4 Positional Units That Will Hold Contenders Back from NFL Titles

Although widespread mediocrity has been the theme of the 2012 NFL season—especially in the AFC—as is always the case, a small group of Super Bowl contenders have emerged. 

Those clubs, however, aren't perfect. 

Just like the rest of the league, they're flawed—not as flawed, but still flawed.

I've narrowed down each of these contenders' deficiencies to specific positional units. 

These groups could ultimately doom otherwise terrific teams with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.

Baltimore Ravens run defense

Remember when the Baltimore defense epitomized intimidation, physicality and fundamentally-sound play?

Yeah, well, those days are gone. 

Even before Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb went down with season-ending injuries, the unit was severely flawed. With two of their most productive players out of the lineup, it's going to be extremely difficult for the Ravens to rekindle the magic they've had for over a decade on the defensive side of the football. 

The stats don't lie, people. 

They're one of three teams to have allowed at least 1,000 yards on the ground so far. Furthermore, teams understand how susceptible the Ravens run defense is—they've faced 250 rushes, the highest total in the league. 

Crazy stuff, right? 

As a team, Baltimore's defense has surrendered the most first downs (175), 58 of which have come via the run. Only the New Orleans Saints have given up more first downs per game. 

No, 4.0 yards per carry isn't terrible, but when a team is running the football 35 times per game, it can be devastating. 

Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense can play better, but the team's run defense may be its ultimate Achilles' heel in 2012. 

New England Patriots secondary

Another year, another troubled New England defensive backfield. 

It's almost becoming as typical as Tom Brady throwing for over 4,000 yards. 

Maybe not that typical. 

Anyway, the Patriots secondary needs help. 

Big time. 

It allows 290 aerial yards per game, has given up the sixth-most completions, the seventh-most first downs through the air and opposing quarterbacks average a 99.2 QB rating when playing Bill Belichick's club.  

Yikes. 

Russell Wilson completed 16 of 27 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns without an interception against this team. Last week, Mark Sanchez threw for 328 yards with a touchdown and a pick. 

Yeah, Mark Sanchez. 

As a club, the Patriots have totaled seven interceptions, which is respectable. However, if the Pats fall short of the Super Bowl, it will likely be due to a porous secondary. 

Green Bay Packers offensive line

There's no need to totally crucify the Packers offensive line. They've played better over the last few weeks, and not surprisingly, Aaron Rodgers has gone bonkers on consecutive defenses. 

However, there are some undeniable shortcomings along Green Bay's offensive front.

It has allowed 26 sacks, the second-most sacks in the NFL, and eight came on that infamous Monday Night Football loss to the Seattle Seahawks. 

The otherworldly J.J. Watt sacked Rodgers twice two weeks ago, but the rest of the ravenous Houston Texans defensive line was held in check. 

Against the athletic St. Louis Rams defensive front in Week 7, Rodgers was taken to the turf on three occasions. 

Many have stated that the Packers offensive line has made significant strides over the last two weeks, but five total sacks during that stretch is definitely not something to brag about.

If Rodgers is going to continue his stupendous assault on opposing secondaries—and, subsequently, the record books—while leading his club to another Super Bowl, he needs to be protected much better. 

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line 

A lot of the same issues that reside in Green Bay reside in Pittsburgh. 

Fortunately for the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger is arguably the best improvisational quarterback in the NFL, which always helps the offensive line's sack numbers.

Right now, they've surrendered 13 sacks, which is a decent number. However, if you watch a Steelers game, you'll notice that Big Ben is often running for his life. 

Yes, some of that is due to his own antsy tendencies, but the offensive line isn't nearly an elite unit. 

In fact, the offensive line's problems in run blocking is more disconcerting.

ProFootballFocus.com released their offensive line rankings and slotted the Steelers as the second-to-last run blocking group. 

No team averages fewer yards per carry than Pittsburgh's 3.5.

Injuries undoubtedly haven't helped, but excuses get you nowhere in the NFL, certainly not to the Super Bowl. 

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