Throughout the NFL season, we the fans have been highlighting several aspects to the season: Lamar Jackson's rise, Russell Wilson's MVP campaign, Nick Bosa's early dominance, and of course the excellent prime time games we have been blessed with this year. Also, the media has picked on teams for playing poorly and not reaching expectations that analysts predicted early on. Yes these teams have had problems such as injuries that have led to them not reaching these expectations, but looking closer at teams like these there are pressing problems that need to be addressed. This offseason, there is a list of teams that need to fix a hole on their roster or prepare for one that may come. If they can do so, they'll keep their team competitive and potentially propel them into the Super Bowl contention.
The Browns
Former NY Giants wide out Odell Beckham Jr. has not performed the way many analysts predicted
The Browns as I mentioned have been disappointing to say the least this year. There have been many problems, such as an injured secondary, poor offensive line play, and a less than stellar offensive that was predicted to be electric. The easy person to blame is Baker Mayfield, who has seemed to digress from his record-setting rookie season. But that isn't fair in my eyes, as Mayfield hasn't even played two full seasons of NFL ball. I believe the problem for the Browns is the coaching staff. Even though head coach Freddie Kitchens is a favorite of Mayfield from when he was an offensive coordinator, Kitchens isn't cut out to be a coach in this league at this point. Understanding that firing Kitchens will mean Baker will be onto his 3rd coach as a pro, the Browns need to be smart with who they select. In my opinion, I believe they need to do what teams like the 49ers and Cardinals have done. They need to find a coach who is youthful and exciting, with experience running a successful offense. I understand that Kitchens has the relationship with Mayfield, but I believe that he fails in the aspect of experience. If the Browns can sort out their coaching issues, this team led by young stars Denzel Ward, Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb and Baker Mayfield can take the league by storm.
The Chargers
Rookie standout S Derwin James has missed a majority of the season, leaving the team without his much needed energy
Getty Images
The Chargers are yet another team that has been disappointing this year. Believed to be the AFC team that could take down the Patriots, the Chargers may not even make it to the playoffs to have the chance. A lot of the Chargers problems have come from the absences of several key players. The first of which is star running back Melvin Gordon, who was the cause of a handful of drama that Chargers have endured. Since Gordon was holding out, the team was without their workhorse back, who was a threat to put up big numbers game in game out. Even though backup Austin Ekeler did and continues to put up numbers, he is no Melvin Gordon. In addition to Gordon's absence, the Chargers have also been without versatile safety Derwin James due to injury and reliable wideout Tyrell Williams due to him leaving in free agency. James is the energy that moves that Chargers defense, playing several positions and making his impact known. Even though Williams isn't the biggest name player, he was a reliable option for Rivers and now is seeing success up in Oakland. When looking at the problem that needs to be addressed with the Chargers, it is quarterback. This isn't a problem now, but the Chargers need to find a quarterback prospect in these next two drafts to be the successor to Rivers. You can argue that perhaps the Chargers will take the next step with a better offensive line and linebacker core, but a good quarterback is everything in today's league. Don't be surprised if the Chargers trade up for Oregon QB Justin Herbert or take a chance in the later rounds on Oklahoma product Jalen Hurts.
The Bills
A true surprise this season, Buffalo has given their loyal fans something to cheer for this season behind a strong defense
With the Buffalo Bills, they are actually a team that has been doing well this season. They'll probably end up securing a wild card spot on the strength of their defense and grind it out offense. But if you look at the Bills closely, can one really say they expect them to make a run in the playoffs. The answer is no, and the problem lies on their average at best offense. Led by an aging legend in Frank Gore and sophomore quarterback Josh Allen, the offense is far from the level their defense is at. If the Bills want to try and take the AFC East division title away from the Patriots, they need to focus their offseason on acquiring an elite or two offensive weapon(s). Whether it be a tight end, running back or receiver, they need to make a trade, sign, or draft one or two. Potential options for the Bills can be Bengals star A.J. Green, Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, or Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (only if Philly is comfortable moving forward with Dallas Goedert). Draft wise, the Bills could target Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III or Wisconsin back Jonathan Taylor for potential options. All in all, Buffalo needs to add some weapons for Josh Allen to work with to bring Buffalo to the next level.
Thank you for reading my article! I would appreciate if you'd answer this question about my opinions to hear what you think.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LM6CP9N
