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Every NFL team’s biggest question as 2017 training camps start
Is age catching up with Richard Sherman and the Seattle Seahawks defense? Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports

Every NFL team’s biggest question as 2017 training camps start

With training camps just around the corner, all 32 NFL teams have major question marks. From quarterback concerns to adjusting to new coaching staffs, shoring up the defense and everything in between, this list highlights the most pressing questions for each team.

 
1 of 32

Arizona Cardinals: Can Carson Palmer rebound?

Arizona Cardinals: Can Carson Palmer rebound?
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The entire Arizona offense showed signs of age last season, including signal caller Carson Palmer. He completed 61 percent of his passes and averaged 7.1 yards per attempt, both lows since joining the team in 2013. If the Cardinals are going to get back to the playoffs, the 37-year-old Palmer needs to rebound.

 
2 of 32

Atlanta Falcons: Can they shake off the Super Bowl loss?

Atlanta Falcons: Can they shake off the Super Bowl loss?
Eric Seals / USA Today Sports Images

Atlanta's Super Bowl loss vs. New England was humiliating given the 28-3 lead the Falcons let get away. The team returns most of the key pieces from last year's team, with the exception of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. The team continues to make strides on both sides of the ball, but the Falcons hope to not have the same post-Super Bowl fate that the Panthers had last season.

 
3 of 32

Baltimore Ravens: Who will emerge at running back?

Baltimore Ravens: Who will emerge at running back?
Aaron Doster / USA Today Sports Images

The running back position has been a revolving door in Baltimore for several years, which is especially an issue for a team without a potent passing game. Terrance West led the way last season but only averaged 4.0 yards per carry. At least the team added some versatility by signing Danny Woodhead, but Kenneth Dixon has lost momentum from his rookie season due to a pending four-game PEDs suspension.

 
4 of 32

Buffalo Bills: Can Sean McDermott revive the defense?

Buffalo Bills: Can Sean McDermott revive the defense?
Kevin Hoffman / USA Today Sports Images

The Buffalo defense took a big step back over the last two seasons adjusting to Rex Ryan's system. With an offense led by the running game, the Bills simply can't afford to have a middle-of-the-pack defensive unit like last season when they allowed nearly 24 points per game. The impact of their youth, including Shaq Lawson, Reggie Ragland and Tre'Davious White, will play a key role as new head coach Sean McDermott tries to re-establish a formerly elite defense.

 
5 of 32

Carolina Panthers: Can Cam Newton get back to his 2015 level?

Carolina Panthers: Can Cam Newton get back to his 2015 level?
Jeremy Brevard / USA Today Sports Images

After winning the MVP in 2015, Newton didn't just regress last season — he was one of the worst quarterbacks in football. Playing through injury, Newton completed only 52.9 percent of his passes and had 19/14 TD/INT. The offensive line needs to play better, but the regression is also on Newton.

 
6 of 32

Chicago Bears: Can Mike Glennon hold off Mitchell Trubisky?

Chicago Bears: Can Mike Glennon hold off Mitchell Trubisky?
Matt Marton / USA Today Sports Images

Head coach John Fox probably needs to make the playoffs to keep his job, which will be a tall task for a team that allowed the ninth most points in the league last season and is employing a quarterback who hasn't started since 2014. Even after signing Glennon, the team's trade up to No. 2 in the draft to acquire Trubisky was very curious. If things go south again for the Bears, it seems likely that Trubisky will get his shot this season.

 
7 of 32

Cincinnati Bengals: Can the offensive line withstand the big losses?

Cincinnati Bengals: Can the offensive line withstand the big losses?
Aaron Doster / USA Today Sports Images

Last offseason the Bengals had key losses at wide receiver with Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu. This offseason there were major losses on the offensive line with Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler heading elsewhere. The team hopes it can offset the losses after drafting wide receiver John Ross and running back Joe Mixon.

