5 Teams Who’ve Got Worse Ahead of 2022 Season
It’s been an offseason like no other. Blockbuster deals, endless big-name trades and plenty of roster changes across the NFL.
As we begin to prepare for the new season, it’s becoming clearer who the winners and losers are of the past couple of months.
So here’s the teams that on paper seemed to have got worse over this offseason.
5. Tennessee Titans
The Titans were the #1 seed in the AFC last year. Yet they look a long way from that following this offseason.
Losing one of the best, young receivers in the league in A.J. Brown is an obvious blow. Yes Treylon Burks comes in as a like-for-like replacement, but he won’t immediately replace Brown’s production. Tennessee also lost star interior lineman Rodger Saffold to the Bills during free agency.
There is still discussion over Ryan Tannehill’s future as the starting QB in Tennessee. Don’t get me wrong, Tannehill has done brilliantly to resurrect his career in Nashville. But with Malik Willis joining, question marks on the former Dolphin are starting to emerge. And any change in quarterback this season could have a huge impact on the rest of the team.
Altogether, the Titans ended up having a very good draft, but these moves are for the long-term. They have not improved in the short-term.
With the rest of the AFC seemingly getting better, it’ll be incredibly hard for the Titans to repeat their 2021 record.
4. Seattle Seahawks
What a sad few months for Seahawks fans. Losing the face of their franchise in Russell Wilson, and then players like Bobby Wagner, truly marks the end of an era in Seattle.
There have been only few significant incomings, with Drew Lock and Noah Fant going in from Denver through the trade for Wilson. But other than that, it’s been a poor signing window for Seattle. Even with the selection of Charles Cross in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Seahawks offensive line remains a huge problem.
The secondary is a mess, the defensive line lacks strength, and then obviously no one knows what the quarterback situation is going to be like this season.
Can Lock succeed as the QB in Seattle? The Seahawks front office seem to think so. But regardless, they are well and truly in rebuild mode.
3. Chicago Bears
Another team in full rebuilding, the Bears are in for a difficult 2022.
For starters, hiring of Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has been questioned, with little to suggest how his appointment can aid Justin Fields. New general manager Ryan Poles could end up being hailed for the hire, but it’s safe to say it hasn’t gone down too well with fans of the franchise.
But they’ve let superstar Khalil Mack leave for virtually nothing, while their best offensive lineman in James Daniels left to join the Stealers for just $8 million in guarantees.
Those coming into Chicago through free agency are extremely underwhelming. While defensive tackle Justin Jones is a solid acquisition, Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown aren’t exactly the most eye-catching of signings at wideout.
From the 2022 NFL Draft, Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker are versatile additions for the Bears secondary. But with no premier pick this year, it’ll be hard for the rookies to make a genuine impact on this team.
A tough offseason for Bears fans. It’s going to be difficult for Fields to progress in his year two with the Bears seemingly getting worse.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a solid core, but boy have the lost a lot in 2022.
Dak Prescott returned with a bang in 2021, but losing Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson will have a huge impact of the passing game.
Elsewhere, their offensive line has been decimated, with stalwarts Connor Williams and La’el Collins leaving for Miami and Cincinnati respectively during free agency. Rookie Tyler Smith, albeit being an excellent selection, will be left to lead the offensive line from day one.
On defense, Randy Gregory, another explosive mainstay on the Dallas defensive line, left for the Broncos in free agency.
For a team who won their division comfortably last season, these loses are incredibly worrying. The NFC East now looks to be wide open. The Eagles have made huge strides to improve their roster this offseason and the Commanders looking strong.
For the Cowboys, it’ll be a tough ride trying to repeat last year’s 12 wins in 2022.
1. New England Patriots
Bill Belichick is a master at getting the most out of his players. But even he will struggle with this Patriots roster for the 2022 season.
It’s hard to comprehend what the Patriots front office was planning this offseason. Shaq Mason, a key component of their offensive line, left on the cheap, center Ted Karras departed during free agency and other than veteran DeVante Parker, their have been little offensive additions.
J.C. Jackson, the standout playmaker on New England’s defense last year, was let go yet the Patriots haven’t found a suitable replacement for the standout corner. Bringing in Terrance Mitchell and Malcom Butler who hasn’t taken a snap since 2020 (albeit being a Patriots legend), puts massive pressure on New England’s defensive backs group.
Their opening pick in the 2022 NFL Draft seemed Strange (pardon the pun) and taking Tyquan Thornton in the second round looked a massive reach.
Overall, New England’s divisional rivals have all got better this offseason. On paper, New England hasn’t improved.
Could the Patriots really finish bottom of the pile in the AFC East? It’s hard to envisage them winning anywhere near the 10 wins they achieved in 2021.
