SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016SUNDAY , SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 …res.providencejournal.com/marketplace/special... · SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016SUNDAY f, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 r 1 ady sidelined

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liftoffSUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

Ready forReady for

With Brady sidelined for four weeks, Garoppolo takes reins

Hopes are high for Jimmy G

Martellus Bennett could make

for dynamic duo with Gronk

Season previews for all NFL teams

Five breakout candidates

table of contents

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3. Jim Donaldson says Tom Brady, not Bill Belichick, gets most of

the credit for the Patriots’ dominance

4. Staff predictions for the upcoming season

6. The Patriots look to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a strong start

8. Martellus Bennett could make for a dynamic duo at tight end with Rob Gronkowski

10. The Patriots defense usually doesn’t garner much attention,

but this season might be different

12. The hope is that Chris Long will bolster the pass rush

14. Five players who could have breakout seasons

16-23. Team capsules and schedules

2016 SCHEDULESunday, Sept. 11 at Arizona Cardinals, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 vs. Houston Texans, 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. BYESunday, Nov. 13 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27 at New York Jets, 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24 vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.

INSIDE

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hands the ball off to James White during a June practice at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH

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We are about to begin the 17th season of the Brady-Belichick Era. Notice who gets top billing.

Tom Brady, not Bill Belichick.It’s most definitely been the

Brady-Belichick Era, not the other way around.

Because, let there be no mis-take about this, no confusion — it is Brady who is the man most responsible for the phenomenal success the Patriots have had, going back to the 2001 season.

Belichick is a brilliant coach, no question. Like Brady, he is a lock for induction into the Pro Foot-ball Hall of Fame after he retires.

But, as Bill Parcells so famously said: You are what your record says you are.

Belichick’s record without Brady as his starting quarter-back is one playoff appearance in seven seasons. Yes, the Pats were good enough to be a playoff team in 2008, when they went 11-5 with Matt Cassel as QB after Brady went down for the year with a knee injury in the first half of the season opener. But the fact is they didn’t qualify for the postseason, losing out on a tiebreaker.

With Brady as his quarterback, Belichick has been to the playoffs 13 times in 14 seasons.

Together, they have combined to go to six Super Bowls, win-ning four — the first in the ‘01 season, the fourth in 2014. Never in NFL history have a coach and quarterback combined to win championships over a span of that many years.

With Brady throwing and Belichick coaching, the Patriots have played in 10 AFC Cham-pionship Games in the past 15

years, including the last four in a row.

The Pats have dominated their division for more than a decade, winning seven straight AFC East titles, 12 of the last 13, and 13 of the last 15.

That dazzling streak may be in jeopardy, with Brady having to sit out the first four games of this season because of his role in the football fiasco known as Deflategate, a textbook case of the punishment failing to fit the “crime.”

Brady won’t be back until Oct. 9, when the Patriots play at Cleveland, and, good as he is — and he’s as good as any quarterback in NFL history — he hardly can be expected to be in top form against the Browns after just one week of preparation.

Because not only is Brady not allowed to play in the first four games, he’s not allowed to practice with the Patriots, either, while he’s serving his suspension.

Not that he’ll have to be at his best to beat the Browns.

The same can be said about New England’s perennially over-matched AFC East rivals, who, as has been the case for so many years, don’t appear to be good enough to unseat the Pats as the top team in the division.

The Dolphins and Bills will have an early chance to make a case that they are, coming to

Foxboro for games before Brady is back in the lineup.

It’s a plus for the Patriots that three of the four games in which the untested Jimmy Garoppolo will have to start in place of Tom Terrific will be played at Gillette Stadium.

After what promises to be a difficult opener at Arizona, the Pats come home to take on the Dolphins, Texans, and Bills — all winnable games.

If Garoppolo can go 2-2 while holding the fort until Brady arrives,

then there’s no reason to think that, even at the age of 39, Brady will be able to lead the Patriots to yet another division title.

And, once you’re in what Parcells always referred to as “the tournament,” anything can happen.

We’re approaching the end of what has been a remarkable era.

The Brady-Belichick Era.Thankfully, it isn’t over yet.

— [email protected] Twitter: @JDonaldsonProJo

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick confer before a Sep-tember 2015 game at Gillette Stadium. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL FILES/MARY MURPHY

JIM DONALDSON

Brady getsover Billthenod

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SEASON PREDICTIONS //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Bill CoreySports Editor

Brian MacPhersonSports Writer

Bill Koch Sports Writer

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsBuffaloMiami

AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland

AFC SOUTHHoustonIndianapolisTennesseeJaksonville

AFC WESTDenverKansas CityOaklandSan Diego

NFC EASTNew York GiantsWashingtonDallasPhiladelphia

NFC NORTHGreen BayChicagoMinnesotaDetroit

NFC SOUTHCarolinaNew OrleansAtlantaTampa Bay

NFC WESTArizonaSeattleLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: PittsburghNFC champion: Green BaySuper Bowl champion: Green Bay

AFC EASTNew EnglandBuffaloNew York JetsMiami

AFC NORTHBaltimorePittsburghCincinnatiCleveland

AFC SOUTHIndianapolis HoustonJacksonvilleTennessee

AFC WESTKansas CityOaklandDenverSan Diego

NFC EASTNew York GiantsDallasPhiladelphiaWashington

NFC NORTHGreen BayChicagoMinnesotaDetroit

NFC SOUTHCarolinaNew OrleansAtlantaTampa Bay NFC WESTSeattleArizonaSan FranciscoLos Angeles


AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsMiami Buffalo


AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland

AFC SOUTHIndianapolisJacksonvilleHoustonTennessee

NFC EASTNew York GiantsWashingtonDallasPhiladelphia

NFC WESTArizonaSeattleSan FranciscoLos Angeles

NFC NORTHGreen BayDetroitChicagoMinnesota

NFC SOUTHCarolinaTampa BayAtlantaNew Orleans


Rich GarvenSports Writer

AFC EASTNew England Buffalo Miami New York Jets

AFC NORTHCincinnatiPittsburghBaltimoreCleveland

AFC SOUTH Jacksonville Indianapolis Houston Tennessee

AFC WEST Oakland Denver San Diego Kansas City

NFC EAST New York Giants Dallas Washington Philadelphia

NFC NORTH Green Bay Minnesota Chicago Detroit

NFC SOUTH Carolina Tampa Bay Atlanta New Orleans

NFC WEST Seattle ArizonaLos Angeles San Francisco

AFC champion: New England NFC champion: Seattle Super Bowl champion: Seattle

John GilloolySports Writer

AFC EAST New EnglandNew York JetsBuffaloMiami AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland AFC SOUTHIndianapolisHoustonTennesseeJacksonville AFC WESTDenverSan DiegoKansas CityOakland

NFC EASTWashingtonNew York GiantsPhiladelphiaDallas NFC NORTHGreen BayMinnesotaDetroitChicago NFC SOUTHCarolinaNew OrleansAtlantaTampa Bay NFC WESTSeattleArizonaLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: PittsburghNFC champion: SeattleSuper Bowl champion: Seattle

Corey BourassaOnline Producer

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsBuffaloMiami AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland AFC SOUTHHoustonIndianapolisJacksonvilleTennessee AFC WESTKansas CityDenverOaklandSan Diego

NFC EASTNew York GiantsDallasWashingtonPhiladelphia NFC NORTHGreen BayMinnesotaChicagoDetroit NFC SOUTHCarolinaAtlantaNew OrleansTampa Bay NFC WESTArizonaSeattleLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: New EnglandNFC champion: Green BaySuper Bowl champion: New England

Jim DonaldsonSports Columnist

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsBuffaloMiami

AFC NORTHBaltimoreCincinnatiPittsburghCleveland

AFC SOUTHJacksonvilleIndianapolisHoustonTennessee


NFC EASTWashington New York GiantsPhiladelphia Dallas

NFC NORTHGreen BayChicagoDetroitMinnesota

NFC SOUTHCarolinaAtlantaNew OrleansTampa Bay

NFC WESTArizonaSeattleLos AngelesSan Francisco


Kevin McNamaraSports Writer

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsMiamiBuffalo AFC NORTHCincinnatiPittsburghBaltimoreCleveland AFC SOUTHIndianapolisHoustonJacksonvilleTennessee AFC WESTKansas CityOaklandDenverSan Diego

NFC EASTNew York GiantsPhiladelphiaDallasWashington NFC NORTHGreen BayChicagoMinnesotaDetroit NFC SOUTHCarolinaAtlantaTampa BayNew Orleans NFC WESTSeattleArizonaSan FranciscoLos Angeles

AFC champion: New EnglandNFC champion: SeattleSuper Bowl champion: New England

Mark DanielsSports Writer

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsBuffaloMiami AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland AFC SOUTHIndianapolisHoustonJacksonvilleTennessee AFC WESTDenverOaklandKansas CitySan Diego

NFC EASTWashingtonDallasPhiladelphiaNew York Giants NFC NORTHGreen BayDetroitMinnesotaChicago

NFC SOUTHCarolinaNew OrleansAtlantaTampa Bay NFC WEST SeattleArizonaLos AngelesSan Francisco


Mark DivverAssistant Sports Editor

AFC EASTNew EnglandMiamiNew York JetsBuffalo AFC NORTHPittsburghBaltimoreCincinnatiCleveland AFC SOUTHIndianapolisHoustonTennesseeJacksonville AFC WESTDenverOaklandKansas CitySan Diego

NFC EASTNew York GiantsDallasWashingtonPhiladelphia

NFC NORTHGreen BayDetroitMinnesotaChicago NFC SOUTHCarolinaNew OrleansAtlantaTampa Bay NFC WESTArizonaSeattleLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: New EnglandNFC champion: ArizonaSuper Bowl champion: New England

Mike McDermottAssistant Managing Editor

AFC EASTNew EnglandNew York JetsMiamiBuffalo AFC NORTHPittsburghBaltimoreCincinnatiCleveland AFC SOUTHIndianapolisHoustonJacksonvilleTennessee AFC WESTKansas CityOaklandDenverSan Diego

NFC EASTWashingtonNew York GiantsDallasPhiladelphia NFC NORTH Green BayDetroitMinnesotaChicago NFC SOUTHCarolinaTampa BayAtlantaNew Orleans NFC WESTSeattleArizonaLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: PittsburghNFC champion: SeattleSuper Bowl champion: Pittsburgh

Tim BrittonSports Writer

AFC EASTNew EnglandMiamiNew YorkBuffalo AFC NORTHPittsburghCincinnatiBaltimoreCleveland AFC SOUTHJacksonvilleHoustonIndianapolisTennessee AFC WESTKansas CityOaklandDenverSan Diego

NFC EASTNew YorkWashingtonDallasPhiladelphia NFC NORTHGreen BayMinnesotaDetroitChicago NFC SOUTHCarolinaTampa BayNew OrleansAtlanta NFC WESTArizonaSeattleLos AngelesSan Francisco

AFC champion: Kansas CityNFC champion: Green BaySuper Bowl champion: Green Bay

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By Mark Daniels | @MarkDanielsPJ

Jimmy Garoppolo went through the wringer in the preseason. The Patriots can only hope that will help during the first four weeks of the regular season. Little by little, the third-year quarterback encountered various sticky situations in his preseason starts against New Orleans, Chicago and Carolina. His play wasn’t always pretty,

but the hope is that the ups and downs will make Garoppolo ready to lead the team against Arizona, Miami, Houston and Buffalo.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo leads the Patriots onto the field for the start of the Aug. 11 preseason game against New Orleans. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/GLENN OSMUNDSON

H O P E S G R O W I N G P A I N S P A Y O F FGAROPPOLO

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Jimmy Garoppolo warms up in the first quarter of the Aug. 11 preseason game against the New Orleans Saints. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/GLENN OSMUNDSON

“Being able to get the start and everything like that, it’s only going to benefit me going forward,” Garoppolo said of his preseason play. “Regular season is right around the corner and we’re excited about it.”

