2011 NFL Team-By-Team Capsules
Following are capsule glances of all 32 NFL teams, listed in order of last season’s finish within their respective divisions (record in parentheses):
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS (11-5)
New faces: WR Roy Williams, RB Marion Barber, WR Sam Hurd, DT Amobi Okoye, P Adam Podlesh, OL Chris Spencer, TE Matt Spaeth, OL Gabe Carimi.
Key losses: C Olin Kreutz, TE Greg Olsen, P Brad Maynard, DT Tommie Harris, S Danieal Manning.
Strengths: Defense. With Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, Bears have solid core. Return game still figures to be strength, even with kickoffs moved to 35. Devin Hester remains threat any time he touches ball. Manning is gone, but Bears still deep on return team with Johnny Knox helping out.
Weaknesses: Offensive line. Even if six-time Pro Bowler Kreutz had re-signed, line would still be question mark. Bears allowed league-high 56 sacks, with QB Jay Cutler taking all but four. For now, Roberto Garza moves from RG to C, with newcomer Spencer a backup.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (10-6)
New faces: OL Derek Sherrod, WR-KR Randall Cobb, RB-KR Alex Green.
Key losses: DE Cullen Jenkins, LG Daryn Colledge, LB Nick Barnett, LB Brandon Chillar, LB Brady Poppinga, RT Mark Tauscher.
Strengths: Super Bowl champs bring back majority of team. Offense, led by QB Aaron Rodgers, could be even more dangerous with TE Jermichael Finley and RB Ryan Grant returning from injuries. Defense fully comfortable with Dom Capers’ scheme.
Weaknesses: Packers have had some trouble with pass protection early in preseason as they look for replacement for Colledge at LG. Sherrod got first crack, but veteran T.J. Lang could win job.
DETROIT LIONS (6-10)
New faces: LB Stephen Tulloch, LB Justin Durant, CB Eric Wright, DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young.
Key losses: LB Julian Peterson, DE Turk McBride, RB Kevin Smith.
Strengths: Defensive line. All-Pro Ndamukong Suh (2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year), Corey Williams, Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril powerful enough last season to hide some of the team’s lackluster back seven. Solid at wide receiver with Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson.
Weaknesses: Secondary. Wright added, though the former UNLV standout gave up many big plays in Cleveland and was slowed in training camp by groin injury. Same ailment, potentially nagging one, slowed other starting CB Chris Houston in August. S Louis Delmas makes big hits but can’t seem to stay healthy. S Amari Spievey might’ve been replaced if team could’ve addressed all needs in shortened offseason.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (6-10)
New faces: Coach Leslie Frazier, QB Donovan McNabb, QB Christian Ponder, WR Michael Jenkins, DT Remi Ayodele, TE Kyle Rudolph, LT Charlie Johnson.
Key losses: QB Brett Favre, DE Ray Edwards, LB Ben Leber, DT Pat Williams, WR Sidney Rice, LT Bryant McKinnie.
Strengths: Dynamic playmakers. With RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, DE Jared Allen and LB Chad Greenway, Vikings have talented group at skill positions. Kicking game solid with Ryan Longwell and punter Chris Kluwe.
Weaknesses: Age. CB Antoine Winfield, DT Kevin Williams, LG Steve Hutchinson and McNabb are in twilight of careers. OL is significant concern with departure of mainstay McKinnie, who showed up to training camp overweight, and uncertainty of RG Anthony Herrera, coming off reconstructive knee surgery. Johnson has had rough preseason in McKinnie’s place. McNabb has played 16 games only once in last seven years. Can line protect him and open holes for Peterson? Secondary also uncertain with CB Cedric Griffin coming off second torn ACL, one on each knee, in last two years. Unproven safeties Husain Abdullah, Jamarca Sanford, Tyrell Johnson, Mistral Raymond competing for two starting spots.
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS (13-3)
New faces: WR Julio Jones, DE Ray Edwards.
Key losses: G Harvey Dahl, WR Michael Jenkins.
Strengths: Loaded with offensive stars — QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, RB Michael Turner and TE Tony Gonzalez, all Pro Bowlers. Adding first-round pick Jones gives them deep threat they lacked last season. Falcons ranked next-to-last in passing plays covering at least 20 yards, and Jones has speed and size to fix problem.
