Jack Leach is promising to "cherish" every moment of the Test series in India despite knowing it represents the "ultimate" challenge.

Leach returned to England's Test team in Sri Lanka after an absence of 14-months during which he has admitted he both feared for his life and his career. As a result, he has a clear sense of perspective about the task in front of him and is determined to "enjoy" every moment.

"Having missed so much cricket you have to remember to cherish and enjoy these moments," Leach said. "It's my first time in India and to come here and bowl spin is the dream I had. So I just see it as a fantastic opportunity and one I want to enjoy.

"It feels really good to be back playing cricket. That is what I get paid to do, so to be playing again is a really nice feeling.

"There is pressure all the time when you play for England. In India, there is maybe a bit more pressure with what wickets could be like. India are obviously a great side and they've got all bases covered so I wouldn't want to make too many assumptions. I just know if I can get myself in the right headspace and bowling how I know I can, then I can be effective.

"Is it the ultimate test? Yes, I think so. It doesn't get much more exciting. I think they're a quality side coming off the back of a great win in Australia. But I feel like it's a great opportunity to test ourselves against probably the best side in the world. It's just a great opportunity, isn't it?

Leach admitted he was - understandably - a little "rusty" at times in the Sri Lanka series. But while there were moments his control was not, perhaps, all he would have wanted it to be, he did still end the series with 10 wickets from the two Tests and felt he would be better for the overs he had delivered.

"It's fair to say at times I did feel a little bit rusty," Leach said. "You can do all you want in the nets but to get back out and play those games has been useful.

"I feel like the way the ball came out wasn't exactly how I would like it. But I have to accept I haven't had much cricket in recent times and taking wickets in the second innings is always a confidence boost.

"I feel good for the cricket and the overs but feel I have more to offer. I am probably someone who is never happy in a way and there is more improvement from me to come. Sri Lanka was a good start and I feel like I am going in the right direction."

Given that time out of the game, Leach and co. could have done without another six days in quarantine. But he accepted it is the same for both sides and has no complaints.

"It is not the ideal prep," he said, "but it has been the same for India. I have done some reflecting and bowled a few in the mirror. But I'm eager to get back out there tomorrow and get some base training in before the first Test."

The England squad will train together for the first time on this leg of the tour on Tuesday. It is the first of just three training days they have before the start of the first Test on Friday.

Part of Leach's time in quarantine has been spent watching videos of England's spinners on previous tours. In particular, he has revisited the 2012 series which saw Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann bowl England to a memorable victory. While he cautions against comparisons with Panesar - who bowled a fair bit quicker - he hopes his own left-arm spin can "make an impact."

"They are two bowlers I love to watch," he said. "I watch a lot of spin videos and try to take things for everyone I watch.

"Monty bowled an amazing pace. On a spinning wicket, that can be very tricky. I am probably not going to be bowling at the same speeds but it is more about how the ball gets there in terms of trajectory. There have been some very successful bowlers who don't bowl as fast as Monty.

"For me, it is knowing what my optimum pace is and going up and down a little from there. But trying to get as much energy on the ball and deceive them that way. Everyone has an optimum pace and I think it's important to try and stick to that as much as possible.

"I definitely think I can make an impact in the series. I think they've got a lot of right-handers so I see that as a good thing for me. I feel I can make a good impression and do good things to that Indian line-up."

Thirty other NFL teams want to be in the position of the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- one win away from a Super Bowl title and the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Unlike for the Chiefs and Bucs, the biggest obstacle facing many teams in getting to championship contention is at quarterback, a position poised for massive turnover this offseason. For others, it's rebuilding a defense to complement a potent offense. And for an unfortunate few, it's a wholesale talent infusion that's needed to climb back into contention.

We asked six NFL analysts when each team could realistically next be considered a Super Bowl contender. That doesn't mean playoff contender or in the mix, but rather when each team could be a serious threat to win a title, based on personnel, trajectory, rebuild timelines and other related factors.

Each team has been tiered into one of six distinct time frames, starting with four contenders for the 2021 season's championship. Our NFL Nation reporters dove in with some context around why each team ended up where it did.

Jump to:
Current contenders | On cusp
One year out | Two years out
Three years out | Four or five years out

CLEAR-CUT CONTENDERS RIGHT NOW

Kansas City Chiefs

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2020
2020 FPI rank: No. 1

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: All of the Chiefs' key players are signed through 2021 and many of them beyond that, so now the challenge is to fit them all in under the salary cap. But it's doable, so the Chiefs won't have to part with players they truly want to keep for salary-cap purposes. The Chiefs might be limited in what they can spend in free agency, so they might be searching the bargain bin for veteran help.

Biggest X factor: The Chiefs need as many good, young and inexpensive players as they can find to fill in around their many high-priced veterans. They need another rookie class like 2020 with value picks like cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton. -- Adam Teicher

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2020
2020 FPI rank: No. 2

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: While much has been made about the Bucs' acquisition of Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Antonio Brown and Leonard Fournette last offseason, 14 of their starters for Super Bowl LV will be draft picks -- six on offense and eight on defense. The Bucs' strategy has been to build through the draft and re-sign those players, while filling in the missing pieces with free agents.

Biggest X factor: The Bucs will have 25 unrestricted free agents in 2021, including Chris Godwin, Shaquil Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Lavonte David, Brown, Gronkowski and Fournette. Bringing all or as many of those players back as possible will be key. The Bucs will have roughly $30 million in cap space. -- Jenna Laine

Buffalo Bills

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1993
2020 FPI rank: No. 6

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Draft, develop, re-sign. That's always been the plan at One Bills Drive, and general manager Brandon Beane said there will be an even greater emphasis on it this offseason as the Bills prepare for a drastic decrease in the salary cap. They agreed to multiple multiyear extensions with some franchise cornerstones last offseason, and that likely will be the case again.

Biggest X factor: Josh Allen's continued elite play. The third-year quarterback was an MVP candidate in 2020, and Buffalo will need him to keep ascending toward superstardom as it continues its transformation into an offensive powerhouse. If Allen is good, the Bills will be as well. If 2020 was his ceiling, perhaps so is the AFC Championship Game for Buffalo. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Green Bay Packers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2010
2020 FPI rank: No. 4

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: There was some thought that the 2020 season was Super Bowl or bust for the Packers given the key players, especially on offense, headed for free agency -- RB Aaron Jones and C Corey Linsley -- and some of the cap-space-saving moves they might have to make. Yet history shows the Packers' stability at quarterback trumps all. So as long as they have a healthy -- and happy -- Aaron Rodgers, they should remain in the mix. But will they get chances like they've had each of the past two seasons? At some point, their good fortune may run out.

Biggest X factor: Not turning this into a "Last Dance" situation. If for some reason the Packers want to move on from Rodgers before he's ready -- or before he declines -- then who knows if they'd immediately enter rebuild mode? They didn't after Favre, although Rodgers' first year as a starter was a 6-10 season before a run of eight straight playoff seasons. But can the same be said for whenever they move on from him? -- Rob Demovsky

ON THE CUSP OF CONTENDING

New Orleans Saints

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2009
2020 FPI rank: No. 3

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Saints have been "on the cusp" for more than a decade, and they've won more regular-season games than any team in the NFL over the past four years (49-15). But their degree of difficulty is about to skyrocket with Drew Brees expected to retire and the team projected to be almost $100 million over the salary cap. Nevertheless, general manager Mickey Loomis insisted they still plan to try and "win now" with one of the NFL's deepest and most talented rosters. That means pushing cap costs into future years instead of rebuilding.

