What we didn’t: Excluding Davone Bess, Miami’s wide receiver corps is the NFL’s worst — and that was before Chad Johnson was waived after his domestic-violence arrest. Rookie right tackle Jon Martin looks overmatched, and left tackle Jake Long’s early-season availability is in question because of a knee injury. The defense hasn’t shown the ability to carry the offense as Tannehill grows into the starting position.
What’s next: Besides praying? The Dolphins will be trying to bolster wide receiver depth either through the waiver wire or a trade before the Sept. 9 opener at Houston.
What we didn’t: Every aspect of New York’s offense. Quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow failed to lead the Jets into the end zone on 15 possessions apiece. The right tackle situation also has turned nightmarish. Jets brass made a huge mistake in overestimating Wayne Hunter’s ability. He was traded to St. Louis earlier this week for 2009 first-round bust Jason Smith.
What’s next: In defense of new coordinator Tony Sparano, the Jets didn’t unveil the bells and whistles expected from an offense that should feature Tebow in a variety of roles designed to complement the standard pro-style system operated by Sanchez. But after such an unproductive preseason showing, the Jets need results quickly or the Tebow-fueled media circus already surrounding the team will add even more tents.
What we didn’t: The starting offense sputtered during the first three preseason games. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed only 48.8 percent of his 43 pass attempts. C.J. Spiller, who will form a one-two running punch with starter Fred Jackson, was held to 7 yards on six carries.
What’s next: The Bills face a New York Jets’ offense that has held its cards close to the vest during the preseason when it comes to unveiling Tim Tebow gimmickry. Williams must be salivating at the thought of facing Jets right tackle Austin Howard in that Sept. 9 season opener.
What we didn’t: The offensive line was unsettled, especially at left and right tackle with youngsters Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon, respectively. Sebastian Vollmer’s recent return after off-season back surgery should bolster the unit.
What’s next: Lots and lots of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. New England’s offense is at its best when using a “12 personnel” package that features both of those stellar tight ends in a hurry-up mode to create defensive mismatches
What we didn’t: The injuries that struck the offensive line and cornerbacks. To the credit of Cincinnati’s front office, the veteran depth is much better than in previous seasons.
What’s next: Making sure an interior offensive line with no game experience playing together can handle the variety of looks that Baltimore’s defense will likely use hoping to create confusion in the Sept. 10 opener. Newly signed center Jeff Faine is expected to start between rookie right guard Kevin Zeitler and left guard Clint Boling, who became a starter when Travelle Wharton suffered a season-ending knee injury.
What we didn’t: Still stung by the season-ending injury suffered by outside linebacker Chris Gocong, the Browns failed to provide much pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Cleveland’s first three opponents combined to throw 105 passes with the Browns notching just one sack. Running back Montario Hardesty may have lost his backup job to Brandon Jackson after losing two fumbles in those contests.
What’s next: Working rookie running back Trent Richardson into the starting offense as quickly as possible after his preseason knee surgery. A Richardson-heavy attack and improved offensive line play would take some of the heat off Weeden.
What we didn’t: The absence of Terrell Suggs (Achilles tendon) was far too noticeable with no prospective replacement at outside linebacker being able to generate much pass-rush heat.
What’s next: At this point, every season that future Hall of Fame selections Ray Lewis and Ed Reed play could be their last. But instead of Baltimore’s defense having to carry the offense like through most of Lewis and Reed’s careers, vice-versa is more likely as Flacco starts entering his prime.
What we didn’t: The offensive line was supposed to get bolstered by rookies drafted in the first two rounds. But right guard David DeCastro has suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury, and tackle Mike Adams isn’t close to being ready to start.
What’s next: Trying to get healthy. DeCastro, nose tackle Casey Hampton, running back Rashard Mendenhall and outside linebackers James Harrison and Jason Worilds head the preseason list of walking wounded. Wide receiver Mike Wallace also must get up to speed after his lengthy contract holdout.
What we didn’t: Wide receiver Kenny Britt missed almost all of the preseason recovering from knee surgery. He also faces a Week 1 NFL suspension for more off-field indiscretions. As talented as Britt is, this may be his last chance to get things together with the Titans.
What’s next: Jake Locker makes his NFL starting debut Sept. 9 against visiting New England. Locker did enough to edge veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck but must improve his mediocre preseason 50.0 completion percentage for long-term success.
