NFL Training Camp Storylines For All 32 Teams - 8.2.25 (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

Our @Dave Kluge gets you caught up this week.

NFL Training Camp Storylines For All 32 Teams - Footballguys

NFL training camps kicked off this week, and we'll walk you through the biggest storyline for every team around the league.

www.footballguys.com

​

 

[Bri]

Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin requests a trade.

Reports are that both parties are far apart. The Commanders should pay him, but this could get ugly quickly. Expect Deebo Samuel Sr. and Luke McCaffrey to move up rankings as this stand-off continues.

*****

These guys are frozen at their ADP in my mind. If he returns, I'm good. If they get too "expensive" someone else can have them.

What do y'all think?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin requests a trade.

Reports are that both parties are far apart. The Commanders should pay him, but this could get ugly quickly. Expect Deebo Samuel Sr. and Luke McCaffrey to move up rankings as this stand-off continues.

*****

These guys are frozen at their ADP in my mind. If he returns, I'm good. If they get too "expensive" someone else can have them.

What do y'all think?

Agreed. One of the bigger "dominoes" to watch this week and see if we get movement.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

RT-Austin Jackson will miss almost all of camp for the Miami Dolphins
Tua Tags is a lefty so that would be his blind side

The starting 5 for Miami's OL is actually decent if not above average, the LT-Patrick Paul hasn't lost a 1 on 1 battle yet except for one as noted by the beat writers out there watching
Miami's reserves for the OL however all stink and get run over when they are asked to step in and block

That's what a call a key injury with a domino/ripple effect that spreads to the skill positions
Thank You JB

 

[Ministry of Pain]

@Joe Bryant
Is it too late to order a copy of the magazine FBG is producing this year?
I want to order a couple, send one to my son

If you have the link I would be very appreciative and it's possible others don't even know this is happening
-It's not too late everyone. FBG takes so much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Even if you are an outside the box type like myself, they still give you the track to run as fast as you like
Get the Sleeper app so you can manage more leagues like you did 10-20 years ago, that app is the perfect connector to what FBG is doing IMHO

I was downsizing to as few as 2-3 leagues, I've already doubled that this year and while I haven't told my son yet, I want to get an entry into the big show, the $350 one that FBG supports, my apologies but I can't think of the exact name and we have threads on that big one. NFFC?

For those of you thinking you might be on the back 9 for FF, it's time to dust off those cleats and get ready to smash players half your age
My son and a few of his friends started a dynasty league and most are 1st time participants. This old man is going to be doing "Auction Dynasty" in just a matter of a couple weeks, 1st time
I was nervous until we did a couple mocks with several of the participants to get a feel for this...oh and it's a Superflex which i've never done either.
I don't want to boast/flex but I MoP'd the floor with them in the mock just by letting them all way over bid and then I was grabbing guys like Slim Reaper for $2
It got to a point where most couldn't bid more than about $1 since they overspent. All I had to do was raise it to $2-$3 and I filled out my 24-man roster quickly, most only had 6-7 players
Granted I didn't get the Big Big names

-My larger point is we know most in here are between the ages of about 45-65+ and many of us are set in our ways. I invite you to get uncomfortable for a few minutes and then you are going to get that renewed juice you had when you were younger and first entering FF and it was FUN!

CAMP REPORTS are my favorite because these beat writers wait all year so they can tell you who is likely to breakout based on what they see and also can give you insight into the offense
Example...Bucs RBs 1-2-3 and many are hyping Sean Tucker but we see a video and Bucky Irving first thru with a safety gear thing on his helmet so he doesn't get hurt, same for White and then Tucker runs 3rd and no safety helmet attachment....you can see how the Bucs prioritize this, doesn't matter what the dynasty community thinks of Tucker, he's their RB3 in 2025

 

[Joe Bryant]

@Joe Bryant
Is it too late to order a copy of the magazine FBG is producing this year?
I want to order a couple, send one to my son

If you have the link I would be very appreciative and it's possible others don't even know this is happening
-It's not too late everyone. FBG takes so much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Even if you are an outside the box type like myself, they still give you the track to run as fast as you like
Get the Sleeper app so you can manage more leagues like you did 10-20 years ago, that app is the perfect connector to what FBG is doing IMHO

I was downsizing to as few as 2-3 leagues, I've already doubled that this year and while I haven't told my son yet, I want to get an entry into the big show, the $350 one that FBG supports, my apologies but I can't think of the exact name and we have threads on that big one. NFFC?

