AFC EAST GRADES AND OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

MIAMI DOLPHINS

An improvement over their 6-10 record in 2017 is noteworthy and coaches likely will use that as a sign of progress. But as the Dolphins head into 2019, it’s hard to say we know more about the long-term future than we did six months ago. That makes it somewhat of a lost season. 

The Miami Dolphins ended the season a with a 42-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills to finish the season at 7-9. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Average -- Most preseason projections had the Dolphins lucky to get to 7-9 or 8-8, so it’s hard to say they fell below expectations. But there has to be a lingering frustration for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and fans that their team remains cloaked in mediocrity. An improvement over their 6-10 record in 2017 is noteworthy and coaches will likely use that as a sign of progress particularly due to their injury burden. But as the Dolphins head into 2019, it’s hard to say we know more about the long-term future than we did six months ago. That makes it somewhat of a lost season.

Season in review: The Dolphins had one of the NFL’s worst statistical offenses and defenses, but they were in the playoff hunt until Week 16 because they were 7-1 in games decided by eight points or fewer up until that point. Miami started off as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises jumping out to a 3-0 record thanks to explosive plays and a ball-hawking defense. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill played well, too, in his first action since December 2016. But back-to-back losses followed and Tannehill’s shoulder capsule injury put a damper on the second quarter of the season. Tannehill missed five games -- backup Brock Osweiler started with a win over Chicago and ended with no offensive touchdowns over his last nine quarters -- and the Dolphins went 2-3. Injuries to key offensive players helped turn what had become an exciting, big-play offense to a relatively ineffective and occasional big-play offense. The Miami Miracle -- a 69-yard hook-and-lateral Kenyan Drake TD to beat the Patriots in exciting fashion -- was the highlight of the season. But the Dolphins were doomed by their inability to win on the road. The offense was flat-out bad much of December as the offensive line crumbled and Tannehill couldn’t do anything special to save them.

He said it: “It’s not good football if you are going to be inconsistent ... It’s not complementary. It doesn’t work.” -- Dolphins defensive end Cam Wake

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

What is the Dolphins long-term answer at QB? This remains the Dolphins biggest question mark for the second consecutive season. Tannehill is a legitimate starting quarterback who can keep Miami in the playoff picture annually, but is he good enough to take them to the next level? Miami has spent seven years waiting to get a definitive answer and it might decide time is up. Coach Adam Gase is a huge Tannehill supporter, and if the coach returns, he might want to bring Tannehill back. Tannehill is also due an $18.7 million salary in 2019 to go along with his $26.6 million cap hit. But QB competition is sparse in Miami, and no, Osweiler, doesn’t scare anyone. Free agency and the draft market don’t appear strong this offseason, but Ross will likely want his decision-makers to address the QB position regardless. Is this the year the Dolphins draft their first quarterback before the seventh round since 2012? It should be -- specifically in the first three rounds -- whether Tannehill returns or not.

Which personnel direction do Dolphins choose to follow more: veteran culture or youthful promise? Gase wanted to build a 2018 Dolphins roster that could overcome adversity, so he brought in veterans such as Frank Gore, Danny Amendola, Josh Sitton, Daniel Kilgore and Akeem Spence. The results were up and down, but three of those players ended the season on injured reserve. There will be a decision due on longtime Dolphins veteran Cameron Wake, who will be a free agent. Also, Miami will have to decide whether to clear paths for promising young players such as Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage -- each of whom was somewhat blocked by veterans. Xavien Howard, Laremy Tunsil and Fitzpatrick are recently drafted players to build around, but are they ready to be leaders? There is a talent void and the Dolphins will have to decide whether fix it with youth or veterans.

How will Miami rebuild its defensive line? Miami’s defensive line is the position group most in need of an overhaul. The Dolphins rank in the bottom five of the NFL in sacks, and they sport one of the NFL’s worst run defenses. On the edge, Robert Quinn and Andre Branch are due huge salaries and could be candidates to be cut. Charles Harris, a 2017 first-round pick, has been a disappointment with just three sacks in his two NFL seasons. Wake is a free agent. Miami needs to add at least two and possibly more edge rushers to this group -- and it’s likely the team’s biggest need. Defensive tackle is an issue as well. The Dolphins never properly replaced Ndamukong Suh. William Hayesand Vincent Taylor, arguably the Dolphins most productive run-stuffers, were both on injured reserve by midseason and they will have to utilize the draft or free agency to fill that hole.

BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills were ranked among the league’s worst teams in offensive and special-teams efficiency. However, Buffalo was expected to win about only five games and they did lay a foundation for rookie quarterback Josh Allen. 

 The Buffalo Bills ended the season with a 42-17 win over the Miami Dolphins to finish the season at 6-10. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Below average -- Context is important to this grade. Compared to the rest of the NFL, the Bills performed at a below-average level this season. They were outscored by 130 points through Week 16, third-worst in the NFL, and ranked among the league’s worst teams in offensive and special-teams efficiency. However, the Bills were expected to win only about five games in a season that was clearly about making a transition to first-round-pick rookie Josh Allen at quarterback. Given’s Allen’s performance since his Week 12 return from an elbow injury, the Bills accomplished their goal of laying a foundation for long-term success at the position.

