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In deep NFC, talented but flawed teams have uphill battle
Rarely can an NFL team’s season be defined by three games. But the schedule’s first month is often revelatory when it comes to strengths and, more important, weaknesses. And flaws can more easily progress to fatal in the NFC, where the competition and talent appear deeper (again) than in the AFC.
The San Francisco 49ers, who have reached at least the NFC title game in coach Jim Harbaugh’s first three seasons, suddenly find themselves in last place in the NFC West following consecutive second-half implosions.
These four teams, Super Bowl contenders a year ago who seemed poised to compete deep into this season, have shown reasons for significant early concern:
CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-1)
Red flags: They have to be able to rely on their defense, statistically the NFL’s second best to that of the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. But it got gashed on the ground by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday for 264 yards, 100 more than in any game last year and the most Carolina had allowed in one game since 2008. The controversy generated by defensive end Greg Hardy has been a major distraction.
Green flags: Unlike the other teams on this list, the Panthers have won twice and hold a share of the NFC South lead. Any suggestions that rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin lacked sufficient polish to be an early-season fac- tor have been refuted. And Luke Kuechly remains arguably the league’s best (and smartest) linebacker.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-2)
Red flags: The Aaron Rodgers-fueled passing attack has been overmatched in two of three games and hasn’t been helped by a grounded ground game or crippled offensive line. But no excuses for Rodgers, whose usually pristine accuracy was absent Sunday, or MIA No. 2 wide receiver Randall Cobb.
Green flags: The Pack showed guts while overcoming an 18point deficit vs. the New York Jets in Week 2 and are one game out of the NFC North lead. With right tackle Bryan Bulaga back after missing a game and a half and center JC Tretter due back at midseason, the blocking should steadily improve and theoretically key what seems like an inevitable offensive resurgence. The next three games are against teams that missed the playoffs in 2013 (though the last two also were). And Rodgers is still arguably the most gifted quarterback in the league.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-2)
Red flags: A defense that fostered so much optimism after its 2013 turnaround has seemingly regressed and failed to generate the takeaways (one through three games) that were supposed to put it over the top in 2014 with the arrival of free safety Jairus Byrd. The Saints have been limited to four sacks, well off the pace for a unit that bagged the quarterback 49 times a year ago.
Green flags: For the most part, the offense is humming along as usual, and quarterback Drew Brees has shown little rust despite being injured for most of the preseason. Despite a committee of backs that doesn’t currently include Mark Ingram, the run game is ranked sixth, where it finished in 2009 with a three-headed monster that helped carry the Saints to their first Super Bowl. After opening with two road defeats, the Saints get a midseason stretch of four games in five weeks at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, where coach Sean Payton hasn’t lost since 2010.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-2)
Red flags: For a team that has gotten so close to the brass ring in recent seasons, the Niners are suddenly struggling to finish in a major way. They’ve been outscored 52-3 in the second half this season and blown halftime leads the past two weeks. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick committed four turnovers in the Week 2 collapse vs. the Chicago Bears and lost his poise. Team brass has been blistered for its decision to continue playing defensive lineman Ray McDonald, who was arrested last month on suspicion of domestic abuse.
Green flags: Kaepernick’s accuracy (70.2%) has shown major improvement, and he should only benefit, presuming an offensive line plagued by preseason injuries and contractual issues rebounds to its typically formidable form. The running game should be an asset with Frank Gore and promising rookie Carlos Hyde. If the Niners get back to using it as a hammer, many of their secondhalf issues should be resolved.