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Mike Munchak downplays hype, says 'I see myself as a teacher' By Mike Klis 9NEWS May 26, 2019

For years, the biggest gripe about the Broncos has been their offensive line.

Aside from the head coaches and , of course.

But even in their 50 season, the Broncos’ offensive front was considered their weak link. Fair or not.

Broncos’ general manager shared these concerns. He revamped his O-line this offseason by signing Ja’Wuan James to the league’s richest right tackle contract and drafting left guard Dalton Risner in the second round.

Elway’s biggest move, though, was hiring away renowned offensive line coach Mike Munchak from the Steelers.

Munchak drew the greatest buzz – unusual for a position coach – and therefore comes in with that “hired gun” aura. Does he feel it?

"Not really. I’m here to do a job and I love what I do. I see myself as a teacher," Munchak said in a sit- down interview with 9News. "I understand the game. I’ve played it, I’ve coached it. I’ve been around a long time. Learned a lot of lessons by winning and losing, unfortunately. So I hope I can pass this along to this group of guys.

"And coming in, it’s fun. I get to come in and help develop a whole new offense together as a group, a new staff of coaches, get to know the players and then fit what’s best for them.

"I think coach Vic (Fangio) has done a great job with the way it’s been set up. We have a lot of meeting time, a lot of on-field time so I feel good about the direction we’re heading."

Munchak came very close to getting the Broncos’ top coaching position before finishing second to Fangio. After interviewing five candidates for the position, Elway spent nearly two full days deliberating between Fangio and Munchak before settling on the Bears’ .

The Broncos are lucky that any potential awkwardness or tension between Munchak and Fangio was alleviated in large part by their shared extensive experience with the game’s triumphs and failures, hirings and firings.

Win or lose, those who survive in the NFL never look back at burned bridges. Only ahead with shrugged shoulders.

"I thought about calling him when we were both interviewing," Munchak said. "Obviously, we’re from near the same hometown area and I’ve watched him for a long time. I know what a great job he’s doing with defenses, so a part of me wanted to call him – there’s some competitiveness to this whole thing, and we both had a great opportunity.

"Obviously, I thought he was very deserving of getting the job and doing his thing. It just worked out in a very unique way to have an opportunity to be able to come in and work with him."

Fangio, who will turn 61 two days before the Broncos’ third preseason game against the Rams, is from Dunmore, Pa. Munchak, 59, is from the neighboring town of Scranton, which “The Office” TV series and Dunder Mifflin paper supply company made famous.

Despite his roots to Pennsylvania – he played at Penn State before becoming a Hall of Fame guard for the Houston Oilers – Munchak and his wife, Marci, wanted to re-settle in the Denver area so they could be near their daughter, who moved here three years ago, and her family.

Ben Roethlisberger was aware of how family was tugging on Munchak’s heartstrings, which is why the Steelers’ stated his fear of losing the team’s offensive line coach at the end of the 2018 season.

Big Ben’s fear was realized.

"A lot of things came together at the right time," said Munchak, who had also been with the Houston Oilers/ from 1982-2013 as a player, assistant coach and head coach. "I think this league and jobs are about timing. I loved my time in Pittsburgh. I’m from Pennsylvania. I hadn’t been around Pennsylvania for a long, long time and one of the things that brought me back there was family. So this was an opportunity where my contract was up and I had an opportunity in a place where my daughter is here, my granddaughter.

"I spent a lot of time in Denver the last couple years. I always knew that if an opportunity came up, it would make sense football-wise and with having family here it went well together. It just fit perfectly. A perfect storm type of thing for me and for all of us.

"And then the organization. I knew when I interviewed here, I knew what John Elway was doing here. I knew from having played here I knew the fan base is awesome. The following they have. It made the decision easy when the time came."

And then Munchak checked himself. He doesn’t talk much but when he does he is expansive while going nowhere near controversy, a trait he no doubt learned from his three seasons as the Titans’ head coach.

"It was hard," he said in the next breath. "It’s hard to leave guys you’ve worked with and as a coach, the players. That’s always the hard part. Hopefully you maintain those relationships, but this was a great challenge and made sense to be here and I’m excited to be here."

OK, then, coach Munchak, let’s see what you can do with Garett Bolles. The Broncos’ left tackle was a first-round pick, No. 20 overall, in 2017. And though he has flashed a unique athletic skill set and has improved considerably the past two years, holding penalties have been his millstone.

Can Munchak get Bolles to play consistently?

"I hope so. He’s going into his third year. And for an offensive lineman obviously a lot is expected of a first- round draft choice," Munchak said. “But the thing is he’s had a couple – I’ll be his three O-line coach in three years. People don’t realize how hard that is on the development of a player. So hopefully I can stay with him for a while and we can develop something.

"But he has obviously great skills. He’s a great athlete, can do a lot of things for ya. He’ll fit really well in this offense. So I’m enjoying our relationship. Getting to know each other. Getting to know what he does well, how I can help him going forward. Because there’s really nothing he can’t do."

It’s not just about Bolles, though. Munchak’s reputation is he better than anyone else has the ability to get five guys to block as one.

Block together and then the individual honors will come. In each of the past two seasons, the Steelers had three offensive linemen named to the in guard David DeCastro, guard David DeCastro and center .]

Thanks to Munchak’s offensive front, Roethlisberger and Steelers’ quarterbacks ranked 29th and 30th the past two years in sacks allowed while ranking 2nd and 3rd in passing yards. There were two Pro Bowl running backs – Le’Veon Bell in 2017 and James Conner last year.

Munchak must now incorporate his coaching, along with assistant Chris Kuper, with Rich Scangarello, the Broncos’ new who favors the zone-blocking running game. It’s the type of system Munchak taught in Tennessee for eight seasons over two terms with offensive coordinator . But it’s been a while.

