New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? What squad is most miserable after the first five weeks of the season?
We’re past the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been one-sided contests like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.
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 most lopsided home defeat in team history – is humiliating and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his D, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for the Texans' passer, the Browns' star, and company.
Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the hope-o-meter is nearly depleted.
Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The issue here is a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the other starting receiver, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did most of the damage once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday sank the Bengals.
No organization in football depends so much 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 contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.
Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.
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 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the other receiver showing frustration with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by the Broncos' coach. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are tied for 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 terrible, but their shameful 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you tried. Considering this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I don’t know. It was unbelievable.”
Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?
Player of the Week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|