Biggest X factor: Obviously the key is identifying the next QB. Can the Saints stay just as competitive with Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston as the starter? Or do they need to make a bold play for someone like Deshaun Watson or another high-priced veteran? If they choose the latter, they would have to make sacrifices elsewhere on the roster because of their cap constraints. -- Mike Triplett

Baltimore Ravens

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2012
2020 FPI rank: No. 5

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Ravens need to bolster the supporting cast around quarterback Lamar Jackson, from improving the offensive line to adding another top target in the passing game. Baltimore has averaged 30 points per game with Jackson as its starter, but the Ravens have failed to score more than 20 points in any of his four playoff games. The Ravens aren't going to change their identity of being a dominant running team. Baltimore knows the key from going from Super Bowl contender to a Super Bowl champion means being less one-dimensional in the postseason.

Biggest X factor: Jackson. In two full seasons before his arrival, the Ravens were a middle-of-the-pack team with a 17-15 record (.531). In two full seasons with Jackson as the starter, Baltimore has been among the NFL's best at 25-7 (.781). He's a dynamic playmaker who is a threat to score every time he has the ball in his hands. The next step for Jackson is having consistent success in the playoffs, where he has lost three of four games. -- Jamison Hensley

Seattle Seahawks

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2014
2020 FPI rank: No. 8

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Getting their offense and defense clicking at the same time and hoping it's good enough for the NFC's No. 1 seed. A first-round bye and home-field advantage at a packed Lumen Field was critical in the Seahawks reaching consecutive Super Bowls after the 2013 and 2014 seasons (as well as in 2005). Their defense was bad in the first half of 2020 and the offense fell off in the second half, but the Seahawks would have finished with the No. 1 seed if not for an upset loss at home in Week 13 to the 4-7 Giants. To get there next season, the Seahawks need to extend Jamal Adams, find a way to keep Carlos Dunlap and hope new coordinator Shane Waldron can get Russell Wilson & Co. back to their early-season form.

Biggest X factor: There are several unknowns with Waldron: How will he fare as a first-time playcaller? How much of Sean McVay's system will he bring to Seattle? How much control will Pete Carroll give him over the offense? The belief in the organization is that Brian Schottenheimer's failure to adjust to how opponents started defending Seattle late last season was a big factor in their offensive decline. Waldron needs to be better than his predecessor in that regard. -- Brady Henderson

Los Angeles Rams

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2018
2020 FPI rank: No. 7

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Rams had a Super Bowl-caliber defense in 2020 and hope to have a Super Bowl-worthy offense next season, boosted by the blockbuster trade over the weekend to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford. After he produced a high-octane offense in his first two seasons as coach, Sean McVay's brainchild sank to mediocrity the past two seasons, lacking explosive plays and having ball-security issues. So the Rams made a change at quarterback, sending Jared Goff (along with two first-round picks and a third-round pick) to the Lions in exchange for Stafford, who is expected to reinvigorate McVay as a playcaller and provide the missing piece to a team that is built to win now.

Biggest X factor: The transition to Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator. The Rams had the top-ranked defense in the NFL last season, allowing an average of 18.5 points per game under former defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. Staley left after one season to become coach of the Chargers, but the Rams will move forward next season keeping the 3-4 scheme he installed. There's no questioning Morris' ability to coach and lead; however, there could be some early bumps as he learns the nuances of a system that he has never run. -- Lindsey Thiry

STILL A YEAR AWAY

Indianapolis Colts

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2009
2020 FPI rank: No. 11

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Continuity. General manager Chris Ballard has been steadfast in not deviating from his plan of building his roster through the draft. He could give a tutorial on how to stockpile draft picks. That approach has worked because the Colts have built a solid foundation that features linebacker Darius Leonard, guard Quenton Nelson, running back Jonathan Taylor and linebacker Bobby Okereke. The Colts have made the playoffs in two of their four seasons under Ballard.

Biggest X factor: The Colts have to stop their revolving door at quarterback. They're likely headed to their fifth different Week 1 starter in as many seasons in 2021. All the top teams in the NFL are established at quarterback for the present and future (Tom Brady looks like he can play until he's 50). At pick No. 21 in the draft, the Colts aren't likely to land their franchise QB in the first round, so trading for one who can still play at a high level for several more years might be their best option. -- Mike Wells

Cleveland Browns

Last Super Bowl appearance: Never been
2020 FPI rank: No. 16

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Browns are basically set offensively. So finding help defensively around star pass-rusher Myles Garrett in the next couple of offseasons will be paramount if Cleveland is to reach the next level.

Biggest X factor: The development of quarterback Baker Mayfield. If Mayfield builds off his breakout third season, the Browns are going to be a playoff force for years to come. But if he unexpectedly regresses in any way, Cleveland's window of opportunity to become a contender will vanish. -- Jake Trotter

San Francisco 49ers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2019
2020 FPI rank: No. 12

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: First, the Niners have to get healthy as their chances at getting back to the Super Bowl disappeared when injuries ravaged the 2020 team. But they also have to find a way to keep some of their free agents (LT Trent Williams and FB Kyle Juszczyk, to name two) while improving on the interior of the offensive line and the secondary. The roster is good enough to be right back in contention as soon as next season but much will depend on how the Niners manage their many key pieces in an uncertain offseason with limited salary-cap resources.

Biggest X factor: What happens at quarterback. The Niners expect Jimmy Garoppolo to be the starter next season but have left wiggle room if an obvious upgrade presents itself. Garoppolo has missed 23 of a possible 48 regular season games, which has contributed to two of the past three seasons being lost. The quickest way to get into a Super Bowl window and remain there is to have an elite franchise quarterback. An obvious long-term upgrade from Garoppolo would be ideal. But short of that, the Niners must bolster the depth at the game's most important position. -- Nick Wagoner

Tennessee Titans

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1999
2020 FPI rank: No. 10

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Titans' offense was among the NFL's best in points per game (30.7, fourth). Most of the key parts are returning in 2021, but they need to make serious defensive improvements to compete with the top teams in the NFL.

Biggest X factor: Titans GM Jon Robinson is once again tasked with finding a game-changing pass-rusher this season. An improved pass rush will change things dramatically for the defense, especially the secondary, which would benefit from less time covering receivers. If the defense doesn't improve the Titans will have wasted a really good offensive group. -- Turron Davenport

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2010
2020 FPI rank: No. 9

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Team president Art Rooney II said the Steelers weren't going to enter a tear down and rebuild phase after the shocking loss in the wild-card round. They're still building a team with an eye on a championship in the near future, even if that's somewhat unrealistic with a salary cap crunch keeping them from re-signing their most important free agents. They'll have to restructure and extend contracts while cutting other veterans to keep as much of the core together. Rooney said the Steelers will keep as much of the defense together as possible while looking at significant turnover on the offensive side.

Biggest X factor: The quarterback. Ben Roethlisberger's best shot at one more Super Bowl was the 2020 season. That run fell short, but Roethlisberger's contract runs through the 2021 season. Rooney said Roethlisberger can't return with the contract's current construction of a $41.2 million cap hit, meaning he'll either take a pay cut or a restructure if he doesn't retire. The Steelers' future hinges on Roethlisberger's decision. Either he returns for one more season or he retires and they have to turn it over to Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins or another quarterback -- an addition Rooney acknowledged was necessary. -- Brooke Pryor

Arizona Cardinals

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2008
2020 FPI rank: No. 13

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Giving Kyler Murray as much help as possible. Murray is already the type of quarterback who can get a team to a Super Bowl -- and then win it -- but he can't do it alone. Arizona has the receiver to do it in DeAndre Hopkins, but the Cardinals need to bolster the talent level at tight end, running back and the second and third receivers. If they can do that through the draft and free agency, then the Cards could be in a good place to make a Super Bowl run in the next year or two.

