2017 NFL Storylines
- How will the Atlanta Falcons respond?
As if last season’s Super Bowl loss wasn’t enough, the Falcons later went on to lose their offensive (Guru) coordinator — Kyle Shanahan. Newly hired OC Steve Sarkisian has some big shoes to fill considering the Falcons scored the seventh-most points in NFL history last season. Luckily for the new guy, the Falcons return their entire offensive core. As for the other side of the ball, the Falcons are young but hungry. Led by rising stars Keanu Neal and Vic Beasley, they will surely improve upon last season’s 25th ranked defense. Their division has gotten tougher but they appear ready to make another legit run.
2. Can the Patriots repeat?
Even with the loss of Tom Brady’s favorite target, Julian Edelman, I’d say their chances of repeating as Super Bowl champions is as good as it could get. In typical Patriots’ fashion, they signed WR Brandin Cooks before Edelman’s injury and he could end up hitting his full potential in their offensive system. Losing RB LeGarrette Blount won’t hurt them too badly as they will look to employ more of a rotation this season. As for their defense, they lost CB Logan Ryan but replaced him with the highly-regarded Stephon Gilmore. Star QB, steady OL, solid defense and the best coaching staff in the NFL means the Patriots will be competitors yet again.
3. Who rises to the top in the NFC East?
In a previous article, I picked the Giants to win the divisional title this season and I’m sticking to it. The Redskins will be competitive but I don’t see them having enough to take the throne. The Cowboys will be competitive, but the whole Zeke Elliott suspension situation isn’t doing them any favors. The Eagles should improve as a result of their newly revamped offense but they seem to be a few years out from making any serious waves. That leaves me with the Giants, who improved on offense and return all of their defensive studs. It’ll most likely be a typical NFC East dogfight throughout the season but when the dust settles, I’m expecting to see the Giants at the top.
4. Can the Chargers finally stay healthy?
This is a top 10 (top 5 potential) offense if they can remain healthy. Philip Rivers is extremely underrated and underappreciated. Melvin Gordon is a competent RB. The WR group is as strong as it’s ever been with the return of Keenan Allen and arrival of rookie Mike Williams (who will unfortunately miss some of the season due to a back injury). The TE position is locked down with Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry, who is more than capable of improving from his low yardage (478) yet solid touchdown (8) rookie season. This offense is big and fast but ultimately will only go as far as health and their historically shaky offensive line will allow them to go. They will 100% improve on last season’s 5–11 finish and wouldn’t surprise me at all if they made their first playoff appearance since 2013.
5. Will the rise of 1,000 yard rushers continue?
The 2016 season saw a rise in 1,000 yard rushers as twelve RB’s eclipsed the mark. Two RB’s (Melvin Gordon and Carlos Hyde) both finished less than fifteen yards away. This was a solid increase from 2015’s historically low total of just seven. Even though the league appears to favor high-powered passing attacks more and more each year, old-school ground and pound is still hanging around. Looking across the board, one could make a solid argument that there could potentially be fifteen 1,000 yard rushers this season. However, it’s safe to assume that Zeke Elliott will not be leading the league again considering he’ll be facing a six game suspension. Regardless, there is no shortage of talent at the RB position even though several teams are leaning towards favoring a committee approach.
6. Can the Packers capitalize with Rodgers before it’s too late?
The Packers have been perennial playoff contenders during Rodgers’ reign but have not been back to the Super Bowl since they won it all in 2010. With the addition of TE Martellus Bennett, this offense is as solid as any QB in the NFL could ask for. The RB situation is a bit dicey but I think they have enough between Ty Montgomery and rookie (possible sleeper!) Jamaal Williams. Their defense has a few playmakers but as an overall unit, they are average at best. Fortunately for the Packers, an average defense is not much of a concern when you have the best player in the NFL. The NFC is certainly going to be tougher this season, but I’d count on the Packers making at least one more deep run before Rodgers’ play levels off.
