Not all NFL training camps are created equal in any given preseason. Some teams have a lot more issues to sort out during the heat of July and August practices than others.
For the teams not changing QBs, offenses, defenses, or schemes, camp is more about getting in regular-season mode to be prepared to play their best when games count.
However, when there's a combination of new coaches, personnel, and systems, it means a lot has to come together fast to set up a path to success.
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Sometimes, blowing things up and making wholesale changes is great for much improved results. A lot of newness can also add up to not meeting adjusted expectations.
Here's looking at what teams are under the most pressure to put everything together quickly in training camp, starting with the biggest-name new coach.
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1. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are morphing into part 49ers, part Michigan, and part Ravens under Jim Harbaugh. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter are working to establish Harbaugh's hard-nosed philosophy. That includes getting more out of the power rushing attack and a more active front with which to rush the passer.
Justin Herbert, on top of being in a run-heavier offense, will need to adjust to key new receivers with Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Gerald Everett all gone. There are also shakeups at tight end and the offensive line. Defensively, veterans such as Khalil Mack will need to lead a tricky transition from Brandon Staley to Minter. That's a lot to digest, install, and execute, but no one should doubt Harbaugh's ability to deliver a quick, successful overhaul.
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots need to first figure out whether to trust No. 3 overall draft pick Drake May to start right away or stick with a rough plan to go with seasoned bridge option Jacoby Brissett. They also have reshuffled some of their offensive skill players and are adjusting to the new scheme of former Browns coordinator Alex Van Pelt. In the big picture, just going through a camp with rookie coach Jerod Mayo will mark changes in mindset and philosophy from the eternal Bill Belichick era.
3. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks also are making a dramatic coaching change from long-time fixture Pete Carroll, staying defensive-minded but going much more youthful in 37-year-old Mike Macdonald. They hired him away from the Ravens and went to college to land former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. The personnel moves were limited, but adhering to refreshed philosophies and schemes will be challenging enough.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Titans hired Bengals former offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their head coach while tapping into Jaguars (Nick Holz) and Ravens (Dennard Wilson) to respectively reboot their offense and defense, respectively. Will Levis is now the full-time starting QB in a new system in Year 2, while also getting used to five new starters in the backfield, receiving corps, and offensive line. The defense also has big personnel changes on every level. The Titans are a young, transitioning team with a handful of veterans who can lead and settle the rest of the roster.
5. Washington Commanders
The Commanders should have no issues rolling with Jayden Daniels as the top QB out of the gate, but Daniels is just one of five new offensive starters as the team flips to Kliff Kingsbury's play-calling. There also are five new defensive pieces for head coach Dan Quinn, including former Cowboys Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong at end and former Panthers Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn in the back-seven. They also are counting on more top play from ageless future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner.
The direction and future seem bright with Daniels, Kingsbury, and Quinn, but first, the Commanders need to get their new-look talent adjusted well, especially on both fronts.
