As we embark on the first week of the NFL preseason, it's time to delve into some intriguing storylines that will shape the upcoming season. While the focus often falls on the star players and high-profile matchups, there's a wealth of fascinating developments happening behind the scenes. Let's dive in and explore some of these lesser-known yet captivating narratives.
The Return of the Fullback
One trend that has caught my eye is the potential resurgence of the fullback position. In an era dominated by fantasy football and a more pass-heavy game, the fullback has taken a backseat. However, conversations with coaches suggest a comeback is on the horizon, and I find this incredibly intriguing.
The reasons for this revival are threefold. Firstly, teams are realizing the limitations of using a backup tight end as a makeshift fullback. Secondly, with changes to the kickoff rules, fullbacks can once again contribute on special teams, adding value beyond their offensive role. Lastly, having a fullback on the field can shrink the playing area, benefiting teams with weaker offensive lines. This strategy provides a safer environment for tackles and simplifies blocking assignments.
When we look at the numbers, it's evident that some of the league's top rushing teams utilized fullbacks extensively last season. The 49ers, Bills, and Cowboys, to name a few, ranked highly in rushing EPA and success percentage while employing fullbacks. This statistic alone highlights the potential impact of this position.
Teams like the Bengals and Vikings are already experimenting with the fullback role, and it will be fascinating to see how many fullbacks make it onto active rosters this season. Could we be witnessing the rebirth of a forgotten position?
Challenging the Challenge Flag
The NFL has introduced a new rule allowing coaches to designate a challenge flag thrower. While this may seem like a minor change, it could have a significant impact on game management. The timing of this resolution is curious, as many coaches are still figuring out the mechanics of this new process.
Currently, the challenge procedure is relatively efficient, with the booth staff alerting the head coach, who then throws the flag. Adding a designated thrower introduces an extra layer of complexity. Coaches will need to trust their assistants to make these calls, but as we know, instincts can be hard to override. Imagine a scenario where a hesitant flag thrower costs a team a crucial challenge, leading to a game-changing outcome.
The preseason provides an excellent opportunity for experimentation, and we may see coaches testing out this new responsibility. However, as history has shown, these processes often need refinement before the regular season begins. A misstep in the preseason could lead to costly mistakes later on.
Depth at the Offensive Line
The importance of depth at the offensive line cannot be overstated, and it's a position group that often flies under the radar. Last season, teams relied heavily on their most frequent line combinations, with only a handful playing their top group over 50% of the time. This lack of depth can be a liability, especially when injuries strike.
Heading into the preseason, several teams are already dealing with key line injuries. The Steelers, Commanders, Panthers, and Texans, among others, are having to shuffle their lineups, providing opportunities for backups and rookies. This vanilla approach to offensive schemes can be beneficial, as it allows coaches to evaluate their players in more straightforward situations.
I'm particularly interested in watching the Texans' rookie Keylan Rutledge, who has been thrust into a starting role at center. The Texans' offensive line woes were well-documented last season, and Rutledge could be a key piece in their Super Bowl aspirations. His performance in the preseason will be a telling indicator of the team's potential.
Red Zone Woes and the Giants
The Giants' red zone offense was a major area of concern last season, ranking dead last in the NFL. Despite their impressive EPA per play outside the 20-yard line, they struggled mightily in scoring position. This discrepancy is a cause for concern, and it's a trend that new head coach Brian Daboll will need to address.
What makes this stat even more intriguing is the connection to the Giants' coaching staff. Both the Chargers and Chiefs, the former employers of key Giants coaches, also struggled in the red zone last season. This suggests that red zone success is not just about having the right personnel but also about the play-calling and mindset.
As we head into the preseason, I'll be watching how the Giants perform in their new offensive scheme, especially in the red zone. If they can improve their red zone efficiency, it could be the difference between a playoff run and another mediocre season.
New Coaches, New Defenses
The debuts of new head coach Jesse Minter in Baltimore and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard in Buffalo are significant events. Both teams have high-powered offenses but struggled defensively last season. Minter and Leonhard will be tasked with turning these defenses around and giving their teams a shot at Super Bowl contention.
I'm particularly interested in the personnel changes and rotations these coaches will implement. Leonhard, known for his aggressive, pressure-heavy defenses, will likely bring a new style to Buffalo. Minter, on the other hand, aims to create a versatile, virus-like defense that maximizes talent. The preseason will offer a glimpse into how these new schemes take shape and whether they can elevate these teams to the next level.
Quarterback Reps and Development
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has hinted at adjusting quarterback reps during the preseason. While Drew Lock's preparation is crucial, I believe this move is more about accelerating the development of second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe. Offensive coordinator Brian Fleury has emphasized the need for Milroe to master the offense and potentially have his own subpackage.
With the recent trend of veteran quarterbacks playing fewer preseason snaps, it will be fascinating to see if this philosophy spreads across the league. Could we be witnessing a shift towards a more developmental approach during the preseason? Only time will tell, but it's an intriguing possibility.
As we navigate the first week of the NFL preseason, these storylines provide a glimpse into the strategic and tactical developments happening behind the scenes. From the resurgence of the fullback to the impact of new coaching staffs, there's plenty to keep an eye on. Personally, I think these lesser-known narratives often hold the key to understanding the league's broader trends and can provide a unique perspective on the upcoming season.