"It’s fun. I love it. Great memories," Munchak said. "It’s a lot of the same things I’ve done. And we’ve done some of the same things in Pittsburgh. Obviously not to the same level. But Rich has made it a really fun offense.

"I think it matches up well – it’s very tough on a defense to get a bead on what you’re doing. You try to take advantage of what they’re giving you. You get a lot of the same looks when you’re running different plays. So I think that’s offensive line friendly. As an offensive line coach and offensive lineman, there’s a lot of stuff in there that really helps get our job done. A lot of it uses the athleticism I think our group has."

During his interview with 9News, Munchak was asked about two other offensive linemen who will start.

On center Connor McGovern, who was drafted as a guard, and broke in as a right guard before moving to center following ’ injury in the second-half of last season: “From the time we started spending time together in the building he’s been really positive. Really excited about his opportunity.

"He wasn’t sure what was going to happen (this offseason). Is he playing center, is he playing guard? I think it played out where he’s playing the position I think he’s best at. I think now that he knows what’s expected of him, what he has to do, I think he’ll continue to grow. He’s a young player that has so much upside.

"And like you said there’s a lot put on him. He has to help the guys around him. Every play is not on him, but he has to get us on the right page, get us in the right protection, make the right calls. As the guy holding the ball he gets everything started and he understands that and I think he’s excited for the opportunity."

On taking Risner the first chance the team got in the second round of the draft: "He’s just a football player. He’s a good-looking kid, size-wise. Long arms. In that 315(-pound) range. Athletic.

"And he’s confident. I loved his confidence when I met him. And I think he brings a little energy to the room, to the building, to the team. And we all thought he would be a great fit for us if we got an opportunity to draft him."

The players so far have spoken about their new offensive line coach in glowing terms.

"Munchak is fantastic," McGovern said. "He gets it. There are a lot of coaches that played a couple of years in the league or played college ball and got hurt and then got into coaching. He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s seen every look. He’s played against great guys. He knows what it takes to beat anybody. He played against fantastic defensive linemen. Just his knowledge of the game and the little nuances that a lot of O-Linemen don’t event see and definitely the everyday person wouldn’t see, he’s so good at."

If Munchak can do for the Broncos’ offensive line what he did for the Steelers’ front, Denver's followers will have to find another group to complain about.

Woody Paige: Denver's current V.J. head coach is much better than the last V.J. By Woody Paige Colorado Springs Gazette May 26, 2019

As English poet John Gower would suggest, V.J. and V.J. are as dissimilar as cheese and chalk.

Their first head coaching appointments have been with the Broncos, but Victor John (Fangio) and Vance Joseph are worlds and wisdom separated.

Think the late Robert Miller and Josh McDaniels, who became first-time leaders of football men in Denver. Red guided the Broncos to their inaugural Super Bowl with a 14-3 record in the regular and postseason; the latter, in his brief visit before being brusquely fired, lost 17 of his final 22 games. has proven to be no-nonsense, pragmatic and professional in his first OTAs (organized team activities) after Vance Joseph ran a disorganized, nonsensical and extended series of offseasons.

Jim Harbaugh once said of Fangio: “He will be remembered as one of the all-time great defensive coordinators,’’ as Joe Collier and before him. Joseph, who is with the Cardinals now, won’t be remembered.

The firing of Joseph and the hiring of Fangio are a difference-maker and a game-changer.

It’s easy to see the contrast at Dove Valley and felt throughout Colorado.

Fangio shows up at an Aurora fire station, Nuggets and Rockies games, speaking events for high school coaches and casual breakfasts at Snooze with longtime lady friend Kathy.

Joseph was basically a no-show during his two years. He already had brought a checkered past from his stay in Boulder and kept the lowest profile in Denver for a variety of reasons. The last of Joseph’s rare public appearances occurred after he was dumped. A video of Vance and “Johnny Be Bad’’ Bowlen at a downtown “adult’’ club revealed the pair acting as juveniles.

Fangio is the guy in cargo shorts and a gray T-shirt you’d invite to the neighborhood Memorial Day picnic. “Vic, would you flip the burgers? How ‘bout the Broncos?’’ He’d fix your garage door as he has 49ers and Bears defenses. Vic is as comfortable in his skin and his role as he is during practices and in his coaching outfit that looks like he had nothing else left to wear in the closet. The late Vic Sr., who owned a tailor shop in Scranton, Pa., would be so proud of his son, except for his clothing choices.

Joseph always arrived at games in the most recent, most fashionable Broncos’ gear after declaring: “We had a great week of practice.’’ He compiled an 11-21 record.

Vance had been a defensive coordinator for one average season with the Dolphins. Vic has been an NFL coordinator since 1995.

Miller had served as a career assistant until finally getting a head job when he believed there was no chance. Fangio had the same belief when he was a failed finalist for the Chargers’ head coaching position. Only 23 more seasons as an assistant were required. He will turn 61 in August.

Memorial Monday will be Fangio’s 138th day in office. His on the west side of the second floor of the franchise headquarters overlooks the fields and the massive indoor facility from the second floor on the west side of the headquarters. On a clear day Vic can view snow-capped mountains and his vision of a bright future for the Broncos. He didn’t come here to lose.

Which may be one of the reasons the coach doesn’t mind saying out loud that the team’s best player, can do better, or offering a negative review of a recently signed free agent from a defunct league or a former Broncos’ player just reacquired in a trade.

Yet, every — yes — every player who takes the interview podium praises Fangio and his defensive schemes, coaching style and business approach to training. No time or motions are wasted as Vic strides from defensive position group to quarterback drills. As someone who has covered the Broncos since 1974, the serious Fangio workouts remind me of Miller, , John Fox, and a somewhat surly . The Broncos reached Super Bowls with all five.

