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July 30, 2021 By: Kevin Kissner

Burning questions for all 32 NFL teams heading into training camp

NFL training camp is officially underway, and the road to relevance and Super Bowl 56 starts now.

From unhappy quarterbacks to teams looking for quarterbacks to teams looking to take the next step in the playoffs (or make the playoffs, for that matter), there are so many unanswered questions that teams will have to address as they head into the start of the 2021 season.

Here’s a breakdown of the most pertinent ones I believe currently hang over the heads of each club right now.

Arizona Cardinals: Will the Cardinals be able to keep their star players?

First, All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins tweeted out that he’s unsure about his NFL future because he doesn’t want to be vaccinated, and, now, pass rusher Chandler Jones has requested a trade because he’s unhappy with his contract. If the Cards lose one of the best receivers in the game and their star pass rusher, their playoff hopes will certainly dwindle.

Atlanta Falcons: Are the Falcons better off without Julio Jones?

Crazy question, right? But, we’ve seen that you don’t need elite wide receivers to win in this league. These days, winning teams have shown how important the tight end position is. With Atlanta taking a potential All-Pro tight end in Kyle Pitts, this offense might actually improve dramatically without Julio.

Baltimore Ravens: Can Baltimore make a legitimate postseason run?

The Ravens seem to have all of the pieces to get to a Super Bowl, it’s just a matter of putting it all together. Can they do it? It’s going to be a tough road, as they’ll likely have to get past the likes of Buffalo, Tennessee, and Kansas City.

Buffalo Bills: Can Josh Allen lead his Bills to the promised land?

Last season, Buffalo was one game away from the Super Bowl, but fell short to the Chiefs. I think Josh Allen is going to be the MVP this season. However, there’s only one mission for Bills Mafia: topple the Chiefs and compete for that Lombardi Trophy.

Carolina Panthers: Will Sam Darnold succeed?

While Darnold struggled in New York, head coach Matt Rhule has always been a fan of the former first-round pick and played a big part in Carolina trading for him. Now that Christian McCaffrey will be back and healthy and Darnold’s former teammate Robby Anderson is also in the fold, Darnold can no longer get away with the excuse that he doesn’t have the weapons to succeed. The pressure is on.

Chicago Bears: Can Matt Nagy keep his job?

After going 12-4 in his first season, Nagy has gone 8-8 in each of the last two seasons, and his seat is officially hot. However, Chicago just drafted a hopeful franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. If Nagy can help turn Fields into “the guy,” he might be able to keep his job.

Cincinnati Bengals: Will Joe Burrow bounce back?

In 10 games last season, the former No. 1 overall pick completed 65% of his passes and was on pace to throw for almost 4,000 yards and close to 30 touchdowns as a rookie. If Burrow doesn’t tear his ACL, he probably goes on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The challenge now is, can Burrow return to form and get back on the pace to be a promising quarterback in this league?

Cleveland Browns: Are the Browns ready to compete with the big dawgs in the AFC?

In his first season as head coach, Kevin Stefanski came in with his “Kubiak Offense” and led the Browns to an 11-5 record and a spot in the playoffs. That’s right, the Browns made the playoffs and even won a playoff game. Noiw, a team filled with star players at nearly every position, Cleveland must show that it truly can compete with the best in the AFC.

Dallas Cowboys: Will the defense improve?

The Dallas offense will be fine with the weapons it has on the outside, its running game, and, most importantly, a healthy Dak Prescott under center. The real question is, can last year’s No. 28-ranked defense improve and hold up its end of the bargain? The Cowboys drafted an all-around linebacker that can play everywhere in Micah Parsons, and he could have an immediate impact as a rookie.

Denver Broncos: Will Denver ever find a quarterback?

Once again, the Broncos enter training camp looking for their franchise quarterback. Denver has had 10 different quarterbacks start a game since Peyton Manning retired. This year, the Broncos are going to have another quarterback battle between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. Not ideal. Bottom line: Denver needs to find a franchise quarterback.

Detroit Lions: Will Jared Goff fit with Detroit?

