Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after five weeks of the season?
We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose good vibes have evaporated after the fifth week. Keep in mind these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.
New York Jets: Winless at 0-5
The lone squad yet to win 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 Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with flags, mistakes, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could last a long time.
Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?
Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
Admittedly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and company.
Still, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is manageable, so optimism remains. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have played with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.
Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has caused a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase caught 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 the majority of their work once the game was out of reach. Simultaneously, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a strange period of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.
Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the end of some controversial calls and are sharing the top mark in their conference. Where are the smiles?
Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.
Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 setback to the until-then winless Titans was incompetent. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this loss if you wanted to. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was crazy.”
Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?
MVP of the week
Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, replacing the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|