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2008 NFL Power Rankings Week 17

kroberts — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:34:41 +0000

Seventeen weeks into the NFL season, and I still don’t see a sure thing in the top twelve teams. Sure, the Giants won it last year and should be favorites, but they have not looked like a champion in the past few weeks.

Then you have your sporadic squads-the teams no one saw coming. Teams like the Dolphins, Chargers, and possibly even the Cardinals could all continue their story-book seasons deep into January.

And building all the way up to the Super Bow will be a Favre-count, a coaching carousel, and questions upon questions for us to answer, ultimately, until we see a champion hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

So, with that said, here’s my championship match-ups, as well as the Super Bowl winner for this year:

I like the Colts to meet up with the Steelers, with the Colts eeking one out in Pittsburgh. The Colts have proved to me with nine consecutive wins that they’re the team to beat in the AFC. You can talk all you want about sloppy games or other teams’ better balance, but I’m not betting against Peyton Manning.

As for the NFC, I have to stick with my pre-season pick of the Eagles to represent the NFC. I see them topping the Panthers in the championship game. And yes, I realize that means the Giants lose in the first round.

With all that said, the Colts will continue their run all the way to the trophy. If your team isn’t in the playoff picture, read on to see where they rank for these season-ending NFL power rankings.

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		13-3	Chris Johnson got snubbed on the Rookie of the Year ballot, and now he’s got more to prove. Watch out, AFC.
2 (3)		12-4	Make that nine straight wins. The hottest team in football meets the most ironic team in football. I’ll take the one that has Peyton Manning.
3 (2)		12-4	Is it just more, or have people kind of forgotten about the Giants a little bit?
4 (4)		12-4	They got Willie Parker ready to go with a solid game against the Browns. With a week to rest, they begin their quest.
5 (5)		12-4	Is there another team the Giants fear facing more?
6 (7)		11-5	Two good stories clash this week. Who prevails-the rookie or the comeback kid?
7 (8)		11-5	As good as Pennington has been, do you really like his chances against the Ravens?
8 (9)		11-5	The season has already eclipsed “magical” state. A win in the playoffs would make it just heavenly.
9 (11)		9-6-1	This was my Super Bowl pick early in the season, and I’m standing by them.
10 (14)		10-6	They’ve got no easy route to the Super Bowl, but having the best running back in the league doesn’t hurt.
11 (6)		11-5	It’s always sad to see an 11-5 team miss the playoffs, while an 8-8 Chargers squad gets a home game. Unbelievable.
12 (17)		8-8	Talk about your Cinderella. This team is beyond dangerous.
13 (19)		9-7	After everything that has happened, how much do you like Kurt Warner in the desert over the rookie, Matt Ryan? Actually, quite a lot.
14 (10)		9-7	Hey, Dallas fans, still think Tony Romo is past his late-season woes?
15 (12)		9-7	A week after almost throwing away division hopes against Green Bay, they couldn’t get past Houston. Just the mark of a growing team.
16 (13)		9-7	Whether you blame Favre and his arm, Eric Mangini, or the clearly dysfunctional team chemistry, this entire team is a mess. Righting the ship, not pointing fingers, is what this team should be worried about.
17 (15)		9-7	Did their age finally begin to show, or was this team over rated to begin with?
18 (16)		8-8	You started 8-5 and missed the playoffs. Hey, Shanahan, are you really that surprised?
19 (18)		8-8	Will next year be their year to sneak in the playoffs? It’s a real possibility.
20 (23)		7-9	My hat goes off to Mike Singletary for coming in and making his players play his brand of football.
21 (20)		8-8	This is easily the most inconsistent team this season.
22 (21)		8-8	Bringing Jim Zorn back was a so-so call. Zorn backing Jason Campbell already for next season-a bad call.
23 (22)		7-9	The zero points put up against New England didn’t show the fight this team had in the finale.
24 (25)		6-10	Is that close win over the Lions supposed to be momentum for next season? Geez.
25 (24)		5-11	If they can completely revamp that offensive line, a return to the elite could be in order.
26 (27)		4-11-1	With a healthy Carson Palmer, this team probably could have won one or two more games. Boy, they missed him.
27 (26)		4-12	So, where do they go from here?
28 (28)		5-11	Can Al Davis do the fans of Oakland a solid and finally select a good head coach?
29 (29)		4-12	Crennel is out, and Cowher wants nothing to do with them. Cleveland is officially a mess.
30 (30)		2-14	It was a dismal season, that’s for sure. But you can’t knock their effort. Tyler Thigpen has the makings of something special.
31 (31)		2-14	I know they won two games, but in a lot of ways, this team was worse than the Lions.
32 (32)		0-16	Aside from Calvin Johnson and maybe Kevin Smith, is this not the saddest collection of talent you have ever seen?

