Here we detail the offseason needs for the AFC teams that did not make the playoffs.
Bills – They actually may not need a QB, but of course they will take one. They need help everywhere, but impact players on defense at any position would be good. CJ Spiller is a luxury they really don’t need, but if they have him they need to figure out ways to maximize him. Use him in the kickoff returns, punts, scat back formations, and use him as a slot receiver too. A great pass rushing end would be great, and there are several in this draft.
Dolphins – This is a well put together team except at the skill positions. You know, they need ends, corners, pass rushers, running backs, and receivers. Also, a quarterback. This would be a great Kyle Orton spot actually, but they could also grab a Ryan Mallett type if he falls this far. They should keep one of the running backs for continuity but otherwise just totally reset, get healthy, and then develop an ability to win at home.
Browns – They need to decide on Colt McCoy’s future, but I believe that they will decide to develop him. Some impact defensive players, especially in the defensive backfield, would be a tremendous health. Some youth at linebacker would be wonderful. They also need a scat back because Peyton Hillis cannot be their everything and Mike Bell is, well, Mike Bell.
Bengals – This team needs to flush its WR core down to the young ones, and also somehow determine the future at QB. Right now it seems that Carson wants out. If he stays they need to simplify the offense to match with his abilities. If he leaves/retires, they need to bring someone in, and I am not sure it can be a rookie. Marvin needs to win. The defense is in pretty decent shape, just needs better coaching.
Chargers – This team needs better coaching on special teams, health, and development from the RB core, and they’ll be fine. Even with the improvements from the Chiefs, the Chargers can still rule this division with just a little more consistency. Though a little less Norv Turner never hurt anyone. Norv, you CAN try to start something other than 0-3 you know. If you don’t start 0-3 or 1-4, turns out you can get a better record at the end. Crazy, I know.
Raiders – They are moving the right direction. The Darius Heyward-Beys of the world besides, they are getting production from their skill positions and their lines are playing well. Keeping Asomugha will be key to the defensive playing well. At least they did the right thing and kept Tom Cable, who took them to 6-0 in the division and has improved his record 3 years running…..oh wait.
Broncos – They need to somehow craft an offense around Tim Tebow, because that is clearly the direction that they are going in. Figure out how to maximize the value of Orton while they can. And resign Champ Bailey or draft his replacement. The return of Elvis Dumervil will be the key to the pass rush working again. Otherwise, the hype and craziness of this once stable franchise needs to calm down and they’ll be able to regroup. I like the WR and RB group, just get it all going in the same direction.
Titans – I have no idea what they are doing. They need a QB, and it would be better with a veteran than a rookie. Unfortunately, with the release of Fisher they may do the stupid thing and keep Vince Young. They need to get a 5 year younger (okay 10) version of Kerry Collins with a little more movement. But the roster is pretty good, especially on defense. But, they need some good coaches and to replace a lot of continuity. Sounds like a big rebuilding year. However, they could be somewhat successful.
Texans – They needed to replace a key figure with a respected elder. Well, they got Wade Phillips, and that kind of works. The offense should be the same, though they could use one more WR (I do not trust Jacoby Jones). The defense needs playmakers, and fast. However, this team has the pieces to go far. Health at the tackles couldn’t hurt them.
Jags – We end with the team that almost beat out the Colts to go to the playoffs. They really could use a pass rusher. While David Garrard again got them close, I am not sure that he is the long term answer. Developing a young QB would be a great idea, because Garrard isn’t as young as you think either. The offensive line needs help and they need more pass rush. The corners are getting old as well, but they aren’t that far off being decent. Mojo can carry them far in that division and the receivers are better than advertized. They are already good at emphasizing their strengths, and I hope Del Rio keeps his staff together.
Coming up soon, pieces on Super Bowl odds, key matchups, and the prediction. Enjoy the weekend.
BLISS
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