Weaknesses: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers carved up Falcons in 48-21 playoff rout, exposing defense that didn’t bring much pressure outside of DE John Abraham. That should change with signing of Edwards — 16½ sacks past two years with Vikings. Atlanta ranked 20th in league with 31 sacks in 2010, and Abraham had 13.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (11-5)
New faces: RB Darren Sproles, RB Mark Ingram, C Olin Kreutz, DT Shaun Rogers, DT Aubrayo Franklin, DE Cameron Jordan.
Key losses: RB Reggie Bush, C Jonathan Goodwin, S Darren Sharper, DT Remi Ayodele.
Strengths: Running game deep with speedy, versatile Sproles and young, powerful Ingram joining Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory. QB Drew Brees has main receivers returning to proven passing game. Saints also strong in pass coverage last season and should be again with all starting DBs back: Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins.
Weaknesses: Saints hope they addressed run defense and pass rush with drafting of Jordan and free-agent signings of Rogers and Franklin. Kick and punt coverage also needs to improve.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (10-6)
New faces: DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da’Quan Bowers, LB Mason Foster, P Michael Koenen.
Key losses: LB Barrett Ruud, RB Cadillac Williams, DE Stylez G. White.
Strengths: Third-year QB Josh Freeman’s development in first year as full-time starter was key to Bucs going from three wins in 2009 to 10 last season. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 3,451 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just six interceptions. Bucs have done nice job surrounding 23-year-old QB with skill players, including WRs Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, RB LeGarrette Blount and TE Kellen Winslow. Re-signing free agents Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood preserved continuity on improving offensive line.
Weaknesses: Inconsistent pass rush produced just 26 sacks, not good in NFC South, where you’re chasing teams led by Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Used top two picks in past two drafts to rebuild defensive line — tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price in 2010 and ends Clayborn and Bowers this year — and that unit needs to grow up fast.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-14)
New faces: Coach Ron Rivera, QB Cam Newton, TE Greg Olsen, WR Legedu Naanee, K Olindo Mare.
Key losses: K John Kasay.
Strengths: New coach, but Panthers have core players back from last season, including WR Steve Smith, RB DeAngelo Williams and LBs Thomas Davis and James Anderson. Addition of Olsen in trade with Bears could be plus. No. 1 overall pick Newton expected to battle for starting job with Jimmy Clausen.
Weaknesses: Team had worst record in league in 2010, and due to lockout, new coaching staff didn’t have minicamps or offseason organized team activities to install new schemes. Panthers last in league in scoring and total offense in 2010. DT Ron Edwards, acquired from Chiefs, is out for season with torn triceps.
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (10-6)
New faces: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Jason Babin, QB Vince Young, DT Cullen Jenkins, WR Steve Smith, RB Ronnie Brown, WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, TE Donald Lee, OL Ryan Harris, DT Anthony Hargrove, OL Evan Mathis, DT Derek Landri, DE Chris Wilson, S Jarrad Page.
Key losses: K David Akers, QB Kevin Kolb, LB Stewart Bradley, S Quintin Mikell, P Sav Rocca.
Strengths: Eagles have solid core of skill players, including Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek. They have star-studded secondary that features three Pro Bowl cornerbacks: Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel. Defensive line has improved with addition of Babin and Jenkins to go with Trent Cole and Mike Patterson.
Weaknesses: Linebacking corps inexperienced, especially starting MLB Casey Matthews. Safeties also young and unproven. Eagles have rookies at kicker and punter. Patterson had convulsions during camp but is expected back for season. So is Maclin, who also was ill during preseason.
NEW YORK GIANTS (10-6)
New faces: C David Baas, P Steve Weatherford, DT Marvin Austin.
Key losses: WR Steve Smith, TE Kevin Boss, C Shaun O’Hara, G Rich Seubert, DT Barry Cofield, LB Chase Blackburn, CB Terrell Thomas (season-ending knee injury in preseason game).
Strengths: Defensive line has chance to be as good as 2007 with rush from DEs Justin Tuck, second-year pro Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora when he comes back from knee surgery. Despite losing Boss and Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham — combined 20 TD catches in 2010 — provide big-time targets for Eli Manning.
