Each NFL group’s greatest concern as 2024 season begins: O-line play, well being, rookie QB

It’s Week 1 of the NFL season, a time for optimism. In any case, each group is undefeated.

However the actuality is even the perfect groups have issues as they put together for the common season to kick off this week. It might be depth at a place, a younger participant stepping right into a beginning position or general well being.

We don’t imply to deliver you down, however we requested The Athletic’s NFL beat reporters to determine the most important concern for all 32 groups.

Depth

GM Monti Ossentfort has spent his first 20 months rebuilding the roster. He’s made strong strikes, upgrading the expertise round quarterback Kyler Murray and drafting younger defensive expertise. Depth, nonetheless, stays a priority. Arizona will probably be examined from the beginning, shedding outdoors linebacker BJ Ojulari (ACL) for the season and defensive lineman and first-round choose Darius Robinson for no less than 4 video games due to a calf concern. As well as, Arizona’s preseason efficiency didn’t encourage confidence. It’s not a lot that the Cardinals misplaced all three video games (large deal), it’s that their second- and third-teamers acquired outplayed. This group might make a soar, nevertheless it wants to remain wholesome. — Doug Haller

Go rush

The Falcons traded for Matthew Judon throughout coaching camp to deal with what has been their most urgent want of the final decade, however, the fact is Judon is 32 and coming off a biceps tear that value him 13 video games final season. He’s nonetheless the Falcons’ greatest pass-rushing choice as nobody else on the roster has had greater than 7 1/2 sacks in a single season. What would actually assist the Falcons is that if third-year outdoors linebacker Arnold Ebiketie might take one other step this 12 months. The Penn State product was Twentieth within the league final 12 months in strain fee (17.2 %) amongst gamers with greater than 100 cross rush snaps, however he completed with solely six sacks. — Josh Kendall

Offensive line play

The Ravens misplaced three veteran starters up entrance with guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson departing in free company and proper sort out Morgan Moses getting traded. Their replacements are three first-year starters: proper guard Daniel Faalele, a transformed sort out; left guard Andrew Vorhees, who missed his rookie season final 12 months rehabbing a knee harm; and proper sort out Roger Rosengarten, a rookie second-round choose. It’s telling that heart Tyler Linderbaum missed a piece of camp with a neck harm and oft-injured left sort out Ronnie Stanley struggled final 12 months and neither is among the many group’s greatest issues up entrance. There’s numerous uncertainty for a gaggle that should play nicely in entrance of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. — Jeff Zrebiec

Security

The Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer duo spoiled the Payments for seven years. It was a set-and-forget security tandem, as they took on a lot for the protection and had been two of their greatest gamers. Now each are gone, and the Payments might take a large step again. Beginning robust security Taylor Rapp struggled final 12 months in spot begins. Free security stays up within the air between rookie Cole Bishop, veteran Mike Edwards and Damar Hamlin — a typical robust security. Plus, Bishop and Edwards barely practiced this summer time whereas of their first 12 months within the Payments’ system. — Joe Buscaglia

Outdoors linebacker

Requested if he was involved concerning the No. 2 cornerback spot after the Panthers traded for Mike Jackson and claimed three different corners, Dave Canales mentioned: “Not now.” However the Panthers nonetheless have a gap at edge rusher, particularly the facet reverse Jadeveon Clowney. Free-agent acquisition D.J. Wonnum (quad) will miss no less than the primary 4 video games whereas beginning on PUP. And not one of the wholesome guys competing for OLB2 — DJ Johnson, Okay’Lavon Chaisson and Eku Leota — has seized the job. The Panthers claimed rookie Jamie Sheriff from Seattle, however the undrafted free agent is considered as extra of a undertaking than a plug-and-play man. — Joseph Individual

Offensive line

Winter, building and worries concerning the Bears’ offensive line. These are our Chicago constants, even after an offseason upgrading the offense. With a rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams, the O-line’s efficiency is so essential. Can left sort out Braxton Jones and left guard Teven Jenkins keep wholesome? How will Coleman Shelton fare at heart? And proper guard Nate Davis, can he lastly be dependable? This group does have potential if every part comes collectively, and Jenkins might be among the finest if he avoids harm, however the line’s sturdiness points and lack of Professional Bowl expertise makes it, once more, the highest query getting into the season. — Kevin Fishbain