Each game had a different theme. Garoppolo was pres-sured, sacked, nearly intercepted, fumbled, called for intentional grounding and, at one point, struggled in the red zone. But the 24-year-old bounced back, offer-ing a glimmer of hope for Patriots fans who are bracing for life without Tom Brady until Week Five in Cleveland. Brady, who dropped his appeal of the NFL’s punishment over Deflategate, can’t be with the team for the first four weeks of the season.

Against New Orleans, the problems started with pass protection. In the first half, Garoppolo was sacked twice and hit an additional three times. In the first three drives, he went 3-for-7 for 33 yards with a 57.4 passer rating. But after that, Garoppolo finished 8-for-11 for 135 yards.

“You’re not going to always start the right way and it’s just how you react to that,” Garoppolo said after that game. “It was a good experience tonight just being put in a difficult situation and then just seeing how the guys responded, how everyone responded. I think we reacted in the right way.”

In the second preseason game, against Chicago, some-thing similar played out. Early in the first half, two trips

to the red zone resulted in no touchdowns. The frustration was obvious, but Garoppolo was able to right the ship and get the Patriots in the end zone twice before halftime.

The biggest takeaway from the game was the two-min-ute drive that Garoppolo put together. With 1:42 left in the first half, he was surgical against the Bears secondary. He needed only seven plays to advance 57 yards before hitting AJ Derby for a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Garoppolo looked his best since being drafted by the Patriots in 2014. He got rid of the ball quickly and didn’t take any unnecessary sacks. After the game, he called it “something to build off of.”

Carolina was a different beast entirely.He got sacked, fumbled, was called for intentional

grounding and missed open receivers. Garoppolo fin-ished 9-for-15 with 57 yards. If anything, the quarterback learned what it was like starting a game on the road against a tough defense.

“They’re a good defense, so you’ve got to tip your hat to them on some of those plays,” Garoppolo said. “It’s just little things here, little things there that you learn. Experi-ence obviously helps, but it’s just something you have to learn from and move on.”

The Patriots can only hope Garoppolo proves to be a quick study by the time he gets to Arizona.

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By Rich Garven | @RichGarvenTG

Martellus Bennett bounced from one middle school to the next to the next as an eighth-grader growing up in Texas.

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound tight end believes it prepared him well for the tran-sitions he’s had to make since entering the NFL as a second-round draft pick in 2008.

Bennett spent his first four seasons in Dallas, about a 90-minute drive from his hometown of Tyler, before relo-cating to New York to play for the Giants in 2012. Then it was off to Chicago for a three-year run, which ended when he was traded to New England in mid-March.

The shift to the Patriots has seemingly been simple, smooth and seamless. And, oh yeah, like all the previous stops eagerly embraced.

“It’s been fine,” Bennett said with training camp wind-ing down. “I’ve experienced a lot of different stuff in a lot of different places. So I’ve been traveling a lot — different cultures, different people, different perspectives — and experienced a lot in the NFL. It’s cool.

“Everywhere has something to offer. So I just go to work. It’s like changing jobs. And I went to three different middle schools in eighth grade, so it’s kind of the same thing.”

The Patriots have been searching for a reliable, pass-catching tight end to complement All-Pro Rob Gronkowski ever since they parted ways with Aaron Hernandez follow-ing the 2012 season.

Tight end Martellus Bennett signs autographs after the first day of training camp in July at Gillette Stadium. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH

Writing his next chapterTE Bennett hopes to bounce back with Pats

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Age: 29Experience: 9th season2015 receptions: 532015 yards per catch: 8.32015 TDs: 3

BY THE NUMBERS

They thought they solved their problem last year with the signing of Scott Chandler, but it was a failed part-nership that dissolved after one season.

But Bennett has impressed since his arrival with his sure hands, sharp routes and stupendous catch radius. He and Gronkowski appear poised to overwhelm defen-sive backs across the league as an overpowering and towering tight-end tandem.

“He’s a big player, he’s talented, blocks well, runs well, he has got skills in the passing game and the running game,” coach Bill Belichick said of Ben-nett. “I’d say there’s really not a whole lot that it looks like he can’t do. It looks like he can do pretty much everything you want a tight end to do.

“He’s smart, very smart. He handles the formations and adjustments and things like that, which are a big part of our offense at that position. He handles those well and it’s been pretty easy.”

Bennett established across-the-board career highs with 90 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, when he played in all 16 games for a third straight season. Injuries and a lack of chemistry with quarterback Jay Cutler saw those numbers slump to 53-439-3 in 11 games last season.

The expectation is Bennett will bounce back in a big way. However, he hasn’t set any numeric goals for him-self beyond the normal two.

“I just try to do my job and ball,” Bennett said.The 29-year-old Bennett, who authored a children’s

book titled “Hey A.J. It’s Saturday,” that was published in June, has been fully immersed in integrating himself into the Patriot Way this summer. When some free time finally arises, he hopes to accomplish one of his off-the-field objectives.

That would be to visit the Eric Carle Museum of Pic-ture Book Art in Amherst, Mass. Carle, a New York native who lived in Western Mass. for more than 30 years before relocating to the South, is best known for his children’s picture book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

“I just want to check that out,” Bennett said.

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Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett catches a pass during a June 8 practice in Foxboro. AP PHOTO/ELISE AMENDOLA

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It’s fair to say that over the past 15 years, the Patriots’ offense has garnered most of the headlines.

Of course, when Tom Brady is your quarter-back, and your offense has featured such players as Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Randy Moss, that’s going to happen.

But as we enter the 2016 NFL season, it’s not a stretch to say that this year’s defense has a chance to leave its own legacy. After finishing ninth in the league in total defense in 2015, this year’s squad could be a top-five unit in the league.

With Brady set to serve his four-game Deflategate sus-pension, the pressure — and the focus — will be on the defense to help pick up third-year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who’ll get the nod in the early going.

“I think for us as a defense, we want to be a domi-nating defense no matter what the situation is and no matter who is out there on offense,” safety Devin McCourty said. “We always kind of take the mentality and attitude that we have to go out there and play defense no matter if the offense is scoring touchdowns, if they’re not scoring touchdowns. I think if we can develop as individual units, that’s what makes us better as a whole.”

A strong defense will not only help a Brady-less offense, but could carry the Patriots this season. It starts with the linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Both players are in their prime and should compete at a Pro-Bowl level.

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower works out at January 2016 practice. THE PROVIDENCEJOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH

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Jamie Collins intercepts a pass in the Aug. 11 preseason game against the Saints and runs it back for a touchdown. THE PROVIDENCE JOUR-

NAL/GLENN OSMUNDSON

Cornerback Malcolm Butler breaks up a pass intended for Deonte Thompson of the Bears in an Aug. 18 preseason game. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH

Devin McCourty runs with the ball after intercepting it in a January 2015 playoff game as head coach Bill Belichick cheers in the back-ground. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL FILES/MARY MURPHY

Although the team doesn’t have Chandler Jones (traded to Arizona), the defensive line is stocked. Newcomer Chris Long has played well in the preseason and should be in line for a bounce-back year after two injury-plagued seasons in St. Louis.

Injuries to Rob Ninkovich (biceps) and Jabaal Sheard (knee) aren’t considered to be serious, but their absence this summer has created an opportunity for Trey Flowers. Through three preseason games, Flowers led the Patriots’ defense in tackles (13) and sacks (2.5).

When Sheard was on the field, he also looked poised for a big season. With Long, Flowers, Sheard and Ninkovich, the Patriots have enough edge rushers, and are better when you factor in Barkevious Mingo and Shea McClellin.

“I’m sure we all have individual goals, but we know we have something special here,” Hightower said. “Each day we come out and we try to work on our craft and perfect that. Pickup that bond that we have together. We feel like we can get a lot accomplished and it starts [in training camp].”

The Patriots secondary is also a year older after Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan emerged last season. The two corners combined with McCourty and Patrick Chung to create a tal-ented secondary.

Taken all together, this year’s defense has the potential to be special. “High expectations,” Butler said. “We’ve got to stop people. We’ve got to make plays. Not just the defense, the offense also, special teams — we want to be great all around.”

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The Patriots were looking to replenish their pass rush following the offseason departures of defensive ends Chandler Jones and Akeem Hicks via trade and

free agency, respectively.They combed the free-agent market

and ended up buying low on Chris Long, a ninth-year pro with 54.5 career sacks who had struggled due to injury and ineffectiveness the previous two sea-

sons. He signed a one-year deal worth $2.375 million

March 18.

The early returns on Long are high.“Chris has great personal character-

istics — elite, smart, really works hard, team oriented, tough, great motor,” coach Bill Belichick said. “It’s all posi-tive with him.”

The expectation was Long would complement starters Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard, allowing all three veterans to remain fresh throughout the season without a drop-off in production on the edge.

But it appears Long is poised to assume a more prominent role after Ninkovich suffered a torn right triceps that is expected to sideline him until late

September or early October.

