We’re only three weeks into the season, but it appears that we’re far enough along to issue our first ruling on who is the worst team in the NFL. This of course can change, much like your luck on the roulette wheel. In fact, it will undoubtedly feature several contenders throughout the season. But for the moment I’m going to give your my bottom five, in reverse order.
No.5 is a tie between the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders. I know, a week ago the Lions would be number one with a bullet, but hey, they won a game by beating Washington, they’ve got the number one draft pick in Matt Stafford at QB, a new coach and a one game winning streak.
Oakland on the other hand has a win, but it was against the Chiefs and I still can’t figure out how it occurred. They have quite possibly the worst starting quarterback ever. JaMarcus Russell may have grown up throwing footballs through a swinging tire, but I’m not sure he can hit the ground behind the tire, much less hit the hole.
No.4, the Cleveland Browns. First they hired Eric Mangini to coach them, now it appears he’s already lost control of them before the end of September.
No. 3 is Kansas City. Actually, these last three are like splitting hairs. There’s not much to separate them. The Chiefs have a terrible offensive line that makes running the ball impossible and throwing it a safety hazard for QB Matt Cassel. They also have the Giants, Cowboys, Redskins and Chargers for their next four opponents, so they could claim the lead here in the next couple of weeks.
No. 2 goes to the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. Tampa had just 86 yards in total offense while being shutout by the Giants last weekend. Byron Leftwhich has been dumped as QB and second year player Josh Johnson takes over. These Bucs bring back memories of John McKay’s first teams in Tampa. When asked about his team’s offensive execution he said “I’m in favor of it.”. Raheem Morris can relate.
No. 1 is the St. Louis Rams. They’ve lost 13 straight games, taking over for the Lions for the longest streak in the NFL. They’ve only won five games since 2006 and they have a starting QB who is likely sidelined this week with a shoulder injury. It’s doubtful it would matter. He doesn’t have anybody to throw to that can actually get open.
It’s still early, so the race to the bottom is still wide open.
that's funny you mentioned the John McKay comment about the original TB team ... i remember it well, it was probably in SI as one of those "they said it" quotes i always enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteglad to find your site - we met back in 1998 when you interviewed my daughter Colleen Winzeler (BVNW) for her three state track meet wins. i think you had a daughter at SME about the same age.
now retired from the Marines + living in Ohio.
Sincerely, Kim