NFL: Can the AFC compete with Denver and New England?
By Bryce Olin
Denver Broncos Roster Moves:
Additions:
CB: Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward
DE: DeMarcus Ware
WR: Emmanuel Sanders
Losses:
CB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
RB: Knowshon Moreno
WR: Eric Decker
New England Patriots Roster Moves:
Additions:
CB: Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner
DE: Will Smith
WR: Brandon LaFell
Losses:
CB: Aqib Talib
RB: LeGarrette Blount
LB: Brandon Spikes
As you can see, each team lost very little in terms of what they added to their team through free agency. You may have also noticed the Broncos and Patriots upgraded the exact same positions, which shows they each had a very similar strategy. They basically copied each other in free agency. It makes sense, too, when you think about which positions are important in the “New NFL.” Cornerbacks could not be more valuable than they are right now. If you have a weak secondary, you have no chance in the heavy passing league that is the NFL right now. Because passing is so important, teams also have to be able to manufacture a pass rush. That’s why Denver and New England went out and grabbed defensive ends. Most importantly, the NFL right now is all about passing, and as you can see, each team went out and upgraded their receiving corps.