There’s no dancing or irrational behavior by a , circa Brandon Marshall 2009, swatting away a pass and kicking a football during practice.

One Arizona mediarite (or wrong) characterized Vance Joseph as “a perfect fit for the Cardinals” because of his intensity. Good luck and good riddance.

This V.J. is vastly superior to that V.J.

Sacco Sez: Cast your vote for the Broncos Top 100 By Staff DenverBroncos.com May 26, 2019

As we approach the end of May, we're also nearing the end of online fan voting for the ' Top 100 Team.

What is the Broncos Top 100? Quite simply, it's a list of the 100 greatest players to ever suit up for this storied franchise.

It is easy to vote: just go to DenverBroncos.com/forms/broncos100.

To be clear: Fans do not to need to vote for 100 players, which might be a bit intimidating for some or even most.

You can vote for as many or as few that you deem worthy of being on the team's all-time list.

We have already received nearly 5,000 votes, and it really does not matter if the players you select are as famous as our 32 (soon to be 33) Ring of Famers, or if they are obscure and not known by many people.

I can assure you I have heard of the player, and so has Andrew Mason, our Senior Digital Reporter.

We are both honored to join our fans on the selection committee, and while I know there will be universal agreement on many of our greats, there will also some discussions and comparisons of lesser-known players.

After all, this is the Denver Broncos' 60th year of play, and a lot of guys have suited up in that time, giving their blood, sweat and tears to help grow this franchise from the humblest of beginnings to the championship contender status that we have enjoyed since 1977.

Denver's first year of play was 1960, when the Broncos joined the other seven original League teams in the league's inaugural season.

Books have been written about the beginnings of the AFL, so we won't try to compete historically right now, but suffice it to say that every player who ever signed a contract and came to camp had high hopes and did his best to be a pro football player and make the Broncos better in the process.

And if one of those players is remembered only by you, that still counts for a lot.

We want to hear from you with that name, and with all the others you want to include.

Do not worry about spelling, or about the statistical history of the individual. I guarantee every one will be considered and compared to every other.

There is no set limit on how many will be chosen at each position, and we will not try to rank them in order.

As Pro Football Hall of Fame member once said to a group that included me, "The Hall of Fame is a place where no quarterback can get away from me — and I cannot catch any quarterback, because we are all equals in the Hall."

So too will they be equals the Broncos' Top 100.

It is a list of 100, and every player cannot make it, but the starting point to who makes the list is dependent largely upon your vote.

This is an exciting part of our anniversary celebration for both our 60th year and the 100th anniversary season of the .

The game does not exist without its great fans, and I encourage you to take part in this anniversary season by casting your ballot for the Denver Broncos' Top 100 Team before June 1.

Opinion: List of issues for NFL's next collective bargaining agreement overshadowed by one thing. By Jarrett Bell USA Today May 26, 2019

Maybe it was an omen. The NFL and NFL Players Association announced an agreement last Monday that bolsters support for health, safety and wellness for players, striking a collaborative tone that can hardly be taken for granted when considering the history of discord between the sides.

If only they can strike the next labor deal with such harmony.

We’ll see.

Two years remain on the marathon 10-year collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players. Apparently, they are nowhere near striking an extension – or signaling that another work stoppage is on the horizon.

Hey, it’s early. At least they’re talking.

"We’ve got a long way to go,” , the co-owner who chairs the NFL’s primary labor negotiating committee, told USA TODAY Sports during the league meetings in Miami this week. “There’s a willingness on both sides to have continued conversation.”

Mara said the last meeting occurred in New York two weeks ago and that he remains optimistic that they will be able to avoid the type of twists that came with the last deal: owners pulled the trigger on the longest lockout in league history, players decertified as a union and the courtroom became a riveting battleground with marquee man one of the named plaintiffs in a suit against the NFL.

NFL exploring painkilling alternatives — including marijuana By Ben Volin Boston Globe May 26, 2019

When the NFL and NFL Players Association announced the creation of a “Joint Pain Management Committee” this past week, which will “conduct research concerning pain management and alternative therapies,” a lot of ears perked up.

“Pain management” and “alternative therapies” are usually code words for one product: marijuana.

The NFL has been testing for marijuana and suspending players since the 1980s. But with marijuana now fully legal in 10 states, and the ravages of opioids and other addictive painkillers now well-established, could it be that the NFL is considering doing away with marijuana testing? Or, even more drastically, is the NFL ready to embrace marijuana as an “alternative therapy?”

“It’s much broader than that,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Of course they will look at what role medical marijuana can have in [pain management]. That’s something that will be part of their studies. But it is much broader than that.”

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, said this new committee has been created to compile research on the benefits and effects of marijuana, but also for other alternative therapies. “We’ve charged the committee with looking at any and all strategies for treating pain,” Sills said. “Marijuana, cannabinoids, CBD, those things will be on the list. But I think many times there’s a narrative that says, ‘If I have severe pain, I’m either going to take opioids or marijuana, those are the only two strategies.’ And that’s absolutely wrong.

“There are many other treatment strategies — some that are not medicine — that can be used to treat both acute and chronic pain. So we want this committee to holistically look at all of those alternatives and tell us what’s best.”

The NFL’s attitudes on marijuana have already softened in recent years. In 2014, the NFL reduced the penalties for marijuana, with players not facing suspension until their fourth failed test (two failed tests for all other recreational drugs). Now the NFL appears to be a step closer to completely “decriminalizing” marijuana with this announcement that it will be conducting this medical-based study.

“We’re asking them to look at all of these strategies, marijuana and the others,” Sills said of the pain management committee. “What does the evidence show us? How effective is it? What are the side effects? What are the potential downsides? How could it intersect with performance? And bring back recommendations on that. I think it’s really important to go where the science takes us here.”

