3 NFL teams already looking desperate heading into Week 3

NFL Week 3, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
NFL Week 3, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Finding success at the beginning of the season is pivotal for building momentum for the long haul. Finding a win becomes harder as the season progresses. Which struggles are the most shocking so far this NFL season?

A positive start to a new campaign does wonders for franchises striving to endure a long season. Playoff expectations cause determined teams to find their focus with urgency – limiting the likeliness of making mistakes. Preparation is only half the requirement for receiving an invite to the conference playoff bracket. Unforeseen difficulties have made it hard for some teams to find footing. After two weeks of football, which franchises surprised viewers with their slow start?

NFL Week 3
NFL Week 3, Indianapolis Colts, Matt Ryan (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Winless NFL Team #3: Indianapolis Colts, Record (0-1-1)

Frank Reich and his staff need a spark, sooner rather than later. A new quarterback under center has not helped the Colts put numbers on the board – costing the team wins. Matt Ryan’s debut in Lucas Oil Stadium looked promising but was not enough to pull off a victory. His 352 yards passing and single touchdown pass earned the veteran a tie with the Houston Texans.

Offensive struggles continued to haunt Marcus Brady the following week. Indianapolis failed to produce points against the Jacksonville Jaguars – resulting in a 24-0 shutout. Ryan’s three interceptions helped the Jags put a lid on any chances of a comeback, dropping the Colts to 0-1-1.

Watching the Colts struggle this early in the season is surprising for most analysts. Jonathan Taylor’s efforts on the ground in 2021 convinced fans that he was enough to keep Indianapolis stable in the upcoming years. His 215 yards so far this season ranks third among active rushers. If the Colts plan on making a run in the playoffs this season, Ryan and the offense must find a way to become more effective on offense.