Veteran DE aims to move on from injury-plagued seasons

Patriots defensive end Chris Long pressures Saints quarterback Garrett Grayson during an Aug. 11 preseason game in Foxboro. AP PHOTO/STEW MILNE

Long haulHe’s in it for the

By Rich Garven | @RichGarvenTG

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Age: 31Experience: 9th season2015 tackles: 92015 sacks: 3

BY THE NUMBERS

The Patriots added Chris Long in the offseason in hopes of strengthen-ing their pass rush. THE PROVIDENCE

JOURNAL/GLENN OSMUNDSON

Bears offensive tackle Kyle Long (75) of the Bears faces his brother Chris Long (95) of the Patriots during the teams’ preseason matchup on Aug. 18 in Foxboro. THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/BOB BREIDENBACH

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And Sheard’s availability for the season opener Sept. 11 against the Arizona Cardinals is uncertain due to a sprained medial collateral ligament.

It’s an increased workload Long is prepared to take on, if need be, as he’s settled in quite nicely here after spending his first eight sea-sons in St. Louis. A unanimous All-American as a senior at the University of Virginia, he was drafted second overall by the Rams in 2008.

“It’s football,” Long said. “So at the end of the day it’s definitely new, but it’s about continuing to work on the same fundamen-tals you work on every year. And certainly with good teammates to lean on and a lot to learn I do feel comfortable and I feel more com-fortable every day.”

Long has repeatedly cited Ninkovich, who has spent eight of his 11 NFL seasons playing for the Patriots, for his help in making the transition to a new scheme and new team — one with a unique way of doing things — as easy as it could be.

“He’s been in this defense so

long, so he’s really helpful with me learning techniques, not just the playbook but how you’re supposed to do your job in certain situations and the intricacies of this defense,” the 31-year-old Long said. “So he’s like having another coach on the field. He really is.”

The 6-foot-3, 279-pound Long didn’t miss a game in each of his first six seasons before sitting out 16 the past two years due to inju-ries. When he was on the field his production diminished.

Long had one sack in 2014 and three in 2015, leading to his depar-ture from St. Louis. That was a dramatic drop-off as he had at least 8.5 quarterback takedowns — with a high of 13 in 2011 — in each of the previous four seasons.

That’s in the past as Long is healthy and, thus, happy.

“I do feel good,” said Long, whose dad, Howie, is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and younger brother, Kyle, is a starting guard for the Chicago Bears.

“I’ve worked hard this offseason and this year to be back to where I want to be. I do feel very good physically.”

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FIVE TO WATCH

Contributions can come from unexpected sources


Every year, you go into a season thinking you know who each team will rely on and who the standouts will be. But by the season’s end, a few new faces will emerge to make surprising contributions. From Malcolm Butler to former seventh-round pick Julian Edelman, the Patriots have grown accus-tomed to contributions from unknown, undrafted and unheralded players.

Here’s a look at five players who could have breakout seasons with the Patriots:

CHRIS HOGANHogan set a career-high last season in receiving

yards with 450 after putting up bests in receptions (41) and receiving touchdowns (four) the year before in Buffalo. It looks like the receiver will have the chance to shatter all of his career highs this season in Foxboro. In training camp, the 27-year-old was outstanding and showed to have a solid connection with both Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Brady.

Hogan could be the Patriots No. 2 receiver behind Julian Edelman and third option when including Rob Gronkowski. Players like Brandon LaFell and Brandon Lloyd most recently had success as No. 3 options and Hogan could be next.

JOE THUNEYA third-round pick this year, Thuney was

one of the biggest rookie standouts in train-ing camp. Since the spring he started every practice at left guard with the first team and that carried through the preseason. In camp, he looked like the team’s best guard.

At N.C. State, Thuney showed versatility by lining up at every spot on the offen-sive line, but in Foxboro, he looks like the Patriots’ left guard for seasons to come. Thuney is athletic and smart and could have the biggest impact of any Patriots’ rookie this season.

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15

MALCOM BROWNThis first-round pick looks

like a special player. Brown came off the bench for the first four games of his rookie season, but that’s all it took for the defensive tackle to take Sealver Siliga’s starting job. The 22-year-old finished 2015 starting 12 of 16 regu-lar-season games plus two postseason contests. He’s now in line to anchor the Patriots’ defensive line for the foresee-able future.

Brown finished with 48 tackles and three sacks last season showing the ability to help in the middle against the run, but was also able to generate some pass rush. He’s young, but mature and already taking a leadership role among the defensive tackles in Foxboro.

TREY FLOWERSFlowers played in one

game, registering no stats, before being placed on the injured reserve with a shoul-der injury last season. But this summer, the defensive tackle didn’t miss a beat.

Injuries to Jabaal Sheard and Rob Ninkovich created more playing for Flow-ers in the preseason and he took advantage of it. Through three games, the 2015 fourth-rounder led the Patriots in tackles (13) and sacks (2.5). He’s not the biggest edge rusher, only 6-foot-2, but Flowers stands out in a big way.

The 23-year-old could be the future of the defensive end position in Foxboro.

JAMES WHITEDion Lewis

starts this season on the physically unable to perform list so White will get a chance to shine. His 56-yard reception against New Orleans this summer showed that this 24-year-old has the ability to take a short pass at the line of scrimmage and turn it into a big gain.

Last season, White had a catch of 20-plus yards in four out of the last five regular season games. White has talent and his ability to contribute on passing downs could go a long way.

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PATRIOTS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 18 MIAMI, 1 p.m. Sept. 22 HOUSTON, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 2 BUFFALO, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 CINCINNATI, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 30 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.BYENov. 13 SEATTLE, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 20 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 27 at New York Jets, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 4 LOS ANGELES, 1 p.m.Dec. 12 BALTIMORE, 8 p.m.Dec. 18 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 24 NEW YORK JETS, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 at Miami, 1 p.m.

BILLS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Baltimore, 1 p.m. Sept. 15 NEW YORK JETS, 8:25 p.m. Sept. 25 ARIZONA, 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at New England, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 16 SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at Miami, 1 p.m. Oct. 30 NEW ENGLAND, 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.BYENov. 20 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m. Dec. 4 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Dec. 11 PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m. Dec. 24 MIAMI, 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at NEW YORK JETS, 1 p.m.

JETS SCHEDULESept. 11 CINCINNATI, 1 p.m.Sept. 15 at Buffalo, 8:25 p.m.Sept. 25 at Kansas City, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 2 SEATTLE, 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. Oct. 17 at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 23 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 at Miami, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 LOS ANGELES, 1 p.m.BYENov. 27 NEW ENGLAND, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 5 INDIANAPOLIS, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. Dec. 17 MIAMI, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 24 at New England, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 BUFFALO, 1 p.m.

DOLPHINS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Seattle, 4:05 p.m. Sept. 18 at New England, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m. Sept. 29 at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 9 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 BUFFALO, 1 p.m.BYENov. 6 NEW YORK JETS, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 20 at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 27 SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 ARIZONA, 1 p.m.Dec. 17 at New York Jets, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 24 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 NEW ENGLAND, 1 p.m.

AFC EAST //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

New England Patriots2015 Record: 12-4Head coach: Bill Belichick Overview: The fi rst lines of the story of the Patriots' 2016 season were written on Jan. 18, 2015, when the team was accused of using improperly infl ated footballs. What became known as Defl ategate led to a protracted legal battle between NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and quarterback Tom Brady, along with the NFL Players Association. Ultimately, it means that Brady will not play in the fi rst four games of the regular season as the team hands the offensive keys to third-year backup Jimmy Garop-polo. But besides the personnel shift, the expectation level hasn't changed all that much for New England fans, with most predictions holding that the Patriots will once again win the division and are expected to run deep into the playoffs.Strengths: With Brady back in Week Five, the quarterback position is still seen as a major strength, but that hinges on the health of favorite targets Rob Gronkowski (TE) and Julian Edelman (WR). The additions of Martellus Bennett (TE) and Chris Hogan (WR) should bolster an already dangerous passing game. Combine that with a solid secondary (Mal-colm Butler, Devin McCourty), dynamic linebacking corps (Jamie Collins, Dont'a High-tower) and always-strong specials teams, not to men-tion one of the league's best coaches of all-time, and the Patriots enter the season with typically high expectations.Weaknesses: Last year, the fail-ings of offensive line were well documented, prompting former line coach Dante Scarnecchia to "un-retire" and rejoin the team. And the injuries to running backs Dion Lewis and LeGar-rette Blount all but stopped the ground game. Blount's back but Lewis will start the season on the PUP list.

New York Jets2015 Record: 10-6Head coach: Todd BowlesOverview: Gang Green fi n-ished one win shy of a trip to the postseason last year and with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick back on board, along with the addition of running back Matt Forte, the Jets appear poised to get to the playoffs for the fi rst time since 2010. Coach Todd Bowles' no-nonsense style has paid dividends after the departure of Rex Ryan to division-foe Buffalo. With what looks to be a solid run-ning game and a top-fl ight receiving tandem of Brandon Marshall (4th in receiving yards last season) and Eric Decker, the Jets offense should be able to fl y with anyone.Strengths: New York's run-ning game and top receivers should offer Fitzpatrick plenty of weapons, while its offensive line returns Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold. Defensively, the Jets fi nished fourth overall last season by using a host of blitz packages and pressures to keep oppos-ing quarterbacks uneasy. Their defensive line is among the best in the game, featur-ing Leonard Williams, who's coming off a stellar rookie campaign, and Muhammad Wilkerson, who tallied 12 sacks in 2015.Weaknesses: The vaunted Jets secondary, with an older Darrell Revis, isn't what it used to be, and the lineback-ing corps has been revamped with a host of younger play-ers who may develop into elite players, but it doesn't appear that it will happen this year. Special teams is a concern, too, as kicker Nick Folk returns from injury and punter Ryan Quigley was not re-signed. And while Marshall and Decker are the real deals, pass-catching depth behind them is suspect.

Miami Dolphins2015 Record: 6-10Head coach: Adam GaseOverview: The Dolphins were a trendy pick to improve after coming off an 8-8 season in 2014, but despite the addition of Ndamukong Suh and young rising quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the fi sh sank deeper in '15, canned coach Joe Philbin in favor of Adam Gase, and there isn't much in the way of expectations in South Florida this season, to say the least.Strengths: Tannehill has put together two straight solid seasons, despite getting all but beat up behind a porous offensive line. He's been sacked 149 times in three years as Miami still appears to be searching for a worthy succes-sor to Hall of Famer Dan Marino, who last played in 1999. Jarvis Landry, who has the most catches of any player after two NFL seasons at 194, is a certifi able star on the rise and Gase is a Mike Martz protege who likes wide-open offenses that feature plenty of passing, so the potential is there for a much-improved offensive season.Weaknesses: Though they've shown some promise through the air, the Dolphins have been fl at-out bad on the ground — ranked 23rd in the league last year. This year, the running game is one giant question mark with Jay Ajayi as the apparent featured back. Defen-sively, even with Suh and the addition of a 31-year-old Mario Williams from Buffalo, coming off a career-worst season, and a new defensive coordina-tor, Miami's front seven has plenty of questions.

