Every 2017 NFL Playoff Team's Biggest Weakness

Carolina Panthers: Secondary

The Carolina Panthers' pass defense -- from a macro perspective -- isn't an issue. They finished 10th there for the full season, putting them firmly in the middle of the pack among playoff teams. But almost all of that competency came from how good they were at getting to the quarterback.

Opponents facing the Panthers lost 107.17 expected points due to sacks this year, the most in the entire league. They were one of only two teams to top the 90-point barrier with the Jaguars being the other at 103.77. That's awesome, and it's clearly the strength of this squad.

But if they did so well at getting to the quarterback and were still just 10th overall against the pass, it means they had holes in the secondary. And teams with skilled offensive lines could expose those holes.

This is a problem right off the bat for the Panthers. They'll face the Saints this weekend, and the Saints finished the regular season with the second-lowest sack rate allowed at 3.60%. Left tackle Terron Armstead did miss Week 17 due to injury, but he returned to practice Wednesday, making it seem likely that he'll be back out there on Sunday.

If the Panthers can't get a rush on Drew Brees, he and Michael Thomas are more than good enough to pick apart the secondary. This matchup may be the worst-case scenario for the Panthers given where they excel and struggle.