Smooth-tissue accidents are sometimes prevalent early within the NFL season as a result of there’s much less contact throughout coaching camp and preseason taking part in time for key contributors is proscribed. The league misplaced just a few stars in current weeks and now groups are tasked with filling that misplaced manufacturing.
Right here is probably the most urgent want for each group forward of Week 3:
AFC North
Bengals: Operating again
Following the commerce of working again Joe Mixon, the Bengals signed Zack Moss from Indianapolis. They want him to have an enormous season because the go-to possibility or second-year runner Chase Brown will likely be pressured into motion. In keeping with TruMedia, the group’s rushers common 2.34 yards post-contact, which is the seventh-lowest price within the league.
Cornerback was the opposite consideration simply because they want the present group to play at a better degree. They did job muddying the waters towards Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs final week.
Large receiver is a creating scenario as Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase proceed to be monitored.
Browns: Linebacker
Cleveland’s beginning offensive tackles have been as soon as once more inactive final week. The expectation is that they are going to be again shortly, however that clearly shoots to the highest of the checklist of wants if Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin are as soon as once more unavailable. The Browns have the very best strain price allowed (44.7%) this season, based on TruMedia.
Cleveland has a case for having the league’s greatest roster. The Browns don’t have any wants that might submarine the group’s efforts past perhaps the quarterback place. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has All-Pro potential however the remainder of that unit is up for grabs. Veteran Jordan Hicks has earned the beginning subsequent to Owusu-Koramoah.
The move catchers should be higher as properly. The Browns led the league in drops final yr with 39 and have already got eight by two video games in 2024.
Ravens: Large receiver
Coming into Week 1, the priority was relating to the offensive line, who welcomed two new starters with Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele. Utilityman Patrick Mekari is within the beginning lineup as properly. Left sort out Ronnie Stanley has battled accidents in recent times. There may be numerous unknown in that unit.
Nevertheless, the offense has been very restricted. The unit confirmed numerous creativity working horizontally, however the lack of a downfield menace may show to be difficult over the course of the season.
Former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald is now the coach in Seattle. Baltimore is making use of strain on 28.4% of opponent’s drop-back makes an attempt, which is the fifth-worst price within the league, based on TruMedia.
Steelers: Large receiver
With Diontae Johnson gone, Pittsburgh has little outdoors of George Pickens. The hope is that Calvin Austin III takes on a much bigger function and rookie Roman Wilson’s acclimation to the NFL is quick and easy. The offense has 77 carries and 30 receptions by two video games.
The Steelers are permitting strain on 37.5% of drop backs, which is the eighth-highest price within the league, based on TruMedia.
AFC South
Colts: Cornerback
Essentially the most-pressing want is cornerback. The scenario was exacerbated when second-year starter JuJu Brents discovered his method onto injured reserve Sep. 10. Of the 5 cornerbacks on the Colts roster, three have been undrafted free brokers and none have been drafted sooner than the fifth spherical.
The run protection has been worse than anticipated. They’re permitting 1.65 yards earlier than contact and three.45 yards after contact, based on TruMedia; each figures are eighth-worst within the league. In current days, the group added DeForest Buckner to injured reserve.
Jaguars: Cornerback
Cornerback can be a difficulty elsewhere within the division. Darious Williams was a casualty of the franchise’s seek for wage cap well being. He was changed by 30-year-old Ronald Darby. Though Tyson Campbell impressed a yr in the past, he’s now on injured reserve with a hamstring harm.
Jacksonville’s offensive line must be extra constant. The Jaguars are permitting strain on 40% of dropbacks, which is the seventh-worst price within the league, based on TruMedia. They rank under common in yards earlier than contact on the bottom however Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby mix for the league’s third-best yards after contact (4.15).
Texans: Defensive sort out
Defensive tackles Sheldon Rankins, Maliek Collins and Teair Tart are gone from final yr’s roster. They signed veterans Folorunso Fatukasi and Mario Edwards, however that continues to be a place to watch. Depth couldn’t deal with any accidents to that unit.
Titans: Edge rusher
The brand new-look Tennessee protection leaves rather a lot to be desired in Brian Callahan’s first season as coach. Quite a bit has been placed on the plate of Harold Landry III and Arden Key. The unit must discover a extra constant technique to generate strain having completed within the backside 5 in group strain price a yr in the past, per TruMedia. Depth is much more regarding. The operation is at present second-worst within the NFL (21.2%).
