New York Jets, Ravens … Eagles? Who is feeling the worst after Week 5 of the season?

We have passed the 25% point of the NFL season, which means we have a clear picture of the trajectory of the majority of squads. So let’s celebrate the teams whose good vibes have vanished after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the worst teams in the league (the Titans and Cleveland Browns, for example, are awful but are mostly playing as anticipated) as much as the ones who have been greatest underachievers.

Jets Remain at 0-5

The lone squad yet to win in the league, the Jets epitomize football suffering. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell drilling a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been blowouts like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the score suggests. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their D, became the first 0-5 team with no takeaways in NFL history. The Jets continue to make costly mistakes with penalties, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and lackluster coaching. Amazingly the Jets are declining each game. If that weren't sufficient this has been going on for years: their playoff-less streak of 14 years is the longest in the NFL. 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?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Certainly, it’s simple to blame Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Jackson not playing. But 44-10 – the worst home loss in Ravens history – is humiliating and even a talent like Jackson won't single-handedly change things if his D, which in fairness has been ravaged by injuries, is awful. Compounding the issue, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a field day for CJ Stroud, the Browns' star, and company.

Still, Jackson is expected back in the coming weeks, they play in a relatively weak division and their upcoming slate is soft, so optimism remains. But considering how messy the Ravens have performed with or sans Jackson, the hope-o-meter is close to empty.

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

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This one boils down to one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in the second week. A trio of games without Burrow has led to multiple setbacks. It’s almost painful to watch two top pass-catchers, Cincinnati's WR1 and the other starting receiver, making plays with no positive results. Chase caught a pair of big scores and over 100 yards on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Lions. But Cincinnati’s offensive unit did the bulk of the scoring once the result was beyond doubt. Meanwhile, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while promising in the last quarter against the Lions, has often been ineffective. His three picks on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No franchise in football depends so much on the health of a single athlete like the Bengals do with Burrow. Hopeful supporters will point to the fact that they will be a postseason threat when Burrow comes back next year, if he can avoid injury. But merely a month into this season, the season looks all but over for Cincinnati.

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

Las Vegas Raiders (1-4)

Free Maxx Crosby, who is still one of the only bright spots in a weird new era of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Indianapolis was further evidence of the poor combination of the signal-caller and the sideline leader in the Las Vegas. Smith has been a giveaway factory, leading the league this season with nine picks. His two picks in the fifth game produced Indianapolis scores. It's unclear what the backup plan is, but the current approach – being fully committed to Smith – is a difficult viewing experience.

Despair Index: 7/10 – Chip Kelly's offense requires immediate changes.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the defending champions. And yes, they have suffered merely two losses in 22 games. But among the star receiver and the other receiver being disgruntled with their situations, followers' criticism about their underperforming O and the city’s continued skepticism about coach Sirianni, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s meltdown was concerning: the Eagles squandered a significant margin to Denver in the last quarter thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a D that was pummeled and outsmarted by Sean Payton. Stranger events have occurred. However, they were on the receiving side of questionable rulings and are sharing the best record in their league. What happened to the joy?

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 embarrassing 22-21 defeat to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A fumble at the goal line from Emari Demercado, who assumed he had scored prematurely, followed by a muffed pick that resulted in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn't imagine this setback if you attempted. Since this, and their prior defeats, were on last-second kicks, there is little celebration in Cardinals territory these days. “I'm not sure how to process that,” the signal-caller said after the game. “I'm confused. I truly don't understand. That's Football Mistakes 101. I don’t know. It was insane.”

Misery rating: 3/10 – Is Kyler Murray still the future?

Player of the Week


Panthers RB Rico Dowdle. The ball carrier, substituting for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|

John Harris
John Harris

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others unlock their full potential through mindful practices and actionable advice.

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