Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after the first five weeks of the campaign?
We are beyond the first quarter of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Remember these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are generally playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
New York Jets: Winless at 0-5
The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, turnovers, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been happening for a long time: their postseason absence of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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 (1-4)
Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and the rest.
However, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed 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.
Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3
This one boils down to one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s backup, the backup passer, while impressive in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No team in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into this season, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still a rare positive in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the alternative is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.
Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But between the wideout and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, followers' criticism about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. More surprising outcomes exist. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are sharing the leading standing in their NFC. Why the long faces?
Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.
Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are average rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that resulted in a Tennessee score did Arizona in. You couldn't invent this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
MVP of the week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|