in the right direction and a baker’s dozen either stuck in neutral or trending downwards. Here, no progress means taking a step backwards.
So which clubs have made progress and which are spinning their wheels? Here’s a look (in alphabetical order) at the diagnosis.
Arizona Cardinals: Progressed
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Could a team that set a single-season franchise record for victories this past season be even better one year later?
Absolutely.
Arguably, the 13-win Arizona Cardinals’ biggest flaw in 2015 was the lack of a consistent pass rush. The club totaled 36 sacks, although nine of those came in one game. Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney led the club with eight sacks, but he remains a free agent.
Hence, the team traded for Pro Bowl defensive end Chandler Jones and added talented defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche with the 29th overall pick in this year’s draft. The former totaled 12.5 sacks with the Patriots in 2015 and now pairs with 29-year-old Calais Campbell to give the defending NFC West champions a solid pair of bookends.
General manager Steve Keim also re-signed 30-year-old running back Chris Johnson, who led the club with 814 rushing yards despite missing the final five games of the season with a broken leg. He’ll team with David Johnson, who totaled a team-high 13 touchdowns.
The 2015 Cardinals finished with the NFL’s top-ranked offense and allowed the fifth-fewest yards in the league. Only the Super Bowl-bound Panthers (500) scored more points than Carson Palmer and Co. (489). And thanks to a few tweaks, this is now a better football team than we saw a year ago.
Atlanta Falcons: Regressed
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When the book closed on 2015, you could consider Dan Quinn’s first season with the Atlanta Falcons a success.
A team that finished 6-10 in 2014 did win two more games under the new head coach.
But what about going forward? Did the club make enough improvements this offseason to prevent another 3-8 slide (following a 5-0 start)?
Yes and no. Additions such as three-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack and 2016 first-round safety Keanu Neal fill big-time needs. The 6’0”, 211-pound defender from the University of Florida should add some much-needed physicality and run support to an Atlanta defense that the former Seattle Seahawks coach is trying to mold.
“We talk about the Seattle influence there in Atlanta. They know that nothing can change the game like a big hit, and Neal is one of the most physical safeties in this draft. He can run and cover,” Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com said.
That’s the good news. But Atlanta’s albatross of recent seasons—the lack of a pass rush—remains an issue. It could be solved if Vic Beasley steps up after a so-so rookie season and free-agent defensive end Derrick Shelby emerges as a force. The team’s ground attack finished 19th in the league despite a Pro Bowl year from Devonta Freeman.
It also remains to be seen if free-agent pickup Mohamed Sanu can adequately fill the shoes of wide receiver Roddy White, who was cut loose by the club this offseason after another disappointing year.
Again, there have been upgrades, but the team still has quite a ways to go to make you forget they dropped eight of their final 11 games in 2015.
Baltimore Ravens: Progressed
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Following a rare down season, the Baltimore Ravens were busy this offseason.
Down, as in 5-11, the first losing campaign under head coach John Harbaugh. But the team was busy rectifying what ailed it this past year.
General manager Ozzie Newsome turned to free agency to plug some holes. Wide receiver Mike Wallace will attempt to revive his career by catching long passes from Joe Flacco. Three-time Pro Bowl free safety Eric Weddle fills a need for a defensive unit that allowed 30 touchdown passes in 2015. Veteran tight end Benjamin Watson is the perfect tutor for second-year tight end Maxx Williams.
Newsome then added 11 players via the draft and addressed nearly every position on the team. First-round selection Ronnie Stanley should vie for a starting job this season. Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com broke down whether the former Golden Domer will open at left tackle or left guard.
The Ravens also get back a slew of veterans who spent considerable time on the sidelines. The list includes Flacco, running back Justin Forsett, wideout Steve Smith and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs.
The team’s combination of youth and experience adds up to positive things sooner than later.
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Buffalo Bills: Progressed
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Despite a few recent boo-boos, the Buffalo Bills are still a club trending upward at the moment.
Mike Rodak of ESPN.com has the story on rookie defensive end Shaq Lawson and 22-year-old wide receiver Sammy Watkins. Both will miss some time over the next few months, Lawson with a shoulder injury and Watkins recovering following surgery after breaking a bone in his foot.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Lawson will need five to six months to recover, and he may be a nonfactor in 2016. General manager Doug Whaley also added University of Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland and Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington to a defensive unit that slumped to 19th in the league in 2015. The Bills’ 21 sacks were 33 fewer than the club managed in leading the league the previous season.
