Every NFL team’s biggest weakness heading into 2020
No NFL team is perfectly constructed heading into the 2020 regular season. These flaws will keep each franchise up at night.
Every NFL front office has done everything to fortify its rosters via free agency and the draft this offseason. Unfortunately, each team only has finite resources available to use when constructing their respective clubs.
That means there are always holes to worry about heading into the regular season.
Some teams face more pressing concerns than others, but everyone has a potential flaw that could derail their team’s chances of making a magical postseason run. This piece outlines what every franchise should be most concerned about when Week 1 arrives.
Buffalo Bills – Josh Allen’s play
Trading for Stefon Diggs gives Allen a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver to work with for the first time in his career. That also means the young signal-caller is under more pressure to perform than ever.
He’s got the tools to take another step forward in 2020, but the team has to be concerned about his fortitude if things don’t get off to a great start. If his confidence implodes then Buffalo has no chance of making the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins – Protecting their quarterback(s)
No one can be sure whether or not Tua Tagovailoa will be ready to start right away in Miami. That means Ryan Fitzpatrick may be the guy when Week 1 rolls around. No matter who starts under center, the Dolphins should be concerned about the play of their offensive line.
Ereck Flowers is a better guard than tackle, but there are still concerns about his play after receiving a big contract. Starting rookie Austin Jackson beside him at left tackle will only add to the concerns about the left side of the line. If that pair fails it won’t matter who plays quarterback for the Dolphins in 2020.
New England Patriots – Jarrett Stidham
The Patriots are currently poised to make a giant bet on Stidham taking over for Tom Brady at quarterback. With all due respect to Bill Belichick, there’s a significant chance the young signal-caller falls flat on his face.
If he does, nothing else the Patriots do on the field in 2020 will matter. Their defense can be No. 1 in the NFL but it won’t make up for a putrid offense. Stidham has to succeed for New England to make any noise in the AFC.
New York Jets – Locker room discord
The Jets don’t have enough talent to overcome a fractured locker room. Jamal Adams already wants to be traded if New York doesn’t give him a big contract. Veterans on the defensive side of the ball could rebel if he’s not retained.
On offense, Le’Veon Bell is always a potential candidate for unrest. Adam Gase has made it clear he wants to reduce the veteran rusher’s workload in 2020. He could blow up if his diminished workload doesn’t result in more wins for the team.