Jets, Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the season?
We have passed the 25% point of the professional football season, which means we have a clear picture of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after Week 5. Remember these might not be the most terrible squads in the league (the Titans and Browns, for example, are terrible but are generally playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.
New York Jets (0-5)
The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been devastating losses, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a clutch 60-yard kick for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 beating to the Cowboys, which was not nearly as close than the numbers imply. The Jets’ supposed strength, their defense, became the first 0-5 team with no forced turnovers in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, turnovers, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that wasn’t enough this has been going on for years: their postseason absence of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could persist indefinitely.
Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?
Ravens Sink to 1-4
Sure, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in team history – is embarrassing and even a talent like Jackson can't overcome everything if his defensive unit, which admittedly has been blighted by injury, is terrible. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a productive outing for Houston's QB, Nick Chubb, and company.
Nevertheless, Jackson will probably return in the next few weeks, they play in a less competitive division and their upcoming slate is favorable, so optimism remains. But given how sloppy the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is running on fumes.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Cincinnati Bengals: Slipping to 2-3
This one boils down to a single play: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the early season. Several weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two huge touchdowns and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while notable in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.
No organization in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow is back next season, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into this season, the schedule looks practically done 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 unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was more proof of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and Pete Carroll in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in Week 5 produced Indianapolis scores. We’re not sure what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being all in on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.
Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Indeed, they’re the current title holders. And yes, they have lost just twice in 22 contests. But between the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, followers' criticism about their slow-moving attack and the city’s continued skepticism about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was alarming: the Eagles lost a two-score advantage to Denver in the fourth quarter thanks to several infractions, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the subject to questionable rulings and are equal with the best record in their conference. Where are the smiles?
Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.
Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are average rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the until-then winless Titans was badly executed. A turnover near the end zone from the running back, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown did Arizona in. You couldn’t concoct this setback if you tried. Given that this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” the quarterback said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I truly don't understand. That’s ‘How to Lose a Game 101.’ I'm not sure. It was insane.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
Player of the Week
Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. Dowdle, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|