NFL Head Coach Power Rankings Heading into Week 6
The haves already separated themselves from the have-nots during the initial five weeks of the 2016 NFL campaign.
Ten teams are 3-1 or better, with the Minnesota Vikings being the last undefeated squad. Meanwhile, nine squads are 1-3 or worse, including the winless Cleveland Browns.
While there are certain exceptions to the rule, it's no coincidence that those 10 teams with the best records are led by coaches often considered the league's finest. Continuity, an ability to adapt and an inherent quality to rally their squads define these coaches despite any obstacles placed in their way.
For example, no one would have batted an eye if the Vikings or New England Patriots faltered without their starting quarterbacks. Instead, those teams adjusted to their situations and should be considered the league's best.
As each week passes, the bigger picture clarifies. Certain coaches will continue to jockey for position among Bleacher Report's power rankings, but it's clear who should be sitting atop this week's edition. Click through to find out exactly where your favorite team's coach falls within the current pecking order.
32. Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns
1 of 32
Last Week: 32
Quote of the Week: "We want to be one of the best organizations in football, so there it was. That’s what you have to look at to compare and contrast of where you are trying to go. It’s a good eye-opener for all of us because that’s where we want to be."
The Cleveland Browns had the unenviable task of facing the New England Patriots upon Tom Brady's return from a four-game suspension. Brady didn't disappoint. The 39-year-old quarterback threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns.
In doing so, the Patriots performance provided a barometer for the Browns, per the team's official site.
“That's what the champions—because they have been (Super Bowl champions)—that's what the division champions look like," Browns head coach Hue Jackson said after the game. "That's what they look like. That's what they play like."
Cleveland falls on the opposite side of the spectrum as the league's only winless team. The team snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in two of its previous three games, but the Patriots outclassed the Browns during their 33-13 victory.
"These are the games that you’ll point to to where we will make our biggest growth because I think when you play against an opponent that’s as good as I think that team is—because I think that’s the best team we’ve played this season," Jackson said.
31. Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars
2 of 32
Last Week: 31
Quote of the Week: "In the offseason, you're saying, 'Oh, bye week this early?' But it's really coming at a good time for us with our injuries and where we're at."
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley is back on the clock after the team's bye. Although, the timing couldn't have been better for his team, per the Florida Times-Union's Ryan O'Halloran.
The Jaguars are coming off a 30-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in London, and a different squad should emerge this weekend against the Chicago Bears.
"For us as coaches, too, we can spend more time on self-scouting and some of the personnel decisions we have to make as well as the scheme," Bradley told O'Halloran.
If the Jaguars don't show renewed signs of life after the extra week of preparation, Bradley's status as the team's head coach will once again come to the forefront.
30. Adam Gase, Miami Dolphins
3 of 32
Last Week: 29
Quote of the Week: "No. He's not coming out. You can ask me 100 times, he's going to be in there the rest of the season."
The Miami Dolphins' Adam Gase remains adamant in his support of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, per the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero. How a head coach handles his team's quarterback situation often defines his tenure. Gase's support of Tannehill remains steadfast despite the signal-caller's poor play.
The former first-round pick threw a pair of interceptions during Sunday's 30-17 loss against the Tennessee Titans. In fact, the Texas A&M product has thrown seven interceptions in the last four contests.
Gase believes the problem lies with the entire offense.
"We're inept right now," the first-year coach said after the game, per the Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad.
He added: "There were some bad play calls in there that put our offense in a bad position. We’ve got to go back to work. We’ve got to figure out a way to do a better job of consistently executing play in and play out."
Gase and Tannehill must figure things out quickly if the Dolphins are going to have a chance against this weekend's opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
29. Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers
4 of 32
Last Week: 28
Quote of the Week: "You can't make this stuff up. You think, 'Is there any other way we can find a way to do this?'"
As if a 1-4 start to the season isn't bad enough, the San Diego Chargers have found the most excruciating ways possible to lose this season, as quarterback Philip Rivers can attest, per ESPN.com. In all four losses, the Chargers held a second-half lead.
The latest travesty came against the Oakland Raiders when punter Drew Kaser muffed a snap, which didn't allow kicker Josh Lambo to attempt a game-tying field goal with two minutes remaining. The Chargers lost 34-31.
