Well football fans, like it or not, we’re a quarter of the way through the season. Four games down, 12 more to go. This Sunday, we’ll be entering the heart of the NFL schedule, marked by the start of those bothersome bye weeks. Well, bothersome for fans, at least. For teams, these bye weeks are a much-needed break — a chance to take a big breath, let it out in a slow sigh and relax for a few days. It’s a chance to rest injured players and rework ailing game plans.
But most importantly, the bye weeks give teams a chance to reflect on what they have, or have not, accomplished so far in the season. After four games, teams have a pretty good idea of where they’re headed in the future; be it the gridiron turf of the Super Bowl, or the rolling fairways of the golf course. And as I see it, now’s a good time to start dishing out my own team assessments. So, without further ado, here are three teams whose seasons have gone horribly wrong so far, along with my predictions for their futures.
Philadelphia Eagles: Go ahead, call them the new Miami Heat. They’ve got some of the best players in the NFL, and they can’t win. Currently 1-3, the Eagles are on track to be marked up as one of the biggest flops in NFL history. However, on closer inspection, Philly isn’t as bad as its record reflects. Its offense ranks in at fourth in the league, with an average of 435 yards per game. They also rank second in rushing yards, mostly because of Michael Vick’s ability to scramble, but also due to the fact that LeSean McCoy is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Don’t count Philly out yet. With an offense this strong, it’s only a matter of time before the team starts winning. The Eagles will have a chance as long as Vick is at the wheel — which is my main concern, because in four games, he’s already left with injuries twice.
Prediction: The Eagles will rebound and finish off the season with a winning record at the very least. Unless, of course, Vick gets hurt. Then watch as they struggle under Vince Young/Mike Kafka.
Kansas City Chiefs: I truly feel sorry for the Chiefs. Three weeks, three torn ACLs, three starters out for the season. Tight end Tony Moeaki, safety Eric Berry and, most importantly, running back Jamaal Charles all suffered torn ACLs in three consecutive weeks, throwing the Chiefs, along with many fantasy football owners, into complete disarray. With two key weapons gone, it’s no wonder that the Chiefs are ranked 29th offensively. Scoring an average of 12 points a game isn’t helping their case much. As of right now, the only relatively bright spot for Kansas City is its defense. And by bright spot, I mean they’re ranked dead last in points allowed per game with an average of 31.5 points. It’s terrible to see a team that had so much potential in the preseason fall apart like this. I mean, the Chiefs went 10-6 last year and were AFC West champions.
Prediction: I can’t see it getting much better for the Chiefs. They’ve lost too many good players. While Matt Cassel will find his stride as the season goes on, I don’t think it’ll be enough to solve the defense’s problems. I’m predicting something along the lines of a 5-11 or 6-10 season. Sorry K.C. fans.
New York Jets: My beloved Jets are crumbling before my eyes. Their once-feared rush defense is currently 27th in the league. We’re allowing an average of 23.8 points per game. Our “ground and pound” run offense is averaging 3.1 yards per carry, placing us at 30th in the league. Mark Sanchez is looking like a rookie all over again — he’s turned the ball over nine times. While the O-line can be blamed for much of the Jets’ offensive problems, Sanchez needs to regain his confidence in the pocket. At least Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis are doing what they’re paid to do, and doing it well. With a big game coming up against the Patriots this weekend, the Jets need a W to turn themselves around.
Prediction: Jets open up the ground game and once again become a run-first team. Shonn Greene finds his turf legs, and LT gets a healthy dose of carries. Sanchez will find his cool. Jets will have an even record, maybe even going 9-7 or 10-6.