New York Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the campaign?
We are beyond the first quarter of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of many franchises. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the fifth week. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been most disappointing.
Jets Remain at 0-5
The only winless team in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defensive unit, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to shoot themselves in the foot with infractions, giveaways, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a poorly-regarded owner in the league, it could persist indefinitely.
Misery rating: 9/10 – How long is Aaron Glenn’s leash?
Baltimore Ravens: Struggling at 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 franchise history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything 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 their teammates.
Still, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a softer division and their future games is soft, so all hope is not lost. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or without Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, the star receiver and Tee Higgins, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 loss to one of the league’s best teams, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did most of the damage once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No team in football hinges on the well-being of one player like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow returns next season, if he can stay fit. But only five weeks into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Misery rating: 6/10 – Once again, Bengals fans are left to wonder at what could have been.
Raiders Drop to 1-4
Release Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the few good things in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis was more proof of the poor combination of Geno Smith and the head coach in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two interceptions in Week 5 resulted in Indianapolis TDs. We’re not sure what the alternative is, but the primary strategy – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Certainly, they’re the defending champions. And of course, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the wideout and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the Philadelphia's uncertainty about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s collapse was worrisome: the Eagles blew a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a Vic Fangio defense that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are tied for the top mark in their NFC. 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 mediocre rather than terrible, but their shameful 22-21 setback to the previously winless Titans was incompetent. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who prematurely celebrated a long run too soon, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that led to a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this defeat if you tried. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was unbelievable.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
MVP of the week
Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|