Skip to content

Each divisional-round loser's top offseason priority

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

With another round of the NFL postseason wrapped up, there are four more teams that will be packing their lockers on Monday.

As the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints had their seasons ended over the weekend, it won't be long before they start making moves to prepare for next year - but what will be at the top of their to-do lists?

Falcons - Fire Sarkisian

One thing is for certain: Steve Sarkisian is no Kyle Shanahan.

In his first year calling plays for the Falcons, Sarkisian looked out of his depth as he transitioned from college to the pros. Atlanta was limited in their options when they hired Sarkisian away from Alabama a year ago, as Shanahan left following their Super Bowl loss.

With the same offensive roster in 2017, Sarkisian could not get the Falcons in a groove and his ineptitude was evident in Atlanta's loss to the Eagles. Sarkisian made Nick Foles look better than Matt Ryan, refused to acknowledge one of his running backs averaged seven more yards per carry than the other, and called a play everyone saw coming to try winning the game.

Titans - Overhaul the coaching staff

The Titans have reportedly already offered Mike Mularkey, the blandest, least-inspiring head coach in the NFL, an extension to stay. Moving on from him should have been their first move, but if they're stubborn enough to not go back on their word, they can at least get a new set of assistants.

Terry Robiskie, who has been coaching in the NFL since 1982, had the Titans' offense drop from the 11th-best unit in 2016 to 23rd in 2017 despite the roster improving. Marcus Mariota proved in the wild-card round that he is a rare athletic talent by catching his own pass for a touchdown, but a coach as old school as Robiskie can't seem to figure out how to use him in a modern offense.

Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, 80, dates back further than Robiskie, coaching in the league since 1973. He has a wealth of knowledge, but demanding an 80-year-old to coach six-to-seven days a week just seems like too much. They can keep him on as a coaching advisor to help a young coach step into the coordinator role.

Steelers - Lock up Le'Veon Bell

Ben Roethlisberger avoided the retirement drama by plainly stating he will return next season, but there is another potentially divisive conflict to handle.

The Steelers need to ensure Bell will be back on their roster in 2018 and beyond as the 25-year-old is lightly threatening to hold out or leave if he's hit with a second straight franchise tag. He and Antonio Brown should be the future of this organization, and if the running back is not there, the offense will continue to be defined by Roethlisberger trying to do it all himself.

The Steelers got out of their element in their loss to the Jaguars, passing the ball 58 times against the league's best passing defense despite having arguably the NFL's best running back on their roster. As Roethlisberger ages and eventually retires, the Steelers will need Bell to keep the team among the elite in the AFC as they transition to a new quarterback.

Saints - Find another pass rusher

The Saints defense finally looks to be on track with a decent secondary (aside from Sunday's final play), responsible linebackers, and a good interior defensive line, but Cam Jordan is still alone as the sole effective edge rusher on the roster.

Jordan has been one of the most underrated defenders in the league during his career, but he had his best season in 2017, was named a First-team All-Pro, and now every offense will be scheming to contain him.

The Saints came up with just two sacks in their loss to the Vikings and got the bulk of their pressure from the interior rushers.

The addition of a free agent like Demarcus Lawrence or Ezekiel Ansah or finding another gem in the draft would greatly help the Saints continue focusing on a strong run game and an emerging defense as Drew Brees ages.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox