For as long as most fans can remember, the offensive line has been the biggest weakness for the team, but heading into Week 6 the group of all rookie-contract offensive linemen the team is starting is outside the bottom 10 in most major offensive line metrics. There are certainly times when the youth and inexperience of the group shows through, and it may still be the weak link of the team as a whole, but it’s performing better than in any recent season and there is no shortage of excitement about the potential of the unit going forward.
Having said that, with injuries having waylaid much of the secondary, as far as the Week 6 matchup against the Jaguars is concerned, the defensive backfield could be the weak link. Devon Witherspoon has missed three of the last four games, Julian Love has missed two of the last three games, and Nick Emmanwori and Tariq Woolen were limited in practice Wednesday after missing time in the loss to Tampa Bay. If the group isn’t healthy for the game, that’s the weakest link.
On the flip side, the biggest strength has been Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He’s constantly been open, and Darnold has been looking his way regularly. As a matter of fact, even with JSN hasn’t been open, Darnold has looked his way and it’s often times worked out well for the offense so far, as JSN is putting up the type of production fans dream of from first round receivers.