For those of you thinking you might be on the back 9 for FF, it's time to dust off those cleats and get ready to smash players half your age
My son and a few of his friends started a dynasty league and most are 1st time participants. This old man is going to be doing "Auction Dynasty" in just a matter of a couple weeks, 1st time
I was nervous until we did a couple mocks with several of the participants to get a feel for this...oh and it's a Superflex which i've never done either.
I don't want to boast/flex but I MoP'd the floor with them in the mock just by letting them all way over bid and then I was grabbing guys like Slim Reaper for $2
It got to a point where most couldn't bid more than about $1 since they overspent. All I had to do was raise it to $2-$3 and I filled out my 24-man roster quickly, most only had 6-7 players
Granted I didn't get the Big Big names

-My larger point is we know most in here are between the ages of about 45-65+ and many of us are set in our ways. I invite you to get uncomfortable for a few minutes and then you are going to get that renewed juice you had when you were younger and first entering FF and it was FUN!

CAMP REPORTS are my favorite because these beat writers wait all year so they can tell you who is likely to breakout based on what they see and also can give you insight into the offense
Example...Bucs RBs 1-2-3 and many are hyping Sean Tucker but we see a video and Bucky Irving first thru with a safety gear thing on his helmet so he doesn't get hurt, same for White and then Tucker runs 3rd and no safety helmet attachment....you can see how the Bucs prioritize this, doesn't matter what the dynasty community thinks of Tucker, he's their RB3 in 2025

Absolutely.

You can still order here https://shop.footballguys.com/pages/magazine

We're down to just about 800 copies and at this rate should sell out this week. Thank you!

 

[Bri]

RT-Austin Jackson will miss almost all of camp for the Miami Dolphins
Tua Tags is a lefty so that would be his blind side

The starting 5 for Miami's OL is actually decent if not above average, the LT-Patrick Paul hasn't lost a 1 on 1 battle yet except for one as noted by the beat writers out there watching
Miami's reserves for the OL however all stink and get run over when they are asked to step in and block

That's what a call a key injury with a domino/ripple effect that spreads to the skill positions
Thank You JB

From a roster turnover building type way, I appreciate the Fins OL movement to keep trying new guys. Other teams are terrible at this and in my opinion it's a fundamental way to improve any unit. Keep it fluid and keep coaching to see what hits.

The Titans painfully set records as one of the worst lines ever and (one reason) the coach lost his job. It's been very curious that the Fins have added a few from that unit the last two years.

Brunskill is a useful backup. He can play every position. He's not that good though and it gets tricky to quantify his value.

Aaron Brewer was an excellent backup G. He was smart, huge effort, and mobile- a G that you notice running around. He was tiny and no match for plenty of DTs so they'd call more plays that have him on the move and Henry would do the rest; sometimes the T could help and ...it's workable as a backup and at times even interesting.

My Titans have a lot of well known former great linemen (which may make the bad times hurt a bit more) and many are on podcasts and radio and TV and such.

When they were moving Brewer to center and starting him, all the writers said how smart a move it was. Every (every!!!) former OL spoke of how you can not have a small center. Some had rants about it they were so adamant.

They explain it like a chain or dominoes. If the C gets beat or knocked down, the whole line is toast. Reporters were all "I think the Titans know what they're doing" and I kept saying but why is every legend saying different then?

Then came Vrabel echoing the HOFers words and me thinking well then why are you playing him there!!!

Absolutely brutal season. Bang head against the wall type OMG but we all knew better!

The Fins added Brewer and had these hopes last year and there's Brad Hopkins on Sirius saying that just can't do it as their line implodes too often due to a small center. Brewer is a nice guy and a heckuva effort type but if he's starting you're always this close to the line crumbling. I can't believe they have stuck with him as a starter.

Carman Jackson is madness to me. I need more on this dude. 4? 5? years ago the Bengals T got injured and he played from like week 14 on and allowed 1 or 2 sacks and had big holes cleared. He rocked against the best defenses. What a test for a rookie! But then the Bengals added two Ts in free agency and he got buried. Why? What standard are they using? So I've read since that he has immaturity issues stemming from lack of giving in practice. Idk if I fault that. Usually, absolutely, but he did what he did and that has to sting bad. It's been a while and unfortunately weak effort becomes habitual and I'm very curious of him in Fins land. Good tackles are so hard to come by. I've read he's playing G and T but settling in at G. I don't follow it enough to know more but I've got some hope for that guy if the coaches work him.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

@Joe Bryant
Is it too late to order a copy of the magazine FBG is producing this year?
I want to order a couple, send one to my son

If you have the link I would be very appreciative and it's possible others don't even know this is happening
-It's not too late everyone. FBG takes so much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Even if you are an outside the box type like myself, they still give you the track to run as fast as you like
Get the Sleeper app so you can manage more leagues like you did 10-20 years ago, that app is the perfect connector to what FBG is doing IMHO

I was downsizing to as few as 2-3 leagues, I've already doubled that this year and while I haven't told my son yet, I want to get an entry into the big show, the $350 one that FBG supports, my apologies but I can't think of the exact name and we have threads on that big one. NFFC?

