Jets, Ravens … Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after Week 5 of the NFL season?
We are beyond the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which suggests we have a clear picture of the direction of many franchises. So let’s examine the teams whose optimistic outlook have evaporated after Week 5. Note that these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.
New York Jets (0-5)
The sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are declining each game. If that wasn’t enough this has been a recurring issue: their playoff drought of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could last a long time.
Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?
Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 1-4
Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But 44-10 – the most lopsided home defeat in franchise history – is shameful and even a star like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Even worse, the Ravens defense barely resisted against the Texans. It was a productive outing for the Texans' passer, Nick Chubb, and the rest.
However, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is running on fumes.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The issue here is a single play: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s almost painful to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase grabbed two huge touchdowns and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the bulk of the scoring once the outcome was decided. Simultaneously, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No organization in football hinges on the well-being of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next year, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the current campaign, the campaign looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.
Suffering Score: 6/10 – Bengals supporters are again pondering what might have been.
Las Vegas Raiders: Stumbling at 1-4
Free Maxx Crosby, who is still a rare positive in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a turnover machine, topping the NFL this season with nine picks. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what Plan B is, but the primary strategy – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But among the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their positions, fan complaints about their underperforming O and the local doubt about head coach Nick Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Indeed, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the leading standing in their league. What happened to the joy?
Despair Index: 3/10 - Despite the mood, the Eagles are playoff-bound.
Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are mediocre rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this loss if you tried. Since this, and their earlier setbacks, were on clutch field goals, there is little celebration in Glendale these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I'm completely baffled. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Top Performer
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|