NFL Hot and Cold Teams
Now that the 2020 NFL season is in full stride, everything about this offseason—the trades and draft picks, the coaching changes, the protocols put in place to help teams weather outbreak—is finally in front of audiences. Let’s look at which teams have been able to take advantage of the weirdest year on record for professional football and which teams are struggling with the oddities of this season.
Houston Texans
I am simply speechless here with this team, which last year had one of the best offenses in the league and a defense that could lock down most superpower teams. This year they look like a completely different organization—starting 0-4 before getting their first win after firing their head coach/GM Bill O’Brien. I personally believe that the downfall started once Deandre Hopkins was traded, to which you can only really ask: why? Just why? Deshaun Watson does not look like himself this year, and the aging defense has struggled all year long. How can a team which almost beat the Chiefs last season now be almost winless? Unbelievable.
Atlanta Falcons
Like the Texans, the Falcons have started off this season on ice. Their main issue, though, is that they simply cannot finish games: they might get off to a hot start, but no matter how big a lead they build, they always manage to cool off with enough time for their opponents to catch up. After the first few games of the season, Dan Quinn already had to be on his best behavior, since it’s his playcalling that’s being blamed for the failure to protect leads. How can a team lose when they are up 39-24 with 5:35 left against the Cowboys? Coaching. Bad coaching. With the amount of talent on this roster, they should not be a 0-4 team. I think it is time for a new head coach. [Ed. Note—Art Blank agreed!]
New York Giants
For my final cold team, we’re bringing it back to the Northeast and the Giants. I mean, most fans were not very surprised by them starting 0-4, but I was. With a second-year quarterback whose only problem was turnovers and a promising new first-year head coach, I thought this team had a chance to be at the top of the NFC East. Once Saquon Barkley went down, though, I knew they were over, and their offensive line did not give me much hope either. This team needs some serious offensive help in this offseason to balance their serviceable defense.
Now let’s talk about who’s started hot.
Buffalo Bills
Let’s start right at home, shall we? Josh Allen so far has looked like an MVP caliber quarterback, throwing unreal lines in game after game. Criticism of his ability with the deep ball quickly disappeared after week 2, and this man has not slowed down since. Stefon Diggs has made this team even more dangerous on offense—and they’ve retained one of the league’s best defenses. All I’m going to say is watch out for this Bills team, because they’re not going to slow down anytime soon.
Seattle Seahawks
Like Josh Allen’s Bills, the Seahawks are riding their fire-hot quarterback to the top of the standings. Russell Wilson right now is the best quarterback in the league and I don’t think he can be stopped by mortal means. His numbers have been disgustingly good in yet another promising MVP campaign. DK Metcalf also looks great as another weapon on this offense, while the Seattle defense has smothered many opposing offenses. I think that these Seahawks are a very likely Super Bowl contender this year, so watch out!
Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben is finally back! With the return of the oft-injured starting quarterback for this season, the Steelers have managed another hot start. JuJu Smith-Schuster and the rest of the young wide receiver corps have already put the fear of God into every defensive back unlucky enough to have to match up with them. As if that offensive power wasn’t enough, the Steelers boast what I consider the top defense in the entire NFL. This D-line can destroy any offense and scare any quarterback. This team deserves a big playoff run and I cannot wait to see them match up against their rivals.