Football is back... almost. Training Camp is underway in late July and fans can start gearing up for another NFL season. This offseason saw a lot of action, from the draft, trades, and free agency. These 12 teams are ones fans should definitely watch during camp and preseason.
1. Quarterback battle in Cleveland
Tyrod Taylor was traded to the Cleveland Browns in March from Buffalo. On the first night of the draft, the Browns selected Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield with the top pick. Since 1999 the Browns have had 28 starting quarterbacks. Both Mayfield and Taylor hope to reverse the team's fortunes. But first, they'll have to compete against each other in training camp. If NFL fans love one thing, it's quarterback controversies and there's one brewing up in Cleveland, Ohio.
2. QB controversy in Philly?
The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have got two aces up their sleeve. Backup Nick Foles led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory after starter Carson Wentz went down with a torn ACL. Wentz was having an MVP type year before his injury. Carson Wentz is the clear starter when fully healthy. Foles will likely take first-team reps until Wentz is ready. Quarterback controversies can be a headache for an NFL locker room. But the Eagles are ready to go with either one of their gunslingers.
3. Houston's returning stars
J.J. Watt and Deshaun Watson both missed a significant amount of time last season, as the Texans went 4-12 in 2017. Injuries have plagued Watt for the last 2 seasons. When fully healthy he's the best defender in the league. Watson proved he belongs in the NFL, throwing 19 touchdowns in 7 games before his knee injury. If both return to the lineup fully healthy, Houston can make some noise in the AFC.
4. Rodgers' resurgence
The Green Bay Packers certainly missed their quarterback, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The return of Aaron Rodgers has Packer fans excited for the fall. A favorable home schedule bodes well for Rodgers and the Pack. The Packers have high hopes in returning to the promised land, and Rodgers can get them there.
5. The Patriots
The Patriots are coming off a Super Bowl loss for the first time since 2011. Brady and Belichick are looking to rebound after a heartbreaking loss. New England will no doubt make the playoffs. How far they go is the question.
6. Alex Smith in D.C.
The NFC East division might be the best division if you judged it by quarterbacks alone. Alex Smith is the newcomer after being traded to Washington from Kansas City. This is Smith's 3rd team in his 14 year NFL career. His playoff experience will be most helpful in the nation's capital.
7. Kansas City's new quarterback
Patrick Mahomes was drafted 10th overall in 2017. In January of 2018, the Chiefs traded Alex Smith to Washington. Mahomes is expected to start for Kansas City in just his second season. Chiefs fans will find out what he's made of this preseason. Head coach Andy Reid has run many different offenses in his career, and he will build this one around Mahomes.
8. The development of Mitchell Trubisky
The Bears first round pick in 2017 has Bears fans excited for football for the first time in a long time. Trubisky impressed fans during his rookie season. The Windy City can expect a rough second year, but the Bears feel good about their new quarterback.
9. Kirk Cousins' New Team
Kirk Cousins got a big payday when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He joins a team that just lost the NFC Championship Game. It goes without saying, the standard is high in the Twin Cities. Cousins and the Vikings want to prove he is worth every penny.
10. The Steelers Le'Veon Bell predicament
The Steelers and Le'Veon Bell failed to reach an agreement before the franchise-tag deadline. The lack of a long-term contract will mean Bell will skip training camp. He will join the team right before week 1 of the season. Without a long-term deal, 2018 will likely be Bell's last season in Pittsburgh.
2018 will be another exciting year of football. It all starts in training camp. Teams set their goals and expectations for the fall. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that football is just around the corner.
