With six recent hires, ESPN’s NFL Nation – a team of 32 multimedia reporters, each covering one NFL franchise year round – is fully staffed and ready to provide fans with the latest updates and analysis heading into the 2016 NFL season.
In the slideshow below, new reporters share storylines they’re most interested in as they begin to cover the Texans, Rams, Buccaneers, Eagles, Giants and Bengals for ESPN.
Sarah Barshop, Houston Texans
“I’m most interested in the storyline I think all Texans fans want the answer to: Is Brock Osweiler for real, and can he lead the Texans to more than just a playoff appearance? Houston has had a quarterback carousel since Matt Schaub left, and the $72 million invested in Osweiler puts a lot of pressure on him to succeed.”
Alden Gonzalez, Los Angeles Rams
“Having sensed the void of the NFL in the Los Angeles area, I am excited to document how the community responds to the Rams’ return and how the Rams respond to the demands of a larger market. Jared Goff’s maturation should be fascinating, as will Todd Gurley and Aaron Donald’s ascension to superstardom.”
Jenna Laine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“The firing of Lovie Smith and promotion of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to head coach – was it the right move? I’m also interested to see how Jameis Winston will fare in his second season and how Mike Smith impacts a Bucs defense that’s been a shadow of its former self the last 10 years.”
Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles
“The Eagles went back to their roots and hired Andy Reid protégé Doug Pederson after feeling burned by their experience with Chip Kelly. I’m interested in the contrast in styles and whether Pederson proves to be the more effective leader. Also, will the Eagles stick to the plan of bringing Carson Wentz along slowly despite the inevitable outside pressure?”
Jordan Raanan, New York Giants
“The Giants 2016 season should be exciting. We’ll see just how much $200 million can buy for a defense. On offense, all eyes will be on wide receiver Victor Cruz and his comeback from two serious injuries. Regardless, Odell Beckham Jr. is this team’s headliner. What’s next after smashing all kinds of records his first two professional seasons?”
Katherine Terrell, Cincinnati Bengals
“The top storyline of this year is a no-brainer for me: the Week 2 matchup against the Steelers. Bengals and Steelers games are always intense, but after the insanity of their last meeting, this might go to another level.”
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