As the NFL playoffs rapidly approach, the field of Super Bowl contenders is taking shape. However, even the most formidable teams have vulnerabilities that could prove costly in high-stakes postseason matchups. From the Chiefs’ surprising struggles with the deep ball to the Eagles’ reliance on explosive plays, let’s examine the most glaring weakness for each of the top title threats.
Chiefs Falling Short on Deep Passes
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs boast a 14-1 record, but a closer look reveals causes for concern. Shockingly, the quarterback renowned for his downfield prowess ranks just 28th in QBR on throws traveling over 20 air yards. Without the consistent deep strike ability that Tyreek Hill provided, K.C.’s offense has lost a key dimension.
Protection breakdowns and receiver miscommunications have plagued the Chiefs when pushing the ball downfield. In the playoffs, will opponents sell out to stop the short passing game, daring Mahomes to win over the top? The Broncos’ elite pass defense, which stifled the Chiefs in Week 10, could pose major problems in a potential rematch.
Bills Struggling to Get Off the Field
Buffalo’s defense, while still stout overall, has seen a precipitous drop-off in performance over the past three weeks. The main culprit? Inability to get stops on third down, where the Bills rank dead last during that span. Injuries in the secondary have taken a toll, but a passive zone-heavy scheme is also allowing too much space underneath.
Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-octane offense can cover up a lot of warts. However, if the defense keeps allowing opponents to control the clock and extend drives, it puts immense pressure on Allen to be near-perfect. In a potential playoff showdown with the Chiefs or Bengals, Buffalo can ill afford to let Mahomes or Burrow methodically march downfield.
Eagles Offense Dependent on Big Plays
Philadelphia’s offensive firepower is undeniable, with gamebreakers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Miles Sanders capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. When the Eagles hit their patented explosive plays, they’re nearly impossible to beat, as evidenced by a gaudy five 20+ yard gains per game in wins.
In their losses though, the chunk plays dry up, replaced by drive-killing sacks and negative runs. Philly’s feast-or-famine attack becomes far less dynamic when Jalen Hurts doesn’t have a clean pocket or his receivers struggle to separate. A Cowboys defense that excels at limiting big plays could be a nightmare matchup for the Birds.
49ers Playcalling Comes Up Short
Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers’ offense has been a marvel of innovation and efficiency. But in the game’s biggest moments, Shanahan’s playcalling can get too cute by half. A propensity for ill-timed trick plays and a pass-happy approach despite a dominant run game have burned San Francisco in past postseasons.
- 2019 Super Bowl: Abandoned the run while nursing a 10-point lead
- 2021 NFC Championship: Dialed up just 12 designed runs vs. Rams
With rookie QB Brock Purdy now at the helm, Shanahan must avoid the temptation to get pass-heavy and trust his smashmouth rushing attack to carry the day. In a tight contest against an explosive offense like the Eagles, one boneheaded call could make the difference.
Bengals Offensive Line Woes Persist
The Bengals’ magical run to Super Bowl LVI came in spite of an offensive line that got Joe Burrow pummeled. Cincinnati invested heavily up front in the offseason, but the early returns are troubling. Burrow is still facing frequent pressure, taking 32 sacks in 12 starts.
“When you’ve got five guys up there trying to block the other team and it’s not going well, it makes it difficult on everybody.”
– Joe Burrow on the OL struggles
While Burrow’s escapability and quick release can mitigate protection issues, the Bengals are one injury away from a potential five-alarm fire up front. Against an aggressive Ravens or Bills defense, a patchwork line could spell doom for Cincy’s title hopes.
Other Contenders Have Flaws to Overcome
- Ravens: Pass defense vulnerable to play-action
- Giants: Daniel Jones’ ball security concerns
- Cowboys: Mike McCarthy’s game management gaffes
- Vikings: Pass rush heavily reliant on blitzing
Ultimately, no Super Bowl hopeful is without warts. The key is having the coaching and personnel to scheme around deficiencies and exploit opponent vulnerabilities when the stakes are highest. Whether it’s the Chiefs rediscovering their deep passing form or the Eagles manufacturing explosive plays, the team that best patches its holes will likely be the one hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February.
