Takeaways From the 2023-24 Season and Offseason Outlook | Extra Threat
Feb 16, 2024
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Nora, Steven, Ben, and Sheil recap the biggest takeaways from the NFL season. They discuss young quarterbacks CJ Stroud and Jordan Love, missed college football game experiences, off-season storylines, the impact of the hip drop tackle, and the Chiefs' influence on AFC teams.
The league's stance on the hip drop tackle and its impact on defense will be a key storyline to watch this offseason, as it could significantly affect player safety and defensive effectiveness.
The hiring of Kyle Shanahan's defensive coordinator will provide insights into Shanahan's defensive strategy and his thoughts on countering his own offense, potentially offering clues to his defensive philosophy and strategic thinking.
The league-wide emphasis on sack avoidance for quarterbacks will be an important aspect to track, as it has become a crucial skill that impacts offensive success, and evaluating quarterback prospects based on their ability to avoid sacks can provide valuable insights for teams in the draft.
Deep dives
The Impact of Hip Drop Tackles on Defense
One key storyline to watch this offseason is the league's stance on the hip drop tackle and its impact on defense. The tackle, which involves dropping the weight on a player's ankles or legs, has caused numerous injuries and has raised concerns about player safety. The league has been looking to define and regulate this tackle, but its classification has proven challenging. The outcome of this debate could have a significant impact on how defensive players tackle and the overall effectiveness of defenses in the future.
The Hiring of Kyle Shanahan's Defensive Coordinator
Another noteworthy offseason storyline is the hiring of Kyle Shanahan's defensive coordinator. This decision will provide insights into Shanahan's perspective on defense and his defensive strategy to counter his own offense. Observing which coach Shanahan selects will reveal his thoughts on where defense is heading and how he believes it can best stop his dynamic offensive system. A potential call to Bill Belichick could provide clues to his defensive philosophy and strategic thinking.
The Importance of Sack Avoidance for Quarterbacks
One compelling aspect to track in the offseason is the league-wide emphasis on sack avoidance for quarterbacks. The ability to avoid sacks has become a vital skill for quarterbacks, as sacks significantly harm offensive drives. This season has seen quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen demonstrate the value of low sack rates and the positive impact it can have on offensive success. Evaluating quarterback prospects based on their ability to avoid sacks could provide valuable insights for teams in their drafting decisions.
The Impact of Mobility on Quarterback Evaluation
Mobility remains a crucial factor in assessing quarterback prospects. This offseason, attention will be on evaluating quarterbacks' ability to navigate the pocket, evade pressure, and extend plays. Factors like pressure-to-sack conversion rates and mobility metrics can shed light on a quarterback's ability to avoid negative plays and convert difficult situations into positive outcomes. Focusing on mobility during quarterback evaluation has become increasingly relevant as different styles of play emerge in the NFL.
Impact of Chiefs' Dynasty on AFC Teams
The Chiefs' success as a dynasty in the AFC has influenced how other teams in the conference approach their rosters and goals. Teams are considering the Chiefs as the team to beat and are making moves to compete against them. The Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, Titans, and Broncos are among the teams affected by the Chiefs' dominance. The challenge for these teams is how to build a roster and game plan to defeat the Chiefs, considering they have an elite quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs' evolution on offense and need to control game flow is also a factor in how opponents strategize.
The Chiefs' Offensive Challenges and Defensive Questions
The Chiefs' offensive performance did not live up to previous seasons, and opponents may need to focus on outscoring them rather than relying on defensive strategies. The team's defense has also shown vulnerabilities, with free agency looming for key defensive players like Chris Jones and LaJarius Sneed. The Chiefs will need to consider how to allocate their resources, including addressing offensive tackle and wide receiver positions. The offseason presents an opportunity for the Chiefs to reset and potentially create a different look for the upcoming season.
Nora, Steven, Ben, and Sheil open by recapping their biggest takeaways from the NFL season. The Super Team concludes by speaking about what they’re looking forward to the most during the offseason.
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Hosts: Nora Princiotti, Steven Ruiz, Sheil Kapadia, and Ben Solak
Producer: Stefan Anderson
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins
