We’re two weeks into the NFL season, and the drama is already unfolding. Some teams have exploded onto the scene with red-hot starts, while others are stumbling out of the gate. Of course, a Super Bowl champion isn’t crowned after just two weeks, but with a 17-game season, every single matchup carries immense weight.
This is especially true when you consider that just two games can be the difference between claiming the coveted number one seed and facing an early playoff exit. That’s why starting strong is paramount in the NFL.
Today, we’re putting four teams under the microscope. These teams haven’t just fallen short of expectations; they’ve raised serious concerns about their trajectory for the rest of the season.
While a quick fix isn’t always in the cards, we’re looking for glimpses of improvement, a spark that suggests these teams can turn their fortunes around. Because what we’ve witnessed so far? Well, it’s been concerning, to say the least. Let’s dive right in.
The Baltimore Ravens: From Dominance to Doubt
The Baltimore Ravens, sitting at a disappointing 0-2 after losses to the Raiders and Chiefs, are raising eyebrows across the league. While the loss in Kansas City can be attributed to the Chiefs’ recent dominance, the Week 2 upset at home against the Raiders has ignited a firestorm of questions.
Lamar Jackson looking downcast
The most glaring issue plaguing the Ravens is their perplexing inability to close out games. From 2008 to 2021, they were an unstoppable force, boasting a perfect 79-0 record when leading by double digits in the fourth quarter.
However, that aura of invincibility has shattered. Since 2022, the Ravens have become the league’s leaders in blown double-digit leads, racking up an alarming nine losses in such scenarios.
This trend is deeply troubling because a solution remains elusive. Head Coach John Harbaugh has been instrumental in the Ravens’ sustained success over the past 15 years. His leadership is undeniable, but this recurring issue of squandering leads demands immediate attention.
The Raiders game, in particular, epitomized their struggles. Leading 23-6, the Ravens had Las Vegas exactly where they wanted them. Then, the momentum shifted dramatically.
A series of miscues, including a three-and-out, a neutral zone infraction, and a costly false start, allowed the Raiders to claw their way back into the game. Ultimately, the Ravens’ inability to convert on crucial third downs and a deflating sack on Lamar Jackson sealed their fate.
With their next three games against formidable opponents in the Cowboys, Bills, and Bengals, the Ravens face an uphill battle. While an 0-5 start isn’t a foregone conclusion, the outlook is undeniably concerning.
The Raiders game was a must-win, a golden opportunity to right the ship. Instead, the Ravens let it slip away, leaving fans and analysts wondering if this team can recapture the magic of previous seasons.
Indianapolis Colts: A Disappointing Start for a Young Team
The Indianapolis Colts, with their high hopes pinned on rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, have stumbled out of the gate, leaving fans and analysts underwhelmed. While Richardson’s performance has been far from perfect, the blame for their 0-2 start extends far beyond the young signal-caller.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Richardson’s stat line through two games isn’t pretty. Completing just 26 of 53 passes for three touchdowns and four interceptions, he’s clearly experiencing growing pains.
While the Hail Mary interception at the end of the Packers game can be disregarded, his two interceptions against Green Bay were concerning.
Anthony Richardson scrambling with the ball
However, to pin the Colts’ struggles solely on Richardson would be a gross oversimplification. This is a team grappling with issues on both sides of the ball. Their rushing defense, in particular, has been abysmal.
In two games, they’ve surrendered a staggering 474 rushing yards and 93 rushing attempts to the Texans and Packers. This glaring vulnerability undermines any offensive progress they make, rendering quarterback play almost irrelevant.
Yes, Richardson’s completion percentage is a concern, and the dropped passes haven’t helped his cause. But his ability to extend plays and make highlight-reel throws, like the touchdown to Alec Pierce in Week 1, offers a glimmer of hope.
The Colts’ inability to establish a consistent running game and their porous defense are far more alarming issues. They’ve lost the time of possession battle by a staggering 40-20 margin in both games, putting immense pressure on their young quarterback.
