Is it fair to issue a final judgment on something before it’s finished? Would you judge a painting before the painter is done? Will you judge this article before you finish reading the introduction? Of course not (especially concerning the article!), because writing and art are subjective, and we wait for a finished product before offering an evaluation. But football? That’s a different story. We don’t need to wait for the season to be over to see what’s going on. We don’t even HAVE to wait until the midpoint to see what is happening around the league. Some things, such as MVP candidates, legitimate contenders, and of course, the ultimate failures.
Although we are not yet at the halfway point in the 2023 season, let’s take a look at 10 teams that can already start planning their offseason vacations.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina is winless to start 2023. Their season is done, but this was not an unexpected outcome. The Panthers are coming out of an offseason in which they had the #1 overall draft pick. They are clearly in rebuilding mode. For them, this season is about developing young players, such as future team centrepiece and quarterback, Bryce Young. If things really go in the right direction for Carolina, with a few more losses, they may get the #1 pick in next year’s draft too. Back to back #1 draft picks just might keep the Panthers off of this list next year.
New York Giants
What is there to say about the Giants? Last season they were a playoff team and things were looking up. This season they look like they’re in contention for the #1 draft pick. Things have just fallen apart and it looks like it might be time for a complete rebuild in New York. “The Jints” need to focus on the future: trade the few remaining assets you have and fire the coach. It’s clear that Brian Daboll is losing the locker room and does not have the ability to right the sinking ship. Perhaps with one of the top draft picks next year, the Giants can draft, or trade for, the next future superstar in the “Big Apple”.
New England Patriots
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
It looks like the shine has finally worn off in New England. The post-Tom Brady Era has not been kind to Coach Belichick and the Patriots. In the 3 seasons prior to 2023, the Pats have a pedestrian 25-25 won-loss record. Quarterback Mac Jones looks like he is regressing in front of our eyes and no longer seems like a potential franchise player. From a quarterback controversy to questions about coaching decisions and the makeup of the coaching staff, the team seems in complete disarray. Owner Bob Kraft needs to decide which direction the franchise is heading and work on for the future, because this season is over.
Denver Broncos
The problems in Denver are a mile high. Last year, Russell Wilson was brought in to help steer the Broncos back to contention. Last year was a disaster; a 5-12 record and a head coach that didn’t even make it through his 1st season. This season Sean Payton was brought in as the new Head Coach and things have been an absolute disaster. The Broncos look lost on offense, on defense, and on the sidelines. Among many other issues, the Payton-Wilson coupling looks like it’s heading for a much needed divorce. Denver is behind every team in the AFC playoff race, it’s time to throw in the towel on this season.
Arizona Cardinals
There’s been a title drought in the desert ever since the Cardinals moved there in 1988, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be raining there any time soon. After struggling for several years the Cards took a huge leap in 2021, finishing 11-6 and making the playoffs under emerging star Kyler Murray. Since then, things have reverted back to “normal” in Arizona. This year has been a disaster since the opening kickoff, Murray has not taken a snap yet, and the team looks like it needs an overhaul. Murray should take time to recover fully from his injury, and he, and the team, should focus on next year.
Chicago Bears
Everyone sing with me: “The wheels on the Bears are falling off. Falling off. Falling off. The wheels on the Bears are…” You get the idea. Things are falling apart in the “Windy City”. Years of barely being mediocre looked to be improving with the emergence of Justin Fields. Behind his two-way skills, it looked like he might be the one to lead “Da Bears” back to respectability. Sadly, we may have misjudged things. Based on what we have seen, with or without Fields, Chicago needs help. They just don’t have the pieces to compete for a playoff spot. It’s time for the Bears to punt on this season and focus on surrounding Fields with the right complementary pieces.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are the ultimate also-rans. They’ll hover around .500 and contend for a Wild Card spot, and then have a season where they are division winners, but just can’t seem to put everything together to win a Super Bowl (or even make one). With a very good starting QB, Kirk Cousins, one of the top WRs, and several other pieces in place, the Vikings should be better than they are. But they’re not. This season has shown us that age and injuries catch up to everyone, including several Minnesota players. This year cannot be saved. Time of death: 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans
Not all is well in Tennessee. The Titans were on the verge of Super Bowl contention a few short years ago but have taken a huge step backwards this season. Whether or not it’s a blip on the radar or the start of an eventual decline, starting QB Ryan Tannehill looks off this season. Star RB Derrick Henry has started to show the wear and tear experienced by a 29 year old running back. This season has shown the cracks in the Titans foundation. The front office needs to realize that this year is over with, and it’s time to focus on how to avoid a full rebuild.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay is caught between the proverbial rock and hard place. In this case, the rock is rebuilding and the hard place is contending. The departure of Aaron Rodgers put the Packers in this position. As long as Rodgers was around, they were always going to try to compete. When he left, the team still had veteran players throughout the roster, only with a younger, unproven, former top 10 draft pick as quarterback. The Packers need to decide if they are the rock or the hard place. If they take an objective look at the team this season, the front office will see that they are more “rock”.
Atlanta Falcons
Why is Atlanta here? At the time of this writing, they are the only team on our list whose record is at, or above, a .500 winning percentage. They are also one of two NFC teams over .500 with more points scored against them than scored for them. Yet the Falcons are actually in a good place. They have young talent at quarterback, running back, and several other key positions. The future is bright in Atlanta, but the future’s not now. Develop your young talent, continue building your team through the draft and smart moves. The Falcons year is coming, but it’s not this year.
