The 2021 NFL season is just around the corner and the four teams of the 3GML are getting back to work with the start of training camp this week. This season is shaping up to be one of the most interesting yet with no clear favorite and a return to a four-team format. Let's take a dive into the top story lines as each 3GML team opens camp.
GREEN BAY - Changing of the Guard - The defending champs have a different feel in camp this year after a block buster trade this offseason. Gone is two-time 3GML MVP and three-time 3GML Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers and in is second-year signal caller Tua Tagovailoa. GM SD agreed to grant Rodgers his request to move on and sent the QB to Denver for two first-round picks, quarterback Drew Lock, and 2021 first-round pick Patrick Surtain II. The focus in camp now is ensuring Tagovailoa is ready to take full control of the offense heading into this season. We've seen Tua get a few more reps in practice than typical of a QB1 as the coaching staff is doing everything they can to have him prepared. However, there is still a balancing act when it comes to the reps as Lock will need to learn a completely new system since coming over from Denver. As offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur likes to remind his backups, "You're only one play away from being the starter."
Other storylines to watch:
1. Who will protect Tagovailoa's blind side at right tackle? Will rookie Liam Eichenberg earn the job?
2. Does Geno Atkins have enough left in the tank to be a major contributor?
3. Patrick Surtain sure looks like the real deal in camp. Will he supplant Casey Hayward as CB1?
HOUSTON - Extreme Makeover: Houston Edition - After a busy offseason of free agent acquisitions, trades, and hitting home runs in the draft, the Houston Texans are looking to build on the strong finish they had to their 2020 campaign. The team is almost unrecognizable after its 2021 makeover. GM TH went all out via the trade market netting Mike Gesicki, Jerome Baker, Kyle Fuller, Daron Payne, Bryan Bulaga, Danny Shelton, and Brandin Cooks. Add notable free agent additions Mike Hilton and Carlos Dunlap as well as top draft picks Christian Darrisaw and Trevon Moehrig to the mix and you get the picture. This is NOT the same team that finished 7-9 last year. The early focus in camp is getting everyone integrated into their respective squads. Will everyone gel in time for week one or will the Texans take time to click?
Other storylines to watch:
1. Is Andy Dalton the answer at quarterback or could we see Gardner Minshew take over at some point this season?
2. Will Jake Matthews get moved to guard after the additions of Bulaga and Darrisaw?
3. How many snaps will Jaleel Johnson get per game after a dominant 2020 season?
MIAMI - Pick Your Poison - The 3GML Dolphins are back after a one year hiatus and they aren't your grandma's power run squad of yesteryear. This team is stacked on offense after the offseason addition of receiver Julio Jones. He will join receivers Allen Robinson and Corey Davis as well as tight end George Kittle in what may be the best set of weapons in the NFL. Quarterback Jalen Hurts will have a plethora of options on offense and defenses will still have to worry about his ability to scramble. Early word at Dolphin's camp is this offense doesn't look anything like we've seen from this team before. The AFC East has been put on notice.
Other storylines to watch:
1. The Dolphins are committed to Hurts as they guy. Will he play like it?
2. Can Miami stop the passing game? With no clear lock-down corner, will someone step up?
3. With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Kwity Paye, and Elijah Molden all seeing meaningful playing time, which rookie will make an impact on defense?
SAN FRANCISCO - Who's the man? - The storyline that stands out in the city by the bay is who will earn the starting quarterback job. Will it be journeyman Teddy Bridgewater or first-round pick Justin Fields? Bridgewater crumbled down the stretch for the 49ers in 2020 so he's likely fighting an uphill battle. However, San Francisco won't run Justin Fields out there unless they are certain he's ready. If you're hoping coach Kyle Shanahan will be giving anything away in how he splits reps, think again. The two QBs have been 50/50 with 1st team snaps so far and neither has pulled away as favorite. Both players have the added weapon of their legs, but it will be the player who can best run through their progressions and get the ball downfield that will likely win the job. Vegas has given slight odds to Fields, but Bridgewater isn't going down without a fight stating, "I'm a survivor. You can throw me in the jungle, and I'm going to come out with a fur coat and a headband that I made out of some leaves."
Other storylines to watch:
1. To rebuild or not to rebuild? General manager CD has stated he's not rebuilding, just retooling. Will the 49ers be able to compete in the tough NFC West after a roster reset?
2. Who replaces Julio Jones? Will Tyler Boyd or CeeDee Lamb step up as WR1?
3. Will the 49ers bring in one more edge rusher? After Bradley Chubb and Brian Burns, the talent level drops significantly. An injury to either one of their top two guys could spell trouble.
