Panic Time? Which Slow Starting NFL Teams Should Be Worried
With just three weeks of football in the books, it’s never a good thing to overreact to a few bad games that currently have these teams at or near the bottom of their respective divisions.
After all, everyone’s sat next to that guy at a baseball game who overreacts to every fly ball and starts cheering like it’s a home run even though the shortstop only had to take five steps onto the outfield grass to make the catch.
But at the same time, there’s a reason why these potential playoff contenders have their fans feeling a little queasy and whether it’s a tough schedule, poor play, or just bad luck, these six teams aren’t where they want to be after three weeks of play.
This list won’t include teams like the Lions, Bills or Browns, who have gotten out to tough starts as well, but let’s be honest, there’s no one panicking in Detroit because the Lions have started 0-3.
Rather, the teams who will be highlighted in this list are those who were expected to play well and thus far haven’t really gotten going. Not to say that these teams can’t rebound from their slow starts, but some of them are certainly in more trouble than others and may be in need of some serious intervention.
New York Giants
1 of 6
Record: 1-2
Losses: At Indianapolis, Vs. Tennessee
Level of Concern: High
The Giants have started 1-2 on the young season, and while these losses came against two good teams, it was the way they lost both games that is concerning.
Not only were they embarrassed by the Colts and shot themselves in the foot on multiple occasions against Tennessee, the Giants have all of the tell tale signs of a dysfunctional team.
From players airing out their displeasure with the organization off the field, to a lack of discipline and focus on the field, it is clear that Tom Coughlin is in danger of losing his team and having this season spiral out of control.
While the Giants have plenty of talent on their roster, it would seem that the players and coaches aren’t on the same page which generally dooms any team, regardless of how talented they are.
Looking Ahead: The Giants second half schedule is very tough including two games against the Eagles and road games against both the Packers and Vikings, making the Giants next two games against the Bears and Texans critically important.
San Francisco 49ers
2 of 6
Record: 0-3
Losses: At Seattle, Vs. New Orleans, At Kansas City
Level of Concern: High
The team that most experts picked to handily run away with the NFC West has shockingly started 0-3 and struggled to consistently put points on the board.
Because of their offensive struggles, the team fired its offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye; in a move that they hope will get Alex Smith, Frank Gore, and the rest of the 49ers offense in gear.
While shaking up their offensive strategy may work, it is clear that the organization has already begun to panic due to the team’s inability to reach the end zone, tallying just 38 points in three losses.
Looking ahead: As bad as things look for the 49ers, they play five of their six division games in the second half of the season. If they can manage to get their act together quickly they have a chance to make up some serious ground in the last eight games of the season. However, this team is definitely under the gun as they face Atlanta and Philadelphia in the next two weeks making an 0-5 start seem possible.
Minnesota Vikings
3 of 6
Record: 1-2
Losses: At New Orleans, Vs. Miami
Level of Concern: Medium
Brett Favre’s return to Minnesota was overshadowed by the Vikings losing two out of their first three games, as well as some fairly ineffective play from the soon-to-be 41-year-old quarterback.
It’s tough to really fault the Vikings for losing a close game to the defending champs on the road and if Adrian Peterson is able to get into the end zone against the Dolphins, this team could easily be 2-1.
As it stands, the Vikings are 1-2 but looked to regain some of their 2009 form against the Lions in week three. Because of Adrian Peterson, Sidney Rice’s eventual return and a fierce defense, the Vikings should have a chance to right the ship but it won’t be easy if Brett Favre continues to throw the ball away.
Looking ahead: Thankfully for Minnesota, the team has a week off to help Favre rest his already battered body and get ready for the brutal stretch of games they have upcoming. In the next four weeks the Vikings will play the Jets, Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots with three of these four games coming on the road.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Washington Redskins
4 of 6
Record: 1-2
Losses: Vs. Houston, At St. Louis
Level of Concern: Medium
The Redskins got 2010 off to a fantastic start, when they shocked the Dallas Cowboys 13-7 in the first game of the season.
But since their Week One triumph, Washington has suffered two disappointing losses; blowing a 17 point third quarter lead to Houston and getting embarrassed by a young Rams team that only won one game in 2009.
While Donovan McNabb has played reasonably well, the rushing attack has been non-existent thus far as Clinton Portis has struggled to move the ball effectively averaging just 3.7 yards per carry.
When you add in the fact that the Redskins are allowing well over 300 yards per game through the air, with their inability to run the ball, this is a recipe for disaster.
Looking ahead: Donovan McNabb is a great leader and has proven over the years that he knows what it takes to anchor a successful team. But without a viable running game and a pass defense that has work to do, it would seem that their entire season will rest on how many plays No. 5 can make. Washington will also endure a hellish schedule the next four weeks, facing off against Philadelphia, Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Chicago in a stretch of games that may very well define their 2010 season.
San Diego Chargers
5 of 6
Record: 1-2
Losses: At Kansas City, At Seattle
Level of concern: Low
Once again, a talented Chargers team has gotten off to a slow start.
San Diego currently stands at 1-2 after dropping games against a surprising young Chiefs team, and being doomed by their special teams play against the Seahawks.
But considering how flat the Chargers played in both losses, they had the ball late in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie the game up in both instances.
This resiliency is mostly a testament to just how talented Philip Rivers is, as the seventh year signal caller has put the team on his back and kept them in every game thus far.
While their special teams have let them down, the Chargers defense has actually played pretty well allowing just four offensive touchdowns through the first three games.
Looking ahead: Thanks to Philip Rivers, the Chargers should be competitive in pretty much every game this season. The team is anxiously awaiting the return of rookie running back Ryan Mathews from an ankle injury who should pair with the surprising Mike Tolbert to make a formidable backfield tandem. The Chargers also play a reasonable schedule the rest of the way which should allow them to get back on track and make yet another push for the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys
6 of 6
Record: 1-2
Losses: At Washington, Vs. Chicago
Level of concern: Low
Things were looking somewhat bleak for America’s Team after getting out to an 0-2 start to the 2010 season.
But that was before they went into Houston and made a big 27-13 statement against a very good Texans team. The Cowboys finally played with some urgency in Week Three and it paid off big time.
Yes, there are still some concerns in Dallas, mainly their lack of a run game thus far and the fact that Wade Phillips seems like the kind of guy who gets confused while trying to order at a drive-through.
But all of the pieces are there for the run game to get itself back on track and Week Three finally showed Cowboys fans the explosive passing attack that they were waiting for.
Looking ahead: The Cowboys can go into their Week Four bye with a focus on trying to resurrect the likes of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice all of whom are very capable NFL running backs. Their schedule the rest of the way features some very good teams including Green Bay, New Orleans, Indianapolis and Philadelphia in two of the last four weeks of the season. But the Cowboys have the fire power to hang with any team in the NFL not to mention an extremely talented defense.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