Weaknesses: Without Boss, Giants have no tight end who can both block and catch. Offensive line questionable with decisions to save money and cut O’Hara and Seubert. Baas need time to jell with line anchored by G Chris Snee. Special teams shaky past two years, although Weatherford might stabilize punting if he beats out Matt Dodge. Loss of leading tackler Thomas (torn ACL) big blow to Big Blue.
DALLAS COWBOYS (6-10)
New faces: Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, S Abram Elam, RT Tyron Smith, DE Kenyon Coleman, RB DeMarco Murray (Bishop Gorman).
Key losses: RB Marion Barber, WR Roy Williams, RG Leonard Davis, RT Marc Colombo.
Strengths: Passing game (WRs Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, TE Jason Witten, healthy QB Tony Romo) and LB DeMarcus Ware (NFL sacks leader in 2010, 2008).
Weaknesses: Defense returns most of players from unit that allowed most points in franchise history. Offensive line in flux, with no more than two starters returning to same spots.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6-10)
New faces: NT Barry Cofield, DE Stephen Bowen, G Chris Chester, CB Josh Wilson, WR Jabar Gaffney, RB Tim Hightower, S Oshiomogho Atogwe, LB Ryan Kerrigan, WR Donte Stallworth, DE Jarvis Jenkins, P Sav Rocca.
Key losses: QB Donovan McNabb, DL Albert Haynesworth, RB Clinton Portis, C Casey Rabach, CB Carlos Rogers, DL Andre Carter, G Derrick Dockery, DE Phillip Daniels.
Strengths: See long list of names above? That’s coach Mike Shanahan molding roster more to his liking in second year, getting rid of vets who were unproductive, high drama or getting old. Should be more disciplined and less of a circus, and defense should be substantially better with addition of Cofield and other players better suited to 3-4 alignment.
Weaknesses: Shanahan taking leap of faith with strong public votes of confidence in quarterbacks John Beck or Rex Grossman. If neither comes through, it will (again) be very long season. Division titles aren’t won off discipline alone, and Redskins’ overall talent pool still lags behind NFC East rivals.
NFC WEST
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (7-9)
New faces: QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Sidney Rice, OL Robert Gallery, OL James Carpenter, OL John Moffitt, TE Zach Miller, DL Alan Branch, DL Jimmy Wilkerson.
Key losses: QB Matt Hasselbeck, OL Sean Locklear, OL Chris Spencer, LB Lofa Tatupu, SS Lawyer Milloy, FS Jordan Babineaux.
Strengths: Receivers, defensive line, linebackers. Run defense should be better thanks to additions of Wilkerson and Branch. Enough talent around Jackson in Williams, Rice and Miller, so if QB Jackson can avoid mistakes that occurred when he was with Vikings, offense could be strong.
Weaknesses: Quarterback if Jackson struggles, offensive line inexperience, defensive leadership. Risk was asking defensive captain Lofa Tatupu to take pay cut. He didn’t and instead was released, although David Hawthorne is younger and healthier. Secondary is major question, with starting safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor in their second seasons.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (7-9)
New faces: Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, WR Mike Sims-Walker, G Harvey Dahl, RB Cadillac Williams, RB Jerious Norwood, S Quintin Mikell, LB Ben Leber, LB Brady Poppinga, LB Zac Diles, DT Justin Bannan, CB Al Harris.
Key losses: Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, S Oshiomogho Atogwe, LB Larry Grant, LB David Vobora, TE Daniel Fells, FB Mike Karney, DT Clifton Ryan.
Strengths: Backfield. QB Sam Bradford was NFL Offensive Rookie of Year and emerged as leader organizing informal offseason workouts. RB Steven Jackson, the former Eldorado High School star, comes off sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season and still on top of his game. Williams and Norwood provide quality backups for first time. MLB James Laurinaitis has led team in tackles both of his seasons, and Leber and Poppinga beef up talent pool on outside. K Josh Brown, who hit 60-yard field goal in preseason, and P Donnie Jones are among best at positions.
Weaknesses: Despite upgrades at wide receiver, Rams still lack true No. 1. Secondary might be bit thin. Tight end unproven, although second-round pick Lance Kendricks has been impressive.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (6-10)
New faces: Coach Jim Harbaugh and staff, K David Akers, WR Braylon Edwards, C Jonathan Goodwin, QB Colin Kaepernick, S Donte Whitner, S Madieu Williams.
