Any hope for NFL’s bottom feeders?

BARRY WILNER
AP Pro Football Writer

For all the excitement over the rise of the Cowboys, improvement of the Browns and impressive performances by the Chargers, the NFL also is weighed down by some very weak teams.

Sure, the Raiders and Jaguars weren’t expected to do much, and both still have shots at matching Detroit’s 0-16 record of 2008. But did anyone expect the Buccaneers, Jets, Rams and Redskins to be so bad?

When Jay Gruden, in his first year as Washington’s coach, was asked if he was disappointed in the play of linebacker Brian Orakpo, he responded with an indictment of everyone. It could apply to the other bottom feeders, too.

“Well, let me start by saying we’re disappointed in everything about this season so far,” Gruden said. “We still have a lot of games left obviously, but Brian, the whole defense in general, the whole offense, the whole special teams, we’re all disappointed in ourselves and in each other.

“That’s just the way it is when you’re 1-5. I don’t think there’s anybody on defense that’s really performing up to par, up to our standards. There’s nobody on offense performing up to our standards.”

What’s gone wrong in California, Florida, D.C., Missouri and the Meadowlands, with teams that are collectively 4-31:

Oakland (0-5)

The only team to fire its coach so far, the Raiders come off their best performance in a 31-28 loss to San Diego as Tony Sparano debuted as Dennis Allen’s replacement.

Oakland spent freely, if not wisely, in the offseason; the joke around the NFL was that GM Reggie McKenzie had built quite a contender — for 2009. Most of the veteran additions have not worked out.

On offense, the team might have found its quarterback in rookie Derek Carr, but Oakland still has scored the fewest points, averaging less than 16 a game in a high-scoring league.

Jacksonville (0-6)

The Jaguars have their QB of the future in third overall selection Blake Bortles, but he’s working with no help. Their offense is even more measly than Oakland’s, they don’t have a receiver in the top 20 in catches or yards receiving, and they’ve rushed for a total of 417 yards.

Add in allowing a league-high 27 sacks and how much chance does Bortles have to survive, let alone develop this year?

“We’re getting closer and closer and closer, but we just haven’t done enough to earn it yet,” said coach Gus Bradley, who is starting eight rookies on offense. “I think that’s what our team is trying to figure out: what else can we do?”

Tampa Bay (1-5)

This might be the most disappointing situation of all the cellar dwellers.

Not only did the Buccaneers bring in a proven coach in Lovie Smith, but they seemed to have a solid talent base everywhere. Things would be more peaceful and productive under Smith than in predecessor Greg Schiano’s stormy regime. Josh McCown would fill the chasm at quarterback so Mike Glennon could watch and learn. Doug Martin was back to handle the running duties.

Smith is a defensive wizard, but the Bucs rank last in that area.

All part of the transition, he believes.

“I think experience teaches you a lot. … I’ve been in this situation before a few different times, and I just believe in what we’re going to do. But when you’re just starting off, there is a reason there’s something new starting off,” Smith said.

Jets (1-6)

The focus on the quarterback situation — which admittedly is pretty poor right now — has Jets fandom ignoring one other major problem: Rex Ryan’s defense hasn’t been very good.

Yes, it improved in Thursday night’s loss at New England. It can rush the passer and has 20 sacks. Its front group, led by Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, is dangerous.

But it’s also inconsistent, and whenever it doesn’t pressure the quarterback, the defense is a sieve. The secondary is particularly weak.

Plus, the Jets don’t have the offense to overcome many defensive deficiencies — although did add speedy receiver/kick returner Percy Harvin on Friday in a trade with Seattle. They showed that by not getting into the end zone enough despite moving the ball with regularity against New England.

Rams (1-4)

Jeff Fisher’s third season at the helm has been distressing, but unlike some of the other coaches of these messes, Fisher has a decent excuse.

The Rams have been ravaged by injuries, including losing starting quarterback Sam Bradford in the preseason. Their receiving group is so-so and will remain that way until Tavon Austin contributes.

Worst of all, a team with Robert Quinn leading a staunch pass rush has produced one sack — and not by Quinn. Can DE Chris Long’s absence mean that much? Or are the complex defensive schemes of coordinator Gregg Williams too complicated?

Redskins (1-5)

Washington’s situation is similar to the Rams. Robert Griffin III went out in Week 2 and backup Kirk Cousins has struggled. Injuries have struck everywhere, and the Redskins are minus-9 in turnover differential, as bad as it gets.

The running game needs to carry this team and Alfred Morris is capable of doing so while RG3 tries to get his game back. But it hasn’t happened in great part because the line isn’t opening holes.

The Redskins also struggle with fundamentals: sloppy tackling and penalties. And their special teams are mediocre.

___

AP Sports Writers Joseph White and Mark Long contributed to this story.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up