Five Worst Teams Heading Into 2012 NFL Season
With the start of the 2012 NFL season set to take place next week, here’s a look at the five worst teams.
The Browns have been going through a rebuilding mode over the last couple of years and unfortunately for them—that could be the same thing once again in 2012. With rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson leading the offense, Cleveland may struggle to put points on the board like they did last season.
Plus, the fact that they play in one of the toughest divisions in football in the AFC North doesn’t make things any easier for them.
After trading two of their key players in Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears) and Vontae David (Indianapolis Colts) during the offseason, the Dolphins appear to be in for a long 2012 season. On top of that, they also have to deal with the growing pains of rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a weak-receiving core.
Not to mention their division provides them with the privilege of facing the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills twice like usual.
Not only did the Rams suffer from numerous injuries to key players during the 2011 season that forced them to finish 2-14, but it’s difficult to imagine things getting any better in 2012. Sam Bradford has yet to prove himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL and when Danny Amendola is considered the team’s No. 1 option at wide receiver—it says a lot about the type of offense the team has.
As if last season’s disappointing 3-13 record wasn’t enough, the Vikings have to worry about whether or not Adrian Peterson can return to his dominant level at running back after tearing his ACL in Week 16 last year. Minnesota’s offense is already a work in progress and if Peterson experiences any complications—it could be a long 2012 season for the folks in Minnesota.
If Blaine Gabbert fails to produce this season, the Jaguars may end up regretting a first-round pick on the former Missouri standout back in 2011. While the argument can be made that Gabbert’s lack of receiver support played a big role in his rookie struggles, there are no excuses for him not to improve during his sophomore season in Jacksonville.
The addition of Justin Blackmon should help Gabbert’s numbers improve, but the possibility of Maurice Jones-Drew continuing his hold out doesn’t make things any easier for him on offense.
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