LogFAQs > #976177403

Short remarks for open teams

Denver Broncos
Previously one of the best teams in our league's history, their immediate future looks murky. Their run game was once one of the best in the league, but it has fallen tremendously. The defense has also taken a sizeable step back. They have an older offensive line and could lose two starters there to retirement. There's some great, young pieces here and the entire division had a losing record a season ago, so a quick retool might be all this team needs (as long as a new HB is part of those plans).

Portland Express
They have one of the longest active playoff streaks, and have one of the best overall records over the past several seasons in spite of their 7-9 division-winning record last season. The defense remains elite, but the offense took a tumble with a league-worst running attack after incumbent HB Lamar Miller suffered multiple injuries. They seem like an easy bounce-back candidate as long as they shore up their depth.

Miami Dolphins
Arguably the premier franchise through this project's existence, the Dolphins suffered really poor luck last season all the way to missing out on the playoffs. They were statistically one of the best teams in the league, but they will enter next season without their Hall of Fame QB and maybe HB and LG. They do have former 1st rounders to take over at QB and HB, but they finished the season 0-3 with both of them starting, so it's no guarantee that they fix improve in their first season as full-time starters. Still, the star power on this team is immense.

Cincinnati Bengals
One of two teams to improve their record in each of the past three seasons, the Bengals hit a home run with their first round pick WR Kenny Golladay who had one of the best rookie seasons that we've seen. The Bengals are a balanced team on offense and defense. They are relatively young (youth skewing toward defense), so it isn't unreasonable to think that they can continue to improve as is. They could be a sneaky SB contender next season.

Columbus Pioneers - They have won the division in five of the past six seasons, and are one of the better two-way teams in the league. The offense is getting up there in years, but they are one of the surer playoff bets for next season.

San Francisco 49ers - The defense played at an elite level, and second-year QB Kyler Murray greatly improved. Unfortunately, their demise could be traced to their running game, which was very high volume paired with very low efficiency as they were dead last in rushing YPC with leading rusher Jerick McKinnon's 3.3 (thanks to a Thomas Rawls injury) "leading" the way. Regression to the mean is likely all that this team needs to get back into playoff contention.

Seattle Seahawks - Long one of the most disappointing franchises relative to talent/individual performance, the Seahawks have quietly produced back-to-back non-losing seasons (yes I am touting this as an accomplishment). The offense has given up a ton of sacks, but this is one of the better starting QB/WR groups in the league. They really need to get a bonafide stud HB. Maybe former first rounder Kareem Hunt is that guy after missing his rookie season due to injury. The defense is where they need to make the most strides.

St. Louis Rams - The Rams are on the league's longest playoff streak, and they have shown no signs of seeing that end. They finished with the #1 D, and their passing attack continues to be elite even if QB Ryan Tannehill has been shouldering too much of the offensive burden of a decaying running attack that has seen his efficiency decline and turnovers go way up. This is a SB contender as is, but it wouldn't hurt to tinker with the OL/HB and just depth in general.

Dallas Cowboys - No team has had a run of dominance like the Cowboys, but that era appears to be over as they have missed the playoffs for several seasons and finished 5-11 last season. QB Cam Newton has been one of the best QBs in the league over the past several seasons, but he led the league in turnovers last season. The running game has also been lagging, but perhaps second-year HB Phillip Lindsay can build upon his good rookie season. The defense is aging, especially along the DL. There will be many retirements on that side of the ball in the next few offseasons.

Washington Commanders - This team has been running hot and cold for several seasons now. This past season, they started 3-4, then won six straight, and then ended the season on a 3-game losing streak, which cost them both a division crown and a wild card spot. They have a very bright future on offense with tons of youth and great performances. The defense has also been good, but not quite to the level of the offense. This team routinely has a ton of cap space, so they should have the means to building up the roster through pure cash.

Minnesota Vikings - The Vikings have won three of the past five Super Bowls. Their team isn't very stable in terms of performance on either side of the ball in regards to team rankings season in, season out, but they are seemingly always a SB threat. They have an aging DL and they will probably need a new HB, so there's some clear avenues to improve/future proof this team.

Carolina Panthers - The Panthers were making strides after some really ugly seasons, but an injury to QB Lamar Jackson led to an 11-game losing streak to end the season. This team needs a lot of work and a clear direction to move in. There are not a lot of foundational pieces. If you want a challenge, this team is probably the one you want to be in charge of.

San Juan Orcas - The Orcas followed up a Season 17 SB victory by finishing 7-9 and out of the playoffs. The defense was elite finishing 3rd in the league, but the offense sagged a bit with reigning QB of the Year QB Jameis Winston seeing his passer rating drop over 15 points. Regression to the mean is probably all this team really needs, but more depth is warranted after suffering some crucial injuries.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I think the defense is fine, though it could always use more talent. The offense is the head-scratcher. OL and WR/TE seem fine, but this team spent the #1 and #2 overall pick in consecutive seasons on QB Trevor Largent and HB Alvin Kamara, and well, yikes! Largent has been injured, benched, and when he's healthy and starting, he has neither looked good nor racked up counting stats. It might be time to pull the plug on him. HB Alvin Kamara was brought on slowly his rookie season, did not win the starting job in his second season as Knile Davis had a breakout season, and when he became the full-time starter in his third season, he was injured and ineffective. He should probably be given another chance, but man does the future of this offense look bleak.