Another Week In Loserville

We took you on a little tour of the NFL’s Loserville last week. And now we’re back roaming the same desolate landscape made up of 0-3 teams.

Why the gloomier overtone now? Since the NFL expanded the playoff field to 12 teams in 1990, just three teams have qualified after starting 0-3. The current streak of 0-3 teams to not make it is the last 82.

That is, as we say in statistics, a lot.

It’s also an odd lot. Several of our 0-3 teams were expected to contend not only for the playoffs but the Super Bowl. The dishonor role …

Baltimore Ravens: Mounted a nice comeback against the Cincinnati Bengals, then let it slip away. That the Ravens would acquire a cornerback from the dreadful (but 1-2) Miami Dolphins explains the defensive woes. First 0-3 start in Ravens history.

Chicago Bears: Here’s a sentence you won’t see often: They have almost no chance without Jay Cutler. Their injured (hamstring) quarterback’s condition will probably be updated on Wednesday. Without him, the Bears were shut out in Seattle and have since traded pass-rusher Jared Allen to the Carolina Panthers.

Detroit Lions: They started 0-3 in 1995 and made the playoffs. Yay!

New Orleans Saints: QB Drew Brees (shoulder) missed his first start in nine years with the club. The Saints have lost their last six games at home.

The Ravens have a short week, playing on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers without QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee). They may catch the bus out of Loserville.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .