No matter how big or small, every team has at least one potentially fatal flaw. A weakness that can be susceptible to attack by the opposition.
And as the NFL playoff picture continues to crystalize heading into the final week of regular season action, ESPN's Aaron Schatz delved into each contender's most concerning weakness. Regarding the Philadelphia Eagles, Schatz highlighted Jalen Hurts' ability to handle the blitz as a chief cause for concern.
"For a long time, this would have been an easy choice to highlight Hurts' struggles against zone coverage. However, he has played better against zone in recent weeks. For the season, Hurts ranks 16th in DVOA against zone, which compares favorably with his rank of 13th against man coverage.
Instead, we should look at how Hurts has had trouble with extra pass rushers. He is 20th in DVOA against the blitz this season -- down to 30th if we only look at games since Week 10, with just 6.0 net yards per play. I'm not sure that opponents have gotten the message here. Hurts has faced a 36% blitz rate this season, third in the NFL behind the Ravens' Lamar Jackson and the Commanders' Marcus Mariota. However, that rate has since dropped to 28% since Week 10.
Most of the NFC playoff field is not particularly blitz-heavy, with the Buccaneers as the clear exception. But teams such as the Seahawks and Bears might blitz more if they know that's a weakness for Philadelphia."
Jalen Hurts' ability to handle blitzes could hold Eagles back from Super Bowl
As Schatz highlighted, Seattle and Chicago - and yes, to an extent Tampa Bay - could present issues if pitted against the Eagles. And you can count on the coaching staffs of other contenders dissecting game film and highlighting this area of vulnerability without question.
There remain offensive issues aplenty, all ripe for debate. The line has sprung leaks too often, especially on the interior. Receiver routes have usually left much to be desired, while also seeming to take too long to develop as Hurts surveys the field thoroughly. Heck, all-everything running back Saquon Barkley could be better utilized in the passing game to help take some heat off of Hurts, too.
The potential for heightened blitzing in the postseason - and Philadelphia's ability to counteract it - is paramount. The pressure only amplifies come January, and the possibility of more heat on Hurts from blitzing looms large.
Read more: Eagles' unsung safety duo drops hammer in Buffalo with Week 17 win over Bills
Following a putrid second half showing in Buffalo on offense, coaches and players alike must once again get this machine moving in the right direction. Yes, defense wins championships, but a far more efficient offense is essential, and the Eagles must be prepared to make teams pay for sending extra bodies.