Biggest X factor: Kliff Kingsbury. If the third-year coach can keep the offense on track and not have the types of dips that it had in 2020, then a playoff berth may be in the cards for Arizona. But if next season plays out like 2020, then the Super Bowl will be a pipe dream for a franchise that has been there just once. -- Josh Weinfuss

GETTING CLOSER: TWO YEARS AWAY

Miami Dolphins

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1984
2020 FPI rank: No. 21

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Continue to build with their bounty of draft picks and money. The Dolphins made a five-win jump from 2019 to 2020 largely using that strategy and they head into the 2021 offseason with four picks in the top 50 (No. 3, No. 18, No. 35 and No. 50). They also have more money to find great fits for Brian Flores' team. Miami's defense feels close to title-ready so the offense is the big focus. Assuming they remain all-in on young QB Tua Tagovailoa, the strategy will be surrounding him with explosive playmakers and finalizing the offensive line.

Biggest X factor: Tagovailoa's development. There's a reason the Dolphins remain in the center of speculation regarding a Deshaun Watson trade. Some people are uncertain how good Tagovailoa will be after an uneven rookie season. But Miami strongly believes in his development and knows nine starts coming off a career-threatening hip injury isn't enough time to evaluate him. If Tagovailoa becomes a top-10 QB, the Dolphins can eventually win a title if they continue on their path. If he doesn't, they can't. It's that simple. -- Cameron Wolfe

Los Angeles Chargers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1994
2020 FPI rank: No. 25

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: They need to find protection for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert so he stays healthy. Shoring up the defensive line and keeping everyone healthy are also important.

Biggest X factor: The new coaching staff has to listen to Herbert and hire assistants who know how to use him and put him in a position to succeed. He takes care of the ball and can throw it long. Use the receivers that way. -- Shelley Smith

Dallas Cowboys

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1995
2020 FPI rank: No. 28

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Get quarterback Dak Prescott signed to a long-term contract. If they don't, then the Cowboys' track to a Super Bowl is likely longer than just two years because the chances of Prescott signing a long-term deal in 2022 would be remote. With Prescott under contract at least through 2024 or longer, the Cowboys can plot their path to find help for the rest of the roster. But that will be a bit more difficult because of the cap crunch a Prescott contract would cause.

Biggest X factor: Staying healthy, which includes Prescott, who is coming back from a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle. The Cowboys believe if they can get their offensive line settled -- Tyron Smith missed 14 games, La'el Collins missed 16 games and Zack Martin missed six -- they can be a contender in the NFC. The Cowboys' success will be driven by their offense as they look to build their defense with new coordinator Dan Quinn through the draft and smart free-agent signings. But hoping for health in a league dominated by injuries does not seem like the best strategy. -- Todd Archer

Minnesota Vikings

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1976
2020 FPI rank: No. 15

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Vikings are the most successful NFL franchise (seventh all-time in win percentage) to never win a Super Bowl. This is still a highly competitive team that isn't afraid to spend, even if it goes against trends of the NFL -- like paying a running back mega bucks. Minnesota teams are built on the strength of the defense, which played a factor in the Vikings being one game shy of the Super Bowl in 2017. With Mike Zimmer at the helm, that model isn't going anywhere.

Biggest X factor: The offense showed it can score at will with just about anyone in 2020. But the defense, which is in the process of a multiyear rebuild, needs vast improvement. Minnesota has a formula to get the best it can out of quarterback Kirk Cousins, surrounding him with playmakers such as Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and Irv Smith Jr. If the team can find ways to improve the defense -- such as spending on pass-rushers in free agency or making scheme adjustments -- then the Vikings could be two years away from getting to the Super Bowl. -- Courtney Cronin

ON THE UPSWING (THREE YEARS OUT)

Las Vegas Raiders

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2002
2020 FPI rank: No. 19

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Taking another step forward with the offense toward elitism, while making the defense decent. The Raiders had a 4,000-yard passer in QB Derek Carr, a 1,000-yard receiver in TE Darren Waller and a 1,000-yard runner in Josh Jacobs, so the offense is on track. But new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has a mammoth task in rebuilding the defense into an opportunistic outfit. He does not have to rebuild the Legion of Boom in Sin City, but the Raiders do plan on getting to the quarterback more (they ranked 29th in sacks) and getting more takeaways (30th).

Biggest X factor: How fast Bradley can get the defense up to speed. He has some building blocks in defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, linebackers Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton and defensive backs Trayvon Mullen and Johnathan Abram. How quickly they adapt to a new scheme in Bradley's defense and what pieces the Raiders add this offseason will tell the tale. -- Paul Gutierrez

Carolina Panthers

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2015
2020 FPI rank: No. 22

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Finding a franchise quarterback to go with an already talented group of skill players, starting with running back Christian McCaffrey. Teddy Bridgewater doesn't appear to be that quarterback, so whether it means using the No. 8 pick on a quarterback or going after Deshaun Watson will be key in taking a step forward. Remember, they had eight games last season in which they had a chance to tie or win on their last possession and Bridgewater couldn't get it done, going 0-8 in those games.

Biggest X factor: Again, the quarterback. Coach Matt Rhule invested everything on the defensive side in his first draft, and that unit appears headed in the right direction with young stars such as Jeremy Chinn and Derrick Brown. Getting that game-changer at quarterback and investing in an offensive line will be key. -- David Newton

Washington Football Team

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1991
2020 FPI rank: No. 20

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The strategy is simple: build the offense, starting with quarterback. They have some cap room -- $32 million possibly with the ability to create more -- and they have the 19th overall pick in the first round of the draft. Washington will be aggressive pursuing a quarterback as well as more skill talent -- it went hard after receiver Amari Cooper last offseason, and the free-agent receiver class is much deeper this offseason.

Biggest X factor: Finding a quarterback. Alex Smith was a terrific story and inspirational and a key reason why Washington made the postseason. But he'll be 37 next season, and it's hard to know if he can last a full season -- and then play at the level they need. Washington will be aggressive going after a quarterback, so if it can pull that off this offseason the biggest hurdle is gone. Washington's defense already is at a high level. The key over the next few years will be keeping together a talented defensive front that ranks among the best in the NFL. -- John Keim

New England Patriots

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2018
2020 FPI rank: No. 17

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: After taking a one-year hit on the salary cap in 2020 to pay past bills, the Patriots are well positioned with around $60 million in projected cap space this year. They can potentially capitalize in a rare year when a significant number of teams might have to shed quality players due to a cap crunch. Using that strong financial standing to improve a roster with notable holes is where their strategy begins.

Biggest X factor: Finding the next quarterback, and then giving him the best chance for success by improving the talent at receiver and tight end. The Patriots still have Bill Belichick, one of the game's all-time great coaches. How Belichick stocks the roster at those key areas -- among others -- will shine a spotlight on his personnel prowess as he attempts to return the franchise to prominence in the post-Brady years. -- Mike Reiss

Denver Broncos

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2015
2020 FPI rank: No. 24

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: In the previous three offseasons, they have looked to draft and build. Newly hired general manager George Paton has said he also believes that is the best way to "build your best culture." A fourth straight strong draft class would further stock the roster with starters on their rookie contracts. They have some talent in there, especially in the skill positions on offense, but the big question remains Drew Lock. There are glimmers of potential in many of the young players, but the Broncos could be stuck in neutral if the play at quarterback doesn't improve.