The former first overall pick succeeded with Rams under head coach Sean McVay, but many believe Goff only shined only because of the offense he played in. Now, Goff will be working with a new offensive coordinator in Anthony Lynn. While Goff will have T.J. Hockenson at the tight end position, wideout Kenny Golladay is gone. Goff must prove to everyone that he can make his receivers better and show he’s not just a system quarterback.

Green Bay Packers: Can Green Bay fix the Aaron Rodgers issues?

Aaron Rodgers showed up for training camp, but you could cut the tension with a knife. Despite a reworked contract, the reigning MVP is supposedly going to be traded after the 2021 season. If the Packers can give Rodgers what he wants and change the culture, however, he might just stay and finish his career in the green and gold.

Houston Texans: What can they get for Deshaun Watson?

With the Texans beginning their rebuild, they’re now listening to trade offers for quarterback Deshaun Watson. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the asking price is a combination of five high draft picks and starting caliber players. It’s unclear if Houston can get that much given that Watson has over 20 civil lawsuits still pending. Teams to watch out for are the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, and even the Philadelphia Eagles.

Indianapolis Colts: Can Carson Wentz give Indy new hope?

The Colts had an exciting year last season with Philip Rivers at QB, but they fell short in the playoffs. Indy had an opportunity to move up in the draft for a quarterback, and were even the favorites to land Matthew Stafford, but instead made the move for Carson Wentz. The former Eagles QB was headed toward the MVP award a few years back, but suffered a torn ACL and hasn’t been the same since. Maybe last season’s struggles were because of bad coaching, but Wentz has a lot to prove this year as he reunites with his former offensive coordinator Frank Reich.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Can Trevor Lawrence turn the franchise around?

As much as I wanted to make Tim Tebow the centerpiece of this question, I have to get serious here. Trevor Lawrence has been the most hyped prospect since Andrew Luck and has the ability to turn the franchise around in Jacksonville. So far, everything looks promising with Urban Meyer leading the way. Now, the team needs to execute.

Kansas City Chiefs: Will the Chiefs attend their third straight Super Bowl?

There are not many questions to ask about the Kansas City Chiefs heading into training camp, as they have the chance to go to their third straight Super Bowl. You can’t find many weaknesses with this team, but they are going to be challenged by the Bills, Ravens, and Titans again this year.

Las Vegas Raiders: Will Jon Gruden get his team back to the playoffs?

The Raiders will be entering the fourth season of their second stint with Gruden as their leader. It’s been underwhelming. Gruden has failed to get his team into the playoffs in each of his last three seasons, has only put up one top-10 offense, and has yet to own a winning record. This needs to be a put up or shut up season for Gruden and his Raiders.

Los Angeles Chargers: Will Justin Herbert have a sophomore slump?

Justin Herbert looked like a seasoned veteran in his first NFL season. Heck, he took Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs to overtime when he found out he was starting just minutes before kickoff. The sophomore slump has hit recent quarterbacks, but after completing 66% of his passes for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, it seems unlikely to hit Herbert in 2021. WE have seen crazier things, though.

Los Angeles Rams: Did they make the right move acquiring Matthew Stafford?

McVay and the Rams went all in, trading for the former Lions gunslinger. Yet, they’ve been excited about him during OTAs. If Stafford fits well in McVay’s offense, this could be an exciting Rams team.

Miami Dolphins: Will Tua Tagovailoa break out?

Tua was the most hyped quarterback coming out of college, and fans league wide wanted their team to “Tank for Tua.” Despite being the second QB drafted in 2020, however, he didn’t look like the player everyone hoped he’d be. Tua was replaced multiple times by Ryan Fitzpatrick throughout the season. Now with Fiztpatrick gone, Tua is the number one guy, and he needs to prove it. If he can’t, Miami could be looking for its next quarterback as soon as next offseason.

Minnesota Vikings: Can the Vikings win the NFC North?

There’s drama in Green Bay, Detroit has a new quarterback and new head coach, and the Bears will have Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields playing this season. This might be the best opportunity for Kirk Cousins and the Vikings to win the division and make a deep playoff run.

New England Patriots: Can Bill Belichick get to the playoffs without Tom Brady?

