New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? What squad is feeling the worst after Week 5 of the campaign?
We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose optimistic outlook have disappeared after the fifth week. Note that these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.
New York Jets (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 winning field goal for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the initial winless squad with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and uninspired coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of over a decade is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Ravens Sink to 1-4
Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in franchise history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been plagued by health issues, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and their teammates.
Still, Jackson should be back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy 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: Slipping to 2-3
The issue here is one moment: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with no positive results. Chase caught two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No team in football hinges on the fitness of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Optimistic fans will note the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the current campaign, the schedule looks all but over 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
Free Maxx Crosby, who continues to be one of the few good things in a weird new era of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 demolition to the Indianapolis was another demonstration of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, ranking first this season with nine picks. His two turnovers in the latest contest led to Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a hard-to-watch situation.
Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.
Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and the other receiver expressing dissatisfaction with their situations, fan complaints about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles lost a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a Vic Fangio defense that was beaten and outthought by the Broncos' coach. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to some controversial calls and are tied for the top mark in their conference. 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 embarrassing 22-21 setback to the formerly victory-less Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a opposing TD sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you wanted to. Given that this, and their earlier setbacks, were on game-winning field goals, there is little celebration in Arizona these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That's a textbook example of losing. I don’t know. It was crazy.”
Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?
Player of the Week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|