We have passed the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of most teams. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after the latest round of games. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of over a decade is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4
Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and company.
However, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The issue here is one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has led to a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase caught two major TDs and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No franchise in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into the present year, the schedule looks all but over for Cincinnati.
Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.
Raiders Drop to 1-4
Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two picks in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have only been defeated twice in 22 outings. But amid AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Still, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are tied for the top mark in their conference. What happened to the joy?
Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.
Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A goalline fumble from the running back, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”
Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?
Player of the Week
Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|