Buffalo Bills2015 Record: 8-8Head coach: Rex RyanOverview: When Ryan took over in Buffalo, conventional wisdom was that the already-solid defense would improve and the offense would be the challenge. Last season, it was the opposite, with a dys-functional defensive line and poor linebacker play, yet the running game, bolstered by a solid offensive line, proved effective and quarterback Tyrod Taylor fi nished seventh in the league in passer rating. If his game progresses, and receiver Sammy Watkins stays on course to becom-ing a top-tier target, the Bills might fi nally have a danger-ous offensive tandem and could make some noise in the division.Strengths: Taylor's legs add a dimension to his quarterback play that few signal-callers can match, though it comes with an injury risk. The offen-sive line was kept together, with Cordy Glenn, Eric Wood and Richie Ingonito returning, and running backs LeSean McCoy and backup Karlos Williams complement each other's style. Last year, the Bills piled up a league-best 2,432 rushing yards. In the secondary, cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby could both be Pro Bowlers.Weaknesses: Receiver depth behind Watkins is very thin and if the run-happy Taylor misses time with injury, his backup is EJ Manuel, who has been a bust since the Bills drafted him in the fi rst round (16th overall) back in 2013. And despite Ryan's reputation as a defensive mastermind, the Bills defense has resided in the middle of the pack, at best. Questions have already surfaced about whether Ryan will get another opportunity if his team fi nishes at .500 or below.

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17AFC NORTH //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

STEELERS SCHEDULESept. 12 at Washington, 7:10 p.m.Sept. 18 CINCINNATI, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 at Philadelphia, 4:25Oct. 2 KANSAS CITY, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 9 NEW YORK JETS, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 at Miami, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 NEW ENGLAND, 4:25 p.m.BYENov. 6 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 DALLAS, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 20 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Nov. 24 at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 4 NEW YORK GIANTS, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 11 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 25 BALTIMORE, 4:30 p.m.Jan. 1 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.

BENGALS SCHEDULESept. 11 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 DENVER, 1 p.m.Sept. 29 MIAMI, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 9 at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 16 at New England, 1 p.m. Oct. 23 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 WASHINGTON, 9:30 a.m., Wembley Stadium (London) BYENov. 14 at New York Giants, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 20 BUFFALO, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 PHILADELPHIA, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 PITTSBURGH, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 24 at Houston, 8:25 p.m.Jan. 1 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.

RAVENS SCHEDULESept. 11 BUFFALO, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 OAKLAND, 1 p.m. Oct. 9 WASHINGTON 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at New York Giants 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at New York Jets, 1 p.m. BYENov. 6 PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.Nov. 10 CLEVELAND, 8:25 p.m. Nov. 20 at Dallas, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 CINCINNATI, 1 p.m. Dec. 4 MIAMI, 1 p.m.Dec. 12 at New England, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 18 PHILADELPHIA 1 p.m. Dec. 25 at Pittsburgh, 4:30 p.m. Jan. 1 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

BROWNS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m. Sept. 25 at Miami, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 at Washington, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 NEW ENGLAND, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 NEW YORK JETS 1 p.m.Nov. 6 DALLAS, 1 p.m. Nov. 10 at Baltimore, 8:25 p.m.Nov. 20 PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 NEW YORK GIANTS, 1 p.m. BYEDec. 11 CINCINNATI, 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Dec. 24 SAN DIEGO, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh Steelers2015 Record: 10-6Head coach: Mike TomlinOverview: The Steelers are seemingly always in the conversation for AFC title contenders, and this year's no different, with plenty of predictions for a seventh Super Bowl championship. Last season, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger led an offense that lost running back Le'Veon Bell to injuries and suspension, but still had the services of Antonio Brown, who put up one of the greatest seasons by a wide receiver (136 recep-tions, 1,834 receiving yards with 10 TDs). Big Ben threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 21 TDs.Strengths: The offense controls the ball with short strikes, deep throws and long runs. Last season, Roethlis-berger's yards per attempt (8.4) were his highest since 2009 and he's shown no signs of slowing down. Look for another huge year from Brown. The offense should get a boost after running back Le'Veon Bell returns from a three-game suspen-sion for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Both the offensive and defen-sive lines also rate highly, particularly with the return of center Maurkice Pouncey to the O-line.Weaknesses: There aren't many, but the biggest con-cern appears to be with the defensive secondary. That unit ranked among the worst in the NFL last season, which led to a rebuild with several young players. The Steelers drafted cornerback Artie Burns and safety Sean Davis, both of whom could see signifi cant playing time this season. Another area that hampered them last season was special teams, with inconsistent play from punter Jordan Berry.

Cincinnati Bengals2015 Record: 12-4Head coach: Marvin Lewis Overview: On one hand, com-peting for a sixth straight trip to the postseason must mean that your franchise is doing something right, but when you're the Bengals and you've gone 25 seasons without a playoff win, then just getting there is not good enough. With a new offensive coordinator -- Ken Zampese takes over for Hue Jackson -- and despite a roster that lost three start-ers, among other players, veteran coach Marvin Lewis still has six returning Pro Bowlers to make another run at getting past the fi rst round of the playoffs.Strengths: The team boasts one of the best quarter-back tandems in the league with Andy Dalton and AJ McCarron and still has A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert in its receiving corps. Add to that ex-Patriot Brandon LaFell and rookie wideout Tyler Boyd, and Cincy's air attack looks to be just fi ne, despite the losses of Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Defensively, the Bengals are among the best at pressuring the passer without blitzing, but as good as the defensive line looks, there are questions about its depth.Weaknesses: The weakest part of the Bengals' offense last season was on the ground, where Jeremy Hill's production fell to a 3.6 yard per-carry average. Giovani Bernard picked up the slack, averaging 4.7 yards per rush, but with Hill seen as the pri-mary back, the hope is that he returns to his rookie form, when he averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The Bengals will be tested early, with a chal-lenging September schedule (including games against the Steelers, Broncos and Jets) on tap.

Baltimore Ravens2015 Record: 5-11Head coach: John HarbaughOverview: Injuries were the major theme of the Ravens' 2015 campaign when 12 starters missed a combined 71 games, including quarterback Joe Flacco who went down with a torn ACL and MCL. The team fi nished the year with no less than 20 players on the injured reserve. But Balti-more is not just counting on players getting healthy, the team added veterans Mike Wallace (WR) and Eric Weddle (S). They also picked up former Patriots tight end Ben Watson, but he's lost for the season after having Achilles surgery.Strengths: If Flacco is healthy and continues to develop chemis-try with Wallace, and veteran Steve Smith is ready for Week 1, as Harbaugh said he would be, the offense could prove productive when combined with a solid, if not spectacular ground game. Adding Weddle to the secondary should allow the Ravens defense to blitz more this season. And the return of line-backers Terrell Suggs, 33, (Achilles injury) and Elvis Dumervil, 32, (foot surgery) looks to fortify the defensive line.Weaknesses: Last year's offensive line play was inconsistent at best and the loss of left guard Kelechi Osemele won't help. The Ravens are also expected to start rookie Ronnie Stanley (the team's top pick, out of Notre Dame) at left tackle. The book on him is that he'll struggle in the running game.

Cleveland Browns2015 Record: 3-13Head coach: Hue JacksonOverview: With the Johnny Manziel debacle in the rearview mirror, owner Jimmy Haslam's strat-egy is to surround Hue Jackson with Harvard-educated strategists, including veteran base-ball man Paul DePodesta. But the prevailing wisdom is that even with Robert Griffi n III -- who's shown fl ashes of his former self -- under center, the Browns won't get to their third winning season in the past 15 years. Nonetheless, every year there's a surprise team in the NFL. Could it be Cleveland's turn?Strengths: They're hard to fi nd, though the offensive line looks to be solid, and that could go a long way to helping Griffi n recapture his old magic. And Hue Jackson's track record of fashion-ing an offense around a quarterback's strength could also pay dividends for the long-suffering Browns and their fans. On the defensive side, the Browns linebackers have the potential to open some eyes, but the loss of Barkevious Mingo to New England probably won't help.Weaknesses: The running backs -- Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson -- are suspect and the receiving corps of Brian Hartline, Corey Coleman, Terrelle Pryor and Ricardo Louis don't exactly strike fear with most defensive coordinators. But tight end Gary Barnidge had a solid 2015 and could prove to be another reliable weapon. Special teams play has also been defi cient.

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AFC SOUTH //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Indianapolis Colts2015 record: 8-8Head coach: Chuck PaganoOverview: Quarterback Andrew Luck had a season to forget in 2015, with a 55.3 completion percent-age and going 2-5 when he was able to play (the Colts were 6-3 without him), but a shoulder injury then a lacerated kidney shortened his season. With a healthy Luck, the Colts have the playoffs in their sights once again. A shaky offensive line has a lot to prove, but the addition of Alabama center Ryan Kelly should help give Luck the time he needs to fi nd his targets downfi eld. As has been the case in recent years, the Colts defense remains an area of concern. This season, Ted Monachino, former linebackers coach in Baltimore, takes over coordinator duties.Strengths: Luck appears ready to bounce back and he's got a promising crop of receivers, led by T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief, to help out. Hilton can be deadly from the slot or out wide, and the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Moncrief could be on the verge of a break-out season. The defensive secondary, with Pro Bowl-ers Vontae Davis at corner and Mike Adams at safety, should be a strength, and the Colts added Patrick Robinson opposite Davis.Weaknesses: The Colts run-ning game still projects as a weak spot, with 33-year-old Frank Gore expected to see the bulk of the snaps. On the defensive side, while the line could be a strength, questions remain about Indy's linebacker corps, which has many aging veterans.

Houston Texans2015 Record: 9-7Head coach: Bill O'Brien Overview: Reaching the play-offs last season, and adding quarterback Brock Osweiler along with running back Lamar Miller, mean expectations are high in Houston. The franchise has spent money trying to jump-start its sluggish offense and if health is on their side, particularly along the offen-sive line, the Texans could rank among the league's top scorers. But, as has been the case in recent years, Houston's calling card is its smothering defense, anchored by defen-sive end J.J. Watt, who even with a fractured left hand and herniated disc last season, still piled up 17.5 sacks, 32 hits on the quarterback, 26 hur-ries, eight batted balls, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.Strengths: Houston fi nished third in defense last season and much of that has to do with Watt and linebacker Whitney Mercilus, who made it near-impossible for most offenses to consistently drive the ball. Jadeveon Clowney is healthy and appears poised for strong season, meaning the Texans should be among the stingiest in the league when it comes to giving up yards and points. On the offensive side, receiver DeAndre Hopkins is fast-becoming an elite pass-catcher.Weaknesses: Houston's revolv-ing door at quarterback has seemed to have stopped, for now anyway, with the signing of Osweiler, who went 5-2 as a starter in Denver. But until Osweiler can get what was a poorly ranked offense into gear, questions remain. And if the offensive line doesn't improve on its 2015 performance, Osweiler's immersion into a complex offensive scheme will be that much harder.

