New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens … Philadelphia Eagles? What squad is the unhappiest after Week 5 of the NFL season?
We are beyond the first quarter of the NFL season, which indicates we have a clear picture of the trajectory of most teams. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have disappeared after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these are not exactly the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are poor but are largely playing as expected) as much as the ones who have been biggest letdowns.
New York Jets (0-5)
The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell nailing a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in Week 1. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ presumed asset, their defense, became the initial winless squad with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with infractions, mistakes, subpar blocking, failed fourth-down attempts and lackluster coaching. Somehow the Jets are deteriorating weekly. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their postseason absence of 14 seasons 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 (1-4)
Admittedly, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But a 44-10 scoreline – the biggest home loss in Ravens history – is shameful and even a talent like Jackson isn’t going to tip the scales if his D, which in fairness has been plagued by health issues, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense hardly put up a fight against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, 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 favorable, so all hope is not lost. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the confidence level is close to empty.
Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.
Bengals Fall to 2-3
This one boils down to one incident: Burrow's year-ending ailment in the early season. A trio of games without Burrow has caused three losses. It’s hard to watch two of the league’s best receivers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the talented wideout, making plays with little to celebrate. Chase hauled in a pair of big scores and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, Jake Browning, while notable in the last quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday doomed the Bengals.
No team in football relies so heavily on the fitness of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow comes back next season, if he can remain healthy. But merely a month into the current campaign, the campaign looks practically done for Cincinnati.
Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.
Las Vegas Raiders (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 rout to the Indianapolis Colts was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the head coach in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest produced Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but Plan A – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.
Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.
Wildcard alert! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)
Certainly, they’re the current title holders. And admittedly, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 contests. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith being disgruntled with their situations, supporter grievances about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were 0-5. True, Sunday’s collapse was alarming: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the final period thanks to five penalties, an attack that vanished, and a defensive scheme that was beaten and outthought by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Nevertheless, they were on the receiving side of some controversial calls and are equal with the top mark in their league. Where are the smiles?
Misery rating: 3/10 - The vibes may be off but the Eagles will reach the postseason again.
Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
The Cardinals are mediocre rather than miserable, but their embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the formerly victory-less Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a fumbled Cardinals interception that resulted in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't imagine this loss if you wanted to. Since this, and their previous two losses, 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 signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I really don’t even know. That's Football Mistakes 101. I can't explain. It was crazy.”
Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?
MVP of the week
Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, substituting for the injured Chuba Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|