"Just when you think you’ve seen it all, something like that happens," head coach Mike McCoy said, per the San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee.
These type of losses can be quite disparaging. Trying to overcome bad beat after bad beat wears down a locker room.
"Discouraging is probably not stating it strong enough," Rivers said, per Acee. "I don’t know if there are many more ways left to find a way to lose."
If there are, San Diego might find a way.
28. Chip Kelly, San Francisco 49ers
5 of 32
Last Week: 27
Quote of the Week: "We've got to evaluate everything, and part of it is looking at what kind of game plan we're going to put together for the Bills. We'll meet with our training staff to find out who’s available and go from there."
The San Francisco 49ers quarterback situation seems to be reaching critical mass. While head coach Chip Kelly won't directly acknowledge the issue, his statement about evaluating every position seems pretty clear, per the team's official site.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers coaching staff will discuss the possibility of starting Colin Kaepernick on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
"It's fair to say that we’re looking at every option we have to be a good football team," Kelly said. "I don’t think it's any different than any other position on our team."
Blaine Gabbert ranks 28th in passing yards, 26th in completion percentage and dead last in yards per attempt. The 49ers offense, meanwhile, is 31st overall in total and passing offense. It's beyond time for a change at the game's most important position.
27. Mike Mularkey, Tennessee Titans
6 of 32
Last Week: 30
Quote of the Week: "We haven't won two games in a row since I’ve been here. That’s important for these guys. We need to start getting over the hurdle with a lot of things and it has to start at some point. It has to start somewhere."
A team must win one game before it can win two in a row. After Sunday's 30-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey can discuss the possibility of a winning streak, per the Tennessean's Jason Wolf.
"We're building something here, and I think our guys saw (Sunday) what we’re capable of doing," Mularkey added, per the Titans' official site.
The Titans should be encouraged after their latest performance. Quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 69 percent of his passes and delivered three touchdowns. The offense ran for 235 total yards. And the defense held a struggling Dolphins offense to 200 yards.
"We just went out there and pounded them," veteran receiver Andre Johnson said, per ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky. "That's the identity we try to set as an offense. We always preach being physical. (Mularkey) always says he wants to have the most physical team ever."
The Titans shouldn't face much resistance during their upcoming contest against the Browns' porous defense. If that's the case, Mularkey could discuss winning three in a row.
26. Todd Bowles, New York Jets
7 of 32
Last Week: 21
Quote of the Week: "No, it’s the same."
Over the last two weeks, New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles showed his stubborn side.
First, he made sure everyone knew Ryan Fitzpatrick is the team's quarterback despite throwing nine interceptions in two weeks. This week, he doubled down on his decision to punt late in the game with his team down 11 points against the Pittsburgh Steelers, per the New York Post's Brian Costello. Once the Jets got the ball back, the game was out of reach and became a 31-13 final.
Despite a 1-4 start, the coach doesn't plan on making any major changes to the team. Instead, he believes improvement should come via in-game adjustments.
"It's just a matter of making some critical changes in the second half, just making plays," Bowles said. "I don’t feel there’s a need to make a change right now."
With a trip to Arizona to face the Cardinals on Monday Night Football looming, the Jets' problems will be on display for a national audience.
25. Dirk Koetter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8 of 32
Last Week: 26
Quote of the Week: "I'm happy that he made it and it's awesome that he made it. We can't miss those field goals. Shoot, what do you want me to say? We can't miss those. We could've lost this game. I'm happy he made the last one."
Missed field goals or not, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers escaped with a 17-14 victory Monday against the Carolina Panthers. Of course, Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter doesn't want his kicker, Roberto Aguayo, to miss any kick, per the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud.
But what's important is the rookie converted the crucial attempt at the end of the game to secure the Buccaneers' second win despite his early-season struggles.
"I guess you could say that," Aguayo said. "Definitely in the NFL, you get a lot of criticism, which I found out early. But I learned to let that go in one ear and out the other. You've got to just laugh at it."
Normally, kickers don't receive this much attention even after they convert a game-winning field goal. However, most kickers aren't selected in the second round of the NFL draft and have every attempt scrutinized like Aguayo.
