(Part 2) Notes from exclusive NFL beat reporter interviews
Key takeaways from the six latest NFL team previews
Adam Chernoff continues team previews each morning on Apple and Spotify
Each episode features an interview with a team beat reporter or staff member to help break down team expectations.
Here are key notes from the last six episodes…
The RAS NFL service is in full swing.
There have already been 10 releases for preseason Week 1. There is a chance of more full game releases today, as well as halftimes throughout the weekend. Week 2 full game releases may begin as early as next Monday.
Denver Broncos with Zac Stevens of DNVR (Apple) (Spotify)
“Sean Payton wants this Broncos team to be a run first team. The identity of this offense is run run pass, run run pass, run run pass.”
The offensive line is a run first offensive line. Resources were spent in the offseason to make it so. “They spent $17M at LT, $13M at LG, $20M at RG and $17.5M at RT".”
Sean Payton hiring Jim Leonhard as a way to squeeze out Vance Joseph - especially if the defense is struggling is “not something overlook”
Pittsburgh Steelers with Nick Farabaugh of PennLive (Apple) (Spotify)
It is very clear what the offense wants to do. “Run the ball as much as possible, dictate coverages and then run play action to take deep shots downfield.” Expect a ton of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
“They are going to use play action way more. Last year they were 31st, this year they will be top 10, maybe even top 5".”
“I have much more concern about the secondary than the front seven. They have two of the four spots filled with Fitzpatrick and Porter Jr. but the others are question marks.”
Arizona Cardinals with Darren Urban of the Arizona Cardinals (Apple) (Spotify)
“Being physical and running the ball is definitely going to be very important to this offense. We saw what they did in late season wins, and that is how they approached it, and they are built for it this year.”
They have a chance to be an effective passing team, but “It will be based off the run game, they want to be super physical. Going back to the defensive concerns, it makes sense to run ball control to help keep them off the field.”
Most of the offensive line is “built better for the run”.
Green Bay Packers with Andy Herman of PackADay (Apple) (Spotify)
"The offensive line has been the unit which has struggled more than any other in camp. “Walker likely gets the nod at LT, Myers is a question mark at C, Ryan and Morgan will fight at RG. Tom will win at RT, but Dillard has been a disaster.”
There will be “more passing for sure” from this offense compared to the 57% pass rate last season.
“Completely buying the change in defensive identity all around with Hafley replacing Barry.”
“There has been a much more aggressive mentality from the Packers defense in camp and practice. They will challenge beating them downfield on the outside, lots of press, lots of single high safety. Fastest and most aggressive I have seen the defense in a long time.”
Miami Dolphins with Michael Oliva of DolphinsTalk (Apple) (Spotify)
The defensive changes will be “night and day” with Weaver this year vs Fangio last year. Weaver likes to bring pressure, he likes to blitz. He played under Rex Ryan and has similar mindset. It’s going to be more aggressive.
They will “have to navigate” pass rush injuries to start. Philips expected full by late September, Chubb November ish. Relying on rookies and new vets for pass rush first, which will become stronger all season. Better to start the year vs the pass.
“This offense wants to run the ball more this year. There has been talk about the quick score putting pressure on the defense, and McDaniel has been critical of getting away from the run when having success.”
Baltimore Ravens with Ken McKusick of FilmStudyBaltimore (Apple) (Spotify)
This is a “top five” unit on defense even with the coordinator change, giving the offense fits in camp. Ravens are always strong with internal promotions at DC.
OC Todd Monken wants more out of Rashod Bateman, but his separation was not all that good at certain points, especially point of catch. The stats can be misleading. To make it work, the Ravens need to go to a timing offense, and that is something they are not, and Lamar is not. They are going to try implement it, but “I do not know how successful it will be.” Many reasons to “hype Bateman down”.
Henry is here for a “number of things” including pass blocking and play action. If they get the mesh point correct, it will leave “lots of opportunities for Andrews and Likely.”
It will be “tough to out perform the offensive production last season because of the offensive line changes which I think are very significant.” They will “take a step back there.” RG will step down, RT will step down medium to big.
Upcoming episodes include the Chargers, Chiefs and Bengals to wrap up the AFC previews.
New episodes will air every weekday morning at 5am EST now until February.