As we know from the NBA, and to an extent the MLB, in this arms race with young, adaptable teams, no one is safe. Now we’re looking at the Arizona Cardinals, who have done a remarkable turnaround this season. They’ve turned their former greatest liability into an incredible asset. With their high draft pick, the New York Giants have taken an unusually smart approach. Now they’ve chosen Travis Hunter, and he is prepared to come in and be a true difference-maker at wide receiver. Quarterbacks, receivers, and playmakers on both sides of the ball have knocked our socks off all across the league. On top of that, we’ve noticed changes in the positional group landscape.
The 2023 season has introduced an exciting new wave of optimism and anticipation, with teams and fans alike feeling the excitement. As the NFL enters the new season, organizations are keenly aware of their weaknesses and strengths, using past performance as a guide for future success.
Arizona’s Remarkable Transformation
The Arizona Cardinals were one of the most unfortunate teams last season, most notably on their defensive front seven. The team’s widespread issues with depth and consistency were on display and severely limited the team’s competitiveness. Unlike past years, the Cardinals have used this offseason to attack these issues directly.
Either way, whether by smart acquisitions, player development, Arizona has turned its defense into one of the best in the league. The newly-minted offensive juggernaut’s backfield, once the team’s punching bag, is filled with proven talents and breakout candidates that spiced up the team’s culinary prospects. The team has successfully turned its defensive weaknesses into strengths, making it a key area to watch as the season progresses.
The Cardinals’ change in priorities shows just how serious they are about getting better and contending in the NFL’s most competitive environment. That move significantly increases their odds of winning. It’s a process that inspires a new level of passion and pride—from the players on the field to the fans in the stands.
New York Giants Make Bold Moves
The New York Giants drew the most attention in real life when they decided to rock the world by picking Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. Hunter is considered one of the most versatile players in this class. He should see time all over the formation, though, as Indianapolis has a deep and talented group of offensive weapons. This choice emphasizes the New York Giants’ focus on improving their offense’s firepower.
Feisty ball hawk Hunter’s addition provides a sure Jabrill Peppers replacement, and more importantly, a playmaking thumper the Giants have been craving. His speed and quickness will give him mismatched advantages against opposing defenses. Most importantly, this will provide quarterback Daniel Jones with a reliable target downfield. Hunter’s talent is elite, of course, but the skill players on the roster support him beautifully. Put together, they have the potential to carry the Giants in the loaded NFC East.
Beyond Hunter, the Giants have taken other strategic steps in free agency to bolster their roster. Now, by zeroing in on areas of greatest need, they’re setting themselves up for a home run of a season to come.
Quarterbacks Leading the Charge
In case nobody’d noticed, Lamar Jackson has added a jolt of energy as one of the NFL’s most impactful quarterbacks. He’s first among all signal-callers in the most essential metrics, including QBR, ANY/A, and EPA. As a result, his proclivity for electric plays with game-altering impact has made him a linchpin of his squad’s offensive identity.
In addition to Jackson, there’s a deep supporting cast of skill position talent, headlined by Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers. Henry’s power running style complements Jackson’s elusiveness, while Flowers adds an element of speed and finesse to the receiving corps. Combined, the two make for a versatile, balanced attack that has defenses perpetually on their heels.
The offseason addition of DeAndre Hopkins makes this one of the deadliest offensive units. In addition to a successful on-field resume, Hopkins is very talented with his catching skills. Here, he provides Jackson with another essential weapon to decimate opposing defenses. How well these gifted players work together will be the key to making this team a winner all season long.
Defensive Standouts and Challenges
As clubs look toward their defensive rotations, a few players have emerged at the top of the list thanks to their gaudy numbers and overall impact. For example, since 2019, Brian Burns is currently seventh in the NFL with 54.5 sacks. His non-stop pursuit of opposing quarterbacks has as a result made him one of the league’s most feared defensive ends.
Kayvon Thibodeaux has already lived up to the hype off the field. Right now, he’s 21st on the list with just 17 total sacks in the last two years. All of this is not to say Thibodeaux hasn’t had his moment of brilliance. Now, he needs to translate that into consistency to take his game to another level from this year.
The game on the defensive side keeps changing as teams make adjustments based on how players are developing and where the new talents are coming from. Monitoring these negative defensive plays will be critical for front office personnel and teams hoping to contend for a playoff spot.
Age and Injuries Impacting Performance
As players age or come back from injury, their performance levels can change drastically. New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, now 30 years old, is going through the same transition while continuing to be a vital piece of his team. His toolbox is still useful, but teams should be prepared to pay very close attention to his level of effectiveness.
Dealing with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have missed time. Both players missed the majority of last season due to injuries. This has led many to question whether they will be ready to compete next season. Their return will be key for both teams as they look to find some semblance of stability in their offensive lines.
Another player finding himself in a similar boat with age and injury recovery is Taysom Hill. Now 35 years old and rehabbing from a torn ACL, Hill’s versatility will be tested as he aims to contribute to his team’s success.
Reliable Performers and Emerging Talents
While teams figure out what they have on their rosters heading into the season, many of these guys have established themselves as go-to options year after year. Jakobi Meyers stands out as one of only 15 players with 800-plus receiving yards in each of the past four seasons. With his reliable play, he is the kind of depth player any team with a competitive window should look to add with their search for wide receiver stability.
No one can stop Mark Andrews at tight end. Since 2019, he’s scored an astounding 48 touchdowns, which is more than any other position. His knack for getting to the end zone has made him a regular centerpiece of his team’s offensive game plans.
In the meantime, players like Jarran Reed are grabbing headlines, too. Reed’s 4.5 sacks in 2024 should not just be overlooked, as he proves that he can be a formidable force against opposing offenses. Johnathan Hankins is back to make the front line more stout. His veteran presence will be needed over the long haul.
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