NFL OTAs are over, which transitions us into mandatory minicamp season, meaning training camps will be here before we know it.
Training camp battles are soon ready to dominate NFL headlines, so what better time than now to take a brief look at one burning question for each NFL team entering training camp. We’ll break it down division by division and try to figure out what each squad has to figure out before the season kicks off in September.
Let’s get started with the AFC.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: Who will be their X receiver?
The Buffalo Bills have experienced significant changes this offseason, with the departure of key veterans signalling a potential franchise reset. Despite having Josh Allen at quarterback, they find themselves on the verge of a major overhaul.
While not fully committing to a rebuild, they’ve walked the line closely throughout the offseason. Their biggest question is who will replace Stefon Diggs as their X receiver. In the 2024 draft, Buffalo selected Keon Coleman with their first pick (33rd overall), bolstering a receiving corps which is now led by Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. However, all four pass catchers excel primarily working inside the hash marks in slot roles. The challenge now is finding someone capable of occupying the outside receiver position that can keep defences honest.
With doubts surrounding Marques Valdes-Scantling and Chase Claypool’s ability to make a significant impact at this stage of their careers, resolving the spacing issue in this offence becomes crucial for the team’s success in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Can the Dolphins beat good teams in 2024?
The Dolphins’ offence had an electrifying start to the 2023 season, earning the prestigious title “the greatest show on turf” after a jaw-dropping 70-point offensive showcase against the Broncos in week three.
However, despite sporadic flashes of brilliance, they struggled with consistency against formidable opponents throughout the season. Their standout victory arrived in week 16 against the Cowboys, clinched by a last-second field goal. But the regular season concluded on a sour note for Miami, starting with a resounding loss to the Ravens in week 17, followed by a lacklustre showing against the Bills in week 18, where they mustered a mere 16 points in a disappointing home defeat.
While falling to the eventual Super Bowl champions in the wild card round isn’t catastrophic, the Dolphins failed to display competitiveness throughout the game against the Chiefs. Like the Bills, the Dolphins were forced to make tough roster decisions due to a tight cap situation, resulting in the departure of key veterans, most notably on defence. Despite the coaching prowess of Mike McDaniel, renowned as one of the game’s most innovative offensive minds, the Dolphins must elevate their game against top-tier teams in 2024 to become more than just paper champions in the NFL.
New England Patriots: How long can the Patriots keep Drake Maye on the bench?
The New England Patriots may find themselves vying for the top pick in the 2025 draft. While their defence retains several talented pieces, their offence appears to be in disarray. The offensive line’s performance has been notably lacking, and despite acquiring a multitude of wide receivers, none seem poised to assume the role of a true WR1 in 2024.
Drafting two highly intriguing rookies in Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker gives that group hope for the future, but both players aren’t quite ready to step into a true WR1 role. While I have confidence that Drake Maye possesses the potential to become a top-tier NFL quarterback, even his most ardent supporters must acknowledge the need for him to develop his game to match the speed and skill level of the NFL.
Given the dearth of talent on the offensive side of the ball, it seems prudent for the Patriots to utilize 2024 as a redshirt season for Maye’s development. However, the New England fan base is accustomed to success, placing additional pressure on new head coach Jerod Mayo to adeptly navigate the expectations of the fans. Particularly if the team struggles with Jacoby Brissett at the helm as their starting quarterback.
New York Jets: Is Aaron Rodgers still Aaron Rodgers?
The New York Jets, have historically struggled to handle pressure from fans and media alike. And they’ll be facing a significant amount of it in the upcoming season.
Their 2023 campaign took a nosedive just four snaps into the season when Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. With no backup plan in sight, the season quickly spiraled out of control despite boasting one of the most talented rosters on paper.
In the offseason, the Jets attempted to address their offensive line issues by bringing in aging veterans with lengthy injury histories themselves to protect their 40-year-old quarterback. However, to this point Rodgers has yet to participate in any throwing drills, leaving uncertainty surrounding his recovery progress. While rumours circulated about a potential return at the end of last season had the Jets remained in contention, until we witness his performance on the field, those rumours remain just that.