Tennessee has used its first-round decide on offensive lineman in every of the previous two years. The Titans employed top-of-the-line offensive line coaches within the NFL and signed free agent middle Lloyd Cushenberry. Regardless of that funding, strain has nonetheless been getting dwelling by two video games.
AFC East
Bills: Linebacker
Buffalo misplaced numerous management from its protection this offseason and circumstances have been exacerbated in coaching camp when linebacker Matt Milano was probably misplaced for the yr. Reserve Tyrel Dodson departed for Seattle in free company so it leaves Dorian Williams and Terrel Bernard to shoulder the load.
The inside offensive and defensive traces have been additionally a consideration, however the group has carried out properly early within the season.
Dolphins: Defensive sort out
A number of seasoned items from final yr’s group are actually gone. Tua Tagovailoa was positioned on injured reserve this week and the offensive operation was turned over to Skylar Thompson and Tyler Huntley. There are considerations about that place within the brief time period, however there’s not precisely a bevy of choices awaiting them in free company.
They signed a number of veteran defensive linemen to pair with Zach Sieler in an effort to rebuild a defensive position that misplaced Christian Wilkins this offseason. Benito Jones and Calais Campbell are the 2 that made it by the offseason. Campbell turned 38 not way back. Miami has one of many lowest yards-before-contact charges within the league, however one of many worst yards after contact, based on TruMedia.
Cornerback and broad receiver depth can be a priority these days.
Jets: Security
Though it’s solely doable, if not possible, that the opposite shoe will drop at linebacker this season with a 32-year-old C.J. Mosley, security is the simpler alternative. The protection has been inclined to large performs within the move sport by three video games. Cornerback depth past Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed is a bit precarious.
There may be additionally the lingering query about Haason Reddick’s future with the group. Thankfully, former first-round decide Will McDonald IV has exploded with 5 sacks. Jermaine Johnson II was added to injured reserve so that doesn’t assist the pass-rush scenario.
Patriots: Offensive sort out
The selection between broad receiver and offensive sort out was a knock-down-drag-out combat. Each are important wants, however it all begins upfront with the offensive line. If that’s not solidified, then the remaining hardly issues. Large receiver additionally has just a few younger gamers, reminiscent of Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker who ought to at the very least be entertaining.
Mike Onwenu began at proper sort out, which is a task he has adequately stuffed prior to now, and former sixth-round decide Vederian Lowe is beginning at left sort out. The Patriots have allowed the third-highest strain price within the NFL this season (44.3%), based on TruMedia.
AFC West
Broncos: Offensive line
The offensive line is a priority. Lloyd Cushenberry departed in free company. Denver’s inside offensive line consists of Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg and Quinn Meinerz. Proper sort out Mike McGlinchey is now on injured reserve. Whereas in New Orleans, Sean Payton persistently invested premium draft belongings into the offensive line yr over yr however it isn’t precisely a energy for his Broncos group that’s ushering in a brand new period at quarterback. In keeping with TruMedia, they’ve the second-highest price of strain allowed by two video games.
Patrick Surtain II is without doubt one of the greatest cornerbacks within the league, however the remainder of the unit doesn’t precisely encourage confidence. Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian are the opposite two starters. Linebacker is one other space of weak point.
Chargers: Defensive sort out
Coach Jim Harbaugh desires to construct a tricky, bodily soccer group and which means being cussed within the trenches, before everything, which led to the number of Joe Alt at No. 5 general. They’ve been working the ball effectively and successfully. The broad receivers have carried out above expectation.
The Chargers are 2-0 by two weeks however there’s a lot to find out about this group as they’ve confronted the Raiders and Panthers. Cornerback and defensive sort out are important areas of weak point.
Chiefs: Operating again
Operating again Isiah Pacheco was added to injured reserve this week. The group added Kareem Hunt to the follow squad and can seemingly lean on rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine within the interim.
Kansas Metropolis is permitting 1.63 yards earlier than contact, which is the ninth-highest price within the league, based on TruMedia. The extent of strain has not been overwhelming both.
Cornerback was a major want after shifting L’Jarius Sneed this offseason. It seems as if they are going to be capable to cobble a secondary along with Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner and others.
