Two weeks in and nine teams are looking for their first victory. Which of the 0-2 squads have hope and which ones are looking at a season of despair?
9. Dolphins
There is nothing more that can be said about how awful this Miami team is. The score of 102-10 says it all. An embarrassment. Can a team that had the NFL’s only perfect season join those that went winless?
8. Giants
The Eli Manning-Daniel Jones drama is tiresome. No QB is going to win with this team, which has become an also-ran. The Giants were not competitive against the Cowboys and made things look presentable against the Bills. They won’t go winless but they won’t scare anyone, either.
7. Jets
The reason Gang Green is ahead of the Giants and not knotted with Miami is it has a semblance of a defense. There is no offense, Le’Veon Bell aside. With Sam Darnold out, Trevor Siemian came in and went out. That brought on Luke Falk, who had some energy in the loss to Cleveland. The offense has been so bad since the Jets went up 16-0 against Buffalo in the opener, they have been outscored 40-3.
6. Bengals
The Bengals fell apart at home, no less, against San Francisco after a strong opening against Seattle. Zac Taylor seems to know what to do against the Seahawks. This is a team that is going to struggle. Don’t be surprised if it perks up in a couple games and menaces, especially when A.J. Green returns.
5. Redskins
The best thing Washington has going for it is being the same division as the New York Giants. They played the Eagles tough for a half before fading. They kept it interesting against Dallas for a while. That isn’t going to be enough to save Jay Gruden.
4. Panthers
Cam Newton does not look right and neither do the Panthers. They have lost nine of their last 10 dating to 2019. The only win was in a meaningless season-ender against New Orleans when the Saints did not play their regulars. Ron Rivera’s tenure could be coming to a close — quickly — if this isn’t fixed soon.
3. Steelers
There’s big trouble in the Steel City as Ben Roethlisberger is done for the season. Could this jeopardize his career? James Conner also has a tender knee. Mike Tomlin faces an enormous coaching job after the 0-2 start. Mason Rudolph did okay Sunday. Will he be able to right the offense in the long-term?
2.Broncos
It seemed like Denver would not be on this list … until time ran out Sunday. Eddy Pineiro and the Bears pulled off a miracle finish to spoil what would have been Vic Fangio’s first victory. The schedule doesn’t do the Broncos any favors but they are too tough on defense to not find a way to win at some point, sooner than later.
1. Jaguars
Don’t be shocked if the Jaguars are able to put this 0-2 start behind them. The defense was excellent in the close loss to the Texans in Houston. Gardner Minshew simply will have to manage games and not make mistakes. It also would be nice if the Leonard Fournette they drafted finally decided to show up in the NFL.