In honor of the New Year: 50 Personal Sports Blessings

mw2828 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:28:41 +0000

Well, we have survived another year. Many things have changed, but most fire hydrants remain the same, at least where I live. I will be going out and getting drunk on this grand day. When the masses drink, I join. Who am I to question this sweet ritual?

I do not relish being out and about during the holidays. The bar is crowded. The garden variety alcoholic is more apt to throw hands, and why the hell not, it’s a special occasion. Every girl seems to have a boyfriend, and the couples are so damn happy. Bastards. I see bizarre styles, and wonder in vain if I could pull off those funky 2009 shades. No way in hell, I realize, no way in hell. And there’s always this lonely former Army lieutenant named Dan, sitting by himself in a wheelchair, covered in confetti and staring straight ahead, perhaps still lost in the jungle… Maybe he’d feel better if he were wearing a top hat.

At 3 AM, when the place begins thinning out, night clearly waning, a man can realize how fortunate he is. The malice is misplaced for a moment, replaced with reverie, blessings counted and appreciated. I have many good things in my life, as we all do. Sports are very important to me. And in the spirit of the shifting digits, I shall tabulate fifty personal blessings born of athletics. I do not intend to speak for all us, though our feelings may be similar, especially if your residence is in New York. Feel free to add your own.

May God bless you in this coming year, or, if you are an atheist, the flying spaghetti monster.

In no particular order:

Curtis Martin: Watching this guy battle for extra yardage, consistently turning broken plays into two yard gains, was simply a gift, bought to Jet fans by a mysterious, all knowing power named Bill Parcells. Martin is an artist at heart. His talent painted a beautiful picture.
Derek Jeter: For every fisted fastball looping over the second baseman’s head for a single.
Joe Torre: Yankee fans will never forget his dignity, or the way he scratched his dome, confounded, after a hardball question from Kim Jones on the Yes Network’s post-game show. ["Well..."]
Mariano Rivera: Trot Nixon might think a fastball on the outside corner is coming. But he has to protect against the cutter. There’s just no other choice. He’ll be damned if his bat gets splintered into a million different pieces… must cheat inside… and the crowd just exploded, the umpire burst into theatrics… outer half heat… It’s not fair. Never has been.
Kevin Mawae: Clubbed opponents in 2004 with the huge cast protecting his broken hand. What more could be said?
Pedro Martinez: His detailed explanation in a video vignette during the 1999 playoffs, regarding why his freakishly long fingers created the most deadly change-up in baseball history, is an unforgettable memory. I have no idea why.
John Sterling: So it’s June, and me and my friends are in the backyard, boozing it up and listening to the Yankee game on the radio. We’re talking about just how infuriating it is when Sterling blows a Home Run call that was, in fact, a harmless fly to the warning track. We’re really getting into it, doing impressions, laughing hysterically. And, as if by magic, the radio cackles, a familiar velvety voice prodding us to take notice: “Swung on and drilled to deep right-center field, Patterson back, a way back, it is high, it is far it is caught! At the wall…” And we go nuts. “HE GOT US AGAIN!”
Chad Pennington: I can still see perfect three yard leads to Jerald Sowell in my mind’s eye.
Carlos Beltran: Beltran drifting back on a lazy can of corn is poetry in motion. Ridiculously underrated by some Met fans, but what else is new in this city?
Alex Rodriguez: Breathtaking: A laser beam off the bat of Alex Rodriguez flying into the right-center field bleachers. The replays display a swing so effortless. Stop thinking please.
Laveranues Coles: Dashing over the middle, about to get obliterated by an incoming defensive back, he leaps into the air, prone…
George Steinbrenner: For investing in his team, and inspiring his sons to do the same.
The Boston Red Sox: For giving me someone so worthy to despise.
Scrappy, speedy, outfielders who don’t draw walks: And drive seam-heads crazy. General managers can’t get enough. Juan Pierre is the president of this club. Ichiro refuses to return the group’s phone calls, like a political idealist seriously regretting his decision to join the independent party. Telethons are held to get Tike Redman a job. They always bat leadoff.

