New York Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? Which team is most miserable after the first five weeks of the NFL season?
We’re past the 25% point of the NFL season, which indicates we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have vanished after the fifth week. Keep in mind these are not exactly the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The only winless team in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, mistakes, poor offensive line play, lack of fourth-down execution and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of 14 years is the most extended in football. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.
Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?
Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4
Certainly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in team history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, the running back, and their teammates.
Still, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have performed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3
The issue here is one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with little to celebrate. Chase grabbed a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while impressive in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday doomed the Bengals.
No organization in football relies so heavily on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns the following campaign, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.
Raiders Drop to 1-4
Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the few good things in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the poor combination of Geno Smith and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a mistake-prone player, ranking first this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in Week 5 produced Indianapolis touchdowns. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a very painful watch.
Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.
Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But between the wideout and the pass-catcher expressing dissatisfaction with their positions, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are tied for the best record in their NFC. Why the long faces?
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 mediocre rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a botched interception that led to a Tennessee score sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Given that this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Top Performer
Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|