Key losses: NT Aubrayo Franklin, CB Nate Clements, LB Takeo Spikes, C David Baas, K Joe Nedney.
Strengths: Stopping run, and new coordinator Vic Fangio is calling on All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis to be more blitzing presence. Harbaugh has deep secondary, with plenty of options at safety. Two-time Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore is back after missing final five games of 2010 with fractured hip.
Weaknesses: Offensive line has yet to perform with consistency coaches hoping for. Last year’s two first-round picks, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati, started every game and must continue to grow in West Coast offense.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-11)
New faces: QB Kevin Kolb, TE Todd Heap, CB Patrick Peterson, G Daryn Colledge, TE Jeff King, ILB Stewart Bradley, DE Vonnie Holliday, NT David Carter, G Floyd Womack.
Key losses: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, WR Steve Breaston, G Alan Faneca.
Strengths: Passing offense, with Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald showing an immediate chemistry. Heap gives team an option it hasn’t had previously. New coordinator Ray Horton considers front line of Darnell Dockett, Calais Campbell and Dan Williams strength of defense.
Weaknesses: Offensive line, particularly tackles, uncertain as Cardinals try to bolster running game, with Beanie Wells still looking for breakout season. Pass rush suspect with aging outside LBs Joey Porter and Clark Haggans. Cardinals hope second-year pro O’Brien Schofield and rookie Sam Acho provide relief for old-timers. Secondary short-handed with safety Adrian Wilson sidelined by torn right biceps tendon.
AFC NORTH
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12-4)
New faces: WR Jerricho Cotchery, TE John Gilmore, DT Cameron Heyward, DB Curtis Brown.
Key losses: TE Matt Spaeth, G Max Starks, T Flozell Adams.
Strengths: The defending AFC champions kept league’s top scoring defense intact by re-signing CB Ike Taylor. Though easily oldest unit in NFL with nine starters at least 30 by end of season, defense remains one of best. Steelers failed to land Plaxico Burress in free agency, but did sign Cotchery, who is recovering from back surgery and should fit in nicely with dynamic third-year man Mike Wallace, Hines Ward and up-and-coming Antonio Brown.
Weaknesses: Offensive line, particularly LT and RG, remain issues. Re-signed veteran Jonathan Scott to protect QB Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side, and there could be revolving door at guard with Doug Legursky and Tony Hills. Pass protection spotty during early preseason games, though Roethlisberger’s mobility and habit for making plays outside pocket helps overcome some of that. Even with 2010 Defensive Player of Year Troy Polamalu healthy, secondary looked suspect when teams spread the field.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-4)
New faces: RB Ricky Williams, WR Lee Evans, WR James Hardy, FB Vonta Leach, S Bernard Pollard.
Key losses: WR Derrick Mason, TE Todd Heap, RB Le’Ron McClain, CB Fabian Washington, S Dawan Landry, DT Kelly Gregg, OT Jared Gaither, WR Donte Stallworth, QB Marc Bulger, RB Willis McGahee
Strengths: As long as Ray Lewis is at middle linebacker, Baltimore’s strength will be its defense. Lewis returns for 16th season, with support from S Ed Reed, OLB Terrell Suggs and Pollard. Offensively, signing Leach should perk up running game, and addition of Evans gives QB Joe Flacco another target to go with Anquan Boldin.
Weaknesses: Offensive line is thin. C Matt Birk made it through 16 games last season with bad knee, had arthroscopic surgery during preseason and does not have solid backup. Right side iffy, too, because Marshal Yanda is better at guard than tackle, but might be forced to return to outside if Oniel Cousins and rookie Jah Reid can’t handle load at RT. Ravens also without experienced backup QB.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11)
New faces: Coach Pat Shurmur, RB Brandon Jackson, DB Dimitri Patterson, S Usama Young, OG John Greco, P Richmond McGee, DL Scott Paxson, DT Phil Taylor, WR Greg Little, DL Jabaal Sheard.
Key losses: FB Lawrence Vickers, CB Eric Wright, S Abram Elam, WR Chansi Stuckey, CB Brandon McDonald, LB Jason Trusnik, OL Floyd Womack.