 
8 of 32

Cleveland Browns: Who will start at quarterback?

Cleveland Browns: Who will start at quarterback?
Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports Images

Coming off a one-win season, the immediate ceiling still seems low for Cleveland. Quarterback is a three-horse race going into training camp with former Texans starter Brock Osweiler, incumbent Cody Kessler and second-round pick DeShone Kizer.

 
9 of 32

Dallas Cowboys: Can the secondary hold up?

Dallas Cowboys: Can the secondary hold up?
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images

The Cowboys had a surprising 2016 season that created optimism due to the fantastic performances of rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, along with the defense. The team has seen major losses on the offensive line and in the secondary in the offseason, however. The Cowboys have new faces in the secondary, replacing Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and J.J. Wilcox with rookies Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis, along with Nolan Carroll and Robert Blanton. If the transition isn't seamless, the defense will suffer in the NFC East.

 
10 of 32

Denver Broncos: Who will win the quarterback battle?

Denver Broncos: Who will win the quarterback battle?
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images

2016 starter Trevor Siemian was surprisingly efficient, but the Broncos would probably like to see former first-round pick Paxton Lynch emerge. He looked very raw when he took the field last season, but new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy could make a huge difference.

 
11 of 32

Detroit Lions: Can the team find a running game?

Detroit Lions: Can the team find a running game?
Raj Mehta / USA Today Sports Images

Surprisingly, Detroit failed to address running back in the draft despite only averaging 3.7 yards per carry and rushing for 1,310 yards during 2016. The Lions are putting a lot of faith in Ameer Abdullah's health and also hoping the flashes Zach Zenner showed late last season will continue.

 
12 of 32

Green Bay Packers: Can they stop teams from passing?

Green Bay Packers: Can they stop teams from passing?
Mark Hoffman / USA Today Sports Images

The only team in football that allowed more passing yards than Green Bay in 2016 was New Orleans. In fact, the Packers' 8.1 yards allowed per pass attempt was the worst in the NFL. The team hopes it can improve the secondary after drafting second-round pick Kevin King. While the Packers always have a chance with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, it will be difficult to win the NFC if they can't stop anyone.

 
13 of 32

Houston Texans: Can they get adequate quarterback play?

Houston Texans: Can they get adequate quarterback play?
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images

From Ryan Fitzpatrick to Brian Hoyer to Brock Osweiler, Bill O'Brien has yet to find an answer at quarterback. Despite that, his elite defense and running game have made the Texans into a playoff team. The organization hopes it finally solved the issue by trading up for Clemson signal caller Deshaun Watson, who will battle veteran Tom Savage for the starting job. Even if Savage wins the job, it probably won't be long before Watson gets his chance.

 
14 of 32

Indianapolis Colts: Can Andrew Luck get more help?

Indianapolis Colts: Can Andrew Luck get more help?
Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today Sports Images

GM Ryan Grigson was finally fired after last season as the Colts missed the playoffs again. They've struggled to surround Luck with talent but made some key offseason additions that included Jabaal Sheard and a host of defensive players taken early in the draft. The good news is that the AFC South remains very winnable, and Indy did finish just one game behind Houston last season.

 
15 of 32

Jacksonville Jaguars: Is Blake Bortles the answer?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Is Blake Bortles the answer?
Logan Bowles / USA Today Sports Images

Jacksonville has a world of talent on both sides of the ball after an aggressive offseason. The Jaguars made headlines by spending big on cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive end Calais Campbell, while also drafting LSU running back Leonard Fournette. Ultimately, none of the moves will matter if Bortles fails to improve rapidly. 2017 will almost certainly be his last chance.

 
16 of 32

Kansas City Chiefs: Can Alex Smith lead them to a Super Bowl?

Kansas City Chiefs: Can Alex Smith lead them to a Super Bowl?
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images

The Chiefs have continued to make progress under Andy Reid, winning their first playoff game in 20 years in 2015 and winning the AFC West last season. Now the question is whether they can take another step forward under Alex Smith, who doesn't take a great deal of chances. If not, the Chiefs will likely turn to first-round pick Patrick Mahomes in 2018, if not earlier.

