25 things to keep an eye on in NFL training camps

The reports of Murray’s recovery from ACL surgery are very positive, to the point his return in Week 1 hasn’t been ruled out. That would be a miraculous recovery for a mobile quarterback who suffered the injury in December. Arizona’s offseason moves indicate they’re in rebuild mode, so the handling of their franchise player will be telling.

Chicago was the most run-heavy offense in the NFL last season, and quarterback Justin Fields averaged only 149.5 yards passing in 15 games. The team has made an effort to produce more down the field this season, acquiring Chase Claypool last year and D.J. Moore during the offseason. The question is now whether Fields is capable of making the jump as a passer, as Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts did last season.

Buffalo has produced an elite defense in recent seasons, and it will be key again if they want to get over the hump in the AFC. That task could be more difficult after long-time defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier opted to sit out the 2023 season. Head coach Sean McDermott has his hands full with defensive play calling on top of his regular responsibilities.

After failing to land a head coaching job after several cycles as KC’s offensive coordinator, Bieniemy got a change of scenery in Washington. He’s now the sole offensive play caller after working as Andy Reid‘s understudy in Kansas City, and gets to help develop a young quarterback in Sam Howell. Bieniemy has some fun weapons to work with, led by Terry McLaurin, and the production of the Commanders offense could finally determine whether he lands the head coaching job he’s long desired.

The Bengals came so close in each of the last two seasons, failing to score on the final Super Bowl drive vs. the Rams and then losing in large part to a boneheaded penalty to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. They’ve made improvements on the offensive line, with the hope of finally winning the Super Bowl this season. The effort and goals set in training camp could set the stage for their entire 2023 season.

Things will be different for Derek Carr this season after nine seasons leading the Raiders. He’s hoping to prove last year’s struggles in a new system under Josh McDaniels were a fluke, and the NFC South looks wide open for the Saints. The impact of Carr’s leadership could be immediate after New Orleans struggled to find their quarterback over the last two seasons.

The Cowboys fired offensive coordinator Kellen Moore at the end of last season, and it appears Mike McCarthy will call plays with more of a smashmouth tendency. The team will also turn to Tony Pollard as the starting running back despite a leg injury ending his 2022 season. Pollard’s training camp status and McCarthy’s play calling in the exhibition season will be worth watching.

The Browns gave up a haul both in trade capital and guaranteed money for Watson last year, only for him to struggle in six games back from suspension. Cleveland has notoriously struggled at the quarterback position, and desperately needs Watson to get back to his old form that he showed with three Pro Bowls in Houston. If he fails to progress in training camp and beyond, the Browns will be in big trouble.

The recent trend in the NFL has teams’ hesitancy to shell out big money for running backs, with the position now seen around the league as replaceable. The result has been several of the league’s top backs, including Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, and Josh Jacobs playing on short-term deals for less money than they’d like. While that group is expected to play, something has to give soon with the unhappiness of top running backs around the league.

Over the last 30 years, the Packers have only had two primary starting quarterbacks in Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. The pressure is on former first-round pick Jordan Love as Rodgers’ replacement this season, and the Packers continued the youth movement on offense by moving on from several veteran receivers for the second consecutive offseason. With all of Love’s top targets in their first or second NFL season, there could be some growing pains.

Jackson’s contract extension with Baltimore was a long time coming, and the Ravens have followed up that commitment with a major offensive adjustment. The team is expected to throw the ball down the field more often with new coordinator Todd Monken, and has addressed the wideout position by adding Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers. We could see interesting developments for the new offense during Baltimore’s exhibition games.

Minnesota’s defense got old quickly under former head coach Mike Zimmer, and continued to struggle last season after he was fired. They’ve finally turned the page on several veterans and entered a new era with former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores running the defense. Flores has a big task ahead, but could be a hot head coaching candidate again if he’s successful.

Hurts took many by surprise last season with his breakout season, and was a top candidate to win MVP before injuring his shoulder late in the year. After nearly winning the Super Bowl and receiving a contract extension in the offseason, the bar is set much higher for Hurts this year. The loss of coordinator Shane Steichen and running back Miles Sanders won’t help, but Hurts will try to prove he’s for real.

For the second consecutive offseason, Kansas City moved on from their top wideout. Many questioned if the Chiefs offense would be able to remain elite without Tyreek Hill, and some of the same questions are being asked after the team allowed JuJu Smith-Schuster to walk. They turn to a very young wide receiver room, led by Kadarius Toney, with youngsters Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice looking to establish themselves.

Lawrence took a giant step forward last season after the hiring of Doug Pederson. Another step forward could make him an MVP candidate for the defending AFC South champs, and the addition of former Falcons star Calvin Ridley might be what Lawrence needs to reach that goal.

Miami’s offense made huge strides last season after the additions of head coach Mike McDaniel and Tyreek Hill, but the defense took a step back. The team added superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey and hired ballyhooed coordinator Vic Fangio to right the ship. If the Dolphins defense can rebound, the team has a chance to contend for a Super Bowl.

Often criticized in Dallas, Kellen Moore now takes over a talented Chargers offense and has full control. Moore is expected to add some creativity after the team stagnated under former coordinator Joe Lombardi, and his success could determine whether Justin Herbert is able to take the next step and head coach Brandon Staley is back for 2024.

The Texans had their third head coaching change in as many years, bringing in former linebacker and 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to run the show. The team is one of the youngest in the league, and have a lot riding on rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. Houston is unlikely to compete this season, but the progress of their rookies should determine fan morale.

Jones impressed in his rookie season, but took a step back last season after the Patriots failed to replace Josh McDaniels with an experienced coordinator. Bill O’Brien’s addition gives Jones and the Patriots what they were lacking last season, and could get the young quarterback back on track.

The Broncos were a mess under Nathaniel Hackett last year, and the first-year head coach failed to last an entire season. That problem should be solved with experienced former Saints head coach Sean Payton running the show this year, but his key task will be fixing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. All talk has been positive so far, but only time will tell if Payton is able to get Wilson on track.

Purdy suffered a major elbow injury in the NFC Championship that required surgery. While rehab reports have been positive, it’s still unclear if Purdy will be ready for Week 1. The team added Sam Darnold as insurance and also still has former first-round pick Trey Lance on the roster, but there’s no doubt the team’s preference is to have Purdy under center.

Quarterbacks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson were drafted in the first four picks of this year’s draft, while the Titans selected former Kentucky quarterback Will Levis 33rd overall. All four quarterbacks should get a chance to play at some point this season, though their readiness for the NFL is variable. Teams won’t know for sure how far they have to go to produce in the NFL until the lights are turned on during preseason games.

Rodgers’ addition in New York has been the talk of the offseason, and the Jets will be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks . With the success Tampa Bay had after acquiring Tom Brady three years ago, the expectations are sky-high for Rodgers and the Jets. His ability to put a sub-par 2022 season behind him and turn the Jets into a contender is potentially the crowning achievement of his Hall of Fame career.

The Falcons were one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL last season, and Arthur Smith had doubled down this year after selecting running back Bijan Robinson in the first round. With a raw starting quarterback in Desmond Ridder, it’s clear Atlanta is focused on the run again this season.

Tannehill had a forgettable 2022 season as he fought through an ankle injury, and the Titans selected his likely replacement in rookie second-round pick Will Levis. While Tannehill should be the Week 1 starter for the Titans, an injury or continuation of last year’s struggles could start the Levis era earlier than expected.