Offensively, the club got a solid year from quarterback Tyrod Taylor, although the organization has yet to sign him to a long-term contract. Buffalo used a fourth-round pick to secure Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones.
The club led the league in rushing in 2015, and the offensive unit totaled 42 touchdowns, compared to 30 offensive scores the previous year.
The Bills still need to learn how to beat the New England Patriots on a consistent basis, but that doesn’t stop them from being a playoff contender in the conference.
Carolina Panthers: Regressed
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Getting to a second straight Super Bowl, regardless if you walked away a winner or loser, is difficult enough.
The defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers, an NFL-best 15-1 this past season, are still extremely talented. However, they also don’t look like a club that is better than they were in 2015.
Offensively, the return of 25-year-old wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is a plus. He missed all of last season with a knee injury and will now team with Devin Funchess (who turns 22 on May 21) to give the Panthers a young and potent wideout tandem.
But the situation in the secondary is somewhat perplexing. This offseason, the team designated All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman their franchise player. They also signed Brandon Boykin, late of the Pittsburgh Steelers, as a bit of insurance. Then the Panthers pulled the franchise tag from Norman, who quickly signed with the Washington Redskins.
In April’s draft, general manager Dave Gettleman used three of the team’s five picks on cornerbacks James Bradberry (second round), Daryl Worley (third) and Zack Sanchez (fifth). David Newton of ESPN.com reported that head coach Ron Rivera liked what he saw from his rookie trio, cutting Boykin loose as a result on Monday.
This is a talented club that has won three straight NFC South titles and has the reigning NFL MVP in quarterback Cam Newton. But the decision to part ways with Norman could come back and bite a team that gave up its share of big leads in 2015. Carolina managed to escape with wins in each instance, but may not be that fortunate this time around.
Chicago Bears: Progressed
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Back in 2013 and 2014, Chicago’s defense was simply unbearable.
The club gave up the third-most yards in the league in consecutive seasons. Head coach Marc Trestman’s tenure in the Windy City would last just two seasons.
Enter John Fox a year ago. The Bears finished 6-10, but grew as a team after an 0-3 start that saw them outscored a combined 105-46 in losses to the Green Bay Packers (31-23), Arizona Cardinals (48-23) and Seattle Seahawks (26-0).
The defense improved to 14th in the NFL in 2015 and will be significantly better this year. Free-agent additions such as inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks are major pickups for the front seven. General manager Ryan Pace also used six of the team’s nine draft picks on defense, including first-round outside linebacker Leonard Floyd.
The offense will be missing familiar faces in running back Matt Forte and tight end Martellus Bennett, but the Bears will have a healthy Kevin White to pair with Alshon Jeffery at wide receiver. Quarterback Jay Cutler came a long way as a leader this past year, while youth will be served in the backfield in running back Jeremy Langford. Pace also bolstered the offensive line throughout by drafting guard Cody Whitehair in the second round and adding experienced free agents in Bobby Massie, Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez.
Not only are things looking up for this club, this could well be the league’s most improved team in 2016.
Cincinnati Bengals: Regressed
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Thanks mainly to their drafting prowess, the Cincinnati Bengals have been a playoff team for five straight years. In 2015, they won the AFC North with a 12-4 record, tying the franchise mark for victories in a season. This has been a deep football team in an era where the landscape doesn’t allow it anymore.
The team had its share of quality players to re-sign this offseason. It did well in bringing back strong safety George Iloka, cornerback Adam Jones, linebacker Vincent Rey and wide receiver/kick returner Brandon Tate. However, there’s no denying the fact that losing wide receivers Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu and safety Reggie Nelson in free agency hurts. The Bengals have also not re-signed 31-year-old cornerback Leon Hall, the team’s first-round pick in 2007.
This just in: The Bengals drafted another cornerback in the first round in William Jackson III. As far as replacing Jones and Sanu, there’s free-agent addition Brandon LaFell and rookie Tyler Boyd.
This is still a loaded squad on both sides of the ball, from quarterback Andy Dalton and wideout A.J. Green to running backs Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. Tight end Tyler Eifert and defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins were Pro Bowlers this past season.
But the squad lost some key personnel over the last few months, and it certainly changes the landscape in the Queen City. In the ultracompetitive AFC North, that could be the difference between a division title and a wild-card berth.
