The Five Most Disappointing Teams of the 2009 NFL Season

Seeing as the 2009 football season is coming to an end, I thought it necessary to list my five most disappointing teams. A few of these teams were division champs last season, and some even held home-field advantage in the playoffs, but this season they are all at risk of not making the postseason. Enjoy.

Carolina Panthers

These Cats went from 12-4 and division winners in 2008 to 7-8 and third in their division with one game left to play. After scoring over 400 points last season, they have managed to total only 292 this season. Jake Delhomme had a nightmare of a season that ended with injury, and Steve Smith broke his arm in week 15 for a fitting end to their pitiful season.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins had a bright future going into the 2009 season. They had just acquired Albert Haynesworth and were prepared to fight for the NFC East crown.

The defense has played respectably, but the offense has been atrocious. Chris Cooley's season-ending injury in week 7 did not help. Clinton Portis was also hampered all season long by injuries. The bottom line is the Redskins went from 8-8 contenders in '08 to a 4-11 laughingstock in '09.

New York Giants

A year ago, the Giants had clinched a division title and home-field advantage in the playoffs. This year, they are third in their division and will not be going to the postseason. Injuries were part of the problem, but a team with as much talent as the Giants should not be missing the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have gone from Super Bowl Champions to a team fighting for their playoff lives. It is hard to imagine the Steelers not playing in mid-January, but that is a very realistic possibility this season. Troy Polamalu's health was a big factor, but again a team with that much talent should have done better.

Tennessee Titans

From 13-3 and home-field advantage in '08 to an 0-6 start in '09, their struggles go way beyond the loss of Albert Haynesworth. Chris Johnson did his part to try and save this team, and they did fight back the second half of the season. However, they gathered a net total of 141 points in '08 compared to their net total of -52 this season—with their week 17 game yet to be played, a difference of 191 points. Wow.