Strengths: An offensive line that must protect QB Colt McCoy and open holes for RB Peyton Hillis. With Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas and C Alex Mack, Browns have nice blend of experience, size, athleticism up front. Thomas didn’t play up to his standards in 2010, but Mack emerged as one of league’s elite interior blockers. Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards and burst into stardom in 2010.
Weaknesses: Browns still lack big-play receiver who scares defenses. Mohamed Massaquoi (2) and Brian Robiskie (3) combined for five TDs last season, and they lack speed to make defenses worry about deep ball. Rookie WR Little has size, but also has suspect hands and might still be rusty after serving senior-season suspension at North Carolina.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12)
New faces: QB Andy Dalton, QB Bruce Gradkowski, WR A.J. Green, CB Nate Clements, LB Manny Lawson, LB Thomas Howard.
Key losses: QB Carson Palmer, WR Chad Ochocinco, WR Terrell Owens, CB Johnathan Joseph.
Strengths: Young defensive line emerged at end of last season. RB Cedric Benson decided to stay, steadying running game.
Weaknesses: Many. Bengals likely going with rookie QB Dalton, running new offense that features rookie WR Green. Offensive line struggled last season and didn’t get much of an upgrade. Defense lost key player when Joseph decided he’d rather play for team with better chance of winning and went to Houston.
AFC SOUTH
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-6)
New faces: DL Jamaal Anderson, DE Tyler Brayton, OT Anthony Castonzo, DT Tommie Harris, OT Ben Ijalana, DT Drake Nevis, LB Ernie Sims, QB Kerry Collins.
Key losses: CB Kelvin Hayden, OT Charlie Johnson, DT Dan Muir, S Bob Sanders, LB Clint Session.
Strengths: If healthy — a big if right now — Colts have only four-time MVP at QB and likely deepest receiving corps in Peyton Manning era. Colts also have one of league’s most feared pass-rushing tandems with Pro Bowlers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.
Weaknesses: Rebuilding offensive line on fly. Castonzo expected to start at LT, and another newcomer, Ben Ijalana, could take over at RT before season’s end. Colts still must improve ground game that hasn’t averaged 4 yards per carry since 2006 Super Bowl-winning season, and must get better defending run, too. And oh yeah, Manning, recovering from offseason neck surgery, had better not miss much, if any, regular-season action.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-8)
New faces: LB Paul Posluszny, LB Clint Session, S Dawan Landry, CB Drew Coleman, DE Matt Roth, OL Jason Spitz, QB Blaine Gabbert, G Will Rackley, WR Cecil Shorts, P Matt Turk.
Key losses: WR Mike Sims-Walker, LB Justin Durant, LB Kirk Morrison, P Adam Podlesh.
Strengths: Behind Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars have been one of league’s top running teams last five years. Jones-Drew had 1,324 yards rushing in 2010, despite playing with torn meniscus in right knee. He insists he’s healthy and ready for big year.
Weaknesses: Defense ranked 28th last season and allowed franchise record 419 points, stats so embarrassing that team owner Wayne Weaver stripped coach Jack Del Rio of defensive play-calling duties. Defense has since been overhauled, with four starters replaced.
HOUSTON TEXANS (6-10)
New faces: Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning, DE J.J. Watt, P Brad Maynard, FB Lawrence Vickers.
Key losses: FB Vonta Leach, S Bernard Pollard, P Matt Turk, QB Dan Orlovsky, LB Kevin Bentley, LB Zac Diles.
Strengths: Only team to rank in top 10 in both rushing (127.6 ypg) and passing (259 ypg) in 2010. Arian Foster led NFL in rushing (1,616 yards), and entire offensive line returns. WR Andre Johnson had high ankle sprain most of last season and still finished with 86 catches for 1,216 yards. Matt Schaub threw for 4,370 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Weaknesses: Pass defense, where Texans ranked last in NFL in yards allowed (267.5 ypg) and 23rd in sacks (30) in 2010. Coach Gary Kubiak hired Phillips to implement 3-4 scheme, and Texans lured free agents Joseph and Manning to shore up porous secondary. Mario Williams moves to OLB in new scheme, and Phillips envisions him morphing into DeMarcus Ware type.
TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10)
New faces: Coach Mike Munchak, QB Matt Hasselbeck, QB Jake Locker, DT Shaun Smith, LB Akeem Ayers, LB Barrett Ruud, S Jordan Babineaux.