Season in review: It was a tale of two seasons for the Bills, who began the season 2-7 while playing the NFL’s most difficult schedule through Week 9. The Bills averaged an NFL-worst 10.7 points a game through their first nine games amid a quarterback carousel with opening-day starter Nathan Peterman, Allen and veteran Derek Anderson. Everything changed in Week 10, when the Bills began the league’s easiest season-ending schedule with a cathartic 41-10 win over the Jets, snapping a four-game losing streak. The return of Allen in Week 12 from an elbow injury continued to inject energy into the team and provide hope for 2019. After ranking 31st in yards per game (248.3) and last in points per game through Week 9, the Bills’ offense made a U-turn to rank in the top half in yards per game and points per game from Week 10 through Week 16. Allen made a similar recovery, jumping from a 32.4 Total QBR (31st in the NFL) before his Week 6 injury to a 58.1 since his return (16th-best) through Week 16.

He said it: “Obviously, we haven’t won as many games as we wanted to win, but the fact remains that we’re building this football team, I feel like, the right way. That means trying to develop a football team that can sustain success over a period of time and compete at a high level over a period of time.” -- Bills coach Sean McDermott

KEY OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Will LeSean McCoy return? Although general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott have said they view running back LeSean McCoy as part of the team’s plans in 2019, McCoy’s production has declined steeply since setting a career high with 5.4 yards per carry in 2016. His career-worst season can be attributed partly to problems along the offensive line, but it is fair to question how much McCoy has left at this stage of his career. The Bills could keep McCoy, who will turn 31 before next season, for the final season of his contract in 2019. They also have the option of releasing or trading him, which would save $6.175 million of his $9.05 million salary-cap number. McCoy’s contract allows the Bills to delay their decision until the start of the regular season without committing financially. The expectation is the Bills, who had the NFL’s oldest backfield this season, will add young talent to the position regardless of whether or not they keep McCoy this offseason.

Where will the No. 1 receiver come from? One of the Bills’ top needs is a No. 1 receiver, as Kelvin Benjamin’s audition to fill that role flopped, resulting in his release earlier this month. Buffalo seems to have found some complementary receivers in Zay Jones, Robert Foster and Isaiah McKenzie but still could use a blue-chip prospect to top their depth chart. That player might not be available in free agency this offseason, leaving a trade or the NFL draft as the Bills’ best options. Even so, the top of the draft seems to lack the sort of prospect the Bills need at the position. Trading down in the first round could make wide receiver the pick without overreaching.

How will the Bills spend (or not spend) their salary-cap space? The Bills had more than $60 million in “dead money” against their 2018 salary cap from players who were released, traded or retired. Some of that was the design of Beane, the second-year GM who upon his arrival told ownership it would take at least two seasons to straighten out the team’s salary-cap situation. The result is more than $80 million in salary-cap space in 2019. The danger for Buffalo is going on a spending spree to lure free agents to a cold-weather city, potentially taking on contracts that could weigh down the team again in the future. How the Bills use their glut of cap space will be a test of Beane’s philosophy upon taking the job in May 2017. “I’m going to build through the draft, first and foremost,” he said then. “You have to draft well and sign those guys. If you draft well, you sign them. You’re not going to see big splashes of free agency.”

NEW YORK JETS

No one expected a playoff berth, but this was a total failure -- from the front office to the coaching staff to the players. The mandate from ownership was to show progress, but the Jets actually went backward. They were 1-5 in games decided by eight or fewer points. 

The New York Jets ended the season a with a 38-3 loss to the New England Patriots to finish the season at 4-12. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Below-average -- No one expected a playoff berth, but the season was a total failure -- from the front office to the coaching staff to the players. The mandate from ownership was to show progress, but the Jets went backward. Their roster was poorly constructed, not nearly strong enough to withstand the growing pains of rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. When the Jets played competitively, they had no clue how to finish games, blowing late leads with dumb penalties and poor execution -- and that falls on coaching. They were 1-6 in games decided by eight or fewer points. Just brutal.

Season in review: Let’s start with a positive: After a midseason slump and a four-week foot injury, Darnold showed enough in the final month to make you believe that the Jets finally have a quarterback. He must cut down the number of his interceptions, but he has the talent and intangibles to be really good as long as the Jets don’t mess him up. Imagine if he had a strong supporting cast. The top skill-position players -- Quincy Enunwa, Jermaine Kearse, Robby Anderson and Isaiah Crowell -- each had disappointing seasons, although Anderson played better late in the season. The offense disappeared during the six-game losing streak, but the real culprit was the defense, the second worst in franchise history based on points allowed in a 16-game season. Pro Bowl safety Jamal Adams emerged a star, but the unit crumbled when it needed to make a big stop. The special teams were the best unit. Hey, it’s something.