Run protection

DJ Reader modified the match for Lou Anarumo’s protection up entrance. He absorbed double groups at one of many highest charges in soccer and continuously cleared area for linebackers to make performs round him. He’s gone now and the membership by no means actually changed him because the big-body nostril sort out on early downs. Sheldon Rankins and BJ Hill are each satisfactory at stopping the run, however neither has the scale to execute practically the identical manner. They drafted McKinnley Jackson within the third spherical, however he’s injured. Second-rounder Kris Jenkins is a smaller physique adjusting to life within the NFL. They usually had been typically terrible stopping the run final 12 months even with Reader. — Paul Dehner

Can they keep wholesome?

If the Browns get good quarterback play and keep comparatively wholesome, they’ll have an opportunity to turn out to be an actual AFC contender. The 2 are tied collectively, however not simply because Deshaun Watson is getting back from shoulder surgical procedure. Watson has been simply OK over his 12 video games in two seasons with the Browns, and he hasn’t taken a dwell snap since final November. The Browns have 13 gamers age 30 or older, they usually’re nonetheless getting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin and defensive sort out Dalvin Tomlinson again from knee accidents. This a gifted roster with a excessive ceiling, nevertheless it wants effectivity and availability from Watson. — Zac Jackson

Operating sport

The Cowboys not too long ago signed four-time Professional Bowler Dalvin Prepare dinner to their follow squad. Their greatest offseason addition on the place was bringing again Ezekiel Elliott. Will these two be sufficient to switch Tony Pollard? Rico Dowdle, 26, must be that favourite to guide the group in dashing. He’ll have a much bigger position this 12 months and doubtless has extra upside than the opposite two 29-year-olds. Others who might get a number of the workload are Deuce Vaughn and fullback Hunter Luepke. Dallas believes working back-by-committee can work. However there are causes to imagine it might be a big concern, particularly with rookies beginning at heart and left sort out. — Jon Machota

How the Broncos information Bo Nix via inevitable adversity

Optimism swelled round Nix, the twelfth choose within the NFL Draft, throughout a formidable two-game stint within the preseason. He seems like a robust match to run Sean Payton’s offense. However it could be naive to imagine it is going to all be clean crusing from the time Nix takes his first snap at rowdy Lumen Subject in Seattle on Sept. 8. The Broncos are a comparatively younger group, and the roadblocks gained’t solely be skilled by the quarterback. However it’s vital that Denver has a plan for guiding Nix via his inevitable struggles. Payton might want to present the persistence and savvy essential to maintain Nix’s arrow on an upward trajectory, even when there are dips in his path. — Nick Kosmider

Depth at edge and WR

The Lions have constructed a well-rounded roster with few apparent holes. In case you’re going to nitpick, although, depth at huge receiver and edge can be the place to begin. Jameson Williams will probably be stepping right into a beginning position for the primary time in his profession, and whereas he regarded prepared for the highlight in camp, we’ll must see him produce in video games. WR3 was a revolving door, and the Lions are turning to a pair of 30-year-olds in Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson to offer serviceable manufacturing. Final 12 months, the group struggled to generate a cross rush reverse Aidan Hutchinson and at the moment are counting on the oft-injured Marcus Davenport to play a starter’s workload in 2024. — Colton Pouncy

Kicker

Mason Crosby was the Packers’ kicker for 16 seasons from 2007 via 2022. The participant they supposed to be his alternative, 2023 sixth-round choose Anders Carlson, is already gone. After Carlson’s rocky rookie season and underwhelming coaching camp, the Packers launched each Carlson and his challenger, veteran Greg Joseph. Their Week 1 kicker will probably be undrafted rookie Brayden Narveson, whom they claimed off waivers from the Titans on Wednesday. Narveson made 6 of seven discipline objectives throughout preseason video games, together with a 59-yarder and a game-winner in opposition to the Seahawks as time expired, however can he kick within the components at Lambeau Subject? — Matt Schneidman

Offensive line well being

The Texans battled accidents alongside their offensive line all final season, beginning 11 linemen. Solely proper guard Shaq Mason began all 17 video games. Offensive line coach Chris Strasser did a terrific job of plugging in items, however the Texans are hoping he doesn’t have to try this this 12 months. Left sort out Laremy Tunsil stays among the finest at his place however had offseason knee surgical procedure. He has performed a full slate of video games simply as soon as in his profession. Retaining quarterback C.J. Stroud upright, and paving the best way for a extra constant run sport led by offseason acquisition Joe Mixon, tops the Texans’ precedence listing. — Mike Jones

Can the secondary maintain up?

