New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after the first five weeks of the season?
We’re past the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the latest round of games. Note that these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting 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 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, turnovers, weak O-line performance, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Ravens Sink to 1-4
Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and their teammates.
Still, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.
Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
This situation stems from a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in Week 2. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the talented wideout, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase hauled in two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.
No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can remain healthy. But just five games 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.
Raiders Drop to 1-4
Release Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in Week 5 led to Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are sharing the top mark in their league. 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 mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a muffed pick that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you wanted to. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Player of the Week
Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. Dowdle, filling in for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|