Midseason NFL Assessment: Where Each Team Stands
As we reach the midpoint of the NFL season, six weeks of regular-season action have flown by, representing nearly one-third of the year. Players and coaches have had their time to shake off the cobwebs, and the excuse of a lack of preseason preparation is wearing thin. Out of the league’s 32 teams, 13 currently sit with losing records, while five others find themselves at an even .500. Some franchises are hoping their fortunes will shift as the season progresses, yet others are beginning to feel the pressure of urgency. This is the time of year when panic can start to seep in. For example, the New York Jets have already pressed the panic button, dismissing head coach Robert Saleh after just five games, despite the fact that their season goals remain attainable.
Conversely, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles entered last week in a concerning position but managed to secure a victory, improving to 3-2 and evading the kind of panic that would have engulfed the franchise had they fallen to 2-3. So, which of these struggling teams should maintain their belief? Who is truly in jeopardy? And which teams are already in full-blown panic mode? Let’s break it down.
Keep the Faith
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Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
No one expected the Bengals to start 1-4, especially given their wealth of talent in the AFC. Contract disputes and injuries early in the season exacerbated Cincinnati’s usual slow-start tendencies, costing them winnable games against New England, Washington, and Baltimore. A recent victory over the Giants provided some relief, yet the Bengals still find themselves in a challenging situation. Their narrow 41-38 overtime loss to Baltimore demonstrated that they can compete with top-tier teams. The upcoming schedule looks more favorable with games against Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas before a rematch against Baltimore on November 7. Patience is key; they must keep pushing forward.
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Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
The Cardinals faced a tough 34-13 defeat at Green Bay, marked by three turnovers and struggles on third down. However, they have managed to secure important wins against NFC West rivals San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams (before the Rams were hit with a wave of injuries). While consistency has been elusive on both sides of the ball, the potential remains. A series of winnable matchups against the Chargers, Dolphins, Bears, and Jets lies ahead, which could see Arizona enter their Week 11 bye on a positive note.
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Miami Dolphins (2-3)
The Dolphins faced significant challenges with Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion and a lack of a solid backup plan at quarterback, which hindered their performance for three weeks. However, a crucial win against New England, coupled with their bye week, offered some much-needed respite. Coach Mike McDaniel has indicated that Tagovailoa will return in 2024, but not this week against Indianapolis. Fortunately, the Dolphins still have the opportunity to turn their season around, especially with the talented Bills, rebuilding Patriots, and the struggling Jets in the AFC East. If Tagovailoa can make a healthy comeback, Miami’s explosive offense could resurface, propelling them back into contention.
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Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
With promising young quarterback Anthony Richardson sidelined by injury for two games, the Colts have managed to stay afloat thanks to veteran Joe Flacco, who has steered the team to victory. Richardson is anticipated to return against Miami, presenting another chance for a win. Following that, the Colts will face key games against Houston, Minnesota, and Buffalo. The latter part of the season features six more favorable matchups. If Flacco can replicate his success from previous seasons, he might just guide the Colts toward a playoff appearance.
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Denver Broncos (3-3)
Quarterback Bo Nix has emerged as a bright spot for the Broncos, showing growth through six games. After a rocky start at 0-2, he has helped the team win three consecutive matches, showcasing his ability to throw multiple touchdowns in games. Though he has faced challenges, including a game against the Chargers where he struggled initially, Nix’s resilience has been commendable. Collectively, the Broncos are trending in a positive direction, boasting a +16 point differential. They must focus on minimizing turnovers, as they currently lead the league with nine.
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Seattle Seahawks (3-3)
After a strong 3-0 start, the Seahawks have hit a rough patch, losing three straight games. However, two of those defeats were against formidable opponents, Detroit and San Francisco, both considered Super Bowl contenders. The unexpected loss to the Giants may have caught them off guard, but it’s possible they were looking ahead to their divisional clash with the 49ers. First-year coach Mike Macdonald and his team have areas to improve, but quarterback Geno Smith’s play has been solid, despite a recent spike in interceptions. A win against Atlanta this week could be crucial in regaining their momentum in the competitive NFC West.