 
17 of 32

Los Angeles Chargers: Will the talent respond with a new head coach?

Los Angeles Chargers: Will the talent respond with a new head coach?
Jake Roth / USA Today Sports Images

The Chargers are in a new city and are a trendy pick to make the playoffs, even in the rough AFC West. A revamped offensive line, along with the return of Keenan Allen from injury and addition of first-round pick Mike Williams (if healthy) make the offense enticing. The defense has some exciting building blocks, led by Joey Bosa, Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward. Still, the team seemed to find ways to lose under former head coach Mike McCoy. The Chargers are counting on Anthony Lynn to change the attitude.

 
18 of 32

Los Angeles Rams: Can Sean McVay develop Jared Goff?

Los Angeles Rams: Can Sean McVay develop Jared Goff?
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

The Rams hired McVay clearly to develop their young offensive players, specifically Goff. The No. 1 overall pick in 2016 looked lost when he found the field in his rookie season, and it didn't help that his offensive line and receivers were lacking. The team has addressed both areas and desperately needs Goff to show progress in his sophomore season.

 
19 of 32

Miami Dolphins: Are the offensive improvements real?

Miami Dolphins: Are the offensive improvements real?
Troy Wayrynen / USA Today Sports Images

Adam Gase did a terrific job in Denver and Chicago before the Dolphins hired him last offseason. He seemed like a miracle worker in his first season with Miami, winning a Wild Card spot while getting good football out of Ryan Tannehill and a breakout season from Jay Ajayi. Now he must prove that the step forward wasn't a mirage.

 
20 of 32

Minnesota Vikings: Can they establish a running game?

Minnesota Vikings: Can they establish a running game?
Brian Spurlock / USA Today Sports Images

Adrian Peterson is gone from Minnesota, though that was basically the case last year when he only played three games due to a knee injury. After rushing for a league-worst 1,205 yards and 3.2 yards per carry last season, Minnesota signed Latavius Murray and drafted Dalvin Cook. The team also signed left tackle Riley Reiff in the offseason. The effort to establish the run is clear, but it remains to be seen if Minnesota will improve.

 
21 of 32

New England Patriots: Can Tom Brady do it again at age 40?

New England Patriots: Can Tom Brady do it again at age 40?
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports Images

New England had a busy offseason after winning the Super Bowl, with impact additions that include Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks, Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead. As much talent as the Patriots have, the season will ultimately come down to the success of their 40-year-old quarterback (Brady turns 40 Aug. 3). Brady's success at his age is almost unprecedented.

 
22 of 32

New Orleans Saints: Does Adrian Peterson have anything left?

New Orleans Saints: Does Adrian Peterson have anything left?
Derick E. Hingle / USA Today Sports Images

New Orleans addressed its awful secondary in the draft, but the headline move of the offseason was signing Adrian Peterson. The future Hall of Fame running back played only three games last season due to a knee injury and very well could be cooked at age 32. The Saints have insurance with Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara if Peterson can't rebound, but a revitalized Peterson would make this offense virtually unstoppable.

 
23 of 32

New York Giants: Can the offense break out of its slump?

New York Giants: Can the offense break out of its slump?
William Hauser / USA Today Sports Images

The Giants' offense led the team in 2015 before a significant regression last year. New York didn't even manage to average 20 points per game, struggling to find a consistent running game or help for Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants added Brandon Marshall and are hopeful that a healthy Shane Vereen can help in the backfield.

 
24 of 32

New York Jets: Will they go 0-16?

New York Jets: Will they go 0-16?
Adam Hunger / USA Today Sports Images

It's no mystery based on their offseason moves that the Jets are dumping in 2017. The offensive talent is almost laughable, led by 38-year-old quarterback Josh McCown. A winless season is a very real possibility.