But one NFL owner said to pump the brakes. The NFL won’t be the first professional league to end its marijuana testing just yet. “We may get there. I think some owners certainly have softened on it a little bit,” the owner said. “But I think we’re a long way from deciding we’re not going to test anymore. I think most people would say, ‘Let’s hear from our medical experts about what we’re doing here, whether we’re causing more problems than we’re solving.’ ”

Of course, the worst-kept secret about the NFL’s marijuana testing is that it is mostly toothless. Players who are not in the league’s drug program get tested once per year for recreational drugs, and once they pass, they are free to smoke at will.

The test comes sometime between April 20 and Aug. 9, but almost always in the first two weeks of training camp. It’s considered an “intelligence test” more than anything, because players know it’s coming.

Recently retired defensive end Chris Long said this past week that if not for smoking marijuana throughout his career, “I’m not as capable of coping with the stresses of the day-to-day NFL life.”

“Testing players once a year for ‘street drugs,’ which is a terrible classification for marijuana, is kind of silly because, you know, players know when the test is,” Long said on “The Dan Patrick Show.” “If you’re serious about players not smoking, you’d be testing more often. I hope they go the opposite direction and kind of realize how arbitrary doing that one test a year is.”

But that’s the other little secret about the NFL’s drug policy — the league really isn’t too concerned with players smoking weed.

Goodell and the owners know it’s counterproductive to take star players like Ricky Williams and Josh Gordon off the field just because of an affinity for marijuana. And they know that a significant portion of the league is using it.

The current policy is mostly for show. A stricter policy doesn’t help anyone. But there’s a big difference from having a wink-nod drug testing agreement, and fully removing marijuana from the banned list altogether.

“Most of us still want to hear from the medical people before we make any determinations or assessments one way or the other,” the owner said.

It’s also possible that the owners fully intend to do away with marijuana testing, but are playing coy about it due to upcoming negotiations with the NFLPA on a new collective bargaining agreement. The NFLPA hasn’t asked for concessions on marijuana testing yet in their two formal bargaining sessions, but the owners are expecting that the union will. The current CBA runs out in the spring of 2021.

In the meantime, the NFL’s policies aren’t exactly preventing players from using marijuana. But the NFL is not close to recommending marijuana and related products for pain management, and is not close to removing it from the list of banned substances.

“I think the science has unfortunately lagged behind a lot of the popular opinion and press on this, meaning we have a lot more opinion than science on the use of marijuana for pain,” Sills said. “But it’s something where I hope the science will catch up and I hope that this committee can help again support research that advances that question.”

Every NFL Team's To-Do List for Rest of Offseason By Kristopher Knox Bleacher Report May 26, 2019

The primary building phase of the NFL offseason is over. The excitement of free agency and the draft has faded. This doesn't mean, however, that teams are even close to being prepared for the 2019 season.

There are goals that need to be accomplished before teams can even begin preparing for the regular season. Rosters must be evaluated, schemes must be installed, and areas of need must be addressed prior to training camps and the preseason.

What does each squad need to do before the preseason arrives? That's precisely what we're here to examine.

Arizona Cardinals

• Install 's offense • Prepare to be a rookie starter • Establish chemistry among the receiving corps • Solidify the offensive line

The are going all in on the offensive creativity of new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. They used the first overall pick in the draft to get him his preferred quarterback, Kyler Murray, and they drafted wideouts Andy Isabella and to support him.

Installing and fine-tuning Kingsbury's offense has to be the top goal of the offseason. Preparing Murray to start as a rookie is part of that, as is developing the new-look receiving corps and establishing chemistry between it and Murray.

Improving the play of the offensive line must also be a primary goal. Josh Rosen was sacked 45 times in just 14 games last season, and Arizona cannot expect Murray to be an upgrade at quarterback if he's under similar pressure.

Atlanta Falcons

• Solidify the offensive line • Sign Julio Jones to a contract extension • Establish defensive depth • Settle the backup plan at RB

The didn't see star wideout Julio Jones in early OTAs, which isn't surprising. Jones is entering the second-to-last year of his contract and is seeking a new deal.

"I'm confident that something will get done one way or the other," general manager Thomas Dimitroff said, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "If it doesn't, we have a year to continue to talk about it."

Really, the Falcons should get a deal done now and completely avoid any potential contract drama during the season.

Atlanta also needs to solidify the offensive line and find a new running mate for Devonta Freeman after Tevin Coleman signed with the in free agency.

Developing defensive depth is also paramount. Injuries to Deion Jones and safety were directly responsible for some of Atlanta's struggles in 2018.

Baltimore Ravens

• Prepare to be a No. 1 receiver • Establish a backfield rotation • Create a pass-rushing plan • Continue developing

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was dangerous as both a runner and a passer as a rookie. While his running ability isn't going anywhere, he needs to grow more as a passer to get the most out of him in Year 2.

Part of the equation is developing rookie receiver Marquise Brown into Jackson's No. 1 target. Brown is a threat to score almost any time he touches the ball, but it will take time to adjust to the physicality and nuances of the pro game.

Baltimore must also determine how to best utilize its new collection of running backs. Mark Ingram was added in free agency, and the team drafted Justice Hill.

Defensively, the Ravens need to find replacements for departed pass-rushers and Za'Darius Smith.

Buffalo Bills

• Establish the receiving corps • Work on Josh Allen's negative tendencies • Prepare to be the backup QB • Determine LeSean McCoy's successor

Preparing quarterback Josh Allen for his sophomore season is the main offseason goal for the . If Allen is going to take a step forward, however, he's going to have to improve as a passer and dump his desire to take off and run and to `initiate contact.

If the Bills can get Allen to play a little less backyard football, he'll be able to take advantage of receiver additions John Brown and Cole Beasley. Getting them up to speed in the offense is another offseason goal.