Cleveland Browns: Regressed
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Yes, the Cleveland Browns have a new approach, a new head coach and perhaps a new starting quarterback.
But it remains a franchise with more questions than answers regardless of how much optimism is projected.
When premier players such as center Alex Mack, tackle Mitchell Schwartz and wide receiver Travis Benjamin leave via free agency, they are not easily replaced.
The new-look Browns, featuring executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown and sideline leader Hue Jackson, will do a lot with youth. Cleveland selected 14 players in April’s draft, tied for the most by a team since the process was reduced to seven rounds in 1994.
As for the experienced additions, 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III will try to revive his career in Cleveland. The 26-year-old quarterback never saw the field with the Washington Redskins in 2015 and will now battle incumbent Josh McCown and rookie Cody Kessler for the starting job.
Perhaps this latest strategy will pay off for a franchise that hasn’t posted a winning record since 2007. For obvious reasons, some skepticism remains.
Dallas Cowboys: Regressed
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When it comes to the offense, there should be plenty of smiles these days when talking about the Dallas Cowboys.
As for the defense, well…
Remember the rules here. If you’re not progressing, you’re digressing. The decision to use the fourth overall pick in the draft to grab Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott has been much-discussed, but you can’t argue the logic for a team that won 12 games in 2014 behind NFL Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray and his league-high 1,845 yards rushing.
Meanwhile, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News says wide receiver Dez Bryant won’t participate in the team’s upcoming OTAs, the first scheduled for May 24-26. However, executive vice president Stephen Jones says the two-time Pro Bowl wideout is still on the mend following an injury-plagued 2015:
"We feel great [about Bryant]. I think he's really focused on being around and doing the work and that's important. His injury requires the rehab and the TLC that our guys give him, [athletic trainers] Britt [Brown] and Jim [Mauer]. He's done an outstanding job and been committed to being around and I think that's only getting better. That's what we need of him, is to get well and do his rehab and then get in great shape.
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What needs some fixing is the Dallas defense, most notably the pass rush. The decision not to re-sign defensive end Greg Hardy could be debated. Last month, Kevin Patra of NFL.com recapped the impending four-game suspensions of defensive ends Randy Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence.
There’s plenty of excitement ahead when it comes to the Dallas offense, especially if quarterback Tony Romo can stay in one piece this season. That said, not enough has been done to fix the league’s 17th-ranked defense, at least not at the moment.
Denver Broncos: Regressed
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The list of offseason departures for the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos is mind-boggling, from quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler to key defenders such as defensive end Malik Jackson and inside linebacker Danny Trevathan.
Head coach Gary Kubiak still has a solid running back corps with C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman, but the offensive line will have a lot of new faces from a year ago with the free-agent defections of tackle Ryan Harris and guard Evan Mathis and the release of guard Louis Vasquez.
Tight end Owen Daniels is also gone, as are reserve safeties David Bruton and Omar Bolden. The list is seemingly endless.
All of the news is not bad. The league’s top-ranked defense still has defensive end Derek Wolfe, linebackers DeMarcus Ware, Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller and Brandon Marshall. The secondary is loaded with cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris and safeties Darian Stewart and T.J. Ward.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez can hold down the fort until rookie Paxton Lynch can get up to speed. Of course, Sanchez has been an erratic performer throughout his career, and Denver can’t afford another season in which they turn the football over 31 times.
The losses are significant. And considering the Broncos captured a Super Bowl title in 2015 with a less than adequate offensive performance all season, you’re asking an impressive but different defensive unit to come up huge for a second consecutive year. That’s a hard sell for any club.
Detroit Lions: Regressed
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A year ago, the Detroit Lions shook off a 1-7 start to win six of their final eight games.
This season, they may not be as fortunate if the club digs itself a similar hole.
The team has lost its share of significant contributors. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson and savvy cornerback Rashean Mathis have retired. Versatile defensive lineman Jason Jones was not re-signed and joined the Miami Dolphins. Running back Joique Bell was cut loose, and middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (who remains on the roster) is not in the team’s plans this season.
The Lions made some smart offseason moves. They added wideout Marvin Jones in an attempt to offset the loss of Megatron and also signed receivers Jeremy Kerley and Andre Caldwell. Strong safety Tavon Wilson could solve some issues in the secondary, and the organization used half of its 10 draft choices on offensive and defensive linemen, including first-round tackle Taylor Decker (Ohio State) as they attempt to fortify both lines.
