As NFL training camps open across the league, teams are poised to make crucial decisions that could shape their seasons. The New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, and New Orleans Saints have interesting storylines to follow as these three teams prepare for next season. Likewise, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns are coming in sizzling with compelling narratives.
The Patriots are heading into training camp in a better place than most. Last season they allowed the ninth-fewest points in the NFL and are returning nearly all of their key contributors. At the same time, the Bengals—previously trumpeted as possible Super Bowl contenders—try to stab a dagger through the 2023 season and start a comeback. The Saints might be making the most effort toward breaking their current playoff-less streak. That mark was extended to four after Drew Brees’ retirement post-2020 season.
The Colts hold a significant advantage with over $70 million in cap space projected for next spring while facing numerous key players approaching free agency. The Ravens feature one of the most exciting offenses in the league, one that led the NFL in total yards a year ago. On the other side of the ball, their defense starred down the stretch last season. With Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers, the chessboard of the AFC North has changed entirely.
The Commanders are one of the only teams to return their entire coaching staff. Yet, they’re up against difficult odds in their pursuit to force back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since 1991-92. The Browns are restructuring their entire offense around Deshaun Watson. For the time being, though, he is again a spectator after suffering a setback in his recovery from an Achilles injury. Tristan Wirfs’ expected absence at the start of the season due to a knee injury adds further complexity to team preparations.
New England Patriots: Consistency and Expectations
The New England Patriots experienced a solid defensive performance last season, allowing only 18.1 points per game, ranking them ninth in the NFL. Not surprisingly, nearly every major figure will be back for next season. That’s all created a swell of expectations for a program anxious to make amends for last year’s disappointment.
New England’s shifty Head Coach Bill Belichick has been keen on the idea of staying consistent as they roll into training camp. He said keeping the key players in place will offer continuity, which he hopes leads to an easier transition starting next season.
“The urgency comment is really more for our team, our organization to understand what the expectations are.” – Rob Demovsky
The Patriots have a great defense and a veteran roster. They’re hell bent on making a run for the playoff and something much more, too.
Cincinnati Bengals: Rising from Setbacks
Just a couple years later, the Cincinnati Bengals have become Super Bowl contenders in their own right. They got lots of people’s attention with a magical, deep playoff run. In recent seasons, it hasn’t lived up to that high standard. As training camp officially kicks off, it’s time for Cincinnati to get their eyes set on returning to the top of the league’s pecking order.
The key players have come back into the fold, and that will deliver the continuity we sorely need. As for the Bengals’ offense, this team is obviously defined by their star signal caller, Joe Burrow, and their elite receiving corps. Building offensive chemistry will be key as they look to rebound from underwhelming recent campaigns.
“We’ve got a bunch of good guys in that locker room, we’ve got a bunch of talented guys in that locker room, and I think it’s time we started competing for championships, right? I think they’re ready.” – Rob Demovsky
The Bengals need their talent and experience to carry them through another tough NFL season with a successful return to the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints: Breaking the Drought
The New Orleans Saints can’t wait to get back in the postseason picture. They certainly haven’t made it there since Drew Brees hung up his cleats in 2020. With their deep roster filled with talented picks, this season, they’re looking to get back to that competitive edge and do some real damage.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr welcomes an alternate offensive configuration while looking to develop rapport and rhythm early through training camp. The Saints will rely on their strong defensive unit and aim to secure victories against divisional rivals that can propel them back into playoff conversations.
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