Koetter didn't lose confidence in his high-profile specialist, and it resulted in a tough road victory against a rival the Buccaneers hadn't defeated since the 2012 campaign.
24. Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions
9 of 32
Last Week: 25
Quote of the Week: "I’ve always believed in providence. And make no mistake about that, nothing happens by accident."
Before Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell gets too excited—per ESPN.com's Michael Rothstein, this is a man who can hardly contain himself on the sideline—the team should win more than one game in a row.
The turnaround in Detroit has yet to happen. It could happen, but a complete culture change takes more than just snapping a three-game losing streak.
"So it's not surprising to me at all because the work that we put in and this is a big win for us," cornerback Nevin Lawson told Rothstein. "This is definitely a win we can feed off, can change our momentum, and we just gotta go out there to fight week by week."
What Sunday's 24-23 victory over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles will do is keep those asking about Caldwell's job status at bay...until the next time the Lions lose. A win this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams will get Detroit back to .500, and the team can legitimately build toward something of substance.
23. John Fox, Chicago Bears
10 of 32
Last Week: 22
Quote of the Week: "Had we had the coolness of the hot dog-laden press box, [the ball] might have gone there."
When teams lose, it opens up the possibility of head coaches being second-guessed. Some react well to the line of questions, while others don't.
The Chicago Bears' John Fox, for example, decided it was time to belittle the media because of a missed read from quarterback Brian Hoyer, per ESPN.com's Jeff Dickerson. With just over a minute remaining, Hoyer missed a wide open Alshon Jeffery for the potential game-winning touchdown.
"It could have been an option [going to Jeffery]," Fox said. "I don’t know that you can be super-critical. When you’re out there playing quarterback it looks a little different than when you’re in the press box having hot dogs."
Like it or not, Hoyer missed it, and the Bears fell to 1-4 after Sunday's 29-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Besides, what does Fox have against media members eating hot dogs? Frankfurters are a delicious non-sandwich.
22. Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts
11 of 32
Last Week: 24
Quote of the Week: "Once you pay Andrew (Luck) what we did, it’s going to take some time to build on the other side of the ball."
Ryan Grigson's statement regarding the Indianapolis Colts defense is the very definition of passing the buck. The general manager conveniently didn't mention to Fox Sports Radio’s Jay Mohr (via the Indianapolis Star's Gregg Doyel) that the Colts finished 26th, 20th, 11th and 26th in total defense the previous four seasons with Luck still under his rookie contract.
Grigson's explanation is a sad attempt to divert attention from the team's real problem: The Colts roster is rotting from within due to poor drafting, ill-advised free-agent acquisitions and inane trades.
In some ways, it's easy to feel bad for head coach Chuck Pagano. He and his coaching staff are trying their best to remain optimistic and piece together a competitive squad. The Colts did escape with a 29-23 victory Sunday against the Chicago Bears, but Pagano's squad surrendered 523 yards of offense with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer and rookie running back Jordan Howard leading the way. The Bears even had a chance to win if Hoyer spotted an open Alshon Jeffery with the game on the line.
Despite the Colts' issues, the team is still 2-3 with an opportunity to crawl back into the AFC South conversation thanks to upcoming contests against the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans.
21. Jeff Fisher, Los Angeles Rams
12 of 32
Last Week: 19
Quote of the Week: "You can take the 32nd in the league and write all you want about it. But this offense is improving."
Thanks, Jeff Fisher, but your permission wasn't needed to write about the league's worst offense, per the Associated Press' Dan Geenspan.
At some point, the Los Angeles Rams' head coach will realize the organization traded for the No. 1 overall pick to select quarterback Jared Goff. Instead, the league's longest-tenured coach continues to trot Case Keenum onto the field.
During the team's 30-19 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Keenum threw a pair of interceptions. Overall, the Houston product ranks 28th in completion percentage and 18th in passing yards, and his four touchdowns passes are the fewest of any non-rookie quarterback to start every game this season.
"We're going to have to have a 500-, 600-yard game to jump into the middle of the pack, so it's going to take some time, but to me the wins are going to offset that," Fisher said.
Not if Keenum continues to lead the way as the team's starting quarterback.