The Patriots failed last season with Cam Newton rushing for more touchdowns than he threw. New England went on a shopping spree in free agency by spending nearly $200 million to get this team back into the playoffs. Along with drafting Mac Jones, this team is built to at least compete for a wild-card spot.

New Orleans Saints: Can Jameis Winston prove he’s the future in Nola?

Once Drew Brees announced his retirement, everyone knew the Saints needed to find their next franchise quarterback. Right now, Sean Payton is going to let Jamies Winston try out for the job. Winston only threw 11 passes last season as a backup quarterback, but in 2019, Winston threw for over 5,000 yards. However, he also led the league in turnovers. If he can limit the mistakes in 2020, Winston might’ve found a long-term home down in Louisiana.

New York Giants: Will Joe Judge turn the Giants around?

After just one season, players and people around the building were complaining about Judge’s coaching ways. Of course, no one should be surprised since he comes from the Patriots’ coaching tree. If Judge wants to keep his job for a third season, he must make sure Daniel Jones and his offense start clicking and put up more than 17 points per game.

New York Jets: How will Zach Wilson fit with Mike LaFleur?

New York made sure to draft the most important piece of a rebuild: the quarterback position. Zach Wilson will be paired up with rookie offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and the relationship needs to be solid for success. LaFleur will be running the same offense as his brother in Green Bay and Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. If all goes as planned, Wilson might be getting LaFleur a head coaching job sooner than later.

Philadelphia Eagles: Is Jalen Hurts the answer?

The Eagles are doing the right thing by bringing in a backup to push Hurts as the starter. Philly could’ve easily drafted a quarterback in round one this year, but opted to see what it has in the former second-round pick. The Eagles also selected arguably the best wide receiver in this past draft in DeVonta Smith, hoping that Hurts’ former college teammate could make things easier in year two . If Hurts shows he’s not the guy this season, the Birds will move on and find a new quarterback next year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Can Big Ben make one more run?

This could easily be the final season for Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh — and possibly his career. Big Ben took less money this season to help out the team’s salary cap situation. Pittsburgh got off to a hot start last season, going 11-0 before, ultimately, finishing the season 12-4. Roethlisberger will have to look like he’s in his prime this year if the Steelers want to add another Lombardi Trophy to their trophy case.

San Francisco 49ers: Can this team contend if healthy?

Last season the 49ers had high expectations, but the injury bug kept them from competing for another Super Bowl. San Francisco still managed to go 6-10 — a miracle, if you ask me. The 49ers have the head coach and quarterback to get back to the promised land, but now they just need everyone to stay healthy. If that happens, the Niners have a real chance at competing in the NFC.

Seattle Seahawks: Can Seattle make Russell Wilson happy?

In the offseason, trade rumors were swirling and Russell Wilson even made a top-four list of teams he would want to play for if traded. You don’t make a list like that unless you’re unhappy. If Seattle fails to make Wilson happy this season and there continues to be more drama behind the scenes issues, Wilson will want out and steal all of the offseason headlines. Don’t be surprised if this is Wilson’s final season with the Seahawks.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can Tampa go back to back?

Tom Brady’s Patriots were the last team to go back to back (2003-2004). With every single starter back, expectations should be nothing short of another Lombardi Trophy. Plus, we all like Tampa Bay Tom better than New England Tom, right?

Tennessee Titans: Will Tennessee get over the playoff hump?

The Titans shocked the world two years ago by making it to the AFC Championship game, but they lost in the wild-card round last season. Tennessee amped up their pass rush and even went out and traded for All-Pro wideout Julio Jones. If Ryan Tannehill can continue to play at the top-10 — or even top-5 — level that he’s been playing at, this team might have a chance to upset the Kansas City Chiefs. Tannehill, Julio, and Derrick Henry are going to be a defense’s nightmare.

Washington Football Team: Is the pass rush going to be the real deal?

Last season, Washington finished in the top five in sacks with 47. Chase Young finished second on the team with 7.5 sacks as a rookie, while Montez Sweat led the way with nine. In its second year under Jack Del Rio’s scheme, this pass rush has a chance to compete for the league lead in sacks. We’ll see if it happens.