Biggest X factor: Quarterback. If they think Lock will make the jump in Year 3, say it, tell him it's his last chance and to get to work. Then keep the roster young, maintain salary cap room and be ready to pounce on the best QB option in 2022 if he doesn't improve enough. If Lock doesn't pan out then they have to find a veteran without weakening the parts of the roster that have been improved in the past three drafts. They have to get it right somehow because they keep canceling out the good things they do in personnel by the turnstile approach at quarterback. -- Jeff Legwold

Chicago Bears

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2006
2020 FPI rank: No. 18

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Three years out is generous. The Bears have not won a championship in 35 years and have only six playoff appearances (three postseason victories) since the turn of the century. The only path toward a Super Bowl title is finding a franchise quarterback. Good luck with that. The Bears' last franchise-caliber quarterback was Sid Luckman, and he retired in 1950. The Bears will no doubt work hard in the offseason to improve at quarterback. Unless general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy hit a home run, the Bears will be back in the same spot next year.

Biggest X factor: Finding the quarterback but also maintaining the fleeting greatness on defense. Chicago's defense faltered down the stretch. The Bears have invested serious money in Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Robert Quinn, Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller, but the results were only so-so. New coordinator Sean Desai, who replaced Chuck Pagano, has to return the unit to top-10 status and keep them there for the Bears to have any shot to compete as the offense transitions to a new quarterback. -- Jeff Dickerson

Atlanta Falcons

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2016
2020 FPI rank: No. 14

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Falcons have some issues. They're approximately $41 million over the projected cap in 2021. They need to find a pass-rusher, figure out what they're doing at running back (Todd Gurley II is a free agent) and add another playmaker opposite Calvin Ridley -- because Julio Jones can't play forever. But having a QB like Matt Ryan helps, and he is still playing at a high level: Ryan just completed his 10th consecutive season with 4,000 passing yards.

Biggest X factor: How much longer can Ryan play at that high level, and do the Falcons need to start thinking about a replacement now? It certainly looks like Ryan has another run in him based on the past several years, and two other QBs in his division have shown it's possible to play well into your 40s. If new coach Arthur Smith is able to build the kind of offense he did in Tennessee and not have to rely as much on Ryan, then his window could be extended. -- Michael DiRocco

New York Jets

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1968
2020 FPI rank: No. 31

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: It's all about building through the draft. The Jets have five picks in the first three rounds, including Nos. 2 and 23. They also have two first-rounders in 2022. Basically, general manager Joe Douglas bailed on the 2020 season as soon as he traded star safety Jamal Adams, shifting the focus to the future. Their plan is to draft their way back to relevance, using free agency ($63 million in cap room) as a supplement.

Biggest X factor: Who's the quarterback? Sam Darnold? A rookie? Deshaun Watson? If they trade for Watson, the team-building plan changes dramatically, because they'd have to part with a chunk of their draft capital to get him. The Jets should go all-in on Watson because the positives outweigh the negatives. Darnold is risky. So is drafting a QB. -- Rich Cimini

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Super Bowl appearance: Never been
2020 FPI rank: No. 32

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: For anyone who still didn't believe having a great QB is vital, this year's playoffs should remove any doubt. And the Jaguars are in position to take one of the best QB prospects of the past decade in Trevor Lawrence. If he is what many people believe he will be, then the Jaguars have the most important piece in place, and it becomes a matter of fixing some major holes on defense and surrounding Lawrence with playmakers. With 11 picks in this draft, including two in the first round and seven in first four rounds, the Jaguars can knock some of those things out.

Biggest X factor: Team owner Shad Khan hired Urban Meyer to revamp the franchise, but will the longtime college coach's methods translate to the NFL? Meyer is assembling what appears to be a good staff, using a mix of people from his college days as well as experienced NFL assistants, especially at the coordinator level. If Meyer is able to adjust to losing games -- it tore him apart in college and severely impacted his health -- and yet still having a good season with players buying into his approach, then the Jaguars have a chance. -- Michael DiRocco

New York Giants

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2011
2020 FPI rank: No. 26

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Keep building piece by piece. The Giants believe they established a strong foundation and culture last year in coach Joe Judge's first season. Team owner John Mara said he saw "progress." Now it's about adding big pieces to supplement an improving defense (a top edge rusher) and admittedly finding playmakers (No. 1 receiver) to help quarterback Daniel Jones and the offense. Still a ways to go.

Biggest X factor: Jones. The Giants don't have a chance unless he makes a monumental jump in Year 3. His second season didn't do much to instill confidence he can become the bona fide franchise quarterback they need. If Jones can make Josh Allen-like growth in 2021, it's possible to start dreaming of Super Bowl contention. If not, turn the clock back a few more years. -- Jordan Raanan

TRUST THE PROCESS (FOUR-PLUS YEARS OUT)

Houston Texans

Last Super Bowl appearance: Never been
2020 FPI rank: No. 23

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: It's hard to answer this question without knowing whether Deshaun Watson will be playing for the Texans in 2021, as he officially requested a trade on Thursday. If he is on the roster, the Texans need to build around him, especially on defense. The problem? They don't have the cap space or draft picks this year to find those impact players.

Biggest X factor: Figuring out their quarterback situation. If it's not Watson, they need to use the return they get in a trade to figure out their long-term solution at the position. Houston has been through a long coaching carousel before, and the priority has to be avoiding that going forward. -- Sarah Barshop

Philadelphia Eagles

Last Super Bowl appearance: 2017
2020 FPI rank: No. 29

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: The Eagles are rebooting. It comes at least a year late, but they are now fully committed to moving full steam ahead with their youth movement. There's really no alternative, as Philadelphia is projected to be $70 million over the salary cap in 2021 and has to shed veteran salary to get the books balanced. The firing of coach Doug Pederson and hiring of Nick Sirianni officially closed the book on the Super Bowl era in Philly. Now the Eagles will try to build back up by hitting in the draft, starting with the sixth overall pick in April.

Biggest X factor: The quarterback situation. The Eagles need to determine if their relationship with Carson Wentz is salvageable and whether it will be Wentz or Jalen Hurts under center next season. The length of their rebuild will be determined in part by whether they can diffuse the self-created quarterback controversy and choose the right QB. -- Tim McManus

Cincinnati Bengals

Last Super Bowl appearance: 1988
2020 FPI rank: No. 27

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: Cincinnati might be seeing the light at the end of a multiyear rebuilding process. The Bengals have a key piece in rookie quarterback Joe Burrow, and it's clear that supporting him is the best way to play for a Super Bowl for the first time since the 1988 season. Whether it's the scheme from coach Zac Taylor or drafting players such as WR Tee Higgins and potentially an offensive tackle with the No. 5 pick in this year's draft, it appears the Bengals know Burrow is the best bet to a Lombardi trophy.

Biggest X factor: Burrow is coming off a season-ending left knee injury that required reconstructive surgery. Right now, his long-term health is the biggest X factor for the franchise. The other? The outlook on Taylor is still to be determined after six wins in his first two seasons. -- Ben Baby

Detroit Lions

Last Super Bowl appearance: Never been
2020 FPI rank: No. 30

Strategy to become a Super Bowl contender: It's going to take a while -- and it will start with a new quarterback, likely Jared Goff, who will be coming to the Lions along with draft picks for Matthew Stafford at the start of the new league year. New general manager Brad Holmes, with a deep college scouting background, plans to build the Lions through the draft. Holmes was a key part of the construction of the Rams' roster, and he is trying to do something similar in Detroit. With holes at almost every position and the Stafford trade completed, it's going to be some time before Detroit can get to true contender status, and it could help explain why the Lions gave new coach Dan Campbell a six-year deal.

