Issues. We all have them. Some so bad they need a shrink.
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| The biggest question of all: How will Tom Brady fare on his repaired knee? (US Presswire) |
How well teams address their issues will go a long way in determining the types of seasons they have.
So to help get you ready for camp, I've identified a pressing issue each team will face as they prepare for the regular season.
Training camp is a time to work out issues -- even if it doesn't mean seeing a shrink.
Arizona Cardinals
Will there be a Super hangover? Teams that lose the big game often struggle the next season. Can coach Ken Whisenhunt prevent that from happening?
Atlanta Falcons
Who steps up in the secondary, especially at corner? The Falcons will have at least two new starters in the secondary and the key position is left corner where Brent Grimes is set to start? Can he handle the job?
Baltimore Ravens
With Joe Flacco in his second season as the quarterback, who becomes his go-to receiver? With Derrick Mason retired, is it Mark Clayton's time?
Buffalo Bills
How much does Terrell Owens have left and will the T.O. persona hurt this young team? Can he handle playing in Buffalo, far away from the spotlight?
Carolina Panthers
Can Jake Delhomme bounce back from a subpar season to liven up a passing game that needs it? The Panthers gave him a contract extension, so they obviously think he can.
Chicago Bears
With Jay Cutler now in as the quarterback, will they change their run-first approach and open up the passing game? If not, why did they get him?
Cincinnati Bengals
Is Carson Palmer all the way back? We've heard good things about his recovery from elbow problems that forced him to miss 12 games last season, but isn't camp when we'll know for sure?
Cleveland Browns
Who's the quarterback? Will it be Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn? New coach Eric Mangini has said it's an open competition, so we'll see.
Dallas Cowboys
Without T.O. around, does this talent-rich team finally get close to expectations? At least they can't blame Owens anymore.
Denver Broncos
Is Kyle Orton really the answer? They traded away Cutler and new coach Josh McDaniels has given the job to Orton. McDaniels' neck is already on the line with this move.
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| If Dunta Robinson holds out, it could be a problem for Houston. (US Presswire) |
Detroit Lions
Is it Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper at quarterback? It should be the former. Let him get in there and play, but coach Jim Schwartz said he would let it play out in camp.
Green Bay Packers
Can they make the transition to the 3-4 defense? Will new coordinator Dom Capers, whose background is in the 3-4, make it an easy one?
Houston Texans
Who starts in the secondary? They allowed 24 passing touchdowns last season, which is terrible. And corner Dunta Robinson, the team's best player in their secondary, could be a contract holdout.
Indianapolis Colts
Will the transition from Tony Dungy to Jim Caldwell be a smooth one? The early word is that it should be since Caldwell is a lot like Dungy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Can they improve their passing game and their pass rush? Those were two areas of major concern last season and the Jaguars have to be better in both to be a better team.
Kansas City Chiefs
Is Matt Cassel more than a one-hit wonder? New coach Todd Haley loves to throw the football, so we'll find out soon enough.
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| In its second year, will the Wildcat purr for Miami? (US Presswire) |
Miami Dolphins
How much do they use the Wildcat offense? Is it here to stay? What does that say about quarterback Chad Pennington if it is?
Minnesota Vikings
Will Brett Favre or won't he? If he plays, how's the shoulder? If he doesn't, who wins the job? It's all about the quarterback position for this team.
New England Patriots
Will Tom Brady show any signs of trouble from his major knee surgery? The reports have been good, but camp will give us a better idea of where Brady is in his return.
New Orleans Saints
Can new coordinator Gregg Williams fix a defense that struggled mightily last season? The main concerns are the secondary and the lack of a pass rush.
New York Giants
Who emerges as the deep threat at the receiver position that can stretch the field? When Plaxico Burress went bye-bye last season, the Giants passing game did too. They have high hopes for rookie Hakeem Nicks, but it usually takes time for young receivers.
New York Jets
Will Mark Sanchez get win the job starting quarterback job in training camp? It's either Sanchez or Kellen Clemens and you can bet most of the Jets fans want Sanchez.
Oakland Raiders
Is this the year JaMarcus Russell takes strides as a quarterback? Or is he destined for failure? Late last season he showed signs of growth, which could be that he's ready to take off.
Philadelphia Eagles
How will the defense handle not having coordinator Jim Johnson, who is away from the team battling cancer? Interim coordinator Sean McDermott is a rising star in the profession, so it's his job for now.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Can this group stay focused after winning a Super Bowl? That will be a big challenge for coach Mike Tomlin. There are enough veterans that it shouldn't be as tough as it might be for some teams.
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| Steve Spagnuolo has work to do in St. Louis. (US Presswire) |
St. Louis Rams
Can new coach Steve Spagnuolo revitalize a defense that finished 29th in the league last season? His aggressive approach with the Giants helped them win a Super Bowl, so he knows what he's doing on that side of the ball.
San Diego Chargers
Can running back LaDainian Tomlinson regain his Pro Bowl form after struggling last season? Or is it time to give Darren Sproles more carries?
San Francisco 49ers
Who plays quarterback? Will it be Shaun Hill or Alex Smith? Word is Smith has looked good the past two months. We shall see.
Seattle Seahawks
How healthy is quarterback Matt Hasselbeck? He had back problems last season and we know how those can be lingering.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Who starts at quarterback? Is it Byron Leftwich or Luke McCown? When does new coach Raheem Morris make the decision? What about rookie first-round pick Josh Freeman?
Tennessee Titans
Is the magic Kerry Collins made last season here for another season or was that just one last stand by an older quarterback? What about Vince Young if Collins falters?
Washington Redskins
Can Jason Campbell prove to the doubters that he is the team's long-term answer after the Redskins looked into a bunch of options to replace him?
