Chances for Jets, Dolphins, Saints, Texans, Titans and Giants to make playoffs after 0-3 start
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The start of the NFL season is always an exciting time for fans and players alike. It’s a fresh start, a chance for every team to prove themselves and make a run at the coveted Lombardi Trophy. But for six unlucky teams in the 2021 season, the start of the season has been anything but promising. The New York Jets, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans have all stumbled out of the gate, starting the season with an 0-3 record.
For most teams, an 0-3 start would be cause for panic. After all, history has shown that teams that start the season 0-3 rarely make the playoffs. In fact, since the NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule in 1978, only three teams have started the season 0-3 and gone on to make the playoffs. But despite the odds being stacked against them, these six teams are not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
The New York Jets, led by rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, have faced stiff competition in their first three games, losing to the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos. The New York Giants, on the other hand, have struggled on both sides of the ball, losing to the Washington Football Team, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons. The New Orleans Saints, who have been without star quarterback Drew Brees for the first time in over a decade, have also had a rough start to the season, losing to the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots.
The Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans have all faced their own challenges as well. The Dolphins have been plagued by injuries, losing key players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver DeVante Parker. The Titans, who made a deep playoff run last season, have struggled to find their footing this year, losing to the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Indianapolis Colts. And the Texans, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, have yet to find their identity on the field, losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers.
But despite their rocky starts, these teams are not ready to give up hope just yet. History has shown that it is possible for teams to turn things around after an 0-3 start and make a playoff push. In fact, the 1992 San Diego Chargers, the 1995 Detroit Lions, and the 1998 Buffalo Bills all started the season 0-3 and went on to make the playoffs.
The 1992 San Diego Chargers, led by quarterback Stan Humphries and running back Marion Butts, started the season 0-4 before turning things around and finishing the season with an 11-5 record. They went on to win their division and make a run to the AFC Championship game, where they ultimately fell to the Buffalo Bills.
The 1995 Detroit Lions, led by quarterback Scott Mitchell and running back Barry Sanders, started the season 0-3 before winning seven of their next eight games. They finished the season with a 10-6 record and made the playoffs as a wild card team. They went on to defeat the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round before falling to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round.
And the 1998 Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Doug Flutie and running back Thurman Thomas, started the season 0-3 before winning 10 of their next 13 games. They finished the season with a 10-6 record and made the playoffs as a wild card team. They went on to defeat the Miami Dolphins in the wild card round before falling to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round.
These teams serve as a reminder that anything is possible in the NFL, even after a rough start to the season. While the odds may be against them, the New York Jets, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Houston Texans are not ready to give up just yet. They know that there is still plenty of football left to be played, and they are determined to turn things around and make a playoff push.
So as the season continues to unfold, keep an eye on these six teams. They may have stumbled out of the gate, but they are not ready to be counted out just yet. After all, as history has shown, anything is possible in the NFL. And who knows, maybe one of these teams will defy the odds and make a playoff run for the ages. Only time will tell.
Source: Sporting News
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