15, Bill Simmons: Nobody ever wrote about sports the way he did and made a legitimate mainstream impact. This is victory for originality, whether you love his work or loathe it.

Amy K. Nelson: Underrated columnist who always churns out quality work, with a positive angle that doesn’t feel forced.
Jason Whitlock: Original thinker.
Scott Brosius: For becoming a deity to ignorant Yankee fans. The Scott Brosius cult will soon be open for business. We will sacrifice chickens to ensure the glorious return of our hero. I love this city.
Nomaas.com: The winner of the award for “Most utterly twisted message board that actually contains legitimate baseball insight.” The pictures on the front page are still funny, but they will never again return to the apex of 2005, which featured classics including the Yankees as “Goodfellas” [also starring Curt Schilling] “Tony Womack for a bag of M @ M’s” and my personal favorite: Mariano Rivera cloaked as “The Terminator”.
Replacementlevel.com: The best baseball blog on the web.
Baseball Think Factory: Keeps one linked up to the brilliant insights of columnists all around the country. Members of the site are allowed to chime in and praise these absolutely essential additions to the American cannon. Noted celebrities such as Rob Neyer and Keith Law are known to post and leave mere mortals absolutely star-struck. The site is a cyber playground for that fifteen percent Lee Elia was so upset at.
Herm Edwards: Undoubtedly the most entertaining coach in Jet history. From his remarkable press conferences to the shenanigans lesser coaches call “clock management”, Herm will be forever remembered as a paradox: how could a coach who plays to win the game be so damn conservative? One day we may understand.
The New York Knicks: They make me feel like a competent human being.
Ray Mickens: For giving me someone to blame whenever something terrible happens to the Jet secondary, to this day. [GODDAMNIT MICKENS]
David Barrett: The latter day Ray Mickens.
The old Jet jerseys from the 90’s: Shut up. They were awesome.
The interlocking NY: Keep hating. IT GIVES US POWER!
That asinine apple at Shea Stadium: So a guy hits a home run, and an apple protrudes out of a hat? What the hell? I love this city.
Yankee Stadium: Like Chris Moltisanti going to the movie theatre, the smell alone got me high. Goodbye, old friend.
Youtube: I am blown away by the sheer amount of sports miscellany located at this address. It’s great. You can watch the intro to some long forgotten NFC Championship. Relieve the absolute height of Jim Everett’s career! This is insanity to some people. The first youtube video I ever watched featured squeamish Todd Pinkston dodging a hit downfield in an Eagle-Redskin game. Joe Theisman was absolutely disgusted. By the way Modest Mouse fans, there’s new live material available. The Whale Song is amazing.
Brian Cashman: Undoubtedly carries briefcases full of money. We’ve come a long way. I hear Gabe Paul used to prefer brown bags with a green $ painted on. Cashman’s obscenely boring interviews are a real treat. Rumor has it they are used as a torture device at Guantanamo Bay. ["Again, if something makes sense..."]
Robinson Cano: The sweetest swing in baseball today. He will bounce back big in 2009. Sportswriters will attribute this to something ridiculous, like Melky Cabrera being off the team or something.
Joba Chamberlain: How could anyone who watched Joba out-duel Josh Beckett 1-0 this July cling to the laughable notion he belongs in the bullpen? What the hell is wrong with you people? He was a starter his entire career. His relieving stint was an aberration. He throws four pitches. You don’t put potential aces in the bullpen. Did the St. Louis Cardinals permanently place Adam Wainwright in the pen after he closed out their `06 championship? It’s like the Chewbacca defense. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THIS SUPPOSED JURY, IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE!” [Head explodes]
Celtic Pride: Does anyone else find this abysmally reviewed, universally despised sports comedy strangely worthy of repeated viewings? Maybe it’s Marv. I think he’s one of the greatest actors of this generation. You think I’m joking?
Edgardo Alfonzo: How to determine whether or not someone is a true fan of the orange and blue: Ask them about Edgardo. Hardcore Met fans like Mike Lupica will undoubtedly respond with unconditional love.
Roger Angell: In terms of pure writing skill, the best sports scribe ever.
Tom Boswell: Second best, in my mind.
Joe Posnanski: The contemporary champion.
Alex Belth and Bronx Banter: Really captures something beautiful about the baseball season: the day-to-day minutia that becomes a definite part of us. I could never say that about football.
The SI Vault: Because who wouldn’t want to reminisce with that front-page article debating the merits of Akili Smith and Tim Couch for first overall pick?
Mikefrancesa.com: A good board, but let’s be honest, it’ll never deliver in the big spot.
Jackie Robinson.
Larry Doby: His achievement was not appreciated because people are obsessed with simplifying things. ["So Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier... and everyone lived happily ever after. Goodnight, you freaking mutant."]
The Baseball Network: I have high expectations. By the way, what the hell happened to ESPN Classic? Hey, I guess its destination TV for bull-riding fans everywhere.
Playmakers: A very good television show, the demise of which is a book, not just an article, in itself.
David Halberstam and “Summer of 49″: Brilliant man, amazing book.
Tony Romo: Hidden under the hype is an exciting, playmaking quarterback who will be the scapegoat for his team’s many deficiencies.
Free Agency: Without which, the Yankees would not exist. God bless America. Never forget Curt Flood.
Bud Selig’s face of detached bewilderment: Bud wants to know why these things keep happening.
Cold weather NFL Games: Fields frozen and raw… wide receivers hiding hands in pouches at every opportunity… muddied defensive lineman charging after a slow footed quarterback… it’s good to be here.

