Causes for concern – Syndication Server

Saints vs. Commanders: 3 causes for concern in Week 15

The New Orleans Saints host the Washington Commanders in Week 15, here are three causes for concern for the home squad this week

The New Orleans Saints are set to wrap up their NFC East competitions this week with a home game against the Washington Commanders. The Saints are coming off a 14-11 victory over the New York Giants that came down to the final play, while the Commanders are coming off a bye week, and prior to that a 42-19 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

This is certainly not a favorable matchup as the Saints come in without starting quarterback Derek Carr, and even with him, the offensive side of the ball has struggled immensely in many of their recent games.

With that said, heading into the Week 15 matchup, here are three causes for concern for the Saints side of things:

Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (3) is announced to the fans before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Haener is getting his first career start in this game

The New Orleans Saints made their decision at the quarterback position, and ultimately they decided to go with Jake Haener over Spencer Rattler and Ben DiNucci. Haener has not started a game for the Saints in his first season and a little over a half, and this will be his first time getting substantial playing time in the regular season. In the seven games he has entered to date, he has completed 14 of his 29 passes (48.3%) for 177 yards and 1 touchdown to 0 interceptions.

To be completely frank, we have no clue how this game will go under Haener, and while he has potential, the odds that he is going to outperform whatever Derek Carr brought to the table are slim. Having the lights of the Caesars Superdome on him this week, he would need to step up immensely against an 8-5 Commanders squad and lead the team, not just facilitate the offense.

Sep 16, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) reacts during the first half against the New York Giants at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

There is a clear talent disparity at the skills positions this week

The Saints have been lacking at the skills positions in recent weeks due to the injuries to Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Bub Means previously occurring. Now they have to go up against a team with Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Brian Robinson, and Zach Ertz, who have all had years varying from solid to great. Daniels at the helm has been an outstanding addition and his rookie season, while not perfect, has been about as good as you could ask for. Meanwhile the Saints will be revolving around Alvin Kamara and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, as those two have been the focal point of the offense outside Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. We will see if this matters against the Saints’ high level defense, but ultimately putting all their eggs in one basket will likely not pan out well.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 10: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders reacts after running for a touchdown against the New York Jets in the first half of the preseason game against at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Commanders’ passing game is extremely efficient, which bodes poorly for a struggling Saints secondary

The Washington Commanders passing game has been strong overall, but their biggest strength is the efficiency they play with, specifically a 69.8% completion rate on passes, which is good enough for fourth place in the entire NFL. The Saints secondary on the other side has been having a difficult time adjusting to life without Marshon Lattimore. They have allowed the 5th-most passing yards (3,390), 6th-most 20-plus yard passing plays (46), and are tied for the most allowed 40-plus yard passing plays (10) as well. They have struggled immensely in recent weeks, and this week seems like it will be no different

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Chiefs in Week 11

The Buffalo Bills will host the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium in Week 11.

The Bills (8-2) and Chiefs (9-0) are the top two seeds in the AFC currently. The second-place Bills are riding a five-game win streak while the top-seeded Chiefs haven’t lost since Christmas Day in 2023.

Even though Buffalo is favored to win the game, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 11:

Chris Jones is a disrupter

Chris Jones continues to be a menace on the defensive line for the Chiefs in his ninth season. His specialty is getting after the passer. Pro Football Focus grades him as the best pass rusher of all interior defenders in the NFL, with a pass rush grade of 90.8.

They don’t just use him in the interior, either. He bounces around the defensive line and can take advantage of mismatches wherever they see fit. If the Bills are without right tackle Spencer Brown, Jones could be even more of a problem for quarterback Josh Allen and the offense.

Time of possession

The Chiefs average the most time of possession per game in the NFL. Their average of just over 33 minutes of possession per game means they possess the ball about six minutes longer then their opponent. Allen is right up there with Patrick Mahomes as far as quarterback talent, but if Allen has the ball six minutes less than Mahomes, it will make it hard to bring down the undefeated, reigning champs.

If the Bills defense can’t get the Chiefs off the field, then it will play into exactly how the Chiefs have been winning games this year. They’ve had long drives on offense and on defense they have held their opponents to 17.9 points per game (T-5th in the NFL).

Babich’s first go-round with KC

This will be a big game for first-year defensive play caller Bobby Babich. It will be his first time calling plays against Andy Reid and the Chiefs offense. Babich has had an excellent first year as defensive coordinator, but he has struggled against some of the league’s better offenses like the Baltimore Ravens.

This will be a big stepping stone in his young career. If his defense is flying around and making plays against Mahomes, then it is a huge win for the Bills going forward. If the Bills struggle with some of the creativity that is usually seen from a Reid offense, then it could be a long day for Buffalo.

[lawrence-related id=143033,143028,143024]

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Dolphins in Week 9

The Buffalo Bills will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 9 at Highmark Stadium.

The Bills (6-2) and Dolphins (2-5) meet for the second time this year and have largely been trending in different directions.

In their first meeting, the Bills won convincingly, 31-10. This week, the Bills are favored by six points.