He said it: “I'm sick of losing. I'm fed up with losing. It pisses me off every time. I'm not a loser. I want to get back on the winning track. ... I’m not going to hold my tongue for anything anymore.” -- Jamal Adams after the Nov. 4 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Who’s the next coach? Todd Bowles, only the sixth NFL coach since 2000 to suffer three straight seasons of double-digit losses, is expected to be fired. It won’t be easy to find the right replacement because the pool of candidates is thin. Mike McCarthy would be a terrific choice because of his track record and offensive background. The question is, do the Jets have enough savvy to land a big fish? Their last hire with head-coaching experience was Bill Parcells in 1997. If they don’t hire McCarthy -- it might be tough to sell him on New York -- the talent drops off significantly from there. Unless Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh changes his mind or John Harbaugh unexpectedly shakes free from the Ravens, the Jets probably will hire a coordinator again. Ideally, they should hire an offensive-minded coach who can develop Darnold and rebuild the offense. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of this decision.

How will they spend their $100 million in salary-cap room?General manager Mike Maccagnan will be calling the shots, assuming he isn't fired. Maccagnan has an affinity for RB Le’Veon Bell, and there are some in league circles who believe that Bell’s decision will come down to the Jets and Colts. The price will be enormous, and he’d come with baggage, but his playmaking ability would take pressure off Darnold. Other names on their free-agent wish list are DE DeMarcus Lawrence, OLB Jadeveon Clowney, DE Dante Fowler Jr. and OLB Dee Ford. The Jets have 22 of their own free agents, namely DE Henry Anderson and CB Morris Claiborne. Enunwa was set to be a free agent, but he was locked up with a four-year, $36 million extension. This means they won’t have to overpay for a No. 2-caliber receiver in free agency. They won’t be able to fill every hole in free agency, but they will be in better shape if they can sign Bell and a defensive to bolster the front seven.

Can they hit on another high draft pick? Maccagnan has made a lot of mistakes, but give him credit for nailing his two most recent first-round picks, Adams and Darnold. A GM can’t live in the top five -- it can be hazardous to his employment -- but Maccagnan will get another swing. Unfortunately, the Jets' needs don’t match with the value at the top of the draft. In other words, it’ll be tough to find an offensive playmaker or blue-chip offensive lineman. Unless there’s a way to get Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa, they will be motivated to trade down, hoping to recoup the draft capital it cost them to trade up for Darnold. Doing so would be a coup because the Jets have multiple needs.

NFC EAST GRADES AND OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

DALLAS COWBOYS

The Cowboys made the playoffs for the first time after starting a season with a 3-5 record and won a playoff game. They have one of the youngest teams in the league and a ton of cap space to keep their own players and add some in free agency. The arrow is up for the future. 

The Dallas Cowboys ended their season with a 30-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round of the playoffs to finish at 11-7. Here’s a recap of the season and what’s next:

Season grade: Above average. That the Cowboys made the playoffs for the first time after starting a season with a 3-5 record and won a playoff game is a positive, which means 2018 could have been viewed as an above-average season. They have one of the youngest teams in the league and a ton of cap space to keep their own players and/or add some players at key spots in free agency. The arrow is up for the future.

Season in review: The Cowboys’ season can be broken down into two parts: before Amari Cooper and after Amari Cooper. The Cowboys were 3-4 when Cooper arrived in a trade from Oakland, and they went on to win seven of their last nine game. There were several highs. Ezekiel Elliott returned to form and won his second rushing title in three seasons. The defense showed it was one of the better units, as well. The Cowboys went from inept offensively before Cooper to passable with him. It cost them a 2019 first-round pick to get Cooper, but the trade was worth it. There were some cracks this season, however -- such as on the offensive line, where Pro Bowlers Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin all missed time to injury (Frederick missed the entire season). Second-round pick Connor Williams struggled at times at left guard, and right tackle La'el Collins battled consistency issues. Considering the prices paid up front, the Cowboys need to get more out of the group in 2019.

He said it: "I don't recommend it to anybody, but one of the neat things is if you can dig a big hole and dig out of the hole, that’s a better story. Like I said, I don’t recommend it to anybody, and there was nothing deliberate about it. When we won our championships in the '90s, no one thought anything but that we tore that franchise up. But it made it nicer coming out of that hole." -- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, on starting 3-5 but making the playoffs.

KEY OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Will the Cowboys sign Dak Prescott to an extension? Jones has made it clear he believes Prescott is the quarterback of the future. Prescott enters the final year of his contract in 2019 and will make about $2 million. He has not posted a losing record in his three years as the Cowboys’ starter. He has made key plays at key moments, but this season, he took too many sacks, fumbled too often and showed he needed a No. 1 receiver in Cooper to make the passing game go. Prescott got representation with Creative Artists Agency to maximize his earning potential. CAA represents almost all of the top quarterbacks and doesn't settle on contracts. The Cowboys don’t have to be in a rush to do a deal with Prescott, especially with some other spending situations they will need to resolve. It is possible they could let Prescott play out his rookie deal and then look to use the franchise tag on him in 2020.

