By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Tue Nov 18 2008 at 3:00 PM EST 
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Titans, Giants, Kurt Warner (all tags)
Another week is in the books, and outside of the Titans and Giants, we're still unsure of how this season will play out.
Most analysts are positive we'll be seeing the Titans and Giants square off in the final game of the season, and maybe I'm just seeing things differently, but I'm not completely sold on either team.
The Jets win over New England proves their relevancy, and a win over Tennessee would definitely garner some more national attention. And how about the Giants? Well, with two 6-4 teams in their division, as well as the Buccaneers and Panthers in their conference, they aren't as safe as a lock as we once thought.
Ok, so where do we go from here?
I think the winner of the NFC North might do some damage in the post-season, but who that will be might not be decided until the final week of the season (the same could be said for the AFC East, as well).
But the most important thing to look at this season is the teams (other than Tennessee) that have come out of nowhere to request to be listed among the contenders.
Yes, whether we like it or not, we may have to start realizing the potential of the Cardinals and Dolphins, and possibly even the Falcons.
One thing is for sure, even after 11 weeks, we still have no idea how this will unfold. That is, unless you're Merril Hoge, who is still backing the Steelers (and always will), or unless you're Mike Ditka, who still believes it's 1985 and the Bears will realize how good they really are.
But it's too early for predictions, folks. So, for now, here's where the teams stand. You'll have to wait a few more weeks before I unleash my post-season predictions. But judging by the way the season has gone, I'm sure I will fall short.
(5 comments, 2200 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Thu Nov 13 2008 at 1:33 AM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo (all tags)
It's a weird feeling. We knew we'd be here, but we were positive we'd never get here.
On one side, you have Brett Favre and his Jets going up against the Patriots for first place. The new guy with his new girlfriend, and he's already gearing up for marriage? Nah.
Forget about the Jets winning the game, the playoffs, the Super Bowl, whether or not Favre comes back next season. No, none of that matters.
The main thing is what this off-season led up to. Was Ted Thompson right?
Well, Aaron Rodgers has performed well, but a closer look at the games and his stats show that while he hasn't really been winning games, he hasn't exactly been losing them, either.
So, while everyone watches the Jets and Patriots on Thursday night, in the back of their minds, whether they like it or not, they're continuing to watch the beautiful play that is Favre vs Rodgers.
If you ask me, it's just a guy playing on a new team, and if they win their next game, they just might be a shoe-in for the Super Bowl.
The way this season has gone, though, there are no guarantees. Unless you count the Lions losing every week. That's almost a lock. But no, for almost every other team and player in the league, you can't assume anything. You just have to keep watching...
(4 comments, 2063 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Tue Nov 04 2008 at 8:35 PM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Titans, Giants, Steelers (all tags)
Finally, we're seeing some consistency in the NFL.
In the bottom five this week, all the teams have issues at the quarterback position, which is a perfect reason why their offenses are so ineffective.
In the top half, most of the teams have solid defenses, and know how to pound the ball at the end of games, and most importantly, know how to win.
The real question is, which team is best, and which team is worst?
While a lot of people would like to get technical and crunch the numbers, or read into the rest of each team's schedule, I prefer to point out the obvious, and run with it.
The Titans and Lions are mirror images of each other. The Titans have stability at the quarterback position, can run the ball effectively, and can stop anyone when they have to.
The Lions, not so much.
After that, we've got the Steelers and Giants, who are the only other truly dominant teams. Everyone else is stuck together, as we await another week that hopefully provides answers.
Still not convinced your team is finished, or if the Colts or Patriots can get back to the top ten? Read on to see where your team rests.
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By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Thu Oct 30 2008 at 1:25 AM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Peyton Manning, Reggie Bush (all tags)
The three teams I'm most interested in?
No, not the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the undefeated Tennessee Titans.
Try the sloppy Cleveland Browns, the surging Houston Texans, and the surprising Miami Dolphins.
All three of these teams are still below .500, are inconsistent as can be, and quite possibly could be out of the playoff picture completely in three weeks.
However, their recent re-emergence into playoff relevance has me giddy with all the possibilities they bring to the table.
1. A quarterback controversy, combined with a coach on the hot seat, heading into a potential divisional opponent playoff match-up. If you haven't guessed, that would be the Cleveland Browns.
2. How about the Wildcat toting, trick-play dealing, Ted Ginn running Miami Dolphins? Come on, who out there wouldn't want to see Ricky Williams win a championship and take a drag while holding the Lombardi trophy? Yeah, me neither. But I feel for Chad Pennington.
3. Lastly, the Texans are so hot, I'm getting blisters, and I live in Wisconsin. The Schaub to Johnson connection is better than high-speed internet (sorry, roadrunner), and I simply cannot get enough of it. Oh, and Owen Daniels is becoming an elite tight end.
At the very worst, these three average teams have helped make this season fun to watch. And because of these three teams, I can't wait to see what else 2008 has in store for us. But there's 29 more teams to keep track of, whether we like it or not, so take a look:
(1 comment, 2084 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Wed Oct 22 2008 at 1:19 PM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans (all tags)
So much for bringing sexy back. Their cool "Wildcat" offense is no longer surprising or effective, and the Dolphins are back to being the Dolphins again. So, what does this mean for the league?