Raiders: Cornerback
The outlook at quarterback will not be thrilling, however little might be executed about that at this stage of the NFL calendar. Cornerback is a much bigger subject. Jack Jones was discover for them on the waiver wire, however the group misplaced Amik Robertson in free company. Nate Hobbs is a strong veteran. There’s a lot unknown about Jakorian Bennett or Decamerion Richardson — each of whom have been drafted within the fourth spherical every of the previous two years — as they’re subsequent on the depth chart.
Linebacker and defensive sort out are just a few secondary wants. Las Vegas is permitting 163.5 speeding yards per sport, which is the fourth-most. The unit ranks within the backside 5 of yards earlier than contact and yards after contact, based on TruMedia.
NFC North
Bears: Inside offensive line
There are just a few positions that would warrant consideration as the most important want however none are utterly destitute both. Defensive sort out, edge rusher and the inside offensive line are the most important wants on Chicago’s roster. There may be hope at edge rusher with DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker, Darrell Taylor or Dominique Robinson probably stepping up reverse Montez Sweat. The larger points are the interiors. Caleb Williams has had 2.42 seconds, on common, to throw, based on TruMedia, which is the sixth-lowest price within the league.
Lions: Edge rusher
There may be not a place on Detroit’s roster that requires dire consideration. Even at a place like edge rusher, the franchise has choices reverse Aidan Hutchinson. It’s strictly a matter of whether or not or not they’ll keep wholesome. The Lions have closely invested in Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal so the perfect consequence is that both or each rise to the event in 2024.
Normal supervisor Brad Holmes did an excellent job turning cornerback right into a place of energy this offseason by buying and selling for Carlton Davis, drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.. These additions give the protection extra freedom.
Packers: Linebacker
Youthful is an correct description of the Packers roster as it’s at present constructed. There’s a path ahead for basically each place however they’re overly reliant on these younger gamers creating quickly. Three safeties have been drafted to play alongside free agent signee Xavier McKinney.
Linebacker has some query marks with De’Vondre Campbell absent however rookies have an opportunity to fill the void. Edgerrin Cooper was my top-rated linebacker prospect and he graded very well in a small pattern measurement. Ty’Ron Hopper was a third-round decide in his personal proper, however Isaiah McDuffie began. Quay Walker, a 2022 first-round decide, is all of the sudden the elder statesman in that room. Inexperienced Bay is permitting 3.93 yards after contact, based on TruMedia, which is the third-worst price within the league.
Two working backs, AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd, are on injured reserve, so there’s numerous strain on Josh Jacobs to remain wholesome and produce.
Vikings: Inside offensive line
Minnesota is permitting strain on 36.8% of drop backs, which is a bottom-10 price within the NFL, based on TruMedia. Beginning offensive guard Dalton Risner has been on injured reserve since August.
It was my assumption that some side of the protection can be excessive on the checklist of wants however the numbers haven’t mirrored it up to now. Harrison Phillips and Jerry Tillery have been on the coronary heart of some defenses that have been unable to cease the run.
NFC South
Buccaneers: Linebacker
Linebacker is an issue space. The Buccaneers are permitting 3.30 yards per rush after contact, which is backside 10 within the NFL, based on TruMedia.
They’ve executed an enough job addressing the inside offensive line with the signing of Sua Opeta, final yr’s second-round number of Cody Mauch and this yr’s number of Graham Barton. The offense has regarded extremely explosive by two video games.
Falcons: Large receiver
An harm to Rondale Moore actually put the group’s broad receiver depth into perspective. Ray-Ray McCloud III is the third receiver with sixth-round decide Casey Washington and KhaDarel Hodge being the one different two broad receivers on the roster. The group regarded extra alive towards the Eagles than that they had the prior week towards Pittsburgh.
Panthers: Edge rusher
Carolina diverted nearly all of its sources to the offensive facet of the ball in help of former No. 1 general choice Bryce Young. The protection was adversely affected and the entrance line is basically composed of employed mercenaries reasonably than homegrown expertise. Cross rusher Brian Burns was traded away at a reduction and the burden falls on Jadeveon Clowney. They’ve utilized a move rush on 18.8% of opponent’s drop backs by two video games, based on TruMedia, which is the worst price within the league. For perspective, the highest of the league (Denver) sits at 48.1%.
Cornerback, apart from Jaycee Horn, is a possible weak point. Generally, there’s not rather a lot for this franchise to hold its hat on proper now.
