The Biggest Concern for Every NFL Team Heading into Week 3

We’re baaaack…

With two games for each of the 32 NFL teams already played (three for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles), it is once again time to take a look at what may be ailing each club.

We will repeat last week’s disclaimer. We are not trying to overanalyze. Rather, this is a look at a warning sign for each team as the season continues on.

Remember, this weekly feature is not designed to assign blame for a team’s loss. Keep in mind that we are offering advice for all 32 clubs, eight of which have yet to lose a game this season.

This piece is and will simply point out some areas each club may be addressing down the road. By the way, if some of these categories look familiar from a week ago it’s safe to say that the team hasn’t made any progress in the department.

Not yet at least.

Arizona Cardinals: Pass Rush

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Here we go again.

The Arizona Cardinals got into the win column for the first time in 2013 via last week’s 25-21 victory over the Detroit Lions.

But the absence of inside linebacker Daryl Washington due to suspension continues to hinder the pass rush. Pictured above is defensive end Calais Campbell, who last Sunday got the team’s first and only sack of the young season at the expense of Matthew Stafford.

It’s safe to say that Bruce Arians’ team will not get away with a similar result if they can’t harass New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees this weekend.

Atlanta Falcons: Preserving a Lead

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Yes, the Atlanta Falcons bounced back from their Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints via a 31-24 win over the visiting St. Louis Rams.

It’s also worth noting that Mike Smith’s team owned a 24-3 halftime lead before holding on for a seven-point victory.

Obviously, the Falcons weren’t as fortunate the week before when they squandered a 10-0 first-quarter edge en route to a 23-17 loss to the Saints. And don’t forget the 2012 postseason when they blew significant leads in their playoff split with the Seattle Seahawks (win) and San Francisco 49ers (loss).

Safe to say it’s becoming a little more than just a coincidence.

Baltimore Ravens: Consistency

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On opening night versus the Denver Broncos, the Baltimore Ravens owned a 17-14 halftime lead but wound up losing in the Mile High City, 49-27.

Last Sunday at home against the Cleveland Browns, John Harbaugh’s defending Super Bowl champions trailed 6-0 at intermission before rallying for a 14-6 win.

Will the real Ravens please wake up?

Yes, there are plenty of changes on this team. But it’s been an erratic start for Harbaugh and company as this club attempts to find out just what they are in 2013.

They figure to get a pretty good idea this week. The Houston Texans come to town this Sunday, a team that pasted the Ravens last season at Reliant Stadium, 43-13.

Buffalo Bills: Divisional Foes

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Things are certainly looking up for the Buffalo Bills these days.

The team is getting significant contributions from its top three draft choices in April. Quarterback EJ Manuel leads an improving offense. Wide receiver Robert Woods has made his presence felt and middle linebacker Kiko Alonso ranks second on the club with 19 tackles.

But if the franchise is to end its streak of five straight last-place finishes in the AFC East, they had better start learning to beat the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets on a more consistent basis.

The Bills dropped a home game to the Pats in Week 1. That means that dating back to the start of the 2008 season, Buffalo is a mere 6-25 versus their divisional rivals.

A road win over the Jets on Sunday could go some way to making things better.

Carolina Panthers: Confidence

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It’s hard to come up with a logical explanation for the Carolina Panthers.

Last week, we cited the team’s poor record the first 10 games of the season. Ron Rivera’s club had opened both 2011 and 2012 with eight losses in 10 games. And the Panthers appear to be at it again after falling to 0-2 last Sunday with a 24-23 setback to the Buffalo Bills.

The team has also had a knack for losing the close ones in recent seasons. Dating back to 2011, Carolina is a combined 13-21, with two-thirds of those setbacks (14) by seven points or less.

A year ago in Week 3, Ron Rivera’s team did not lose one of those close games. Instead, they were routed at home by the New York Giants, 36-7.

A case of déjà vu this Sunday could add up to some big-time trouble for a team with high expectations in 2013.

Chicago Bears: Defense

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That tried-and-true formula for the Chicago Bears continues to work. Even with a new head coach on the sidelines.

And the fact quarterback Jay Cutler has been “Captain Comeback” in the early stages of 2013 is a big plus for Marc Trestman.

The aforementioned formula is turnovers, as in a combined six takeaways in wins over the Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings.

What the wins and takeaways have masked to date is some issues with the Bears defense. The pass rush has produced only two sacks in as many games and opponents have converted on more than 50 percent of third downs.

Will someone play turnover-free football against the Bears someday soon? That’s a tough call. But if they do, it will be interesting to see the results.

