NFL News: The Most Surprising Worst Starts of 2024

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There are several teams that no one could’ve expected to get off to slow starts in 2024. The biggest surprise is the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1-4. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2023, the Jaguars signed several juggernauts on defense. This was an area of need. The Jaguars instead faced a similar problem that many other NFL teams faced from the beginning of the season, the dreaded lengthy injury report.

The Jaguars should be on par with the Houston Texans for the top spot in the division. Yet, injuries and inconsistency haunt the team like Friday the 13th.

Part of the issue for the offense is not having Tight End Evan Engram play. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence said, “If he can go, obviously he’s a huge part of our offense”.

The Jaguars signed Safety Darnell Savage, Defensive Lineman Arik Armstead, and Cornerback Ronald Darby in the off-season

Another team off to a surprising slow start is the Cleveland Browns, also 1-4. This team was a top-ten defense in the NFL last year and was expected to be one of the league’s juggernauts on a mission to make a deep playoff run. Injuries seem to be an annual problem for the Browns and this season is no exception. This team thrived despite not having the biggest offensive threat, running back Nick Chubb. He hasn’t played a single game this year and that’s hurting the Browns offense. Chubb’s injury combined with DeShaun Watson’s inability to consistently pass with effectiveness is making life miserable for the team and the fans.

Part of the issue is not having starting offensive tackles, Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin. Watson is continuously under duress in the pocket. Opposing defenses are simply taking advantage of the Browns in disarray.

Then we have the San Francisco 49ers at 2-3 before the Thursday Night Game. It’s obvious that this team misses having Christian McCaffrey in the lineup. San Francisco desperately needs a win against the Seattle Seahawks. McCaffrey is not expected to play.

The Miami Dolphins are also 2-3 but after losing Tua Tagovailoa, this team is struggling to win. Even with Receivers Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle, this team needs Tagovailoa back as soon as possible to start winning again. He missed several games due to a concussion after a hit by Bills Safety Damar Hamlin in week two of the season.

Which is the most surprising slow start of the 2024 NFL season? It’s hard to go with any other team but the Jaguars. What are your thoughts?