NFL: Each Team's Most Devastating Cancer

Every NFL team has various problems to address. However, the biggest concern may be the detrimental forces at work inside each franchise.

Cancer is generally defined as "something evil or malignant that spreads destructively." In addition, it always comes from within. 

There are many different treatments available to the following teams, but some require attacking the healthy components of the team.

Difficult decisions and transitions lie ahead.

Cleveland Browns: Colt McCoy's Ceiling

Colt McCoy is not the answer to the Cleveland Browns' quarterbacking woes. 

His lack of prototypical size is not balanced by pinpoint accuracy like with Drew Brees. He may have been a winner in college, but the NFL demands more.

The Browns would be smart to use a few of those draft picks acquired from the Atlanta Falcons to look into Robert Griffin III. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: James Harrison

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a nasty defense due to players like Lamar Woodley and James Harrison.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to discern exactly what Harrison is focused on. 

He is constantly railing against the NFL, which subsequently leads to more media questions .

There is a certain value to challenging the system and keeping those in power honest.

However, each player and team has a finite amount of concentration. Perhaps too much of the Steelers' attention is being paid to extracurricular activities. 

Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Lewis

The Cincinnati Bengals have enjoyed measured success during the tenure of Marvin Lewis.

It's time for a change.

The Bengals have never made it out of the first round with Lewis. Additionally, he can't keep his players focused as evinced by his teams' lack of continued success.

Lewis has done a great job in certain respects, but sometimes you need to shake things up.

Baltimore Ravens: Anquan Boldin

Anquan Boldin is a talented receiver accounting for $7.5 million against the salary cap in 2012. 

The number itself is not a cause for concern, unless the Ravens sit tight on their receiving prospects, thinking they have already made the proper investment.

Boldin showed serious flashes when Joe Flacco relied on him, but those opportunities were rare. The Ravens need to continue to find a pass catcher that can form an elite duo with Flacco.

No. Torrey Smith is not the answer.

Indianapolis Colts: Jim Irsay

Jim Irsay makes up for his enthusiasm with a lack of tact. 

The Indianapolis Colts are dealing with a sensitive situation regarding the face of their franchise. Peyton Manning has been fundamental to the Colts over the last decade.

Manning hasn't stirred up the type of drama that Brett Favre did, but he has resorted to the media to fight his battle. 

He wouldn't have if Irsay had been direct in his dealings with Peyton. 

It's difficult to have an attention-seeking owner build a stable franchise. See Jones, Jerry.

Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt

Much like Joe Flacco, Jake Locker needs someone he can rely on.

Kenny Britt has all the physical tools to deliver on that requirement for Locker, but is he willing to do so?

The arrests can be overlooked when a player puts his head down and produces on the field. The time is now for Britt to shed his troublemaker label.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Lack of Interest

The Jacksonville Jaguars suffer from a deficiency of offensive talent, but are being devastated by a lack of interest.

The Jags are squandering a great career by running back Maurice Jones-Drew. He may be the only thing that lends any legitimacy to this franchise besides a decently stout defense.

Rumors abound that the new owner will move the team to Los Angeles since Jacksonville has failed to support the franchise. 

If the fans want a competitive team, they need to make their presence felt and give the impression that they care.

A lack of interest creates an atmosphere of complacency. 

Houston Texans: Brian Cushing

Brian Cushing has put together a solid start to his career.

The problem does not lie with his production, but with his accountability. The Houston Texans allowed Cushing to excuse his failed drug test with something called "overtrained athlete syndrome." 

By entertaining such an asinine notion, the Texans missed an opportunity to create an environment of accountability within their franchise. Allowing one player to make such a ridiculous accusation is dangerous, as it could be the beginning of a slippery slope. 

New England Patriots: A Defensive Playmaker

Eli Manning was a possibility for this slide. 

However, the most obvious problem for the New England Patriots is that they do not have a playmaker against the pass.

The Pats boast Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo, two outstanding players who comprise the bulk of the stout rushing defense. 

New England does not have a Justin Tuck or a Charles Woodson. When the Patriots need to stop someone from moving down the field, they don't have a player to rely on to make that play. 

Miami Dolphins: Chad Henne

Chad Henne will be the scapegoat for the Miami Dolphins until things get turned around. 

Alex Smith provides hope that Henne can revive his career in Miami. Yet that the chances of that story repeating are dwindling.

Brandon Marshall recently mused that he would love to play with a good quarterback again, in apparent hopes of being shipped to the Chicago Bears. 

Once your main receiving threat is taking thinly veiled shots, it's time to move on.

New York Jets: Rex Ryan

The New York Jets could use the events of the 2011 season to galvanize themselves for a strong 2012. 

