NFL 2024 preview: 16 AFC QB questions include will a lighter Lamar Jackson alter his game? Expect more hero ball from Josh Allen?

Welcome to the weekly edition of QB Room. Let’s continue our season preview with the AFC’s pressing quarterback questions.

AFC East

Does Josh Allen have enough surrounding skill position talent to compete for a Super Bowl?

For better or worse, wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis are gone. While there’s plenty of room to debate how that may cut down on distractions, and improve offensive chemistry and Allen’s mindset, there’s definitely lost talent and experience to weigh as well. In the wake of those changes, Allen has to lift a far less proven cast of wide receivers. That’s a lot of pressure, which seems to invite more of the “hero ball” playmaking that has gotten Allen into hot water in the past — not to mention absorbing a lot of physical punishment.

For this to work in a way that doesn’t require Allen to put on cape every single game, running back James Cook must continue on his upward trajectory that saw him take a sizable career jump last season. It’s also going to necessitate that pass-catching tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox become high-level staples of the scheme. Arguably the biggest contribution is going to have to come from rookie first-round pick Keon Coleman, who could feasibly see as many targets as top-10 picks Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. If Coleman can step into the No. 1 wideout role, which is there for the taking, it would be instrumental for the Bills’ Super Bowl hopes.

Can the offensive line adequately protect Tua Tagovailoa?

Even with Tagovailoa finally having played a full season in 2023, his health continues to be the top priority of the franchise in 2024 and beyond. The Dolphins’ commitment to a monster contract extension for Tagovailoa this offseason mandates it. That places more pressure on Miami’s offensive line because there’s no longer a door to pivot elsewhere if he gets hurt or struggles to continue an upward trajectory.

Tagovailoa was asked about the reliability of the interior of his…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-09-03 14:00:50

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