It’s official now.
With six weeks of regular-season NFL games complete, we’ve reached about one-third of the season. Players and coaches have shaken off any rust from the offseason. The excuse of poor performances due to minimal preseason play has lost its validity.
Out of the league’s 32 teams, 13 find themselves with losing records. Five more are sitting at .500. Some teams are optimistic about turning their fortunes around as the season unfolds, while others are beginning to feel the pressure of time running out. We are approaching a moment in the season where panic can begin to set in. A case in point is the New York Jets, who pressed the panic button by firing coach Robert Saleh after just five games, despite still being in contention for their season goals.
Conversely, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles faced a challenging situation last week but managed to win, improving their record to 3-2 and avoiding a crisis that could have ensued had they dropped to 2-3.
So, which of these struggling teams should maintain hope? Which ones are in precarious situations? And which are already facing full-blown panic? Let’s analyze the situation.
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Keep the faith
Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
No one anticipated a 1-4 start from one of the most gifted teams in the AFC. However, contract disputes and early-season injuries exacerbated Cincinnati’s usual slow-start woes, costing them winnable games against New England, Washington, and Baltimore. While a win over the Giants provided some relief, the Bengals remain in a challenging position. A close 41-38 overtime loss to Baltimore demonstrated that Cincinnati can still contend with AFC powerhouses. The upcoming schedule appears manageable (at Cleveland, against Philadelphia, against Las Vegas) before they face Baltimore again on Nov. 7. Take a deep breath and keep pushing forward.
Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
The 34-13 defeat to Green Bay was tough to swallow. With three turnovers and ineffective third downs, scoring only one touchdown in three trips to the red zone was detrimental. Nonetheless, the Cardinals have secured impressive NFC West victories against San Francisco and the L.A. Rams (prior to their injuries). While consistency on both offense and defense is needed, there is significant potential to build upon. A series of winnable matches (Chargers, Dolphins, Bears, Jets) lies ahead, and Arizona could head into their Week 11 bye on solid ground.
Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion and the absence of a reliable backup quarterback shook the Dolphins for three weeks. This playoff-bound team experienced a significant boost with a victory over New England and subsequent bye week. Coach Mike McDaniel has confirmed that Tagovailoa will be back in 2024, though he won’t play this week against Indianapolis. Fortunately, the Dolphins have a lengthy season ahead, and the AFC East features the talented Bills, rebuilding Patriots, and a Jets team with an interim coach. If Tagovailoa returns and stays healthy, the explosive offense could make a comeback and help Miami regain its competitive edge.
Joe Flacco kept the Colts afloat amid Anthony Richardson’s injury. (Steve Roberts / Imagn Images)
Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
With intriguing young quarterback Anthony Richardson sidelined for two games due to injury, the Colts have found hope in veteran Joe Flacco, who recently guided them to another victory. Richardson is anticipated to return this Sunday for a winnable game against Miami, followed by a stretch involving AFC South rival Houston and matchups against Minnesota and Buffalo. Fortunately, the latter part of the season features six manageable opponents. Last season, Flacco took a struggling Cleveland team to the playoffs. Should Richardson face another injury, who’s to say Flacco can’t lead the Colts back to postseason glory?
Denver Broncos (3-3)
Bo Nix has shown promise and growth throughout his six starts. He played a pivotal role in helping Denver secure three consecutive wins after an opening 0-2 record, delivering multiple passing touchdowns in two separate games. Although he faced challenges, such as last week’s performance with only 27 passing yards through three quarters, Nix persevered and concluded that game (a 23-16 loss to the Chargers) with 216 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He has also exhibited determination, engaging assertively with coach Sean Payton during sideline interactions. the Broncos have made progress and currently hold a respectable point differential of plus-16. Reducing their nine turnovers will be essential, but signs indicate they are improving.