Biggest X factor: Goff. If he can rejuvenate his career at his second stop, the Stafford trade could be a massive win for the Lions. They have two first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 -- to use either on players or as bargaining pieces for other acquisitions. If Goff can't, the Lions will be able to reasonably get out of his contract after the 2022 season and will likely have a long-term plan in place. The quarterback will be the key here, whether it ends up being Goff or a player Detroit tries to insert later after building up the rest of the team, similar to what has happened in Tampa Bay this season. But getting the quarterback solves a lot of other issues and gives Detroit a chance. -- Michael Rothstein

Note: Tiers were voted on by Mike Clay, Jeremy Fowler, Mina Kimes, Kevin Seifert, Seth Walder and Field Yates.

Nicol David named Greatest Athlete of All Time in World Games poll
By ALAN THATCHER – Squash Mad Editor

Squash legend Nicol David has been named as The World Games greatest athlete of all time after topping a poll conducted by the International World Games Association (IWGA).

Malaysia’s eight-time world champion won by the vote by a massive margin.

Held between January 8 and February 1 via The World Games website, the poll featured 24 of the finest athletes ever to appear at The World Games, a multi-sport event held every four years.

David finished top with 318,943 votes from fans, more than double that of her nearest competitor, Irish tug of war legend James Kehoe. With 1,204,637 votes cast, a whopping 26 per cent of the votes went to the Malaysian superstar.

David, the 37-year-old from Penang, is one of the greatest squash players of all time and won a trio of World Games gold medals in addition to a bronze.

She also enjoyed a nine-year reign at the top of the world rankings between 2006 and 2015 and lifted two Commonwealth Games gold medals, five Asian Games gold medals and five British Open trophies during her distinguished career, which came to an end in 2019.

“It’s a huge honour to be nominated by The World Games for the Greatest Athlete of All Time and to gain so much support from everyone in Malaysia and the squash community,” said David.

“It came as a surprise to see me among these other top athletes and I’m grateful for this… hopefully it can elevate the attention for the future of squash and it’s a proud moment to represent my country and Asia.”

WSF President Zena Wooldridge said: “Nicol has beaten a number of distinguished athletes to first place and her victory is recognition of a wonderful career that saw her break numerous records and win everything there was to win in the sport.

“Not only is Nicol one of the greatest athletes of all time, she is also a tremendous role model for thousands of people across the globe and a true ambassador for our sport.

“I’m also delighted to see the support Nicol enjoyed from our passionate and loyal squash community and we are all proud to see Nicol named as The World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time.”

IWGA President José Perurena said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Nicol David for the victory in The World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time poll. Nicol David is an inspirational athlete, and a fine role model for younger athletes.

“The race was incredible, and it was good to see how athletes, including David, got support not only from their own sport, but also from their country and the highest sports authorities there. Sports really unite people in a special way. This vote was a celebration of that.”

Picture courtesy of WSF

Paul O'Connell's addition to Ireland's backroom team will be an "inspiration" for the squad, former international scrum-half Paul Marshall says.

"Andy Farrell has said he hopes that's going to lead to a 'bit of inspiration' in the camp," said ex-Ulster player Marshall, who won three Ireland caps.

"I've no doubt that will be the case."

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound, Marshall said the respect O'Connell commands within rugby throughout the world means Ireland players "will look up to him" and inevitably take on board what the Munster legend says.

"I think it will be the technical advice first and foremost," Marshall said.

"If he's able to draw an extra percentage or two out of the players, then it's only going to be a positive for the Ireland team."

Ringrose will be 'midfield mainstay'

While Ireland are third in the Six Nations betting as they approach Sunday's opener in Cardiff against Wales, Marshall believes an opening-round victory would build momentum for the rest of the tournament, which includes home games France and England in Dublin.

"We saw when Ireland last won the Grand Slam in 2018, Johnny Sexton's drop goal in France to win the game," Marshall said. "That created a bit of momentum."

Marshall believes fit-again centre Garry Ringrose is going to be a key player in Ireland's campaign.

"He's certainly going to be the mainstay in the Irish midfield at 13. He offers a bit more of an attacking threat than any of the others.

"It will be interest to see if Stuart McCloskey, Chris Farrell, Robbie Henshaw or Bundee Aki join him."

Stander among those yet to sign new IRFU deals

With a number of high-profile Ireland players not yet having agreed contract extensions with the IRFU, Marshall says the tournament will offer them the chance to show their wares both to the national governing body and potential suitors abroad.

He said: "For example, there has been a lot of talk recently about the likes of CJ Stander as a potential Lions tourist, whether he will stay on with the IRFU or could he be whisked off to France on a big money contract.

"There will be some of those players who maybe have or maybe haven't got their contracts sorted out just yet and will certainly be wanting to put on a big performance."

The continuing prevalence of Covid-19 will mean a much-changed Six Nations, in terms of the squad and management all having to bubble at the team's base in county Kildare.

"On a usual Six Nations training camp, you would have been released on a Tuesday night to head home, spent Wednesday at home with your family and then come back down on Wednesday evening," added Marshall.

"Even where the team are training at the moment at Carton House, it's closed to the public and everybody else.

"I've read that even the staff there are being tested as well. Certainly Ireland are taking as many precautions as they can."

Wasps lock forward Tim Cardall has signed a new undisclosed-length deal with the Premiership club.

He has made 25 appearances, the most recent being Sunday's late bench outing in the 49-17 home defeat by Harlequins.

But his first-team chances under boss Lee Blackett may increase when Wales lock Will Rowlands moves to Dragons at the end of the season.

Sunday's defeat was the first in six matches in all competitions for fifth-placed Wasps, last season's Premiership runners-up.

The Coventry-based club's next game is the local derby at home to Northampton this Saturday.

By signing Sergio “Checo” Perez for the 2021 season, Red Bull will be able to have a two-pronged attack in the races for the first time since Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were teammates on the squad in 2018.

While Ricciardo’s replacements Pierre Gasly and Alex Albon occasionally had a strong race, most of the time Verstappen was on his own in the fight for podiums and wins. This severely handicapped Red Bull because it could not split its race strategies. Mercedes, meanwhile, has had the luxury of being able to cover Verstappen with one of its drivers while then being able to put its other driver on a different strategy.

“I have been in the position where Max is; when I was at McLaren when I was the lead car and the second car wasn’t in the fight,” Lewis Hamilton said. “When we were fighting against Ferrari, they could play, they could move around with the strategy and make it a lot harder for us. Naturally, this makes Red Bull stronger, particularly with the way Sergio is performing.

“It’s going to be an exciting battle to watch him up against Max. That’s going to make it much harder for us as a team. We’re going to have to really step up our game, because that’s going to be a battle we haven’t seen for some time, having the two drivers there fighting against us.”

It remains to be seen how Perez stacks up against the extremely quick Verstappen, but Perez should be in the mix more often than Gasly or Albon.

“I hope that Checo will push the team forward but also to keep me on my toes, which is always nice, to have a teammate pushing you,” Verstappen said. “Checo’s a good guy, he’s good on his tires, he’s a good racer, he’s intelligent. That’s what’s going to make the difference.”

Perez has not joined Red Bull to play the wingman support role. Since making his F1 debut in the 2011 Australian Grand Prix, he competed in 189 grands prix races before finally winning. His victory in the Sakhir Grand Prix plus his competitive showings throughout the 2020 season helped to convince Red Bull to sign him.

“I definitely didn’t come to F1 to win a race only,” he said. “I arrived here with the hope of being a world champion, but very early on you realize that being a world champion is not fully down to you. You have to be in the right car, in the right year.”

Perez has driven for Sauber, McLaren, Force India and Racing Point, so from his perspective he now finally will have a car capable of winning.

PARIS – Juan Manuel Correa, who was seriously injured in a crash that claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert during an FIA Formula 2 event at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in 2019, has confirmed his return to racing after a lengthy recovery.

The 21-year-old Correa will drive for ART Grand Prix during the upcoming FIA Formula 3 campaign following an 18-month recovery and rehabilitation period.

