Soccer is lastly right here with coaching camps commencing throughout the league this week.
It means essentially the most pertinent questions start to get answered. How will the rookie quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels or new faces in new locations like Kirk Cousins look? How will Anthony Richardson or Joe Burrow fare coming off accidents? Are there any contract impasses to observe? What concerning the contemporary wrinkles from new head coaches like Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles or coordinators like Kellen Moore in Philadelphia?
The Athletic’s NFL workers compiled one main query for every NFL staff as camp begins. These are the speaking factors to observe with the Corridor of Fame Sport simply 10 days away.
Can Kyler Murray elevate the group?
Apologies upfront. This query has been offered on this area earlier than however has but to be totally answered. There are a number of causes — an ACL damage, a training change, subpar receivers — however Murray himself is the largest. He has had sturdy moments, however not practically sufficient. Coming into 12 months 6, that is his time. Issues about Murray’s management and preparation have pale. Coaches and teammates rave concerning the quarterback’s dedication and drive. He’s wholesome. His supporting solid is healthier. And he understands what it means to be the face of the franchise. The following step is the largest. — Doug Haller
Was quarterback actually the one lacking piece?
The Falcons have lived the final three years underneath the belief that if that they had persistently good quarterback play, their offense would come alive due to its younger talent place expertise and extremely paid offensive line. Matt Ryan’s ultimate 12 months in Atlanta, adopted by principally a season every from Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder, didn’t present that. Kirk Cousins, who signed as a free agent within the offseason, ought to. That’s why Atlanta gave him a assured $100 million. Now the Falcons discover out if Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson are pretty much as good as they’ve been saying all this time. — Josh Kendall
Will the Ravens be capable of piece collectively a robust offensive line?
With two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson main an offense that now has Derrick Henry, an rising No. 1 receiver in Zay Flowers and two harmful pass-catching tight ends in Mark Andrews and Isaiah Doubtless, the Ravens have the makings of an offense that might be extremely productive and difficult to defend. For issues to return collectively, Baltimore should be glorious up entrance. But, the offensive line begins coaching camp as a piece in progress. The Ravens have three beginning spots up for grabs and a minimum of two of them, if not all three, might be crammed by a first-time starter. — Jeff Zrebiec
Will kicker Tyler Bass keep away from the yips?
Maybe it’s a present of confidence, however the Payments determined not to herald one other kicker this offseason. As soon as thought of computerized, Bass more and more struggled as final season wore on. He was good by means of the primary 5 weeks after which missed three of his subsequent 4 area objective makes an attempt, all huge proper from 52, 53 and 42 yards. Every week after lacking an additional level, he made solely two of his 4 FG tries (one blocked, the opposite huge proper once more) in a Week 12 extra time loss to the Eagles. Bass was abysmal within the playoffs, making solely two of his 5 area objectives. He was huge left from simply 27 yards in opposition to the Steelers. With the Payments determined to tie the Chiefs with 1:43 to play, he despatched his 44-yard try huge proper but once more, ending their season. — Tim Graham
Can Bryce Younger be the man?
The Panthers spent a ton of draft capital and traded DJ Moore to Chicago to take Younger first general. Younger’s rookie season was a catastrophe, because the Panthers completed final in complete offense and tied with the Patriots because the worst-scoring offense at 13.9 ppg. Younger had the league’s worst passer score but additionally had poor move safety and receivers who couldn’t separate from protection. The Panthers fortified the O-line by signing free agent guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis to massive contracts. In addition they gave Younger just a few playmakers by buying and selling for Diontae Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks. Now it’s as much as Younger to show he is usually a franchise QB like pal and former AAU basketball rival C.J. Stroud. — Joseph Individual
How effectively will Caleb Williams play as a rookie?
The Bears have constructed a positive state of affairs for Williams to affix. He’s surrounded by expertise: Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, tight ends Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett, working again D’Andre Swift and proper sort out Darnell Wright. He has an skilled play caller in Shane Waldron. The Bears must also have one of many higher defenses underneath coach Matt Eberflus. The expectations ought to be excessive for Williams and the Bears this season. — Adam Jahns
Will Joe Burrow appear to be himself?