While readying Allen for the season, Buffalo needs to prepare undrafted quarterback Tyree Jackson to be his backup. The two are similar players, and it's Jackson—not journeyman Matt Barkley—who is best suited to take over if Allen gets injured.

The Bills also need to start preparing for life without 30-year-old LeSean McCoy. Whether it happens this season or further the road, he is going to need replacing at some point.

Carolina Panthers

• Get into playing shape • Establish a backup plan at RB • Get Greg Little ready for the NFL • Prepare Brian Burns to be a rookie starter

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton underwent shoulder surgery after the 2018 season. Will he be back to 100 percent in time for this season? That's a question the Panthers need to answer and then plan for if the answer isn't a definitive yes.

Carolina also has to figure out how to take some of the workload off of running back Christian McCaffrey. Whether it's Cameron Artis-Payne or a rookie like , someone needs to help ensure that McCaffrey is still fresh late in the season.

Speaking of rookies, the Panthers need to bring both pass-rusher Brian Burns and offensive lineman Greg Little up to speed. Burns is expected to be one of the team's top pressure-producers from Day 1. Little may not start right away, but if he's able to improve the line sooner rather than later, that will be a major offensive boon.

Chicago Bears

• Establish a backfield rotation • Continue developing • Integrate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix into the defense • Find a reliable kicker

Tarik Cohen is likely to start the season as the ' lead running back. However, Chicago needs to figure out how guys like Mike Davis and rookie David Montgomery fit into the rotation. Chicago should again lean heavily on its defense and running game in 2019.

That defense now includes former and Washington Redskins safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Fitting him into the secondary and preparing him for Week 1 is the biggest priority on that side of the ball.

While third-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky showed signs of progress in 2018, there is still room for him to improve as a passer. If he can work on his touch and consistency, the Bears offense will be more balanced this season than it was a year ago.

Oh, and Chicago needs to find a reliable kicker. See how its postseason ended for the reason why.

• Install 's offense • Establish a backup plan at QB • Solidify the offensive line • Keep Joe Mixon and A.J. Green healthy

Former quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor is the new head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. Getting his offensive system installed has to be the first and biggest goal of the offseason. The Bengals have weapons, like receiver A.J. Green and running back Joe Mixon; they just have to figure out how to best utilize them.

Of course, keeping guys like Green and Mixon healthy heading into the season also has to be an important goal. Injuries were one of the biggest problems for Cincinnati in 2018.

Quarterback dealt with his own injuries last season, so the Bengals must establish a sound backup plan—plus, there's no guarantee that Taylor will want to keep Dalton around past this season if he doesn't perform well.

Improving an offensive line that was inconsistent in 2018 will go a long way toward getting Dalton to play at a high level. Football Outsiders ranked the Cincinnati line 19th in adjusted sack rate and 22nd in adjusted line yards for 2018. Fortunately, the addition of rookie first-rounder should help.

Cleveland Browns

• Set realistic expectations • Establish chemistry in the passing game • Identify a starting and starting guard

Thanks to offseason additions like superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Sheldon Richardson and defensive end Olivier Vernon, the have high expectations for the first time in a long time. Goal No. 1 for the offseason has to be ensuring those expectations remain realistic, however. Gunning for the Super Bowl when the Browns haven't even had a winning season since 2007 could be a recipe for disaster.

Now that Freddie Kitchens is the permanent head coach, the Browns need to further develop his passing attack. This means getting more out of quarterback and establishing chemistry with new weapon Beckham.

Cleveland must also find a replacement for standout guard Kevin Zeitler, who was traded to the New York Giants, and identify a reliable starting cornerback to play opposite Denzel Ward.

Dallas Cowboys

• Keep healthy • Give and contract extensions • Prepare for the offensive coordinator role

A large part of the ' remaining offseason involves extensions. The team needs to get new deals done with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper to ensure that contract drama doesn't hang over the offseason.

While Ezekiel Elliott is also eligible for a new deal, a bigger priority is keeping him healthy. Even good running backs are replaceable, but Elliott is a huge part of the offense, and he'll be asked to carry a significant load in 2019.

Getting former quarterback Kellen Moore ready for life as an offensive coordinator is another goal. He has experience with the franchise, but he spent just one season as quarterbacks coach before being promoted to his current position.

Denver Broncos

• Instill confidence in • Establish Drew Lock as the backup • Prepare to be a rookie starter • Ensure Phillip Lindsay is ready for the season

If the Denver Broncos are going to get back into the postseason in 2019, it will likely happen with veteran Joe Flacco under center. He was acquired via trade but then watched as the Broncos drafted his eventual replacement in Missouri's Drew Lock.

It's fair to say Flacco may already feel threatened.

"As far as a time constraint and all of that stuff, I'm not worried about developing guys or any of that, Flacco said, per Scott Gleeson of USA Today. "That is what it is."

The Broncos need to make Flacco feel comfortable as the starter so that he can focus fully on the coming season. At the same time, though, they need to develop Lock as injury insurance for the 34-year-old quarterback.

Denver also needs to prepare rookie Noah Fant to be a significant piece of the passing attack. Ensuring Pro Bowl running back Phillip Lindsay, who suffered a wrist injury late last season, is ready to go is another big priority.

Detroit Lions

• Further implement Matt Patricia's defense • Prepare T.J. Hockenson to be a rookie starter • Identify a primary pass-rusher • Settle on a backfield rotation

The hiring of Matt Patricia as head coach was supposed to help improve the defense almost immediately, However, we only saw glimpses of a playoff-caliber unit in 2018. With pieces like defensive end Trey Flowers and cornerback Justin Coleman now on board, the team should be poised to take another step on that side of the ball.

Installing more of Patricia's concepts in Year 2 is one goal, and identifying who will take over for Ezekiel Ansah as the team's primary pass-rusher is another.

