Panic time already? You better believe it.
If your team is 0-4, they’re done. Better start preparing for the draft. The only team to start a season 0-4 and still make the playoffs is the 1992 San Diego Chargers.
However, if your team is one of the 13 squads that are 1-3, there may still be a glimmer of hope.
Let’s play a little “dead or alive.”
New York Jets
What a terrible start for Ryan Fitzpatrick. All offseason he complained and held out for a new contract, and how has rewarded the Jets? After four games of play, he leads the NFL in interceptions with 10. To make matter worse, Darrelle Revis (who isn’t playing like himself) now has a hamstring injury. Four of their next five games will be on the road. Oh, and that Tom Brady guy is coming back to the AFC East next week.
Verdict: Dead
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins rank 26th in offense and 28th in defense. In other words, they can’t do anything right on both sides of the football. Their only win was an overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns. Sorry, Miami fans, this team is done. The Dolphins are going to miss the playoffs for the 15th time in the last 16 seasons.
Verdict: Dead
San Diego Chargers
How many times can you blow a fourth quarter lead? Injuries are piling up, and the Chargers find themselves as the bottom dwellers in the AFC West. This team isn’t catching the Denver Broncos, nor are they getting a wild card spot with so many flaws. Don’t feel too bad San Diego fans; at least the weather is nice all season long.
Verdict: Dead
Indianapolis Colts
If you’ve seen one Colts game, you’ve seen them all. They start off slow, get behind by two scores, turn the ball over frequently, and then try to dig themselves out of it. They usually wind up winning or losing a close battle in the end. It was no different in Week 4, in London against the Jaguars. But, as crazy as it may seem, Andrew Luck and the Colts are still alive because the AFC South is a joke of a division, and the Houston Texans are now without J.J Watt.
Verdict: Still Alive
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota isn’t quite living up to the hype. Although DeMarco Murray is playing well, the Titans are 1-3 out of the gate. Fortunately for the Titans, luck is on their side. They play in the worst division in football, and they play five consecutive games against teams with a losing record. The Titans are alive, just barely.
Verdict: Still alive
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars just couldn’t live up to the hype, could they? For the first time in a long time the Jaguars actually had some expectations. The Jaguars could very well make some noise in the future, but it’s not going to happen this season.
Verdict: Dead
San Francisco 49ers
Chip Kelly’s squad blew a 14-point lead in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys at home. The No. 1 story by the Bay is Colin Kaepernick and his “political protests,” but the 49ers’ coaching staff has much bigger issues to worry about. Their run defense ranks dead last in the league, and their offense ranks 30th in total yards produced. NaVorro Bowman may even have an Achilles tear. 49ers fans can always watch Jim Harbaugh and Michigan if they forget what winning looks like.
Verdict: Dead
Arizona Cardinals
Things just aren’t going right for the Cardinals so far. Missed game-winning field goals, injuries and turnovers have characterized the first four games for the Arizona. The Cardinals are still loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but Carson Palmer has to play better. The Cardinals haven’t been impressive, but they are still in contention because of their talent. Four of their next five games are against teams with a losing record.
Verdict: Still Alive
Carolina Panthers
Talk about disappointing. The defending NFC champions are getting smacked in the mouth. The Panthers have allowed 118 points in four games. Maybe Josh Norman was a little more valuable than they originally thought. It’s time for Cam Newton to play safer football, and the defense has to play they way they’re capable of playing. Fortunately for the Panthers, they take on the Buccaneers and Saints in their next two games. Now’s the time to turn your season around, Panthers.
Verdict: Still Alive
New Orleans Saints
No defense, no chance. Drew Brees got a little revenge against his former team, but that’s not going to fix the major problems concerning the Saints. The Saints have had a losing record in three of the last four seasons, and it’s unlikely that’s going to change thanks to an atrocious defense. Could Head Coach Sean Payton be on the hot seat?
Verdict: Dead
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston isn’t protecting the football, and thanks to a plethora of other problems, the Buccaneers have lost three consecutive games. The Buccaneers defense is allowing the second most points per game in the league so far. You get the picture; this team is finished.
Verdict: Dead
Chicago Bears
The Bears need to completely rebuild their roster. This team can’t do anything right, and for the first time in a long time, they can’t even defend the legendary grounds of Soldier Field. Jay Cutler is eating up cap space, the defense can’t get stops, and there’s no telling what’s going to happen to Alshon Jeffery after this season. Break out the coffins, this team is done.
Verdict: Dead
Detroit Lions
The Lions have lost three consecutive games, all by just one possession. A valiant effort, but 1-3 is still 1-3. In that division, the Lions don’t have a chance at overtaking the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Calvin Johnson isn’t coming back out of retirement anytime soon.
Verdict: Dead