Key losses: Coach Jeff Fisher, DE Jason Babin, DL coach Jim Washburn, QB Vince Young, LB Stephen Tulloch.
Strengths: RB Chris Johnson, offensive line back intact, WR Kenny Britt. Hasselbeck brings needed experience at QB and can tutor rookie Locker. Ruud is playmaker, as are CB Cortland Finnegan and S Michael Griffin.
Weaknesses: Titans and holdout superstar Johnson are far apart in contract talks, and the only backup with any experience, Javon Ringer, has 59 career carries in the NFL. Britt has had off-field issues.
AFC EAST
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-2)
New faces: WR Chad Ochocinco, DL Andre Carter, DL Albert Haynesworth, DL Shaun Ellis, T Nate Solder.
Key losses: G Stephen Neal, DE Ty Warren, TE Alge Crumpler.
Strengths: Offense that led NFL with 32.4 ppg last year is outstanding. As usual, Tom Brady is key after winning last year’s NFL MVP award with 36 TD passes and a mere four interceptions. Addition of Ochocinco gives him three quality WRs along with Wes Welker and Deion Branch. Veteran offensive line blocks for RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, coming off 1,000-yard rushing season, and Danny Woodhead, who made solid impact after signing early in season. Defensive line bolstered with Carter, Haynesworth and Ellis. At safety, third-year pro Patrick Chung emerging. Return of CB Leigh Bodden, who spent all last season on injured reserve, should help.
Weaknesses: Not many. Despite making last two Pro Bowls, S Brandon Meriweather’s play may not be solid enough for him to keep starting. And third-down defense was worst in league.
NEW YORK JETS (11-5)
New faces: WR Plaxico Burress, WR Derrick Mason, LB Aaron Maybin, DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Kenrick Ellis, WR-KR Jeremy Kerley.
Key losses: WR Braylon Edwards, WR Jerricho Cotchery, WR-KR Brad Smith, DE Shaun Ellis, LB Jason Taylor, FB Tony Richardson, P Steve Weatherford, NT Kris Jenkins, RT Damien Woody.
Strengths: Solid secondary is back almost intact. After flirting with and losing out on CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Jets turned back to Antonio Cromartie and re-signed him to team with All-Pro CB Darrelle Revis. S Jim Leonhard is healthy after breaking right leg late last season, and Jets brought back Eric Smith and Brodney Pool to stabilize safety position. Linebackers solid with playmaking David Harris and Bart Scott, along with Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas.
Weaknesses: Aside from re-signed Santonio Holmes, QB Mark Sanchez has revamped group of wide receivers. Challenge will be developing rapport with Burress, who hasn’t played in nearly three years and dealt with sprained ankle in training camp, and Mason, who spent last six seasons with Baltimore. Offensive line depth might be issue, with Wayne Hunter stepping in at RT for retired Woody. Defensive line lacks experience, as rookies Wilkerson and Ellis will be called on.
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9)
New faces: RB Reggie Bush, RB Daniel Thomas, C Mike Pouncey, LB Kevin Burnett, T Marc Colombo, LB Jason Taylor, QB Matt Moore, TE-FB Charles Clay, WR Clyde Gates, RB Larry Johnson.
Key losses: RB Ronnie Brown, RB Ricky Williams, LB Channing Crowder, LB Tim Dobbins, QB Chad Pennington, QB Tyler Thigpen.
Strengths: Defense returns mostly intact after ranking fourth in NFL in yards per play and sixth in yards per game. Burnett represents upgrade over Crowder, and depth up front is bolstered by return of 2010 first-round pick Jared Odrick and fourth-round choice A.J. Edds, who had rookie seasons curtailed by injury.
Weaknesses: Mistake-prone QB Chad Henne benched briefly at midseason and threw 19 interceptions. He also lost support of two-time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, who caught only three TD passes. Offensive line remains in flux, and it’s unclear whether fragile Bush and unproven rookie Thomas will be upgrade over unproductive combo of Brown and Williams.
BUFFALO BILLS (4-12)
New faces: DL Marcell Dareus, LB Nick Barnett, WR-KR Brad Smith, QB Tyler Thigpen, LB Shawne Merriman (acquired in November, but finished season on injured reserve).
Key losses: WR Lee Evans, LB Paul Posluszny, DB Donte Whitner.