Adding to the Colts’ woes is their lack of pre-snap motion on offense. This simple tactic, designed to give their 22-year-old quarterback an advantage, has been noticeably absent.
It’s a baffling coaching decision that further compounds their offensive struggles. The Colts aren’t just losing; they’re beating themselves. Their inability to address these fundamental issues raises serious doubts about their ability to turn their season around.
Denver Broncos: Bo Nix and the Perils of Impatience
The Denver Broncos, with their high-profile acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson in the rearview mirror, are facing a new set of challenges with their young signal-caller, Bo Nix.
While Nix’s early performances haven’t inspired confidence, it’s crucial to approach his development with a measured perspective.
Bo Nix throwing a pass
Nix’s raw stats through two games are undeniably concerning. With a completion percentage hovering around 50%, no touchdowns, and four interceptions, he’s facing the inevitable scrutiny that comes with being a high-profile rookie.
However, it’s important to remember that the NFL is a different beast altogether. The speed, complexity, and pressure are unlike anything he faced in college.
Yes, there have been glaring mistakes, like the interception thrown directly to Cory Tce in the Steelers game. But to write off a young quarterback based on a handful of plays is shortsighted and counterproductive.
Nix’s ability to learn from his mistakes and make adjustments will ultimately determine his success.
Moreover, the Broncos’ offensive line, despite significant investment in recent years, has failed to provide Nix with the necessary time and protection. Garrett Bolles, Mike McGlinchey, Quinn Meinerz—these are established names in the league.
Their inability to gel as a unit has directly impacted Nix’s performance and limited the Broncos’ offensive potential.
To be fair, Nix hasn’t been without his flashes of brilliance. His ability to extend plays with his legs has been evident, even if the final results haven’t always been there.
But the concerning trend is his completion percentage on throws beyond five yards. At a dismal 30.6%, it’s a clear indication that he’s struggling to push the ball downfield effectively.
The Broncos’ situation is a complex tapestry of factors. Nix’s inexperience, the offensive line’s struggles, and the weight of expectation have all contributed to their slow start.
Whether they can make the necessary adjustments and unlock Nix’s potential remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain: patience will be key.
Chicago Bears: Justin Fields’ Successor Faces Familiar Challenges
The Chicago Bears, fresh off the Justin Fields era, are hoping to find their franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. However, the early returns have been eerily similar to Fields’ tumultuous tenure, raising concerns about the team’s ability to support their young signal-caller.
Justin Fields looking frustrated
Despite a Week 1 victory against the Titans, the Bears’ offense has sputtered, failing to score an offensive touchdown against a less-than-stellar Tennessee defense. Williams, while showing glimpses of his immense talent, has also been plagued by the same issues that haunted Fields: namely, a porous offensive line.
In Week 2, Williams was sacked a staggering seven times against the Texans. The offensive line, particularly right tackle Darnell Wright, looked overmatched, surrendering pressure with alarming regularity.
While Williams’ mobility allows him to escape some sacks and extend plays, this constant pressure is unsustainable and detrimental to his development.
The parallels between Fields and Williams’ situations are striking. Both quarterbacks possess the talent and potential to be franchise cornerstones, but their development hinges on the Bears’ ability to address their glaring offensive line woes.
The Bears’ recent history suggests that they haven’t learned from their past mistakes, putting Williams on a concerningly similar trajectory to Fields.
Adding to the Bears’ concerns is the coaching situation. Matt Eberflus, with an 11-25 record as a head coach, hasn’t inspired confidence in his ability to develop a young quarterback.
The decision to not hire an offensive-minded head coach, especially with a rookie quarterback at the helm, raises questions about the organization’s commitment to maximizing Williams’ potential.
The Bears’ 2024 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one. Can they break the cycle of offensive line woes and provide Williams with the support he needs to thrive? Or will they repeat the mistakes of the past and stunt the growth of their talented young quarterback?
Only time will tell, but the early signs are a cause for concern. The Bears need to act decisively and address their issues head-on if they hope to unlock Williams’ true potential and avoid another lost season.