20. Ben McAdoo, New York Giants
13 of 32
Last Week: 20
Quote of the Week: "(Ereck Flowers) understands that he cannot behave that way. It's unacceptable, and it’s important for us to all have a professional relationship with the media, players and coaches."
Can Ben McAdoo control an NFL locker room? It's only five weeks into his first year as a head coach, but the question needs to be asked since both wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and left tackle Ereck Flowers created headaches for the New York Giants.
Flowers caused the latest incident when he shoved a reporter after Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to NJ.com's Dan Duggan.
While these issues are bad enough, the team isn't receiving quality play from its franchise quarterback, either.
"The pocket was hot," McAdoo said, per ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan. "The pocket was hot. We didn’t complete enough footballs. We need to complete the ball more."
Eli Manning should have received his coach's message loud and clear: The quarterback hasn't performed to expectations. In fact, Manning completed 53.8 percent of his passes over the last two games with an overall 5-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Three straight losses, attitude problems and lousy play should all be deemed unacceptable by the Giants head coach.
19. Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
14 of 32
Last Week: 17
Quote of the Week: "There's been times when we've played really well on defense, and then there's obviously been times when we haven't played as well. I've been pleased with some of the development of some of the young players, but yet as you continue to go along, they're still learning. And there's a lot of things that we can help 'em get better at. But I still like the direction that we're headed as a defense."
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is probably sick of discussing the team's defensive woes. Instead, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen spread optimism this past week, per ESPN.com's Mike Triplett.
Despite the positive outlook, the Saints defense isn't much better than it has been. New Orleans ranks 31st overall in total defense and dead last in points per game.
"I think the No. 1 thing you're looking at," Allen said, per NOLA.com's Herbie Teope, "is athletically what you have to go up against on a week-in, week-out basis with the different size, speed combinations that you see throughout the league in some of the best athletes in the world out there playing the wide receiver position."
After coming out of the team's bye week with a 1-3 record, the Saints will face the Carolina Panthers and Kelvin Benjamin. It's another difficult matchup even with the Panthers' recent struggles, and Payton shouldn't have to say anything to get his team ready.
18. Rex Ryan, Buffalo Bills
15 of 32
Last Week: 23
Quote of the Week: "You know me. I'm just an average coach."
Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan was joking after the team's 30-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, per the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta, but there's a hint of truth in his comment. A coach is only as good as his team is currently playing.
Buffalo went from a terrible 0-2 start, which resulted in the firing of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, to one of the league's best with three straight victories.
What drove this massive turnaround? The Bills running game is now counted among the league's best. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Buffalo is averaging 178 rushing yards per game with Anthony Lynn calling the plays, compared to 75.5 with Roman.
The Bills ran for 193 yards on Sunday with LeSean McCoy accounting for 150. The scary part is both the running back and running game could be better.
"I could’ve had like 200 yards," McCoy said, per the Bills' official site. "Just small things. I get so wrapped up in trying to make too many plays. Sometimes you do things where you make it hard for yourself."
With McCoy leading the way, Ryan can be an above-average coach.
17. Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins
16 of 32
Last Week: 18
Quote of the Week: "I don’t know if we’ll ever dominate everybody and win 53-3. We just have to stay resilient."
The Washington Redskins won't dominate anybody, as head coach Jay Gruden mentioned, per ESPN.com's John Keim. The team simply isn't built in such a manner. But a comfortable win would be a change of pace. After losing its first two contests, Washington won its next three by a combined margin of 19 points.
"I love being part of a team that is so resilient," quarterback Kirk Cousins said, per Keim.
Cousins is part of the reason why Washington isn't built to dominate. The offense isn't designed to have its quarterback sling the football all over the field. He's going to take whatever the defense gives him.
Neither the team's rushing offense nor its defense are very good statistically, but both have shown an ability to take over games in recent weeks.
"We still have a long ways to go," linebacker Will Compton said, per Keim. "We need [Sunday’s] defense with our previous week’s offense. We need it to all come together."
Maybe a couple comfortable victories will follow if Washington's performance does come together.
16. Bill O'Brien, Houston Texans
17 of 32
Last Week: 14
Quote of the Week: "I'm not concerned about his confidence."
Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien isn't shaken despite the play of his quarterback, Brock Osweiler, per the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. While O'Brien is saying the right things publicly, a little bit of doubt has to be creeping into the back of his mind.