Cincinnati Bengals: QB Andy Dalton

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Cincinnati Bengals fans are going to think that their third-year quarterback is being picked on.

It’s hardly the case. And if you think that Andy Dalton is not a quality performer, you are mistaken as well.

But in a season where Marvin Lewis’ team has a real opportunity to go deep in the playoffs, this talented club could get held back if their young signal-caller doesn’t perform well on a more consistent basis.

Last Monday night, Dalton and company came up with a 20-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dalton led an offense that rolled up 407 total yards. The Bengals didn’t commit a turnover or give up a sack to Pittsburgh’s defense.

But Dalton completed just 25-of-45 passes on the evening, which tells you that there were also 20 incompletions. There were too many overthrows and misfires and that must improve steadily.

The Bengals are looking for a playoff win for the first time since 1990. Dalton is looking for his first postseason touchdown pass after throwing four interceptions in his first two playoff games.

Maybe both streaks will end in a positive way come January.

Cleveland Browns: Offense

This was supposed to be the season that the Cleveland Browns made a little noise in the AFC North.

It’s been pretty quiet so far. In two games this season, Rob Chudzinski’s team has totaled 16 points and scored one touchdown.

Still, the sound you heard from the club this week was a goodbye…as in trading running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a first-round draft choice in 2014.

The other sound you may have heard was an “ow.” That would have come from quarterback Brandon Weeden, sidelined with a thumb injury. Brian Hoyer will make the start this week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Let’s see if the one-time rookie free agent, who has made one NFL start in his career, can jump-start a team that has totaled only 275.0 yards per game.

Dallas Cowboys: Running Backs

When you pound out 124 yards rushing on 39 carries, you’ve put together a pretty efficient day at the office if you are a team’s offense.

Not so much if that’s your team's totals in two contests.

Two weeks into the season and the Dallas Cowboys are once again looking for a consistent ground attack. After an encouraging start against the Giants, Jason Garrett’s team ran the ball 16 times for 37 yards in the 17-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Backup running back Lance Dunbar had a costly fumble in the setback. And while the Cowboys had trouble blocking nose tackle Dontari Poe, you would have thought that offensive coordinator Bill Callahan would have had a little more patience.

We will see if that approach changes against the St. Louis Rams.

Denver Broncos: Left Tackle

And it was going so well.

The Denver Broncos are off to a 2-0 start and have put a combined 90 points on the board in wins over the last two defending Super Bowl champions.

Quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown nine touchdown passes and zero interceptions. In last week’s 41-23 victory over the New York Giants, the veteran signal-caller was not sacked.

That luxury may not be extended in the not-too-distant future.

The Broncos will be minus Pro Bowl left tackle Ryan Clady for the rest of the season.

On Monday night, John Fox’s club hosts the rival Oakland Raiders, who have totaled nine sacks in their first two games.

Can anyone say acid test?

Detroit Lions: Road Woes

You almost saw it coming.

Fresh off a 34-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions headed West to face the Arizona Cardinals.

The key talking point is heading, as in traveling. And sure enough, Jim Schwartz’s team came up short via a 25-21 setback.

Dating back to 2001, the Lions are an astounding 17-80 on the road. In case you’re skeptical about that number since it deals with the better part of 13 seasons, Detroit is currently riding a four-game road losing streak.

Keep in mind that five of the 17 road wins came in 2011 when the team reached the playoffs.

But the franchise gets a chance to exorcise its biggest demon this weekend. Including the postseason, the Lions are a mind-boggling 0-21 at Washington against the Redskins. The team’s last road win in this series came in 1935, when the ‘Skins were based in Boston.

Now that’s a streak.

Green Bay Packers: Run Defense

In Week 1 versus the San Francisco 49ers, the Green Bay Packers limited their West Coast foe to just 90 yards rushing, albeit in a 34-28 loss.

And while Mike McCarthy’s team did run away and hide from the Washington Redskins last Sunday, somehow Dom Capers’ defense managed to give up 108 yards rushing in the 38-20 victory.

Washington ran eight times for 54 yards in the first half and nine times for 54 yards in the final 30 minutes. And while 108 yards rushing doesn’t necessarily send up a distress flare, could it be a sign that this defense could be had on the ground?

It is a virtual guarantee that the Cincinnati Bengals, courtesy of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and rookie Giovani Bernard, will test that theory on Sunday.

Houston Texans: Quarterback

For the fourth consecutive season, the Houston Texans are off to a 2-0 start.

