Stick a Fork in Them: NFL Teams Who Should Be Focused on 2020 Already

We're only five weeks into the 2019 season, but some teams have sunk to the bottom of the NFL standings and have slim chances of recovering. While midseason turnarounds are mathematically possible, postseason dreams seem bleak for five teams in particular. 

A few factors can derail a season. Sometimes it begins with decisions at the top. One organization has already fired its head coach, and the imminent changes from that can set a club back a few steps before moving in the right direction.

Teams with new head coaches should exercise some patience. The first few weeks, or even the entire year, could be a learning process as the staff pinpoints player strengths and weaknesses. 

Lastly, injuries, especially at the quarterback position, can adversely affect expectations. Typically, the drop-off between a starting signal-caller and his backup will shave a handful of wins off a franchise's season outlook. 

These five teams aren't just squads with poor records. They also dealt with at least one of the above factors, which will likely keep them out of the playoff hunt. Although it's early, we can stick a fork in their playoff hopes.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton

Record: 0-5 

The Cincinnati Bengals' issues started during the offseason. Rookie first-round left tackle Jonah Williams suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery before being placed on the physically unable to perform list. Left tackle Cordy Glenn was concussed in the second preseason contest and has yet to appear in a regular-season game. Wide receiver A.J. Green underwent minor ankle surgery and is also still out of commission.

As one would imagine, the Bengals offense looks out of sync without its best wide receiver and top two options at left tackle. And on top of everything else, after a strong start to his third campaign, wideout John Ross III landed on injured reserved with a clavicle injury he suffered in Cincinnati's Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

According to Football Outsiders, the Bengals offensive line ranks 26th in adjusted line yards (3.63) and 25th in pass protection. The club also fields the 29th-ranked scoring attack with a defense that gives up the third-most yards.

After losing to the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5, it's difficult to see where the Bengals will record their first victory. After digging a deep hole in the standings, the return of key players won't turn this season around. Cincinnati's new coaching staff, led by head coach Zac Taylor, should look forward to the 2020 draft and an upgrade at the most important position.

It's unfair to blame quarterback Andy Dalton for the team's struggles without a No. 1 wide receiver and a porous offensive line. However, Taylor and his staff will likely have an opportunity to select a quarterback in the top five.

Possible Draft Target: QB Justin Herbert, Oregon 

Owner Mike Brown has yet to commit to Dalton long term, saying back in March that he wanted the 31-year-old to "re-establish himself" before opening talks about an extension. While the ninth-year signal-caller hasn't looked terrible, Taylor can use him as a bridge to a franchise centerpiece of his choosing in the spring.

At 6'6", 237 pounds, Justin Herbert has some mobility with a strong arm to handle inclement weather at home and on the road. Although Dalton has been fairly accurate (62.4 percent career completion rate), he doesn't push the ball downfield. Taylor can open up his playbook with the Oregon product and stretch defenses vertically.

If the Bengals choose to extend Green in his contract year, he could serve as a solid target for the young signal-caller in a revamped passing attack.

Miami Dolphins

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Josh Rosen

Record: 0-4

The Miami Dolphins haven't openly talked about tanking, and head coach Brian Flores even spoke out against the idea. However, the front office sent a different message through trades, sending left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans and defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

In those deals, the Dolphins recouped three first-rounders, two for 2020 and one for 2021. After exchanging two former first-round picks for draft lottery tickets, it seems clear they're more focused on the future than the present. 

The Dolphins haven't looked competitive for a full game in any of their four contests, losing by at least 20 points in each outing. They're ranked last in scoring and points allowed.

The coaching staff rolled out quarterback Josh Rosen as the starter over the last two games. He's struggled behind an offensive line ranked 30th in pass protection, per Football Outsiders, completing just 55.6 percent of his throws with one touchdown and one interception in those two starts. His top two wide receivers, DeVante Parker and undrafted rookie Preston Williams, have catch rates at or below 50 percent. 

Miami is headed nowhere, but the front office set this up after trading defensive end Robert Quinn and allowing Cameron Wake to walk, trading quarterback Ryan Tannehill to the Tennessee Titans and acquiring draft capital for two potential roster cornerstones.

Possible Draft Target: QB Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

Like the Bengals, the Dolphins' new coaching staff will have a chance to select a rookie signal-caller in a top spot in the 2020 draft. Fortunately for Miami, multiple QBs will likely go pro, meaning lots of options. 

Through five games, Tua Tagovailoa has thrown 23 touchdown passes without a single interception. He's probably going to attend another Heisman Trophy ceremony in 2019, with an opportunity to win the honor for the first time. 

Tagovailoa has an accurate arm whether he's in the pocket or on the move. Of course, the 21-year-old won't have the same competitive advantage he does in Alabama, but his decision-making and anticipatory throws should translate to the pro level. 

New York Jets

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New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell

Record: 0-4

The New York Jets' season started with disappointment when they gave up a third-quarter 16-0 lead to the Buffalo Bills. Then head coach Adam Gase delivered news that dealt a bigger blow when he announced quarterback Sam Darnold would be out several weeks with mononucleosis.

Darnold's absence undoubtedly stripped the Jets offense of viability. Opponents have outscored them 84-23 over the last three outings.