Osweiler threw three touchdowns and three interceptions against the Tennessee Titans and the Minnesota Vikings. The Arizona State product struggled during the 31-13 loss to the Vikings when he completed only 45.2 percent of his passes. Minnesota also sacked Osweiler four times.
"I'm not happy with the way the offense has played, but I'm not blaming it on anybody," O'Brien said.
As an offense, the Texans managed only 214 yards. But the quarterback knows he needs to play better.
"Bottom line, if the receivers are not getting the ball, who is the first person you need to look at?" Osweiler said, per ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop. "It's me. I need to play better, and I need to find a way, regardless of what the defense is doing, to get those guys the football."
15. Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
18 of 32
Last Week: 13
Quote of the Week: "It's not what we expected, but that's how the NFL works. We just have to rebound. That's really what it comes down to. You don't expect to be in this position, but we're in this position, and now it's, 'How are we going to respond?'"
The Carolina Panthers are reigning NFC champions. They're not supposed to start the season 1-4. But that's exactly what happened as the team plays well below expectations, per ESPN.com's David Newton. There are some coaches who are better than their current ranking, but their team just hasn't performed. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera fits this description to a T.
The team and its coach aren't willing to describe their play as a Super Bowl hangover, though.
"You're not promised anything in this league," tight end Greg Olsen said, per the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person. "No one's going to roll over because of what you’ve done in the past. You've got to earn everything. And right now we’re not earning anything."
Right now, the Panthers are counted among the league's worst. Their star quarterback is injured. The team's famed defense hasn't been dominant. And Carolina just lost 17-14 to the Buccaneers, whom they hadn't lost to since the 2012 campaign.
Reality is starting to set in for the entire organization.
14. Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
19 of 32
Last Week: 16
Quote of the Week: "The spirit of this football team is outstanding. It's outstanding."
Jason Garrett's postgame speech after the Dallas Cowboys' 28-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, per the Dallas Morning News, won't make anyone forget Vince Lombardi, but Dallas' head coach is onto something. The Cowboys are rolling.
"This is really an accomplishment to do it with the injuries we've got and not have Romo or Dez Bryant—sitting out there and play this well is a real credit to these young guys," owner Jerry Jones said, per ESPN.com's Todd Archer.
The 4-1 Cowboys are leaning heavily on their young guns. Quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott have been absolutely outstanding. Prescott is ranked fourth overall with a 69 percent completion percentage, and he's yet to throw an interceptions. Elliott, meanwhile, leads the league with 546 rushing yards. These two rookies are taking the league by storm.
The fourth overall pick has run for 130 or more yards in three straight contests. Said Jones, per Archer: "He can deal it out any way they want to take it."
Garrett is letting his young backfield play and the entire team continues to benefit.
13. Jack Del Rio, Oakland Raiders
20 of 32
Last Week: 15
Quote of the Week: "I think we have a healthy perspective of what we want to look like and knowing that we’re not quite there. There is a lot of work in front of us. I don’t think anybody would disagree with that. There is a long season in front of us, a lot of things we must do better as we go forward. We’re working hard at it. We’ll continue that. I think the fact that the guys recognize that is a healthy thing."
The Oakland Raiders look like a team ready to make a big push after their 4-1 start. But this team isn't without warts, as head coach Jack Del Rio mentioned, per the team's official site.
As good as the Raiders offense is—it's ranked fourth overall and averages 391.6 yards per game—the team's defense is worse. In fact, the unit is ranked dead last and surrenders 452.6 yards per contest.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, the Raiders are the fourth team to give up over 2,200 yards and 130 points in the first five games and still have a winning record. The problem isn't going away, but the Raiders can be less generous in giving up big plays.
"Stop playing Santa Claus," Del Rio said, per SilverandBlackPride.com's Levi Damien. "Stop giving out presents.
"We gave out a couple (Sunday), a couple of 50-yard passes gift wrapped and placed them under the tree. At some point we’ll stop doing that."
Until the the defense does, Del Rio can rely on the team's potent offense.
12. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
21 of 32
Last Week: 11
Quote of the Week: "I try to get them out of mind fast, move on and learn from it. I’ll do the same with this one."
