It’s that time of year again. In the sports world, it is the start of NFL training camps. These camps take place in every major pro football city, usually to indicate the fact that the NFL season is just around the corner. As NFL analyst Gary Davenport points out, “training camp is an invaluable part of the process of preparing for another season of football. The beginning of a journey teams hope will end next February in Houston” (bleacherreport.com). Well said, Gary. For teams such as the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, there are expectations put on by their fans, mainly to make the postseason, reach the Super Bowl and potentially win it. However, these three contending teams, among others, face key questions on important positions:
Broncos starting quarterback
Fresh off a victory in Super Bowl 50, the champs saw Peyton Manning retire from the NFL and surprisingly, backup QB Brock Osweiler leave for the Houston Texans. This year, Denver will have to rely on former New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez, 2015 draft pick Trever Siemian, and 2016 first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch. Of the three quarterbacks on the roster, only Sanchez has started more games and completed more passes. Defensively, Denver still remains a force to be reckoned with, with reigning Super Bowl MVP Von Miller at linebacker.
Patriots offensive line
While the sports world knows that Tom Brady will be suspended for the first for games of the season for his role in Deflategate, and that Jimmy Garrapolo will start in his place, New England has question marks elsewhere, particularly their offensive line. Despite the fact that the Patriots offense was one of the best in points per game and passing yards, Brady was on his back or scrambling out of the pocket because of a young, inexperienced group of linemen who struggled to blocked pass rushers such as defensive linemen and linebackers. But the team went out and acquired guard Jonathan Cooper from the Arizona Cardinals to help bolster that weak spot. Nevertheless, New England will still be in great position to compete for a Super Bowl this year because of its future Hall of Fame quarterback (Brady) and head coach (Bill Belichick)
Seattle Seahawks Offensive Line
Over the last three seasons, the Seahawks made it to the playoffs in large part due to their dominating defense and an excellent running attack led by Marshawn Lynch. If Seattle wants to get back to contending for a Super Bowl, the team will have to rely on their defense and a young, inexperienced, offensive line. A key contributor to the team’s runs at the Super Bowl, Longtime mainstay Russell Okung, signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason, leaving quarterback Russell Wilson with unknown names up front to work with. It will take time, but the Seahawks’ offensive line will be a factor in how far the club goes in the regular season and postseason.
In spite of these weaknesses, Denver, Seattle and New England, in addition to Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Carolina, will compete for this season’s Super Bowl. The Broncos proved last season that a team can win a championship without having decent play at the quarterback position but it will be difficult to repeat as champions, as the competition will be fierce. Until the regular season officially begins, NFL fans, look forward to the preseason games. Football is back!
