Which NFL Teams Can Still Save Their Season After 0-2 Start?

Since 2020, 18 teams have gotten off to a 0-2 start, but none of them has advanced past the first round. This statistic—if we can call something with that tiny a sample size a statistic at all—surprised us because we normally don’t view a losing streak as significant until the following week.

Anyone who followed an NFL club before the start of the 17-game regular season was well recognized that a record of 0-3 meant a season was over (only six teams in modern NFL history reached the postseason after losing their first three). High levels of assurance were provided by the adequate sample size. The only team to overcome that gap and get to the playoffs after an 0-4 start was the 1992 San Diego Chargers. Four losses to start a season suggested that teams’ playoff chances were virtually nonexistent.

We can start this column with a bold prediction:

At least one 0–2 team on this list will make the playoffs in 2022-

Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

Cincinnati Bengals
Credits: Stripe Hype

Cincinnati was aware that Cover 2 defensive alignments, with the safeties set to take away the deep side of the field, would be more prevalent this season. Certainly, that has been the case. The Bengals were able to blow teams away with spectacular plays the previous season. Cincinnati was supposed to explode in 2022, but several iterations of those two high-safety shells have averted that. The answer might be as straightforward as pushing the ball to wide receiver Tyler Boyd across the middle of the field and getting more output out of running back Joe Mixon and the rushing assault.

Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) 

Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during warmups.

A Silver and Black chiropractor is required for the Raiders’ currently misaligned pass rush. Stat! In reality, impacting the quarterback by putting pressure on him and striking him can pay off later on, but the fact that Las Vegas has only recorded one sack through two games is cause for concern. In particular, given the investments made by the current administration in Chandler Jones, 32, who inked a three-year, $52.5 million free agent contract with $34 million guaranteed this spring to bookend Maxx Crosby, who got a four-year, $99 million extension.

Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1)

It is unquestionably a problem that the Colts did not make the required defensive changes against the Jaguars on Sunday. The offensive line’s lack of toughness, however, is even more shocking. Matt Ryan, the quarterback, is being attacked while running back Jonathan Taylor is taking hits in the backfield. For a team with the highest-paid offensive line in the NFL, this is unacceptable. Both play-action and successful running are crucial to the offence’s success, but neither is occurring at the moment.

Tennessee Titans (0-2) 

Burks was targeted by Ryan Tannehill seven times for a total of 102 yards in Weeks 1 and 2. He was targeted five times in Week 1 and six times in Week 2. Those figures must be higher. Burks was signed by Tennessee because of his strong, huge physique, which causes opponents to bounce off of him while he gains additional yards after the catch. Burks led all rookie receivers in week one in yards gained after the catch with 31. To maximize Burks’ capacity for playmaking, Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing must ensure that there are more plays that swiftly bring Burks the ball in space.

Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Get him assistance or move Brady Christensen back to the left guard spot he held for the final three games of the previous season and the start of training camp. When the Panthers made Ekwonu the starter, they were aware of his difficulties with pass protection. However, they decided it would be best to let him pick those up on the fly. When the game is on the line, as Sunday against the Giants on third-and-6, defenders sometimes run right past him, which is a problem. Due to his inconsistent play, the Panthers’ third-down efficiency ranks among the lowest in the league.

Huston Texans (0-1-1) 

Houston Texans
Credits: Texans Wire

The momentum Davis Mills started last season in the first two games has not been maintained. He has an 80-passer rating and has completed 56% of his throws. The defence has performed admirably through two games, limiting opponents to 18 points per game. However, the Texans’ offence has failed to produce more than 20 points, and Mills bears a large portion of the blame. Only 36% of his passes are being completed beyond 10 yards, and he is having trouble on third downs (8-for-19 for 41 yards) (29th in the NFL).

Atlanta Falcons (0-2)

The Falcons’ top tight end is doing a bit of everything, improving his blocking skills and becoming a constant nuisance to opposing defences, but catch production is still catching production. Therefore, trying to get the ball into his hands despite being completely covered by defenders will only make things worse for them.

 

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