Strengths: Dareus adds bulk to defensive front-three, providing run-stopping and pass-rushing presence alongside veteran DT Kyle Williams. Chan Gailey-led coaching staff is already astute at devising offensive plays, and added defensive specialist Dave Wannstedt as assistant head coach. Merriman, if healthy, adds potent pass-rushing dimension.
Weaknesses: Patchwork offensive line springing leaks and lacks experienced depth. Receivers young and without leader Evans. Once-strong special teams undone by youth movement.
AFC WEST
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (10-6)
New faces: QB coach Jim Zorn, DT Kelly Gregg, OT Jared Gaither, FB Le’Ron McClain, WR Steve Breaston, LB Brandon Siler.
Key losses: Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, G Brian Waters, LB Mike Vrabel, DT Ron Edwards, DT Shaun Smith, WR Chris Chambers.
Strengths: NFL’s top running game last season returns. Jamaal Charles (1,467 yards, five TDs) and Thomas Jones (896 yards, six TDs) were excellent in 2010, and now have former All-Pro FB McClain paving way. Dexter McCluster adds another element with speed and pass-catching ability.
Weaknesses: Defensive front struggled to stop rush last season. Chiefs brought in ex-Ravens tackle Kelly Gregg to help out, but that could be questionable move.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (9-7)
New faces: LB Takeo Spikes, SS Bob Sanders, DE Corey Liuget, LB Travis LaBoy.
Key losses: RB Darren Sproles.
Strengths: QB Philip Rivers and his quick-strike offense, which can seemingly score at will. TE Antonio Gates gamely tried to play through painful foot injury before shutting it down late last season. He’s still recovering as opening day approaches. Chargers will have WR Vincent Jackson available from start. Last year, he missed first 10 games during bitter contract dispute.
Weaknesses: Chargers must rebound from perhaps worst special teams performance in NFL history. Plus, just one playoff victory in last three seasons has fans doubting whether coach Norv Turner is capable of taking them to Super Bowl title.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (8-8)
New faces: Coach Hue Jackson, TE Kevin Boss, WR Denarius Moore, DB DeMarcus Van Dyke, OL Stefen Wisniewski, OL Joe Barksdale, TE David Ausberry, CB Chimdi Chekwa, QB Trent Edwards, QB Terrelle Pryor.
Key losses: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, TE Zach Miller, OL Robert Gallery, OL Langston Walker, QB Bruce Gradkowski.
Strengths: Jackson takes over after successful 2010 season as offensive coordinator, with Raiders more than doubling scoring output to 410 points and finishing sixth in scoring. Speed of RB Darren McFadden and big-play WR Jacoby Ford. Defensive line, led by Pro Bowler Richard Seymour and DT Tommy Kelly, and pass-rushing LB Kamerion Wimbley, helped Oakland finish tied for second with 47 sacks in 2010. P Shane Lechler and K Sebastian Janikowski among best in NFL.
Weaknesses: Biggest questions are offensive line, secondary. With Asomugha gone, Raiders thin at CB, having no proven players behind veteran starters Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson. Raiders expected to play plenty of man-to-man coverage, putting heavy pressure on rookies Van Dyke and Chekwa, and second-year players Walter McFadden and Jeremy Ware. Offensive line must replace Gallery and Walker and improve on play from last year, when QB Jason Campbell often was under heavy pressure.
DENVER BRONCOS (4-12)
New faces: Coach John Fox, DE Von Miller, SS Rahim Moore, RT Orlando Franklin, RB Willis McGahee, TE Daniel Fells, DT Brodrick Bunkley, TE Julius Thomas.
Key losses: WR Jabar Gaffney, RT Ryan Harris, OL Russ Hochstein, TE Daniel Graham, DL Justin Bannan, DL Jamal Williams.
Strengths: Pass rush is strong suit. Elvis Dumervil, 2009 NFL sacks champion, returns from torn chest muscle that sidelined him last season. He’ll have pass-rushing partner in No. 2 overall draft pick Miller. Fox brings some stability to organization and history of winning while in Carolina.
Weaknesses: Draft was deep in defensive tackles, and Broncos passed on all of them, choosing to plug gaping hole in middle through free agency. Lured Ty Warren to Denver, but he tore triceps in August and is out at least until November.