It’s apparent the Colts’ season hinges on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s well being and availability. However assuming he performs a full marketing campaign, one other evident concern is Indianapolis’ inexperienced secondary. Colts GM Chris Ballard has been adamant that younger gamers — together with second-year cornerbacks JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones, in addition to third-year security Nick Cross — must play to get higher. The Colts might’ve added a veteran at both place in free company however opted in opposition to it. Now, a playoff berth probably rests on how rapidly the kids can develop up and maintain their very own. — James Boyd

Will they survive the early gauntlet?

Coach Doug Pederson is aware of it’s vital to do a greater job of defending QB Trevor Lawrence, so you’ll be able to’t rule out the offensive line. I’m additionally unsure in the event that they’ve acquired sufficient reserve cross rushers, however I feel new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s aggressive nature will fire up added strain. So I’ll preserve my biggest concern is the early stretch in opposition to the Dolphins, Browns, Payments and Texans (with all however the Cleveland sport on the highway). If the Jaguars present up because the group that limped down the stretch in 2023, they’ll be 0-4. However I feel the Jaguars will flip it again round and contend for a playoff spot. — Jeff Howe

Did the Chiefs get the left sort out spot proper with Kingsley Suamataia?

The Chiefs, led by coach Andy Reid and common supervisor Brett Veach, have just about rebuilt the group’s offense, placing collectively a doubtlessly highly effective spaceship for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to function. Mahomes seems to have loads of skill-position weapons with tight finish Travis Kelce, receivers Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy and working backs Isiah Pacheco, Carson Steele and Samaje Perine. The most important concern is with second-round choose Suamataia and his cross blocking. In restricted snaps within the preseason, Suamataia earned an 82.8 pass-blocking grade from Professional Soccer Focus, the best of any rookie sort out. The preseason, although, shouldn’t be the common season. — Nate Taylor

Quarterback

Gardner Minshew was named the starter after an uninspiring competitors with Aidan O’Connell. The teaching employees favored the veteran’s expertise and mobility, however his play all through coaching camp and the preseason was lackluster. He was inaccurate, his timing was poor and he put the ball into hurt’s manner far too often. Maybe he’ll enhance as he grows extra snug with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s system and develops stronger chemistry together with his teammates, nevertheless it’s arduous to be ok with him given what we’ve seen. — Tashan Reed

Justin Herbert’s foot

Up to now, Herbert has returned from his plantar fascia harm with no points. Herbert was in a strolling boot for 2 weeks in early August. He missed shut to a few weeks of follow. He returned Aug. 19. That week, he regarded like himself in coaching camp. He was correct. He was transferring nicely, together with making throws on the run. Nonetheless, it is a fickle harm. There’ll all the time be a threat of aggravation due to the character of the plantar fascia, which is the arch ligament. With out Herbert, the Chargers have little or no likelihood of staying aggressive, even after upgrading at backup quarterback by buying and selling for Taylor Heinicke. — Daniel Popper

Can the Rams get their offensive line wholesome after offseason funding?

The Rams spent large on their inside offensive line, extending guard Kevin Dotson and signing guard Jonah Jackson in free company. In addition they prolonged left sort out Alaric Jackson and moved guard Steve Avila to heart to accommodate the arrival of Jonah Jackson. Heading into the season, Avila is again at left guard to assist defend the left facet of their line, which is lacking Alaric Jackson attributable to a suspension. Which means Jonah Jackson is filling in at heart after lacking most of camp with a shoulder harm. Proper sort out Rob Havenstein has but to follow as he returns from an ankle harm (he might accomplish that this week). The Rams’ season relies on holding 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford upright. Every thing is okay, proper? — Jourdan Rodrigue

Is that this group constructed to win in December and January?