Rodgers has to begin getting reps with the first-team offence during camp, not only to demonstrate his health and readiness for the regular season, but also to establish rapport with his new offensive line. If Rodgers can perform at even 75% of his prime, the Jets pose a serious threat to make an impact in the playoffs. However, until we witness him executing the throws that define his brilliance, he remains the team’s most significant question mark.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: Will the defence take a step back in 2024
Mike Macdonald emerged as one of the most coveted coaching prospects in this year’s hiring cycle, and for good reason. Renowned for his intricate defensive schemes, Macdonald possesses a knack for assembling the right personnel to execute his strategies. Now at the helm of Seattle’s defence, the onus falls on Zach Orr to sustain Baltimore’s legacy of defensive excellence, despite the departure of several key contributors.
While the Ravens managed to retain standout defensive lineman Justin Madabuike following a breakout season, the loss of other key pieces has undoubtedly thinned their defensive depth. Nevertheless, the team still boasts defensive stalwarts such as Roquan Smith, one of the league’s premier linebackers, and the burgeoning star safety Kyle Hamilton. Though the Ravens’ defensive lineup remains formidable, it lacks the depth seen in previous seasons.
With reigning MVP Lamar Jackson leading the offence, Baltimore’s defensive performance, and Orr’s ability as a defensive play caller, will be pivotal in determining the team’s success this season.
Cincinnati Bengals: What happened to the defence in 2023?
While Joe Burrow’s health remains a perennial concern, his on-field prowess is undeniable. Additionally, Jake Browning’s commendable performances last season in Burrow’s absence suggest that the offence should be capable of remaining competitive in 2024 should anything happen to their franchise quarterback.
Offence wasn’t the primary issue for the Bengals last year; rather, it was the catastrophic collapse of their defence under veteran coordinator Lou Anarumo. Ranking 23rd in DVOA, 32nd in yards allowed per pass, and tied for 29th in yards allowed per rush, the defensive performance was abysmal, particularly near the end of the season.
Despite Anarumo’s previous successes, including during the Bengals run to the Super Bowl, the defence experienced a significant decline last season. Cincinnati also suffered losses in the offseason, most notably D.J. Reader, a stalwart in run defence. Significant improvement on defence is imperative for the Bengals if they aim to replicate their deep playoff run.
Cleveland Browns: Will Deshaun Watson be able to run the offence?
The Browns boast one of the league’s best rosters on paper. However, Deshaun Watson hasn’t met expectations following his acquisition from the Houston Texans. He’s failed to validate both the significant assets exchanged for his acquisition and the substantial fully guaranteed contract upon his arrival in Cleveland, despite Watson’s 5-1 record as a starter last season.
The Cleveland offence appeared to flourish when he was sidelined, with Joe Flacco stepping in and igniting the passing game. While head coach Kevin Stefanski ranks among the NFL’s elite, his offensive system appears mismatched with Watson’s skill set, setting the stage for a doomed union from the outset. Nonetheless, the team brims with talent, and Watson has demonstrated immense promise during his tenure in Houston. Should Stefanski and Watson get on the same page this season, the Browns stand poised as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Can Tomlin have yet another winning season?
Head Coach Mike Tomlin, fresh from securing a three-year extension, boasts an impeccable 173-100-2 record, never finishing a season below .500. However, his resilience will be tested as he faces one of his toughest challenges yet in 2024.
The AFC North is renowned for its competitiveness, and the Steelers find themselves with arguably the weakest roster on paper in the division. The quarterback situation is a major question mark, with Russell Wilson, recently released by the Broncos due to a decline in performance, poised to start for the Steelers, while Justin Fields, acquired for just a fifth-round pick, serves as backup. Furthermore, the departure of wide receiver Diontae Johnson places heavy reliance on George Pickens to elevate his game and become more consistent this season.
Despite these uncertainties, the Steelers have undergone a complete overhaul of their offensive line over the past two seasons, boast a formidable running back duo in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and possess a dependable safety valve in tight end Pat Freiermuth for Russ to rely on. Tomlin’s prowess in maximizing defensive performance week after week inspires confidence, suggesting that despite the fierce competition in the AFC North, the Steelers will likely remain in contention for meaningful games come December.
AFC South
Houston Texans: How high can this team rise?
