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| Justin Fields is that man. Clearly, the QB has a lot of room to grow as a progression passer, but given the lack of weapons and protection he had in 2022, it’s incredible how much difference he could make on the ground. Now it’s up to Chicago to put all their resources into Chicago, including a lot of cap space and the #1 overall pick in the draft, to give him the supporting cast he deserves. |
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| Russell Wilson finished relatively high. The bar was pretty low, of course, but with Nathaniel Hackett out of the building, the former Seahawks star finally showed some downfield juice in the Chargers’ upset. Combine that with the inevitable arrival of a new leader, and perhaps even proven attacking gurus like Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh could make Denver relevant again. . |
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| They’re focused on fixing their defense. By sacking coordinator Joe Woods and immediately targeting experienced names like Brian Flores and Jerrod Mayo, it’s clear they’re taking defensive issues seriously. In particular, the combination of Kevin Stefanski and Deshawn Watson was not very encouraging until the end. |
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| Kyler Murray’s new leader is coming. Cliff Kingsbury may not have been solely to blame for Arizona’s long-running late-life depression. GM Steve Keim resigned for a reason. But the prospect of pairing the explosive but whimsical Murray with proven QB mentors like Sean Payton and Jim Harbaugh offers some hope for a franchise in need of a reset. |
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| The veteran QB carousel is broken. After brief marriages to Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and now Matt Ryan, ownership is certainly hungry for something truly sustainable. It doesn’t mean that Chris Ballard or Jeff Saturday’s successor will make the right choice if the top youngsters become available, but at least the results in 2022 were so bad that Indy will discontinue Quick. There was only one – fix the bet. |
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| Maybe Sam Howell could be something. A single start cannot inform offseason plans. But at least the rookie QB, in his first NFL action, showed a veteran-level pizzazz at both ground and throwing it deep. We need anything that can fit under the center. |
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| they have money to spend Only the Bears are projected to have more cap space. Resources do not guarantee results, but they are especially helpful when there are a few valuable identifiable long-term components on either side of the ball. Most pressing: Arthur Smith enters his third year just praying at QB. |
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| A QB has been identified as a desperate need. Going into 2022, the Jets brass were understandably interested in giving Zach Wilson another year to build his forgettable debut. I have been on the bench many times. His replacement, Mike White, had an early epiphany before scorching himself. With the rest of the roster built for competition, GM Joe Douglas can focus on securing a proven veteran arm to do the real work. |
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| they really are coming How could it not? Dan Campbell’s MO with the Lions has been battling to the end, regardless of record or circumstances. But that attitude is starting to show up against the winners row and top teams. They have big questions to answer with his QB. Jared Goff was a pleasant surprise, but could benefit from more sports competition. But with Green Bay’s upset in Lambeau in Week 18, they’re poised to really make some noise in his NFC North with reinforcements aimed at improving defense. |
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| Jordan Love awaits. Aaron Rodgers is considering retirement, but regardless of his final decision, Green Bay should be a little more excited about the possibility of bringing love to the forefront. In action, he displayed an intriguing arm talent, opening several doors for Matt Ruffler’s offense, especially if Christian Watson continues to grow and the Packers can finally reclaim the remaining receiver positions. may open. |
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| Steve Wilkes has revived the culture. Whether or not the interim coach returns as Matt Rule’s successor, his footsteps will certainly be felt in the locker room. Even without QB certainty and Christian McCaffrey, they played competitive ball all the way to the finish line. |
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| Time to rebuild the offense (again). Once upon a time, Bill Belichick wisely left the offense to old pals Matt Patricia and Joe Judge and promised Mac Jones a second year as QB1. Now with a full offseason ahead of him and plenty of cap space to make changes, he hopes to get creative, add competition and hopefully be happy with whatever happens in 2022. There is a green space to decline. |
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| Derek Carr’s divorce had to happen sometime. The disrespectful nature of the QB’s inevitable split may be disappointing, but after nearly a decade together, it’s time for both sides to start fresh. Not really, but it certainly opens the door to possibilities. |
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| At least they can replace a lot of their hard work with injuries. This isn’t exactly sun and rainbows.If Sean McVay is out, I’m wondering what that means for Matthew Stafford recovering from injury and adapting to a different new system at 35. think. . |
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| Reinforcements are coming courtesy of Sean Peyton. Dennis Allen looks safe after scoring a dominant defensive finish. It’s fair to be very concerned about their offensive future, but it’s possible, if not unlikely, to bring back a first-round pitcher (if not more). Payton will inevitably get an offer to coach elsewhere in 2023. |
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| Kenny Pickett has guts. Of course, it will only get you so far if your play-calling and protection aren’t up to par, but if 2022 is one thing for Pittsburgh, it’s that the rookie QB We were making sure we had the tools worth investing in. Mike Tomlin and company really need to put in the time and resources to bring him to victory. |
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| I might hire someone I really want this time. After canning LaVie Smith a year after doing the same thing to David Curry, you’d think GM Nick Caserio would get another chance to pick a proper leader for this franchise. After flirting with guys like Jonathan Gannon and Josh McCown in the offseason, it’s no surprise he finally avoids the mysterious aging placeholder for young up-and-comers. |
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| The division’s title would have masked their deeper issues. In other words, having lost in Week 18 and missing the postseason, the new post-John Robinson administration is looking more clearly at expensive, aging starters like Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry, and rightfully so. You might be able to entertain yourself with a thorough overhaul. Mike Vrabel has proven that he can coach nearly any roster into his mix as a wild card, but there are holes in the picture that need to be addressed. |