But this one has a different feel to it.

Thanks to quarterback Matt Schaub, the team has rallied for fourth-quarter wins over the San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans.

But no thanks to Schaub, the Texans have had to dig themselves out of a few holes dug by their quarterback. While Schaub has thrown six touchdown passes, he’s also been picked off three times. And those miscues have led to 17 points for the opposition.

The ability to overcome adversity will make this Houston team better in the long run. But playing from behind is certainly not the habit you want to get into.

Indianapolis Colts: Offensive Line

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It’s been a busy week for the Indianapolis Colts, both positive and negative.

The team will be without second-year tight end Dwayne Allen and starting left guard Donald Thomas for the rest of the season. That’s bad news for quarterback Andrew Luck, already sacked seven times in two games.

It’s also bad news for an offensive front that seemed to be finding its groove in terms of run blocking.

So why not get a power runner that can help your offensive line look better?

In arguably the most surprising trade in years, the Indianapolis Colts acquired running back Trent Richardson from the Cleveland Browns. He should give Luck quite a presence in the backfield, granted he can stay healthy.

More importantly, Richardson should make the Colts line look better until it actually develops some continuity.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Offense

Last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars finished 2-14, the worst record in the brief history of the franchise.

Could things be even worse in 2013?

In two weeks, the team has gone through two quarterbacks, scored 11 points and allowed 11 sacks. Gus Bradley’s team has piled up almost as much penalty yardage (100) as rushing yardage (105).

The Jaguars haven’t been much better on defense, especially when it comes to the run. Jacksonville has allowed 173.5 yards per game on the ground in their two losses.

Still, it’s the offense that has been the culprit. The team has totaled 426 yards on 132 plays, an average of 3.2 yards per play.

This week, the Jaguars make the long trip to Seattle. It also figures to be a very long afternoon for Bradley, who was the team’s defensive coordinator before getting the Jaguars job.

Kansas City Chiefs: Third-Down Efficiency

Andy Reid’s homecoming in Philadelphia was perfect in the sense that the Kansas City Chiefs came away with a 26-16 win over the Eagles. It also extended the team’s perfect record to 3-0.

But what has not been perfect to date has been the team’s performance on third down. The Chiefs rolled up 395 total yards against the Birds and yet managed only one offensive touchdown in the victory.

In three games this season, Reid’s club is a combined 15-of-46 on third down (32.6 percent). Against Philadelphia, the Chiefs were 6-of-18 on third down and also 0-of-2 on fourth down.

Getting the ball in the end zone at a more efficient rate is imperative if the Chiefs aren’t to waste this solid start.

Miami Dolphins: Pass Protection

Two weeks into the season and two road wins for the Miami Dolphins.

Life is good for Joe Philbin and company, who will get an acid test this Sunday when the talented Atlanta Falcons come to town.

Two weeks ago, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked four times in a 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns. Last Sunday, the Dolphins quarterback helped his club win at Indianapolis, 24-20, but he was sacked five more times in the process.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to this week’s meeting with the Falcons. Will Atlanta’s anemic pass rush (two sacks) get healthy at the Dolphins’ expense? Or is this not a true test for Miami’s offensive line?

Tannehill will be able to give you a firsthand account on Monday.

Minnesota Vikings: Pass Defense

Last week, there was some finger-pointing on our behalf in regards to quarterback Christian Ponder and his performance with the Minnesota Vikings.

One week later, Ponder played a pretty efficient game in a 31-30 loss to the Chicago Bears.

The same can’t be said for the Vikings defense, which allowed 411 total yards in the one-point defeat.

In two games, Leslie Frazier’s club has allowed 880 total yards and seven offensive touchdowns. A total of 639 of those yards have come through the air (319.5 average), along with five touchdown passes. And this comes despite six takeaways by Frazier’s team.

It also comes because the Vikings have totaled just one sack in two games. That needs to change sooner than later.

New England Patriots: Passing Game

Two games into this season, the New England Patriots have yet to lose a game.

In fact, the team has notched narrow wins over their AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills (23-21) and New York Jets (13-10), by a combined five points.

Of course, watching the Patriots score a combined 36 points in two games is already difficult to comprehend. This is a team that has totaled 500 or more points three straight seasons and in four of the last six years.

But until wide receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski get healthy, quarterback Tom Brady (bad body language and all) has to develop some other options in terms of pass-catchers.

While wideout Julian Edelman was busy in the win over the Jets, rookies Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson have had their ups and downs to date.

In a few weeks, those ups need to be…up.