What we didn’t: It’s waaay early, but don’t blame Jaguars fans if they’re having Jerry Porter flashbacks while watching wide receiver Laurent Robinson’s slow start. Signed to a five-year, $32.5 million contract in free agency, Robinson wasn’t impressive with only one catch for 7 yards through Jacksonville’s first three preseason games. On the bright side, 2012 first-round pick Justin Blackmon is the early favorite to lead Jacksonville in receptions this season.
What’s next: Waiting to see if the contract holdout that caused star running back Maurice Jones-Drew to miss the entire preseason finally ends. Even if/when he reports, Jones-Drew is far behind in mastering Jacksonville’s playbook and could be more susceptible to injury without having participated in training camp. Mularkey has said Rashad Jennings will start the Sept. 9 opener at Minnesota.
What we didn’t: The Colts will need every point they can muster because of defensive problems. The interior line took a major hit when 345-pound nose tackle Brandon McKinney suffered a season-ending knee injury. The acquisition of Vontae Davis in a trade with Miami should bolster the secondary, but the Colts are still desperate for more man-cover cornerbacks.
What’s next: Another roster shake-up once the NFL’s final preseason cuts become official. Indianapolis sits atop the waiver-wire preference list because of last year’s league-worst 2-14 record. Some of the players who couldn’t stick on talented teams surely will find a new home with a franchise that began a major personnel overhaul in the offseason headlined by quarterback Peyton Manning’s release.
What we didn’t: The right side of the offensive line still is getting settled after the departures of guard Mike Briesel (Oakland) and tackle Kevin Winston (released/Kansas City). New right guard Antoine Caldwell has 13 games of starting experience in his first three NFL seasons, but second-year tackle Derek Newton will be logging his first Sept. 9 against Miami after beating out Rashad Butler for the job.
What’s next: Trying to strike a contract extension with outside linebacker Connor Barwin, who had 11-1/2 sacks in a breakout 2011 campaign. Doing so would free a franchise tag that potentially could be used next offseason on quarterback Matt Schaub, who also is set to become a free agent. The Texans want to see if the injury-prone Schaub makes it through the 2012 season healthy before looking to extend his deal for the long term.
What we didn’t: Denver’s defense remains a work in progress under new coordinator Jack Del Rio. 2012 second-round pick Derek Wolfe was pushed into the starting lineup when end Jason Hunter suffered a season-ending triceps injury. The Broncos must replace outside linebacker D.J. Williams for the first six regular-season games as he serves an NFL suspension. And the safety play raises concerns about how well the Broncos can cover opposing tight ends.
What’s next: Arguably the NFL’s toughest early-season schedule. Four of Denver’s first five opponents — Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Houston and New England — made the playoffs in 2011.
What we didn’t: The defense, which is head coach Romeo Crennel’s forte, hasn’t looked particularly sharp. The absence of cornerback Brandon Flowers (heel) was noticeable in a suspect secondary. The Chiefs also got word that leading sacker Tamba Hali will be suspended for the Sept. 9 season-opener against Atlanta.
What’s next: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe signed his franchise tender in time to see action in Kansas City’s third preseason game. Bowe, Moeaki and emerging second-year wide receiver Jon Baldwin give quarterback Matt Cassel his best group of targets since becoming Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2009. Cassel, though, enters this season under pressure to cement himself at the position or risk getting replaced in 2013.
What we didn’t: Quarterback Carson Palmer didn’t look comfortable in Greg Knapp’s new West Coast-style offense during the first three preseason games. It didn’t help that two of Oakland’s top wide receivers (Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford) have missed time with injuries and the glaring pass-catching weakness Oakland has at tight end.
What’s next: Keeping fingers crossed that oft-injured running back Darren McFadden can play his first 16-game NFL season after emerging from the preseason unscathed. McFadden has a legitimate shot at a 2,000-yard rushing season if he can stay on the field.
What we didn’t: The same injury woes that helped sidetrack San Diego’s playoff aspirations the past two seasons have cropped up again. Wide receiver Vincent Brown (ankle) is out until midseason, left tackle Jared Gaither (back) and running back Ryan Mathews (clavicle) may miss the Sept. 10 opener against Oakland, and three veteran cornerbacks have hamstring issues.