-Matt Waters

NFL Power Rankings Week 14

kroberts — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:24:00 +0000

Every week it feels like we’re getting a little closer to truly discovering which teams are for real, and which ones are slowly falling apart.

We still don’t know what’s going on in New Orleans, and quite frankly, it’s possible we never will.

We have no idea what to make of the AFC East. We know the Jets, Patriots, and Dolphins are good, but how good? And more importantly, are any of those teams great?

The Patriots are the team that is supposed to win the division, a favorite to hold home-field advantage, and a good bet to reach the Super Bowl. Even without Tom Brady, a trophy-less end to their season will leave every head in the house hanging.

The Jets don’t have it much better. The anointed one, Brett Favre, was landed in a block buster trade, and is supposed to save the day. The same can be said for Jets’ management and their other pricey off-season additions. At 8-5, they’ve already made huge strides, but what would a collapse do to this team? And would reaching the playoffs, only to lose in the AFC championship game, somehow be worse?

Then you have Miami, a former winless season candidate, with seemingly no chance of being in this equation at the beginning of the season, yet here they are. Some Miami fan who dropped 10 grand on them reaching the playoffs is trying his damndest to not wet his pants in his parents basement, while he kicks his ankles together in his race car bed. Yeah, it’s that serious.

When you’ve got big names, big contracts, and big expectations, the worst fear in the back of your mind (If you’re the Jets or Patriots) is not losing-it’s the Miami Dolphins.

These Dolphins are not your dad’s Dolphins. They couldn’t have done what they’re doing with Jason Taylor or Zach Thomas, or heck, even Dan Marino.

This is the no-name squad, the relentless bastards that won’t go away even if you waive a million dollar check in their face. No sir, they’re here to stay. Well, at least until the final game of the season, when the Jets beat them 31-10.

