Every NFL Team's Biggest Issue at Season's Halfway Mark

Every NFL Team's Biggest Issue at Season's Halfway MarkBy Russell S. Baxter Nov 6, 2015 Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports This one is kind of self-explanatory: a total of 32 teams and a minimum of 32 problems.In all seriousness, we are taking the time to point out each NFL club’s biggest shortcoming to date. Some teams certainly have more than others, while other clubs seemingly have none. But we took a closer look, and regardless of the fact that four teams haven’t lost a game yet, each club has at least something it needs to work on.While some team's problems may be minor instead of major, and other clubs seem to be improving their biggest issues, we must keep in mind that no matter how good any team looks, there's always something to work on.Atlanta Falcons: Pass RushJason Getz-USA TODAY Sports There’s little doubt that the Atlanta Falcons, under the guidance of new head coach Dan Quinn, are one of the most improved teams in the league.But the defense’s ability to get to opposing quarterbacks remains a major problem.Last season, the Falcons totaled a mere 22 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the NFL and just as many as Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston tallied all by himself. This season, Quinn’s club has only 10 sacks in eight games and has been limited to two or fewer sacks in each contest this season.The good news is that defense has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game in the league. That’s a part of the Falcons that had been an issue in recent years. Now all Quinn and Co. need to do is to find someone a little more reliable (Vic Beasley, Adrian Clayborn and O’Brien Schofield are tied for the team lead with two sacks apiece) to bring the heat.Carolina Panthers: Wide ReceiverPhil Sears-USA TODAY Sports Through no fault of their own, the Carolina Panthers still appeared short-handed at wide receiver. But don’t feel too sorry for the lone 7-0 team in the NFC.Sure, the loss of Kelvin Benjamin for the season before 2015 really began in earnest was a big blow. Fortunately, the return of Ted Ginn to the club following a year with the Arizona Cardinals has proved to be fortuitous. His 20 receptions for 343 yards and three touchdowns rank second on the team behind reliable tight end Greg Olsen in all three of those categories.Wide receivers Corey Brown and Jerricho Cotchery have also found the end zone this season, but Carolina’s wideouts have combined for only six touchdown receptions in seven games.Fortunately, armed with the league’s top-ranked ground attack, Olsen and other weapons such as fullback Mike Tolbert, quarterback Cam Newton has found there are numerous ways to skin a cat. Or in this instance, it’s the unbeaten Panthers who have been doing the skinning.New Orleans Saints: DefenseChuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports Need we say more?Granted, the New Orleans Saints own a 4-4 record following a 1-4 start. But if you are looking for kudos when it comes to their defense, you may want to look elsewhere.One year after giving up the second-most total yards in the league, this team once again ranks 31st in the NFL in total defense. The Saint have already surrendered 27 offensive touchdowns in eight games, and despite a pass rush that has totaled 19 sacks, New Orleans defenders have allowed 20 scoring passes.Add in the fact that Rob Ryan’s unit is giving up 123.9 yards per game on the ground, and Brees may have to throw seven touchdown passes every week if the Saints continue to play porous defense.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DefenseAssociated Press Yes, things appear to be looking up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As we know, Lovie Smith’s improving club has already won one more game that it did all of last season and comes off a rousing 23-20 overtime victory at the Georgia Dome over the Atlanta Falcons. But there’s still plenty of work to do on both sides of the football, most notably when it comes to Tampa’s defense.While the club ranks near the middle of the pack when it comes to total yards allowed, the Bucs have not only surrendered 22 offensive touchdowns in seven games (17 through the air) but have allowed 31 or more points in four of those contests.The pass rush has been fairly productive with 17 sacks. But the fact remains that this club has allowed at least two touchdown passes in five of its seven games, including outings in which both Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota and Jacksonville’s Blake Bortles threw for four scores apiece.For every team...link