Ask this query every day for the remainder of his profession and it wouldn’t be an excessive amount of. Well being looks like the one impediment in entrance of Burrow, narrowly lacking MVPs and championships in his first 4 seasons. If he can present the identical pinpoint accuracy and mandatory velocity in recovering from his uncommon wrist damage in camp, everybody in Cincinnati will exhale and put together for a title run. All went effectively within the offseason program, however now would be the time to evaluate — to not point out avoiding one other random ailment (ACL, appendectomy, calf) clouding his August and September for yet one more 12 months. — Paul Dehner Jr.
What are the Browns going to get from Deshaun Watson?
Pardon the exhaustion and repetitiveness; this has been the large query for 3 summers now. The Browns are coming off a playoff season however Watson is coming off November shoulder surgical procedure. The parents in cost have spent massive and really feel a way of urgency to win now, and in a loaded AFC (and AFC North), the Browns will solely attain their ceiling if Watson is persistently out there and enjoying at a excessive stage. Amari Cooper’s contract standing and Nick Chubb’s rehab are main questions, too, however the Browns know they’ve a very good staff. In addition they know that Watson mixing effectivity with the occasional little bit of explosiveness is one of the best ways to return to the playoffs and set up themselves as a real AFC contender. — Zac Jackson
How will Mike Zimmer use Micah Parsons?
Clearly, we are able to go the straightforward route with the handful of contract conditions, headlined by a possible CeeDee Lamb holdout, however let’s get somewhat deeper and have a look at the pending new look on protection. The Cowboys introduced again Mike Zimmer following Dan Quinn’s departure to Washington and plenty of consideration justifiably goes to how Zimmer improves the run protection. Nonetheless, how Zimmer goes about utilizing his finest defensive participant between move rusher and linebacker, or each, will go a good distance in dictating how completely different the Cowboys’ protection could look than what it’s been in recent times. — Saad Yousuf
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Will Bo Nix look the half as a rookie quarterback?
You don’t draft a 24-year-old quarterback with 61 school begins to have him sit for a season, particularly when there isn’t a longtime reply on the place forward of him. Even when Nix doesn’t win the race with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson to change into the Week 1 starter, he’ll undoubtedly see the sector in some unspecified time in the future throughout his rookie season. When he does, Nix should present he can push the ball down the sector in essential conditions, restrict drive-altering errors like he did at Oregon and customarily present confidence that he’s able to pilot an environment friendly offense by 2025. If he can do these issues, the Broncos can rely the transition 12 months forward as a hit. — Nick Kosmider
Is that this the 12 months Detroit’s secondary comes collectively?
The Lions’ protection has but to match its explosive offense within the Dan Campbell-Aaron Glenn period. The secondary, specifically, has been brutal. With the staff so near a Tremendous Bowl look final season, the entrance workplace addressed these defensive wants — bringing in Carlton Davis III, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. to bolster the place. All 4 are DBs with a problem mindset who match the man-heavy fashion Glenn likes to play. It’s a robust place on paper. On the identical time, it’s too early to anoint this group. We have to see it carry out. — Colton Pouncy
Will a change in defensive coordinator produce higher outcomes?
After three years of underwhelming relative to its particular person expertise, Inexperienced Bay’s protection has a brand new maestro in former Boston Faculty head coach Jeff Hafley. Gamers have heaped reward on the 45-year-old this offseason and he carries a status of enjoying aggressive, getting after the quarterback and being a back-end specialist. However will all the nice offseason vibes surrounding head coach Matt LaFleur’s shock rent translate to on-field manufacturing for a staff with Tremendous Bowl aspirations? — Matt Schneidman
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Can C.J. Stroud keep away from the sophomore droop?
Final season, quarterback C.J. Stroud delivered one of the vital spectacular rookie campaigns in NFL historical past. His efforts helped the Texans win the AFC South and attain the playoffs. Now, he’ll be anticipated to additional elevate his recreation and his staff. Stroud and the Texans gained’t be capable of sneak up on anybody. Rival coordinators have spent the offseason scheming on methods to comprise him. Stroud and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik should discover methods to stay a step forward of the competitors. Questions stay concerning the Texans’ offensive line high quality, however the franchise has invested in huge receivers and defensive playmakers. Can Stroud do his half to maintain the ascension going? — Mike Jones
Can Anthony Richardson keep wholesome?
Richardson is broadly beloved in Indianapolis regardless of enjoying simply 4 video games, albeit a formidable 4 video games, all through his rookie season. An unfortunate hit lower his first 12 months brief, however his lack of ability to remain wholesome dates again to highschool. An AC joint damage prematurely ended Richardson’s senior season at Eastside Excessive in Florida. He had repeated hamstring points and underwent knee surgical procedure at Florida. Then, he sustained one other season-ending AC joint damage final 12 months. The Colts nonetheless view Richardson as their franchise QB, though he should stay on the sector to show it. — James Boyd
The place do the Jaguars really stand within the AFC pecking order?
