As camps open, questions loom
The Denver Broncos will be the first NFLteamtoopen training camp when rookies and veterans report for work Thursday. What story lines will dominate the discussion as teams get back on the practice field? Let’s take a look at eight big questions entering training camp:
Will the Los Angeles Rams see a drop-off on offense?
The Sean McVay-led Rams were tough to stop last season - until a 13-3 Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots. The offensive issues amplified during that loss could carry over to this season.
The health of star running back Todd Gurley is a concern. He has an arthritic knee and probably will need to take on a greatly reduced workload, possibly ceding snaps to third-round draft pick Darrell Henderson. Not only will Gurley almost certainly sit out the preseason, but it’s going to be tough for him to handle tight turnarounds - such as the Oct. 3 Thursday night game at the Seattle Seahawks, which comes just four days after a home game vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
How will the Kansas City Chiefs adjust if Tyreek Hill is suspended?
It remains unclear whether — and for how long — Hill will be suspended by the NFL following a law enforcement investigation into suspicions of child abuse. While the on-field ramifications pale in comparison to the severity of the allegations, Hill’s absence would have a significant impact on the
Chiefs’ offense.
What will a healthy Cam Newton mean for the Carolina Panthers?
It’s unlikely that Newton plays much in the preseason, but as he returns to the field following two shoulder surgeries over the past three seasons, he has to decide whether he’s ready to play a different type of football. The quarterback loves using his 6-foot-5, 245pound frame to punish the opposing defense in the running game - he has averaged more than 100 rushing attempts per season - but he must avoid making contact so often if he is to stay healthy.
What will the New York Jets get out of Le’Veon Bell?
After missing last season with his holdout, Bell stayed away from organized team activities to get his body ready for the season, and he only attended two minicamp practices. That makes him something of an unknown as training camp starts, and he hasn’t had any time to work with secondyear quarterback Sam Darnold.
How will Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense — and Kyler Murray — work in the NFL?
Each year, NFL coaches incorporate more plays from college spread and Air Raid offenses. But the Arizona Cardinals are making the most dramatic jump yet behind Kingsbury, a first-year head coach with no NFL coaching experience, and Murray, the first pick of the draft.
Since 2012, nearly two-thirds of all rookie starting QBs completed less than 60% of the passes. That won’t work in the Air Raid, which requires a high completion percentage to operate effectively, meaning Kingsbury will need Murray to be on target from the start.
Will the Buffalo Bills’ new additions help quarterback Josh Allen?
The Bills may have four new starters on the offensive line after signing six linemen in free agency and drafting Cody Ford in the second round. They also added three wide receivers, two tight ends and two running backs.
Who will be the starting quarterbacks in Washington and Miami?
The NFL’s best quarterback battles involve Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Dolphins, and Dwayne Haskins, Case Keenum and Colt McCoy of the Redskins. Good preseasons could give the edge to Rosen and Haskins, given their youth and upside, but if they aren’t ready, the veterans could get the nod, at least in Week1.