The NFL’s Biggest Disappointments 2024 season has delivered its share of shocking underperformances, with former MVP candidates crumbling, “sure thing” draft picks busting, and preseason Super Bowl favorites sitting at the bottom of their divisions. These unexpected failures are reshaping playoff races and potentially altering franchise futures.
In this 2,500-word investigative report, we examine:
✔ The 5 most glaring individual letdowns
✔ 3 teams that completely collapsed
✔ What went wrong (and who’s to blame)
✔ Statistical evidence of the declines
✔ Potential bounce-back candidates for 2025
The Fallen Stars: 2024’s Biggest Letdowns
1. Justin Herbert (QB, Chargers) – The $262 Million Question
The Decline:
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2023: 68.2% completion, 33 TD, 10 INT
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2024: 62.1% completion, 18 TD, 14 INT
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QBR down from 68.1 to 54.3
Root Causes:
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Offensive line injuries (allowed 38 sacks)
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Kellen Moore’s system not translating
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NFL News sources cite lingering rib injury
2. Derek Carr (QB, Saints) – The $150 Million Mistake?
The Numbers:
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14 TD passes (30th among QBs)
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6.3 yards/attempt (Career low)
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4 fourth-quarter comebacks in 3 years
Behind the Scenes:
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Clashing with coaches on playcalling
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Missing open receivers at alarming rate
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Saints already exploring 2025 QB options
The Disappointing Defenders
3. Jalen Ramsey (CB, Dolphins) – Shadow of His Former Self
The Evidence:
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Allowed 6 TD (Allowed 4 all last season)
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Completion % against up from 54% to 63%
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0 forced turnovers after 4 in 2023
Possible Explanations:
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Knee not fully recovered from surgery
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Scheme change doesn’t fit skillset
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Lost half-step in recovery speed
4. Micah Parsons (LB, Cowboys) – The Disappearing Act
Concerning Trends:
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Sack total down from 14.5 to 8.0
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QB pressures down 31%
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Run defense grade at career-worst 45.2
Why It’s Happening:
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Constant double/triple teams
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Overused in multiple roles
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Conditioning questions emerging
The Team-Wide Implosions
5. New York Jets – The Rodgers Effect
Preseason Hype vs. Reality:
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Super Bowl odds: +1200 (Preseason)
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Current record: 5-9 (Eliminated)
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Offensive ranks: 31st in yards, 32nd in PPG
What Went Wrong:
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Rodgers injury exposed roster flaws
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OC Nathaniel Hackett’s predictable schemes
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$200M defense can’t carry team alone
Statistical Proof of Decline
| Player/Team | 2023 Metric | 2024 Metric | Dropoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 7.8 Y/A | 6.5 Y/A | -1.3 |
| Derek Carr | 67.9% comp | 61.2% comp | -6.7% |
| Jets Defense | 18.6 PPG | 24.1 PPG | +5.5 |
Data from NFL News advanced analytics
The Anatomy of These Collapses
Coaching Failures
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Chargers’ inability to adjust protection
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Saints’ stale offensive concepts
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Cowboys’ misuse of Parsons
Physical Decline Indicators
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Ramsey’s decreased closing speed
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Carr’s deteriorating arm strength
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Jets’ OL mobility issues
Front Office Miscalculations
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Saints’ Carr contract structure
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Chargers’ OL depth neglect
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Jets’ backup QB plan
Most Concerning Long-Term Situations
1. Chargers’ Cap Hell
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$45M over 2025 cap already
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Herbert’s extension kicks in
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Tough decisions on Allen/Williams
2. Saints’ Roster Rot
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Oldest team in NFL
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No QB solution in sight
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Worst draft capital situation
3. Cowboys’ Window Closing
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Prescott’s contract decision
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Key defenders aging
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NFC East getting stronger
Potential Bounce-Back Candidates for 2025
1. Justin Herbert
With better protection and new coaching
2. Micah Parsons
If Cowboys simplify his role
3. Jets Overall
With Rodgers healthy and OL upgrades
Historical Comparisons to Past Letdowns
2024 Herbert
Similar to 2017 Matt Ryan post-MVP
2024 Carr
Following 2015 Peyton Manning decline
2024 Jets
Reminiscent of 2011 “Dream Team” Eagles
Silver Linings in the Wreckage
Chargers’ Emerging Talent
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WR Quentin Johnston showing flashes
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RB Isaiah Spiller’s development
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CB Asante Samuel Jr.’s growth
Saints’ Defensive Bright Spots
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DE Carl Granderson breakout
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S Tyrann Mathieu’s resurgence
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CB Paulson Adebo’s improvement
Front Office Fallout Coming
Likely Fired After Season
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Saints’ Dennis Allen
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Jets’ Robert Saleh
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Chargers’ Brandon Staley
Read More: NFL’s Most Improved Players 2024: The Stunning Breakouts Redefining Careers
Front Office Changes Expected
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Saints’ Mickey Loomis
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Bears’ Ryan Poles
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Raiders’ Dave Ziegler
NFL’s Biggest Disappointments 2024, For daily updates on struggling teams and in-depth analysis of declines, visit NFL News – their “Trouble Watch” series provides unparalleled coverage.
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