They appeared so, so near establishing themselves as a convention energy early in 2023, however a rash of missteps coincided with the Texans’ speedy ascension. Are they nonetheless a staff that makes too many unforced errors on offense, or was that only a signal of a gaggle that wasn’t really able to make the leap? Or was it so simple as Trevor Lawrence’s lack of ability to carry his supporting solid whereas making an attempt to play by means of a handful of difficult accidents? If Lawrence stays wholesome and the defensive adjustments yield enhancements, the Jaguars ought to problem the Texans for the division title. In any other case, ceding AFC South management after a quick style of success can be powerful to swallow for a fan base that’s been starved for annual consistency. Greater than that, the wild-card chase within the AFC is anticipated to be brutal, so a drop into that pool makes it difficult to return to the playoffs. — Jeff Howe
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Who will defend Patrick Mahomes’ blind facet?
The lone main place battle for the Chiefs is at left sort out, the premium place the place the participant is most answerable for defending Mahomes’ blind facet. The 2 gamers competing are rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year participant Wanya Morris. Throughout obligatory minicamp, the Chiefs gave extra first-team repetitions to Suamataia to assist put together him for coaching camp. Morris was stable in 4 begins as a rookie however confirmed he wanted to enhance as a move protector. Suamataia seems to be the extra athletic choice for the Chiefs if he can present progress all through coaching camp. The winner of this battle won’t be determined till after the Chiefs’ second preseason recreation, typically when coach Andy Reid performs the projected starters for many of the first half. — Nate Taylor
Can Raiders cornerbacks maintain up, and when is the brand new one displaying up?
What, you thought we might say one thing concerning the quarterbacks? Excuse our skepticism, however does it actually matter if Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew is beginning the opener? The margin is slim, and each probably begin video games this season. If the Raiders are going to advance to the playoffs for the third time in 22 years, it will likely be due to the protection. Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins lead a deep, strong defensive position, and the linebackers and safeties are fantastic. The query is at nook. Jack Jones made many performs within the final half of the season, however are we positive he’s a No. 1 nook? Nate Hobbs is a tricky participant higher fitted to the slot, whereas Brandon Facyson has been an inconsistent function participant his complete profession. Jakorian Bennett hopes to construct off a very good offseason after a tough rookie 12 months. Maybe free brokers Xavien Howard, Adoree’ Jackson, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Peterson or J.C. Jackson is perhaps excited about not paying any state taxes. — Vic Tafur
How will Justin Herbert match right into a Jim Harbaugh offense?
Since Harbaugh was employed as head coach in February, he and his offensive workers have been specific about their offensive plan. They wish to run the ball and construct what offensive coordinator Greg Roman referred to as a “sturdy, highly effective id.” The Chargers even have one of the vital proficient throwers within the league in Herbert. Will Harbaugh be capable of maximize Herbert’s arm expertise whereas nonetheless cultivating the offense — schematically and philosophically — that he believes in? How will the workers at giant create the stability they hope to attain? That may come into focus throughout camp when the pads come on and the run recreation can really be examined. — Daniel Popper
Can the revived Rams make an actual run?
The Rams gutted most of their roster and customarily have been the butt of the joke of the NFL’s 2023 offseason and preseason. However behind particular play from quarterback Matthew Stafford, the breakout of then-rookie receiver Puka Nacua and working again Kyren Williams, the staff made the playoffs when most predictions had them profitable 4 to 6 video games complete. Momentum is usually a fickle pal, however this group actually had it after their bye week final season and desires to construct into an precise contender this fall. Well being is all the time a fear — Stafford and star receiver Cooper Kupp are getting older and have respective prolonged damage histories, and Stafford’s contract state of affairs wants a decision. Questions additionally loom a few younger, growing protection now minus Aaron Donald, underneath new coordinator Chris Shula. Nonetheless, if the Rams can keep wholesome they’ll be a tricky out all 12 months. — Jourdan Rodrigue
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel talks to cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) throughout the staff’s obligatory minicamp in June. (Sam Navarro / USA Right now)
Can Miami lastly snap its 24-year playoff drought?
