Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is the unhappiest after five weeks of the campaign?
We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the path of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as expected) 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 crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in professional football annals. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, mistakes, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4
Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the running back, and the rest.
Still, Jackson should be back in the near future, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.
Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.
Bengals Fall to 2-3
This situation stems from a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s difficult to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.
No organization in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into this season, the campaign looks all but over for Cincinnati.
Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.
Raiders Drop to 1-4
Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be a rare positive in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.
Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.
Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 outings. But among AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Indeed, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an O that disappeared, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?
Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.
Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this loss if you wanted to. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Player of the Week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|