Two NFL teams have started the season completely off their projected track. A combination of opponent strength – or lack there of – and miscues make up the disappointing first three weeks of the season for these teams:
Cleveland Browns: (1-2)
If you asked anyone who would win the week 1 match-up between the Browns and the Titans, most people would chose the Browns. For good reason too; A second year quarterback who exceeded expectations his rookie year, a stud running back, and one of the best three wide receivers in the league you got for pretty cheap. Not to mention a young and upcoming defense to hold the opponents down. Nope, not at all. New head coach Freddie Kitchens is struggling to put these pieces together. The Browns lost two of the first three weeks, one of which to the aforementioned Titans (1-2) and only winning against the horrendous Jets (0-3). Baker Mayfield is off to a slow start, throwing only three touchdowns to five interceptions. It looks as if the second year quarterback trend (Mentioned in NFL Award Bold Predictions) is not present for the Heisman Winner. Kitchens is receiving lots of criticism for his failure of incorporating Odell Beckham Jr. more into the offense.
Things will work out fine for the Browns. With that being said, it relies on Kitchens to figure out how to coach this team. Losing to the Rams by only one score could be looked at as a small victory, but they need to turn things around quick to make a playoff spot.
Philadelphia Eagles: (1-2)
The Eagles looked to be in a very good situation heading into the season. They were two deep at almost every position and had a healthy Carson Wentz looking to return to his MVP caliber self. They improved their offense by adding DeSean Jackson, Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside. On the defensive side of the ball, they added Malik Jackson, who looked to be a perfect sidekick for Fletcher Cox. It was presumed the offense would be the strong side of the team, and would carry the defense. In week 1, this showed true. The Eagles shut down Washington’s upset attempt and showed the league that they can play ball. They outscored Washington 25-0 in the second half (not including a meaningless last second touchdown by the ‘Skins). Things were looking good… Until the injury bug came back. Three of the top 5 weapons for the Eagles were sidelined week 2 against the Falcons. No matter, this team has great depth and should still win this game, right? Yes, except for when the last healthy starting receiver on your team drops the game winning touchdown. Just one game, some might think. Week 3 comes along and your receivers, after a week of preparation, drop 7 balls, including 2 drops in the final two drives of the game. The Eagles had three chances to win this game, or tie it being only down a field goal. An offensive pass interference and then another game winning touchdown was dropped, to move the Birds to a heartbreaking 1-2 start to the season.
The Eagles are staring the Packers, Patriots, Vikings, and Bears in the face. Wentz has been the only source of consistency on the offense and the defense has been as mediocre as a defense can get. To turn this thing around, Doug Pederson needs to simplify the offense until they can get their receivers back, and use Jordan Howard. The Eagles are two drops away from being 3-0, making them the team with the most disappointing start to the NFL season.
The Art of Sport 