Week 4 of the NFL season is in the books and we are starting to get a little better picture of what each team is and what each team isn’t. We now know that the Patriots, despite the lack of weapons on offense, are still a dangerous team with Tom Brady at quarterback. We also know that the Steelers playing bad wasn’t a fluke, they really are just a bad team. There have been some good surprises this season, the good play of Jake Locker as well as the amazing play of the Saints defense. However, there have also been some disappointments such as the Atlanta Falcons. There seem to be some really bad teams in the NFL this season and these teams have some glaring holes on their roster, but they aren’t the only ones. Even some of the teams playing well have glaring holes on their roster. Let’s take a look at some of these glaring holes.
Cleveland Browns: Running Back
The Cleveland offense has looked a lot better with Brian Hoyer in at quarterback and Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are looking like stars. However, they are completely missing a run game on offense. After they traded Trent Richardson to the Colts they signed Willis McGahee, but he is on the wrong side of 30 and isn’t playing well at all. With Norv Turner as the offensive coordinator they would be wise to get a running back who is very good in the passing game.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback Depth
Leon Hall is a very good cornerback and Terence Newman has played very well the last couple of years in Cincinnati. However, Hall seems to have problems staying healthy and Newman is 35 years old. On top of that, Adam Jones is a very good slot corner, but like Hall can’t seem to stay healthy. The Bengals drafted Dre Kirkpatrick in the first round last year, but he has yet to stay healthy and show he is going to be a starter at any point for them. This past week against the Browns, you could see how bad the Bengals missed Hall.
Miami Dolphins: Elite Wide Receiver
The Dolphins went out and paid a lot of money to get Mike Wallace this offseason, but he isn’t living up to that money so far. This season he has 15 receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown. However, nine of those receptions, 115 of those yards and his only touchdown were in one game. They have some secondary weapons in Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson and a young tight end in Charles Clay. If they could get a true elite receiver and make Wallace their No. 2 guy, their offense would be as explosive as anyones.
New York Jets: Outside Pass Rush
The Jets defense has been playing very well and they have one of the best defensive lines in the league, but their pass rush from the linebacker position isn’t very good. Calvin Pace and Antwan Barnes provide the majority of their pass rush from the linebacker position, but neither is a great player. Adding a pass rush from the linebacker position to the pass rush from the defensive line would kame their front seven one of the best in the league.
Detroit Lions: Cornerback
The Detroit Lions have been playing tremendous football and their offense is as explosive as anyone when Reggie Bush is in the game. However, if they can’t play some defense they will be hard pressed to make much noise in the playoffs. They drafted Darius Slay in the second round of this past draft, but so far he hasn’t been impressive at all. Detroit has needed to upgrade their secondary for years now and while Slay will probably progress, they still need help.
Green Bay Packers: Offensive Line
This may be one of the most consistent things in the NFL along with the Tom Brady making the playoffs. It seems like every year we talk about how the Packers need to upgrade their offensive line and protect Aaron Rodgers better and it seems every year they fail to do it. Whether that be from not trying or a failed draft pick, it seems like the Packers offensive line is doomed to be terrible forever. I almost feel sorry for Rodgers, then I remember how much money he is making and those feelings go away.
New Orleans Saints: Outside Pass Rush
It is truly amazing what Rob Ryan has been able to do with the Saints defense. Last year they were a historically bad defense and then this year they are currently sixth in the NFL in yards given up per game and fifth in the NFL in points given up per game. However, they are missing a pass rush from the outside linebacker position. Jordan Cameron is playing fantastic, but they need a more consistent pass rush from their linebackers. If they get that, they will be sticking around as one of the best in the league.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Line
The Seahawks might be the best team in the league, but their offensive line still needs a lot of help. They could use an upgrade at both guard spots. Russell Okung is a very good left tackle who has had some issues staying healthy. There were a lot of times during the Houston game that Russell Wilson was having a lot of pressure in his face from the Texans. With as good as Marshawn Lynch and Wilson are right now, just imagine them with a good offensive line in front of them. It is an extremely scary thought.