That does not mean they will.

Rex Ryan's loose mouth over the past few years has created a toxic environment for the football team. Backup quarterback Greg McElroy showed serious gumption by shining a light on the Jets' destructive locker room scene.

These types of problems start at the top, where Ryan continues to mislead by example.

Buffalo Bills: Stevie Johnson

The Buffalo Bills are getting closer to legitimacy. The last step is always the hardest.

Stevie Johnson is reminiscent of the Detroit Lions' former wide receiver, Roy Williams. A loud playmaker on a team with few other options.

These players are necessary to attract attention when the franchise doesn't have the talent to win. When the time comes to turn the corner, these players need to be let go.

Oakland Raiders: Carson Palmer

Carson Palmer, it really isn't your fault.

You didn't trade away those high draft picks for your cap-crippling contract. That was Hue Jackson.

Unfortunately, you will be a constant reminder of the old regime, and the ineptitude that emanated from the Oakland Raiders.

Good luck with that.

San Diego Chargers: A.J. Smith

The San Diego Chargers have suffered under the reign of A.J. Smith for years. Unfortunately, there will be at least one more season for the "Lord of No Rings.'"

The Chargers have entered the last five seasons seemingly on the verge of a Super Bowl Championship. They have yet to even sniff the big game.

The heavy-handed way that Smith deals with his players certainly has an impact on all those within the organization. 

Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow

As if there were another selection for this slide.

This choice has more to do with the future of the Denver Broncos than with the present.

Tim Tebow is an excellent leader and role model, but not nearly enough has been shown to prove he can be an effective starting NFL quarterback.

John Elway has withheld anointing him the future of the franchise by stating that Tebow has earned the right to enter training camp as the starter. 

Eventually, the team will need to make a choice and stick with it. If they allow this situation to drag out, the locker room will surely be divided.

Kansas City Chiefs: Stability

The Kansas City Chiefs are in major need of stability.

Every few years, the team heads in a new direction with a fresh head coach.

The choice to elevate Romeo Crennel from defensive coordinator to head coach may be just what the franchise needs. He will bring the excitement of new blood without a dramatic shift of the team's paradigm.

If Matt Cassel can be given an opportunity to stay within one system for a couple years, he can be an effective complement to superb rushing game.

Detroit Lions: Salary Cap

The Detroit Lions faithful will gladly take their current predicament over a decade of irrelevancy.

The Lions enter this offseason with key players like Cliff Avril and Stephen Tulloch unsigned, while having very little room under the salary cap.

Detroit finally hit on a few of their top-three draft selections. While you obviously need to bring in elite talent, paying those key cogs turns into an accounting nightmare.

The next step is a difficult one for Martin Mayhew, but it's still one he's all too happy to attempt.

Chicago Bears: Lance Briggs

Whether new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery's job gets off to a good start is contingent on one man: linebacker Lance Briggs.

The Bears can franchise tag running back Matt Forte, and push that problem off for another year.

Briggs can cause instant stress for the new general. He has been adamant about being traded for at least a year now.

It should be noted that despite his desires, Briggs put in a man-size effort in 2011.

However, Emery needs to be given one offseason to implement his plan before he has to deal with dissatisfied players of this caliber.

Green Bay Packers: Jarrett Bush

The Green Bay Packers have built a reputation for class and competitiveness.

Cornerback Jarrett Bush is a threat to both of these.

Charles Woodson will soon have to move over to safety to continue his role as chief playmaker in the secondary. If the Packers are relying on Bush to be the next-in-line at corner, they are in for a rude awakening.

Additionally, Bush finds himself in the same position as many Detroit Lions did this year regarding extracurricular antics. His hit—and subsequent taunting—of Kevin Smith after the Lions running back scored a touchdown is one example.

Minnesota Vikings: Chris Cook

The Minnesota Vikings have a few problems, none bigger than their lackluster secondary.

The Vikings thought they had addressed one cornerback spot when they drafted Chris Cook early in the second round. He contributed decently in 2011, despite only accumulating a few tackles a game and the occasional pass breakup.

One of the main reasons for this lack of production is undoubtedly his off-field baggage. Cook has been arrested on more than one occasion in the past year.

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant can make plays.

Unfortunately, he is also adept at making immature mistakes.

From unpaid jewelry bills to sideline rants, the stud wide receiver cannot keep the focus on his play. Bryant has the physical tools to be a game-changer, but he will need to grow up first.

With maturity comes consistency.

Washington Redskins: Daniel Snyder

If Mike Shanahan passes on getting a future franchise quarterback (possible trade for Robert Griffin III), then the selection is Daniel Snyder.

