NFL 2015: The X-factor for all 32 teams
Mike Mitchell – Pittsburgh Steelers
When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Mike Mitchell last offseason to a five-year deal, they were envisioning him taking over for Troy Polamalu when the future Hall-of-Famer decided to retire. Well, it’s showtime. Mitchell’s debut campaign was anything but positive, as Pittsburgh fans got to see a player who didn’t exhibit a ton of range or athleticism. With the defense looking much different in 2015, Mitchell has to be a difference-maker.
Mitchell is supposed to be the downhill thumper, much like Bob Sanders during his heyday with the Indianapolis Colts. Mitchell is adequate in that department, but needs to become more polished. Additionally, Mitchell was a blight in coverage, failing to take proper angles and allowing for big plays. If the Steelers are going to make a run in 2015, he needs to be the rock they paid for.
Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals
It’s now or never for the Cincinnati Bengals. After making the playoffs for four consecutive seasons (without a playoff victory) the Bengals are staring at a crossroads. If the team regresses or falls back, it might be time to move on from head coach Marvin Lewis and perhaps even quarterback Andy Dalton. So how can this team improve? At the tight end position.
After watching Jermaine Gresham struggle through an injury-plagued 2014, Cincinnati allowed him to walk while promoting 2013 first-round pick Tyler Eifert into a starting role. Eifert was lost in the first quarter on Week 1 with an elbow injury last year, after having a promising rookie year when he amassed 445 yards. If the Bengals are going to have a more potent passing attack, Eifert needs to step up.
Jimmy Smith – Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are good every year, but the clock is ticking on this group. Both pass-rushers Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs are on the wrong side of 30 years old, while receiver Steve Smith Sr. has numbered days. In that vein, the time is now for head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco to go for their second Super Bowl together.
To get there, the secondary must be better. All of this starts with the corners, where Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith are front and center. Smith is entering his fifth season after being a first-round pick in 2011, and while his play has been solid, it needs to progress. Smith has the athleticism to be a top-tier player and a game-changer, but only has five interceptions in his career. Last year, the Ravens ranked 23rd against the pass. It must change.
Dwayne Bowe – Cleveland Browns
After being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs in lieu of the Jeremy Maclin signing, Dwayne Bowe found himself looking for a new team after spending his first eight years in one place. After shopping around, Bowe settled on the Cleveland Browns, a team looking for its first playoff win since becoming an NFL franchise again in 1999.
With Cleveland, Bowe will be the top target for either veteran journeyman Josh McCown or second-year man Johnny Manziel. While the quarterback situation is murky, Bowe must provide the type of leadership and poise expected from a veteran. Bowe hasn’t been able to eclipse 1,000 yards since 2011, but he is still a solid weapon who can make plays after the catch with his strength and footwork. Across from Brian Hartline, Bowe needs to become a go-to option on the outside.
Next: AFC South X-factors