 
25 of 32

Oakland Raiders: Can Khalil Mack get some help?

Oakland Raiders: Can Khalil Mack get some help?
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Oakland made major strides last season due to the offense, but the defense struggled in several areas, especially the pass rush. The Raiders had a league-low 25 sacks, of which Mack had 11. The pass rush must improve for the Raiders to stake a claim as an elite AFC team.

 
26 of 32

Philadelphia Eagles: Will the new weapons help Carson Wentz step forward?

Philadelphia Eagles: Will the new weapons help Carson Wentz step forward?
Bill Streicher / USA Today Sports Images

Wentz struggled late in his rookie season with arguably the worst receiving corps in football. Philadelphia addressed that problem by signing Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, adding to Jordan Matthews. The running game also looks better with LeGarrette Blount and rookie Donnel Pumphrey. There are no excuses for Wentz and the offense this year.

 
27 of 32

Pittsburgh Steelers: Can the defense do enough to win the AFC?

Pittsburgh Steelers: Can the defense do enough to win the AFC?
Charles LeClaire / USA Today Sports Images

While Pittsburgh's defense wasn't bad in 2016, it certainly trailed the offense. The Steelers ranked 10th in points allowed and returned to their Blitz Burgh ways to compensate for their lack of pass-rushing stars. As a result, they were exposed vs. New England in the AFC Championship Game. They hope first-round pick T.J. Watt can make a difference.

 
28 of 32

San Francisco 49ers: Can Kyle Shanahan help them out of the cellar?

San Francisco 49ers: Can Kyle Shanahan help them out of the cellar?
Stan Szeto / USA Today Sports Images

The 49ers organization has gone through quite a 180-degree turn since Jim Harbaugh led the team. The Niner lost an incredible amount of talent over the last two seasons, though John Lynch did have an aggressive offseason. New head coach Kyle Shanahan will be doing well with this roster if it can get out of the cellar in the NFC West after winning just two games last season.

 
29 of 32

Seattle Seahawks: Is the defense past its prime?

Seattle Seahawks: Is the defense past its prime?
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

Russell Wilson has been a great contributor to Seattle's winning ways, but the true identity of the Seahawks has come from their defense. While Seattle still allowed the third fewest points in the NFL last season, the defense did start to leak last season due to age and injuries. The Seahawks are hopeful of reversing the trend.

 
30 of 32

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Jameis Winston an MVP candidate?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Jameis Winston an MVP candidate?
Kim Klement / USA Today Sports Images

Winston and the Bucs made great progress last season, and they're hoping the real jump comes in his third season. The signal caller has the help of DeSean Jackson and rookie tight end O.J. Howard, adding to star wideout Mike Evans. The weapons are present for Winston to have a monster year.

 
31 of 32

Tennessee Titans: Will last year's improvement continue?

Tennessee Titans: Will last year's improvement continue?
Jim Brown / USA Today Sports Images

The Titans came up just short in the AFC South, losing the tiebreaker to Houston with a 9-7 finish. That was still a massive improvement for an organization that had become synonymous with losing in recent seasons. The offense has only built on last year by improving at wideout with Eric Decker and first-round pick Corey Davis, while the team hopes the secondary was adequately addressed with Logan Ryan, Jonathan Cyprien and rookie Adoree' Jackson.

 
32 of 32

Washington Redskins: Is Kirk Cousins the franchise quarterback?

Washington Redskins: Is Kirk Cousins the franchise quarterback?
Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports Images

Another offseason of drama between Washington and Cousins creates more questions than answers. The team let offensive coordinator Sean McVay and Cousins' top two wideouts get away, as Cousins plays another year under the franchise tag. The organization could be in a lose-lose situation after continually alienating the quarterback. If he continues to play well, Cousins could opt to go elsewhere. If he falters, the organization doesn't have a viable alternative.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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