Five NFL teams are winless, which also happens to be the same number of teams with a perfect record as we approach the quarter pole of the season.
Some of the 3-0 clubs will no doubt stumble, even if only for a brief stretch. Some could flat-out collapse. As an executive for one of the five unbeatens reminded me earlier in the week, "13 games is a lonnng way to go."
For now, though, all are at least positioned to have a legitimate hope of reaching the postseason. At least one, the New England Patriots, looks downright unbeatable. Members of 1972 Miami Dolphins, the NFL's only team to achieve perfection, are certainly watching and waiting to see if, or perhaps when, they'll be able to pop the champagne corks to again celebrate their exclusivity.
But at this point, the more compelling question is this: Of the 0-3s, which has the best chance of reversing its fortunes? As bad as these teams have played, the answer could very well be none.
Nevertheless, I have taken a look at all five and ranked them in order of those with the best to worst chances of rising from the ashes:
1. St. Louis Rams
This is why they might do it: The team's biggest problem is mounting injuries on offense. Running back Steven Jackson, who had his first 100-yard game of the season in Week 3, will sit out at least the Week 4 game vs. Dallas with a partially torn groin muscle. Rookie Brian Leonard will take his place, and is capable of doing a solid job. Jackson isn't expected to be out for very long, which is a plus. Quarterback Marc Bulger has been playing with two broken ribs, which could heal if he is able to rest for a while and Gus Frerotte is able to at least be a solid replacement.
This is why they might not: The offensive line is too banged-up to ever allow the passing or running games to click consistently. The defense ranks seventh overall and third against the pass in the NFL, but is near the bottom of the league against the run.
2. Miami Dolphins
This is why they might do it: The Dolphins had their most promising offensive performance of the season in their 31-28 loss against the New York Jets. Running back Ronnie Brown had 211 total yards and three scores. Trent Green threw for 318 yards and a touchdown, and did a better job of differentiating between the jerseys of his own receivers and those of the opposition. Of course, we are talking about the Jets, who are 1-2 and rank near the bottom of the NFL in total defense. But it was a start. The Dolphins have the league's seventh-ranked passing game.
This is why they might not: Their defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL against the run. Middle linebacker Zach Thomas is awaiting medical clearance to return from a concussion, but the team needs to find other answers to improve defensively. The Dolphins' kickoff coverage is terrible. And has Green truly turned his game around … or was it just a case of facing the right opponent?
3. Atlanta Falcons
This is why they might do it: Quarterback Joey Harrington, who was thrust into the starting job in the wake of Michael Vick's mounting legal problems, followed two poor showings with a monster Week 3 performance against Carolina (361 yards and two touchdowns). Roddy White finally looks as if he might be elevating his game; he caught seven passes for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers. And if things don't work out with Harrington, the Falcons always could turn to Byron Leftwich, who could provide a significant upgrade.
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This is why they might not: The Falcons are a mistake-prone team. Their defensive line is capable of being routinely overpowered. And their offensive line is not playing well, especially when it comes to run-blocking.
4. Buffalo Bills
This is why they might do it: Rookie running back Marshawn Lynch is tremendously talented. He is capable of carrying a larger portion of the offensive load. Rookie quarterback Trent Edwards took over for injured J.P. Losman in the Week 3 blowout loss to New England, and his inexperience was a problem against the league's best and most complex defense. However, Edwards did have a couple of promising series, and with a full week to prepare as a starter, he could have better results in Week 4 against the Jets' struggling defense. Edwards is highly intelligent and seems to make better decisions and throw with better accuracy than Losman, who could be out for at least two weeks. The Bills continue to excel in special teams. And, although their defense has been rocked by injuries, their front four remains intact. End Aaron Schobel, who tends to start slow and finish strong, could be ready to respond to mounting heat to deliver on his new, $50-million contract extension.
This is why they might not: The defense simply doesn't have enough healthy starters or backups. The knockout blow likely came against the Patriots, when rookie middle linebacker Paul Posluszny suffered a season-ending broken arm. Edwards is mature beyond his years, but he still faces a fairly steep learning curve. Offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild needs to do a much better job of scheming.
5. New Orleans Saints
This is why they might do it: How could the NFL's top offense and top passing game in 2006 look so inept one year later? It's hard to believe that Drew Brees has forgotten how to play at the level he did last season, when he had the best year of any passer in Saints history. The season-ending knee injury to running back Deuce McAllister is a huge blow, but Sean Payton is a smart enough coach to figure out ways to overcome his loss and get more production from Reggie Bush and others.
This is why they might not: Their offensive line is a severe handicap and probably won't allow the passing or running games to make the major improvement necessary to pull the team out of its funk. Last year, the Saints were consummate overachievers, driven mostly by the sheer emotion of their community's post-Katrina recovery. This year, they have been exposed for being a team with many shortcomings. And there is no reason to think that Bush, an outside runner with excellent receiving skills, can make up for the absence of the powerful McAllister.
