The countdown to the NFL season begins with training camp, where teams gather to prepare for the upcoming campaign. This year’s camp is set to kick off in late July, and there are plenty of storylines to watch as teams prepare for the 2023 season.
1. Quarterback Battles
Several teams enter training camp with quarterback battles brewing, including the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Carolina Panthers. In Denver, incumbent starter Brett Rypien will face competition from veteran Russell Wilson, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Seattle Seahawks. In Las Vegas, Derek Carr will face a challenge from Jarrett Stidham, who was signed as a free agent after spending last season as the backup in New England. And in Carolina, Sam Darnold will look to hold off Baker Mayfield, who was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
2. Roster Projections
Training camp is also a time for teams to finalize their rosters. With the NFL Draft and free agency in the rearview mirror, teams will now have a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Expect some roster moves to be made as teams prepare for the season.
3. Team Previews
Here is a brief preview of each NFL team heading into training camp:
**AFC East:** The Buffalo Bills are the clear favorites in the AFC East, but the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots are all looking to make a move. The Jets have added several key pieces to their roster this offseason, including quarterback Zach Wilson, wide receiver Elijah Moore, and cornerback Sauce Gardner. The Dolphins have made a splash in free agency, signing wide receiver Tyreek Hill and running back Raheem Mostert. And the Patriots are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
**AFC North:** The Cincinnati Bengals are the defending AFC champions, but the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all looking to dethrone them. The Ravens are hoping to get quarterback Lamar Jackson back healthy, while the Browns are hoping for a bounce-back season from quarterback Deshaun Watson. And the Steelers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
**AFC South:** The Jacksonville Jaguars are the favorites in the AFC South, but the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans are all looking to make a move. The Jaguars have added several key pieces to their roster this offseason, including quarterback Trevor Lawrence, wide receiver Christian Kirk, and defensive end Folorunso Fatukasi. The Colts have made a splash in free agency, signing quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. And the Titans are hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
**AFC West:** The Kansas City Chiefs are the favorites in the AFC West, but the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers are all looking to make a move. The Broncos have added several key pieces to their roster this offseason, including quarterback Russell Wilson, tight end Greg Dulcich, and defensive tackle D.J. Jones. The Raiders are hoping to get quarterback Derek Carr back healthy, while the Chargers are hoping for a bounce-back season from quarterback Justin Herbert.
Training camp is a time for teams to prepare for the upcoming season. It is also a time for fans to get excited about the upcoming campaign. With so many storylines to watch, this year’s training camp is sure to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Kind regards J. Brown.
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