I do know, I do know. You’ve heard this one 100 occasions. I get it. However till the Mike McDaniel Dolphins show they gained’t yearly fade down the stretch, it’s going to be the predominant narrative that haunts this group. Coming into the 2024 season, the Dolphins are 4-10 beneath McDaniel in these winter months, together with 0-2 within the postseason. In order a lot enjoyable as one other sizzling begin can be, each NFL analyst beneath the solar goes to hold a caveat on their reward of Miami this season that can sound one thing like this: “One other nice win for the Dolphins, however can they get it finished when the video games matter most?” — Jim Ayello

Turnovers by the quarterback

Thirty-nine NFL quarterbacks have thrown no less than 1,000 passes within the final 5 years. Sam Darnold ranks final amongst them in passer score and EPA per dropback. How a lot of this was a byproduct of his setting? Speak to individuals in New York and Carolina, and also you’ll hear tales that make you marvel what number of quarterbacks spent their first 5 NFL seasons in worse conditions. Solely Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick have amassed the next interception-per-attempt fee than Darnold amongst starters since 2018. Darnold has additionally fumbled 38 occasions in 56 video games. The 2023 Vikings’ season was clouded by quarterback turnovers. If the bug bites them once more, it’ll be powerful sledding in opposition to a tough schedule. — Alec Lewis

Offensive competence

The Patriots aren’t anticipating to have an above-average offense. They’re life like about their personnel with a receiver group and offensive-line unit that each rank among the many league’s worst. However a 12 months in the past, they paired a foul roster with offensive dysfunction and it ruined the season. The expectation now’s merely to be competent. Keep away from foolish penalties (like the ten(!) flags on the offensive line within the closing preseason sport). Don’t flip the ball over. Run it nicely (and so much). That didn’t actually occur in coaching camp as they discovered a brand new scheme. So the priority now’s whether or not they can put that behind them and turn out to be, say, the league’s Twentieth-best offense. That will be a step ahead. — Chad Graff

Offensive line stability

The Saints be part of a number of groups listed above with issues about their entrance 5. Begin with 2022 first-round choose Trevor Penning at proper sort out. He was benched final season and did himself no actual favors this offseason to curb the nervousness of Saints followers, and doubtless the decision-makers contained in the constructing. Left guard may even possess a brand new starter with Lucas Patrick trying to be the man there, which additionally leaves a bit to be desired. At the least there’s optimism at left sort out with 2024 first-round choose Taliese Fuaga rightfully beginning. Middle Erik McCoy and proper guard Cesar Ruiz can’t block everyone. — Larry Holder

The secondary

The Giants took a step towards fortifying their greatest weak spot by re-signing veteran cornerback Adoree’ Jackson on Friday. However the truth that the Giants had been compelled to deliver again Jackson, who had been in the marketplace for eight months, every week earlier than the beginning of the season illustrates their desperation. The Giants clearly don’t trust in younger corners Cor’Dale Flott and Nick McCloud, who had been competing for the No. 2 job all through camp. And there’s no assure that 2023 first-round choose Deonte Banks is able to be a No. 1 nook. Add in rookie starters at slot nook (third-round choose Dru Phillips) and security (second-rounder Tyler Nubin), and there are numerous questions at a place that may wreck a season. — Dan Duggan

Haason Reddick’s holdout

The Jets traded for Reddick, one of many NFL’s most prolific sack artists, after letting Bryce Huff stroll in free company after which proceeded to commerce John Franklin-Myers for peanuts. Then, Reddick didn’t present up for something in addition to his intro information convention and now the Jets probably will roll into the season with numerous unproven gamers filling in for him: particularly Micheal Clemons, 2023 first-round choose Will McDonald and journeyman Takk McKinley. The Jets’ protection can nonetheless be stellar with out Reddick, however their cross rush is lacking an enormous piece — and if McDonald isn’t able to step up as a complement for Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams, it might be a difficulty. — Zack Rosenblatt

The state of the protection

As a lot because the staleness of Philadelphia’s offensive system final 12 months contributed to the group’s sudden collapse in 2023, its protection was much more disastrous. The Eagles surrendered the NFL’s second-most passing yards. They ranked thirteenth within the league in quarterback strain share after rating second the earlier season. Throughout their 1-5 stretch, they owned the league’s second-lowest EPA per play (-0.14), in accordance with TruMedia. The group went to the supply of its coveted system by hiring DC Vic Fangio and devoted a portion of free company and the primary two picks of the draft to supplying the secondary. Will the Eagles reclaim their id as a protection to be feared? — Brooks Kubena

Have they got sufficient high quality depth at WR?