Even though Buffalo blew Miami out in Week 2 and is favored to win this time around, there are always a few things that make executing difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 9:

Miami has their QB back

The Dolphins looked like a bottom-of-the-barrel NFL team without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. After he left Week 2’s loss to the Bills due to a concussion, the offense fell apart as he was forced to miss the next four games. In the games without him, they averaged just 10 points per game.

He made his return last week and the Dolphins scored 27 points in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He is the difference maker for the Dolphins. He and head coach Mike McDaniel haven’t had success against the Bills, but with him under center, they can’t be taken lightly.

Dolphins running game

Even though the Dolphins have had poor offensive performances as of late, they have still found success running the football. Especially with second-year running back De’Von Achane.

Achane has averaged 87 rushing yards per game and almost seven yards per carry in the Dolphins’ last two games.

In the Week 2 loss to the Bills, Achane was the lone bright spot on the offense. He ran for 96 yards and added 69 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air.

Running back Raheem Mostert has hurt the Bills in the past, too. And they have another speedster to look out for in rookie Jaylen Wright.

The desperation factor

If not now for the Dolphins, then when?

The Dolphins need a win in the worst way. Slipping to 2-6 would have them toeing the line of a forgotten season just eight games in. Frustrations are mounting for both the team and its fans.

The Dolphins have a tall task to go into Buffalo and come away with the win. The last time they won in Orchard Park, Rex Ryan was in charge of the Bills. But, they will be emptying the clip in hopes of turning their season around. Expect different looks and desperate measures from the Dolphins.

[lawrence-related id=142350,142390,142420]

3 Causes for concern as Raiders face off against the Broncos

The Raiders head to Denver to face the rival the Broncos with plenty on their minds

it’s a weird thing that the Raiders are coming off a win last week and yet this week hasn’t really felt that way. It’s been a week of negative distractions, particularly the Davante Adams trade request.

There is plenty to be concerned about for the Raiders as they head to Denver to face the rival Broncos. Here are the ones that top the list.

Mounting injury list

On Wednesday the Raiders had ten players, including eight starters who missed practice with injury to go along with a couple who are on injured reserve. Thursday, somehow that number of missing players jumped to 11.

That means the Raiders are basically missing HALF of their starting unit. Sure, they were missing many of them last week in the win over the Browns, but does anyone really believe the Browns didn’t do more beating themselves in that game than anything? Namely Deshaun Watson?

This is not the Raiders team that streaked late last season. Like, literally, it’s not the same guys out there. Namely they figure to be without their two star players, Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams. Hell, Adams is basically not even one of their star players anymore. He’s just awaiting which team he will be starring for next.

Denver Pass Rush

The Broncos are the best pass rushing team in the league. They lead the league with a 13.3% sack per dropback average. That means they sack the opposing quarterback once out of every 7-8 pass attempts. That’s insane.

And the Raiders have been particularly prone to being sacked this season. Gardner Minshew has been sacked 13 times this season already. He has been sacked on over 10% of his pass attempts.

And the thing is, for the Broncos, it isn’t just one guy. Or even two guys. They have six different edge rushers on their team with more than one sack.

Self Distraction

This is one distracted team right now. Their star receiver wants out, their star edge rusher missed his first game of his career, their head coach is punishing players for making “business decisions” in games.

The head coach, while preaching not riding the emotional ups and downs, is himself clearly letting both the wins and the losses affect him greatly — and the losses in particular causing him to say things he then must apologize for. All that plus this college recruiting scandal thing that popped up this week? Yeesh.

I mean, come on, Pierce is trying to preach focusing on beating Denver this week, but that would also require focusing on your own team chemistry. Their emotional leader isn’t there, and last week he wasn’t even in the locker room or the sideline. Arguably their best cornerback was benched for a half. And their usually calm, cool star receiver is as good as gone, but not technically, so the questions surrounding his trade request persist.

3 causes for concern as the Bills face the Ravens in Week 4

The Buffalo Bills look like the hottest team in the NFL as they prepare to travel to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

The Sunday Night Football matchup on NBC features a Bills squad (3-0) looking to assert their dominance on the road over a Ravens team (1-2) trying to prevent their season from going sideways early on.

The Ravens, last year’s number-one seed in the AFC, are favored to win the game. It will take a strong showing from the Bills to come away with the win.

To move to 4-0 they will have to be wary of these three things on Sunday:

Running may be hard to come by

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: James Cook #4 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled by Ventrell Miller #51 of the Jacksonville Jaguars xd2 at Highmark Stadium on September 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

The Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL. Through three weeks they are only allowing 50 yards per game on the ground.

In Week 1 they held Isaiah Pacheco to 3 yards per carry. In Week 2 they held Zamir White to 2.7 yards per carry. And, in Week 3 they held the Cowboys’ running backs to 3.14 yards per carry.

Much of the success of the Ravens’ stopping the run can be credited to the play of their run-stuffing defensive linemen. Heading into Week 4, Pro Football Focus ranked the Ravens as the third-best defensive line in the NFL.