All of these changes could work out for the best. But this was a team that had a nice thing going in the second half of 2015 and now must try to pick up where it left off with a new cast. That will be easier said than done in the always-competitive NFC North.
Green Bay Packers: Progressed
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When it comes to the Green Bay Packers offense, the pieces are in place for a bounce-back season.
As for the defensive unit, there are still some doubts, and understandably so. But give general manager Ted Thompson his due. He used four of the team’s first five picks in the draft on this area of concern. He’s hoping defensive tackle Kenny Clark and linebackers Kyler Fackrell and Blake Martinez can solve the team’s persistent issues when it comes to stopping the run. Over the past three seasons, Green Bay has finished 25th, 23rd and 21st, respectively, in the league in rushing defense.
Meanwhile, highly productive quarterback Aaron Rodgers hopes to have Jordy Nelson back soon. The 2014 Pro Bowler turns 31 on the final day of May and is looking to rebound after missing all of this past season with a torn ACL suffered in August.
The team also added a downfield threat in tight end Jared Cook. As for the ground attack, power back Eddie Lacy is looking sleeker these days, and James Starks is a great insurance policy. Thompson also drafted a pair of tackles to add depth to the offensive line.
A Packers team that has made seven straight playoff appearances looks poised to regain its NFC North crown from the rival Minnesota Vikings.
Houston Texans: Progressed
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This offseason, the Houston Texans put the “pro” in progressed—as in major pluses.
One of their top offensive additions was 25-year-old Lamar Miller, who recently sat down with ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli. The former Miami Dolphins running back now looks to fill the cleats of four-time Pro Bowler Arian Foster, the Texans’ all-time rushing leader.
The club’s other new faces on offense include quarterback Brock Osweiler, rookie wide receivers Will Fuller and Braxton Miller and offensive linemen Jeff Allen, Tony Bergstrom and 2016 second-round pick Nick Martin.
Head coach Bill O’Brien now has weapons to complement Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins. The additional firepower will make life a lot easier for the league’s third-ranked defense in 2015.
The defending AFC South champions are primed for a repeat in a dramatically improved division.
Indianapolis Colts: Progressed
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After three consecutive seasons of heading upward, it was a mediocre step in the wrong direction for the Indianapolis Colts in 2015.
What has general manager Ryan Grigson done to prevent this team from missing the playoffs for a second straight year? It’s something that hasn’t happened since the 1997-98 campaigns.
To his credit, he used free agency to give running back Frank Gore (who turned 33 years old earlier this month) some relief. The Colts signed Robert Turbin and Jordan Todman for depth and to improve the NFL’s 29th-ranked ground attack this past season.
Grigson kept it simple in terms of the draft, selecting four offensive linemen (including first-round center Ryan Kelly) and four defenders. In 2015, Indianapolis received negative grades in both run blocking (minus-13.3) and pass protection (minus-22.6). Just ask quarterback Andrew Luck.
On defense, the Colts were ranked 26th in the league in yards allowed.
It may take some time for the team’s youth to be served, but the fact remains that these were solid moves with the right idea in mind.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Progressed
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Through no fault of their own, the Jacksonville Jaguars seem to be anointed as the team most feel will make the biggest strides in 2016.
It’s certainly not a ridiculous thought. When you consider what they’ve done in free agency and the draft in the last few months, it’s not like analysts and fans are going out on a limb.
Free agency brought defensive end Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Myles Jack were added in the first two rounds of the draft. All of these additions should significantly improve a club that allowed the second-most points in the NFL in 2015.
The Jaguars didn’t ignore the other side of the football, an offense that was one of the most improved units in the game a year ago. Guard Mackenzy Bernadeau and tackle Kelvin Beachum, as well as AFC rushing champion Chris Ivory, are all pluses for an attack led by quarterback Blake Bortles and productive wideouts Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.
It’s impossible not to be impressed with what is happening with this franchise these days.
Kansas City Chiefs: Progressed
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The Kansas City Chiefs were fairly quiet during free agency and opted to make more noise during the draft.
While general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid didn’t make a lot of splashy moves, their offseason haul was significant. And this club, coming off an 11-5 season and its first playoff win since 1993, is in prime position to end the Denver Broncos’ five-year reign as AFC West champions.