Coach Mike McDaniel’s offenses have taken the league by storm two years working, solely to see their sizzling begins fade into distant recollections come January. The Dolphins have been unceremoniously ousted from the playoffs within the wild-card spherical in back-to-back seasons, together with a 26-7 thrashing by the hands of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs final 12 months. The loss pushed their playoff winless streak to 24 years. Will this be the 12 months the Dolphins lastly recover from the hump? McDaniel isn’t afraid to face his staff’s failures — traditionally and within the current — but when Miami can’t advance to a minimum of the second spherical of the playoffs for a 3rd straight 12 months, he may need some tougher inquiries to reply in January. — Jim Ayello
Are the Vikings completed including expertise for 2024?
The Vikings revamped their protection in free company. They added two potential franchise cornerstones in J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner by means of the draft. However holes nonetheless exist — particularly, on the defensive position, at cornerback, the inside offensive line and probably at receiver. Minnesota has cap area. Over The Cap presently tasks the Vikings round $26 million, although that determine doesn’t embrace the hits of McCarthy or Turner, nor cash budgeted for later within the 12 months. Do the Vikings wish to squeeze their out there funds for 2024 or add extra flexibility for 2025 and past? They may do each, however how that appears into coaching camp can be fascinating to observe. — Alec Lewis
Can Drake Maye beat out Jacoby Brissett?
Success for the Patriots in 2024 isn’t decided by wins and losses however by how Maye, the No. 3 general decide, seems. For now, they’ve signaled that they’re content material with Brissett beginning and Maye probably changing him in some unspecified time in the future within the season. However this can be Maye’s first prolonged likelihood to indicate coaches what he can do. If the competitors between him and Brissett is a digital tie, Brissett might be the starter. However can Maye do sufficient to depart little question that he ought to be underneath middle from the very starting? — Chad Graff
Can Klint Kubiak carry extra life to the offense?
Of all of the rumored candidates, Kubiak appeared like the perfect rent the Saints might make as their offensive coordinator to exchange Pete Carmichael. He’ll be the primary main offensive voice with out a Sean Payton connection in New Orleans because the 2005 season. So whereas the voice could also be contemporary, how a lot spark can Kubiak present for gamers like Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill and firm? Carr appeared to be enjoying his finest soccer in a Saints uniform towards the tip of final 12 months. However he’s not the perfect quarterback lurking within the division with Kirk Cousins in Atlanta. Throw in a questionable offensive line and Kubiak’s activity to show a mediocre group right into a prime flight unit appears difficult. — Larry Holder
Will the offensive line really be improved?
The Giants have made an annual custom of making an attempt — and failing — to repair their offensive line each offseason for the previous decade. The most recent plan concerned signing veterans Jon Runyan and Jermaine Eluemunor to mid-level contracts to solidify the guard spots. In the meantime, the Giants are relying on 2022 first-round decide Evan Neal and 2023 second-round decide John Michael Schmitz to reside as much as their draft inventory at proper sort out and middle, respectively. The offensive line assuredly can’t be worse than final season when it allowed the second-most sacks in NFL historical past. However will this group turn into an precise high quality unit? The reply to that query will go a protracted option to figuring out the destiny of the Giants this season. — Dan Duggan
When will Mike Williams return — and the way will he look?
The free-agent wideout tore his ACL final September with the Chargers and can open his first Jets coaching camp on the PUP checklist. That has been the plan all alongside, however now it’s truthful to surprise when Williams will really return to the sector, when he can be a full-go and the way he’ll look when he’s again. Some gamers reply higher to ACL surgical procedure than others. Operating again Breece Corridor was stellar in 2023 post-surgery, for example. Williams’ recreation relies on downfield pace and profitable 50/50 balls. The Jets took a bet signing Williams in hopes that he’d return to kind as one of many NFL’s finest deep threats and supply assist for Garrett Wilson because the No. 2 receiver — as Wilson has gotten little to no assist from his huge receiver teammates the final two years. Williams can be a vital a part of the offense if wholesome. If not, the depth on the place instantly doesn’t look so good. — Zack Rosenblatt
Philadelphia Eagles
Will the Eagles restore their protection’s status?
