With out fail, each single NFL season sees no less than one workforce come out of nowhere. The “worst to first” story has been an ongoing story within the NFL for years.
And after an lively offseason, a number of groups could possibly be candidates to be that shock story for 2025.
New England Patriots
Years faraway from the final remnants of their two-decade-long reign of terror over the NFL, the Patriots are embarking on a brand new period with Mike Vrabel again in New England as head coach.
Vrabel’s monitor document as a coach has already offered a brand new jolt for Patriots followers who watched their workforce fall to being one of many worst groups in soccer throughout a depressing 4-13 season in 2024.
However along with a perception in Vrabel, New England put in work to enhance the roster as properly. The Patriots introduced in a veteran large receiver in Stefon Diggs to help Drake Maye’s ascension and likewise added key items in Milton Williams and Carlton Davis III on protection.
If Maye can take a step ahead in his development, the Patriots might no less than look to double their win whole this yr.
Las Vegas Raiders
One other workforce that underwent a facelift after a 4-13 season, the new-look Raiders could possibly be poised to deliver extra pleasure to Las Vegas.
If nothing else, Geno Smith, who the Raiders traded for after which awarded a brand new contract, sounds extraordinarily assured in his new workforce.
“I do not need them to see us coming. We’re simply working within the shadows proper now, getting our sport proper, and when it is time to go in these shiny lights, I feel we’ll be prepared,” Smith mentioned whereas showing on NFL Community’s “Inside Training Camp Live” on Monday.
A part of Smith’s confidence stems from his reunion with Pete Carroll, a coach who has a protracted historical past of profitable at each the school {and professional} ranges.
Think about rookie Ashton Jeanty balancing the offense and taking strain off Smith and a number of other strikes to shore up the protection alongside Maxx Crosby, and the Raiders could also be on the verge of returning to glory sooner somewhat than later.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta opened the 2024 season imagining a deep postseason run with freshly signed Kirk Cousins. Its plans shortly modified, and Michael Penix Jr. ended up taking up for Cousins towards the tip of the season.
Now, as a result of some indicators of promise Penix confirmed as a rookie — he threw for 775 yards with three touchdowns in three begins — and different strikes made all through the offseason, the Falcons are fascinated with the playoffs once more, particularly because the NFC South hardly ever has a repeat division champion.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are a workforce to look at as quarterback Caleb Williams enters his sophomore season. Chicago believes it has arguably probably the most gifted signal-caller in franchise historical past, and that is triggered a frenzy of moves, most notably bringing in offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney for cover. That ought to put Williams ready to have success.
Regardless of the workforce’s 5-12 document final season, Williams earned worthwhile enjoying time. He threw for 3,541 yards whereas finishing 62.5 % of his passes with 20 touchdowns to solely six interceptions.
With offensive guru Ben Johnson now in cost, Williams has the assist and mentorship that ought to enable him to keep away from the dreaded sophomore stoop and be even higher in Yr 2.
