Fansided

Identifying every NFL team’s biggest weakness in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

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)
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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes the pocket during the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons on January 13, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Eagles won 15-10.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 13: Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) rushes the pocket during the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons on January 13, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Eagles won 15-10.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons – Vic Beasley Jr.

The Falcons are really curious to know which version of Beasley they’re going to get this season. His sack total plummeted from 15.5 in 2016 all the way down to just five last season. Obviously, Dan Quinn is hoping to get him back to double digits this year.

The departure of Adrian Clayborn is going to put a lot more pressure on Beasley. If he rises to the occasion, this defense could be headed to the Super Bowl. If he wilts under the weight of big time expectations, the Falcons could miss the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers – Matt Kalil

The Panthers had a lot of issues on the offensive line last season, but none was more important than Matt Kalil’s difficulties at the left tackle position. Cam Newton has excellent mobility, but he was forced to use it too often last year.

If Kalil can hold up at an adequate level, Newton should have enough time to make explosive plays down the field That’s unlikely though, the Panthers will likely look long and hard at offensive tackle help next offseason.

New Orleans Saints – Kurt Coleman

The Saints made a curious move to sign Coleman away from the Panthers after a pretty ugly 2017 campaign. Betting on the veteran safety to bounce back is a pretty gutsy move by Sean Payton.

The good news is the Saints are loaded with talent elsewhere in the secondary. The downside to that is teams will work hard to isolate Coleman in pass coverage. Look for him to give up quite a few big plays this season as a result.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jameis Winston

Everything about the Bucs’ starting quarterback is a risk. His off the field concerns are obvious. He’ll miss the first three games of this season which will likely put Tampa Bay in a really tough position.

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Even when he returns, there are legitimate questions about whether or not he can really be a quality NFL starter. He’s got all of the physical ability to be a Pro Bowler, but he still makes some awful decisions in the pocket. The clock is ticking on Winston to prove to his organization that he can be their franchise quarterback.

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