Low-Grade Panic Mode
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Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
While their record might suggest a manageable situation, the underlying issues for the Cowboys are concerning. Coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer have struggled to find solutions for an underperforming team plagued by injuries on defense. A bye week comes at a critical moment following a disheartening loss to Detroit, but will it be enough for the coaching staff to assess and rectify their shortcomings?
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San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
The 49ers, last season’s Super Bowl runners-up, have endured a challenging campaign marred by injuries. Despite being well-coached, they currently sit at 3-3. The upcoming schedule presents formidable challenges, starting with a rematch against Kansas City, followed by games against Dallas, a bye week, and then Tampa Bay, Seattle, Green Bay, and Buffalo. With key players like Christian McCaffrey uncertain to return soon, this stretch could be pivotal for San Francisco’s season.
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Las Vegas Raiders (2-4)
Under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders have not found their rhythm, sitting at 2-4. Quarterback Gardner Minshew has been benched, and the franchise traded away top receiver Davante Adams, compounding their challenges. The offensive unit ranks among the league’s poorest, while the defense has been inconsistent, yielding a high number of points. Priority number one for Pierce is to address the team’s turnover issues, as they lead the NFL with 12 turnovers this season.
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New Orleans Saints (2-4)
After starting the season with two convincing victories, the Saints have hit a rough patch with four consecutive losses. Quarterback Derek Carr’s oblique injury forced the team to rely on rookie Spencer Rattler sooner than anticipated. Despite the NFC South being wide open, the combination of a struggling offense and a defense plagued by injuries has left the Saints in a precarious position.
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New York Giants (2-4)
While their roster was not expected to contend, the Giants’ struggles have raised alarms for head coach Brian Daboll. Quarterback Daniel Jones has been inconsistent, failing to throw a touchdown at home since January 1, 2023, while the offense has been unable to score 20 points in four of their six games. While the NFC East title was not in reach, the Giants need to demonstrate significant improvement to ease the pressure on their coaching staff.
Red-Alert Panic Mode
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Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Head coach Kevin Stefanski’s loyalty to Deshaun Watson, the franchise’s $230 million quarterback, is being tested as the Browns struggle mightily. Watson has not surpassed 200 passing yards in any game this season, raising questions about his capabilities. Stefanski’s reluctance to consider changes at quarterback could jeopardize his job security as the team continues to falter.
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Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
The Jaguars are in dire straits, having lost 10 of their last 12 games dating back to last season. If not for their two-week London trip, head coach Doug Pederson might have already faced the axe. After a promising rookie season, quarterback Trevor Lawrence has regressed, and both the offense and defense have struggled. The Jaguars’ point differential of minus-65 is the second worst in the league, leading many to question the direction of the franchise.
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New England Patriots (1-5)
This season was expected to be a rebuilding year for the Patriots, culminating in the hiring of first-time head coach Jerod Mayo and the drafting of quarterback Drake Maye. However, following a series of offensive struggles, the team has pivoted to starting Maye, who will face the daunting task of learning on the job amidst a talent-deficient roster.
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Carolina Panthers (1-5)
After only two weeks, the Panthers benched Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton, raising eyebrows after using the No. 1 overall pick on Young. The offense has shown minimal improvement, and a struggling defense is yielding the highest points in the league. The Panthers appear set for yet another top-three draft pick in the coming year.
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Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Despite a roster with potential, the Titans have struggled under first-year head coach Brian Callahan. The slow development of sophomore quarterback Will Levis has been a significant issue, as he leads the NFL in interceptions. While their defense ranks first in yards allowed, their offense is second worst in the league, averaging just 19.2 points per game.
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New York Jets (2-4)
Saleh’s firing was intended to reinvigorate a Jets team that many considered one of the most talented rosters in recent memory. However, their performance against Buffalo on Monday night revealed that little had changed, with Aaron Rodgers still struggling to find his footing. The Jets appear more volatile than cohesive, leading to questions about their future.
(Top illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic. Photos of Kevin Stefanski, Aaron Rodgers, and Jerry Jones: Elsa / Getty Images, Nick Cammett / Getty Images, and Michael Zagaris / San Francisco 49ers / Getty Images)