Like usual, until the season ends and we see our collection of 12 teams who DO have a chance at completing this puzzle, it will remain a guessing game. One that, for now, I will step away from.

Here’s a look at this week’s power rankings:

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		11-2	They had to lose again sometime, right? This was more about the Eagles turning their season around, rather than the Giants being exposed.
2 (2)		12-1	They haven’t had a quality opponent in the last two weeks, but they’re taking care of business. Their record is better, but they’re not the Giants.
3 (3)		10-3	Losing to Dallas would have made their match-up with Baltimore even more crucial. After the huge comeback victory, there’s room for error.
4 (5)		10-3	Is DeAngelo Williams the most under rated running back out there?
5 (6)		9-4	This team is quietly gearing up for a Super Bowl run. They do have Peyton Manning, you know.
6 (10)		9-4	Is their defense really good enough to carry them past Pittsburgh?
7 (4)		9-4	Looks like we spoke too soon about that great defense. They’re still one of the better squads, but they were clearly pushed around by Carolina.
8 (11)		8-5	Kudos for beating the lowly Seahawks. They need to win out and hope the Jets and Dolphins falter. The odds are against them.
9 (14)		7-5-1	If Brian Westbrook can stay this hot, are we potentially looking at the best team in football?
10 (12)		8-5	You just can’t say enough about their turn around.
11 (13)		8-5	Hats off to them, for finally making pre-season analysts look smart. They did all this in a division without another team with less than eight losses. Awesome.
12 (15)		8-5	Losing an energy guy like Peyton Hillis hurts. Just how many more running backs can this team send to injured reserve without it killing their season?
13 (7)		8-5	If they plan on winning this division, they need to win out.
14 (16)		8-5	Do the wheels fall off without Frerotte, or does this team get better with Tarvaris Jackson?
15 (8)		8-5	For three and a half quarters, they looked like the better team. Tony Romo, as great as he can be, made some truly terrible decisions.
16 (9)		8-5	That loss to the Saints was bigger than people think. 10-6 might not get a team into the playoffs this year.
17 (19)		7-6	Their hole is so deep, winning out might end up being simply a moral victory.
18 (18)		7-6	They still have a real shot at the division, and could have a shot at a wild card spot if they win out, as well. If they lose to the Saints, it’s over.
19 (20)		6-7	They might not be going to the playoffs, but damn, is this team impressive, or what?
20 (17)		7-6	This team is reeling.
21 (23)		5-8	Correct me if I’m wrong, but Mike Singletary has this team playing vintage 49er football again.
22 (21)		5-8	This team was one win from the Super Bowl. What happened?
23 (22)		6-7	So much for being a shoe-in for the playoffs. This team blew it.
24 (24)		5-8	Too little, too late.
25 (25)		4-9	What do you expect? Ken Dorsey? They might as well get Tim Couch back.
26 (26)		4-9	With Matt Jones serving his suspension, how much worse will this offense be?
27 (29)		3-10	Can we get ONE good game out of this team? I mean, this is the NFL. It’s not that much to ask, is it?
28 (27)		2-10	Herman Edwards criticized Tyler Thigpen for zeroing in on Tony Gonzalez too much. Really, Herm? Outside of Dwayne Bowe, that’s really all he’s got.
29 (28)		2-11	A healthy Steven Jackson changes nothing. This team is a mess. Jim Haslett, we hardly knew thee.
30 (30)		2-11	They faught hard against a supposedly superior New England team. Where was that kind of fight six weeks ago?
31 (31)		1-11-1	Did anyone else notice that no one talks about Chad Johnson anymore? Not even Chad Johnson.
32 (32)		0-13	If I were Rod Marinelli, I’d tell my team to go through the motions the next two weeks. All their energy will be going toward embarrassing the Packers in the final game of the season.

2008 NFL Power Rankings Week 11

kroberts — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

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.

