The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pressing needs in NFC
Weaknesses teams should address in the offseason.
For most NFL teams, the process of figuring out how to get better starts this week.
And every club — even the one that winds up winning the Super Bowl next month — will try to make upgrades during the offseason via free agency, the draft or trades.
“Teams are self-evaluating right now,” said Ted Sundquist, the former general manager of the Denver Broncos, “letting the owner know, ‘This is where we think we’re at. This is the direction that we’re going to go. This is where we think we need to improve in order to get to the playoffs next year.’
“You have a firm understanding, having come out of Week 17, where your holes are.”
Some teams need more help than others, of course. And some moves will work out better than others.
Reporters from The Associated Press who cover the NFL look at what each NFC team’s most pressing needs are (AFC will be featured Monday):
NFC EAST
Cowboys: DE, CB — Suspensions and injuries cast doubt over whether Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence are long-term answers as pass rushers. CBs Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr might not be back, so Dallas could revisit 2012, when it signed Carr in free agency and moved up in the draft to take Claiborne.
Giants: OL, QB — The running game has been bad for years and the offensive line could use plenty of help. Eli Manning just turned 36, so it’s time to find a real QB of the future.
Redskins: DL, LB — Didn’t do much last offseason to upgrade their defensive line, which needs a run-stopper or two; only eight teams allowed more rushing yards. A starting linebacker is also a must.
Eagles: WR, CB — A topflight wideout, particularly a deep threat, is the most pressing need, because Philadelphia only had one with 500 yards receiving. A starting cornerback is another priority.
NFC SOUTH
Falcons: DT — Atlanta’s biggest remaining hole is the interior defensive line, where Jonathan Babineaux is 35.
Buccaneers: RB, WR — Running back became a priority when Doug Martin was suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Also needed: a receiver to take attention off Mike Evans.
Saints: DE, CB, LB — Need another edge rusher to make teams pay for using multiple blockers on DE Cameron Jordan. New Orleans struggled with CB depth, while an upgrade over journeyman MLB Craig Robertson would help a struggling defense, too.
Panthers: WR, OL — Cam Newton’s numbers went from MVP-worthy to mediocre and part of the problem was a lack of help. Carolina had just one receiver among the top 50 in catches. Offensive tackle is an area of need, with Michael Oher’s uncertain future and Mike Remmers’ inconsistent play.
NFC NORTH
Packers: CB, OLB, RB — After a series of injuries at cornerback, stunting the development of Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, Green Bay needs someone at that position, along with help for the pass rush. Also must figure out a plan at running back.
Lions: OL, LB — Detroit must do a better job of protecting QB Matthew Stafford and improving the running game, so a veteran to join an offensive line that started two rookies in 2016 would be a good start.
Vikings: OL — The line failed to protect QB Sam Bradford at times and largely was responsible for the league’s worst rushing offense (75.3 yards per game, 3.2 per carry). Left guard Alex Boone and center Joe Berger are probably the only keepers.
Bears: QB — Whether or not Jay Cutler stays, Chicago clearly needs its quarterback of the future.
NFC WEST
Seahawks: OL, RB — Despite an overhaul last offseason, offensive line is still an issue. Wouldn’t hurt to add a running back to ease Thomas Rawls’ load.
Cardinals: CB, OL — The most glaring need is a DB to play opposite Patrick Peterson. Arizona needs help along the interior and depth for its offensive line.
Rams: OL, WR — Improvement is needed along the mediocre line and throughout an unimpressive receiving corps.
49ers: QB — San Francisco has plenty of needs, but none more important than quarterback after neither Blaine Gabbert nor Colin Kaepernick impressed this season. The only other QB on the roster is journeyman Christian Ponder, so the Niners might add a couple.
Paul George and Jeff Teague each had 19 points for Indiana as New York lost for the seventh time in eight games.
Isaiah Thomas scored 38 for Boston to give him 21 consecutive games with at least 20 points. Late Late Late Late Late The game was postponed until today because of potential severe weather. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Two days after agreeing to the deal, Cleveland completed a trade with Atlanta for Kyle Korver, one of the league’s best 3-point shooters, who will be able to spot up on the perimeter and wait for LeBron James to pass him the ball. The Cavs sent forward Mike Dunleavy, guard Mo Williams, cash and a protected future first-round draft pick to the Hawks for Korver, a 14-year veteran.“It adds another dynamic piece to our team,”James said.
Golden State squandered Stephen Curry’s 40-point performance and a 24-point lead in the second half of a 128-119 overtime loss to Memphis on Friday night.
Chris Paul moved into 10th place on the league’s career assists list with 7,994, passing Rod Strickland (7,987) when he found Luc Mbah a Moute for a dunk midway through the third quarter of Friday night’s win at Sacramento.