In addition to the season, there have been some big trades so far, and a number of well-known free agents have joined a new team. The balance of power between the AFC and the NFC should have changed a lot as a result.
We look at the teams that have upgraded the most, the shifts at the top of the two conferences, the most effective agreements, and who will benefit from it.
Five questions about an eventful low season with huge successes, spectacular free agents and their impact on the new season.
1. Which teams upgraded the most?
Miami Dolphins: With the trade to Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins have once again put a big exclamation point behind an already promising offseason. With Mike McDaniel, a young, innovative head coach was initially engaged.
Hill and Jaylen Waddle are without a doubt the fastest wide receiver duo in the NFL, and DeVante Parker as WR3 and Cedrick Wilson as WR4 are a statement. In addition, Terron Armstead picked up one of the league’s best left tackles and Connor Williams is a solid guard who, along with Armstead, is a major upgrade on the left side of the offense.
With Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert, two solid running backs were also signed, and they already had a good back in the squad in Myles Gaskin.
Of course, the quarterback opportunities are not exactly exciting, but Tua Tagovaiola had great success in college with Alabama with a similarly strong offensive. Hill and Waddle will help him a lot with their ability to add yards after the catch. In addition, thanks to the upgrades in the O-Linen, he will finally have a little more time in his pocket and can distribute the ball to his many passing stations.
2022 Miami Dolphins’ offensive skill positions
|
QB |
RB |
WR |
WR |
WR |
TEA |
|
Tua Tagovaiola |
Chase Edmonds |
Tyrek Hill |
Jaylen Waddle |
DeVante Parker |
Mike Gesicki |
|
Teddy Bridgewater |
Raheem Mostert |
Cedrick Wilson |
Preston Williams |
Trent Sherfield |
Durham Smythe |
NFL: Chargers and Bills upgrade defensively
Los Angeles Chargers: Last offseason, the Bolts’ focus was on supporting Herbert on the offensive. This year must then be followed up on the defensive. And how: With the replacement for Khalil Mack, the Chargers, along with Joey Bosa, have what may be the best pass-rush tandem in the league. In addition, head coach Brandon knows Staley Mack from their time together in Chicago and the adjustment period should therefore be quite short.
With JC Jackson also addressing the hole in the cornerback position, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson will improve on last season’s devastating running defense on the D-Line. On paper, the Chargers have one of the most complete lists in the NFL, and if a solid right tackle can be found in free agency or in the draft, the upside this year is huge.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills have invested quite a bit of capital in their defensive line in the first two rounds of the draft in recent years. But that hasn’t stopped her from tackling her pass-out-of-season rush. With Von Miller and Shaq Lawson, you’ve got new starters and also improved in width. The bills will be able to rotate sharply next year and thus always keep their D-liners fresh.
The signings of tight-end OJ Howard and wide receiver Jamison Crowder were also smart low-risk and high-reward trades from general manager Brandon Beane. An empty backfield red zone offensive consisting of Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Dawson Knox, Howard and Crowder will give the opponents’ defense some headaches.
The AFC looks even more improved than last year
The Cleveland Browns with Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper and the Denver Broncos with Russell Wilson and Randy Gregory should also be mentioned at this point. Both teams already had well-stocked rosters, and just by having their franchise quarterback now, both teams should be a strength to count on next season.
The same goes for the Las Vegas Raiders, who through the deal for Davante Adams have a clear WR1 for the first time since Amari Cooper left in 2018. With Chandler Jones, one of the best pass-rushers on the market was also brought in. The rally between him and Maxx Crosby could certainly influence the discussion about the best pass rush duo in the league next year.
The striking thing is that it’s all teams from the AFC who have improved significantly more than their NFC counterparts this offseason. Several stars have also moved from the NFC to the AFC with Adams, Wilson, Cooper, Mack and Jones, while the biggest name to take the AFC on the NFC journey without a doubt is Carson Wentz.