18 Words on 18 Teams
Most of the focus over the next month will be on playoff teams. No duh. You play to win the game, and the teams who’ve won the most games, and who are still alive to win the Big Game, are the ones who deserve the most airtime. But in honor of the other teams that took part in the 2024 NFL season, let’s take a quick look at the past, present, and future of each of their seasons. Teams are listed in their draft order.
Tennessee Titans – Bland and bad. There isn’t much to hang your hat on here. Shedeur vs. Ward debates begin now.
Cleveland Browns – Some good talent, but everything crashed because of the Watson debacle. How will they move on from here?
New York Giants – Losing the 1.01 hurts. Daboll and Schoen return – can they elevate a weak roster outside a few studs?
New England Patriots – Maye looks like something, and Vrabel would provide stability. The QB development plan begins (go get real receivers).
Jacksonville Jaguars – There are building blocks for a new coach, but if keeping Baalke repels top candidates, mediocrity will continue.
Las Vegas Raiders – Barring Shedeur shenanigans to force his way here, this teams lacks direction or upside – in a tough division.
New York Jets – What happens with Rodgers? Some talented pieces haven’t overcome the general weirdness, but maybe next year is different.
Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young’s mini-resurgence provides clarity for 2025. Now to fix a historically bad defense and get Bryce receivers.
New Orleans Saints – Cap constraints mean you get fewer than 18 words here.
Chicago Bears – Find the right coach to develop Caleb. The roster has needs, but everything rises or falls with Williams.
San Francisco 49ers – The 2024 disaster probably won’t repeat, but there are still tricky decisions (Purdy payday?) for an aging contender.
Dallas Cowboys – Jerry’s circus has the core pieces for a bounceback 2025, but needs a quantum leap to true contention.
Miami Dolphins – A 2025 last dance push seemed inevitable – but with Tyreek rocking the boat, is rebuilding around the corner?
Indianapolis Colts – Mediocre but weird, they have to figure out if Richardson can be an NFL QB. Hot seats abound.
Atlanta Falcons – It’s all about Penix after the weird dual timeline of 2024. Playoffs are doable, but pressure could build.
Arizona Cardinals – The Gannon trajectory has been OK, but the Kyler experience feels draining. How do they make a jump?
Cincinnati Bengals – Imagine if they had a defense. Higgins’ contract situation may be the most fascinating for non-QBs in years.
Seattle Seahawks – MacDonald’s first season was generally positive, but there are still roster needs, especially at OL. Lowkey trade team.