For those of you thinking you might be on the back 9 for FF, it's time to dust off those cleats and get ready to smash players half your age
My son and a few of his friends started a dynasty league and most are 1st time participants. This old man is going to be doing "Auction Dynasty" in just a matter of a couple weeks, 1st time
I was nervous until we did a couple mocks with several of the participants to get a feel for this...oh and it's a Superflex which i've never done either.
I don't want to boast/flex but I MoP'd the floor with them in the mock just by letting them all way over bid and then I was grabbing guys like Slim Reaper for $2
It got to a point where most couldn't bid more than about $1 since they overspent. All I had to do was raise it to $2-$3 and I filled out my 24-man roster quickly, most only had 6-7 players
Granted I didn't get the Big Big names

-My larger point is we know most in here are between the ages of about 45-65+ and many of us are set in our ways. I invite you to get uncomfortable for a few minutes and then you are going to get that renewed juice you had when you were younger and first entering FF and it was FUN!

CAMP REPORTS are my favorite because these beat writers wait all year so they can tell you who is likely to breakout based on what they see and also can give you insight into the offense
Example...Bucs RBs 1-2-3 and many are hyping Sean Tucker but we see a video and Bucky Irving first thru with a safety gear thing on his helmet so he doesn't get hurt, same for White and then Tucker runs 3rd and no safety helmet attachment....you can see how the Bucs prioritize this, doesn't matter what the dynasty community thinks of Tucker, he's their RB3 in 2025

Absolutely.

You can still order here https://shop.footballguys.com/pages/magazine

We're down to just about 800 copies and at this rate should sell out this week. Thank you!

Down to 798 now
Thanks for doing this JB
My son and I started playing together at his request and the last few years it's just building great memories
We talk every Sunday morning before the games, I get on the horn with his friends and share some of my thoughts but honestly I learn from them/younger generations
I use to dismiss them as uninformed but as we age we develop blind spots, they point them out to me

 

[Joe Bryant]

@Joe Bryant
Is it too late to order a copy of the magazine FBG is producing this year?
I want to order a couple, send one to my son

If you have the link I would be very appreciative and it's possible others don't even know this is happening
-It's not too late everyone. FBG takes so much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Even if you are an outside the box type like myself, they still give you the track to run as fast as you like
Get the Sleeper app so you can manage more leagues like you did 10-20 years ago, that app is the perfect connector to what FBG is doing IMHO

I was downsizing to as few as 2-3 leagues, I've already doubled that this year and while I haven't told my son yet, I want to get an entry into the big show, the $350 one that FBG supports, my apologies but I can't think of the exact name and we have threads on that big one. NFFC?

For those of you thinking you might be on the back 9 for FF, it's time to dust off those cleats and get ready to smash players half your age
My son and a few of his friends started a dynasty league and most are 1st time participants. This old man is going to be doing "Auction Dynasty" in just a matter of a couple weeks, 1st time
I was nervous until we did a couple mocks with several of the participants to get a feel for this...oh and it's a Superflex which i've never done either.
I don't want to boast/flex but I MoP'd the floor with them in the mock just by letting them all way over bid and then I was grabbing guys like Slim Reaper for $2
It got to a point where most couldn't bid more than about $1 since they overspent. All I had to do was raise it to $2-$3 and I filled out my 24-man roster quickly, most only had 6-7 players
Granted I didn't get the Big Big names

-My larger point is we know most in here are between the ages of about 45-65+ and many of us are set in our ways. I invite you to get uncomfortable for a few minutes and then you are going to get that renewed juice you had when you were younger and first entering FF and it was FUN!

CAMP REPORTS are my favorite because these beat writers wait all year so they can tell you who is likely to breakout based on what they see and also can give you insight into the offense
Example...Bucs RBs 1-2-3 and many are hyping Sean Tucker but we see a video and Bucky Irving first thru with a safety gear thing on his helmet so he doesn't get hurt, same for White and then Tucker runs 3rd and no safety helmet attachment....you can see how the Bucs prioritize this, doesn't matter what the dynasty community thinks of Tucker, he's their RB3 in 2025

Absolutely.

