Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Eagles? Who is most miserable after five weeks of the campaign?
We’re past the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which suggests 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 fifth week. Remember these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are poor but are mostly 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 check all the misery boxes. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, mistakes, subpar blocking, lack of fourth-down execution and uninspired coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the most extended in football. And with one of the worst owners in the league, it could continue for years.
Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?
Ravens Sink to 1-4
Sure, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defense, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, Nick Chubb, and their teammates.
However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so there's still a chance. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is running on fumes.
Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The issue here is a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in multiple setbacks. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and Tee Higgins, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to an elite squad, the Detroit 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 backup passer, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday sank the Bengals.
No organization in football depends so much on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next year, if he can remain healthy. But just five games into this season, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.
Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4
Let Maxx Crosby go, who continues to be one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis Colts was another demonstration of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what Plan B is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Certainly, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But between the star receiver and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the last quarter thanks to several infractions, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to debated officiating and are equal with the top mark 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 middle-of-the-road rather than terrible, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this loss if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on last-second kicks, there can’t be much joy in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was insane.”
Suffering Score: 3/10 – Does Kyler Murray remain the franchise QB?
Top Performer
Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|