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This NFL offseason contained a bevy of moves that shifted the dynamic of the entire league. Thus, causing the media (like myself) to have a level of expectations for certain teams. In return, this causes teams to have a certain level of pressure from the outside media.
For instance, the Cleveland Browns acquired Odell Beckham Jr. via trade to add to their already “dangerous” offense. As a result, fans and media alike have crowned them as contenders before the season has kicked off.
Looking at their roster, led by Baker Mayfield under center, they absolutely have the talent to take down anyone that comes in their way. Although, the number of moves they made could put them in position to underachieve in 2019.
Besides the Browns, there are plenty of teams who are sensing pressure heading into the upcoming season. For now, here are the top three teams who will face the most pressure in the 2019 season.
3. Cleveland Browns
Hey look, it's the aforementioned Browns that are the first team who cracks the list. Their offseason has led people to believe that they're instantly one of the elite rosters in the NFL.
The addition of Beckham Jr. to the organization has heightened their expectations to another stratosphere. After all, you don't make a move to acquire a player of Beckham's caliber only to be content with an 8-8 record.
Cleveland has their eyes set on making a playoff run for the first time since 2002. To put things into perspective, the last time that the Browns reached the postseason, Tim Couch was under center.
The Browns have been labeled as the laughing stock of the NFL for years now until last season happened. That label could be re-applied if the Browns fall flat during the regular season.
Yeah, it's been a while since Cleveland has made the postseason but anything besides the playoffs is considered a disappointment this season.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have finally found their franchise quarterback! Or have they? This offseason, the Jaguars finally moved on from Blake Bortles and have signed Nick Foles to an expensive contract.
The contract sees Jacksonville pay Foles $88 million over the next four years. Although, the Jaguars can potentially get out of the deal in 2022, even with the nearly $50 million in guaranteed money.
Nonetheless, Jacksonville has been searching for an answer under center and landed upon a recent Super Bowl winner in Foles. Their defense is talented enough to get teams off of the field but their offense has been stagnant over the past couple of seasons.
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Therefore, Foles is expected to come into Jacksonville and propel the team into contention. Things could go awry though as we have yet to see Foles excel in a system outside of Philadelphia's.
1. Oakland Raiders
The team facing the most pressure in 2019 shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Besides, they're going to be must-watch TV when they grace this season of HBO's Hard Knocks, a show giving fans a behind-the-scenes look of NFL training camp and preseason.
Of course, the Raiders began their active offseason by bringing in Antonio Brown after the wideout asked to be traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers gave Brown what he wanted and the receiver comes to a team who is hoping to change their culture.
Last season was a disaster in Jon Gruden's first season at the helm. First, the team traded Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. Gruden seemed to regret the decision from the moment it happened.
Then, Oakland decided to ship Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys as well, leaving Derek Carr with no one to throw to. As expected, Mack and Cooper were key to their respective teams' playoff runs.
As a result, the Raiders found themselves at the bottom of the AFC West with a 4-12 record. In 2019, the expectations are higher due to the roster moves that were made by Mike Mayock and Gruden.
Now, Gruden gets his quarterback some weapons like Brown, Tyrell Williams, and Josh Jacobs. Also, the Raiders spent some money on Trent Brown to keep their hopeful franchise quarterback upright in 2019.
The media will likely expect a breakout season from Carr in 2019. And if he and the team don't perform well, there's going to be a lot of blame being shot around in the organization.
Let's just say another disastrous season would make matters even worse for the Raiders as they make their way to Las Vegas.
