A new year brings new resolutions and goals to keep us moving forward (hopefully). For many NFL teams, it is a time to rest because they are not playing in the postseason, but even those that made it to the playoffs need to set their sights down the road. I mean, teams can’t count on needing just one player to change their luck entirely (isn’t that right, Minnesota Vikings?).
With that being said, let’s take a look at what might be the New Year’s resolutions for teams in the NFC (You can check out what AFC teams need to “resolve” to do here: https://bit.ly/2RqZ8Y0).
Keep in mind, most of them probably need to set A LOT of new goals, but let’s start with one.
Dallas Cowboys
A new general manager. Jerry Jones meddles too much and is a hell of an armchair quarterback for someone who never played quarterback. He needs to just be the owner. The team will be better off.
New York Giants
Teddy Bridgewater might be an attractive quarterback to acquire. Maybe Nick Foles. Either way, Eli Manning needs to be told his better days are behind him and stop trying to get water from a desert.
Philadelphia Eagles
When your leading runner barely had 500 yards for the season, that’s not a rushing attack, that’s a meandering offense that’s lucky only one quarterback got hurt.
Washington Redskins
Two quarterbacks with broken legs and one who may never come back. Don’t call Teddy Bridgewater. Tell Nick Foles to enter the amount on the paycheck and sign it. I’m not saying he’s the savior, but he’s the best one who is going to be out there.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL. If he had an offensive line to protect him, he would be able to prove it.
Minnesota Vikings
This is strictly a family matter. Perhaps they should reach out to second Kirk Cousins because the first one has been an $84 million disappointment.
Detroit Lions
Remember when Matt Patricia was getting all the hype after coming from the New England Patriots? How’s that working out?
Chicago Bears
If the Bears add any more depth to their defense, they may play the Texans to a 0-0 tie. But, since Mitch Trubisky has been good but inconsistent, having an elite defense should give him the confidence to make a few mistakes and some additional reps.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons need a healthy team. Their offense improved in almost every way from 2017, but they still finished 7-9. A healthy offensive line and running back could make the team more dangerous in 2019.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers need better luck. In 2018, they lost seven games by one score or less, including two games by a field goal or less. Better luck and a healthy team get them in the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints
They need to make Drew Brees stop having birthdays (see Tom Brady in my AFC article).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They have the worst winning percentage of all North American sports at .385, so to say it’s the immature quarterback’s fault is missing the point. They have no energy. So for franchise’s sake, the Buccaneers need to resolve to make some kind of splash that makes them worth watching. How about Brian Kelly as head coach?
Arizona Cardinals
I honestly believe Mike McCarthy should go to the New York Jets to help raise Sam Darnold into a man of a quarterback. If he passes that one, Arizona might not be bad with a young quarterback with a chip on his shoulder. It worked out well for everyone the last time McCarthy had that opportunity with a young Aaron Rodgers.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers need to hope for very healthy returns, particularly of Jimmy Garoppolo. He’s happily making tens of millions with a very small resume (it’s good if you can get it), but could easily become a bust if his knee doesn’t heal.
Los Angeles Rams
Todd Gurley got tackled once and Jared Goff missed a couple passes. Maybe they just need to attend an extra practice??
Seattle Seahawks
They need to resolve to find a way to stop the run. They ranked 30th this season against the run and nothing drains a defense more than getting pounded (and beat) in the trenches.
Last Word
It may sound like a broken record for most teams, but many of them lack the depth to protect themselves when one or two key players get hurt. That’s where the draft comes into play, and why teams need to look at the bigger picture, and not just a couple of big names.
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