Bills running back James Cook may find difficulty between the tackles at times as a smaller ball carrier (5-11, 190 lbs).

Ravens need a win

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders sacks Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

The Ravens have looked shaky to start the 2024 season, to say the least. After starting the year with back-to-back losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders, the Ravens snuck by the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 (28-25). The win improved them to 1-2 but it can’t feel good in the Ravens’ locker room.

Even though they started slow, the Ravens have a good enough recent track record to always be a tough opponent. And, in any given week they could bounce back and look like one of the best teams in the NFL. They are still waiting to put it all together for four quarters. With losing two games to start the season, now would be a good time to turn it on at home if you’re the Ravens.

Studs on the ground

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands off to Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

The Ravens have a couple of studs in their backfield by the names of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. The two are leading a rushing attack that ranks first in the NFL in rush yards per game (203.3).

Through three games, Henry has already amassed 281 yards on the ground while Jackson has scampered for 254 of his own. That’s 535 yards between the two already.

Although running the ball has been effective, it hasn’t equated to wins yet for Baltimore.

The Bills’ rushing defense ranks 16th in the NFL through three weeks, and they will have their hands full on Sunday night. The Bills will hope to stuff the run on early downs and force Jackson to test the Bills’ stout secondary in the passing game down the field.

3 causes for concern as the Vikings face the Dolphins in Week 6

The Vikings should be aware of these three things

The Minnesota Vikings might be 4-1 so far on the season, but they haven’t made it easy on themselves.

Over the last three weeks, the Vikings have won by a combined 10 points leaving the opponent a chance to win or tie the game on the final possession. Nevertheless, they found a way to win all three which is the most important thing.

Not being able to step on the gas and put teams away has experts split on the Vikings long-term, leaving some cause for concern as they go into Miami this Sunday.

4 causes for concern as Jags head to L.A. to take on Rams

The road matchup with the 7-4 Rams will likely be one of Jacksonville’s toughest games of the whole season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had a bit of momentum at one point this season. The team beat the Miami Dolphins in London to avoid an 0-6 start, then beat the Buffalo Bills weeks later with an impressive defensive showing despite a brief backslide after the buy.

But, partly due to mounting injury problems on a team that already wasn’t particularly talented in the first place, the Jags haven’t been able to capitalize on that momentum. They’ve lost their last three games, one of which wasn’t particularly close while the other two required large comebacks to even be competitive.

The road only gets more difficult for the 2-9 Jaguars as they hit the road this week to take on a Los Angeles Rams team that sits at 7-4 and is likely to earn at least a wild card spot in the NFC playoffs. Here are four causes for concern as the Jags prepare to take on one of the more talented teams in the league.

4 causes for concern as Jags returns home to face San Francisco

San Francisco is coming off a win over the Rams, and it has a lot of momentum heading into Sunday’s game.

Jacksonville had a chance to win on Sunday against Indianapolis despite trailing 17-0 at one point in the first quarter, but the team couldn’t complete the comeback as rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence fumbled the ball on the final drive. The loss dropped it to 2-7 on the season, and it returns home for a game that looked winnable before this past weekend. Now, not so much.

The San Francisco 49ers are just 4-5, but they’re coming off a dominating 31-10 win over one of the NFL’s best teams in the Los Angeles Rams. It has been a down year for the ‘Niners, but they still find themselves in the hunt in an NFC that isn’t very deep.

San Francisco has a lot to play for (and Jacksonville not so much), but the Jags will look to pull off another upset on Sunday against a team riding high with a lot of momentum. But it won’t be easy, and here are four reasons why the Jags could struggle in this one.

4 causes for concern as Jacksonville heads to Indianapolis for a division matchup

Here are four reasons Jacksonville could struggle against the Colts on Sunday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are riding about as high as a 2-6 team possibly could be. On Sunday, they pulled off their first win in the United States in more than a calendar year and upset one of the league’s best teams, the Buffalo Bills, in the process.

It was a huge win for coach Urban Meyer and his young roster, and now the Jags enter a much more manageable stretch of games. That starts this weekend with a road matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, who are 4-5 but have been playing much better football as of late, winning three of their last four.

This is the first matchup between the two teams in 2021, and Jacksonville’s Week 1 win over Indianapolis last year was its only victory during the entire season. This is a winnable game this time around, but it certainly won’t come easy. Here are four reasons this game could prove to be a challenge.

3 causes for concern as Jags travels to play the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8

Here are three obstacles the Jags are facing against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Coming off their first win of the 2021 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be back in action on Sunday when they travel to Seattle to take on a Seahawks team that sits at just 2-5 on the season after a loss to the New Orleans Saints in Monday Night Football.

Quarterback Russell Wilson has been placed on injured reserve, and in his place is Geno Smith, who hasn’t played very well and has a quarterback rating of 92.9 compared to Wilson’s 125.3.

The Seahawks are certainly vulnerable, and this is a good opportunity for the Jags to string together a second consecutive win. But playing in Seattle is never easy, and there are several reasons to be concerned heading into this one. Here are three of them.