Since the 2013 NFL season began, fans have been anxious to see what their team can do given their annually fresh start. Overreactions were soon to follow after weeks 1 and 2, but what about after Week 4?
What reaction is appropriate when your team is almost eliminated before we reach October?
Teams such as the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs are all ahead of the pack with an early, undefeated start on their road to the playoffs (the victor of the Miami/New Orleans game Monday night will also be part of this group).
Chiefs fans have turned 2012 frowns into joy with more wins in the first quarter of this season than their last full season.
This worst-to-first case also works in a reverse fashion. Some fans haven’t seen their team perform so miserably, especially when NFL analysts don’t project it that way.
Well at least these fans have something to read (and probably get angry about) today.
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-4)
Steelers fans haven’t been in such disarray since Ben Roethlisberger has been drafted as their franchise quarterback. A team so prestigious can’t possibly find themselves out of a playoff run so early – right?
Well their slow starting offense and ageing defence can make a strong argument.
The only team in the AFC North that has yet to get a win inside and outside the division really dug themselves into a hole.
The Offensive line is hurting with starting center Pouncey injured and their running game finally decided to show up.
These woes have probably casted a veil on a defence that ranks 25th in points allowed.
Logically there is hope, but when you are two games behind the Browns, there is every excuse to jump ship so early.
New York Giants (0-4)
There are plenty of reasons as to why the NFC East as a whole should be scrutinised as a disappointment.
The Cowboys, Eagles and Redskins have only beaten under .500 teams and all four teams combine for a 4-12 record.
However, the Cowboys are in first, the Eagles have a new head coach, and RGIII is shaking the rust off an injury.
What makes the Giants so disappointing is that they have all the more reason to be 4-0 in such a weak division.
That offensive line has a developing rookie along with injuries have starved the Giants of a rushing attack.
David Wilson is making head coach Tom Coughlin reconsider allowing veteran running back Bradshaw walk.
In the past two games, the Giants have been outscored 69-7. Their defence is just a disgrace to the point where you can’t decide what area takes the blame.
Sadly, they have a chance to turn it around at home against Philadelphia in their must win Week 5 match-up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)
What a splash the Bucs made in free agency during the offseason. Their defence has really stepped up to the top 10 of the league. The misfortune lies on the 44 points they have scored since Week 1.
An internal feud between quarterback and head coach has led to their ruination.
It’s like watching the end of the Vince Young era in Tennessee all over again.
Big bad Mike Glennon simply cannot provide high scoring for a slumping offense.
Here’s a nice question: where’s Doug Martin? He had his 144 rushing yard game against New Orleans but only has 198 more in his other three games with a three game touchdown drought.
They have a bye to figure out their problems and then face one of the worse ranked defences in Week 6.
Still can’t see this team making a 10-2 run for a playoff spot though.
Atlanta Falcons (1-3)
They are making a really strong case for biggest disappointment in 2013. Atlanta came into the new season listed as one of the most explosive offenses in the league with a defence that could hold their own.
Looking at the season, it has been a tough one. You can argue that the Falcons have only lost to undefeated teams so far, but they did allow 24 points on a struggling Rams offense.
The Stephen Jackson signing was wonderful, until he got injured leaving Atlanta to become heavily one-dimensional on offense.
The team is already 1-1 at home, which is scary since home games are what they typically write off as wins.
Rival New Orleans Saints has been favoured for Monday night’s game and a 4-0 start could have Falcons fans really stressed out for the rest of the season.
Teams on the watch for Week 5
• Minnesota Vikings
• Dallas Cowboys
• Green Bay Packers
• New York Jets
• San Diego Chargers
• San Francisco 49ers
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