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		10-0	Once again, Kerry Collins saves the day. But really, how much longer can he keep this up?
2 (2)		9-1	No one can run on the Ravens, and they had a field day doing so. If you haven’t figured it out, don’t bet against these Giants.
3 (3)		7-3	If it weren’t for their great defense, I’m not sure this team would win more than two games this year. Troy Polamalu is the heart and soul of this bunch.
4 (4)		8-2	If it weren’t for the dismal opponents the past two weeks, the Panthers would be riding a two-game losing streak. Jake Dehlomme is beside himself, right now.
5 (6)		7-3	It’s still a bit early, but it looks like these Cardinals are finally realizing their potential. Kurt Warner should be MVP.
6 (8)		7-3	They don’t wow you with big plays, but they get it done. Jeff Garcia is reiterating week by week that he’s the guy for the job.
7 (9)		7-3	Was anyone else a little nervous when Jay Feeley lined up for the game winner? Yeah, me too.
8 (7)		6-4	Losing to the Jets doesn’t ruin their season, but losing to Miami next week will.
9 (13)		6-4	Peyton Manning is back. For real, this time.
10 (11)		6-4	It was only his first game back, but Romo did enough to install hope back in Dallas.
11 (5)		6-4	I know this one hurts, but Jim Zorn is acting like his team is out of the running. His lack of experience is beginning to show.
12 (16)		6-4	Who would have ever thought next week’s match-up with New England would have “game of the week” written all over it?
13 (10)		6-4	They didn’t make any huge mistakes-they just didn’t get it done against Denver. Roddy White had the game in his hands and blew it.
14 (12)		5-4-1	I’m fine with a tie, but I’m not fine with an NFL player not knowing that the rule even exists. How is this possible? There was a tie just six years ago.
15 (18)		6-4	I know everyone will be backing Tatum Bell (for whatever reason), but I’m putting my money on Peyton Hillis.
16 (14)		6-4	Ray Lewis is officially the worst post-game interviewee after a loss.
17 (21)		5-5	Well, they saved their season for another week, and actually are in the driver’s seat in their division. But will it really matter?
18 (15)		5-5	That was just a beat down. But you had to see it coming sooner or later. That undefeated run Love Smith had against Green Bay had to end sometime.
19 (23)		5-5	Quick question-when’s the last time this team won consecutive games? They are the poster child for inconsistency.
20 (17)		5-5	They win a huge game against the Packers and then turn around and give up their momentum. What a letdown.
21 (19)		4-6	They aren’t completely out of it, but we say that every week. Let me be the chef for a day-this team is done.
22 (25)		4-6	Quinn didn’t win this game, but this team sure does back him more than it did Derek Anderson.
23 (20)		5-5	Scott Norwood, anyone?
24 (22)		4-6	It’s hard to turn your season around against an undefeated team, but that was probably it for Jacksonville.
25 (30)		3-7	If Mike Singletary can string a few wins together, the job is probably his next season. But with Dallas coming up next week, it’s going to be tough.
26 (24)		3-7	If it weren’t for Sage Rosenfels, I would have liked this team to compete for second place in their division. Here’s to Matt Schaub staying healthy next year.
27 (27)		2-8	And we thought the 49ers had problems. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Jim Haslett won’t be back next year.
28 (28)		2-8	Until we see some progress, what’s the point of even talking about this team? Al Davis wants to coach them…Jim Fassel wants to coach them…whatever.
29 (29)		2-8	They made a good run at the Cards’ in the 4th, but ran out of gas. Getting Matt Hasselbeck could get them three victories, but asking for more than that is expecting too much.
30 (26)		1-9	I know the Chiefs aren’t winning, but are we looking at their quarterback of the future? In the name of passionate play, I sure hope so.
31 (31)		1-8-1	Hey, they didn’t lose, right?
32 (32)		0-10	For all those analysts who say a team going winless in today’s NFL is impossible, I suggest taking a look at this team. They keep games close, but seriously, they just don’t know what they’re doing.