The team added Mitchell Schwartz, the top-rated right tackle in the league this past season. He’ll come in handy when it comes to blocking the likes of Von Miller, Khalil Mack and San Diego Chargers rookie defensive end Joey Bosa.
The signing of free-agent wide receiver Rod Streater gives quarterback Alex Smith another weapon in the slot to pair with tight end Travis Kelce. Wideout Jeremy Maclin was a major plus in 2015, and Albert Wilson and Chris Conley made their presence felt as well. Kansas City also added more wide receiver help in the draft via Demarcus Robinson (fourth round) and Tyreek Hill (fifth round)—just two of the team’s nine selections in April.
The Chiefs are still waiting for safety Eric Berry to sign his franchise tender, while running back Jamaal Charles is still on the mend after suffering a torn ACL.
“I’ll be ready,” the four-time Pro Bowler told B.J. Kissel of Chiefs.com last month in regard to his availability for training camp. “I can’t wait.”
Neither can a team that finally got over its playoff issues in 2015.
Los Angeles Rams: Regressed
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Are the Los Angeles Rams any closer to a playoff berth than they were at this time a year ago?
The answer is an unfortunate no. Despite making a huge move up to grab the top spot in April’s draft and selecting University of California quarterback Jared Goff, this team just isn’t ready to challenge for a postseason berth.
For a number of years, the popular consensus was that the Rams were a quarterback away from being a contender. But now the defense is minus defensive end Chris Long, middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and safety Rodney McLeod. That’s a lot of talent no longer at the disposal of head coach Jeff Fisher.
The cupboard is far from bare. The team still has 2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald at defensive tackle. The fans in Los Angeles will enjoy watching 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley. The 21-year-old pro finished third in the league with 1,106 rushing yards despite playing in only 13 games.
If Goff can make an immediate impact, this could be one of the most improved teams in the NFL. It was talented enough to sweep the Seattle Seahawks and win at Arizona in 2015.
However, when it’s all said and done, it’s yet another year of change for the franchise. The Rams haven’t posted a winning record since finishing 12-4 in 2003, or reached the playoffs after an 8-8 showing in ’04. And given their erratic play, it remains difficult to give the club the benefit of the doubt these days.
Miami Dolphins: Regressed
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As has been the case in recent years, you will find the Miami Dolphins making more than their share of roster changes.
This offseason has been no exception. And despite the optimism that usually comes with a bevy of new faces, there is apprehension here as the franchise has fallen into a pattern of constant change.
The addition of new head coach Adam Gase is positive news for quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The signings of defensive linemen Mario Williams and Jason Jones should bode well for a defense that finished 28th in the league versus the run while totaling only 31 sacks.
The first-round selection of tackle Laremy Tunsil will help fortify the offensive line, while rookie Kenyan Drake could solve some issues at running back. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry has emerged as a solid performer, and 2015 first-round wideout DeVante Parker bears watching. He caught 22 passes for 445 yards and three scores in the team’s final six games a year ago.
And yet, it seems we have seen a lot of this before from a franchise that hasn’t posted a winning season or reached the playoffs since 2008.
Minnesota Vikings: Progressed
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This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings appeared to have one big glaring weakness. It’s an area they addressed twice in the draft, most notably with the 23rd overall pick.
A year ago, rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs led the team with 52 receptions. This season, head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner are hoping to get even more from him and first-round selection Laquon Treadwell. Only the Rams totaled fewer passing yards and scores through the air than the Vikings in 2015. Some more help for still-learning quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was a must.
Adrian Peterson continues to excel and came up big after missing all but one game in 2014. He led the NFL in rushing at age 30 and shows no signs of slowing down. Minnesota’s defense also continues to grow under Zimmer. The team finished with 43 sacks and 22 takeaways this past season and made progress when it came to stopping the run.
The Vikings were 5-1 versus their NFC North rivals this past year after finishing 1-5 in 2014. This is a talented club that is learning quickly, thanks in large part to Zimmer.
New England Patriots: Progressed
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When you haven’t had a losing season since 2000 and have played in six Super Bowls over the last 15 seasons, what exactly determines progress?
A few months of shoring up critical areas with some experienced performers.
