How off-the-Field Issues Will Destroy Teams' Playoff Hopes

Whether it's a run-in with the law or a business conflict regarding a contract, off-field issues in pro football can prevent any team from making the postseason.

Even when teammates fight, that just exposes the lack of chemistry which is imperative to succeed in the game alone. What everything boils down to is trust.

An organization invests so much time and energy into trying to put together a championship team, and everything is for nothing when off-the-field issues occur.

At least when a team struggles on the field that's a direct issue to fix. In other words, watching film or being more precise in practice are just some examples how to address the lack of performance. 

However, when extracurricular activities detract anyone's attention from trying to improve, that just significantly increases the difficulty of pursuing the playoffs.

And once everything gets rolled together, the following is what we see unfold throughout the duration of the regular season.

Slow Beginning

You can call this one the "Chris Johnson effect," as he's the most recent example of what holding out can do to a team.

The Titans began the season 3-1, but the lack of a consistent running game ultimately cost Tennessee as the season progressed.

Tennessee then went 2-4 over the next six games and although the Titans finished 4-2, the postseason was not meant to be.

Johnson on the other hand, went through his worst season as a pro.

Through eight games he compiled only 409 rushing yards and hit over 100 yards just four times all year. All together the Titans lost four games by a one touchdown or less.

Had Johnson not held out, Tennessee could have potentially flipped one or two of those games and earned an AFC Wild Card berth.

Frustration

Regardless of what happens off the field to create a slow start, losing or simply not playing well enough ultimately ties in to frustration.

Obviously winning solves a lot more, but losing enhances a team's frustration to an astronomical level early on. It's one thing if injuries occur, such as the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011.

Coming off a division championship, K.C. had every reason to believe another playoff appearance was happening in 2011.

And although the Chiefs were unfortunately struck by a number of injuries, they were still alive for the postseason late in the year. Had Kansas City been a team with many issues away from the gridiron, there's no way the Chiefs would have finished 7-9.

Now look at a team like the Cleveland Browns. Running back Peyton Hillis was the Madden '12 cover athlete, but couldn't get a new deal with Cleveland. The Browns may have began the season 3-3, but they quickly fell off and finished 4-12.

Firings/Releases/Trades

The final result that can occur from any kind of off-field issue is for a coach to get fired and/or a player to get released.

Right now there are seven teams with a new head coach in place for the 2012 season, and chaos could ensue once the new NFL year begins.

When it comes to firings alone, the New Orleans Saints "Bountygate" scandal is a prime example of how a team's postseason hopes are destroyed.

Drew Brees aside, the Saints have put themselves in an extremely difficult position to succeed this season. The rest of the NFC South has also made significant improvements toward knocking NOLA off the top spot in the division.

From an all-encompassed perspective, it's not so much the team as it is how each individual tries to overcome the issues away from the field.

On a brighter note, these kind of things also show a team's true identity during a season.

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