Saints: Large receiver
There may be not numerous criticism to lob within the path of the Saints proper now. They’re taking good care of enterprise on either side of the ball. Wants will develop over the course of the season, however that has not been the case up to now. Trying on the roster, depth at broad receiver is a spot the place they’ll unwell afford to maintain a key harm.
NFC East
Commanders: Offensive sort out
After taking LSU’s Jayden Daniels because the quarterback of the long run, the Commanders additionally want a left sort out of the long run after releasing Charles Leno. Cornelius Lucas and Andrew Wylie noticed many of the motion because the beginning offensive tackles. Every participant ranks among the many 30 highest overwhelmed charges, based on TruMedia, which basically illustrates how typically the opposition wins the rep.
Edge rusher can be the opposite space at which they need to throw future belongings after sacrificing Chase Young and Montez Sweat within the rebuild.
Cowboys: Cornerback
The depth that Dallas labored so onerous to develop a yr in the past was rapidly examined. DaRon Bland suffered an harm that may lead to him lacking at the very least the primary quarter of the season and Stephon Gilmore signed with the Vikings in free company. Trevon Diggs missed basically all the 2023 season because of a torn ACL. Fifth-round decide Caelen Carson, C.J. Goodwin and Andrew Sales space are the opposite three gamers on the roster. The excellent news is that the move rush is so good that protection doesn’t have to carry up practically as lengthy.
Eagles: Inside offensive line
The lack of middle Jason Kelce to retirement has taken a harsh toll on the Philadelphia offensive line. That they had the sixth-highest strain price allowed, based on TruMedia. It was onerous to take a lot from the opener in Brazil because of the poor subject situations however the encore efficiency was not a lot better.
The Eagles have one of the proficient rosters within the league. The secondary play must match the franchise’s funding. Cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry have been impactful gamers for many of their careers however final season was disappointing. Bradberry has been working at security this summer season, however is now on injured reserve. They added Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean early within the draft to bolster that unit. Safeties Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown are comparatively inexperienced however every has the power to lock down their respective roles. The return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson may show to be a significant coup.
Giants: Offensive line
Quarterback play is clearly limiting however there’s little that may be executed about that scenario midseason.
The development of the offensive line stays a thriller. Jermaine Eluemunor began at proper sort out forward of former first-round decide Evan Neal. What comes of the battery that features John Michael Schmitz, Greg Van Roten and Jon Runyan Jr.? Depth behind that unit is comparatively restricted as properly. New York has the sixth-highest strain price allowed, based on TruMedia.
Cornerback considerations have been alleviated a bit with the return of Adoree’ Jackson. Linebacker is one other place to contemplate.
NFC West
49ers: Operating again
The 49ers have misplaced working backs Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. The alternative, Jordan Mason, had a fumble final week. Coach Kyle Shanahan is proactive in investing in that place however early-season accidents have already challenged depth.
San Francisco must proceed investing in its offensive line. The 49ers eliminated proper sort out Mike McGlinchey however didn’t substitute him with an identical funding. Trent Williams is the one former first-round decide and Aaron Banks was the one Day 2 choice previous to the number of Dominick Puni. Puni has regarded good early in his profession however the transforming should proceed.
Cardinals: Defensive position
The most important subject is the defensive entrance seven. Arizona had 12 draft picks and solely two, together with first-round alternative Darius Robinson, have been used on the defensive entrance seven. Robinson has but to make his debut as he nurses a calf harm sustained throughout coaching camp. The Cardinals have one of many 10 lowest group strain charges by two video games, based on TruMedia.
Accidents have taken beginning proper sort out Jonah Williams and offensive sort out draft choice Christian Jones.
Rams: Large receiver
The place does one start when discussing Los Angeles’ harm points? The Rams have misplaced two star broad receivers, two contributing cornerbacks and two projected beginning offensive linemen. Following the losses of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams are left with Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell at receiver.
The commerce of Ernest Jones IV opened up the dialog for linebacker being the most important place of want on the time. In his absence, the group is left with Troy Reeder, Christian Rozeboom and Omar Speights.
Seahawks: Linebacker
Seattle signed linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker in free company earlier than drafting Tyrice Knight within the first spherical. New coach Mike Macdonald did carry out the most effective in linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen final season in Baltimore. The hope is that he has an identical impact on the group cobbled collectively by common supervisor John Schneider.
The Seahawks have a sound roster if they’ll keep wholesome and, so far, they’ve.