2015 record: 5-11Head coach: Gus BradleyOverview: After scuffl ing for fi ve years, the Jaguars offense showed signs of life last season with quarterback Blake Bortles and a corps of young receivers accounting for a 23.5 points-per-game average. Bortles led the league with 72 comple-tions of 20 or more yards and threw for 4,428 yards overall and 35 touchdowns. The Jags also brought in some quality players in the offseason: DT Malik Jackson, RB Chris Ivory, CB Prince Amukamara among others. Despite compil-ing the NFL's worst record over the past fi ve years, Jacksonville appears to have enough horses to at least fi nish with a winning record for the fi rst time since 2007, or maybe even contend for a postseason berth in the wide-open AFC South.Strengths: The addition of Jackson to the line, which already boasts solid tackle play, should give the Jaguars a formi-dable defensive front. And with Bortles' continued development, along with receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns and tight end Julius Thomas, and the addition of Ivory's ground game to complement T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville's offense could surprise some people.Weaknesses: The offensive line remains an area of uncertainty, with tackle Luke Joeckel (taken second overall in 2013) in a battle for his starting job and the overhauled second-ary, with safety Tashaun Gipson and Amukamara, could take time to gel.

Tennessee Titans2015 record: 3-13Head coach: Mike MularkeyOverview: The story of the Titans is all about the continued progress of quar-terback Marcus Mariota, the ex-Heisman Trophy winner from Oregon who set rookie records in Nashville for touchdown passes, comple-tions and more. The addition of running back DeMarco Murray should improve was the 25th-ranked running game last season, and should also help with catching passes out of the backfi eld. But it's still seen as a rebuild-ing year for Tennessee.Strengths: The defensive line allowed just 3.9 yards per rush last year and tackle Jurrell Casey proved to be Tennes-see's best lineman, making the Pro Bowl (7 sacks, 54 tack-les). And fellow Pro Bowler Delanie Walker, who set franchise records for a tight end in catches and receiving yards last season, proved to be Mariota's favorite target, leading the team in receptions -- and the league in catches by a tight end (94).Weaknesses: There's plenty to go around. Receivers fi nished last in catches last season, though injuries had a hand in those numbers. The offensive line was a liability, allowing the most sacks (54) in the league and offering little protection in the run-ning game. With some new personnel, the line will be developing on the fl y, which doesn't bode well for any quarterback. The defensive secondary also has major question marks. Last season, it allowed 34 touchdown passes (tied for third most in the league), though corner-back Jason McCourty was limited due to injury. The addition of Brice McCain at the corner could help.

Jacksonville Jaguars

TEXANS SCHEDULESept. 11 CHICAGO, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at New England, 8:25 p.m. Oct. 2 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m. Oct. 9 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Oct. 16 INDIANAPOLIS, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Denver, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30 DETROIT, 1 p.m.BYENov. 13 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m. Nov. 21 Oakland (Mexico City), 8:30 p.m.Nov. 27 SAN DIEGO, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Dec. 18 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 CINCINNATI, 8:25 p.m. Jan. 1 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

COLTS SCHEDULESept. 11 DETROIT, 4:25 p.m. Sept. 18 at Denver, 4:25 p.m. Sept. 25 SAN DIEGO, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 2 at Jacksonville (Wembley, London), 9:30 a.m.Oct. 9 CHICAGO, 1 p.m. Oct. 16 at Houston, 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. BYENov. 20 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m. Nov. 24 PITTSBURGH, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at New York Jets, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 HOUSTON, 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Jan. 1 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.

JAGUARS SCHEDULESept. 11 GREEN BAY, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.Sept. 25 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Indianapolis (Wembley, London), 9:30 a.m.BYEOct. 16 at Chicago, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 OAKLAND, 1 p.m.Oct. 27 at Tennessee, 8:25 p.m. Nov. 6 at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Nov. 13 HOUSTON, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at Detroit, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Dec. 4 DENVER, 1 p.m. Dec. 11 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Houston, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m. Jan. 1 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

TITANS SCHEDULESept. 11 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Detroit, 1 p.m. Sept. 25 OAKLAND, 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Houston, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Miami, 1 p.m. Oct. 16 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 INDIANAPOLIS, 1 p.m. Oct. 27 JACKSONVILLE, 8:25 p.m. Nov. 6 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 13 GREEN BAY, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 at Chicago, 1 p.m.BYEDec. 11 DENVER, 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 HOUSTON, 1 p.m.

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19AFC WEST //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BRONCOS SCHEDULESept. 8 CAROLINA, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 INDIANAPOLIS, 4:25 p.m. Sept. 25 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 9 ATLANTA, 4:05 p.m. Oct. 13 at San Diego, 8:25 p.m. Oct. 24 HOUSTON, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 30 SAN DIEGO, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 6 at Oakland, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.BYENov. 27 KANSAS CITY, 4:25 p.m. Dec. 4 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 NEW ENGLAND, 4:25 p.m. Dec. 25 at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.Jan. 1 OAKLAND, 4:25 p.m.

RAIDERS SCHEDULESept. 11 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 ATLANTA, 4:25 p.m.Sept. 25 at Tennessee, 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 SAN DIEGO, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 16 KANSAS CITY, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 23 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 DENVER, 8:30 p.m. BYENov. 21 Houston (Mexico City), 8:30 p.m.Nov. 27 CAROLINA, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 4 BUFFALO, 4:05 p.m. Dec. 8 at Kansas City, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 18 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 24 INDIANAPOLIS, 4:05 p.m. Jan. 1 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

CHIEFS SCHEDULESept. 11 SAN DIEGO, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Houston, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 NEW YORK JETS, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 2 at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. BYEOct. 16 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. Oct. 23 NEW ORLEANS, 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at Indanapolis, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 at Carolina, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 TAMPA BAY, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 4 at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Dec. 8 OAKLAND, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 18 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.Dec. 25 DENVER, 8:30 p.m.Jan. 1 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

CHARGERS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 JACKSONVILLE, 4:25 p.m. Sept. 25 at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 2 NEW ORLEANS, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 9 at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 13 DENVER, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 23 at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. Oct. 30 at Denver, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 6 TENNESSEE, 4:25 p.m. Nov. 13 MIAMI, 4:05 p.m.BYENov. 27 at Houston, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 TAMPA BAY, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 11 at Carolina, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 OAKLAND, 4:25 p.m. Dec. 24 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 KANSAS CITY, 4:25 p.m.

Denver Broncos2015 record: 12-4Head coach: Gary KubiakOverview: The Broncos won the Super Bowl last season, then Peyton Manning retired. But it wasn't the same Manning we've been accustomed to seeing that drove Denver to that title, it was the great Broncos defense that got most of the credit. Much of that unit, along with coordinator Wade Phillips, is back for another run, meaning even just adequate quarterback play from Trevor Sieman, Paxton Lynch or Mark Sanchez should keep the Broncos in the hunt. Strengths: Despite losing Danny Trevathan and Malik Jackson, Denver's defensive front is still stacked. Super Bowl MVP Von Miller is back on the edge and Derek Wolfe, Sylvester Williams, Vance Walker, Brandon Marshall and Aqib Talib should keep the Broncos defense among the best in the league. Denver also re-signed run-ning back C.J. Anderson, who accounted for much of the offense down the stretch last season.Weaknesses: Questions abound in the post-Peyton era, but the quarterback play wasn't exactly stel-lar last year either (23 interceptions). Whoever winds up as the primary signal caller, he'll still have Demaryius Thomas (105 catches for 1,304 yards) and Emmanuel Sanders (76, 1,135) to throw to. But the depth beyond those two is a concern. The offensive line gelled late last season, but a slew of departures leaves center Matt Paradis as the lone projected starter from the line that started the Super Bowl.

Oakland Raiders2015 Record: 7-9Head coach: Jack Del RioOverview: After fi ve years of building his roster, general manager Reggie McKenzie appears to have a playoff-caliber team and Oakland's run of 13 consecutive non-playoff seasons could come to an end. With Derek Carr under center and defensive ends Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith, the Raiders appear to have stability on both sides of the ball, as well as in the coaching ranks, with head coach Jack Del Rio back for a second season. Carr appears poised to continue his improvement in this, his third season.Strengths: Carr threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns last season and appears comfortable in offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave's system. Rookie Amari Cooper became the fi rst 1,000-yard receiver the Raiders had since Randy Moss, and Michael Crab-tree hauled in 85 catches for 922 yards. And the offensive line returns four starters and adds free-agent Kelechi Osemele. Ken Norton Jr. returns for a second season as defensive coordinator and with Mack (15 sacks last season), the Raiders present one of the league's better pass rushes.Weaknesses: The running game lacks star power and there are questions about whether Latavius Murray, who ran for 1,066 on 266 carries last season, will remain the featured back. Oakland could start the season with new start-ing corners for the fi fth straight year, and there are questions at the safety position as well.

San Diego Chargers2015 record: 4-12Head coach: Mike McCoyOverview: With the hiring of offensive coordinator Ken Wisenhunt, the Chargers are looking to bounce back from their worst season in more than a decade. Despite quarterback Philip Rivers throwing for nearly 4,800 yards (29 touchdowns), San Diego's defi ciencies in so many other aspects of the game were too much to overcome in 2015. That the Chargers will be better this season is almost a given, but just how far they will go comes down to how much better their defense plays and the effectiveness of their offensive line — which was among the weakest in the league.Strengths: Even at 34, Rivers is still considered one of the NFL's top quarterbacks, not only on the fi eld but behind the scenes where he pores over game fi lm. Second-year running back Melvin Gordon had a disappointing rookie campaign, but much of that had to do with shoddy offen-sive-line play. The addition of a true fullback — Derek Watt — could help Gordon have the breakout season that some are expecting. And the return of a healthy Keenan Allen, who missed the last half of last season with an injury, should bol-ster a receiving corps that added Travis Benjamin to help replace Malcolm Floyd.Weaknesses: The offensive line was the biggest defi -ciency last year, and though the team added veteran center Matt Slauson in the offseason, questions remain about how effective the unit can be. Defensively, the linebacker and secondary units project to be middle-of-the-pack at best.

