Three weeks into the NFL season, teams are starting to get a feel for what they accomplished or didn’t during the offseason. Key player acquisitions and more importantly coaching hires have proven crucial in determining which way a team goes. This article examines the best offseason additions for several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Detroit Lions. Each addition has helped to continue boosting their respective teams up the power rankings.
Xavier Watts was the Atlanta Falcons’ first selection, and he’s quickly become an indispensable cog in their defensive arsenal. His knack for playing off Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III has bolstered the Falcons’ secondary. As a pair, they’ve proved an intimidating partnership, rounding out an imposing MVFC defense that’s forced unprecedented chaos on opposing offenses.
Bears Find Stability with Ben Johnson
Perhaps no team in recent history has made a more impactful offseason hire than the Chicago Bears hiring head coach Ben Johnson. Thanks to his leadership, the Bears have morphed from the punching bag of the league into an adult, respectable, well-coached football team. Johnson’s style is all about toughness and execution, resulting in consistently better performances with a focus on sound play on both ends of the floor.
Leadership from Johnson inspired execution of those game plans, enabling wins. Most importantly, he’s built a winning mentality throughout the squad and gotten the most out of his players. The Bears show an uncommon level of cohesion that they had been lacking.
“I want to galvanize our football team. I want to galvanize this building. I want to galvanize our fans.” – Mike Vrabel
Browns Strengthen Defensive Line with Maliek Collins
Collins has shown himself capable of being a major asset when it comes to stopping the run and the pass. His knack for blowing up the other team’s offense has been a huge reason for the Browns’ top-flight defense this year. Coach Joe Woods noted Collins’ impact, saying, “He’s just a steady player… Very athletic [and] smart.”
Broncos and Buccaneers Boost Offense
The Denver Broncos added running back J.K. Dobbins this offseason, a pickup that has energized the Denver offense. Dobbins’ speed and agility complement the Broncos’ running game, providing a dynamic option that keeps defenses guessing. Those contributions have gone a long way towards keeping the team’s offensive attack balanced, which has been vital to TCU’s success.
In an almost identical move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck gold in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. He has quickly developed into an anchor for the Buccaneers. On the defense, his game-changing plays allow the offense to stay aggressive and offensive momentum strong. Yards gained and touchdowns scored might be the most visible ways to gauge Egbuka’s impact.
Chargers and Chiefs Secure Key Players
The Los Angeles Chargers took the biggest risk of the bunch, signing wide receiver Keenan Allen to a four-year deal. His ability and experience have given the Chargers’ receiving corps invaluable help. Allen’s knack for gaining separation and winning contested catches have given quarterback Justin Herbert a perfect safety valkyrie_validator to turn to.
Across the conference, the Kansas City Chiefs bolstered their offensive line depth, picking up left tackle Josh Simmons. His game is the blueprint for how he can be a franchise left tackle protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Simmons’ ability to protect Mahomes’ blind side will be key, as they look to make another championship run.
Lions Reinforce Offensive Line
The Detroit Lions were smart to draft guard Tate Ratledge with the 36th-overall pick. With some high-profile offseason departures, Ratledge’s addition would help figure to strengthen the offensive front. His quickness and strength is supposed to help improve both inside and outside running games, as well as pass protection.
Ratledge’s early returns have been encouraging, he appears to fit the mold nicely inside the Lions’ system. His continued presence is making life easier for quarterback Jared Goff to be protected. Third, he’s creating lanes for his running backs.
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