For all but the winless, it’s too early to declare full-scale panic. For all but the unbeaten, it’s too soon to assume the sky won’t fall.
All 32 NFL teams have passed the quarter pole. Many, depending on how the bye weeks fall, are a game past it.
All can wonder what their worlds will look like when the next quarter pole is reached.
Here is one view of selected teams for which that next destination could look radically different than today.
Better days ahead
n Seahawks (1-3) — Mike Holmgren’s five straight playoff seasons tell you all you need to know about his ability to right a ship. Matt Hasselbeck, 33, didn’t lose it overnight. Next four: Packers, at Buccaneers, at 49ers, Eagles.
n Eagles (2-3) — They won’t be relaxing anytime soon after blowing a 14-0 lead against Washington. Despite their losing record, the Eagles have outscored the other guys 127-97. Next four: At 49ers, Falcons, at Seahawks, Giants.
n Vikings (2-3) — Brad Childress found a way off the hot seat last year, following a 2-5 start with a 6-1 run. He still doesn’t have a quarterback. He still has that running back. Next four: Lions, at Bears, Texans, Packers.
n Raiders (1-3) — When the light comes on for JaMarcus Russell, Big Al can coach the team via video conference, and opponents will still have to worry. Next four: At Saints, Jets, at Ravens, Falcons.
Watch for a fall
n Titans (5-0) — One can get away with Vince Young’s disappointments and Kerry Collins’ mediocrity when one’s opponents are a combined 5-17. Soon enough, Jeff Fisher will be swimming into the sharks. Next four: At Chiefs, Colts, Packers, at Bears.
n Cowboys (4-1) — At some point, T.O. figures to implode, and at this point, indications are the Adam Jones experiment already has. Next four: At Cardinals, at Rams, Buccaneers, at Giants.
n Steelers (4-1) — Winning at Jacksonville was impressive, but Ben Roethlisberger will be toast by Turkey Day if he keeps getting the stuffing knocked out of him. The schedule is ominous. Next four: At Bengals, Giants, at Redskins, Chargers.
n Bills (4-1) — We like the direction Dick Jauron has them going. It’s just that we aren’t sold on either of his quarterbacks. After a 41-17 loss at Arizona, we wonder about the defensive depth, too. Next four: Chargers, at Dolphins, Jets, at Patriots.
More of the same
n Patriots (3-1) — Matt Cassel’s 259-yard game in a 30-21 win at San Francisco at least made you wonder: Was USC starting the wrong guy? Only a congressman playing with funny money would bet that Bill Belichick won’t keep making the right moves. Next four: At Chargers, Broncos, Rams, at Colts.
n Redskins (4-1) — When it comes to hiring ex-quarterbacks as head coaches, Dan Snyder has been from ‘A’ to ‘Z’ with Steve Spurrier and Jim Zorn. Back-to-back wins at Dallas and Philadelphia make you wonder why Zorn never had an NFL head coaching job until age 54. Next four: Rams, Browns, at Lions, Steelers.
n Giants (4-0) — Anybody care to argue why Tom Coughlin isn’t a Hall of Fame coach? Presumably, his 44-6 spanking of Holmgren’s Seahawks won’t be a “point against.” Next four: At Browns, 49ers, t Steelers, Cowboys.
n Browns (1-3) — Trying to find a vibe against strong teams already in a groove is the hard way to restore great expectations. Grooming Brady Quinn looms as the season’s mission. Next four: Giants, at Redskins, at Jaguars, Ravens.
n Lions (0-4) — Poor, poor kitties. In a historical context, the Lions perform the same function as the Washington Generals. Next four: At Vikings, at Texans, Redskins, at Bears.
n Texans (0-5) — Mamas, don’t let your children grow up to be expansion cowboys. Next four: Dolphins, Lions, at Vikings, Bengals.
Doerschuk is the Browns beat writer for the Canton Repository. Reach him at steve.doerschuk@cantonrep.com.
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STEVE DOERSCHUK
Discussion
Steve Doerschuk, on the NFL: Taking stock at the quarter pole
AFC North squads facing very difficult sledding rest of way
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