The Pittsburgh Steelers thumped the Kansas City Chiefs 43-14 the last time Andy Reid's squad took the field. As such, the Chiefs had two weeks to stew in their bitterness if Reid allowed them to do so. But the coach was ready to move on last week despite how he felt.
"It's what you make it," linebacker Derrick Johnson said, per Kerkhoff. "After getting your butt kicked you wish you could play to get that feeling out.
"You can tell a lot about a team’s character and what you can do after adversity."
If Reid's history is any indication, the Chiefs should be just fine. The head coach is 15-2 after his team's bye week.
11. Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals
22 of 32
Last Week: 12
Quote of the Week: "I can't say for sure, but he looked good in there lifting weights."
Bruce Arians' response came after being asked about quarterback Carson Palmer's status, per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. Palmer missed Thursday's 33-21 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. His absence profoundly changes the Arizona Cardinals offense.
Veteran backup Drew Stanton threw a pair of touchdowns, but he completed a pitiful 39.3 percent of his passes. Running back David Johnson shouldered the load with 27 carries for 157 yards.
"Dave, you know, he's the catalyst," wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said, per Weinfuss. "He makes it go offensively. When he starts getting his groove, teams start coming down into the box. It gives us opportunities to make some plays behind the defense in the passing game."
Stanton can't make the defense pay the same way Palmer can. As such, the team should be excited their starting quarterback is in the final stage of the concussion protocol as it prepares for Monday's contest against the New York Jets.
10. Doug Pederson, Philadelphia Eagles
23 of 32
Last Week: 10
Quote of the Week: "This is a different football team than a year ago. This is a resilient football team."
The fact the Philadelphia Eagles are a different and better football team this season is obvious, as head coach Doug Pederson said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane. Sometimes, the obvious needs to be stated.
Last season, Chip Kelly led the Eagles to a 1-3 start. This year's record is flipped, and the team is moving in the right direction despite Sunday's 24-23 loss to Detroit Lions.
"There's a lot of bad things that we'll see on tape that we can't do, as far as beating ourselves," veteran safety and team leader Malcolm Jenkins said, per ESPN.com's Tim McManus.
Identifying and correcting those mistakes separate the league's best from the rest.
As well as the Eagles and rookie quarterback Carson Wentz played during the team's 3-0 start, their level of play wasn't sustainable. It's how the team responds a week later against the rival Redskins that will provide the truest indicator of how good Pederson's squad really is.
9. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 32
Last Week: 7
Quote of the Week: "Standing right here, right now, I think it’s very fixable and we need to fix it."
Winning seasons aren't just handed to teams. The Cincinnati Bengals may have grown accustomed to making the postseason after five straight appearances, but the past means nothing once a new season begins.
Marvin Lewis' squad certainly doesn't look the same after its 28-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. According to Lewis, the issues can be fixed, per CincyJungle.com's Rebecca Toback. The head coach's viewpoint might be somewhat optimistic based on Adam Jones' response after Sunday's performance.
"I’d be lying if I said I'm not [mystified]," the cornerback said, per ESPN.com's Katherine Terrell. "I’m used to winning. We should say, we’re used to winning as a unit."
Jones added: "We are going to have to do some gut checking. Everybody needs to take a deep look at themselves and figure out how each person can get better to help the team."
These 2-3 Bengals aren't the same team, and an upcoming contest against the Brady-led Patriots isn't the ideal situation to experience a change in their recent play.
8. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
25 of 32
Last Week: 6
Quote of the Week: "After very careful consideration, I have decided to make a change to our offensive coaching staff and have replaced Marc Trestman with Marty Mornhinweg as offensive coordinator for the rest of the season. My obligations are to the team, the organization and the fans to be the very best team we can be. Today we find ourselves one game out of the division and conference lead after experiencing two tough losses at home. We will work to be better in every aspect of our football team. Our expectations are high, and we look forward to fulfilling them."
After an improbable 3-0 start, the Baltimore Ravens' schedule became far more difficult. The result? Two straight losses against the 4-1 Raiders and 3-2 Redskins.
Due to the offense's inability to produce, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh decided to dismiss his offensive coordinator, per ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley.