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Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
After starting the season with three straight wins, Seattle has now dropped three consecutive games. Nevertheless, all is not lost; two of these losses were to Detroit and San Francisco, teams recognized as Super Bowl contenders. The unforeseen loss to the Giants fell between these matchups, possibly because the Seahawks were focused on their upcoming divisional game against the 49ers just four days later. First-year head coach Mike Macdonald and his team have adjustments to make on both sides of the ball. Despite some atypical interceptions, quarterback Geno Smith has been performing well, and the offense remains well-balanced. The NFC West is still within reach, and a win against Atlanta following last week’s bye could help restore stability.
Low-grade panic mode
Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
While the record may indicate a manageable situation, the NFC East landscape features the surprising, yet still developing, Commanders, an inconsistent Eagles team that might be regaining its momentum, along with a Giants squad that appears unprepared for contention in 2024. However, the uncertainty and confusion demonstrated by coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer while leading a team that has underperformed raises concerns.
Injuries on defense raise significant concerns. The upcoming bye week is a timely respite following the heavy loss to Detroit. But can a week truly suffice for the coaching staff to analyze and address their numerous deficiencies?
San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
The Super Bowl runner-up 49ers have endured a challenging period, grappling with injuries throughout this early season. Although they are well-coached and structured, showing resilience in adversity, their record stands at 3-3. They now face a demanding schedule starting with a rematch against Kansas City, followed by matches with Dallas, a bye week, then Tampa Bay, Seattle, Green Bay, and Buffalo. There remains uncertainty regarding the return of key players like Christian McCaffrey, making this difficult stretch critical for the Niners’ season.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Antonio Pierce’s tenure as interim head coach saw the Raiders finish 5-4 in 2023; however, this success has not translated into 2024 as they currently sit at 2-4. The team has opted to bench quarterback Gardner Minshew, an offseason acquisition, and they recently traded top wide receiver Davante Adams to the Jets. Luke Getsy faced challenges as the offensive coordinator in Chicago, and now finds his Raiders offense positioned among the league’s bottom third. Prospects for improvement seem slim. Additionally, the defense, which oscillates between brilliance and mediocrity, ranks 12th in yards allowed but fifth worst in points conceded. Addressing the turnover dilemma, which has plagued both sides of the ball, is Pierce’s top priority. The Raiders currently lead the NFL with 12 turnovers this season, and have only managed two takeaways.
New Orleans Saints (2-4)
The impressive two victories at the season’s start have lost their luster in light of Carolina’s struggles and Dallas’s disappointing performance. Following these wins, the Saints have endured four consecutive losses, with quarterback Derek Carr’s oblique injury thrusting rookie Spencer Rattler into action earlier than planned. The NFC South remains wide open, yet it is not just the inconsistency of the offense that raises concerns, but also the difficulties faced by a defense beset by injuries. This unit allowed 51 points to Tampa Bay last Sunday and failed to secure crucial stops in winnable matches against Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Kansas City.
New York Giants (2-4)
Is it appropriate to declare a state of panic when the roster has appeared subpar from the beginning? Perhaps for Brian Daboll, the head coach of a team that has regressed in its second year and continues to face challenges in the third. Daniel Jones remains inconsistent and has yet to throw a touchdown at home.
Since January 1, 2023, the Giants have struggled offensively, failing to score 20 points in four of their six games this season. While they weren’t anticipated to contend for the NFC East title this year, they must demonstrate significant progress as their coach’s job security becomes increasingly precarious.
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L.A. Rams (1-4)
The Rams have likely been the most injury-plagued team in the NFL for the first month and a half of the season. They have faced injuries across the offensive line, at wide receiver, and in the secondary. Fortunately, reinforcements have begun to arrive on the defensive side, and help for the offensive line is on its way. It seems that Matthew Stafford will have to wait a bit longer for Puka Nacua’s return, and although Cooper Kupp is uncertain for this week, he participated in individual drills on Wednesday. If the Rams can manage to secure a few victories prior to Thanksgiving (with games against the Raiders, Vikings, Seahawks, Dolphins, Patriots, and Eagles ahead), they could potentially set themselves up for a playoff run as the season progresses. However, their margin for error remains extremely thin.