Will there be coaching changes in 2019? A playoff win seems to have secured Jason Garrett’s role for 2019, and perhaps he could be in line for an extension before entering the final year of his contract. At some point, a fresh start might be needed, but Garrett has brought stability. Garrett has the second-most wins among coaches in team history, but he has two playoff wins, and this is a franchise that judges success on Super Bowls. Or at least it used to judge success that way. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan could be in trouble, although the offense performed better after the trade for Cooper. The red zone offense was a struggle, and Prescott‘s development has to be at the forefront of the team’s offseason thoughts. Secondary coach/passing game coordinator Kris Richard appears to be the favorite for the Miami Dolphins head-coaching job; his departure would create a big void.

How do the Cowboys keep DeMarcus Lawrence? The Cowboys put the franchise tag on Lawrence in 2018 after his breakout 2017 season in which he recorded 14.5 sacks. They wanted to see if he could repeat his success. At 10.5 sacks, his numbers were down, but he was just as productive in affecting the quarterback and playing the run. The Cowboys could put the franchise tag on him again, but that likely will not be met with the same greeting as it was in 2018 when Lawrence signed the tag right away. If he is tagged, he could stay away from the offseason program and threaten to miss games. The Cowboys have a history of getting deals done with their top talents. Without Lawrence, the Cowboys do not have an elite pass-rusher. Signing Lawrence has to be the Cowboys’ priority.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

The Redskins' 6-3 start allowed them to stay in playoff contention until late in the season. They could have helped themselves by being far more disciplined; the Redskins committed more penalties on offense than any other team -- and lacked the firepower to overcome the constant loss of yards.  The Washington Redskins ended the season with a 24-0 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles to finish at 7-9. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Average. It’s hard to view their season in a traditional way because of the injuries. Based on record, points scored and points allowed the Redskins were below average. Their 6-3 start allowed them to stay in playoff contention until late in the season. They could have helped themselves by being far more disciplined -- the Redskins committed more penalties on offense than any other team -- and lacked the firepower to overcome the constant loss of yards.

Season in review: It was the second consecutive season they were decimated by injuries; 24 players ended up on injured reserve. Is that the only reason they stumbled? After all, the defense was far healthier, yet regressed mightily. After Week 8, the Redskins ranked fourth in yards allowed and fifth in points. By Week 17, they were 18th in yards and 14th in points. The Redskins started four different quarterbacks for the first time in franchise history and there’s concern about whether Alex Smith will play again after his leg injury. The Redskins' final six weeks were filled with injuries and a few stories -- claiming Reuben Foster; Montae Nicholson’s arrest, D.J. Swearinger’s release -- that brought negative attention. They did not come close to selling out a home game this season. The Redskins entered the season with legitimate playoff hopes; they exit with many questions about the future.

He said it: "You come in on a short week; you learn there's so many moving parts. For me, I played Madden. I was able to get on the Madden and learn my teammates. ... I learned their names.” Redskins quarterback Josh Johnson

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Will they change the power structure? Team president Bruce Allen has been in charge for nine years; in that time the Redskins have made the playoffs twice. He’s involved in every move and often trades get made without consulting coaches, even when it involves quarterbacks. But he’s tight with owner Dan Snyder and a key figure in getting a new stadium built. Allen has become public enemy No. 1 among the fan base. The organization is well aware of the fans' feelings toward Allen. There’s a chance he could be moved out of the football side, but would that be for optics to placate fans or real? Coach Jay Gruden’s job appears to be safe with little smoke about his ouster, despite a third straight non-playoff season. The heavy injuries, plus two more years on his contract with $10 million guaranteed, would be factors in his return. Snyder wants to keep him; the question is will he feel compelled to make a change? The Redskins could opt to retain Gruden but make changes to his staff. There are mixed opinions on defensive coordinator Greg Manusky -- Swearinger’s release came two days after he ripped him following a Week 16 loss. Regardless, his group had issues after a strong start -- and they were relatively healthy. There needs to be changes, whether in personnel, scheme or coaching.

What will they do at quarterback? The good news is Smith was released from the hospital before Christmas. His health matters above all, regardless of whether he returns to football. But the reality is there’s uncertainty over his future in football. The Redskins need to plan as if he won’t be back. So Washington must look at adding another quarterback, whether in free agency or the draft. The latter makes more sense given their financial situation. Colt McCoy is expected to return from his broken leg and he has another year left on his contract. The Redskins don’t have a lot of cap room (around $25 million after Swearinger’s release) and cutting Smith would be prohibitive ($40 million in dead money). That’s why drafting a quarterback would be the best solution. The Redskins do have nine picks, but they won’t pick in the top 10, so it could be hard to get one they like. And trading a lot of picks would be difficult considering they need this capital to improve given the lack of cap room. They could add a low-cost veteran -- at this point, some favor keeping Josh Johnson around -- as well.