Well, first of all, it means literally any team can beat any other team. The Chargers, Patriots, Dolphins, and Browns are all you need to look at to believe it. They've all beaten and lost to opponents they probably shouldn't have, and I've got news for you. It's not ending here.
With the St. Louis Rams winning their second straight game over a solid opponent, they become the new Miami Dolphins, and they place themselves back in playoff contention. For now.
The only constant we can rely on in today's NFL is the Tennessee Titans haven't lost yet, and that uncertainty is the name of the game. If you're still in love with the days when Brett Favre was always wearing green and gold, no matter the injury or the weather, then you better start forgetting. It's time to adapt.
Even when considering Tennessee, it's time to realize there's no sure thing in this league. As discombobulated as the Colts seem to be, they're sure to give the Titans a tough game next Monday. And the week after that the former Oilers get the surging Packers. Can they really make it to 8-0?
In today's league, it's anyone's guess. And as I've said all season: Stop guessing, and start watching. This isn't a tarot card totin' man's land. This is for football fans. Leave your bets in Vegas, because baby, you're gonna lose.
(2333 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Wed Sep 24 2008 at 3:02 AM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Peyton Manning, Tony Romo, Brett Favre, Colts, Cowboys, Packers, Chargers (all tags)
Forget about Ronnie Brown and his fantasy day from heaven. Where the heck did all those plays come from? The Miami Dolphins pulled plays out of a college spread offense, and brought some life to their attack in a complete dismantling of the New England defense. If nothing else was accomplished in week three, Miami, at the very worst, exposed the Patriots as a very beatable team.
What else do we know about the AFC East that we're either not quite ready for or don't want to admit to? First, Brett Favre and the Jets are not on the same page, and it's becoming a real possibility that they never will be. Second, the Buffalo Bills need to be taken into serious consideration as a division title contender. Lastly, not a whole lot separates the Patriots from the other teams in their division. The last two weeks have shown that.
Look at the other side of the league, and you find the NFC East with the most disgusting display of talent and good coaching you might ever find compiled in one division. But that's where I stop myself and say: "It's only week three, man".
While the Redskins' offense has come to life, it doesn't have the power to stay above water against the other three strong teams in the division. We could seriously be looking at three playoff teams out of this division. Believe that.
But enough of me wasting your time with thoughts and predictions in paragraph form. Here are your top 32 teams (guess who's 32), and a very good reason why they're there, or where you can expect them to be headed. SPOILER: The Miami Dolphins have not jumped 10 spots. Enjoy.
(5 comments, 2448 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Tue Sep 09 2008 at 4:38 AM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, NFL, Brett Favre, Tony, Romo, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Dallas Cowboys (all tags)
One huge injury, and the entire NFL is shaken and destroyed.
But it wasn't just Tom Brady's injury that hit the league. Big names like Vince Young, Brodie Croyle, and Drew Bennett all found out they'll be missing significant action with injuries.
We found out that Brett Favre is comfortable as a Jet, and likely to get more comfortable, that Aaron Rodgers isn't shy about leaping into the stands, and Michael Turner is the real deal.
But away from all the injuries lies an even more interesting phenomenon: the impact of rookies immediately to start the season.
From the Titan's Chris Johnson, to Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson, rookies throughout the league turned in huge performances to help their teams go 1-0. See for yourself. The teams moving up in the rankings after week one, for the most part, all have a rookie or two playing a huge hand in their success.
(7 comments, 2331 words in story) Full Story
By kroberts, Section NFL
Posted on Wed Sep 03 2008 at 5:10 AM EST
More on: 2008 NFL Power Rankings, Brett Favre, Tony Romo, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers (all tags)
Brett Favre is a Jet.
The Packers are starting over with Aaron Rodgers.
Everything has gone to hell.
How disastrous, or dare I say beautiful, would it have been if Ted Thompson and the Packers caved to Favre's demands, and we started the season with a Favre v.s Rodgers epic battle?
Sadly, we will never know. Unless, of course, the stars align just right, and we see the Jets and Packers in the Super Bowl.
Then we have the Chargers, last year's AFC Championship surprise, trying to re-assemble their team with four stars who are, for all intents and purposes, still pretty banged up.
Antonio Gates is still stumbling around with his big toe, Rivers and LT are still recovering from knee surgery, and Shawne Merriman doesn't want to go under the knife. Something's got to give, and I get the feeling it's Merriman's knees.
Last but not least, the constant over-analyzation of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning's injuries, or lack there of.
What happened to routine surgery and letting a guy relax for a chance? I guess when you're famous commerical-doting, Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, you can't exactly go limping around the mall without making Sportscenter.
And this was just the off-season.
Without any further haste, because we all would hate to keep the drama train from running wild off the tracks, here are the Power Rankings for the end of the pre-season:
(2 comments, 2297 words in story) Full Story
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