Red-alert panic mode
Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Kevin Stefanski continues to express his support for Deshaun Watson, the quarterback valued at $230 million, who the Browns depend on to cover for a supporting cast plagued by injuries. However, Watson has yet to surpass 200 passing yards in any game this season. Week after week, Stefanski insists that he won’t consider a switch to backup Jameis Winston, believing that Watson still offers Cleveland the best chance for success. Nonetheless, he hasn’t made any significant schematic adjustments to aid Watson in overcoming his difficulties. It remains unclear whether Stefanski genuinely believes this, or if he is simply adhering to directives from above to protect his position. As the Browns continue to struggle and accumulate losses, Stefanski risks losing the locker room, which could jeopardize his job security as well.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
The Jaguars’ woes persist, having now lost 10 of their last 12 games dating back to the previous season. Were it not for their two-week stint in London, Doug Pederson might already be out of a job. Brought on in 2022 to lift Jacksonville out of the turmoil left by Urban Meyer, Pederson initially led the Jaguars on an unexpected late-season playoff run and a postseason victory. However, since the middle of last season, top quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s performance has declined, along with the team’s offense and defense. The Jaguars now have a point differential of minus-65, the second worst in the NFL, surpassing only the Panthers at minus-100. Many league insiders who once saw promise in Pederson’s coaching now find themselves puzzled by the Jaguars’ ongoing struggles. Pederson’s prior success, including winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017, is now appearing to be an isolated achievement.
New England Patriots (1-5)
This season was expected to be a rebuilding year for the Patriots after their organizational overhaul, which included the firing of Bill Belichick, hiring first-time head coach Jerod Mayo, and selecting quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick. The strategy was to rely on veteran Jacoby Brissett while bringing Maye along gradually. However, after consistent issues with offensive performance, the Patriots made the drastic decision to start Maye last week against Houston. While the young quarterback alone will not rectify a flawed roster, he will gain essential experience during his playtime.
Carolina Panthers (1-5)
The Panthers overreacted after merely two weeks, opting to bench Bryce Young for a performance adjustment.
After selecting Young with the No. 1 draft pick last year, Andy Dalton has taken the helm. However, first-year coach Dave Canales has witnessed only slight enhancements from his offense, which is averaging a mere 17.2 points per game for the season and 22.5 in Dalton’s four starts. On the other hand, the defense, commanded by Ejiro Evero, is conceding an alarming league-high of 33.8 points per game. Unfortunately, there appears to be no immediate remedy for this team lacking in talent, which seems destined for a top-three draft pick once again.
Will Levis has a record of 1-4 this season, having thrown five touchdowns and seven interceptions. (Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)
Tennessee Titans (1-4)
The roster, which initially appeared promising with a combination of homegrown talent and astute free-agent signings, has yet to truly take off under first-year head coach Brian Callahan and second-year general manager Ran Carthon. Much of Tennessee’s struggles are linked to the sluggish growth of second-year quarterback Will Levis, who leads the NFL with seven interceptions while amassing just 699 passing yards across five games. Although the Titans possess the top-ranked defense, allowing only 248.8 yards per game, their offense ranks second to last in the league with an average of 253.2 yards per game. Additionally, Tennessee scores just 19.2 points per game.
New York Jets (2-4)
The firing of Saleh was expected to facilitate the Jets’ escape from this state of panic, potentially revitalizing a team deemed by Woody Johnson as one of the most talented ever assembled. However, the Jets largely mirrored their previous performance against Buffalo on Monday, punctuated by only a few brief flashes of improvement. Aaron Rodgers continues to place blame and throw interceptions, while Haason Reddick is not set to return. Adams has joined the team and possibly provides Rodgers some solace, yet the Jets currently exhibit more volatility than unity.
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(Top illustration by Meech Robinson / The Athletic. Photographs of Kevin Stefanski, Aaron Rodgers, and Jerry Jones: Elsa / Getty Images, Nick Cammett / Getty Images, and Michael Zagaris / San Francisco 49ers / Getty Images)
Assessing NFL Teams: Who’s in Panic Mode After Six Weeks of the Season?