What veterans might be released? The Redskins need to address multiple positions and need cap room. Considering Zach Brown lost his starting job late in the year, he’s an easy candidate and it would save the Redskins $5.75 million in cap space. Corner Josh Norman has played well for most of the season but has a $14.5 million cap hit in 2019. They could save $11.5 million if he’s released post-June 1. The problem: It creates a big hole. Other high-priced veterans -- tight end Jordan Reed ($7.9 million in savings), defensive end Stacy McGee($2.4 million if pre-June 1 release; $4 million after) and tight end Vernon Davis($5 million). There’s a chance only one or two of these players gets released. Veteran linebacker Ryan Kerrigan is 31, would save $10.75 million if released, but he’s coming off his fifth Pro Bowl and the coaches prize his consistency. Of course, every move creates a hole to fill, whether with lower-priced players in free agency or the draft. The Redskins also must decide how much they want to pay free agents such as linebacker Preston Smith (could be too costly) and receiver Jamison Crowder (possibly the same, but he’s high on the priority list).

NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years after losing seven of their first eight games. They should have at least been competitive, especially when adding Saquon Barkley in the draft and getting Odell Beckham Jr. back from injury. 

The New York Giants ended the season a with a 36-35 loss to the Dallas Cowboys to finish the season at 5-11. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Below-average -- The Giants missed the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years after losing seven of their first eight games. They should have at least been competitive, especially when adding Saquon Barkley in the draft and getting Odell Beckham Jr. back from injury. The Giants made the decision in the draft to bypass a potential quarterback of the future for Barkley, who capped off a record-setting season with a huge performance Sunday. They also signed veterans and made moves as if they could compete for a playoff spot, but it didn’t work out.

Season in review: The Giants’ season started miserably, and they went into their bye week tied for the worst record (1-7) in the NFL. They didn't recover. Their offense was the primary culprit, failing to score 20 points in five of their first seven losses, and the offense never evolved into the unit that was expected with so many playmakers. Quarterback Eli Manning had eight touchdown passes in the first eight games, despite having Barkley, Beckham, Sterling Shepard and -- when healthy -- Evan Engram. The Giants offense struggled in season-opening losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cowboys the first two weeks, and it extended through the first half of the season. It set the stage for another season without playoffs, even though the Giants managed to win four out of five coming out of the bye week.

He said it: “When you don't get in the end zone, you can't win, so ... that's that.” -- Giants coach Pat Shurmur, after a 17-0 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 15

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

What will the Giants do at quarterback? They will be looking for a quarterback of the future in the draft. In the meantime, the Giants need to make a decision on Manning’s future. Do they want to roll it back one more time? The Giants are aware Manning, soon to be 38, is on the decline. They know their offense is limited with him behind center. The results over the past three seasons say it all. They will at least assess other options for a bridge quarterback this offseason. Teddy Bridgewarter, Nick Foles and Joe Flacco are options.

Which big money players could be cut or allowed to walk? Defensive tackle Damon Harrison was already shipped out at the trade deadline. Decisions need to be made this offseason on outside linebacker Olivier Vernon, safety Landon Collins (free agent) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. The Giants turned down offers at the trade deadline for Collins and the most likely scenario is he returns on the franchise tag. They can’t afford to lose 24-year-old playmakers given the current state of the roster. Vernon is scheduled to count $19.5 million next year against the salary cap, but his production and availability haven’t matched that price tag. Jenkins is more likely to be back after the Giants gave him a roster bonus before the season that added $1.5 million more to his 2019 cap number, and he’s played well late in the year.

How will they fix their defense? It’s considered to be a strong defensive line draft, and general manager Dave Gettleman has always been big on taking linemen in the early rounds. His first three picks as GM in Carolina were linemen (2 DL, 1 OL). The Giants have major needs at outside linebacker and defensive tackle. They need to improve their pass rush, and this is the draft to get it done. Finding interior pass-rushers will be a priority this offseason. Returning Collins to the fold and using most of their available funds in free agency (in the range of $40 million) on defense should give the Giants a chance at improving.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

The Philadelphia Eagles ended the season a with a 20-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round to finish the season at 10-8. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Above average: The Eagles came into 2018 eyeing a repeat, and though they fell short of that, the late-season surge and opening-round playoff win over the Chicago Bears showed resolve and reinforced the fact that the Eagles remain a well-coached, talented team.

Season in review: Nick Foles led a late charge in in place of the injured Carson Wentz, helping the Eagles to three straight wins to close out the regular season and secure the sixth and final playoff spot in the NFC. They were able to edge the Bears 16-15 in the wild-card round thanks to a partial block of Cody Parkey’s last-second field goal try by Treyvon Hester before falling to top-seeded New Orleans in the divisional round.

A key to Philly’s Super Bowl run a year ago was a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. A slow start cost them that luxury this season. The Eagles were sluggish out of the gate, starting 4-6. Injuries played a big part in that. They lost three-fourths of their starting secondary -- only safety Malcolm Jenkins, was standing by the end of the year -- and saw 13 players go on injured reserve. The long playoff run of a season ago took its toll.

