New York Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after five weeks of the season?
We’re past the 25% point of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the fifth week. Remember these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of over a decade is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.
Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?
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 worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.
Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the near future, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.
Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, performing well with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, Jake Browning, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.
No franchise in football depends so much on the health of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can stay fit. But just five games into this season, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.
Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.
Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4
Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the latest contest produced Indianapolis touchdowns. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. 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 without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. More surprising outcomes exist. However, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the best record in their league. Where are the smiles?
Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.
Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Tennessee score cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this loss if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”
Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?
Player of the Week
Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The running back, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|