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What should the football fans do when there is no football? For sure, it is not easy to find an answer for this question and it depends on a lot of things. The National Football League offseason is not good to be faced and it is all take by speculations. Since the day after the Super Bowl until the Opening Kickoff, the franchises’ routines are tagged by rumors.
Free Agency, Draft, Minicamps, OTAs, Training Camp, Preseason… All of that hold uncertain details, questions that need answers, things to be clarified. So, let’s do it! Surprises coming from the Free Agency seem to arrive into an end, the Draft is gone, and now it is time for the teams to work with their new players.
But for all of the NFL franchises right now there is at least one big question that puts at stake an important part of teams’ future. Therefore, I have separated thirteen fourteen questions that should keep us tuned on for the next months.
Here we go!
Who will be Broncos’ starting quarterback?
After Tony Romo been released by Dallas, what really looked like was that Broncos are not comfortable with their quarterback situation for this season. However, all inquiries on Romo did not work and Denver will have to start with either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch. Lynch is a long-shot quarterback in conceived by John Elway, and he might be Vance Joseph’s favorite at this moment. Siemian was the starter last year and Gary Kubiak really liked him. The head coach, nonetheless, is not in Colorado anymore and it opens up this discussion even harder. Once again, the number #13 is the favorite for the role; however, the former Memphis quarterback has a good shot, especially with the preseason under radar.
Who will be Browns’ starting quarterback?
For those who thought Brock Osweiler did not have any chances to be under center for the Cleveland Browns at week 1, keep in mind that it can still happens. For sure it is very unlikely but who would you prefer, Osweiler or Kevin Hogan? Besides these two, the Browns still have Cody Kessler (the favorite to start at this moment) and also rookie DeShone Kizer. As I stated, Kessler is the favorite for the position, but he is not unanimity, neither any of the others.
And how about the Texans?
Select Deshaun Watson at the 12th overall pick was a good option for the Houston Texans, but at the same time, the franchise kept its biggest need from 2016 – the quarterback position. I am pretty sure Texans are only one competitive quarterback away, to become a real contender in AFC, and right now it is hard to see it changing this year. Houston needs to decide between Tom Savage, Brandon Weeden or rookie Deshaun Watson. That is not easy.
How will Saints offense work with Adrian Peterson?
I really liked the Saints addition of Adrian Peterson, but it is not news to anyone that the running back position was not a big need for New Orleans. Mark Ingram is still there and he is coming from his best pro season (1,043 rush yards). At the age of 27, it is hard to imagine Sean Payton setting Ingram as a second option, what means that the head coach will have to figure out a way to work with this two rushers in the same offense – one that has already Drew Brees. Do not forget also that Saints had just drafted Alvim Kamara. That will be interesting to see.
Where will Colin Kaepernick land?
We are already in May and Colin Kaepernick is still without a team. Actually, he said that he did not have a single enquiry from any NFL franchise. Some reporters, anyhow, informed that Seahawks might be interesting in Kaepernick’s services as a backup, which makes sense for both sides. Could he ask for more than that right now? This question must determinate whether or not he will play in 2017.
Can Martavis Bryant stay out of problems?
Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers missed Martavis Bryant, especially during the postseason. The wide receiver was suspended for use illegal substances and now there is a huge expectation for his 2017 production. Will he be available to play? I have no doubts on what Bryant can do on the field, but he has to find a way to stay out of troubles (and help his team).
How the Panthers will use Christian McCaffrey?
What we saw from McCaffrey during his time in college was spectacular. He proved to be a powerful running back that can create mismatches for the defenders all over the field. Because of that the dynamic Panthers’ offense recruited the former Stanford. So, right now, Carolina needs to decide if Christian McCaffrey will play only as a running back or maybe receiving the ball in the slot.
How concerned should the Cowboys be with a backup quarterback?
Tony Romo is gone and now Dak Prescott is the doubtless starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. However, we have seen the real importance of the presence of a solid backup in the NFL lately, and Cowboys do not have one of this at this moment – Kellen Moore would be this guy. Prescott is a mobile quarterback and teams will try to put much more pressure on him this year. Dallas should have a B plan if something unexpected happens with its starter, isn’t it?
Can Brian Hoyer be the guy for the San Francisco 49ers?
In case you didn’t know, Brian Hoyer started five games for the Bears in 2016 and he didn’t throw a single interception. Besides that, he tossed for six touchdowns and his rating was above 98. It may be early to state that he is a doubtless starter from today, but his name is back in the discussion about quarterbacks that will have a good opportunity this season. San Francisco made a shot on him. Was it a good one?
Is this the best receiver group Eli Manning has ever had around?
The idea of having Eli Manning in the final stages of his career may have passed through Jerry Reese’s mind. The general manager decided to add a lot of offensive weapons for the veteran quarterback and it looks like he succeeded. Brandon Marshall recently joined Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard in the wide receiver arsenal; Evan Engram was drafted in first round and can give a good rotation for this offense scheme. Since 2004, when Eli Manning was drafted, I don’t remember a greater group of teammates for him than this one.
Is Marshawn Lynch the best running back in AFC West right now?
The AFC West got even more attractive with the Raiders addition of Marshawn Lynch, I am talking about one of the best runners from the past years in the NFL. But what can we expect from the number 24 after one inactive year? Is he the best running back of this division?
What will happen with the Vikings with the return of Teddy Bridgewater?
Teddy Bridgewater’s injury before last season frustrated Vikings’ plans of having their best possible team. So Minnesota got Sam Bradford in a trade with Eagles, trying to keep the good momentum of the team at the quarterback position. But what will happen when Bridgewater gets ready to play (we don’t know yet when it will that take place – nor his conditions at that time – but surely it will happen)? Should the Vikings keep both of them, by that time?
BONUS: Is there any way for the Jets to be competitive in 2017?
I know we cannot apply this theory before season really starts, but I already have my favorite team to pick first overall in 2018 – and it is the New York Jets. In fact, the team had a good Draft this year, but it is very unlikely that it will save the franchise from a losing season. Josh McCown will be the starting quarterback, a Matt Forte in his final stages will be the main running back and Eric Decker, who is not at his best moment of his career, highlights the receiver group, even being alone in this task force. That’s it!
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