You can still order here https://shop.footballguys.com/pages/magazine

We're down to just about 800 copies and at this rate should sell out this week. Thank you!

Down to 798 now
Thanks for doing this JB
My son and I started playing together at his request and the last few years it's just building great memories
We talk every Sunday morning before the games, I get on the horn with his friends and share some of my thoughts but honestly I learn from them/younger generations
I use to dismiss them as uninformed but as we age we develop blind spots, they point them out to me

That warms my heart. Sharing the fun of fantasy football with family, especially younger generations is so good.

 

[Dave Kluge]

@Joe Bryant
Is it too late to order a copy of the magazine FBG is producing this year?
I want to order a couple, send one to my son

If you have the link I would be very appreciative and it's possible others don't even know this is happening
-It's not too late everyone. FBG takes so much of the heavy lifting off your shoulders. Even if you are an outside the box type like myself, they still give you the track to run as fast as you like
Get the Sleeper app so you can manage more leagues like you did 10-20 years ago, that app is the perfect connector to what FBG is doing IMHO

I was downsizing to as few as 2-3 leagues, I've already doubled that this year and while I haven't told my son yet, I want to get an entry into the big show, the $350 one that FBG supports, my apologies but I can't think of the exact name and we have threads on that big one. NFFC?

For those of you thinking you might be on the back 9 for FF, it's time to dust off those cleats and get ready to smash players half your age
My son and a few of his friends started a dynasty league and most are 1st time participants. This old man is going to be doing "Auction Dynasty" in just a matter of a couple weeks, 1st time
I was nervous until we did a couple mocks with several of the participants to get a feel for this...oh and it's a Superflex which i've never done either.
I don't want to boast/flex but I MoP'd the floor with them in the mock just by letting them all way over bid and then I was grabbing guys like Slim Reaper for $2
It got to a point where most couldn't bid more than about $1 since they overspent. All I had to do was raise it to $2-$3 and I filled out my 24-man roster quickly, most only had 6-7 players
Granted I didn't get the Big Big names

-My larger point is we know most in here are between the ages of about 45-65+ and many of us are set in our ways. I invite you to get uncomfortable for a few minutes and then you are going to get that renewed juice you had when you were younger and first entering FF and it was FUN!

CAMP REPORTS are my favorite because these beat writers wait all year so they can tell you who is likely to breakout based on what they see and also can give you insight into the offense
Example...Bucs RBs 1-2-3 and many are hyping Sean Tucker but we see a video and Bucky Irving first thru with a safety gear thing on his helmet so he doesn't get hurt, same for White and then Tucker runs 3rd and no safety helmet attachment....you can see how the Bucs prioritize this, doesn't matter what the dynasty community thinks of Tucker, he's their RB3 in 2025

Absolutely.

You can still order here https://shop.footballguys.com/pages/magazine

We're down to just about 800 copies and at this rate should sell out this week. Thank you!

Down to 798 now
Thanks for doing this JB
My son and I started playing together at his request and the last few years it's just building great memories
We talk every Sunday morning before the games, I get on the horn with his friends and share some of my thoughts but honestly I learn from them/younger generations
I use to dismiss them as uninformed but as we age we develop blind spots, they point them out to me

Awesome. My wife and I have been together for 11+ years now. Her dad was a college football player and high school coach. He would scoff every time I mentioned analytics in a football conversation. But over the years, I've noticed he's much more receptive to it now.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll open the floor to a larger discussion

-What are your biggest questions as a FF participant in any format, what are your biggest questions or concerns entering the 2025 season? Camp reports help clear some of the air
I will jump in and try to answer as many as I can and others will want to respond as well. I'll try and start just a few simple ones

-What can we expect from the Steelers which have some nice skill position players and now have an aging Aaron Rodgers leading them?
Is this simply a repeat of the Jets '24, i'm not sure with better coaching and leadership, what do you think?

-Who is the Green Bay #1WR in '25 and does it matter with so many different names on the roster? Will Jordan Love bounce back to what we saw in '23?

-Is CJS already been written off in 2025? If not then why does he go so late with so much promise in 2023? Why won't Daniels see a similar regress like CJS in 2025?

Stiff like that...