The previous season for the Houston Texans left an indelible mark on fans’ memories. It marked the emergence of C.J. Stroud as the team’s franchise quarterback, igniting a resurgence that unlocked the potential of third-year starter Nico Collins and propelled Tank Dell to fantasy football stardom. Building on this momentum, the team bolstered its offensive firepower in the offseason by acquiring both Stefon Diggs and veteran running back Joe Mixon via trade.
With offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik opting to remain with the club for another season despite receiving significant interest from multiple clubs for a head coaching role, the stage is set for the Texans to field one of the league’s most potent offences. Remarkably, this offensive surge occurs under the stewardship of defensive-minded head coach Demeco Ryans, who’s already instilled a transformative culture within the franchise.
Spearheaded by third overall pick Will Anderson, the Texans’ defence made significant strides midway through the previous season, though their playoff journey ended with a defeat against the Ravens in the divisional round. The Texans addressed their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in run defence, actively fortifying their defensive ranks for the 2024 season. Armed with a franchise quarterback still on his rookie deal and strategic investments in free agency, Houston appears well-positioned for success.
However, the team’s fortunes hinge significantly on the health and cohesion of its offensive line, a factor that proved inconsistent until the latter half of the 2023 season. Nonetheless, the Texans’ roster presents few discernible weaknesses, signaling a promising outlook for the upcoming campaign.
Indianapolis Colts: Can Anthony Richardson stay on the field in 2024?
Quarterback Anthony Richardson entered the 2023 draft with the label of a project player. His exceptional athleticism shattered combine records, yet doubts lingered about his prowess as a pure passer.
In the four games he played, he showcased NFL-caliber talent, displaying dynamism and projected as a gamebreaker both on the field and in fantasy football. However, his season was marred by injuries, sidelining him for the majority of his rookie year. Richardson is currently integrating into OTA’s following his October shoulder surgery, but has experienced some initial soreness that necessitated unexpected days off.
Despite these setbacks, his throws still exhibit the same strength as before so there’s hope that the current issues will be mitigated with the more reps he gets as he works to shed the scar tissue surrounding the injury. The Colts narrowly missed out on the playoffs in 2024, but with a promising draft and Richardson’s potential, they appear poised to contend once again in 2024. If Richardson can strike a balance between maintaining his aggressive style of play while safeguarding himself from further injury, the Colts could emerge as contenders in their division.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Where is this team headed?
The upcoming season is pivotal for answering the Trevor Lawrence question. Hailed as a generational talent out of Clemson in 2020, Lawrence’s rookie year was marred by disappointment under Urban Meyer’s leadership (or lack thereof).
While there were glimmers of improvement in his sophomore season under Doug Pederson’s guidance, Lawrence has yet to ascend to the elite quarterback tier many envisioned for him. Several mitigating factors come into play. Pederson, though a skilled coach, relies heavily on offensive coordinator Press Taylor for play-calling, often yielding less than stellar results. Additionally, the team has surrounded Lawrence with solid but not spectacular talent despite hefty financial investments in free agency.
As Lawrence approaches the end of his rookie contract in 2025, the Jaguars’ window to compete on a reduced QB salary is quickly closing. Fresh off signing a mega-money deal, Lawrence will soon command top dollar in the NFL. But for Jacksonville’s sake, he needs to elevate his game to match his pay cheque in short order.
Tennessee Titans: How quickly can the offensive line rebound from 2024?
Entering the 2024 season, there’s no shortage of questions surrounding the Titans’ starting quarterback, Will Levis. However, in my view, all of these concerns become secondary if the team’s offensive line doesn’t take significant steps forward.
Under new head coach Brian Callahan, who enlisted his father Bill, one of the league’s top offensive line coaches, there’s hope for improvement from last season’s dismal 32nd-ranked unit. The addition of rookie JC Latham, projected to start at left tackle from day one, along with the signing of Lloyd Cushenberry to anchor the center position, suggests a commitment to bolstering the line.
Additionally, Peter Skoronwski brings promise, provided he remains healthy. Nonetheless, uncertainty looms over the right tackle spot, and history shows that it often takes time for offensive lines who are in the midst of turnover to mesh. Should this unit fail to coalesce swiftly, Levis will be vulnerable to constant pressure. And suddenly, the offseason acquisitions at skill positions—such as wide receiver Calvin Ridley, running back Tony Pollard, and wide receiver Tyler Boyd—could quickly become meaningless. Levis struggles under pressure, so getting this unit in sync will be imperative to the team’s success in 2024.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: How long will this rebuild last?