It has been business as usual for the New England Patriots. Their offseason offensive additions include tight end Martellus Bennett, wide receivers Chris Hogan and Nate Washington, running back Donald Brown and guard Jonathan Cooper, to name a few.
There’s been quite an overhaul on the defensive front. New England finished ninth in rushing defense, but did give up four yards per carry last season. That was enough to alert head coach Bill Belichick, and the newcomers up front include defensive tackles Terrance Knighton and Markus Kuhn and 31-year-old defensive end Chris Long, who was cut loose by the Rams this offseason. The latter has missed 14 games over the past two seasons combined.
These moves and a few others ensure that the perennial Super Bowl contender has its share of experienced depth, something that a lack of cost them dearly in 2015. With quarterback Tom Brady, wideout Julian Edelman and tight end Rob Gronkowski on the field, the team will always find a way to score points.
Now Belichick and Co. have bolstered the entire team and added nine rookies via the draft. The model organization in the league these days continues to perform at maximum efficiency.
New Orleans Saints: Progressed
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There was simply nowhere to go but up. And to their credit, the New Orleans Saints have done their best to do so these last few months.
Only the Arizona Cardinals gained more total yards in 2015 than the team from the Big Easy, which also finished first in the NFL in passing. Once again, scoring points was hardly an issue.
Defensively, it was nothing short of a disaster. The club allowed the second-most yards in the league, ranked 31st in both run and pass defense, allowed the most points in the NFL and gave up a league-record 45 touchdown passes in one season.
Ouch.
Here to help are free-agent additions such as defensive tackle Nick Fairley, as well as linebackers James Laurinaitis, Craig Robertson and Nathan Stupar. The draft brought defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and safety Vonn Bell, a pair of potential starters.
Rookie linebackers Stephone Anthony and Hau’oli Kikaha took their lumps a year ago, but that experience will pay off this fall. Pro Football Focus tells us that cornerback Delvin Breaux was a positive in that beleaguered secondary.
New York Giants: Progressed
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No matter the cost, it’s all good with the New York Giants these days.
Now new head coach Ben McAdoo has to make sure all is well once the regular season starts.
The free-agent signings of defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and linebacker Keenan Robinson should immediately aid a team that allowed the most total yards in the league in 2015. The Giants also used three of their first four draft choices on this side of the ball, including first-round cornerback Eli Apple, and re-signed 27-year-old defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.
There are less pressing issues on offense, a unit that will have productive quarterback Eli Manning and a dangerous receiving duo in Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz. Second-round pick Sterling Shepard will push Dwayne Harris for the third wideout spot.
Simply put, the team went out and addressed its needs and came away with some solid solutions. It’s hard to ask more of a struggling club than that.
New York Jets: Regressed
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There are a lot of positives to speak of when it comes to the New York Jets.
The team has upgraded its running back corps with Matt Forte and Khiry Robinson. The wide receiver duo of Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker is one of the best in the game. Last season, the defense was one of the best in the league.
The Jets won 10 games and were ranked in the league’s top 10 on both sides of the football in 2015, but both the offense and defense are now missing crucial pieces.
Rich Cimini of ESPN.com has the latest on defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who still hasn’t signed his franchise tender. New York is also missing starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who hasn’t signed anything and remains an unrestricted free agent.
This pair of key absences makes much of the good done by the team this offseason a moot point, at least for the moment.
Oakland Raiders: Progressed
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The season of progress for the Oakland Raiders came in 2015. A team that won only three games the previous year more than doubled that total thanks to a 7-9 finish this past season.
Over the past two years, general manager Reggie McKenzie has made the most of his first- and second-round draft picks. He’s added All-Pro defender Khalil Mack and upgraded the offense with the selections of quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Amari Cooper.
Now the NFL’s 22nd-ranked defense from 2015 will be supplemented by the free-agent additions of outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, cornerback Sean Smith and free safety Reggie Nelson. Throw in 2016 first-round strong safety Karl Joseph, and it’s hard not to get excited about the direction the Silver and Black is headed in…finally.
Will the Raiders post their first winning season since 2002 this upcoming year? It’s certainly possible, but the bottom line is that McKenzie has this organization on the rise after more than a decade of frustration.
Philadelphia Eagles: Regressed
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Quarterback Sam Bradford is apparently not the only member of the Philadelphia Eagles that isn't feeling much love these days.
Defensive end Fletcher Cox has been a no-show at the team’s current OTAs, which began on Tuesday. He’s also been a no-speak.
