🔗 Share this article

We have passed the quarter mark of the National Football League campaign, which indicates we have a good idea of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose positive energy have evaporated after the latest round of games. Keep in mind these are not exactly the most terrible squads in the league (the Tennessee Titans and Browns, for example, are awful 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 epitomize football suffering. There have been crushing setbacks, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard game-winner for the Steelers in the season opener. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 loss to the Cowboys, which was much less competitive than the numbers imply. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with zero takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, giveaways, weak O-line performance, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are getting worse by the week. If that weren't sufficient this has been a recurring issue: their playoff-less streak of 14 seasons is the longest in the NFL. And with a controversial franchise head in the league, it could continue for years.

Suffering Score: 9/10 – Is Aaron Glenn's job safe?

Baltimore Ravens (1-4)

Sure, it’s tempting to attribute Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson’s absence. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in team history – is humiliating 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. Even worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for Houston's QB, the Browns' star, and the rest.

Nevertheless, Jackson is expected back in the near future, they play in a softer division and their future games is favorable, so all hope is not lost. But based on how error-prone the Ravens have executed with or sans Jackson, the optimism gauge is nearly depleted.

Despair Index: 6/10 - The division is still within reach.

Bengals Fall to 2-3

The issue here is one incident: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. Three weeks without Burrow has resulted in three losses. It’s hard to watch a pair of elite wideouts, Ja’Marr Chase and the other starting receiver, doing their thing with no positive results. Chase caught two major TDs and 110 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 defeat to one of the league’s best teams, the Detroit. But Cincinnati’s O did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. Meanwhile, Burrow’s replacement, the substitute QB, while notable in the fourth quarter against the Lions, has mostly been a disaster. His three picks on Sunday sank the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the well-being of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will highlight the fact that they will be a playoff team when Burrow returns next year, if he can stay fit. But just five games into the present year, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

Despair Index: 6/10 – Cincinnati fans are left imagining alternate realities.

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Let Maxx Crosby go, who is still one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Silver and Black suffering. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the ill-fated union of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the Nevada. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine interceptions. His two turnovers in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis scores. Nobody knows what the alternative is, but Plan A – being relying entirely on Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Misery rating: 7/10 – OC Chip Kelly needs to change course ASAP.

Surprise Entry! Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And admittedly, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But amid the star receiver and DeVonta Smith showing frustration with their positions, supporter grievances about their sluggish offense and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were winless. True, Sunday’s breakdown was worrisome: the Eagles lost a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to five penalties, an offense that faded horribly, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. Still, they were on the end of questionable rulings and are sharing the top mark in their league. Why the long faces?

Suffering Score: 3/10 - The atmosphere might be negative but Philadelphia will make the playoffs.

Also Noteworthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their humiliating 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was badly executed. A goalline fumble from the ball carrier, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown early, followed by a botched interception that ended in a opposing TD cost Arizona the game. You couldn't invent this defeat if you attempted. Considering this, and their prior defeats, were on clutch field goals, there can’t be much joy in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I don’t even know. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I'm not sure. It was crazy.”

Despair Index: 3/10 – Is Murray the long-term answer?

MVP of the week

Rico Dowdle, running back, Carolina Panthers. The ball carrier, replacing the absent Hubbard, {could do with a little more confidence|