Hensley also noted the Ravens scored 20 or less points in 13 of Trestman's 21 games as play-caller. Sunday's effort wasn't any different as Baltimore managed 10 points.
"I'm not happy, especially when you play like that," quarterback Joe Flacco said after the game, per CSN Mid-Atlantic's Clifton Brown. "It's embarrassing to run off the field in front of your home fans, in front of your teammates."
With Mornhinweg calling the plays, the Ravens should expect a commitment to the running game, which should take pressure off Flacco.
7. Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons
26 of 32
Last Week: 9
Quote of the Week: "The answer is it's a different outfit. It's a different group. We are mentally tougher than what we were. And we have a real ability to reset right after we get back to that process so that’s what’s different from last year to this year."
Answering questions about how the Atlanta Falcons would respond this year after last season's collapse is an important step for head coach Dan Quinn, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's D. Orlando Ledbetter.
More importantly, his team's performance on the field answered many questions with a 23-16 victory over the 4-1 Denver Broncos. The Falcons are also 4-1 with a tough upcoming trip to Seattle.
A year ago, the Falcons faltered after a 5-0 start. However, this year's team is playing at another level. Atlanta features the NFL's No. 1 offense, and the much-maligned defense just came off its best performance during Quinn's tenure with six sacks against rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch.
"No. 1, just finding the ability to finish some and we're very pleased," Quinn said, per Ledbetter. "We know that part of our game is a work in progress, but I was pleased with what I saw out in the front (Sunday)."
The Falcons' goal after another strong start is to remain consistent and avoid a midseason swoon. With the way this squad is playing, that possibility seems unlikely, but Atlanta needs to prove it's mentally tougher to take on the league's best.
6. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers
27 of 32
Last Week: 8
Quote of the Week: "We've just got to do a better job in the red zone. Third down has been a focal point for us (and) we did a good job tonight on third down again, but red zone, if we score touchdowns there...We had some opportunities—myself and the guys catching the ball had some opportunities. We've got to cash those in so we can close a game out like that."
The onus has been placed on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and he knows it, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein.
Silverstein added, via Twitter: "Over his last 16 starts, Aaron Rodgers has had five games with a passer rating in the 60s. He went 46 games to start his career before he had five."
The Packers offense isn't playing at a consistent level. The unit flashes, as it did during Sunday's 23-16 victory over the Giants, but it's yet to put together a complete performance. Some of this falls on Rodgers. Some falls on his targets. And some blame goes to the team's head coach and play-caller, Mike McCarthy.
"Offensively, we went to a different format," McCarthy told the team's official site. "I thought we did some good things there, but we still have areas we have to work on."
With the defense playing at well at it has—the Packers rank No. 1 overall in run defense—the offense has been bailed out when it sputtered. But Green Bay needs Rodgers to establish a rhythm within McCarthy's evolving play-calling to keep up with the undefeated Vikings in the NFC North.
5. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
28 of 32
Last Week: 5
Quote of the Week: "I think we sell these professionals short when we assume that because they’re a backup they’re incapable. Often times all the guy needs is an opportunity, and we’ve all seen many stories associated with that."
Mike Tomlin's comments were directed toward Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Chris Hubbard, per the team's official site. The head coach expected his backup lineman to step in and perform. He did. But those comments extend beyond any individual into an overall mantra. The Steelers continue to adjust when starters become unavailable.
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant is suspended for the season. Response: Sammie Coates steps up as the team's No. 2 target and goes off for 139 receiving yards and two touchdowns during the Steelers' 31-13 victory over the New York Jets.
Tight end Heath Miller retired. Response: Jesse James and Xavier Grimble combine for four touchdown receptions.
Ryan Shazier injured his knee. Response: Backup Vince Williams amasses 25 combined tackles in two games.
There aren't any excuses in Pittsburgh. The Steelers expect to win. Their 4-1 record reflects the organization's mentality even when adversity arises.
4. Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32
Last Week: 4
Quote of the Week: "There’s a chance. I think we have a chance to, because of the experience and great leadership that we have, the development and coming of age of the quarterback, we have our kicking game in order. There’s a lot of really good phases of our team that we can count on. We’re growing on offense up front with the guys up front on offense, they’re doing a good job and pass protection is a big deal to us right now and we’ll grow in the running game. I’ve loved this team all along, I’ve seen it coming. Just the way they’ve gone about the work. We have a chance to be really good."