“Announcing my return to the race tracks is one of the proudest moments in my professional career, as I’ve had to work very hard and sacrifice a lot for it to happen,” said Correa. “I want to thank the motorsport community and the fans for their unconditional support. I have no words to thank ART Grand Prix for believing in me and for being part of my story. I would also like to take a chance to honor the memory of Anthoine, as I will keep him very close to my heart in every race and try to carry his legacy as best as I can.”

The American-Ecuadorian driver suffered multiple injuries during the crash at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, including two fractured vertebrae, around 20 fractures in both legs and feet and internal damage to the lungs, which resulted in Correa spending two weeks in an induced coma.

Correa underwent 25 surgeries on his legs and nearly had his right foot amputated, but has since recovered from his injuries as he prepares for his return to motorsport.

It was inevitable that COVID-19 would impact the 2021 NHL season, but the Washington Capitals didn't imagine it would impact them so early -- or so hard.

After their first road trip to Buffalo and Pittsburgh, goalie Ilya Samsonov tested positive for the coronavirus. The NHL's contact tracing revealed the team's four Russian players (captain Alex Ovechkin, forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, defenseman Dmitry Orlov and Samsonov) spent time in the same hotel room, violating the NHL's strict road trip rules. The Capitals were fined $100,000, and the players were required to quarantine at least 10 days.

"It was a shock at first," forward T.J. Oshie said. "Just speaking about Ovi, he doesn't miss many games. There haven't been many games where No. 8 isn't in the lineup. So that alone has been a pretty big difference, when one of the best players in the world, the best goal scorer I have ever seen, and our captain on top of it, is out. It's tough. But to lose all four of them was quite a big surprise. Those are guys that you can't replace."

Ovechkin has missed only 35 games out of a possible 1,191 in his career, and only 17 were due to injury. The captain was frustrated, but he accepted his punishment -- "rules are rules," he said Saturday -- and spent his time in isolation doing "some workouts in my gym" as well as "some running." (His wife, Nastya, and two sons have remained in Russia.)

Ovechkin was cleared to return Saturday against the Bruins, and coach Peter Laviolette limited the 35-year-old to under 15 minutes to ease him back in. But it was obvious the winger got better as the game went on. And then 28 seconds into overtime, Ovechkin -- who has always had a flair for the dramatic -- ripped a shot from the top of the right circle past Tuukka Rask. It was Ovechkin's 24th overtime game winner, most in NHL history.

While the Capitals often go as their captain goes, the story of their season so far isn't what they've done with him in the lineup; it's what they've achieved without him. Washington picked up seven of a possible eight points in Ovechkin's absence to stay atop the East Division.

Here's the story of how the Caps got it done and how Washington is shifting its culture to embrace fun while leaning into the urgency to win another Cup.

Two years after winning the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 2018, the Capitals were getting stale. After back-to-back early playoff exits, management decided Todd Reirden -- the first-time head coach -- wasn't getting the most from the team. Washington fired Reirden in August, with two years remaining on his contract. The Capitals hired Peter Laviolette, who has the 16th-most wins of any coach in NHL history.

"When I got the job, [Ovechkin] said, 'I feel like I've been playing against your teams forever,'" Laviolette, 55, said. "Which is pretty much true. I started out as a young coach when he was coming into the league, and I feel like I've been coaching against him forever."

Laviolette was looking forward to working with Ovechkin and the Caps from a new vantage point, but he knew it would be challenging, considering COVID-19 protocols made it much harder to connect with players. Laviolette stayed in Florida through the offseason; he had to decline Ovechkin's first D.C. dinner invitation because he was still quarantining and didn't get out until right before training camp.

Laviolette entered the season staying true to his coaching philosophy.

"I think everybody wants to be inspired," Laviolette said. "Everybody wants to be motivated; everybody wants to sink their teeth and their hooks into something -- whatever that is, or you can just wake up and live in a gray area. I truly believe that. And if you can address that, if you can get players excited about everything, then it's a positive thing."

Laviolette was fired by the Predators in January 2020 and spent more than eight months out of work. "I had nothing to do, so I watched everything there is to watch," Laviolette said. "'Cobra Kai' came up, and my wife and I went through all of the episodes. It was about all the characters we remember from 'Karate Kid,' and there was a scene where they talked about offense, and staying on the offense and all you think about -- I thought that was cool. That's how you'd want your team to play. The more I thought about it, the more the story went on, and you get into the two dojos, the Miyagi dojo being all about defense and patience. And I thought, it's sometimes hard for the defensemen, the penalty killers and the role players to get acknowledgement for how important they were in the room."

Laviolette went online and ordered two bandanas, deciding that he would award them to the best offensive and defensive players of the game:

Some of us at @CobraKaiSeries have a new favorite hockey team. Much love to the @Capitals for awarding Cobra Kai and Miyagi Do headbands to their offensive and defensive players of the game. #GoodCoaching #CobraKai #Netflix https://t.co/io5UJiwkUl

— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) January 15, 2021

"It's playful, it's fun," said Oshie, who was awarded the bandana for offensive player of the game in the season opener. "And I think it fits our group pretty well."

It was an easy way for the coach to connect with the players as he installed new systems and a new style of play.

"[Laviolette] has been very up-front about what he expects and how he expects us to play -- and also why he wants us to play that way," Oshie said. "And I think it's gotten through to some guys that in the past maybe didn't want to play a simpler game, or get pucks deep. That if we all do this, and if there's nothing else, this is a way to create more offense and offensive zone time, and it's really been a fun system to play in. We're getting better every game. It's starting to get natural, and less thinking."

The Capitals thrived without their Russian four because they received contributions from everyone. In the four Ovechkin-less games, 11 players scored at least one goal, and nobody scored more than two. "We kind of just had a next-man-up mentality," Oshie said. "And little by little as a group we tried to work for each other and just play hard for each other."

It helped that young players stepped up, especially 25-year-old goalie Vitek Vanecek, who has made six straight starts, with a .923 save percentage over his past four. Vanecek was supposed to be the third-string goalie this season, but saw surprise promotions after Henrik Lundqvist had to opt out due to a heart condition and Samsonov's positive case.

"Vitek has been a really steady presence back there for us," Oshie said. "Even when we do make mistakes, or we do get scored on -- we had a three-goal deficit the other night [against the Islanders] -- nobody was hanging their heads. We kept working on our game, kept finding different ways to score, and we're finding ways to get wins."

Another important addition to the Capitals has been defenseman Zdeno Chara, the longtime Bruins captain who was signed just days before the season. The 43-year-old left Boston because the Bruins saw a reduced role for him. In Washington, Chara has skated 20:32 per game, the third-most minutes of any Caps skater.

"I know Zdeno, we would text once in a while, so I have a little bit of history -- not much, but a little," Laviolette said. "And the conversation we had was really honest. We have eight good defensemen, and I was going to play the best six defensemen. And there was nothing guaranteed here, either. I know how he plays, what he's done in his career and what he's capable of. But I didn't say you're going to come here and be a top-four defenseman, play 20 minutes every night, and that's guaranteed. It's hard for the guys sitting right now, but Zdeno came here and lived up to the bill. He's exactly what we were expecting."

The Capitals are a team with a strong veteran presence. Ovechkin, Orlov, John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom, Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson have all been with the team since 2013.

"It was interesting, in the offseason for all of us, seeing this captain [Chara] come in that is very well respected around the league," said Oshie, who joined the group in 2015. "He handled it so well. And the guys embraced him, we love having him here. I battled with this guy for like 13 years, and to see this side of him and how much he cares about the guys is awesome. He's always doing a little extra training here or there; for a veteran guy, he's always coming to the rink with a smile on his face."