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I'll open the floor to a larger discussion

-What are your biggest questions as a FF participant in any format, what are your biggest questions or concerns entering the 2025 season? Camp reports help clear some of the air
I will jump in and try to answer as many as I can and others will want to respond as well. I'll try and start just a few simple ones

-What can we expect from the Steelers which have some nice skill position players and now have an aging Aaron Rodgers leading them?
Is this simply a repeat of the Jets '24, i'm not sure with better coaching and leadership, what do you think?

-Who is the Green Bay #1WR in '25 and does it matter with so many different names on the roster? Will Jordan Love bounce back to what we saw in '23?

-Is CJS already been written off in 2025? If not then why does he go so late with so much promise in 2023? Why won't Daniels see a similar regress like CJS in 2025?

Stiff like that...

My Questions

1. Penix is probably the biggest for me. What is he? Alot of hype around him, largely based off one game against a horrible CAR defense mailing in a Week 18 game without Jaycee Horn. Is there promise there? Yes...but I'm concerned they've put too much on his plate too fast. Building off that...the QB class of 2024 has established itself potentially as one for the ages. How does Year 2 look?
2. Is the KC of the late 2010's/early 2020's done for good? The last two years have been an FF disappointment to say the least.
3. I'm fascinated by LV; Pete Carroll & Co.

As for the answers to yours...

- I'm actually more bullish than bearish on PIT. While Rodgers is 41, I feel like he's not as physically beat up as Big Ben was toward his end of career. And the vibe from Jets camp this year seems to be that the 'country club' atmosphere under Saleh is gone. To the extent PIT runs a tough training camp...let's just say I trust Tomlin more.

- #1 WR in GB? Tucker Kraft.

- The OL for CJS is a concern. But I'm a big believer sophomore slumps. NFL has a year of film on you now and an offseason to strategize, pick you apart. I think that was a bit of an issue with CJS...Slowik seemed to wear out his welcome quickly as well so in comes a new OC. But he was being overdrafted last year. I think FF community has overcorrected a bit. I think he still has the makings of a varsity athlete.

- Daniels? While I wouldn't be as leery of the sophomore slump here because of his rushing production, I'm not discounting a leveling off now that this is a team with high expectations. Last year they got to play with the houses money. They need to get this McLaurin situation behind them.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll open the floor to a larger discussion

-What are your biggest questions as a FF participant in any format, what are your biggest questions or concerns entering the 2025 season? Camp reports help clear some of the air
I will jump in and try to answer as many as I can and others will want to respond as well. I'll try and start just a few simple ones

-What can we expect from the Steelers which have some nice skill position players and now have an aging Aaron Rodgers leading them?
Is this simply a repeat of the Jets '24, i'm not sure with better coaching and leadership, what do you think?

-Who is the Green Bay #1WR in '25 and does it matter with so many different names on the roster? Will Jordan Love bounce back to what we saw in '23?

-Is CJS already been written off in 2025? If not then why does he go so late with so much promise in 2023? Why won't Daniels see a similar regress like CJS in 2025?

Stiff like that...

My Questions

1. Penix is probably the biggest for me. What is he? Alot of hype around him, largely based off one game against a horrible CAR defense mailing in a Week 18 game without Jaycee Horn. Is there promise there? Yes...but I'm concerned they've put too much on his plate too fast. Building off that...the QB class of 2024 has established itself potentially as one for the ages. How does Year 2 look?
2. Is the KC of the late 2010's/early 2020's done for good? The last two years have been an FF disappointment to say the least.
3. I'm fascinated by LV; Pete Carroll & Co.

As for the answers to yours...

- I'm actually more bullish than bearish on PIT. While Rodgers is 41, I feel like he's not as physically beat up as Big Ben was toward his end of career. And the vibe from Jets camp this year seems to be that the 'country club' atmosphere under Saleh is gone. To the extent PIT runs a tough training camp...let's just say I trust Tomlin more.

- #1 WR in GB? Tucker Kraft.

- The OL for CJS is a concern. But I'm a big believer sophomore slumps. NFL has a year of film on you now and an offseason to strategize, pick you apart. I think that was a bit of an issue with CJS...Slowik seemed to wear out his welcome quickly as well so in comes a new OC. But he was being overdrafted last year. I think FF community has overcorrected a bit. I think he still has the makings of a varsity athlete.

- Daniels? While I wouldn't be as leery of the sophomore slump here because of his rushing production, I'm not discounting a leveling off now that this is a team with high expectations. Last year they got to play with the houses money. They need to get this McLaurin situation behind them.

