🔗 Share this article

We’re past the first quarter of the National Football League campaign, which means we have a solid understanding of the path of the majority of squads. So let’s examine the teams whose positive energy have disappeared after the latest round of games. Note that these might not be the lowest-ranked franchises in the league (the Titans and 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 sole franchise without a victory in the league, the Jets fit every criteria for despair. There have been heartbreaking defeats, starting with Chris Boswell hitting a 60-yard winning field goal for the Steelers in the first game. And there have been routs like Sunday’s 37-22 defeat to the Cowboys, which was far more lopsided than the final score indicates. The Jets’ alleged strong point, their defensive unit, became the first 0-5 unit with no forced turnovers in league history. The Jets continue to hurt their own cause with penalties, giveaways, poor offensive line play, ineffective short-yardage play and poor sideline leadership. Incredibly 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 continue for years.

Despair Index: 9/10 – What is Aaron Glenn's future?

Ravens Sink to 1-4

Admittedly, it’s easy to chalk up Baltimore’s loss to Houston on Sunday to Lamar Jackson being out. But a 44-10 scoreline – the most lopsided home defeat in team history – is shameful and even a player of Jackson's caliber isn’t going to tip the scales if his defensive unit, which to be fair has been blighted by injury, is godawful. Making matters worse, the Ravens defense offered little resistance against the Texans. It was a big day for CJ Stroud, the running back, and company.

However, Jackson should be back in the coming weeks, they play in a softer division and their remaining schedule is favorable, so there's still a chance. But considering how messy the Ravens have executed regardless of Jackson, the confidence level is nearly depleted.

Misery rating: 6/10 - The Steelers probably won’t run away with the division.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)

This situation stems from one moment: Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury in Week 2. A trio of games without Burrow has resulted in a trio of defeats. It’s difficult to watch a pair of elite wideouts, the star receiver and the talented wideout, performing well with nothing to show for it. Chase caught two major TDs and significant yardage on Sunday in a 37-24 beating to a top franchise, the Detroit Lions. But Cincinnati’s offense did the majority of their work once the outcome was decided. At the same time, Burrow’s stand-in, the substitute QB, while impressive in the final period against the Lions, has generally struggled. His three interceptions on Sunday cost the Bengals.

No organization in football hinges on the health of an individual like the Bengals do with Burrow. Positive followers will point to the fact that they will be a playoff contender when Burrow is back next year, if he can stay fit. But merely a month into the current campaign, the season looks practically done for Cincinnati.

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

Raiders Drop to 1-4

Let Maxx Crosby go, who remains one of the only bright spots in a unusual time of Raiders misery. Sunday’s 40-6 rout to the Colts was another demonstration of the disastrous pairing of the quarterback and the sideline leader in the desert. Smith has been a giveaway factory, topping the NFL this season with nine turnovers. His two turnovers in the latest contest resulted in Indianapolis TDs. It's unclear what Plan B is, but Plan A – being all in on Smith – is a very painful watch.

Suffering Score: 7/10 – Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly must adjust quickly.

Unexpected Mention: Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

Indeed, they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. And of course, they have lost just twice in 22 outings. But between AJ Brown and the pass-catcher being disgruntled with their roles, supporter grievances about their slow-moving attack and the local doubt about the head man, you’d think the Eagles were without a victory. Yes, Sunday’s breakdown was concerning: the Eagles blew a two-score advantage to Denver in the final period thanks to multiple flags, an O that disappeared, and a defensive scheme that was dominated and outcoached by the opposing strategist. Crazier things have happened. However, they were on the receiving side of debated officiating and are equal with the top mark in their conference. Why the long faces?

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

Mention-Worthy: Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

The Cardinals are middle-of-the-road rather than awful, but their embarrassing 22-21 loss to the previously winless Titans was poorly played. A turnover near the end zone from Emari Demercado, who celebrated a 72-yard would be touchdown prematurely, followed by a botched interception that ended in a Titans touchdown sank the Cardinals. You couldn’t concoct this defeat if you attempted. Since this, and their previous two losses, were on game-winning field goals, there isn't much happiness in Glendale these days. “I don’t really know what to think about that,” Kyler Murray said after the game. “I'm uncertain. I'm completely baffled. That's a textbook example of losing. I can't explain. It was unbelievable.”

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

Player of the Week

Carolina's Rico Dowdle, RB. The ball carrier, filling in for the hurt starter, {could do with a little more confidence|