When the Steelers traded former Professional Bowl receiver Diontae Johnson, they shook up the locker room dynamics and added a cornerback (Donte Jackson) who ought to step right into a beginning position. Nonetheless, the transfer additionally created a large query mark at receiver that was by no means solved. That the Steelers had been involved in a participant (Brandon Aiyuk) who would have value greater than T.J. Watt to make use of tells you the group itself should be involved about receiver depth. That room proper now options George Pickens and numerous questions. Veteran Van Jefferson, third-year receiver Calvin Austin and rookie Roman Wilson will attempt to reply that looming void. — Mike DeFabo

Middle

The 49ers have already seen points at this place assist derail a season in 2020 when accidents pressured them to their fourth-string choice at heart. Depth has been higher in recent times, nevertheless it’s precarious once more getting into 2024. Starter Jake Brendel has been managing knee tendinitis, and the one different lineman with appreciable NFL expertise at heart, Jon Feliciano, is on injured reserve. The 49ers are having to place numerous religion into third-year man Nick Zakelj as the subsequent in line behind Brendel at a spot that’s extremely vital to teach Kyle Shanahan because it permits the quarterback to “play quick.” Any hassle at this place — the 49ers had points with low snaps in coaching camp — can rapidly destabilize the offense. — David Lombardi

Seattle Seahawks

Offensive line

Seattle has high-end expertise at its talent positions; the working again and receiver rooms particularly are among the many greatest within the league. However that was true final 12 months as nicely and the Seahawks nonetheless underachieved on that facet of the ball, largely due to incompetence up entrance. Will left sort out Charles Cross have a bounce-back 12 months? Is Connor Williams the reply at heart? How lengthy will proper sort out Abe Lucas’ restoration from knee surgical procedure take? What’s going to Seattle get from Laken Tomlinson at left guard? The solutions to those questions will probably be essential to Seattle’s success in 2024. — Michael-Shawn Dugar

Offensive scheme

The Bucs by no means anticipated being as efficient as they had been final season after Tom Brady’s retirement. share of the credit score went to offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who has since turn out to be the pinnacle coach of the Panthers. In his place is Liam Coen, who’s making vital adjustments, together with extra seems, extra deception, extra movement and extra QB freedom on the line. On the very least, the Bucs are prone to undergo a studying curve. They should hope Coen has extra success than he did in his one earlier season as an NFL offensive coordinator when the Rams completed final in offense and had a 5-12 file. — Dan Pompei

Tennessee Titans

Outdoors linebacker

The Titans have an excellent one in Harold Landry, and one 12 months faraway from an ACL rehab, he must be primed for a productive season. There’s a big drop-off after him. Arden Secret’s again for a second season and, whereas it’s excellent news for the Titans that Key gained his enchantment on a PED suspension, he’s a journeyman who gives sporadic pass-rush bursts. Veteran Rashad Weaver had a quiet camp. Caleb Murphy is a second-year undertaking. One of the best growth of camp was the emergence of seventh-round choose Jaylen Harrell — he will probably be an element. The Titans want Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat to make the skin guys look higher with inside dominance. — Joe Rexrode

Serving to Jayden Daniels

The heralded first-round quarterback has regarded the half in coaching camp and within the locker room. Does Daniels have sufficient receiving targets after Terry McLaurin and Austin Ekeler? Buying and selling this summer time’s model of Jahan Dotson didn’t harm the WR room as a lot as some assume, however the remaining non-McLaurin choices lack vital upside. One of the best crimson zone goal, Zach Ertz, hasn’t remained wholesome since 2021. Are the sort out choices regular sufficient? Onerous saying sure over 17 video games based mostly on the veteran choices. Will the questionable cornerbacks result in thrusting Daniels into weekly shootouts? Sure, these are a number of issues, however they join on the participant Washington hopes can lead them out of the NFL desert. — Ben Standig

(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photographs: Todd Rosenberg, Scott Taetsch / Getty Photographs)