He said it: "Last year, it just seemed like everybody was clicking. We had guys like Brent Celek who had been here a long time who was very accountable, Torrey Smith who had been in the league for a long time, very accountable. Mack Hollins was a guy that gave great effort. LeGarrette Blount and all of these running backs that, they had their limited amount of stuff that they had to know, but they knew what to do, and they knew how to do those things. That's what we're missing. We're missing that accountability." -- Eagles center Jason Kelce said in November before the Eagles' late run

Offseason questions

Will Wentz return to full health? Wentz heads into the offseason with health concerns for the second straight year. The good news is there will be no rigorous rehab, as there was for the torn ACL/LCL last year. The key for the stress fracture is rest. Back injuries can be tricky, but there seems to be optimism from the parties involved that this won’t be a long-term issue for the franchise quarterback. With Foles likely to be elsewhere next season, they need Wentz to bounce back.

What will they do with DE Brandon Graham? Graham, a free agent, has been a fixture along the defensive front in Philadelphia for nine seasons. Despite some conversations earlier in the year, the two sides never came to an agreement on a new deal. It looks like the Eagles will let Graham explore the market, with hopes that he’ll eventually be open to a hometown discount. Whether it’s Graham returning or via some new blood, Philly needs a pass-rusher (or two).

What about Foles? Though Foles showed off that magic once again, the organization has been committed to Wentz being the long-term QB. Assuming that thinking doesn’t change, they’ll likely move on from Foles, who appears to be too costly to hold onto as a backup. There is $20 million option in Foles’ deal for next year, but the QB can buy his way out of it and into free agency. Perhaps the Eagles place the franchise tag on him in an attempt to trade him. However it plays out, it looks like Foles’ run in Philly is over.

AFC SOUTH GRADES AND OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

HOUSTON TEXANS

The Texans overcame an 0-3 start to win the AFC South division title but lost in the wild-card round to the Colts. A nine-game winning streak helped Houston become the first team since 1992 to begin the season with an 0-3 record and win a division title. Read more.

The Houston Texans ended the season with a 21-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The Texans finished the regular season with an 11-5 record. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Above average. The Texans overcame an 0-3 start to win the AFC South division title. A nine-game winning streak helped Houston become the first team since 1992 to begin the season with an 0-3 record and win a division title.

Season in review: The 2018 season featured the return of All-Pro defensive lineman J.J. Watt, who registered 16 sacks, making himself a legitimate contender for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, safety Tyrann Mathieu and linebacker Benardrick McKinney spearheaded a defense that finished fourth in scoring defense, allowing 19.8 points per game.

Coach Bill O'Brien's offense averaged 27 points per game during the nine-game winning streak and survived the loss of wide receiver Will Fuller V in Week 7. Through seven games, Fuller had 503 receiving yards and four touchdowns. The Texans added veteran wideout Demaryius Thomas at the trade deadline, which helped make up for the loss of Fuller. Quarterback Deshaun Watson continued to wreak havoc on opposing defenses and DeAndre Hopkins finished with 115 receptions for 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He said it: "Look at the season. Starting 0-3, tacking on nine and winning 10 of the last 12, we earned the right to be here. It's a new year, a new season. This is the hardest business, its top notch and a whole new speed of the game. Every play counts and every moment counts. You can't slip up." -- Watson

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

How can the Texans do a better job of protecting Watson? Houston has to invest further in the offensive line. Watson was sacked an average of 3.9 times per game during the regular season -- the highest total in the NFL -- and he was sacked three times in Saturday's loss to Indianapolis. He needs more time in the pocket, but not all of the blame should be placed on the offensive line. Watson does a great job of extending plays and breaking free of would-be tacklers, but there are other times when he holds onto the ball too long. Regardless, adding more talent up front is a must.

What should Houston do at running back? Starter Lamar Miller has one more year left on the four-year contract that lured him to Houston. At 28-years-old, Miller will hold a $7.2 million salary-cap number, but if he gets released he will only cost the team $1 million in dead cap money. There are some prospects such as Darrell Henderson from Memphis who can come in and challenge for a spot. Reserve back D'Onta Foreman spent most of the season on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles in November 2017, but should be a part of the backfield going forward.

Is Mathieu a necessity to re-sign? Mathieu brought a killer instinct to the secondary, and his ability to be used in the box as well as in center field is a testament to his versatility. Keeping him paired with Justin Reid, who is coming off a stellar rookie season, is something Houston needs to do. Mathieu finished the regular season with three sacks, two interceptions and eight pass breakups. There will be other safeties on the market, but the Texans have already seen what they have in Mathieu. He's a fit in the locker room and can continue to be a veteran presence next to Reid.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Nobody knew what to expect from quarterback Andrew Luck after he missed last season because of a shoulder injury he's been deadline with for nearly three years. The Colts also had a first-year head coach, offensive, defensive and special teams coaches and a relatively young roster. None of that mattered as Luck silenced the critics and returned to form. 

The Indianapolis Colts ended their season Saturday with a 31-13 playoff loss in Kansas City. The Colts finished the regular season 10-6. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Above average. It's no longer strictly all about quarterback Andrew Luck for the Colts. The day he was hired, general manager Chris Ballard said he would not put together a team that relied on just one player. Ballard has lived up to that promise, as for the first time in Luck's seven NFL seasons it wasn't just about him. Special teams remained consistent. But the biggest difference is that the defense did its part under coordinator Matt Eberflus. The unit, which often failed to hold its end of the bargain early in Luck's career, was a strength by the second half of the season.

