Ranking the darkest futures of NFL teams with losing records

Simply as there are contenders and pretenders amongst successful groups, there are completely different levels of losers within the NFL, as there are a number of sub-.500 groups whose futures seem brighter than others. 

Listed below are 4 groups with dropping data who face probably the most tough futures.

4. Los Angeles Rams (3-6)

Now that they are slated to make their first first-round draft decide since 2016 and have begun releasing up future cap house, the Rams are in higher form than they have been in years. But, with at the least two extra seasons dedicated to getting older, injury-prone QB Matthew Stafford and enjoying within the difficult NFC West, the Rams will nonetheless really feel the ramifications of the “F them picks” method for fairly a while.

Stafford confirmed indicators of decline final season earlier than he was shut down with a neck damage, averaging 231.9 passing yards per sport, a major drop from his 2021 mark of 287.4. He is rebounded a bit this season, but it surely’s simpler to take action while you throw the sixth-most go makes an attempt per sport (37.2). Stafford has confirmed he wants expertise round him to ensure that his staff to succeed, and with the Rams’ short-term outlook, it would not appear that he’ll be able to main them to the playoffs anytime quickly. 

Finally, the shortage of success is the worth Los Angeles paid for its Tremendous Bowl LVI win. For now, the group can stay with the end result, however the honeymoon section is fading quick as darker days are seemingly forward, particularly if HC Sean McVay lastly decides to transition to a tv profession.

3. New England Patriots (2-8)

All-time low will get just a little nearer every week for the Patriots. Though it is simple that Mac Jones is not the reply at quarterback, the staff is at a crossroads concerning Invoice Belichick and whether or not it is time to transfer on from the six-time Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach. 

It is unimaginable to miss Belichick’s 82-98 report with out quarterback Tom Brady, although parting methods with the 71-year-old appears unrealistic given all he is accomplished for the franchise. To not point out, Belichick is 17 wins away from breaking Don Shula’s all-time wins report, and what are the probabilities proprietor Robert Kraft lets one other staff have fun that milestone? It is for that reason that New England is in such a bind, as it might in all probability profit from a change, although is firing the best coach in historical past actually the most effective plan of action?

No matter how Belichick’s scenario unfolds, New England’s highest precedence this offseason ought to be revamping its offense, which is averaging the second-fewest factors per sport (14.1). Nonetheless, the change should start at quarterback, and touchdown a franchise-changing expertise on the place could also be difficult if the present 2024 NFL Draft order holds true, because the Patriots would choose third overall. They’ve already wasted three seasons with the mistaken quarterback, and the Patriots might discover themselves in an identical predicament in the event that they draft one other unhealthy prospect. 

2. Inexperienced Bay Packers (3-6)

Inexperienced Bay is within the midst of a crucial transition interval, and whereas it is unfair to carry Jordan Like to the identical Corridor of Fame requirements as his predecessors, his inconsistent play casts doubt that he is “the man.” The 2020 first-rounder nonetheless has one other season left on his contract to show he ought to be the long-term signal-caller, but he is not precisely arrange for fulfillment.

The Packers offense lacks high quality pass-catchers in addition to a dependable operating sport, and the offensive line’s incapability to remain wholesome continues to trigger points. As well as, HC Matt LaFleur’s play-calling has repeatedly drawn criticism, and he hasn’t completed sufficient in his profession to be trusted with main the staff by means of a rebuilding course of. 

If Love is not the Packers’ quarterback of the long run, there’s an actual likelihood Inexperienced Bay may end in final place within the NFC North repeatedly beginning in 2024. The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings seem poised to battle for division titles for the foreseeable future, whereas the Chicago Bears are in a robust place to rebuild swiftly and successfully. 

1. Carolina Panthers (1-8)

After hiring Frank Reich as head coach and aggressively buying and selling up for the primary general decide within the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina hoped it might emerge from mediocrity, however the early returns have been disastrous. The Panthers traded a package deal together with a number of first-round picks and wideout D.J. Moore to pick former Alabama quarterback Bryce Younger. Whereas Younger is barely eight video games into his profession, it is turning into clear that Carolina ought to’ve drafted present Texan C.J. Stroud, who has performed brilliantly on his strategy to getting into into the MVP dialog.

Whiffing on a quarterback prospect can set a franchise again a number of years. Paying up to take action, together with sacrificing a first-round decide throughout a season in which you will be the worst staff within the league, solely will increase the probability that the staff will wrestle. It appeared obvious early on that Carolina had issues, so GM Scott Fitterer’s determination to as soon as once more decline commerce gives for two-time Professional Bowl pass-rusher Brian Burns looks like a missed alternative to recoup some property.

Even so, hanging on to Burns simply to re-sign him so he can accumulate sacks in meaningless video games can be removed from Fitterer’s most questionable transfer throughout his tenure. Nonetheless, Carolina should do all the things it will probably to develop Younger correctly in an effort to flip its fortunes round, and and not using a first-round decide, it might want to herald higher pass-catchers by means of free company to perform this. Sadly, primarily based on final offseason’s signings, it would not appear as if that’ll be the case.