NFL's Ten Biggest Disappointments

SI Staff | Sep 26, 2007

NFL's Ten Biggest Disappointments

Star Running Backs

John W. McDonough, David E. Klutho, AP, Jamie Squire/Getty Images (clockwise from top left)

It's a bad year to be a big-time running back. Last year's MVP, LaDainian Tomlinson, has just 130 yards and is averaging 2.3 yards per carry. Larry Johnson (140 yards, 2.8 ypc), Frank Gore (175 yards, 3.4 ypc) and Steven Jackson (233 yards, 3.4 ypc) aren't doing much better.

Saints

Heinz Kluetmeier/SI

After the Saints run to the NFC Championship Game in 2006, many experts had them penciled in as Super Bowl picks. Drew Brees and Co. have started out 0-3 and have shown no signs of turning things around in the Big Easy. Now New Orleans will have to adjust to losing running back Deuce McAllister (torn ACL).

Bears Offense

AP

You hear a lot about quarterback Rex Grossman's shortcomings, but this whole unit deserves blames for their woes this season. Receiver Bernard Berrian came into the season with huge expectations and has done little except drop a possible touchdown against Dallas. And running back Cedric Benson is averaging 3.2 yards per rush and doesn't look like he can handle the primary back role.

Lee Evans, WR, Bills

AP

It's easy to blame quarterbacks J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards for Buffalo's offensive woes, but the biggest surprise on this team is how poorly Evans has played. After compiling 82 catches for 1,292 yards and eight touchdowns last season, he has just five catches for 29 yards and no TDs after three games.

Rams

AP

With Steven Jackson emerging as one of the top running backs in the league and Pro Bowler Marc Bulger at quarterback, the Rams figured to have a good shot at capturing the NFC West. But their offense has fallen apart and they didn't improve a mediocre defense in the offseason.

Bengals Defense

AP

Head coach Marvin Lewis was considered a defensive genius, so most people figured this unit had to improve at some time. Their 51-45 loss to a bad Browns team was a new low. Even if the Bengals improve this season, giving up that many points to Cleveland is unforgivable.

Matt Leinart, QB, Cardinals

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

With plenty of offensive weapons around him, Leinart was supposed to become a star this year. He's been more of a dud, and now may lose his job to veteran Kurt Warner. Leinart has completed 54 percent of his passes and has thrown two touchdowns and three picks in three lackluster outings.

Chargers Defense

John W. McDonough/SI

The Chargers' D was dominant last season, but after an impressive debut against a pathetic Bears' offense, this unit has fallen apart. They let up 38 points to the Patriots and 31 to the Packers. They weren't able to get consistent pressure on the QB in either game and haven't come up with enough big plays.

Jason Taylor, DE, Dolphins

Win McNamee/Getty Images

It may be seem unfair to single out Taylor, but he's been the face of the Dolphins' defense for years, so it makes sense for him to take blame for the whole unit. He has just 12 tackles and one sack and Miami ranks 26th in scoring defense. Taylor and the rest of the D better step it up, because the Dolphins' offense isn't going to beat anyone without help.

Alex Smith, QB, 49ers

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

The Niners quarterback was supposed to take a big jump forward in his third season, but he's thrown just one touchdown pass in three games and completed only 51.8 percent of his passes (down from 58.1 last season).