The Broncos find themselves in a challenging position, having made significant sacrifices in recent years, including trading for Russell Wilson (whose subsequent buyout resulted in the largest dead cap hit in NFL history) and trading for/hiring head coach Sean Payton.
These moves cost the team five valuable first and second-round draft picks, assets crucial for building a strong foundation. After the release of Wilson this offseason, they were compelled to use their first-round pick in the latest draft on the sixth-ranked quarterback, Bo Nix, leaving substantial gaps across their roster. Moreover, the looming cap hit from the Wilson deal will severely hamper their ability to kickstart any rebuilding efforts through free agency for the next five years.
The Broncos could be facing one of the most protracted rebuilding processes in NFL history, with doubts lingering over whether Sean Payton will remain with the team long enough to see it through. Typically, a team that successfully acquires four or five key starters through free agency and the draft in one offseason earns the label of “offseason winners.” However, the Broncos have lacked the resources to even attempt such a feat in recent years. Their depleted roster necessitates finding twelve to fifteen impactful contributors before they can realistically vie for playoff contention, and they just do not have the resources available to jumpstart this rebuild.
Kansas City Chiefs: Will they be able to Three-Peat?
When aiming for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, few questions about your team truly hold weight. The Kansas City Chiefs boast the league’s premier quarterback, who recently demonstrated his ability to succeed even with a subpar wide receiver corps. Meanwhile, Andy Reid continues to evolve as a head coach, defying expectations at 66 years old.
Despite several offseason setbacks — including potential disciplinary action looming for Rashee Rice due to reported incidents, the departure of star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed due to salary cap constraints, speculation on Travis Kelce’s performance decline, and uncertainty regarding the starting left tackle position — Mahomes and Reid remain the driving forces behind the team’s success.
As long as this dynamic duo remains intact, the Chiefs are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and stand poised to etch their names among the greatest teams of all time.
Las Vegas Raiders: Can the defence carry this team again this season?
The loudest question looming over the Raiders’ training camp this season is the battle for the starting quarterback position. Sophomore Aiden O’Connell was inconsistent during his 2023 stint as a starter, while the newly acquired Gardner Minshew seems better suited as a top level backup.
Frankly, the outcome of this quarterback competition seems inconsequential. Despite the presence of top-tier talents like Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Mayer, and rookie Brock Bowers, neither candidate appears poised to deliver anything beyond average quarterback performance, let alone secure a long-term starting role for the organization.
In 2023, the Raiders managed to salvage their season following the dismissal of Josh McDaniels by leaning on their defence. The offseason addition of defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, secured through a lucrative free-agent contract, provides a formidable interior presence, complementing superstar Maxx Crosby’s prowess on the edge. While lacking marquee names elsewhere, the defence witnessed several players stepping up under the guidance of head coach Antonio Pierce since the middle of last season. And with him returning to the club for 2024, it’s expected that is a unit that the team can rely on while the offence tries to get going.
In a division boasting the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, the Raiders’ relevance come December hinges significantly on their defence’s ability to rank among the league’s top ten.
Los Angeles Chargers: What will the new Harbaugh offence look like?
Under the guidance of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team faced significant salary cap challenges entering the 2024 offseason. Harbaugh’s strategic moves include restructuring the contracts of defensive ends Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa while parting ways with star receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
With offensive coordinator Greg Roman on board, the team’s game plan is expected to heavily feature the run game, capitalizing on the talents of left tackle Rashawn Slater and rookie tackle Joe Alt. While star quarterback Justin Herbert may find himself with a less experienced receiving corps in Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and rookie Ladd McConkey atop the depth chart, it seems unlikely that Harbaugh, known for maximizing quarterback talent, would relegate Herbert, one of the NFL’s premier passers, to a mere game manager role.
The run game is poised to play a significant role in their offensive strategy, but it’s doubtful that Harbaugh would squander the talents of a $53 million quarterback. The Chargers could be a team that surprises a lot of people this coming season.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.