Kansas City Chiefs2015 record: 11-5Head coach: Andy ReidOverview: The Chiefs got off to a 1-5 start last season, but regrouped to run the table in the regular season, thanks in some part to running backs Charcandrick West and Spen-cer Ware, who picked up the slack after Jamaal Charles went out with a torn ACL. It might have been Andy Reid's fi nest job as head coach as Kansas City fi nally won a playoff game, too. Expecta-tions are high that the Chiefs will go even further than last season, but that could hinge on the running game's effec-tiveness (Charles is coming off surgery) and how well the defense holds up without Pro Bowl pass rusher Justin Hous-ton, who's still rehabbing.Strengths: Charles may not be ready to go for Kansas City's opener against the Chargers, but West and Ware — both of whom were signed to extensions in the offseason — proved to be more than adequate back-ups. The pair combined for 10 touchdowns more than 1,000 yards last season. Alex Smith has never been an elite quarterback, but his ability to run helps offset some weak offensive line play. Defensively, Kansas City was able to retain Eric Berry, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Jaye Howard, all of whom hit free agency after last season. Weaknesses: Despite adding Jeremy Maclin, who caught 87 passes for 1,088 yards last season, the wide receiving corps projects to be among the weakest in the league. The offensive line, which improved as the season progressed last year, lost guards Ben Grubbs and Jeff Allen in the offseason and the replacements are a cast of unproven players.

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Dallas Cowboys2015 Record: 4-12Head coach: Jason GarrettOverview: Dallas was pegged as a Super Bowl contender entering the 2015 season, but injuries – most notably to quarterback Tony Romo – wrecked the Cowboys’ chances. This season is off to an ominous start, with Romo expected to miss about half of the year with a broken bone in his back. Dak Prescott, a rookie selected in the fourth round out of Mississippi State, is expected to start in his place. Prescott should at least provide more excitement than any of the three journeyman veterans who started games in place of Romo last season – going a combined 1-11. Strengths: The Cowboys still boast arguably the NFL’s best offensive line, with three start-ers (tackle Tyron Smith, guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick) who were named second-team All-Pros in 2015. Versatile Ezekiel Elliott, the No. 4 overall pick out of Ohio State, is a popular preseason pick for Rookie of the Year. Dez Bryant is one of the NFL’s best wide receivers when healthy, but he appeared in only nine games in 2015 and will be starting this season coming off a concussion. Kicker Dan Bailey was 30-of-32 on fi eld goals last season and did not miss an extra point.Weaknesses: Taking risks on players with character questions has not worked out well lately for the Cowboys, and it has par-ticularly hurt the defense. This season begins with both starting defensive ends – DeMarcus Law-rence and Randy Gregory – set to serve four-game suspensions for substance-abuse violations. Linebacker Rolando McClain faces a 10-game drug suspen-sion and his future in the NFL is in doubt. Greg Hardy is gone after one tumultuous season in Dallas. Aside from Byron Jones, who looks like a rising star at safety, the Dallas secondary is devoid of elite talent.

Philadelphia Eagles2015 Record: 7-9Head coach: Doug PedersonOverview: It feels like 1999 all over again in Philadelphia. That season, new head coach Andy Reid brought in Doug Pederson to be the placeholder quarter-back for a rebuilding Eagles team while fi rst-round draft pick Donovan McNabb watched and learned. Today the Eagles are in full rebuilding mode again, with a high draft pick (No. 2 overall selection Carson Wentz) expected to start the season on the bench, and Pederson is pre-siding over it all as head coach. Just like 17 years ago, eventually achieving respectability would be a worthy goal this year.Strengths: The Eagles were 30th in overall defense last season and the unit has been statisti-cally among the NFL’s fi ve worst in each of the last three seasons, so it would seem strange to call defense a strength. Yet the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz along with the continued development of superstar defensive tackle Fletcher Cox raises hope for sig-nifi cant improvement. Malcolm Jenkins has developed into one of the NFL’s best free safeties. Weaknesses: Sam Bradford managed to start 14 games last season – not bad for a quarter-back with a history of health issues. His play was inconsis-tent, but he was not helped by a mediocre supporting cast that was not signifi cantly upgraded during the offseason. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor, the fi rst-round draft pick in 2015, had a poor rookie campaign and faced sexual-assault accusa-tions in the offseason (he was not charged). Another highly touted young wide receiver, Jordan Matthews, took a step back in 2015 after an encourag-ing debut season. On defense, the linebacking corps is the weak link between the tal-ented front four and improving secondary.

New York Giants2015 Record: 6-10Head coach: Ben McAdooOverview: The Giants were dead last in the NFL in total defense last season after fi nishing 29th in 2014. While the Giants promoted their offensive coordina-tor to succeed long-time head coach Tom Coughlin, their offseason personnel moves were heavily focused on improving that woeful defense. New York drafted a cornerback (Eli Apple, from Ohio State) in the fi rst round, and spent big on signing defensive end Olivier Vernon (from Miami) and defensive tackle Damon Harrison (from the Jets).Strengths: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., entering his third season, is one of the league’s transcendent talents. At 35 years old, Eli Manning has started every Giants game for the past 11 seasons. While he’s now 11th in NFL history in passing yards, he’s also been among the top 10 each of the last six seasons in interceptions thrown, and has twice led the league in that category. With Vernon and Harrison joining Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins, the defensive line suddenly looks very formidable. Weaknesses: Other than Beckham, Manning has a shortage of proven weap-ons on offense. Victor Cruz will return, but he has not played in a real game since October 2014 and is likely to come off the bench. The Giants’ top two draft picks from 2015 – offensive tackle Ereck Flowers and safety Landon Collins – were major disappointments as rookies. Positive development from both players will be keys if the Giants are to rise above mediocrity in 2016.

Washington Redskins2015 Record: 9-7Head coach: Jay GrudenOverview: As their divisional foes put together disappoint-ing season, the Redskins took advantage and grabbed a surprising division title in Jay Gruden’s fi rst season. The bad news is that the last 11 NFC East champions have all failed to repeat the following season. The good news is that Wash-ington has as strong a chance as any of those teams, given the overall weakness in the division. The Redskins were not great in any single category last season but, unlike any of their NFC East brethren, they also did not have any truly glaring weaknesses.Strengths: Kirk Cousins had a breakout 2015 season, fi nish-ing 10th in the NFL in passing yardage and fi fth in quarter-back rating. Cousins and the Redskins failed to reach a long-term contract extension in the offseason, so he may have some extra motivation. Work-ing in Cousins’ favor is one of the best receiving units in the NFL, featuring wide receivers DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder, not to mention tight end Jordan Reed, the New London native who led the team with 87 catches for 952 yards in just 14 games last season. Washington signed outspoken fi rst-team All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, who should dramatically upgrade the secondary.Weaknesses: Alfred Morris is gone to the Cowboys, and it is not clear who will get the bulk of the carries in the Redskins running game. Matt Jones, who averaged a woeful 3.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2015, is atop the running-back depth chart entering the season. The front seven on defense is undistinguished; star line-backer Ryan Kerrigan will look to bounce back after a down season in 2015.

COWBOYS SCHEDULESept. 11 NEW YORK GIANTS, 4:25 p.m.Sept. 18 at Washington, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 CHICAGO, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 2 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 9 CINCINNATI, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 16 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.BYEOct. 30 PHILADELPHIA, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 6 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 20 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.Nov. 24 WASHINGTON, 4:30 p.m.Dec. 1 at Minnesota, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 11 at New York Giants, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 18 TAMPA BAY, 1 p.m.Dec. 26 DETROIT, 8:30 p.m.Jan. 1 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

GIANTS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.Sept. 18 NEW ORLEANS, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 WASHINGTON, 1 p.m.Oct. 3 at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 9 at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 16 BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 at Los Angeles, 9:30 a.m. (Wembley, London)BYENov. 6 PHILADELPHIA, 1 p.m.Nov. 14 CINCINNATI, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 20 CHICAGO, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 11 DALLAS, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 18 DETROIT, 1 p.m.Dec. 22 at Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m.Jan. 1 at Washington, 1 p.m.

EAGLES SCHEDULESept. 11 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.Sept. 19 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 25 PITTSBURGH, 4:25 p.m.BYEOct. 9 at Detroit, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 at Washington, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 6 at New York Giants, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 ATLANTA, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 28 GREEN BAY, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 4 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 WASHINGTON, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Dec. 22 NEW YORK GIANTS, 8:25 p.m.Jan. 1 DALLAS, 1 p.m.

REDSKINS SCHEDULESept. 12 PITTSBURGH, 7:10 p.m.Sept. 18 DALLAS, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 at New York Giants, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 CLEVELAND, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 PHILADELPHIA, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 at Detroit, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 at Cincinnati, 9:30 a.m. (Wembley, London)BYENov. 13 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 GREEN BAY, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 24 at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.Dec. 4 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 11 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.Dec. 19 CAROLINA, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 24 at Chicago, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 NEW YORK GIANTS, 1 p.m.

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21NFC NORTH //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

BEARS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Houston, 1 p.m.Sept. 19 PHILADELPHIA, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 25 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 2 DETROIT, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.Oct. 20 at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 31 MINNESOTA, 8:30 p.m.BYENov. 13 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at New York, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Detroit, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 GREEN BAY, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 WASHINGTON, 1 p.m.Jan 1 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

PACKERS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 25 DETROIT, 1 p.m.BYEOct. 9 NEW YORK GIANTS, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 16 DALLAS, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 20 CHICAGO, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 30 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 INDIANAPOLIS, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 13 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at Washington, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 28 at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 4 HOUSTON, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 SEATTLE, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 18 at Chicago, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

VIKINGS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 GREEN BAY, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 25 at Carolina, 1 p.m.,Oct. 3 NEW YORK GIANTS, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 9 HOUSTON, 1 p.m.BYEOct. 23 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.Oct. 31 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 6 DETROIT, 1 p.m.Nov. 13 at Washington, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 ARIZONA, 1 p.m.Nov. 24 at Detroit, 12:30 p.m.Dec. 1 DALLAS, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 11 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 INDIANAPOLIS, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 CHICAGO, 1 p.m.

LIONS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.mSept. 18 TENNESSEE, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 at Chicago, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 PHILADELPHIA, 1 p.m.Oct. 16 LOS ANGELES, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 WASHINGTON, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 at Houston, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.BYENov. 20 JACKSONVILLE, 1 p.m.Nov. 24 MINNESOTA, 12:30 p.m.Dec. 4 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 CHICAGO, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 at New York Giants, 1 p.m.Dec. 26 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.Jan. 1 GREEN BAY, 1 p.m.