Season in review: Nobody knew what to expect from Luck after he missed last season and had been dealing with a shoulder injury for nearly three years. The Colts also had a first-year head coach, first-year offensive, defensive and special-teams coordinators and a relatively young roster. None of that mattered, as Luck silenced the critics and returned to form. He's arguably better than he has been at any point prior to his injury in 2015, as he was second in the NFL in touchdown passes (39) and posted a career high in completion percentage (67.3). A major part of the offensive success was due to having an offensive line to protect for Luck and open lanes for the running backs. The Colts had the fewest sacks allowed in the league (18). Head coach Frank Reich was able to keep the team together despite a 1-5 start and produce the most victories since the Colts won 11 in 2014. The foundation is set with Ballard, Reich, Luck and several building blocks, including linebacker Darius Leonard, defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis and guard Quenton Nelson, who was selected No. 6 overall in the 2018 draft.

He said it: "When you get a brand new head coach, one who has never been a head coach before, you kind of wonder how it's going to go. [Reich is] spot on, and ... they are headed in the right direction with Frank, Chris and the pieces they have already put on the roster and the pieces they will add going forward." -- Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Will Ballard be a big spender during free agency? The Colts are projected to have an NFL high of $124 million in salary-cap space next offseason. Ballard has been pretty stingy when it comes to signing players during free agency, because his focus is to produce homegrown talent through the draft. He will likely be a little more open to spending, because he has started building through the draft and found some key players in Nelson, Leonard and running back Marlon Mack. But don't expect Ballard to treat free agency like its Christmas. He looks for players still in the prime of their career who also have the right character to fit in the Colts locker room.

Can the Colts find a No. 2 wide receiver to go with T.Y. Hilton? The second-best receiver on the roster wasn't actually a wide receiver. It was tight end Eric Ebron. Finding a second wideout to complement Hilton has been an ongoing problem for years. The likes of Hakeem Nicks, Andre Johnson, Ryan Grant and Donte Moncrief have all tried and failed to be the No. 2 wide receiver. Ebron and fellow tight end Jack Doyle will remain key figures in the passing game, but it'll help the offense even more if there is a dependable second wideout to go with Hilton. Rookie Deon Cain, who has size, might be an option if he can bounce back from a torn ACL that cost him the 2018 season.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jacksonville Jaguars ended the season a with a 20-3 loss to the Houston Texans to finish 5-11. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Below-average -- It's hard to believe the Jaguars were 10 minutes away from the Super Bowl last season. Nineteen starters returned, and yet the Jaguars finished with a losing record -- and double-digit losses -- for the seventh time in the past eight seasons. Injuries decimated the offensive line and tight end positions, Leonard Fournette missed six games with a hamstring injury, quarterback Blake Bortles regressed and got benched, and the defense, while still a top-10 unit statistically, didn't pressure the quarterback and force turnovers at the rate it did in 2017.

Season in review: September was pretty good (3-1 record) and in Week 2 the Jaguars avenged their AFC championship loss to New England, but things fell apart after a Week 4 victory against the New York Jets. Seven consecutive losses followed as injuries mounted, Fournette was out of the lineup and Bortles regressed to his 2016 form. The supposedly elite defense faltered as multiple coverage busts and breakdowns resulted in big plays, including a disastrous first half against the Colts when tight ends caught three TD passes. And the offense became too one-dimensional with Fournette ailing. Coach Doug Marrone fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and benched Bortles on Nov. 26 -- one day after an embarrassing loss in Buffalo in which Fournette left the bench and got into a fight, earning a one-game suspension. The change didn't seem to help; backup QB Cody Kessler threw only one touchdown in his first three starts and the Jaguars only scored two offensive touchdowns in their final five games. The team also had a discipline problem this season. In addition to Fournette's fight, teammates Dante Fowler Jr. and Yannick Ngakoue got into a post-practice training camp fight in front of reporters, and Jalen Ramsey was suspended for a week for threatening a reporter. (Fowler was suspended, too.) And several players were arrested after failing to pay a bar tab while the team was in London for its annual home game. The Jaguars also led the NFL in personal foul penalties for much of the season. It was, in short, a mess.

He said it: "We're not playing well as a team. I don't want to get into individual players or what side of the ball. Right now as a team, when you talk about takeaways, turnovers and field position, those are the three things we need to focus on, which are all three things our team can do a better job of. That's what we need to focus on first. Once we can get that corrected, then I think you can go to the next thing of the individual or things of that nature. We just have to get that corrected first. Maybe I'm just so close-minded on that aspect of it. Meaning if you don't do these things well the rest of it doesn't matter. That's how I truly feel and that is how I want to get this team right and back on track." -- Jaguars coach Doug Marrone

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Tom Coughlin, Dave Caldwell and Marrone are returning for a third season together. Now what? Following up the franchise's first division title since 1999 and first playoff appearance since 2007 with a disaster like this season certainly puts a lot of pressure on the three to turn things around in 2019. They did have a legitimate excuse for why the season went off the rails: The team was ravaged by injuries, especially at the offensive line and tight end positions. During the final three games of the season, nine of the 11 offensive starters were either backups (and in one case a fourth-teamer) or not with the team until mid-October. That’s over now, and no one cares any longer. Coughlin and Caldwell must re-stock tight end, receiver and running back in free agency and the draft and hit on whichever quarterback they choose. The defense will still be very good, but the offense has to be significantly better or the Jaguars won’t have a chance. The AFC South is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, so that makes nailing their evaluations even more critical.