The coolest thing, Oshie said, is how willing Chara is to adapt; big Zee is still willing to learn in his 23rd NHL season.

"[Chara] came up to me on the bike the other night. I don't really ride the bike that much, to be honest with you," Oshie said. "And he was like 'Hey, what are you doing?' And I told him what I was thinking, and he said, 'Yeah, OK. I'll do that too.' After games he's always like, 'Osh, what are you thinking?' and he'll do it too. I'm obviously lifting slightly lighter weights than him, but it's been really cool to see his approach."

Jump ahead:
Three stars of the week
What we liked this week
What we didn't like
Best games on tap
Social post of the week

Emptying the notebook

Lee Stempniak was always mathematically inclined. In eighth grade, Stempniak's teacher pulled his parents aside and said their son should be a math major. At Dartmouth, where he played Division I hockey, Stempniak majored in economics and ran his own regression model for a senior project.

But his hockey career took off, and Stempniak carved out a 14-year NHL career, mostly as a role player for 10 different teams. The 37-year-old's playing career ended 18 months ago. He tried chasing a Stanley Cup his last season in the league -- after a training camp invite to the Bruins in 2018-19, he worked out a deal where he practiced with the Bruins at home, and skated with injured players while they were away. He ended up signing a contract after the trade deadline that season, but played only two games with Boston, mostly finishing the season with the Bruins' AHL franchise in Providence.

"I knew that was the end," Stempniak says. "I have three young kids, it was time to move on."

Stempniak was looking to get back into hockey and thought he would like being a player development coach. Then Bill Armstrong was hired as the GM of the Arizona Coyotes in September. Stempniak knew Armstrong from their time together in St. Louis, and the two traded emails. Then Stempniak got a call from Brian Daccord from Arizona's front office.

"He basically pitched me this idea, which Bill borrowed from baseball: the conduit," Stempniak says. "Basically there's a disconnect between the analytics department with hockey operations -- the coaches, the players, scouts, etc. There's basically nobody linking the two together. So my job is to filter and understand the vast amount of analytics that is generated by the analytics department, and then translate it, fact check it, and make sure it's purposeful.

"From what I gather, it's the first role of its type in the NHL."

Stempniak's official title: hockey data strategist. In 2021, there are few more intriguing jobs in hockey.

"There's a ton of information out there especially now with player tracking being here," Stempniak says. "Not all of it is useful. It's like trying to drink out of a fire hose at some point."

Thanks to his experience playing for so many different organizations in the NHL, he has a good sense of how information is being processed and relayed to players -- as well as the variance from team to team.

"I know 'coachspeak,' I know what they're looking for, but I also know that's where there is a disconnect sometimes," Stempniak says. "[The analytics department] would say, 'Oh this guy is the best passer in the NHL, he completes 90% of his passes.' Well, if most of those passes are uncontested, D-to-D passes in his own zone without a forecheck, that's not really painting the full picture. That's where I can come in and help explain what they're looking for -- what Bill Armstrong is looking for, what [coach] Rick Tocchet is looking for, and making sure we really capture the information."

Stempniak will remain with his family in Boston for now -- as, of course, it's easier than ever to stay connected virtually. He couldn't be more pumped about the new gig. "It touches on everything that interests me about hockey," he says.

Three stars of the week

Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

The best player in the world has gone to next-level mode, and it's only three weeks into the season. McDavid had four goals and eight assists in four games this week, including an overtime winner and this beauty. McDavid is up to 22 points in just 11 games.

End. To. End.

If you haven't watched Connor McDavid's (@cmcdavid97) UNREAL goal from last night... you better now! pic.twitter.com/3twdj3R6bJ

— NHL (@NHL) January 31, 2021

Thatcher Demko, G, Vancouver Canucks

The 25-year-old is sick of talking about his bubble performance. "It was a great little run for me there, but I'm all about moving forward and focusing on this year," he said. But "Bubble Demko" might be back, after turning away 100 of 103 shots (.971 save percentage) in three games, all wins, this week.

Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins

The 23-year-old is already shouldering big-time minutes for Boston, but told me recently he wanted to be a bigger part of the offense. He recorded one goal and five assists in three games this week -- including the game-tying tally late in the third that helped salvage a point against his former mentor, Zdeno Chara, and the Caps.

Honorable mention: Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

With six assists (!) in Sunday night's win against the Senators -- pushing his one-week total to three goals and nine assists in four games -- Draisaitl came very close to joining some exclusive company:

Leon Draisaitl is 1 assist from tying the single-game record for assists with 7. These are the players who had 7.

I'm pretty familiar with that Gretzky guy. pic.twitter.com/ZAF4MgtZ9N

— Vin Masi (@VinMasi) February 1, 2021

What we liked this week

1. The stars aligned for the NHL on Saturday night. In a 12-minute span, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid each scored the winner in overtime for his respective team. It was the first time in NHL history three No. 1 draft picks scored OT winners on the same day. The NHL, and its historic reluctance to stagger game starts, might just give fans a red zone fix when the NFL goes back on hiatus.

5 Overtime goals in the last half hour. Ovechkin, Crosby, and McDavid all get OT winners. You can't get a better half hour window than we just had. Bonkers.

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) January 31, 2021

2. When I covered the NFL, there was an adage scouts used to say about quarterbacks: If you have two quarterbacks, that means you don't have one. That's how I felt about the Chicago Blackhawks' goaltending situation when they decided to not re-sign franchise legend Corey Crawford, instead opting for a trio of youngsters (Malcolm Subban, Collin Delia and Kevin Lankinen) who had started a combined 76 career games.

"We have these three young goalies who are all around the same age that Corey was when he first came into the league," GM Stan Bowman rationalized to me in October, explaining he felt one of the young goalies just needed the opportunity to emerge as the new No. 1. Three weeks into the season, it appears Lankinen is the front-runner. The 25-year-old Finn has started six of the past seven games, including a 41-save effort against the Predators last week. He's stopped 153 of 160 shots in his last five starts (.956 save percentage) and overall is 3-1-2 with a 1.97 goals-against average and .937 save percentage

Check out this chart from Sean Tierney on Thursday, which puts Lankinen's incredible emergence in perspective:

Goals saved vs expectation leaderboard

Kevin Lankinen ?#BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/1nJ6UbZ9RY

— Sean Tierney (@ChartingHockey) January 28, 2021

3. I love this Alexandre Texier shootout goal just as much as I love the real-time reaction from NHL Network analysts Kevin Weekes and Brian Lawton:

???@BlueJacketsNHL | @KevinWeekes | @brianlawton9 | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/Xq8IovQHOp

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) January 29, 2021

4. Happy trails to longtime Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard, who announced his retirement from hockey after 14 seasons with the organization. He ranks third all time in franchise history for games played by a goaltender (543) and wins (246), and posted a .912 save percentage, which is third best for any Red Wings goalie who made at least 50 starts.

The 36-year-old Syracuse, New York, native and University of Maine alum wrote in an Instagram post: "Becoming an NHL goalie was an NHL dream.... As I enter this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, coaching my son's hockey team and new opportunities the future will hold."

5. According to the Anchorage Daily News, the Seattle Kraken are donating $100,000 to Save Seawolf Hockey, the fundraising group trying to save the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey program from elimination. Supporters need to raise $3 million -- which would cover two years' worth of operations -- by next month.

What we didn't like this week

1. It's been a dramatic and uninspiring start to the Rangers' season. The latest wrinkle came Sunday, as New York waived defenseman Tony DeAngelo, after signing the 25-year-old defenseman to a two-year, $9.6 million extension in October. DeAngelo has struggled this season following his breakout 2019-20 campaign, and I can confirm The Athletic's report that he got into an altercation with a teammate after Saturday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Penguins (in which he was on the ice for four Pittsburgh goals).