Offensively, the Lions need to determine how the backfield rotation will work. showed flashes as a rookie but had his season ended prematurely due to a knee injury. C.J. Anderson, and Theo Riddick are also on the roster.

Getting rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson ready for the pro level will go a long way toward getting more out of quarterback . Hockenson has the potential to be one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends from Day 1.

Green Bay Packers

• Keep healthy • Integrate new defensive pieces • Install Matt LaFleur's offense • Grant Mike Daniels a contract extension

As Aaron Rodgers goes, so go the Green Bay Packers—at least, that's been the trend in recent years. This is why keeping Rodgers healthy while getting him up to speed in new head coach Matt LaFleur's offense is priority No. 1.

On the other side of the ball, the Packers need to incorporate their new defensive toys. , Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith were all added in free agency. Green Bay also used first-round picks on edge-rusher and safety . The defense is poised to make a significant jump, but only if it operates as a true unit.

On the contract front, Green Bay needs to get a new deal done with defensive end Mike Daniels. He's one of the top up-and-coming defenders in the league and is entering the final year of his contract. While Gary could be viewed as his eventual replacement, the Packers would be better off having both in their future plans.

Houston Texans

• Solidify the offensive line • Establish a backfield rotation • Improve 's habits • Extend

For the , this season is going to be all about protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson was sacked an alarming 62 times in 2018, and that cannot happen again if Houston expects him to stay on the field.

This means improving the offensive line that allowed so many sacks and getting Watson to stop taking so many unnecessary hits. Supporting Watson with a strong running game will also help.

Houston, therefore, must determine what its backfield rotation will look like. Lamar Miller should open the season as the starter, but guys like D'Onta Foreman and undrafted rookie Karan Higdon will compete for playing time.

On the contract front, the Texans need to get a deal done with defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. He's expected to play on the franchise tag this season, but he wants an extension and hasn't been at OTAs, according to NFL Network's James Palmer.

Indianapolis Colts

• Keep healthy • Integrate new receivers into the offense • Establish secondary depth • Start preparing for life after

Last season proved just how important Andrew Luck is to the offense. The Colts went from being one of the worst teams in the league in 2017 to a playoff team upon the quarterback's successful return from shoulder surgery.

While keeping Luck upright and on the field is the top priority, Indianapolis must also build his chemistry with its new receivers, offseason acquisition and rookie Parris Campbell.

Defensively, the Colts need to establish depth behind Pierre Desir and rookie Rock Ya-Sin. With quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and in the division, defending the pass will be a challenge in 2019.

While not an immediate need, the Colts also have to start thinking about their next kicker. Adam Vinatieri is back for one more run, but the offseason is a great time to start auditioning an eventual replacement for the 46-year-old kicker.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Instill confidence in Nick Foles • Develop chemistry in the passing game • Prepare Leonard Fournette for a bounce-back season • Identify new starters on defense

Nick Foles is the new starting quarterback for the , which means Jacksonville needs to do two things before the start of training camp to support him: They need to make him believe that he's ready to lead his own team outside of Philadelphia, and they need to encourage chemistry with his receivers.

The addition of offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, who previously served as the quarterbacks coach, should help on both fronts.

The Jaguars also have to prepare running back Leonard Fournette for a bounce-back season. He struggled in 2018 and endured friction with the team late in the season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jacksonville must identify replacements for offseason departures and Malik Jackson, both of whom were starters in 2018.

Kansas City Chiefs

• Settle the backfield depth chart • Integrate into the defense • Develop depth at receiver • Keep healthy

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the heart and soul of the City Chiefs offense. Ensuring he gets to the regular season healthy is the team's biggest goal, but certainly not the only one of the offseason. The Chiefs also need to figure out what his supporting cast will look like.

The biggest challenge is in the backfield, where , Darrel Williams and Carlos Hyde will all compete for playing time. Kansas City also needs to develop a Plan B in the event that star wideout misses time as a result of the ongoing investigation of alleged child abuse and neglect involving his three-year-old son.

Defensively, the Chiefs need to get safety Tyrann Mathieu up to speed in new coordinator 's system. Mathieu is likely to be the centerpiece of the Chiefs secondary and one of their biggest assets on defense.

Los Angeles Chargers

• Identify replacement for Tyrell Williams • Integrate into the defense • Ensure Hunter Henry is ready for the season • Give a contract extension

The were without star tight end Hunter Henry for all of 2018 due to a torn ACL. Getting him back to 100 percent and prepared for the coming season is one of the biggest offensive goals.

Another is identifying a replacement for deep-threat wideout Tyrell Williams. He racked up 653 yards and five in 2018 but departed in free agency.

On the defensive side of the ball, L.A. needs to ensure that defensive tackle Jerry Tillery is ready to make an impact as a rookie. He's a penetrating interior defender who can make edge-rushers and Melvin Ingram better.

Though not a dire need, it would be wise to get a contract extension done with longtime starter Philip Rivers.

"As long as he wants to be here, we want him here," owner Dean Spanos said of the quarterback, per Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register.

Los Angeles Rams

• Identify replacements for Ndamukong Suh and Rodger Saffold • Determine Todd Gurley's health • Develop a backup plan at RB

Los Angeles Rams star running back Todd Gurley may or may not be dealing with an arthritic knee condition that may or may not affect his future career. The Rams need to determine just how healthy he is before the start of camp so they can plan accordingly.

Part of the plan should involve sorting out the depth chart behind Gurley. Los Angeles brought back Malcolm Brown and drafted Darrell Henderson. One or both could see significant playing time if Gurley isn't at 100 percent, and the Rams must decide who is the superior option.