New Orleans Saints: Wide Receiver

It’s safe to say New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton couldn’t be happier these days.

Okay, maybe a little happier.

But the fact is that he is back on the sidelines and his team has opened the season with a pair of divisional wins.

At this time last season, the Saints were 0-2 en route to 0-4 and on their way to 7-9.

The defense has been better because it couldn’t get much worse. Still, New Orleans has allowed a combined 31 points in two games. A year ago, the team gave up 31 or more points in seven games.

What we are waiting for with the Saints is that breakout offensive game, which could come at any time. But be it by design or other reasons, we have seen quarterback Drew Brees stress the underneath passing game.

Brees has completed 52 passes this season, 37 to tight ends (17) and running backs (20). That means the Saints wide receiving corps has a combined 15 catches in two games.

And it will be interesting to see how Brees attacks the Arizona Cardinals secondary this weekend.

New York Giants: Ball Security

Tom Coughlin’s New York Giants are on pace to commit 80 turnovers this season and quarterback Eli Manning is on target to thrown 56 interceptions.

Both would be NFL records…and highly unlikely. But you know someone out there has done the math, in jest or not.

Seriously, 10 turnovers in two games for any team are troublesome. Last season, the Giants gave up the football just 21 times in 16 games.

Then again, we have seen Manning and company have these issues before. In 2010, Coughlin’s club committed 42 turnovers, 30 by their quarterback. One season later, the Giants committed only one turnover in four postseason games and won Super Bowl XLVI.

Will the pigskin bleeding stop against the Carolina Panthers? Hold onto that thought.

New York Jets: Quarterback

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Head coach Rex Ryan and the New York Jets have had a little extra time to analyze the team’s 1-1 start.

The Thursday night loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2 saw rookie quarterback Geno Smith complete only 15 of his 35 pass attempts. But the second-round draft choice saved his worst for last. In the fourth quarter, Smith was 3-of-12 for 55 yards and three interceptions.

This season, the Jets offense has scored two touchdowns in as many games. Meanwhile, Ryan’s club has totaled three times as many turnovers (six) and allowed nine sacks in the split with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Patriots. Meanwhile, New York has allowed just 30 points in two games.

It will be interesting to see if that Jets defense can keep the improving Buffalo Bills offense in check. They will have to, unless Ryan’s offense suddenly awakens.

Oakland Raiders: Pass Defense

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Two games into 2013 and the Oakland Raiders have played pretty respectable defense for second-year head coach Dennis Allen.

So why is there concern over the team’s ability or inability to stop the pass? The Silver and Black is allowing just 180.5 yards per game through the air and have totaled nine sacks in two games.

But here’s a closer look. Opposing quarterbacks are completing 70.5 percent of their passes this season. The Raiders have allowed three touchdown passes in two outings and have yet to force a turnover.

Monday night at Denver, we will truly find out how far the Raiders have come in one year when they take on quarterback Peyton Manning and the highest-scoring team in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles: Turnovers

Here we go again.

Last Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles rolled up 511 total yards, albeit in a 33-30 loss to the visiting San Diego Chargers. The silver lining in that setback was the fact that Chip Kelly’s team played turnover-free football.

That was certainly not the case on Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Michael Vick threw a pair of interceptions, the first returned for a touchdown, and he and the team also lost three fumbles.

Dating back to the start of the 2011 season, the Birds have coughed up the football 82 times and committed two or more turnovers in 25 of their 35 outings.

And suddenly the team’s fast first-half start against the Washington Redskins is but a distant memory.

By the way, the Eagles had two turnovers in that win as well. And if you’re looking for some more issues regarding Kelly’s club, the Eagles' tackling versus the Chiefs left a lot to be desired.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Running Game

A sign of progress? Hardly.

After rushing for 31 yards in the season-opening loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers cranked up the ground game and wound up with 44 yards in Monday night’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

A combined 75 yards rushing in two games won’t get it done on many levels. But the bottom line is that there aren’t a lot of holes for the Steelers’ running backs these days. A struggling offensive line that has allowed seven sacks in two games is minus Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey.

Mike Tomlin’s team has scored a mere 19 points in two games. And unless the offense starts getting some help from the defense and special teams in terms of field position, it will continue to be a problem.

But first things first, and that’s reestablishing a ground game that has been an issue for more than a year.

St. Louis Rams: Slow Starts

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If you like entertaining football, the St. Louis Rams have delivered so far this season.

Jeff Fisher’s club rallied from a 24-13 deficit in Week 1 to beat the Arizona Cardinals, 27-24.