I wrote about the Rangers' slow start recently -- dissecting what has gone wrong, from goaltending to line chemistry -- and my biggest takeaway was this quote from MSG analyst Dave Maloney: "The expectations got a little beyond where they are reality-wise." DeAngelo's sudden fall reminds us that while last season was a pleasant surprise, the Rangers are still a team with fundamental flaws. They're also a team that management isn't expecting to win right now. That means it's still a malleable time for the franchise. Any players who don't fit into the Rangers' goals -- or threaten to derail them in any way -- are going to be seen as expendable.

2. A reminder that the COVID protocol list doesn't just keep players away from the ice; it also has them isolating away from others, which can be a struggle, both from a mental health perspective, but also logistically. Curtis McElhinney of the Tampa Bay Lightning was recently cleared from the protocol list but said it was a tough two weeks: "I don't have that big of a house. Not too many places to hide."

Some players are slightly better equipped than others. For example, Dmitry Orlov has synthetic ice in his basement, which helped him stay in game shape while isolating. But even Orlov admitted it wasn't easy. "Don't get crazy, don't kill myself at the house," Orlov said of how he got through his 10-plus days away. "It was tough, because my family [is] not here. It doesn't matter where I [did] it, [it was] still tough. You miss the team. You miss the games. It was tough."

3. It's always alarming when you read a sentence like this: 19-year-old Marco Rossi returned to Austria to "rest with his family due to complications" from COVID-19. Michael Russo of The Athletic was first to report the news, and the Wild are not disclosing the nature of Rossi's complications, citing medical privacy. Rossi, the No. 9 pick of the 2020 draft, is an important part of Minnesota's future -- and hopefully the No. 1 center the franchise is desperately lacking.

According to Russo, Rossi was "exhausted" throughout the world juniors tournament (where he was captain for Austria) "but he never knew anything was wrong with him until Wild doctors wouldn't clear him to begin training camp after undergoing a physical." Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.

4. Kevin Fiala is a tremendous player, but the Wild forward made a very bad hockey play this week against the Los Angeles Kings, boarding and injuring defenseman Matt Roy. Fiala was suspended three games -- not ideal for the already depleted Wild -- and had to forfeit $77,586.21 in salary (an amount calculated based off his salary) which will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

"It will be on multiple videos, teaching clips for young players, older players, junior players, pro players on basically what not to do," Kings coach Todd McLellan said of the hit. "I feel bad for Roysie. I don't even know if there's any intent on the Fiala thing, it just happened. But we have to know by now that we can't do that."

Top games on tap this week

Note: All times Eastern

Monday Feb. 1: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers, 7 p.m.

These two teams had a week, to say the least. Pittsburgh was stunned when GM Jim Rutherford resigned for personal reasons, and now looks to get the season on track after a shaky 5-3-1 start. The Rangers are in worse shape, in terms of the standings, and as mentioned above, they waived Tony DeAngelo on Sunday after signing him to a two-year, $9.6 million extension prior to this season.

Tuesday, Feb. 2: Dallas Stars at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.

Patrik Laine sorted out his visa in Canada last week, then the Blue Jackets sent a private jet for him on Friday. After 48 hours of quarantine, Laine could make his Columbus debut in this game against the Stars. It could be opportunistic timing for a first impression; Laine has 18 goals in 17 career games against Dallas.

Sunday, Feb. 7: Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, 3 p.m. (ESPN+)

No better way to crush a few hours before the Super Bowl than by watching this matchup of West Division heavyweights. The Blues are looking for revenge in this series after getting thumped by the Avs 8-0 in the second game of the season. It's also worth monitoring the situation around St. Louis defenseman Vince Dunn, who appears to be on the trade block.

Social media post of the week

Yikes! Post game photo of #LAKings Sean Walker after getting struck by a puck in the face. #GoKingsGo #NHL #MNWild pic.twitter.com/J6I2s10oQg

— Augie (@AugieLens) January 29, 2021

Hockey players, man. Unfortunately, Kings defenseman Sean Walker will be out "for an extended period," per coach Todd McLellan. Sending thoughts for a speedy recovery.

USMNT defender Chris Richards has joined Hoffenheim from Bayern Munich on a six-month loan deal.

Richards, 20, has made three top-flight appearances for Bundesliga champions Bayern this season, and recently featured for their reserves in 3. Liga.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

The defender was on the bench for Bayern's 4-1 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday, and now joins them on loan for the rest of the season.

"I'm looking forward to taking the next steps in my development in Hoffenheim. It's important I pick up more match practice in the Bundesliga now. I have big goals and I'd like to progress at FC Bayern," he said.

Richards joined Bayern from FC Dallas in a permanent deal in January 2019 and earned his first Bundesliga start in the 4-3 win against Hertha Berlin on Oct. 4 -- becoming the first American to start a Bundesliga match for Bayern in the 120-year history of the club -- and has gone on to make seven appearances in all competitions this season.

He made his USMNT debut against Panama in November and can play in the centre of defence and at right-back. The move to Hoffenheim sees him reunited with former Bayern reserve team manager Sebastian Hoeness.

Hoffenheim are 12th in the Bundesliga and have a number of defenders out injured with Kevin Akpoguma, Benjamin Hübner and Ermin Bicakcic all sidelined.

Ben Cox has turned down a new contract offer from Worcestershire.

Cox, widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the English game, is out of contract at the end of the 2021 season. He was offered a two-year extension on improved terms but has decided to go into the final year of his contract, meaning he will be able to hear offers from other counties.

Aged 28, Cox is at the stage of his career where he may feel time is running out on his ambition to play international cricket. While he has represented England Lions and secured a contract with Trent Rockets in the Hundred, he has limited franchise experience - he recently had to pull out of a stint in the Abu Dhabi T10 after a bout of Covid-19 - and was briefly left out of Worcestershire's County Championship side in favour of Alex Milton.

Cox's relationship with Worcestershire has been long and, to this point, highly successful. Cox made his debut for the club as a 17-year-old schoolboy in 2009. After a tricky start, he has emerged into a top-class keeper who has played a significant role in Worcestershire's white-ball success with his ability to stand up to the stumps to many of the side's seamers. He has previously impressed with his keeping off the spin of Saeed Ajmal, who had a spell as overseas player at the club. Perhaps only Ben Foakes, among contemporary English keepers, is more highly regarded.

While Cox is not quite in the same class with the bat as Foakes, he is still a useful middle-order batsman. He was player of the match in both the semi-final and the final of the T20 Blast when Worcestershire won the competition in 2018 - he made an unbeaten 46 in the final and finished the game off with a six and four off Jofra Archer - and has made four first-class centuries and one more in List A cricket.

It may be, however, that Cox feels he needs to move to gain more appreciation for his skills or that he needs to focus minds at New Road as he negotiates the next phase of his career. A period in the shop window has worked wonders for other players.

ECB regulations prohibit approaches on contracted players until a few weeks into their final season, so there has been no contact with other clubs at this stage. But it is likely that several - including, perhaps, Somerset and Warwickshire - could be interested in a player with Cox's skills. Nottinghamshire could be another attractive destination, with their incumbent wicketkeeper Tom Moores out of contract at the end of the season and yet to sign a new deal.

Worcestershire's management revealed Cox's status at an online forum with county members. They subsequently released minutes of the meeting saying they would be "disappointed" if he left but saying "that is up to the player." They also revealed that former captain, Daryl Mitchell, former England Lions player Ross Whiteley, Riki Wessels, Josh Dell and Milton are out of contract at the end of the 2021 season.