Another big piece of the offseason involves replacing free-agent departures Ndamukong Suh and Rodger Saffold. Both played key roles in L.A.'s run to the Super Bowl last season, and if their replacements aren't up to snuff, the Rams defense could take a major step back in 2019.

Miami Dolphins

• Name the starting quarterback • Determine goals for the regular season • Install ' defense • Identify a No. 1 receiver

The first goal for the is to figure out what their goals for the 2019 season actually are. Is this team going to try to be competitive, or is this season going to be a tank job in an effort to grab a quarterback like in next year's draft?

Once Miami knows what it wants to accomplish, it needs to determine whether journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick or former first-rounder Josh Rosen is going to hold the starting quarterback job. The Dolphins traded for Rosen during the draft, so they'll likely give him a shot at some point. But will it be in Week 1?

The Dolphins also need to identify who their No. 1 receiver is going to be. Former first-rounder DeVante Parker hasn't grabbed hold of that role yet, and there may not be a guy on the roster who is really capable of doing so.

There are fewer questions on the defensive side of the ball, but new head coach Brian Flores will need to implement his defense ahead of camp.

Minnesota Vikings

• Prepare Kirk Cousins for Year 2 in Minnesota • Develop a backfield rotation • Solidify the offensive line • Extend or trade

Quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't quite live up to his massive free-agent contract in his first year with the . Much of the offseason should be spent ensuring that he takes a positive step forward in his second year. That means improving last year's inconsistent offensive line and getting Cousins more comfortable with new offensive coordinator 's system.

It also means supporting Cousins with a strong rushing attack. Dalvin Cook is back for his third season, but Minnesota said goodbye to Latavius Murray in free agency. The Vikings need to determine if Cook can be an every-down back or if a player like rookie Alexander Mattison can carry part of the load.

Minnesota also needs to determine the future of tight end Kyle Rudolph.

"The $7.625 million cap hit Rudolph carries in 2019 is an issue," Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com recently wrote. "Minnesota has less than $1.3 million in cap space and can't afford to pay him at that price while accounting for other areas of need on the roster."

Either trading Rudolph or working out a new contract would be ideal.

New England Patriots

• Prepare Sony Michel for a heavy workload • Develop the wide receiver depth chart • Identify a replacement for Rob Gronkowski • Give Tom Brady a contract extension

Regardless of what kind of offense the decide to run in 2019, they have some questions to answer.

Is running back Sony Michel prepared to handle a heavy workload this season? What will the receiving corps look like after the addition of first-round rookie N'Keal Harry and the departures of Chris Hogan and Cordarrelle Patterson?

And who the heck is going to replace star tight end Rob Gronkowski?

Answering these questions are of utmost importance for the Patriots heading into training camp. New England would also be wise to lock up quarterback Tom Brady, who is in the final year of his current deal. Doing so would give New England a window during which it could develop his successor.

New Orleans Saints

• Establish a backfield rotation • Integrate into the passing game • Create wide receiver depth • Further develop

Third-year back Alvin Kamara is one of the biggest weapons on the offense. However, he's spent the past two years as a complement to Mark Ingram, who is now in Baltimore. The Saints have to determine how to best proceed at running back, where offseason addition Latavius Murray and rookies Devine Ozigbo and A.J. Ouellette will compete for a role.

Depth will also be important at receiver, where Michael Thomas is the only consistent weapon. In addition, the Saints need to get new tight end Jared Cook up to speed in the offense. Cook is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign and has the potential to be a legitimate receiving weapon at the position.

While is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, he's also 40 years old. Further developing backup Teddy Bridgewater—both for the future and as injury insurance—will be crucial. Bridgewater got one start late last season, and there was a notable drop-off in quarterback play.

New York Giants

• Solidify the offensive line • Prepare Daniel Jones to be the backup • Identify a new No. 1 receiver • Keep healthy

Eli Manning will be the New York Giants' starting quarterback in 2019—at least initially. That means the Giants must establish a better offensive line than the one that allowed him to be sacked 47 times last season.

The Giants also must prepare rookie first-round pick Daniel Jones to be Manning's backup and eventual replacement. Should Manning play poorly or suffer an injury, the rookie will be thrust into the staring lineup sooner than later.

Regardless of who is under center, New York needs to find a new No. 1 receiver now that Odell Beckham Jr. is in Cleveland. Will it be Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate or someone else?

In addition, the Giants need to ensure running back Saquon Barkley makes it to the regular season healthy and ready for a significant workload. He's the one dominant playmaker on the offense now that Beckham is out.

New York Jets

• Further develop Sam Darnold • Install 's offense • Develop chemistry in the passing game • Integrate Le'Veon Bell into the offense

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold struggled early as a rookie but looked like a future franchise quarterback later in the season. Getting him acclimated to new head coach Adam Gase's offense and further developing him as a passer are the top goals for the remaining offseason.

This means getting Darnold comfortable with his new-look receiving corps after New York brought in Jamison Crowder and Josh Bellamy to complement returning receivers Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson.

Another big piece of the puzzle is new Jets running back Le'Veon Bell. A weapon in both the running and passing games, Bell should be the centerpiece of New York's offense. However, he's spent the last year away from football and will need some seasoning before he's ready to be a bell-cow back in the Big Apple.

Oakland Raiders

• Instill confidence in • Integrate new receivers into the offense • Ready for a heavy workload • Mentally prepare for final season in Oakland

After a season of inconsistency and plenty of buzz about the Oakland Raiders possibly drafting a quarterback, it's fair to wonder if Derek Carr has had his confidence shaken. If so, it could spell trouble because he is Oakland's starting signal-caller for 2019, for better or worse. The Raiders have to get him mentally ready for the coming season.

The Raiders also have to get the team as a whole mentally prepared for what is likely its final season in Oakland. It's going to be an emotional—and potentially taxing—year with the pending move to Las Vegas hanging over it.

