Identifying every NFL team's biggest weakness heading into 2018

Identifying every NFL team’s biggest weakness in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 18: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) calls an audible at the line during the preseason game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Minnesota Vikings on August 18, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 18: Linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos hits quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears in the end zone for a first quarter safety during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears – Mitchell Trubisky

The entire Bears’ offseason has been built to allow Trubisky to succeed in 2018. Matt Nagy was hired to revamp the team’s offensive structure. The majority of their free agency dollars went to provide him with more weapons.

When the regular season begins it will be time for Trubisky to put up or shut up. He certainly has some tools you like to see in a young quarterback, but his inability to make throws under pressure is a big concern. Look for the Bears to give him a lot of quick passes to increase his comfort level in the pocket.

Detroit Lions – Christian Jones

The Lions scored a lot of points last year but their defense failed to hold up their end of the bargain. Jones’ struggles at the outside linebacker position played a big role in his unit’s struggles.

Specifically, Jones was a nightmare in pass coverage. His poor technique caused him to give up too many big plays last season. He doesn’t need to be great for the Lions to be successful, but he does need to be adequate.

Green Bay Packers – Jimmy Graham

This pick probably surprises a lot of people. While Graham is still a quality option as a receiver, he’s almost non-existent as a blocker from the tight end spot. For a team that struggled to protect their franchise quarterback last year, trotting out Graham as a starter is a major risk.

In fairness, the Packers won’t ask him to block very often. Still, it’s impossible to play tight end and never be asked to contribute in pass protection. Every time he’s counted on to do that, Aaron Rodgers’ health is in grave danger.

Minnesota Vikings – Riley Reiff

If Kirk Cousins is going to thrive in Minnesota he’s going to need a good offensive line in front of him. Reiff is a major question mark at the left tackle spot.

He needs to be much better in 2018 to keep his quarterback upright. The Vikings will try to give him some support, but the rest of the offensive line needs help too. Reiff’s ability to hold up one-on-one will go a long way towards determining how dynamic the Vikings can be on offense.

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