“I have not talked to him,” Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told Matt Lombardo of NJ.com. “I’ve reached out to him multiple times. That's between him and his agent. Obviously, we want him here. I want him here. Again, it’s part of the offseason.”
Also missing from the team’s activities is Darren Sproles. NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport (courtesy of Kevin Patra of NFL.com) has the latest on the running back’s decision to stay away.
It doesn’t paint a positive picture for the Birds. The team gave away a lot to move up and make quarterback Carson Wentz the second overall pick in the draft. But the club spent a lot of the offseason ridding themselves of the memory of head coach Chip Kelly, who is now with the San Francisco 49ers.
On the positive side, the addition of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will pay huge dividends. However, that's little solace for a club that doesn't appear to be cohesive these days.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Progressed
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The league’s most successful franchise since the 1970 merger has primarily been known for physicality on both sides of the football. It traditionally fielded one of the best defensive units in the game.
These days, the Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their dangerous passing attack and a secondary that has been far too generous. In 2015, the team allowed the third-most yards through the air in the league and also surrendered 29 touchdown tosses.
But general manager Kevin Colbert has been working on rebuilding his defense via the draft. The 2016 selection of cornerback Artie Burns marked the fourth consecutive year the franchise used a first-round pick on the defensive side of the football. The Steelers used their first three picks and five of their seven choices on that side of the football.
On offense, there will be no Martavis Bryant this season, but Sammie Coates is ready to step in at wide receiver. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still has wideout Antonio Brown, and now has tight end Ladarius Green, who was signed away from the San Diego Chargers.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com believes that running back Le’Veon Bell will be ready for training camp at the earliest as he continues to recover from last year’s knee injury. However, he’s on course to be ready for Week 1.
Expect a young defense to improve as the season unfolds.
San Diego Chargers: Progressed
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It wasn’t supposed to fall apart like it did for the San Diego Chargers this past season, but the club is coming off a 4-12 season, its worst showing since matching that record in 2003.
General manager Tom Telesco made some key moves in free agency to fix what plagued the defense in 2015. Additions such as 31-year-old defensive tackle Brandon Mebane should alleviate the issues against the run. The Bolts finished 27th in the league in that department this past year.
The former Seahawks defender is apparently impressed with what his new team has done so far.
“There is so much talent on this team, it’s unreal,” Mebane told Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com Monday. “I was telling guys there is more talent on this defense than there was in Seattle. If you look at the draft, you’ve got four first-round draft picks and you have five second-round draft picks all on defense.”
It’s a debate for another time, but point taken as the Chargers also signed free safety Dwight Lowery and cornerback Casey Hayward, plus added Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa with the third overall pick in the draft.
Telesco didn’t ignore the offense, a unit that will once again be led by Ken Whisenhunt. Look for a better year from 2015 first-round running back Melvin Gordon, while speedy wideout Travis Benjamin will help quarterback Philip Rivers stretch defenses.
Making up ground in the AFC West is easier said than done these days, but the arrows are pointing upward when it comes to the Bolts.
San Francisco 49ers: Regressed
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San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and new head coach Chip Kelly addressed both sides of the football almost equally in April’s draft.
The duo added a half-dozen players to fix a club that scored the fewest points in the league this past year. There were five selections used to aid the NFL’s 29th-ranked defensive unit.
What remains perplexing is why the franchise wasn’t more active during free agency. Its most notable addition was guard Zane Beadles, who was cut loose by the Jacksonville Jaguars after a disappointing two-year stint.
Obviously, the hope is that this newest draft class can develop along with the young talent that Baalke has added via the draft in recent years.
At quarterback, Blaine Gabbert has seized the moment for now. And he knows there’s a chance for him to succeed if he continues at his present pace.
“The opportunity is in front of me to go out there and have a great season,” the 26-year-old signal-caller said, per Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com. “I look at that challenge as one I’m willing to accept. Nothing is ever going to be given to you, especially in the National Football League. You’ve got to go out there and take it."
“That’s my mindset. I’m never going to shy away from competition,” added Gabbert, who started eight games in 2015. “You’re always competing, whether it’s against somebody or against yourself, and I welcome that.”
The Niners are coming off a dismal 5-11 season, and they're a team loaded with a lot of young prospects. But it’s also a club that looks like it’s begun anew, and that adds up to a long year.