What’s next: Philip Rivers enters his ninth NFL season with the label of being the best current quarterback who hasn’t won a Super Bowl. Whether he can reach that goal will depend partially on rebounding from a subpar 2011 season and developing chemistry with new receivers such as Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal.
What we didn’t: Although the Giants' swarming pass rush can help compensate defensively, injuries have left New York thin at defensive tackle and cornerback. Right guard Mitch Petrus had a rough preseason and could soon be out of the starting lineup
What’s next: Defense of the Lombardi Trophy. The 2012 Giants will begin to experience the pressure that comes with carrying the mantle Wednesday night against visiting Dallas in the league opener.
What we didn’t: Griffin may have to run for his life if an injury-riddled offensive line can't get its act together. The Redskins also are set for another running back-by-committee approach after none of the top four candidates staked a claim to the position outright. Head coach Mike Shanahan has proven unable to find a bell-cow rusher like he did so frequently in Denver.
What’s next: That's the question Redskins fans may be asking if Washington doesn't make the playoffs for a third consecutive season under Shanahan.
What we didn’t: Mike Vick spent far too much time meeting with doctors than playing quarterback. Vick was unable to finish his first two starts and didn't play in the final two games after suffering bruised ribs against New England. With Vick proving increasingly fragile, the offensive line is under the gun to provide iron-clad protection.
What’s next: Vick will have the chance to get back into the swing of things Sept. 9 against Cleveland -- an opponent that rookie replacement Nick Foles lit up during Philadelphia's third preseason game.
What we didn’t: Besides the aforementioned offensive trio, the Cowboys were riddled with injuries across the board. While most weren't season-threatening and some youngsters received valuable experience, this isn't how Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett wanted to begin preparing for the Week 1 opener against the New York Giants.
What’s next: Trying to find an answer for Eli Manning. The Giants quarterback has butchered the Cowboys' defense while posting a 5-1 record in their past last six matchups. One potential solution, especially with Witten likely sidelined: pounding the football with DeMarco Murray, who is fully recovered from the leg injury that forced him to miss the end of the 2012 season.
What we didn’t: Cutler may not have the chance to target Marshall and Jeffery if the Bears don't get their act together at left tackle. J'Marcus Webb has a tenuous grasp on the starting spot with Chris Williams the fall-back option.
What’s next: The season-long monitoring of Brian Urlacher's surgically repaired knee and how it affects his short- and long-term future in Chicago. CSNChicago.com's John "Moon" Mullin broke the news that Urlacher had undergone multiple off-season procedures after he was reinjured in Chicago's preseason opener. Bears head coach Lovie Smith said Urlacher will be ready for Week 1 against Indianapolis. But as a 34-year-old heading toward free agency in 2013, Urlacher may face his time with the Bears quickly expiring despite his iconic standing.
What we didn’t: The release of projected starter Aaron Berry after his second off-season arrest left Detroit thin at cornerback. Hoping to address this, Detroit traded with Washington earlier this week for potential nickel/dime cornerback Kevin Barnes. As usual, Detroit's running back corps already is depleted because of injuries and the upcoming two-game NFL suspension of Mikel Leshoure.
What’s next: An off-field issue. I kid, I kid!!! But in all seriousness, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz spent the preseason re-emphasizing the need for team discipline both personally and professionally. The results will be evident on the police blotter and by the number of personal fouls the Lions draw.
What we didn’t: The defense may need some time to fully begin to gel because of multiple personnel changes and a youth infusion spearheaded by rookie outside linebacker Nick Perry.
What’s next: The NFC's top two playoff seeds from last season will finally meet, albeit far too late to determine the conference's Super Bowl XLVI representative. That honor went to the defending-champion New York Giants. The 2011 G-Men first upset the Packers, then bested San Francisco in during the NFC title game. Based upon the talent on both rosters, the 49ers-Packers game on FOX (4:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 9) could very well be an early preview of this season's conference championship game.
What we didn’t: The Vikings have a quality defensive line led by Jared Allen (22 sacks in 2011), but the back seven isn’t very inspiring. Head coach Leslie Frazier’s decision to rest most starters for the preseason finale was curious considering the first-team offense looks like it could use a little more practice time. Minnesota surrendered five sacks in last Friday’s matchup against San Diego.