Oakland is going to have a new look to its offense with weapons like receivers Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams and rookie running back Josh Jacobs now on board. Getting all of the new pieces integrated and up to speed in the system as quickly as possible will be crucial to the team's success.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Keep healthy • Establish a backup plan at QB • Settle the backfield rotation • Integrate new receivers into the offense

Starting quarterback Carson Wentz has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons because of injuries. This wasn't a major problem for the Philadelphia Eagles because Nick Foles was there to carry the offense in his absence.

Foles, however, is now in Jacksonville.

That means there's added pressure to keep Wentz healthy heading into the season. It also means the Eagles need to determine if a guy like Nate Sudfeld or is good enough to serve as injury insurance. If not, adding another signal-caller may be on the agenda.

Philadelphia also needs to figure out its backfield rotation. and rookie are on the roster, and will be joining the competition after Philadelphia acquired him in an offseason trade. Incorporating wideouts DeSean Jackson and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside into the passing game is another challenge.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Ready James Conner for another heavy workload • Prepare JuJu Smith-Schuster to be the new No. 1 • Develop depth at receiver and in the secondary

James Conner took over for Le'Veon Bell as the ' lead back in 2018, and for the most part, he performed well. However, injuries did hamper him late in the season, and Pittsburgh must better prepare him for a heavy, sustained workload this year.

While Conner replaced Bell last year, JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to replace Antonio Brown as the team's No. 1 wideout in 2019. Pittsburgh needs to ensure he is prepared to handle the responsibilities and the opposing defensive attention that come with being the top option.

Pittsburgh also needs to develop more options behind Smith-Schuster, as the depth chart shifts with Brown's departure. Depth in the secondary, where cornerback Artie Burns struggled mightily last season, is another area to focus on moving forward.

San Francisco 49ers

• Ensure Jimmy Garoppolo is ready for the season • Settle on a backfield rotation • Integrate new receivers into the offense • Acclimate to the defense

The San Francisco 49ers have the potential to make a significant jump in 2019 simply by having quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a full 16-game season. Ensuring he is back to 100 percent after last year's torn ACL has to be the top priority heading into camp.

The 49ers also must get rookie receivers Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd—plus free-agent addition Jordan Matthews—prepared to catch passes from Garoppolo.

In the backfield, San Francisco has a logjam to sort out. Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon and Raheem Mostert could all see playing time in 2019.

Defensively, San Francisco must get second overall pick Nick Bosa ready to make a rookie impact as an edge-rusher.

Seattle Seahawks

• Identify a new No. 1 receiver • Sort out the backfield rotation • Integrate L.J. Collier into the defense • Get D.K. Metcalf ready to be a rookie starter

The released former No. 1 receiver Doug Baldwin after a failed physical, which means someone else must take over as quarterback 's go-to guy. , who had 965 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018, is the most obvious candidate. Rookie D.K. Metcalf, who oozes physical potential, can't be counted out, though.

At the very least, Metcalf should be a significant piece of the passing game in Year 1, and Seattle needs to properly prepare him.

Sorting out a backfield that features , , C.J. Prosise and J.D. McKissic is another offensive priority.

On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks need to get rookie pass-rusher L.J. Collier up to speed. He'll be expected to replace Frank Clark, who had 13 sacks in 2018 and was traded to Kansas City in April.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Install ' offense • Develop chemistry in the passing game • Create depth in the secondary • Identify a replacement for Gerald McCoy

The biggest move of the ' early offseason was the hiring of head coach Bruce Arians. He is an offensive-minded coach who may be able to finally get quarterback Jameis Winston to play up to his potential, and with some consistency.

Installing Arians' system has to be Goal No. 1.

At the same time, the Bucs must develop some chemistry between Winston and the new-look receiving corps. DeSean Jackson and Adam Humphries are both out, and Breshad Perriman is in.

Tampa also needs to sort some things out defensively. It needs to identify a starting defensive tackle to replace the recently released Gerald McCoy and improve a secondary that allowed an average of 259.4 passing yards per game in 2018.

Tennessee Titans

• Develop Corey Davis into a legitimate No. 1 receiver • Prepare A.J. Brown to be a rookie starter • Grant Kevin Byard a contract extension • Keep healthy

Tennessee Titans wideout Corey Davis took a big step forward in his sophomore season, finishing with 891 yards and four touchdowns. Now it's time for him to become a legitimate No. 1 option. If he does, Davis and rookie A.J. Brown have the potential to be a solid one-two punch for the passing game.

This is important because quarterback Marcus Mariota still hasn't become a consistent passer, but a lack of weapons has often hindered his progress. Continuing to develop Mariota while also ensuring he remains healthy has to be goal No. 1 for the offense, especially after he was hampered by an elbow injury for much of 2018.

On the personnel side, the Titans should get a deal done with starting safety Kevin Byard. He's one of the best defenders on the team and is entering the final year of his current contract.

Washington Redskins

• Prepare for the NFL • Formulate a backup plan at QB • Ensure is ready to play • Establish a starting receiver lineup

The Washington Redskins are holding an offseason quarterback competition between first-round pick Dwayne Haskins and veteran offseason acquisition . So far, there isn't a clear front-runner.

"It's a long process and I think they both handled it well today," Redskins head coach Jay Gruden recently said, per JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.

The goal, though, should be to have Haskins ready to start as a rookie. While Keenum can be a solid starter, he doesn't have the upside of Haskins, who is clearly Washington's future.

As the same time, Washington needs to figure out how to field a functional receiving corps. The current group—headlined by first-round disappointment —is underwhelming as it currently stands.

Getting former second-round pick Derrius Guice ready to play a role in the backfield is another priority. He missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL but could be a real asset in Year 2 by taking some pressure off of Haskins' shoulders.