Seattle Seahawks: Regressed
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For the first time since 2012, the Seattle Seahawks selected a player in the first round. Not surprisingly, it was an offensive lineman.
According to Pete Carroll, Texas A&M’s Germain Ifedi will begin his career where?
The head coach told Pat Kirwan of SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier this month:
"First off, I love the kid now. He is so serious about achieving and bringing his best. He’s a really exciting kid. If you go back, we thought he played really well at right tackle, if you go back and watch him as a right guard early on in his career, he was really good there, too. We’re going to bring him in here and put him at right guard and get J’Marcus Webb at right tackle and get as big as you can get in football and see how those guys do together.
"
That’s all well and good. The Seahawks are also moving Justin Britt once again. This time, he will line up at center after stints at right tackle and left guard.
Quarterback Russell Wilson was the league’s top-rated passer in 2015. He threw for 4,024 yards and 34 scores compared to a mere eight interceptions. However, he was sacked 45 times in the regular season and seven more times in the playoff split with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers.
When it comes to defense, there are no worries with this club. It’s a different story when it comes to the punishment inflicted on their 27-year-old signal-caller. And that remains a cause for concern.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Progressed
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Given the play of quarterback Jameis Winston in the final 12 games of his rookie season, you could slap the progress tag on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers based on that aspect alone.
Now consider a defensive unit that has made substantial upgrades in the secondary, and there’s continued reason for optimism.
The addition of free-agent cornerbacks Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson as well as rookie Vernon Hargreaves bodes well for a unit that has allowed 30-plus touchdown passes in four of the past five seasons. Pass-rushing defensive end Robert Ayers and rookie Noah Spence will provide a spark for a unit that produced 38 sacks in 2015.
Back to the offense. Winston threw twice as many touchdown passes (16) as interceptions (eight) during the team’s final dozen outings, and he also ran for five scores. He’s again complemented by Doug Martin, the second-leading rusher in the league this past season.
Another year under offensive coordinator turned head coach Dirk Koetter will do wonders for the 22-year-old signal-caller. This is a Buccaneers team that is on the move.
Tennessee Titans: Progressed
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In 2014, DeMarco Murray ran for an NFL-best 1,845 yards with the Dallas Cowboys.
This past season, Derrick Henry racked up 2,219 yards on the ground for the Alabama Crimson Tide and walked away with a Heisman Trophy.
What do you think the Tennessee Titans have in mind this upcoming season?
Putting this duo behind an offensive line that just added another first-round pick to its lineup in April (tackle Jack Conklin) makes the game plan looks simple.
More support for quarterback Marcus Mariota is certainly a priority. The team also added key pieces to Dick LeBeau’s defense this offseason, a unit that improved to 12th in the NFL after finishing 27th in 2014. That includes rookies such as outside linebacker Kevin Dodd and defensive tackle Austin Johnson, a pair of second-round picks.
Nashville wasn’t built in a day, so don’t expect miracles from a team that’s won a combined five games over the last two seasons. But Mike Mukarkey’s Titans should be able to surpass that total in 2016 given the upgrades.
Washington Redskins: Progressed
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Washington Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan came up big in his first year with the team in 2015.
He may have outdone himself this offseason.
A year ago, he added guard Brandon Scherff, outside linebacker Preston Smith, running back Matt Jones and wide receiver Jamison Crowder in the draft. All played significant roles for the eventual NFC East champions.
This year’s free-agent haul included cornerbacks Josh Norman and Greg Toler, safety David Bruton and defensive end Kendall Reyes. All should help Joe Barry’s 28th-ranked defense from a year ago.
So should the addition of 2016 second-round pick Su’a Cravens. But where?
Head coach Jay Gruden explained to Anthony Gulizia of the Washington Times:
"Initially, we have to teach him a position, and right now it’s going to be the inside linebacker, and then from there we might branch off where it’s the nickel and it could be safety later on. But, initially, give him something to sink his teeth into, learn it and then go on from there and see what he can do.
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It’s onward and upward for the Redskins, who are looking to become the division’s first repeat champion since the Philadelphia Eagles turned the trick four straight years from 2001-04.
Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics come from Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com. All player ratings courtesy of Pro Football Focus. All 2016 free-agent and salary-cap information, contract terms and 2016 transactions are courtesy of Spotrac. Depth charts via Ourlads.
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