NFL Playoff Predictions: 3 Defenses That Will Struggle in January

When we think of postseason defenses, surely the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens come to mind. And because of their opportunistic ways, the Green Bay Packers.

However, there are defenses that have crumbled or will crumble in January. Whether it's the elements, lack of experience, or just plain being awful, here are three defenses that struggle in the postseason.

Detroit Lions

Mainly because of their run defense will the Lions struggle. Any team with an average passing game and ground game will capitalize on their ineptitude and inability to be consistent.

Obviously teams like the Packers and Saints will shred them via the passing game, but teams like San Fran and Atlanta will punish them in the trenches. Detroit may be trying to put on a "bad boy" attitude, but much like the Falcons and 49ers did to them in the regular season, the postseason result won't be much different.

Use a solid ground game to setup the passing game and you're set against Detroit. Of any team in playoff contention, they may be the most undisciplined unit across the board.

So, the only hope is that Detroit's offense can put up an insane number of points. This defense has yet to prove they can stop the run (they were bowled over by the Adrian Peterson-less Vikings) and is overrated when it comes to pass defense.

New England Patriots

In 2007 we saw the 18-0 New England Patriots get upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. And how did that happen? A weak/overrated pass defense with literally a non-presenting pass rush.

Well, the same went for the Patriots in 2009 and 2010, and that trend has continued into 2011. Only difference being, they're not overrated, they just plain suck.

New England ranks dead last in pass defense, has an average (at best) pass rush, and just gives up too many yards. Now, they do have 18 interceptions on the year and are improving when backed up inside their own red-zone.

But any team who knows how to control the ball as well as air it out will dominate them. We saw it against Pittsburgh and the Giants this season, and it happened last year against the Jets. Therefore, don't believe in this defense until they actually prove they can help out Tom Brady and the offense when playing legit teams.

New York Giants

Basically along the same lines as the Patriots, because New York gives up way too many passing and rushing yards, but is saved thanks to an explosive offense that can match anyone in the league.

The only difference between the Giants and Patriots defenses, is that New York has a stud pass-rusher in Jason Pierre-Paul (12.5 sacks). However, if you can isolate him well, then the Giants don't have a pass rush.

All opposing offenses have to do is what the Packers did—quick plays that draw up the secondary, then go over the top which backs them up. Thereafter you run the ball which can manipulate the zone-coverage, hence TD passes in the soft spots.

The Giants play a little more disciplined than New England and Detroit as they do have talent, but they lack confidence and are underachieving. In the playoffs that's a huge disadvantage when it comes to the intangible factors.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27