Jets, Ravens … Eagles? What squad is feeling the worst after Week 5 of the season?
We are beyond the quarter mark of the NFL season, which means we have a solid understanding of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have vanished after Week 5. Keep in mind these aren’t necessarily the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
Jets Remain at 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 hitting a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in league history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with flags, mistakes, poor offensive line play, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Incredibly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been happening for a long time: their playoff drought of 14 seasons is the league's lengthiest. 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?
Baltimore Ravens (1-4)
Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But a 44-10 blowout – the worst home loss in team history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defense, which in fairness has been blighted by injury, is awful. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and company.
Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the next few weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their future games is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of 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 catastrophic injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while promising in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three turnovers on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No team in football hinges on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will note the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow is back the following campaign, if he can avoid injury. But only five weeks into the present year, the schedule looks practically done 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 one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Las Vegas struggles. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was further evidence of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the head coach in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two picks in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Yes, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have only been defeated twice in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their positions, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. Indeed, Sunday’s meltdown was alarming: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to several infractions, an attack that vanished, and a Vic Fangio defense that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are equal with the leading standing in their conference. Where are the smiles?
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 middle-of-the-road rather than miserable, but their humiliating 22-21 loss to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A fumble at the goal line from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that resulted in a opposing TD did Arizona in. You couldn't imagine this loss if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I'm at a loss for words,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was crazy.”
Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?
MVP of the week
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, substituting for the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|