The start of the 2024 NFL season is approaching, allowing fans to gain a realistic view of their franchise moves this past offseason. Instead of covering other teams from my perspective as a Carolina Panthers fan, I asked my co-workers at Prime Talk Sports Talk four separate questions about their favorite teams:
- What was the best free agency move for your team?
- What aspects of your team have improved since the end of the season and why?
- What are realistic expectations for your team and why?
- What is your predicted record for your team?
Here are their answers.
New England Patriots
Andersen Pickard – Editor in Chief, Content Director
The best free agent acquisition for the New England Patriots was offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Okorafor joined the Patriots back on March 7th. The Patriots have faced significant challenges with their offensive line over the past few seasons. While Okorafor may not be the perfect solution, his arrival indicates that the front office is willing to tackle the issue of protecting the quarterback. Furthermore, Okorafor’s versatility will enable New England to make adjustments in the trenches.
The Patriots implementing a new coaching staff marks the biggest improvement since the end of the season. Although Jerod Mayo may not be an upgrade over the legendary Bill Belichick, it was clear that a change was necessary and Belichick needed to be relieved of his coaching duties. Mayo appears to have established a strong team culture early in his tenure as head coach — a culture of competition and rallying the troops ahead of what is sure to be a difficult 2024 season.
It seems more than likely that the New England Patriots will secure the No. 1 overall pick than make the playoffs. This team is currently undergoing a full-scale rebuild, which means there will be plenty of growing pains in the upcoming year. For the 2024 season to be successful, four things need to happen: the defense needs to perform like a top-15 unit, Drake Maye needs to put together some decent performances, and the young receiving corps needs to take a huge leap forward.
A realistic predicted record for the Patriots is 4-13. New England possesses a weak roster and a very tough schedule ahead. They might be able to scrap together a few wins here and there thanks to their talented defense. However, a last-place finish in the AFC East seems very likely.
Jerod Mayo on Brissett over Drake Maye:
“Ultimately it was my decision to put in the guy I think gives us the best chance to win football games.”
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 2, 2024
Andersen’s responses may have been modified by the article’s organizer, Emily Gates, for content or clarity.
New York Giants
Chris Driscoll – Staff Writer
The signing of Brian Burns was the best offseason move for the New York Giants. Burns has been one of the most efficient pass rushers in the league for the past few seasons. In his five years with the Panthers, he made two Pro Bowls and finished eighth overall in sacks in 2022. For the Giants, who have struggled with their pass rush (outside of Dexter Lawrence) the past couple of seasons, this is a massive addition.
New York improved a ton this offseason. As previously stated, they improved on their pass rush. In addition, they beefed up their offensive line. Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan have the potential to be massive upgrades upfront. Additionally, Andrew Thomas missed seven games last year. Adding Eluemunor and Runyan, plus having a fully healthy season for Thomas, will give the Giants the potential to have a much more serviceable offensive line this upcoming season.
On top of the improvement in their pass rush unit, they improved the receiving core by spending their sixth overall pick on Malik Nabers from LSU. He will likely be the best receiver the Giants have had since Odell Beckham Jr., and some think he will be even better. In addition, Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt are both young options at the position who have the potential to improve a lot and could thrive with Nabers taking some pressure away from them.
The Giants have a low floor and an average ceiling. Even though they made some improvements this offseason, lots can go wrong for them. If they start the year flat, there is a good chance that head coach Brian Daboll will sit Daniel Jones and go into tank mode with Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito. Most people thought New York would be awful in 2022, but they shocked the world and won a playoff game. Is that likely this time around? Of course not, but this is the NFL. Anything can happen.
The Giants’ overall record will be better than what the NFL experts are predicting. Despite the Giants having a low floor, they should win eight games this year and barely miss the playoffs.
Malik Nabers numero uno 1️⃣pic.twitter.com/ujC6bmD9iZ
— NFL (@NFL) August 28, 2024
Chris’s responses may have been modified by the article’s organizer, Emily Gates, for content or clarity.
Kansas City Chiefs
Liz Pendergraft – Senior Editor
Bringing in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown to strengthen the receiving corps was the best decision this offseason, especially given the number of dropped passes by the wide receivers last season. Hopefully, Brown can elevate the performance of the receiving corps if he stays healthy.
The Chiefs’ offense has improved overall with additions. It seems likely that the offense will be able to hold its own and will not have to rely solely on Patrick Mahomes or the defense to get the job done.
The team has a good chance of winning the AFC West and making it into the playoffs. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs made it to the AFC Championship. Is a three-peat realistic? Perhaps not, but it’s not impossible. It’s certainly achievable because of their past results. There have been good seasons with Mahomes and some slightly less good ones.
Nevertheless, there has always been consistency from the coaching staff, Mahomes, and other players (for example, Travis Kelce). If they can maintain their consistency and play to their abilities on both sides of the ball, a three-peat is certainly within the realm of possibilities.
Overall, Liz predicts the Kansas City Chiefs will finish 13-4.
Though he might not play too much as a rookie, fans should keep an eye on Xavier Worthy, who was selected 28th overall in this past draft. His ability for speed will help open up the field for Mahomes and the Kansas City offense.
IT’S GAME WEEK #ChiefsKingdom!
Officially 3 days away from Week 1 of Chiefs football.@FourGuysInABar @TalkPrimeTime @BowTieSports_18 @ChiefsInsider pic.twitter.com/WMQdDH1c5G
— Chiefs Blitz (@ChiefsBlitz) September 2, 2024
Liz’s responses may have been modified by the article’s organizer, Emily Gates, for content or clarity.
Carolina Panthers
Emily Gates – Staff Writer
The additions of offensive linemen Robert Hunt (former Miami Dolphin) and Damien Lewis (former Seattle Seahawk) were the best moves in free agency. Carolina signed Hunt to a five-year, $100 million contract while Lewis inked a four-year, $53 million deal. These acquisitions represent that new general manager Dan Morgan is willing to tackle the issue of protecting starting quarterback Bryce Young head-on. After all, this was the main issue from last season.
The biggest improvement for Carolina is their receiving room. The Panthers focused on adding receivers who can get separation. Last season, the Panthers’ receiving corps ranked last in the league for receiver separation. I think a greatly improved wide receiver room will help Young take a huge step.
The floor for the Panthers is a five-win season. Meanwhile, the ceiling is clinching a playoff berth (if everything goes right). The Panthers will have a better record this year than last year. My prediction is 8-9 or 9-8. Nonetheless, head coach Dave Canales seems to be the right hire and is building a culture that was nonexistent in past seasons. The offense looked way better in the preseason than last season.
NFL : who’s ready for week 1?
Us: pic.twitter.com/2Psvat28bI
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 2, 2024
Author’s note: I would like to thank Andersen, Chris, and Liz for offering insight into their favorite teams and taking the time to answer questions for this article.
NFL football is finally here. Let’s get ready to watch our favorite teams play.
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