NFL: 5 Bad Teams That Could Make the Biggest Jump In 2021
Each and every NFL season, at least one team goes from one of the worst in the league to a complete turn around. Last year, the Miami Dolphins went from a fire sale 5 win team to double digit wins. Which of the bottom feeding teams can make a big leap in 2021?
New York Jets
The Jets were bad as bad can get. Adam Gase had just about every statistic locked in last place for the Jets. Luckily for them, the majority of their struggles can be chalked up to under-coaching talent. The Jets have some hold overs that will shine but have a similar path as the Dolphins going forward. Between adding a potential franchise quarterback in Zach Wilson and investing in key areas, the Jets can go from a 2-win team, to at least 7-8. That might not qualify as a complete turn around in most circles, but with a rookie QB it’s a good start.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Another team that won’t quite have a winning season, but between free agency and the NFL draft the Jaguars made a huge leap forward. The “it factor” in the Jaguars success comes down to Trevor Lawrence. He’s got a long way to go to make this franchise respectable, but he’s a winner none-the-less. Jacksonville may have only won one game last season but will have a very low bar. Another team that should be expected 7ish wins.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles can’t exactly be considered as a team that needs a turn around. They’re not far removed from a championship, and they weren’t even out of the division race despite finishing with only 4 wins. However, the power struggle in the organization seems gone, they’re giving the reigns full time to Jalen Hurts, and they had a pretty solid draft. The NFC East is suffering from lack of superstar talent and should be up for grabs. Philly is the team that could walk out on top.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are on a whole different spectrum of needing a turn around. While Matthew Stafford kept them interesting, they’ve spent years being bad, getting better, and being bad again. Now a new head coach, a new QB, and low expectations Detroit could surprise the rest of the NFL. New HC Dan Campbell should bring a more physical style of football to this Lions team in another soft division.
Dallas Cowboys
As much as you might hate the Cowboys, getting your franchise quarterback back makes all the difference. Dak Prescott is not only returning from injury, he was rewarded handsomely this offseason. Dallas added some key pieces on defense and could make a splash. It might not be enough to edge out Philly, but people can go back to hating the Cowboys again.
There’s plenty of teams who could be good this NFL season but there’s plenty of room to fall as well. We’re still months away but there’s already some buzz surrounding this year.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.