The end of the season is upon us with Week 17. For some teams it can’t come soon enough. They have suffered losses and have failed to live up to expectations. These 10 can only hope the next decade brings more success.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
There can be an argument not much was expected from the Bengals in 2019. However, dropping from a six-win team to one that had one is inexcusable. Marvin Lewis’ time was up and Zac Taylor was bringing in a fresh and bright future. Not this season … at least.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars were going to be a contender last season and flubbed. They signed Nick Foles to a huge free-agent contract for 2019 and beyond and he was injured. The team is going absolutely nowhere and is always embroiled in controversy. See: Coughlin, Tom. The Jags need to bring in someone to stabilize a team with more talent than its record.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Dan Quinn finally seems to have found a way for the Falcons to get untracked. Is it too late to save his job or would a 7-9 finish earn more time with a team that should have a record better than .500. Time is running out of Matt Ryan. Management has a big decision as to whether Quinn can bring the team to greater success in 2020.
7. Detroit Lions
The Lions’ seasons become horribly predictable and tough to digest for the fan base. This season Matt Patricia’s team found ways to lead in many games only to falter and lose, lose, lose. Will the third season be the charm for the former Patriot assistant coach? Or is he simply going to be another name on the list of head coaches unable to deliver positive results in the Motor City?
6. Cleveland Browns
Imagine winning as many games as you did in 2018 and having your season being considered a disaster. That’s what the Cleveland Browns are looking at if they beat Cincinnati in Week 17. A seven-win season is unacceptable for Freddie Kitchens and his staff because the hype of a deep playoff run was so expected. Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr. and others teamed for headlines that weren’t flattering. Now, people want Kitchens out after a year.
5. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were 5-3 at the midpoint of the season. They probably weren’t going to menace the Saints in the NFC South. But, a wild-card spot wasn’t a far-fetched dream. All the team has done is lose its last seven games, most in ugly fashion. Kyle Allen is serviceable as a backup. Cam Newton is polarizing when it comes to the future of Carolina. A new regime is on the horizon. For Christian McCaffrey’s sake, let’s hope they have answers.
4. Chicago Bears
The Bears were 12-4 and cruised to the NFC North title in 2018. They were a double-doink away from advancing to a second-round game in the playoffs. And in 2019, they have faltered to a sub-.500 mark. Mitchell Trubisky is constantly under the microscope. Every expert without a title in Chicago management wants to bail on the former second overall pick. This is a tricky situation for the people actually making the calls. Do they believe in Trubisky? Do they admit they made a mistake or are they willing to risk another season without success when the roars will get louder?
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Like the Bears, the Chargers went 12-4 in 2018. Like Chicago, Los Angeles has tanked in 2019. Hard to believe the Bolts are 5-10 and seem to have run out of time with Philip Rivers. It feels like time to move on from the veteran. Tyrod Taylor isn’t the long-term answer and a handful of wins don’t put you in prime draft position if you are looking for your next franchise quarterback. The close losses have become redundant and weak. Anthony Lynn faces a huge season in 2020.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Few things are becoming as tiring as Jerry Jones answering questions after losses. The Cowboys have a chance to make the playoffs if the Eagles lose to the Giants and they beat Washington. Hard to believe winning the division at 8-8 would save Jason Garrett. This team is loaded with talent and excuses. A freshening seems in order.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The glow and glitter of Hollywood and Los Angeles has turned to tarnish quickly. The critics who wanted to fry Jared Goff after his rookie season are back. Sean McVay is no longer the brilliant future of coaching. All because of a season that will see no playoffs after making the Super Bowl. Rumors abound about the coaching staff being shuffled. The lack of patience and tolerance is incredible. That is what happens when you go from 13-3 to 8-7 needing a win in Week 17 to avoid a .500 season. Will the Rams rebound in 2020 or will Jalen Ramsey find himself on the West Coast version of the Jacksonville Jaguars. A team with so much promise that did not deliver on it.
