NFL Training Camps: Around the league in 32 plays

Is there a starting caliber quarterback in Houston, or just three very good backups? Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans:  Who is going to be the quarterback?  The Texans quarterback situation is an interesting one.  Ryan Mallett, Tom Savage, and Brian Hoyer all figure to be in the mix at camp.  On paper, there are three talented guys that have all had their share of supporters at times.  However, on the field, none of them have shown the ability to put together a full season of quality football.  Bill O’Brien will have his hands full with this decision.

Indianapolis Colts:  Did they do enough to protect Andrew Luck?  I truly believe the former #1 overall pick is set to become the best quarterback in the NFL.  He’s got all the talent in the world and knows how to play the game.  Yet, just like with his predecessor, the Colts seem intent on providing him with as little help as possible.  The defense still looks like a joke.  Their biggest additions this offseason are all eligible for Social Security.  And the offensive line is still filled with future Chiefs disappointments.  I’m not convinced at all that Jim Irsay isn’t still lining ’em up on a daily basis.

Jacksonville Jaguars:  Will the on-the-field makeover match the cosmetic one?  You have to give it to Shaad Khan.  The man understands marketing and selling a product.  In fact, he’s selling the Jags in every way he can.  London games for another six years, an in-stadium swimming pool, and renovations to try and limit the poor attendance numbers.  But can the Jags win football games?  At the end of the day, that’s the only thing that will fix their image.

An Andy Reid coached team struggling on offense is almost enough to make you believe it’s not really him. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs: But can the offense keep up?  The Chiefs defense is one of the most fearsome in the league.  Dominant pass rush, physical play in the secondary, and the only hole in the group is getting back two of the top run defenders in the whole league.  But what about the offense?  Is the wide receiver group going to catch a touchdown this year?  Can the offensive line prevent Alex Smith from suffering injuries to his internal organs?  There’s reason for hope, but still a lot of questions remain unanswered.

Miami Dolphins:  Did they actually fix any of their problems?  Ndamukong Suh, Greg Jennings, Kenny Stills, and DeVante Parker are the names the Miami front office is hanging their hat on for 2015.  The problem with that?  Neither the defensive line or the wide receivers were the problem in 2014.  The Dolphins targeted what was already their strengths and seemingly ignored a beat up and not-so-talented offensive line that was the real source of their woes.  Phins fans will cite the return of Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey, but Albert has struggled to stay healthy and, as Chiefs fans know, a center will not make the difference by himself.

Minnesota Vikings:  What will this team look like with Adrian Peterson back in the mix?  The Vikings were actually not that bad of a team in 2014.  Their rookie quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, showed a lot of promise.  The defense looked to be moving in the right direction.  And the running game didn’t suffer that much without AD.  So does he make as big a difference on the field as he does on the salary cap?  We shall see.

New England Patriots:  When will Tom Brady be suiting up?  It seems weird that the top story for the defending champs isn’t about their ability to repeat, but that’s the world we live in today.  An outdated rule, some shady undertakings, a half-assed investigation, and a very public game of media and legal chicken.  Brady could be out for four games, miss none at all, or land somewhere in the middle.  Somewhere lost along the way is the fact this team will be playing without their top two defensive backs from last year.

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