Potential fatal flaw for every NFC South team

NFL teams can usually identify their strengths and weaknesses after five weeks of the season. No team is perfect, but some have much larger issues than others.

Here is one potentially fatal flaw for every NFC South team:

Atlanta Falcons: Pass-rush

As it turns out, Atlanta’s decision to largely ignore its biggest weakness this offseason didn’t solve things. Funny how that works.

The Falcons decided against selecting an immediate contributor at edge-rusher with the No. 8 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Instead, they made a luxury pick by selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to backup prized free-agent acquisition Kirk Cousins. 

That front-office failure has been felt on the field, where Atlanta ranks last in sacks (five) and 31st in pressure rate (14.4%).

Rookie Indianapolis Colts edge-rusher Laiatu Latu, selected 15th overall, has 11 total pressures (per Pro Football Focus), which is as many as Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who leads Atlanta in pressures. Jarrett is followed by edge-rusher Matthew Judon (10 pressures), who the team acquired in a trade with the Patriots during the preseason.

Judon been the only meaningful contributor among Falcons edge defenders in pass-rush situations. Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter are tied for the second-most pressures among Falcons edges (three), the same number of pressures as Vikings rookie Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall), who has been on the field for 44 pass-rushing snaps, 19 fewer than Ebiketie (63) and 43 fewer than Carter (87).

Carolina Panthers: Ownership

Carolina’s rot starts at the head. Since owner David Tepper purchased the franchise in July 2018, the Panthers are 32-72, the league’s worst record during that span. (h/t Stathead)

Including interim coaches, Tepper has averaged one coach per year as the team’s owner — four full-time (Ron Rivera, Matt Rhule, Frank Reich, Dave Canales) and three interim (Perry Fewell, Steve Wilks, Chris Tabor) in seven seasons.

He’s filled former Commanders owner Daniel Snyder’s vacated (unofficial) title of “Worst NFL Owner” with aplomb and has turned the Panthers into the 2020s version of the 2010s (2010-19) Browns or the 2000s (2000-09) Lions. 

In a twisted way, what Tepper has done in such a short period is impressive. Players have noticed, too, docking the team points in team facility grades in the 2023 and 2024 NFL Players Associated Team Report Cards.

In the 2024 survey, Tepper received a 6.6 out of 10 from Panthers respondents, 28th in the league, “when considering … willingness to invest in [team] facilities.”

He fell 10 spots in that category from 2023, largely due to his refusal to switch Bank of America Stadium back to a natural grass surface after converting it to FieldTurf in 2021.

Saints: Injuries

Quarterback Derek Carr’s oblique injury in Week 5 against the Chiefs continued the early theme of the Saints’ season.

After starting the year 2-0, New Orleans has lost its past three games, in large part due to significant injuries.

Versatile offensive playmaker Taysom Hill missed games against the Eagles and Chiefs while linebacker Demario Davis missed Week 4’s loss to the Falcons.

Center Erik McCoy’s loss has been the most significant. New Orleans’ offensive line went from a surprising strength in the Saints’ first two games to a liability in Weeks 3-5. 

The most glaring discrepancy in the line’s performance has been in the run game.

In wins over the Panthers and Cowboys, New Orleans ran for 370 yards on 76 carries (4.9 yards per attempt). In losses to the Eagles, Falcons and Chiefs, it’s gained 266 yards on 77 rush attempts (3.5 yards per attempt).

Buccaneers: Rush defense

While Tampa’s secondary was shredded by Falcons QB Kirk Cousins in Week 5, the Bucs’ rush defense has been the bigger concern through five games.

Per PFF data, the Bucs have 27 missed tackles and 54 stops on rushing plays. Both their 24.8% missed-tackle rate and 49.5 percent stop rate on 123 rush attempts rank near the bottom of the league. 

The Bucs are also 29th in ESPN’s run-stop win rate rankings and rush expected points added (EPA), per Rbsdm.com.

With upcoming games against the Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs and 49ers before a Week 11 bye, the Bucs could enter the stretch run with a losing record.