How bad is bad? Well, there are shades of it for the Steelers, Dolphins, Jets, Broncos, Redskins, and Bengals.
A supreme state of hurt and plenty of worries are following six 0-3 teams, five of which I cover here.
Rudolph is doing ok (photo, CBSSports)
Pittsburgh Steelers: They’re #1 on my list because the Steelers failed to capitalize on five–count ’em five–San Fran turnovers. That’s unheard of for a high-caliber team! The defense was fantastic, and I don’t think losing Big Ben has been that much of a problem. But offensive playcalling IS a problem! Ben would have had difficulty scoring points with this system.
Still, Mason Rudolph moved the ball until James Connor fumbled. Unlike the Steelers, the 49ers were able to take advantage, scoring the go-ahead touchdown to seal the game.
I’m anxious about Pittsburgh because it’s my team. It’s a team that can’t score even when the ball is HANDED to them! Several times! The last time the Steelers started 0-3, they didn’t make the playoffs. Things aren’t looking good for the Black and Gold. But, then again, if the defense remains stout and the offense gets going, perhaps this team can salvage the season.
Miami Dolphins: The only reason this team wasn’t #1 on my list is because they played the Cowboys. Yes, the Dolphins are a bad team, but on Sunday they looked like they were playing for something. That gives Miami fans hope.
Josh Rosen had a nice debut by keeping the offense going. The defense got some luck when Dak threw an interception. I found the game enjoyable to watch. The only thing, though, is that the Dolphins remained true-to-form. What’s that? Losing.
Le’Veon Bell has been a disappointment (photo, NY Times)
New York Jets: This team was supposed to be better! Bell came in with all that hoopla, and all he has to show for it is a team with the same record as the one he left. That goes to show you that the Steelers were probably right in not paying him more.
Of course, no player can carry a WHOLE TEAM. Still, though, when you acted the way Bell did, I expect him to be an elite player, a standout.
Bell isn’t. Just goes to show you that the grass isn’t always greener.
Denver Broncos: It’s hard to pinpoint what’s really wrong with this team. I don’t believe they should’ve lost to the Bears in that ridiculous ending. Still, though, even if Denver had won that game, the record would still be 1-2.
Joe Flacco is a solid quarterback, Philip Lindsay is a great back, and Emmanuel Sanders is a standout wideout. Von Miller and Chris Harris are uber-solid on ‘D.’ So what’s wrong?! This team needs to figure it out…and fast. Otherwise, a promising season will be over soon.
Courtesy: MSN.com
Cincinnati Bengals: This team isn’t like Denver: it has too many problems to name. All those problems start at the top, too.
A new head coach is settling in. Andy Dalton is without his star receiver, AJ Green. The running game isn’t. Still, Cincinnati had a lead on the Bills and managed to lose. Symptomatic.
I don’t think the Bengals can get things together. Not this season.
