Analysis of NFL’s Struggling Teams

The NFL has a way of sorting teams into all sorts of categories—greatness, mediocrity, and sometimes, just plain awful. This week, the Dolphins and Jets created their own bottom tier, practically waving signs that scream “Total Disaster.” Both teams faced brutal losses against the Browns and Panthers, respectively, solidifying their status as the league’s weakest contenders.

It’s hard to find much positive to say about the Dolphins. They showed up in Cleveland, but it felt like they weren’t even interested in playing. Tua Tagovailoa struggled heavily, disappearing from the field, throwing three interceptions, and ultimately being benched for Quinn Ewers. What a fall from grace.

What stands out the most from the Dolphins’ performance was not just the loss, but how unprepared they seemed for the poor weather conditions, which everyone knew was coming. Sure, Devon Ashen had some decent runs, but they abandoned the run game too quickly. Once they started relying solely on Tua, their chances evaporated. The Browns, conversely, handled the elements well, sticking to their running game despite challenges.

This game highlighted a stark contrast between effective coaching and a lack of it. What does it say when some coaches trust their teams’ abilities while others do not? McDaniel lost not just the game but possibly the locker room and any hope for the season.

Looking ahead, the future seems bleak for Miami. They’ve committed to Tagovailoa with a hefty contract, but it’s clear he’s not delivering as a franchise quarterback. With $54 million owed next season, it seemed risky—especially now that, without Tyreek Hill, their passing game has all but collapsed.

While the Dolphins might end up with a top-five pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, they’ll face a critical decision regarding their quarterback situation. Maybe they’ll find a way out—though with how quarterbacks are performing league-wide, that’s a long shot.

Meanwhile, the Jets appear to be in a better position to secure the No. 1 overall pick, but honestly, it’s getting harder to see how they’ll win any games at all. Carolina seemed like a potential win, but now they might just end up facing the Dolphins or the Saints, both of whom are equally struggling. There’s a real chance one of these teams could go 0-17.

Observing Aaron Glenn on the sideline is like watching a teacher trying to manage a chaotic classroom. The Jets’ defense is solid, but their offense seems to trip over itself with penalties. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, for some reason, doesn’t seem to get that they aren’t in Detroit anymore.

Engstrand is pushing a passing game that the Jets just don’t have. Blaming Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor feels too easy; both are just average. However, the play calls often don’t match the personnel. There were moments deep in the fourth quarter where they could have attacked a softer defense, but the throws often fell flat and led to interceptions.

Things turned positive for the Jets only when Bryce Young had to leave the game with an injury after being sacked. Before that, he was poised to throw for over 300 yards against their defense. Even Carolina struggled to figure out how to best utilize what they had on offense.

If they had adjusted and maybe even brought in Andy Dalton, the Jets might have had a better shot. As it was, their offensive line crumbled, allowing six sacks when Carolina had only managed five all season until that point.

On the bright side, the Jets do have a future to build on. Even in their struggles, the players are still putting in effort. With projected cap space reaching $92 million, they have room to reshape their roster as needed.

Miami’s situation is quite the opposite. They have 35 players under contract but only a paltry $283,000 in cap space. They’ll need to sort out their financials, but Tagovailoa’s contract is a burden they can’t escape easily. This franchise is looking at a long road ahead.

Now, let’s look at this week’s other teams, both winners and losers.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts on Track

Like many, I was bracing for the Colts to falter, but they’re defying expectations. Indianapolis has shown serious strength this season, stepping up where many teams have faltered.

The Colts are excelling in all facets of the game, particularly on offense, with Jonathan Taylor leading the charge. His ability to open up play-action opportunities for Daniel Jones has been remarkable. Honestly, if you watch Jones, he sells play action better than nearly anyone in the league, which is a significant asset for the Colts.

Currently, the Colts stand 6-1, excelling in both rushing and passing, and although their defense is average, it suffices when the offense is firing on all cylinders. Dismissing their win over the Chargers would be a mistake; it solidified their elite team status.

Shane Steichen is pulling the strings effectively for this team.

And speaking of deserving recognition, Drake Maye should be highlighted as the rising quarterback in the NFL. Some may dismiss his performance simply for being against the Titans, but that would be overlooking his undeniable talent.

He was nearly flawless, completing 21 of 23 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, also contributing 68 rushing yards. It’s more than just the stats; it’s the ease with which he moves the offense.

If anyone thought the Patriots would struggle indefinitely without Tom Brady, think again. They seem to be bouncing back rather quickly.

Winner: The Cowboys Finding Their Groove

This week, the Cowboys faced a key moment. Following a heavy loss to the Panthers, they needed to show their worth, and they did just that by defeating the Commanders.

Dallas took charge of the game, although injuries changed the landscape. Marcus Mariota’s play left much to be desired, which opened the door for the Cowboys. Their success was largely due to the combined force of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens against the Commanders’ secondary.

The Cowboys remain a bit of a wild card this season; it’s unclear how far they can go. At least they demonstrated they won’t finish the year on a significant low note.

Losers: Giants and Their Collapse

It’s hard to believe many would have imagined the Giants facing off against the Broncos with such outcomes. Building a significant lead only to blow it is disheartening. I hesitate to criticize Jackson Dart too harshly, but his performance against Denver was really lacking when it mattered.

Relying on a high-energy style won’t cut it forever as a quarterback. Dart’s frantic movement around the pocket often led to unnecessary risks that cost his team dearly.

This game should be a lesson for young quarterbacks: simplicity is key in critical moments. Dart’s fourth-quarter interception was crushing, as he failed to execute what should have been easier plays in the clutch.

Loser: Jacksonville’s Downward Trend

The Jaguars have recently hit a rough patch after an impressive win over the Chiefs. Now, with consecutive losses, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Rams, who featured Matthew Stafford throwing five touchdown passes.

Sure, Travis Hunter had a breakout game offensively, but it feels like a small consolation when your team could have performed better. At 4-3, the Jaguars are falling behind as the Colts take the lead in the AFC South, widening the gap.

One of the more perplexing dynamics for the Jaguars this season has been Brian Thomas Jr.’s role. Last season, he was a breakout star, but he now struggles to find his groove. It’s almost as if Trevor Lawrence and BTJ are on different wavelengths.

If the Jaguars hope to turn things around, they’ll need to find their rhythm fast.