Touchdown Wire way-too-early 2022 offseason NFL…

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10)  Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

10. Arizona Cardinals

2021 record: 11-6

An 11-6 record, yes, but the Cardinals ended last year on a big downhill ride. Few in Arizona need reminding of that. To quell those worries, the team needs to make sure QB Kyler Murray is all in after the weird start he has had to the offseason. A next step might be improving the secondary in the desert.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

QB Justin Herbert is very promising. He should slot into the elite tier with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow soon–if he’s not already there. This defense in Los Angeles needs addressing in a few spots, though. Can’t put it all on Herbert every week. Fix some spots, Chargers. Maybe start at cornerback and this team is not far off.

8. San Francisco 49ers

2021 record: 10-7

The Niners are a dang good team and showed us all that in the postseason once again. However, they cannot be put in the top five until we find out what happens under center. It looks like San Fran might go with Trey Lance at quarterback, but as long as the coveted prospect plays decent, the 49ers have a shot again.

7. Tennessee Titans

2021 record: 12-5

The Titans go where Ryan Tannehill takes them. He’s rarely going to blow a game wide open, so the way things are lining up again in Tennessee, the plan is to help the QB. With Julio Jones and AJ Brown in the fold, bringing someone in to master the middle of the field like a tight end could help the Titans remain at the top of the AFC– assuming their defensive turnaround from 2021 rolls over.

6. Dallas Cowboys

2021 record: 12-5

Dan Quinn returning is a big boost for the Dallas Cowboys–and unexpected. If he can guide another successful defensive season in Dallas, the offense with QB Dak Prescott should keep humming along. A lot of consistency and game management questions still sit with Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy.