Jets, Ravens … Eagles? Which team is feeling the worst after five weeks of the season?
We’re past the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the direction of the majority of squads. So let’s highlight the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as projected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
New York Jets: Winless at 0-5
The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets check all the misery boxes. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with flags, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that didn't suffice this has been happening for a long time: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the league's lengthiest. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could continue for years.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
Certainly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been ravaged by injuries, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and company.
However, Jackson will probably return in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their remaining schedule is manageable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed regardless of Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.
Suffering Score: 6/10 - The AFC North remains up for grabs.
Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3
This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow's catastrophic injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Ja’Marr Chase and the talented wideout, doing their thing with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to an elite squad, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did most of the damage once the result was beyond doubt. Simultaneously, Burrow’s backup, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No team in football hinges on the fitness of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow comes back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But just five games into this season, the schedule looks essentially finished for Cincinnati.
Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)
Free Maxx Crosby, who remains one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the signal-caller and Pete Carroll in the Nevada. Smith has been a turnover machine, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the current approach – being all in 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)
Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their roles, fan complaints about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a 14-point lead to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of debated officiating and are sharing the best record in their NFC. What happened to the joy?
Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.
Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the until-then winless Titans was poorly played. A goalline fumble from the running back, who assumed he had scored too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that ended in a Titans touchdown cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Arizona these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I don’t even know. I'm completely baffled. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I can't explain. It was insane.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Player of the Week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The running back, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|