Last Sunday, the Rams came up short at Atlanta, falling by a 31-24 count after trailing 24-3 at halftime.

So why has it taken so long for the St. Louis to warm up? Quarterback Sam Bradford and company have outscored the opposition a combined 28-7 in the fourth quarter.

Then again, the Rams have been outscored a combined 48-23 in the first three quarters.

Moral victories won’t get it done in this league. And if Fisher and company are to be a factor in the NFC West race this season, they can’t afford to fall behind the likes of the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers on a consistent basis.

San Diego Chargers: Defense

Head coach Mike McCoy's first win with the San Diego Chargers was impressive when you consider all the variables.

After squandering a 21-point lead in a Monday night loss to the Houston Texans, the Bolts traveled to the East Coast last Sunday and came away with a 33-30 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

But while quarterback Philip Rivers and company rolled up 539 yards in the win, John Pagano’s defensive unit surrendered 511 yards on just 58 plays. The Chargers allowed 20 or more yards on nine plays, that which totaled an astounding 317 yards.

And after giving up 449 total yards in that loss to Houston, there is certainly cause for concern.

San Francisco 49ers: Defense

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So exactly what has happened to one of the most talented defensive units in the league?

Granted, the San Francisco 49ers’ 29-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday night was as much a product of their stifled offense as their defense.

But giving up 28 and 29 points, respectively, is becoming a habit for Jim Harbaugh’s team. The former number was the points given up by the Niners in their 34-28 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.

Dating back to last season and including the playoffs, the 49ers have 235 points and 26 offensive touchdowns in their last eight outings. Compare that to the team’s first 13 games in 2012, when Harbaugh’s club gave up only 184 points and 16 offensive touchdowns in 13 games.

While injuries were a factor late last season, that doesn’t appear to be the case so far in 2013.

And for a team vying for a return to the Super Bowl, it’s an important case study.

Seattle Seahawks: Complacency

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You think I’m kidding?

Obviously, two victories in as many outings do not make a season. But in this era of offense in the NFL, you have to be happy when you give up only 10 points in two games.

The Seattle Seahawks have played with an edge this season and you saw it in prime time against the two-time defending NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers. A week earlier, the Seahawks traveled cross country and squeaked out a road win over the Carolina Panthers.

Pete Carroll’s club has now won seven straight regular-season games dating back to last season. They not only figure to handle the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday, but the chances that the team pitches a shutout is certainly not farfetched.

And that aforementioned edge could be the difference between a playoff berth and a top seed in the NFC, meaning a postseason home game at the NFL’s loudest stadium.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mentality

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From voting disputes to overturned suspensions, it’s hardly been boring for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so far this season.

The latest matter regarding the team was the clear-the-air session between cornerback Darrelle Revis and head coach Greg Schiano.

But let’s get back to the field. And after winning six of their first 10 games last season, the Bucs are a 1-7 football team since. And bitter late-game losses this season to the New York Jets (18-17) and New Orleans Saints (16-14) have the feel of a team that is finding ways to lose games rather than win them.

Can Schiano’s club turn it around at Foxborough against a New England Patriots team struggling on offense? At the very least, Revis knows a little something about beating the Pats.

Tennessee Titans: Offense

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A hit and a near-miss sum up the first two weeks of the season for the Tennessee Titans.

The hit was a 16-9 win at Pittsburgh over the Steelers. The near-miss was last Sunday’s 30-24 overtime loss to the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.

But the real concern has been the Tennessee attack. Mike Munchak’s offensive unit has scored only three touchdowns in two games and totaled 477 yards. Fortunately for the Titans, they have not committed a turnover this season.

Unfortunately, the team’s inability to come up with big plays on offense has been an issue. Tennessee’s longest play from scrimmage this season is a 31-yard reception by wideout Nate Washington. It’s the only play of 30-plus yards by the Houston offense this season.

Even an improved defense is eventually going to need more support than that.

Washington Redskins: First Half

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What to do if you are the defending NFC East champions?

Two weeks into the season the Washington Redskins find themselves without a win. And yes, it is far too early to panic considering this club overcame a 3-6 start a year ago to win its first division title since 1999.

It would help if Mike Shanahan’s team got off to a decent start. The Redskins have been outscored a combined 50-7 in the first half of their first two games and their only touchdown in the games’ first 30 minutes came via the defense.

Yes, the defense. While many focus on the seven, it’s the 50 that’s just as disconcerting. And things won’t be any easier this week against a Detroit Lions team that can put points on the board.