Texans in great shape, but Colts, Steelers, Broncos among those with many needs
ANALYSIS
By Chris Wesseling
updated 9:59 p.m. ET Feb. 9, 2012
Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all.
But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects entering the 2012 offseason.
Here's a rundown for the AFC. (
The NFC is here.)
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
 |
Stephan Savoia / AP If the Bills could just add a reliable pass rush ... |
2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Pass rush
After jumping out to a surprisingly strong start, the Bills managed just one win in the final nine games due to a crumbling passing game and a porous defense. The backfield is the lone offensive strength after C.J. Spiller?s late-season emergence as a complement to Fred Jackson?s Pro Bowl first half. The Bills remain committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the front office will be tasked with re-signing Stevie Johnson and adding an upgrade over Donald Jones on the opposite side. The primary defensive issue hasn?t changed: Buffalo?s 29 sacks tied for third-lowest in the NFL.
Miami Dolphins
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Marc Serota / Getty Images Don't expect to see Matt Moore under center for Miami much next season. |
2011 record: 6-10
Biggest need: Franchise quarterback
Matt Moore led Miami to six wins in the final nine games, but the front office views him as more of dependable stop-gap as opposed to a long-term solution. Despite owner Stephen Ross? ?infatuation? with Peyton Manning, he?s more likely to end up with Matt Flynn behind a rebuilt offensive line. The Fins boasted one of the league?s elite defenses in the second half of the season. New coordinator Kevin Coyle could use a pass-rushing complement to Cameron Wake and a situational nose tackle to replace free agent Paul Soliai in flex packages.
New England Patriots
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Rob Carr / Getty Images Sterling Moore was a fine fill-in for the Patriots, but New England could use a quality secondary. |
2011 record: 13-3
Biggest need: A quality secondary
Falling one misfire and several drops shy of a fourth Lombardi trophy, the Pats enter the offseason with a short to-do list on offense. They must retain Wes Welker via the franchise tag or a long-term contract and add a vertical threat on the outside. Bill Belichick?s 3-4 defense was strong up the middle in the playoffs, but he needs major reinforcements at cornerback and safety while picking up a pass-rushing outside linebacker. Belichick is one again loaded with draft picks, boasting two each in the first- and second-round.
New York Jets
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Jeff Zelevansky / Getty Images Rex Ryan's got plenty to do between now and September. |
2011 record: 8-8
Biggest need: Antidote to the locker room poison
Rex Ryan enters the 2012 season squarely on the hot seat. It certainly doesn?t help that his offense sits in no-man?s land with a regressing quarterback, a locker room cancer at No. 1 receiver, a pedestrian ground game, and a deteriorating offensive line. In addition to playing peacemaker, Ryan must team with GM Mike Tanenbaum to replace Plaxico Burress, add a backfield playmaker, and infuse the offensive line with young talent while adding a sorely-needed pass rusher and safety on defense.
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More newsOffseason needs for NFC teams
Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
Getty ImagesWesseling: Offseason priorities for AFC teams
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/46332637/ns/sports-nfl/
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