The NFL preseason is upon us, and with it, the opportunity for teams to solidify their rosters and figure out who fits their systems best. This year, several teams have new quarterbacks, offensive lines, and wide receiver corps, making the preseason crucial for their development and success. Here's a breakdown of eight teams that need these exhibition matchups the most, from the Miami Dolphins to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a new quarterback in Malik Willis, who flashed starting potential with the Green Bay Packers but now faces a new challenge in learning Bobby Slowik's system. With a new quarterback comes the need for a strong wide receiver corps, and the Dolphins are working to find their primary receivers with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle gone. The battle for starting spots is fierce, with Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, TuTu Atwell, and several rookies vying for positions.
The Dolphins' secondary is also a concern, with several players banged up and a reputation as one of the worst in the NFL. The team has brought in new talent, such as Chris Johnson and Jason Marshall Jr., but the depth chart is still a work in progress. The preseason is crucial for the Dolphins to sort out their defensive strategy and find their starting lineup.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a quarterback battle between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Watson, despite his struggles since being traded from Houston, is favored to win the job. Sanders, a rookie, has the opportunity to impress and make a case for himself. The Browns' offensive line is also a concern, having lost several key players in the offseason. The team is relying on new starters like Spencer Fano and Zion Johnson to step up and provide stability.
The wide receiver rotation is one of the most interesting position battles in the NFL. Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston are among the contenders, but the dropsies of Jeudy and the potential of Concepcion and Boston make this a crucial position to watch.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a new coach in Klint Kubiak and a potentially improved roster. The defense has seen significant changes, with new players like Kwity Paye and Taron Johnson. The team also drafted Treydan Stukes and Dalton Johnson, and acquired Jermod McCoy. The preseason is essential for these new players to get live reps and learn the system.
The wide receiver corps is a concern, with only Tre Tucker and a few second-year players. The Raiders need to find a top target for Kirk Cousins, and the preseason will be crucial for evaluating the young players' potential.
New York Jets
The Jets have several key position battles, including the nickel spot and safety. The team is also working to find their starting lineup and evaluate their rookies. The preseason is essential for the Jets to sort out their depth chart and find their starting lineup.
The team has high expectations for first-year players like David Bailey and Omar Cooper Jr. The preseason will be crucial for these players to impress and move up the depth chart.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are hosting a quarterback battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Tagovailoa, despite his struggles, has the opportunity to win the job with a strong performance. The team is also working to replace the production of James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, who are facing suspensions and injuries.
The pass rush rotation is a concern, with several new players vying for starting spots. The preseason is crucial for the Falcons to find their defensive strategy and evaluate their new talent.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have a new coach in Mike LaFleur and a potentially weak roster. The team is favored to be the worst in the NFL, making the preseason crucial for LaFleur to examine his roster and figure out the team's strategy.
The quarterback controversy between Jacoby Brissett and Carson Beck is a topic of interest. Beck, a rookie, impressed in his first NFL action, and the preseason will be crucial for him to continue his development.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are introducing a new offense under Sean Mannion, with a focus on Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. The team is also working to replace A.J. Brown and find a new top target for Hurts. The preseason is essential for the Eagles to evaluate their new talent and find their starting lineup.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have lost several key players in free agency, including Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd. The team is relying on new starters like Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten to replace Etienne. The preseason is crucial for the Jaguars to find their new strategy and evaluate their draft class.