Chicago Bears2015 Record: 6-10Head coach: John FoxOverview: The Bears lost four of their last fi ve games in 2015, erasing some of the early-season improvements they had shown under fi rst-year head coach John Fox. Chicago eagerly awaits the NFL debut of wide receiver Kevin White, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2015 draft who missed the entire season as a result of a stress fracture. Letting Matt Forte walk away marks the end of an era; Forte led the Bears in rushing in each of the last eight seasons.Strengths: Fox is a defense-fi rst coach, and in just one season his Bears defense went from being one of the worst units in football to the middle of the pack. That improvement may well continue with the addition of fi rst-round draft pick Leon-ard Floyd at outside linebacker and third-round selection Jonathan Bullard at defensive end. The Bears also brought in solid veterans Akiem Hicks, Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan to strengthen the front seven. White and Alshon Jeffery could make an elite wide-receiver duo, if both can stay healthy in 2016.Weaknesses: They begin with Jay Cutler, the veteran quarterback who is forever underperforming his lucrative contract. It’s hard to imagine any team exceeding expecta-tions when led by the scowling Cutler. To make matters worse, Cutler has a history of making poor decisions when facing pressure, and the Bears’ offensive line is not good. Neither is the secondary, with past-his-prime Tracy Porter set to start at one cornerback position and question marks at strong safety. Jeremy Langford, a second-year player who aver-aged just 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie, gets the fi rst shot at replacing Forte as the primary ball carrier.

Green Bay Packers2015 Record: 10-6Head coach: Mike McCarthyOverview: The Packers saw their streak of four consecu-tive NFC North titles come to an end in 2015, but the injury to Teddy Bridgewater in Minnesota makes Green Bay the prohibitive favorite to return to the top of the division. Packer fans are eagerly awaiting the return of wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who sat out all last season with a torn ACL. Without Nelson, the Packers dropped to 25th in the NFL in passing offense, snapping a string of 11 consecutive seasons in the top 10.Strengths: With a depleted receiving corps, Aaron Rodg-ers had his worst season statistically in 2015 — yet he remained one of the league’s most feared passers. With the return of Nelson to comple-ment Randall Cobb, Rodgers should be able to direct the kind of uptempo, quick-strike offense that dominated the league in 2014. The offen-sive line, which was also affected by injuries a year ago, is among the best in the NFL when healthy. The Packers’ pass defense made signifi cant strides last year, fi nishing sixth in the league, and young players like cornerback Quinten Rollins and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix should only get better.Weaknesses: Stopping the run has been a consistent problem for the Packers, who have fi nished in the lower half of the league in rushing yards allowed each of the last three seasons. With Clay Matthews moving back to outside line-backer, the inside linebacker spots on the team are up for grabs. The Packers didn’t get much out of the tight end position last year; they’ll hope that free-agent acquisi-tion Jared Cook can help.

Detroit Lions2015 Record: 7-9Head coach: Jim CaldwellOverview: It was a tale of two seasons in Detroit in 2015, as the Lions limped to a 1-7 start before winning six of their fi nal eight games. Much of that improvement could be traced to the play of quarterback Mat-thew Stafford, who responded well to a midseason change in offensive coordinator. The positive feeling heading into the offseason, however, was largely erased by the surprise retirement of wide receiver Calvin Johnson at age 30 – the same age as Barry Sanders when he stunned Detroit fans by taking early retirement. Johnson's loss means that the normally pass-happy Lions offense will have to strive for balance in 2016.Strengths: The Lions had the second-best defense in the NFL in 2014. Attrition on the defense contributed mightily to last year’s disastrous start, but the Lions hope to be stout again in 2016 with the return of linebacker DeAndre Levy to complement second-team All-Pro defensive end Ezekiel Ansah. Darius Slay is a legit No. 1 cornerback and Glover Quin is just two years removed from an All-Pro performance at free safety. The Lions no longer have a truly elite offensive weapon with Johnson gone, but Stafford will still have a multi-tude of options, headlined by wide receiver Golden Tate.Weaknesses: The Lions had the NFL’s worst rushing offense in 2015, and much of the blame goes to an offensive line that failed to open up holes. For the second consecutive year, Detroit used its top draft pick on an offensive lineman, adding tackle Taylor Decker at No. 16; they’ll hope that he does more to help than guard Laken Tomlinson in 2015. The second cornerback spot remains a major question mark.

Minnesota Vikings2015 Record: 11-5 Head coach: Mike ZimmerOverview: This had the potential to be a special season in Minnesota, but the devastating noncontact knee injury suffered by quarterback Teddy Bridge-water changes everything. Now the team will open its $1.1-billion stadium with journeyman Shaun Hill starting at quarterback, and expectations dramatically reduced from just a couple weeks ago. The Vikings will once again have to lean heavily upon 31-year-old Adrian Peterson, who led the NFL in rushing yardage last season for the fourth time in his career.Strengths: Peterson gives defenses something to worry about every week, although with his bruising style, Vikings fans have to wonder how much longer he can be the league’s most dominant back. The Vikings defense has developed into one of the real powerhouses of the NFL. Linebacker Anthony Barr (entering just the third season of his career) and free safety Harrison Smith are both among the very best at their positions, and there are few weak spots anywhere on the defensive unit. Though a nonentity as a wide receiver, Cordarrelle Pat-terson is a threat whenever he gets to return a kick.Weaknesses: Even with Bridgewater, the Vikings passing game was No. 31 in the league in terms of both yards and touch-downs. The receiving corps that will be working with the 36-year-old Hill is undistinguished. The hope is that fi rst-round pick Laquon Treadwell, from Ole Miss, can become a reliable target.

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NFC SOUTH //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

FALCONS SCHEDULESept. 11 TAMPA BAY, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.Sept. 26 at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 2 CAROLINA, 1 p.m.Oct. 9 at Denver, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 16 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 23 SAN DIEGO, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 30 GREEN BAY, 1 p.m.Nov. 3 at Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m.Nov. 13 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.BYENov. 27 ARIZONA, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 18 SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 24 at Carolina, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 NEW ORLEANS, 1 p.m.

BUCCANEERS SCHEDULESept. 11 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Sept. 25 LOS ANGELES, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 2 DENVER, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 10 at Carolina, 8:30 p.m.BYEOct. 23 at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 30 OAKLAND, 1 p.m.Nov. 3 ATLANTA, 8:25 p.m.Nov. 13 CHICAGO, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 SEATTLE, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 4 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 11 NEW ORLEANS, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 at Dallas, 1 p.m.Dec. 24 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 CAROLINA, 1 p.m.

SAINTS SCHEDULESept. 11 OAKLAND, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at New York Giants, 1 p.m.Sept. 26 ATLANTA, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 2 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.BYEOct. 16 CAROLINA, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Oct. 30 SEATTLE, 1 p.m.Nov. 6 at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 13 DENVER, 1 p.m.Nov. 17 at Carolina, 8:25 p.m.Nov. 27 LOS ANGELES, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 DETROIT, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 24 TAMPA BAY, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

PANTHERS SCHEDULESept. 8 at Denver, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 18 SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Oct. 10 TAMPA BAY, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 16 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.BYEOct. 30 ARIZONA, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 6 at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 13 KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m.Nov. 17 NEW ORLEANS, 8:25 p.m.Nov. 27 at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 4 at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 11 SAN DIEGO, 1 p.m.Dec. 19 at Washington, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 24 ATLANTA, 1 p.m.Jan. 1 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

New Orleans Saints2015 Record: 7-9Head coach: Sean PaytonOverview: The Saints had remark-able consistency on defense in 2015 – they were terrible in every phase of the game. New Orleans fi nished 31st in total defense, 31st against the pass and 31st against the run. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan lost his job as a result of the carnage, but salary-cap problems prevented New Orleans from doing much to upgrade the talent on the fi eld. They did spend big to give head coach Sean Payton a contract extension. He’ll have to hope that 37-year-old Drew Brees has another huge season in his old arm.Strengths: New Orleans still has no problem moving the ball (the Saints were second in total offense last season) or putting points on the board (they were eighth). Brees may legitimately be an underrated player at this point in his career – he has become an afterthought in con-versations about the league’s top signal callers despite leading the league in passing yardage last season and fi nishing with the sixth-best quarterback rating. The Saints are very excited about Michael Thomas, the rookie wide receiver out of Ohio State, who was spectacular at times in the preseason. The offensive line is very good.Weaknesses: Addressing the defense will be the main chal-lenge for a Saints team that would like to emerge as a chal-lenger to Carolina. New Orleans tried some upgrades at defensive tackle – drafting Sheldon Rankins from Louisville in the fi rst round and signing veteran Nick Fairley – and they dumped cornerback Brandon Browner following a single horrendous season. We’ll see how much difference those additions and subtractions can make. The backfi eld is a question mark, featuring the often-injured Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller, who looked cooked last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers2015 Record: 6-10Head coach: Dirk KoetterOverview: The Buccaneers entered the fi nal month of the season as playoff contend-ers, with a 6-6 record, before losing their last four and ending up in last place in the division for the fi fth consecu-tive season. Still, there were plenty of positives to take away, especially on offense. In quarterback Jameis Win-ston’s rookie season, Tampa Bay fi nished fi fth in the NFL in total offense. Winston still needs to develop consistency to match his strong arm. The fact that he has excellent talent at his disposal should certainly help.Strengths: After two subpar seasons, Doug Martin burst back on the scene with an All-Pro season, fi nishing second in the league with 1,402 rush-ing yards. His 4.9 yards per carry was second among the league’s top 20 rushers. He’s complemented by third-down back Charles Sims, who had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards as a third-down back. Wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans (both 6 feet 5 inches) are huge tar-gets for Winston and present matchup nightmares for any secondary. Outside linebacker Lavonte David has emerged as one of the best in the game.Weaknesses: The Buccaneers are not real strong at the line of scrimmage on either side of the ball. Pass protection is a concern, particularly with a young quarterback, and the defensive line is mediocre with the exception of defen-sive tackle Gerald McCoy. The secondary has gone through a lot of turnover, and will depend on free-agent acquisition Brent Grimes and fi rst-round draft pick Vernon Hargreaves (No. 11 overall, from Florida) to shore up the cornerback spots.