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll should be excited, per the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta. His team sits atop the NFC West with a 3-1 record, and this year's bye week couldn't have come at a better time.
Not only has quarterback Russell Wilson been given time to recover from multiple injuries, but the coaching staff can re-evaluate multiple areas during the extra week of preparation. The offensive line, in particular, has received its fair share of criticism, but the group improved during the first four weeks.
"We just have a chance to grow and get better," Carroll told Condotta.
With a healthier Wilson, improved O-line and a burgeoning running game behind Christine Michael to complement the league's top-ranked defense, the Seahawks have a better-than-average chance to make another run toward the playoffs.
3. Gary Kubiak, Denver Broncos
30 of 32
Last Week: 1
Quote of the Week: "We have to help him better, us as coaches. We got down early in the game. We were committed to running the ball [Sunday] and tried to do that early. We did not run the ball well. We get down by 13, something like that, and were struggling to protect him. We put him in a really tough situation. That's not the type of game you want to put him in."
All good things must come to an end. For the Denver Broncos, a magical early-season run with Trevor Siemian behind center didn't translate to rookie Paxton Lynch upon his first NFL start. The Broncos suffered their first loss Sunday with a 23-16 defeat to the Atlanta Falcons.
The first-round signal-caller looked uncomfortable, and neither Kubiak's staff nor the team responded well, per ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold. The Falcons defense sacked Lynch six times.
"If I get put in that situation again, I will know how to handle it a little bit better than I did the first time," the quarterback said. "I am glad I got the experience, but I am also upset that we didn't come out with the win."
At 4-1, the Broncos are tied atop the AFC West with the Raiders, but Denver has three upcoming contests against divisional foes over the next four weekends. A healthy Siemian or an improved Lynch will be needed to re-establish themselves as the division's top team.
Unfortunately, Kubiak won't lead his team Thursday against the San Diego Chargers after being hospitalized with flu-like symptoms, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
2. Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
31 of 32
Last Week: 3
Quote of the Week: "It’s a good start. But we’re not satisfied. We haven’t accomplished anything yet."
The Minnesota Vikings are the NFL's only undefeated team at 5-0 after Sunday's 31-13 victory over the Houston Texans, but quarterback Sam Bradford said they're not satisfied, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Tom Powers.
What the Vikings have done through five weeks shouldn't be possible. A team shouldn't be able to lose its starting quarterback, running back and left tackle and still claim five straight victories. Head coach Mike Zimmer kept this team on track and has everyone playing together as an unit.
"We're all trying to do something special, make a play," veteran defensive end Brian Robison said, per the Pioneer Press' Brian Murphy. "Guys aren't out for themselves to pad their stats. They're not going out there and being selfish and putting others in bad situations."
While the defense has been exceptional, Bradford deserves credit, too. The former No. 1 overall pick completed 70.4 percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception. His outstanding play helps offset the Vikings' 32nd-ranked run game.
Minnesota is good, but it can be even better.
1. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
32 of 32
Last Week: 2
Quote of the Week: "We moved the ball offensively, but there are things we can obviously do better in that area. I thought overall the offensive team performed well. (Tom Brady) did a good job."
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is back where he belongs alongside Brady and atop these power rankings even though he remains understated in his news conferences, per the team's official site.
A good job? Brady looked great in his return from a four-game suspension. The veteran signal-caller completed 70 percent of his passes for 406 yards and three touchdowns during the 33-13 victory over the Browns. The ball came out of Brady's hand quickly, and he completed passes with precision.
"I know I've talked at length about how I've felt over the years and I feel better now at 39 than I did when I was 29—and I feel like it's due to a lot of things," Brady said during an interview on The Kirk and Callahan Show on WEEI on Monday (per ESPN.com). "I feel like I'm in a good routine and if I play a game like I did [Sunday], I feel like by Wednesday practice, you know, I'm geared up to go."
Belichick and his staff did a wonderful job though the first four games despite the circumstances surrounding their quarterback position. With Brady back, the 4-1 Patriots will assume their position among the league's best and a Super Bowl favorite.
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