What’s next: A full NFL season to evaluate quarterback Christian Ponder. Pressed into action as a rookie when Donovan McNabb flopped as the starter, Ponder was just one of the reasons Minnesota’s offense struggled through the 2011 campaign. Ponder’s up-and-down preseason performances were a reminder that he is far from being a finished product.
What we didn’t: Mike Nolan wasn’t going to unveil his intricate blitz package during the preseason, but no individual pass rusher emerged as a complement to 35-year-old John Abraham. The offensive line depth and overall quality, especially at right guard, is a concern.
What’s next: The focus of Falcons preseason media coverage centered around the team’s three opening playoff losses in the past four seasons. For a chance at redemption, Falcons head coach Mike Smith must make sure his squad is focused on qualifying while playing in what should be a more competitive NFC South.
What we didn’t: Newton still seems to lack weapons in the passing game outside of wide receiver Steve Smith and tight end Greg Olsen. The Panthers might have been wiser upgrading that aspect of their offense rather than making such a heavy financial investment at running back with Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and newcomer Mike Tolbert all making hefty sums.
What’s next: Discovering whether the Panthers have learned how to finish off the opposition. Head coach Ron Rivera has pointed out that his team held fourth-quarter leads in almost all their games last season and still finished 6-10. The Panthers hope that journeyman kicker Justin Medlock proves reliable after releasing Olindo Mare, who missed late field goals in two of those Carolina defeats.
What we didn’t: A lack of discipline wasn’t the only reason Tampa Bay lost its final 10 games to finish 4-12. Schiano admits he is worried about defensive depth. The offensive line took a major blow when Pro Bowl right guard Davin Joseph suffered a season-ending patella tendon injury.
What’s next: A sellout for the 2012 season opener against Carolina is possible. This would be tangible proof that a once-rabid fan base is buying into the franchise makeover being orchestrated by Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik. Spending some money in free agency on elite talent like wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left guard Carl Nicks also displayed a much-needed financial commitment from team ownership toward righting the Bucs’ ship.
What’s next: Handling the ongoing fallout from the Saints bounty scandal, including the six-game suspension of interim head coach Joe Vitt. Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will handle the duties for the first time in his NFL career until Vitt returns. The Saints also are awaiting a court ruling to determine the early-season availability of defensive end Will Smith (four-game suspension) and linebacker Jon Vilma (one season).
What we didn’t: The offensive line should be OK, but some fine-tuning is a must before facing Green Bay’s 3-4 attack in the Sept. 9 opener on FOX (4:25 pm ET kickoff).
What’s next: As the 49ers try to take the next step toward their first Super Bowl since the Steve Young era, Randy Moss will be squarely in the spotlight. Moss hasn’t done much in the preseason games, which raised media speculation that he might get released in San Francisco’s final Friday night roster cut. A more likely scenario has the 35-year-old Moss trying to re-establish himself as one of the league’s most dangerous deep threats, albeit in a more limited role, after spending the 2011 season out of football.
What we didn’t: Whither Matt Flynn? Wilson is talented, but the Seahawks didn’t guarantee $10 million of Flynn’s contract thinking he would again be serving as a backup in 2012 after having the same role in Green Bay the past four seasons. Speaking of wasted money, it would be nice if wide receiver Sidney Rice stayed healthy long enough to justify his big free-agent deal.
What’s next: Trying to emerge as a bona fide NFL force after serving as a spoiler during head coach Pete Carroll’s first two seasons. A beefy defense has the potential to cover for some offensive woes as Wilson matures. Figuring in the team’s Northwest U.S. location, the 2012 Seahawks are a strong under-the-radar candidate to jump from a losing season into the playoffs.
What we didn’t: A playoff-caliber defense might never get there because Arizona’s quarterback situation is so dreadful. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton were deadlocked in mediocrity heading into the preseason finale where, in a curious Whisenhunt decision, neither played. Rookie Ryan Lindley got the nod instead. In Whisenhunt’s defense, maybe he was just trying to shield Kolb and Skelton from more physical and mental abuse because of how much the offensive line is struggling.
What’s next: The Cardinals must hope for improvement from the winner of the Kolb/Skelton competition (the smart money is on Kolb) and that his blockers can keep him upright. D’Anthony Batiste was shifted from right tackle to compensate for the season-ending triceps injury suffered by left tackle Levi Brown. If Batiste can’t get the job done, the Cards are cooked.
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