What do the Jaguars do at quarterback? They're almost certainly going to draft one with their first pick, but expect the team to also explore the free-agent market to bring in a veteran as a bridge player to give the rookie time to develop if he's not ready. It's not a great group of free-agent quarterbacks, though. Tyrod Taylor, Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater and Ryan Fitzpatrick top the list. There might be some high profile starters available if they're cut by their teams such as Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Eli Manning and Nick Foles. Economics might rule those players out because they'll be in demand, and the Jaguars really can't get into a bidding war. Oregon's Justin Herbert and Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins were generally regarded as the best quarterbacks in the 2019 draft class, but Herbert announced he will return to school.

How do they fix their cap issues? Per ESPN's Roster Management system, the Jaguars are $12.2 million over the projected salary cap in 2019. Also looming is a potential $16.5 million dead cap hit if they cut Bortles before June 1. Still, the situation isn't as troublesome as it appears. The Jaguars can easily find $26.3 million in cap savings by cutting Bortles, defensive tackle Malik Jackson, right tackle Jermey Parnell and running back Carlos Hyde. That number gets even bigger if they decide to part ways with defensive end Calais Campbell, defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and safety Tashaun Gipson (a total of $27.6 million in cap savings), though the Jaguars aren't likely to release all three. Campbell and Dareus are still productive and have had very good seasons, and Gipson played pretty well in 2017. The bottom line is the team can make a significant amount of cap space and be able to sign Ngakoue or linebacker Myles Jack to an extension if they choose. This likely means the Jaguars won't be major players in free agency, though, which would take them out of the running for any of the expensive QB options.

TENNESSEE TITANS

The Titans overcame early struggles on offense and injuries to make a late push for the playoffs. Last year's team went to the second round, but Tennessee made strides on defense under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Dean Pees. 

The Tennessee Titans ended the season with a 33-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and finished 9-7. Here's a recap of the season and what's next:

Season grade: Above average. The Titans overcame early struggles on offense and injuries to make a late push for the playoffs. Last year's team went to the second round, but Tennessee made strides on defense under first-year coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Dean Pees.

Season in review: The 2018 season was a roller-coaster ride for the Titans. Losing tight end Delanie Walker in the season opener and quarterback Marcus Mariota's elbow injury made it seem like it was going to be a long season. However, a three-game win streak -- against the Texans, Jaguars and Eagles -- had many analysts wondering if Tennessee could be a contender. The three-game losing streak that followed featured an assortment of offensive struggles. The Titans scored 31 points during the skid and couldn't run the ball effectively, which hurt the passing game. Offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur's group got back on track in the second half of the season, though. The biggest improvement came from running back Derrick Henry, who exploded for a combined 408 yards in Weeks 14 and 15, including a franchise-record 238 rushing yards against the Jaguars. Henry struggled earlier in the season, but he started to run the ball with more physicality, and the results showed, opening up the rest of the offense.

He said it: "Man, it's been crazy as hell. Just like last year, wild. We are in control of our destiny, but you don't want to be in control of your destiny like this." -- Cornerback Adoree Jackson

OFFSEASON QUESTIONS

Can the Titans find a wide receiver to start opposite Corey Davis? The likely release of Jackson by the Buccaneers is a situation the Titans should monitor closely. If Tampa lets Jackson go, he'd be an excellent addition. The NFL draft has options, as well, especially if Oklahoma's Marquise Brown is available. Kelvin Harmon from NC State and A.J. Brown from Ole Miss are other names to watch. Then there are the guys on Tennessee's roster. Before injuring his ankle, Tajae Sharpe emerged as a trustworthy slot receiver who can move the chains, and Taywan Taylor came on late and made some huge plays in wins against the Jets and Redskins.

Will the Titans re-sign Mariota to a long-term extension? Mariota is the present and future for the Titans. There aren't many better options in free agency or the draft. When healthy, Mariota is a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback. He changes the way opposing defenses have to plan, and he has a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters the most. His fourth-quarter comebacks have become a regular occurrence. The key is going to be how much the commitment costs. If it comes with a $100 million price tag, general manager Jon Robinson might want to pass. Given Mariota's extensive injury history, it's unlikely he'll be able to command a huge contract.

Who should the Titans bring aboard to generate pass rush? The Titans need to take a long look at the outside linebackers in this year's draft class. If Florida's Jachai Polite or Mississippi State's Montez Sweat are available in the first round, the Titans need to pounce. It might not be a popular opinion, but Tennessee should also re-sign veteran outside linebacker Derrick Morgan. He would be the veteran of a group that would include second-year players Harold Landry and Sharif Finch, as well as Kamalei Correa.