AFC Team Needs: A Look Ahead to Training Camp
The NFL offseason is a wild ride of trades, free agency frenzy, and draft day drama. But once the dust settles, it all comes down to one question: What does your team still need to compete? As we gear up for the season, let’s dive into the AFC, where some teams are looking pretty stacked (on paper, at least) while others… well, let’s just say they’ve got some work to do.
AFC North: A Battle Royale Brewing
The AFC North is always a dogfight, and this year looks no different. With a mix of veteran quarterbacks and young gunslingers, the battle for the division crown will be fierce. But before these teams can even think about playoffs, they need to address some key weaknesses.
Cincinnati Bengals: Who’s Gonna Tote the Rock?
The Bengals are riding high after back-to-back deep playoff runs. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are one of the most electrifying duos in the league, and the defense is no slouch either. So, what’s the problem? Well, they’re a little light in the backfield. Replacing Joe Mixon’s production won’t be easy, and the pressure is on Zack Moss and rookie Chase Brown to pick up the slack.
Cleveland Browns: In Search of Linebacker Love
The Browns are all-in on Deshaun Watson, and with good reason. When he’s on, he’s one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. They’ve got weapons galore on offense, and the defense boasts stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. But there’s a glaring hole in the middle of that defense: linebacker. Beyond Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, the linebacker corps is a bit of a mystery. If the Browns want to live up to the hype, they’ll need to find some answers at this crucial position.
Baltimore Ravens: Protecting Lamar, the Key to Success
Let’s get one thing straight: Lamar Jackson is the Baltimore Ravens. The man is a walking highlight reel, capable of single-handedly winning games. But even Superman needs protection, and that’s where the Ravens have some question marks. The offensive line has undergone a significant makeover, particularly at guard, which could spell trouble for Jackson’s health and the team’s offensive consistency.
And while we’re on the subject of defense…
Baltimore Ravens: Can They Generate a Pass Rush?
Losing both Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen in one offseason is a tough pill to swallow for any defense. The Ravens need to find a way to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they want to compete in a loaded AFC North.
AFC South: The Colts and Jags Are Coming… We Think
The AFC South has been the Jags’ playground for, well, not that long actually. But with Trevor Lawrence finally living up to his potential, it’s looking like the Jags are the team to beat in the division. The Colts are banking on Anthony Richardson to be their franchise quarterback, but the rest of the division is still trying to figure things out.
Indianapolis Colts: Lockdown Corner Needed
The Colts are high on young quarterback Anthony Richardson, but they need to surround him with talent. While they’ve drafted some promising defensive backs, a true lockdown cornerback remains elusive. In today’s pass-happy NFL, you can never have enough guys who can cover.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Can Darby Turn Back the Clock?
The Jaguars are feeling good after a playoff appearance last year, but they can’t afford to get complacent. Replacing Darious Williams with an aging Ronald Darby is a risky move. While Darby has been a solid player in the past, Father Time is undefeated. The Jags need him to defy the odds and provide some stability in the secondary.
And it wouldn’t hurt to shore up that offensive line a bit, just sayin’.