Atlanta Falcons2015 Record: 8-8Head coach: Dan QuinnOverview: It was a funny 2015 season for fi rst-year head coach Dan Quinn. Inheriting a team that had gone 6-10 with the very worst defense in the NFL in 2014, improving to 8-8 with the 16th-ranked defense should have seemed like a decent result. Yet the Falcons had to have been disap-pointed after getting off to a 6-1 start. It was a down year for quarterback Matt Ryan, who had the worst touch-down-to-interception ratio (21-to-16) of his confounding career.Strengths: Julio Jones is easily among the fi ve best wide receivers in football, and the fact that he led the league in both receptions (136) and receiving yards (1,871) in 2015 made Ryan’s struggles all the more surprising. Jones’ longtime partner at wide receiver, Roddy White, is gone, replaced by free-agent signing Mohamed Sanu. Third-year running back Davonta Freeman rushed for 1,056 yards and caught 73 passes last season, although his production dropped off markedly late in the season. With the addition of center Alex Mack, the Falcons have put together a top-notch offensive line.Weaknesses: The Falcons defense may have over-achieved to get to the middle of the NFL pack this season. The team’s best player on defense is probably corner-back Desmond Trufant, who is often ignored by opposing quarterbacks who pick on the other members of the Falcons secondary. Atlanta fi nished dead last in the NFL in sacks last season with 19, and its hard to imagine 36-year-old offseason addition Dwight Freeney making that much of an impact.

Carolina Panthers2015 Record: 15-1Head coach: Ron RiveraOverview: After a season that ended with a loss in Super Bowl 50, the Panthers are the clear favorites to win their fourth consecutive NFC South championship, and certainly should be in the conversation for another trip to the Super Bowl. Cam Newton may have overwhelmed by the Denver defense in Santa Clara, but before that he staked his claim as one of the best quarter-backs in football. He did so while playing the entire season without the Panthers’ best wide receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, who will be back healthy in 2016. Throw in a defense that was sixth overall last season and you have a potentially dominant team once again – although replacing departed cornerback Josh Norman will not be simple.Strengths: The Panthers’ plus-20 turnover margin was by far the best in football in 2015, and it was a big part of the success for a team that fi nished 11th in total yardage but fi rst in points scored. Led by veteran Jonathan Stewart (989 yards) and with help from Newton (636 yards) plus a physical offensive line, the Panthers were second in the NFL in rushing yardage. The return of Benjamin should help reduce Newton’s reliance in the passing game on Greg Olsen, who might be the best tight end in football not named Rob Gronkowski. The linebacking corps, led by fi rst-team All-Pros Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, is probably the best in football, and defensive end Kony Ealy looked like a superstar in the making during the playoffs.Weaknesses: It will be an adventure in the secondary with Norman gone to Washington and Charles Tillman retired. In their place, the Panthers will start a pair of rookies, James Bradberry and Daryl Worley, at the corners.

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23NFC WEST //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

CARDINALS SCHEDULESept. 11 NEW ENGLAND, 8:30 p.m.Sept. 18 TAMPA BAY, 4:05 p.m.Sept. 25 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Oct. 2 LOS ANGELES, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 6 at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 17 NEW YORK JETS, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 23 SEATTLE, 8:30 p.m.Oct. 30 at Carolina, 4:25 p.m.BYENov. 13 SAN FRANCISCO, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 20 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Nov. 27 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 WASHINGTON, 4:25 p.m. Dec. 11 at Miami, 1 p.m.Dec. 18 NEW ORLEANS, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 24 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.Jan. 1 at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m.

RAMS SCHEDULESept. 12 at San Francisco, 10:20 p.m.Sept. 18 SEATTLE, 4:05 p.m.Sept. 25 at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 2 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 9 BUFFALO, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 16 at Detroit, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 NEW YORK GIANTS (Wembley, London), 9:30 a.m.BYENov. 6, CAROLINA, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 13 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.Nov. 20 MIAMI, 4:05 p.m.,Nov. 27 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 at New England, 1 p.m.Dec. 11 ATLANTA, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 15 at Seattle, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 24 SAN FRANCISCO, 4:25 p.m.Jan. 1 ARIZONA, 4:25 p.m.

SEAHAWKS SCHEDULESept. 11 MIAMI, 4:05 p.m.Sept. 18 at Los Angeles, 4:05 p.m.Sept. 25 SAN FRANCISCO, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 2 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.BYEOct. 16 ATLANTA, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 23 at Arizona, 830 p.m.Oct. 30 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Nov. 7 BUFFALO, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 13 at New England, 8:30 p.m.Nov. 20 PHILADELPHIA, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 27 at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 4 CAROLINA, 8:30 p.m.Dec. 11 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.Dec. 15 LOS ANGELES, 8:25 p.m.Dec. 24 ARIZONA, 4:25 p.m.Jan. 1 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

49ERS SCHEDULESept. 12 LOS ANGELES, 10:20 p.m.Sept. 18 at Carolina, 1 p.m.Sept. 25 at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.Oct. 2, DALLAS, 4:25 p.m.Oct. 6 ARIZONA, 8:25 p.m.Oct. 16 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Oct. 23 TAMPA BAY, 4:05 p.m.BYENov. 6 NEW ORLEANS, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 13 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 20 NEW ENGLAND, 4:25 p.m.Nov. 27 at Miami, 1 p.m.Dec. 4 at Chicago, 1 p.m. Dec. 11 NEW YORK JETS, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 18 at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m.Dec. 24 at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m.Jan. 1 SEATTLE, 4:25 p.m.

Seattle Seahawks2015 Record: 10-6Head coach: Pete CarrollOverview: The Seahawks struggled at times last season coming on the heels of consec-utive Super Bowl appearances, but the team still has plenty of talent and lots of motiva-tion after having taken a step back. The keys to the season will be whether quarterback Russell Wilson can continue to grow into the centerpiece of the offense, with running back Marshawn Lynch retired, and whether an overhauled offensive line can help make that happen.Strengths: Defense is still the calling card of the Seahawks, who have given up the fewest points in the league in each of the past four seasons. Defensive end Michael Bennett, linebacker Bobby Wagner, cor-nerback Richard Sherman and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor are veteran stars who remain in their primes. Wilson’s quarterback rating of 110.1 was the best in the league last season, and Doug Baldwin tied for the NFL lead with 14 touchdown receptions. Second-year player Tyler Lockett stood out last year as a No. 2 receiver and as a kick returner. And while Lynch may be gone, second-year man Thomas Rawls will look to follow up on a season in which he had an eye-popping 5.6 yards per carry in a complementary role.Weaknesses: Wilson managed to have a great season in 2015 despite the extremely shaky play of his offensive line, and that will have to improve. Seattle took guard Germain Ifedi from Texas A&M in the fi rst round of the draft (No. 31 overall) and signed a pair of free agents (Bradley Sowell and J’Marcus Webb) to compete for starting tackle spots. If this patchwork unit can come together and play respectably, watch out.

Arizona Cardinals 2015 Record: 13-3Head coach: Bruce AriansOverview: For a team that was dominant for much of 2015 saw its season end with a loud thud. After being lucky to escape a divisional round playoff game against depleted Green Bay, the Cardinals were trounced in Carolina, an NFC cham-pionship embarrassment. The bitter taste should linger this season, and the Cardinals should be fi lled with urgency given the age of their quarterback (Carson Palmer, 36) and star wide receiver (Larry Fitzgerald, 33). If Arizona is going to win the fi rst Super Bowl in franchise history, this would be the year to do it.Strengths: The 2015 Cardinals were No. 1 in the NFL in total offense and No. 5 in total defense. Palmer enjoyed by far the best season of his career, until falling apart in the playoffs (six intercep-tions in two games). The Cardinals’ wide receiver corps – featuring Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd – has a great mix of size and speed. Running back David Johnson, a rookie last season, was sensational once he started getting regular playing time in the second half of the season. The secondary features two fi rst-team All-Pros in cornerback Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu. The offensive line features a pair of outstanding guards in Mike Iupati and free-agent acquisition Evan Mathis.Weaknesses: The Cardinals failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quar-terbacks in 2015, which is why they traded to get Chan-dler Jones from New England. Another potential concern is the lack of size at the middle linebacker position.

San Francisco 49ers2015 Record: 5-11Head coach: Chip KellyOverview: The 49ers’ 2015 season was a disaster, but with the team’s lack of talent it was a pretty easily foreseen one. So it was somewhat surprising to see fi rst-year coach Jim Tomsula fi red and replaced by Chip Kelly, who left a dumpster fi re behind in Philadelphia. Kelly’s task in San Francisco was not made easier by Colin Kaepernick’s protest of the National Anthem – already Kaepernick’s future with the team had been in doubt and now any move Kelly makes to transition to a different player may be seen as having ulterior motives. All in all, this season could be worse than last.Strengths: Kelly’s uptempo offense likes to feature run-ning backs, and Carlos Hyde is the type of player who could thrive within it. Hyde, however, is in the concussion protocol as the season nears, so his availability is in ques-tion. NaVorro Bowman led the league with 154 tackles in 2015 after missing all of the previous season with a knee injury. He’s the centerpiece of a defense that is rebuilding nicely after suffering massive personnel losses from the Jim Harbaugh days.Weaknesses: Whether the 49ers go with Kaepernick, whose career has been in steady decline, or Blaine Gabbert, whose career never actually ascended, there’s not much reason for optimism with the offense. Torrey Smith, who should be a No. 2 wide receiver at best, enters the season as the No. 1 option. The offensive line is shaky, but the 49ers are hopeful that fi rst-round pick Joshua Garnett (No. 28, Stanford) can help shore things up.

Los Angeles Rams2015 Record: 7-9Head coach: Jeff FisherOverview: The Rams had the worst offense in football in 2015 as Nick Foles failed badly in his one and only season as starting quarterback. In the offseason the Rams gave up a big haul of draft picks to select Jared Goff at No. 1 overall, but Goff will begin the season on the bench while Case Keenum starts. Patience may be wear-ing thin with head coach Jeff Fisher, who has had a losing record in each of his four seasons with the Rams. But at least the team will enjoy an early-season buzz thanks to its return to Los Angeles.Strengths: Running back Todd Gurley was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015, quite the accomplishment in a league where running backs are supposedly becoming irrel-evant. Powerful and elusive, Gurley could soon overtake Adrian Peterson as the premier running back in football. The defensive line, led by third-year superstar Aaron Donald and two-time Pro Bowler Robert Quinn, is one of the best around. And if you’re going to have an unproductive offense, you might as well have a good punter. The Rams have one, in All-Pro Johnny Hekker.Weaknesses: The forward pass is not the Rams’ friend. While they were dead-last in pass-ing offense, they were 10th from the bottom in 2015 in passing defense. In addition to the recent turmoil at the quarterback position, the Rams lack any kind of treat at the wide receiver posi-tion, and they let solid tight end Jared Cook walk in free agency. The secondary also lost two key players (Janoris Jenkins and Rodney McLeod) and will rely on a combination of unproven youngsters and undistinguished veterans. The offensive line is a mess.

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