Grading each NFL team at the quarter mark of the season
New England Patriots — C
The Patriots have been fine at home, but a disaster on the road. The differences are pronounced, as they handled a previously unbeaten Miami Dolphins team by 31 points. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars beat them badly, and more worryingly, the Detroit Lions looked like a significantly better team when the two met. It’s hard to determine who the real Patriots are, with the defense looking somewhat vulnerable at times. Tom Brady is still producing, though, and you’d have to think Bill Belichick is going to get this right eventually. Adding Julian Edelman to an offense that now also includes Josh Gordon could be just what they need.
New Orleans Saints — B+
The Saints got a big road win at Atlanta, which puts them in an excellent position going forward in the NFC South. The defense, on which they largely built their successful season a year ago, has not been able to match those lofty standards. The offense, led by Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas, has been good enough that they’ve generally been able to cover for the defensive shortcomings. Upcoming games at Baltimore and Minnesota before the end of the month should give us a good idea of where they’re at.
New York Giants — D
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Giants made a rather grave miscalculation in sticking with Eli Manning during the offseason. The defense has been alright they’ve generally been close in their losses, and Saquon Barkley looks like a future star. Manning, though, is not getting the job done, and they just look like a team bereft of talent, which shouldn’t be the case with Barkley, Odell Beckham, and Sterling Shepard on the field for the offense.
New York Jets — D
That blowout win against the Detroit Lions in the season opener looks more and more like a fluke with each passing week. The Jets have struggled mightily since then, with quarterback Sam Darnold looking every bit like the inconsistent rookie that he is. The defense has held up alright, but the reality is the Jets are a good ways away from contending. This was always going to be a rebuilding year, but they perhaps have failed to show the steps forward they’d have liked to.
Oakland Raiders — F
Let’s be blunt. For all the chatter, the Raiders should be 0-4. They would be 0-4 had the referees gotten a call right at the end of regulation in their win over the Cleveland Browns. The Jon Gruden hire has failed to do much for the organization. If anything, it drove Khalil Mack out of the organization and created something of a power conflict in the higher levels of the franchise. They’ve consistently blown fourth quarter leads and probably should have done it again on Sunday. There are a whole lot of problems here that don’t look particularly close to being fixed.
Philadelphia Eagles — C
The win over the Atlanta Falcons looks like a nice one, but they’ve lost both of their road games this year, albeit by less than a score each time. Carson Wentz is back under center and playing pretty well, though the Eagles need to do a better job protecting him after he was sacked four times by the Tennessee Titans. The defense that was so good last season has had its moments of inconsistency. In all, the Eagles don’t look to be in bad shape, but the secondary needs to tighten up and they need to play better on the road. If they can do those things, they should be alright.
Pittsburgh Steelers — D
Well, they’re not winless. That’s about the best thing you can say about Pittsburgh’s season to this point. They have just one win and have already lost to the Kansas City Chiefs and the rival Baltimore Ravens. Their defense, typically strong, has given up 29 points per game in 2018. In addition to their on-field struggles, they’ve been described as a “circus” off the field and Le’Veon Bell’s contract dispute has overshadowed nearly everything else. It’s been a real mess for them so far.
San Francisco 49ers — F
Many of the things that have gone wrong for the 49ers aren’t really their fault. Jerick McKinnon’s preseason ACL tear was, unfortunately, a sign of things to come, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffering the same injury in Week 3. They played hard against the Chargers, but this season is increasingly looking lost to them after a host of high preseason expectations. They’re 1-3 and it doesn’t look like things are going to turn around soon.
Seattle Seahawks — C+
The Seahawks have seen off the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals while losing close ones at the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears. It’s been a middling season, with Russell Wilson performing well but not quite as much talent around him as he used to have. Earl Thomas’ season-ending leg injury is certain to have a negative impact on the defense. They’re still in the midst of the NFC West, and while they’re unlikely to catch the Rams, they could still be a factor.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C+
Given how bad they were last year, a 2-2 record should be encouraging for Tampa Bay. They were, in fact, 2-0 with wins over the Saints and Eagles, a pair of playoff teams. Reality then set in quickly. The Steelers went right through them, and the Bears thoroughly embarrassed them. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s emergence was a fun, but short-lived storyline, and now attention turns to Jameis Winston to salvage a once-promising season that looks to be teetering at the moment.
Tennessee Titans — A
The Titans boast impressive wins over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles, and while they haven’t exactly dominated, wins are wins. Marcus Mariota is still seeking injury-free consistency, but he made some key throws against the Eagles. They’re 3-1 and clearly a factor in the AFC South, but much will depend on whether Mariota can stay on the field and perform up to expectations. For now, the signs are encouraging.
Washington Redskins — A-
It’s been a good start for the Redskins, who have already gone through their bye week in Week 4. A win over the Cardinals was expected, but the victory over the Green Bay Packers was much more impressive. Adrian Peterson has, perhaps surprisingly, looked like a starting-caliber NFL running back again, and the running game has paced them in their two victories. Alex Smith, as ever, looks a capable game manager. Whether Washington can hold up against better opponents remains to be seen, but they have to be pleased with their start.