1. Atlanta - They still have Cousins if things don't go well but are you saying there should have been a camp battle for starting Quarterback? How could they overload Penix if he's the starter?
Maybe I didn't understand

2. Kansas City won 2 Super Bowls with abysmal FF stats so my guess is things won't improve that much, more ride the defense

3. I'm also fascinated by LV, I see some good things happening for them.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I'll open the floor to a larger discussion

-What are your biggest questions as a FF participant in any format, what are your biggest questions or concerns entering the 2025 season? Camp reports help clear some of the air
I will jump in and try to answer as many as I can and others will want to respond as well. I'll try and start just a few simple ones

-What can we expect from the Steelers which have some nice skill position players and now have an aging Aaron Rodgers leading them?
Is this simply a repeat of the Jets '24, i'm not sure with better coaching and leadership, what do you think?

-Who is the Green Bay #1WR in '25 and does it matter with so many different names on the roster? Will Jordan Love bounce back to what we saw in '23?

-Is CJS already been written off in 2025? If not then why does he go so late with so much promise in 2023? Why won't Daniels see a similar regress like CJS in 2025?

Stiff like that...

My Questions

1. Penix is probably the biggest for me. What is he? Alot of hype around him, largely based off one game against a horrible CAR defense mailing in a Week 18 game without Jaycee Horn. Is there promise there? Yes...but I'm concerned they've put too much on his plate too fast. Building off that...the QB class of 2024 has established itself potentially as one for the ages. How does Year 2 look?
2. Is the KC of the late 2010's/early 2020's done for good? The last two years have been an FF disappointment to say the least.
3. I'm fascinated by LV; Pete Carroll & Co.

As for the answers to yours...

- I'm actually more bullish than bearish on PIT. While Rodgers is 41, I feel like he's not as physically beat up as Big Ben was toward his end of career. And the vibe from Jets camp this year seems to be that the 'country club' atmosphere under Saleh is gone. To the extent PIT runs a tough training camp...let's just say I trust Tomlin more.

- #1 WR in GB? Tucker Kraft.

- The OL for CJS is a concern. But I'm a big believer sophomore slumps. NFL has a year of film on you now and an offseason to strategize, pick you apart. I think that was a bit of an issue with CJS...Slowik seemed to wear out his welcome quickly as well so in comes a new OC. But he was being overdrafted last year. I think FF community has overcorrected a bit. I think he still has the makings of a varsity athlete.

- Daniels? While I wouldn't be as leery of the sophomore slump here because of his rushing production, I'm not discounting a leveling off now that this is a team with high expectations. Last year they got to play with the houses money. They need to get this McLaurin situation behind them.

1. Atlanta - They still have Cousins if things don't go well but are you saying there should have been a camp battle for starting Quarterback? How could they overload Penix if he's the starter?
Maybe I didn't understand

2. Kansas City won 2 Super Bowls with abysmal FF stats so my guess is things won't improve that much, more ride the defense

3. I'm also fascinated by LV, I see some good things happening for them.

If you look at all the teams that drafted QB last year in Round 1 (besides the Falcons) - CHI, WAS, NE, DEN, MIN...all took advantage of having a QB on their rookie deal and greatly added to their talent base. That's become a formula for increased success in the NFL. Atlanta? Because of the Cousins contract...they're off-seasons in 2024 & 2025 have kind of been blown up in terms of veteran acquisitions.

There's also a sentiment that this team is close to a playoff run. But is it? Yes, the Falcons were 6-3 but that was behind Cousins who up until that point was the Kirk Cousins that you paid for. And amongst those 6 wins were 2 against TB and 1 against PHI. Games in which he put up an 85/116 1026 10/1 line not to mention end of game heroics. No doubt from here Cousins wet the bed...but this is a team with a defense that quite frankly is highly questionable.

If you look at the Falcons early season schedule: TB, @MIN, @CAR, WSH. Then a bye. Not exactly a cakewalk.

You've got a GM in Year 5 whose track record is suspect who hired a retread HC whose game management issues were glaring last year. And if the Falcons get off to that slow start...you've got a backup QB - Kirk Cousins...who says he's healthy now and has pretty much been step for step with Cousins in TC.

IMO...that's a lot to put on a guy making his 4th NFL start.

As for KC...you're incorrect on the winning 2 Super Bowls with abysmal FF stats. They've been to the last 3, yes. But they won one/lost one with abysmal FF stats. 2022? You could argue it was Mahomes best season. Kelce too. And I'm wondering if the SB loss became a turning point a little bit back toward being explosive and not winning ugly which they had for the previous two years.