NFL: Each team’s biggest concern heading into 2018
By Peter Panacy
AFC East
Buffalo Bills — Quarterback
The Bills offloaded quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Browns this offseason, opening the door for a somewhat surprising draft pickup of Wyoming’s Josh Allen. Allen, whose accuracy concerns loom, won’t be pressured into starting right away. That job likely falls upon A.J. McCarron, who has just three starts over his four-year career.
With running back LeSean McCoy turning 30 years old before the season begins, head coach Sean McDermott better hope his passing attack shows signs of life quickly.
San Francisco 49ers
Miami Dolphins — Offensive Playmakers
The Dolphins are going through something of a rebuild, so it’s tough to gauge what direction they’ll be heading anytime soon.
After parting ways with running back Jay Ajayi last season, and moving wide receiver Jarvis Landry during the offseason, the Dolphins are going to hurt for offensive playmakers. True, quarterback Ryan Tannehill is back from his 2017 injury. But even he might not be a long-term answer.
Don’t expect slot receiver Danny Amendola to have the same kind of success he enjoyed with the New England Patriots either.
New England Patriots — Pass Rush
It’s not a huge need, but the Patriots could be hurting somewhat within the pass-rush department, particularly off the edge.
Adding veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn this offseason should help fellow DE Trey Flowers. But this group will need to be solid enough together to take the pressure off what was a questionable Pats defense a year ago.
New York Jets — Pass Rush
Gone are the days when the Jets boasted one of the most formidable defensive fronts in the NFL. New York had just 28 sacks a year ago — 28th in the league — and didn’t do too much during the offseason to address the issue.
Perhaps defensive tackle Leonard Williams has a 2018 effort reminiscent of his 2016 Pro Bowl campaign. But that’s going to be a tall order without a standout cast supporting him.