The reasoning is that Shanahan will skip on developing a young quarterback in the interest of winning immediately. This interest is based on a desire to keep his job past the 2012 season.

Snyder needs to understand that it takes time to build a winning franchise. Can he allow the Washington Redskins the time they require?

Philadelphia Eagles: Asante Samuel

Asante Samuel hasn't caused a huge disturbance in comparison to other similarly situated athletes. However, his presence doesn't led itself to tranquility or defensive improvement.

The Philadelphia Eagles have too many supposedly elite cornerbacks. They need to move one (probably Samuel) so that the other two can develop a rhythm as the starters.

DeSean Jackson was the former leader in this capacity for the Eagles. Based upon his recent comments of going along with Philadelphia franchising him, he may have finally accepted his position. 

New York Giants: Brandon Jacobs

The New York Giants obviously have the ability to overcome their cancers, considering the Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots.

That doesn't mean these issues can't derail the team, as they failed to win any playoff games between their two Super Bowls. However, I'm sure most fans willingly accept that trade-off.

Brandon Jacobs cannot seem to keep his name out of the New York tabloids. Whether he is throwing a helmet or going off about Giselle, he doesn't seem to care what the response will be.

These types of behavior are overlooked when you're successful, but a 3.8-yard average and three fumbles will put a spotlight on your flaws.

Update: As it was just learned that Jacobs is willing to take a pay cut, that certainly diminishes his status as a cancer. Regardless, less money does not mean you can act out. 

San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree

Only Micheal Crabtree's ego matches his talent. 

The former first-round pick famously held out well into his rookie season because he felt he should have been drafted higher. This move never endears yourself a locker room.

The 49ers have a chance to be successful for years moving forward. They need Crabtree to perform at the level of his confidence.

Arizona Cardinals: John Skelton

John Skelton is a backup quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals who would have played sparingly if not for Kevin Kolb's injury.

Skelton didn't blow anybody away with his numbers, but he was as effective as Kolb. Therein lies the problem.

The Cardinals paid a substantial ransom to acquire Kolb, and then rewarded him handsomely. His failure to outplay his backup has only fueled the Peyton Manning speculation.

Seattle Seahawks: The Talent Evaluator

The Seattle Seahawks don't have the type of defense that the San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens possess. If they're going to succeed, they need a more competent quarterback.

The acquisitions of Charlie Whitehurst and Tarvaris Jackson are barely defensible. When coupled with their $8 million combined salary, they're abhorrent.

Until the Seahawks can correct this problem, they will remain outside the playoff picture.

St. Louis Rams: The No. 1 Receiver

The St. Louis Rams have more than one problem, but their biggest concern is where to go with the ball.

Steven Jackson is still one of the most complete running backs in the league. However, Sam Bradford has few options outside of him.

The Rams need to address the top receiver problem, preferably through the draft. Once Bradford has a dependable outside threat, St. Louis may be able to put a little pressure on the San Francisco 49ers.

Carolina Panthers: The Defense

The Carolina Panthers were one of the NFL's most explosive offensive teams.

Unfortunately, defense is also required to win in the NFL. 

There is no particular weakness to pinpoint, but giving up over 130 yards on the ground every game puts the defense in a giant hole.

Carolina will undoubtedly be looking into some defensive help this offseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Leadership

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the verge of the playoffs in 2010, but never got going in 2011.

It didn't help that the Bucs didn't spend any money in free agency, appearing content to lean on a young crop of talent to take the next step forward.

However, the Bucs lacked leadership. No guidance was provided by the coach or any player.

Enter Greg Schiano. 

Atlanta Falcons: Thomas Dimitroff

There cannot be enough written about the Julio Jones trade.

The carnage from the trade extends beyond the lost draft picks. When Thomas Dimitroff made the deal, he put a tremendous amount of pressure on his defense.

That defense was ill-equipped to handle the burden. Mostly due to the general manager's neglect.

Dimitroff was made aware of the problems with the defense by the Green Bay Packers. He just decided to get a fancy new toy instead.

New Orleans Saints: Gregg Williams' Legacy

It will be interesting to see how the New Orleans Saints' players adjust to new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo.

Spagnoulo has proven himself, as he led the New York Giants' 2007 Super Bowl-winning defense. 

The players loved Gregg Williams, who was able to come in and positively affect the Saints' defensive culture. 

Unfortunately, Williams' favored attacking style lost its effectiveness as time wore on. The Saints went from living off the turnover to being 31st in the league in that same category in 2011.

However, if they can embrace Spagnoulo, this defensive cancer will be declared benign.