Introduction to NFL Performance Metrics
As the NFL season progresses, teams often find themselves in very different situations after just six weeks. With only a limited number of games in the regular season, the stakes are high, and the pressure can lead to panic mode for some franchises. This article dives into which NFL teams are feeling the heat and what that means for their prospects moving forward.
Understanding Panic Mode in the NFL
Panic mode in the NFL generally refers to a state where a team realizes that their playoff aspirations are in jeopardy. Factors that contribute to this state include:
- Record Analysis: A poor win-loss record after six games.
- Injury Reports: Key player injuries that limit team performance.
- Coaching Decisions: Controversial calls or a lack of strategic direction.
- Fan and Media Pressure: Increased scrutiny from fans and the media can exacerbate stress.
Current NFL Standings: Key Teams in Distress
| Team | Record | Last Game Result | Panic Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 1-5 | Loss vs. Buffalo Bills | High |
| Chicago Bears | 1-5 | Loss vs. Minnesota Vikings | High |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2-4 | Loss vs. Seattle Seahawks | Moderate |
| New York Giants | 2-4 | Loss vs. Miami Dolphins | Moderate |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 3-3 | Loss vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Low |
Teams in High Panic Mode
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are currently sitting with a dismal 1-5 record. Following a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills, fans are beginning to question the future of head coach Bill Belichick. The combination of an ineffective offense and growing injury concerns has put the organization in a precarious position as they face an uphill battle to salvage their season.
Chicago Bears
Similar to the Patriots, the Chicago Bears find themselves at 1-5, continuing a trend of underperformance. The loss against their division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, has led to speculation about the job security of the coaching staff. The Bears’ inability to find a consistent quarterback has added to the team’s woes, pushing them further into panic mode.
Teams in Moderate Panic Mode
Arizona Cardinals
With a 2-4 record, the Arizona Cardinals are in a moderate state of panic. The team’s recent loss to the Seattle Seahawks highlighted defensive shortcomings and offensive inconsistencies. Although there is still hope for a turnaround, the Cardinals need to capitalize on upcoming games to maintain a fighting chance for a playoff spot.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are also in a precarious position with a 2-4 record. Following a loss to the Miami Dolphins, the pressure is mounting on both the players and coaching staff. The Giants’ offense has struggled all season, and without a significant change, they could find themselves in deeper trouble.
Panic Level Indicators
Understanding a team’s panic level can vary based on several performance indicators:
- Points Scored vs. Points Allowed: A large negative differential can indicate a struggling team.
- Turnover Margin: Teams that frequently lose the turnover battle often struggle to win games.
- Injury Reports: The loss of key players can severely impact a team’s ability to perform.
Case Study: The Los Angeles Chargers
At 3-3, the Los Angeles Chargers are experiencing a low level of panic. Recent losses, including a close game against the Kansas City Chiefs, show that while they are competitive, inconsistency is a concern. The Chargers have a talented roster, and while they are not in crisis mode, they must quickly address issues to avoid slipping further down the standings.
Benefits of Assessing Panic Mode
Identifying which teams are in panic mode has several benefits:
- For Fans: Understanding your team’s situation can help set realistic expectations for the remainder of the season.
- For Analysts: Provides insight into potential changes in coaching, strategy, or player personnel.
- For Bettors: Knowledge of team morale and performance levels can influence betting strategies and decisions.
Practical Tips for Teams in Panic Mode
- Focus on Fundamentals: Revisit basic football principles to improve performance.
- Communicate Openly: Encourage an environment of open dialogue between coaches and players.
- Set Short-term Goals: Focus on winning one game at a time to build momentum.
First-Hand Experience: Player Insights
Players often share their thoughts when teams are struggling. A recent interview with a quarterback from a struggling team revealed, “You can feel the tension in the locker room. It’s important for us to bond more as a team and trust each other on the field.” This sentiment reflects the necessity for camaraderie and teamwork in overcoming difficult situations.
Conclusion: Monitoring Teams as the Season Progresses
As the NFL season progresses, monitoring team performances and their corresponding panic levels can offer valuable insights into the league’s dynamics. The situations faced by teams like the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears are reminders of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience.