Although team doctors have cleared Darnold to return, the Jets' 0-4 start likely takes them out of the playoff conversation as they prepare for the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Gang Green will host the undefeated New England Patriots the following week.

Looking forward, general manager Joe Douglas can continue to mold the roster to his specifications after the team relieved former GM Mike Maccagnan of his duties in May. 

With Robby Anderson set to become a free agent after this season, the Jets may consider a wide receiver in the first round. They can also look for a high-upside replacement for left tackle Kelvin Beachum, who's also in a contract year. Still, cornerback seems like a much bigger need after Trumaine Johnson's recent struggles.

Possible Draft Target: CB CJ Henderson, Florida

Coming into the 2019 campaign, the Jets had a question mark opposite Johnson at cornerback. In his first start since Week 1, he seemed out of sync against the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether the 29-year-old corrects his mistakes or not, the Jets must address the position.

Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah has gotten off to a strong start with three interceptions and the same number of pass deflections. With that said, CJ Henderson has an extensive body of work that showcases his ball-tracking skills. In three seasons at Florida, he's registered six picks and 14 pass breakups.

This season, Henderson has been limited by an ankle injury, but when healthy, his coverage ability elevates him above his peers. At 6'1", 202 pounds, he has the ideal size for a pro cornerback and is capable of lining up over the opposing team's best wide receiver.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph

Record: 1-4

Aside from a 33-3 blowout loss to the Patriots, the Steelers have been competitive in defeat and decisively beat the Bengals 27-3 in Week 4. Still, with Ben Roethlisberger out the rest of the season after elbow surgery, we can rule out Pittsburgh's playoff hopes. 

The Steelers have an uphill battle in Week 6. Roethlisberger's replacement, Mason Rudolph, suffered a concussion last week, and on Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Devlin Hodges, an undrafted rookie out of Samford, will start against the Los Angeles Chargers. 

The Steelers came into the season with hopes that JuJu Smith-Schuster would fill Antonio Brown's spot as the No. 1 wide receiver, but he's struggled with a toe injury as well as the revolving door at quarterback. 

The Steelers are confident Roethlisberger will return next season, which likely factors into why they gave up their first-round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick, who will be expected to settle in at free safety. Sean Davis, who played the position this season, landed on IR with a shoulder injury. He'll also become a free agent this offseason. 

Assuming Roethlisberger returns under center, general manager Kevin Colbert should continue to focus on the defense to build a contending team similar to the 37-year-old signal-caller's earlier years. The Steelers defense ranked top five in yards and points allowed during their last three Super Bowl runs.

Possible Draft Target: EDGE Curtis Weaver, Boise State

Outside linebacker Bud Dupree will probably hit the free-agent market after an inconsistent five-year stretch in Pittsburgh in which he's racked up 23 sacks and 34 tackles for loss in 59 games.

The Steelers can aim for an edge-rusher with upside in the second round of the draft, or Colbert can move up to land his ideal prospect.

Curtis Weaver could be the guy to replace Dupree and provide a little more in the pass rush off the edge. He's logged 29.5 sacks in three seasons at Boise State. The 6'3", 265-pounder would have a chance to play significant snaps opposite T.J. Watt on a defense that racks up sacks in bunches.

Under defensive coordinator Keith Butler, Weaver can develop into an immediate playmaker and represent a strong addition to a front seven with promising pieces like linebacker Devin Bush in the middle and Watt, who's emerging as a star pass-rusher.

Washington Redskins

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Washington Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy

Record: 0-5

The wheels have come off in Washington. The team fired head coach Jay Gruden on Monday, which ensures changes for the Redskins.

According to Les Carpenter of the Washington Post, the team's former skipper didn't want to draft first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins. But with Gruden out of the picture, team president Bruce Allen and owner Dan Snyder can move on with the pieces in place and Haskins as their centerpiece. Washington also selected the rookie signal-caller's former Ohio State teammate, wideout Terry McLaurin, in the third round of this year's draft. The two will eventually hook up for some completions in the near future.

In the meantime, the Redskins have Case Keenum under center, but the 31-year-old is a placeholder in a lost season.

The Redskins have been outscored 57-10 over the last two outings, and now, they're 0-5 with a loss to all three of their division rivals.

With interim head coach Bill Callahan taking over for Gruden, the team will likely focus on player development for the remainder of the year. Haskins should take meaningful reps, but the front office needs to surround him with high-potential talent. 

Possible Draft Target: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia 

Left tackle Trent Williams hasn't played a single down for the Redskins this year after opting to hold out during the offseason. The seven-time Pro Bowler wants a new contract and had a dispute with Washington's medical staff, which is a major factor in his absence.

At this juncture, the Redskins should entertain trade offers and accept the best package for Williams, who's a top-notch pass protector when healthy.

Donald Penn, who's 36 years old and on a one-year deal, has replaced Williams on the blind side, but Washington needs a long-term solution at the position. With their future quarterback on the roster, the Redskins can use their top pick on a cornerstone for the offensive line.

Andrew Thomas fits the bill. He can wall off defenders and seal his end for outside runs. Unlike Iowa's Tristan Wirfs, the Georgia product has experience at left tackle. That may appeal to the Redskins, who will probably need to replace Williams.

If Washington wants to see Haskins at his best, he needs to be able to trust his pass protection and keep his eyes downfield.