Common supervisor Howie Roseman and coach Nick Sirianni each mentioned they wished to regain their toughness and swagger on protection. They plummeted from the NFL’s third-ranked general protection in 2022 to the league’s twenty sixth in 2023. It was typically a disastrous protection underneath former DC Sean Desai, and it veered deeper into dysfunction when Sirianni changed Desai with Matt Patricia midseason. Sirianni secured the supply of his favored scheme by hiring Vic Fangio, whose old-school method reveals itself to be a greater slot in Philly than in Miami. Roseman invested closely in defensive gamers throughout the offseason. Will a revamped secondary that options C.J. Gardner-Johnson, first-round decide Quinyon Mitchell and second-round decide Cooper DeJean lower down on explosive performs? — Brooks Kubena
Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Russell Wilson discover the fountain of youth?
Wilson turns 36 in November and you may just about rely on one hand what number of quarterbacks that age have gained championships. Wilson mentioned on the finish of offseason exercises that he discovered the fountain of youth. He seems the half and works tougher than anyone however can that be translated onto the sector? How will his expertise mesh with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme? Wilson doesn’t should play like he did throughout his Tremendous Bowl days in Seattle however he must be a big improve for the Steelers to have any likelihood of competing for a playoff spot. All eyes can be on Wilson, and he nonetheless has the power to make sufficient performs to permit the working recreation of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to succeed, in addition to a protection filled with Professional Bowlers to dominate video games. — Mark Kaboly
Can the 49ers reverse trajectory on protection?
The 49ers dropped from the No. 1 to the No. 10 rating in defensive EPA per play from 2022 to 2023. Their offense, in the meantime, remained elite. If the 49ers can re-establish themselves as a top-3 or a minimum of top-5 staff on either side of the ball, they need to be capable of reside as much as their standing as preseason Tremendous Bowl favorites. But when their protection continues struggling in opposition to the run (they have been No. 26 in EPA per play there final season), there’ll once more be a vulnerability for opponents to use. The 49ers fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was solely with the staff for one season, after the 2023 slide. They’ve additionally rehauled their defensive position and deepened their secondary. Will all these strikes get the protection again heading in the right direction? That is perhaps the final word key for a staff dealing with monumental strain to win all of it. — David Lombardi
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What is going to the offense appear to be?
Whereas a lot of the Seahawks’ offensive personnel can be acquainted, every thing else is new. Coordinator Ryan Grubb has by no means labored within the NFL. The offense he ran on the College of Washington supplies a common template. Coach Mike Macdonald has by no means been a head coach beforehand, so it’s much less clear how he would possibly affect offensive fashion. Probably the most outstanding offensive assistant, passing-game coordinator Jake Peetz, has labored underneath Sean McVay and Norv Turner, nevertheless it’s unclear what his affect is perhaps. — Mike Sando
How will coordinator change have an effect on Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ offense?
Mayfield had a profession 12 months underneath Dave Canales, however there may be room for progress with new coordinator Liam Coen, with whom Mayfield labored for a short while with the Rams two years in the past. Mayfield can be given extra authority on the line of scrimmage than he had, which might make him extra harmful. He additionally would profit if Coen might enhance the run recreation, which ranked thirty second within the NFL one 12 months in the past. — Dan Pompei
Will Brian Callahan carry out the perfect in Will Levis, and what would that imply?
Early indications on this pairing of rookie head coach and second-year quarterback are constructive, however there’s work to do. Callahan careworn base and footwork with Levis throughout the spring to elicit extra constant accuracy. These efforts will proceed into camp, for a staff with low expectations general regardless of investing quite a bit in serving to Levis — Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Tony Pollard, Lloyd Cushenberry and first-round decide JC Latham. Callahan has labored intently with Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow on the best way to this chance. That is his first “mission,” but when it’s the beginning of a long-term partnership, the 2024 Titans ought to be aggressive. — Joe Rexrode
Washington Commanders
How will Jayden Daniels carry out?
This isn’t the primary dual-threat, Heisman Trophy-winning rookie QB drafted second general to return by means of Washington this century. Say no matter you need about Robert Griffin III’s profession, however the 2012 OROY wasn’t helped by the group’s persistent chaos. Daniels arrives amid a wave of positivity following an possession sale and new soccer management. There are some issues with the offensive line and receiver depth. There may be additionally Terry McLaurin, a stable 1-2 RB combo and an arsenal of offensive assistant coaches employed to assist the mature Daniels’ adjustment run as easily as potential. — Ben Standig
(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; Pictures of Bryce Younger, Caleb Williams and Anthony Richardson: Kevin C. Cox, Jared C. Tilton and Michael Reaves / Getty Photographs)