2008 NFL Power Rankings Week 10

kroberts — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:33:00 +0000

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…

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		9-0	Who says Kerry Collins can’t still win games?
2 (2)		8-1	It will probably take another Super Bowl win for Eli Manning to prove he’s special, but this team is clearly in the top two.
3 (3)		6-3	Ben Roethlisberger gave that game away, and wasn’t afraid to admit it. Honesty is awesome, but so is leading your team to victory. He needs to get it together.
4 (4)		7-2	That was a poor showing by the offense, but the defense saved the day. But come on, it was the Raiders.
5 (5)		6-3	This game against Dallas is suddenly a season changer. A loss could drop them into a spiral out of playoff contention.
6 (7)		6-3	I still like their team, but they got lucky. Good teams hold onto the ball and close games. They can thank the 49ers poor play-calling for this one.
7 (9)		6-3	They had a chance to turn things around, but they blew it. If they don’t win this week, they’re toast.
8 (8)		6-3	They’re sitting in a nice spot, but they’ll need to step it up to keep pace with Atlanta and Carolina.
9 (13)		6-3	They scored 47 points with Favre simply going through the motions. Believe it or not, that’s worse than him throwing for another 6 touchdowns. This team is better than we think.
10 (16)		6-3	When was the last time you saw a rookie quarterback play this well?
11 (11)		5-4	Tony Romo to the rescue?
12 (6)		5-4	I’m tired of putting stock into this team and watching them come up short. That 4th down play at the end of the game was disappointing. They’re lucky Mike Singletary’s poor call overshadowed it.
13 (17)		5-4	It’s nice to see Manning and Co. playing well, but how long will it last. I need to see some consistency before I start buying the product.
14 (18)		6-3	Remember when no one thought Ben Roethlisberger could win it all as a rookie? Yeah…
15 (12)		5-4	They lost a hard fought game to an undefeated team, and are tied for first place in their division. Yeah, they’re doing fine.
16 (19)		5-4	The Dolphins have now won 5 times their win total of last season. When will that stop being interesting?
17 (20)		5-4	Do you think the trade for Jared Allen was worth it?
18 (21)		5-4	All four of their running backs are injured. How does that even happen?
19 (24)		4-5	They were a converted 2-point conversion away from losing their season. That’s actually way worse than it sounds. They were facing the Chiefs.
20 (10)		5-4	Losing to the Jets and Patriots in consecutive weeks probably means this team lost it’s shot at a wild card spot.
21 (14)		4-5	They lost a game that was as close to must-win as it gets, and now they face another one just like it. If they lose to Chicago, it’s over, and the “Where’s Brett?” chants begin.
22 (22)		4-5	They beat the Lions, so at least they didn’t lose to both of the league’s winless teams. There’s hope in Jacksonville, yet.
23 (15)		4-5	That argument between Drew Brees and Jeremy Shockey said it all. This team just doesn’t know what it’s doing anymore.
24 (23)		3-6	Make that two games Sage Rosenfels has single handedly lost for the Texans.
25 (25)		3-6	You have to admit, with Quinn at quarterback, the offense flowed a lot more smoothly. But, does this really save Romeo Crennel?
26 (28)		1-8	Who doesn’t love Tyler Thigpen, right now?
27 (26)		2-7	We know the answer isn’t Trent Green, so if it’s not Marc Bulger anymore, where do we go from here?
28 (27)		2-7	It just keeps getting better and better in Oakland.
29 (29)		2-7	Is there really any reason to bring Matt Hasselbeck back this season? And while we’re at it, can Mike Holmgren just retire, already?
30 (30)		2-7	That was a bad call to lose the game, but at least Mike Singletary has his team playing the right way. The verdict is still out on whether or not he should return next season.
31 (31)		1-8	Just for the sake of fantasy owners everywhere, can Carson Palmer come back and get this team back to respectability, already?
32 (32)		0-9	Shame on Matt Millen. For the damage he has done, he should never work in the NFL again.

2008 NFL Power Rankings: Week 9

kroberts — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:35:00 +0000

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.

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		8-0	They don’t let you score, and they score just enough to win. Whether you like it or not, you can be undefeated without it being sexy.
2 (2)		7-1	That did it for me. I know the Cowboys aren’t much right now, but that was a crushing. Still, I’m not sure Eli Manning has fully turned the corner, as everyone would lead you to believe.
3 (3)		6-2	Just when you get Willie Parker back, you lose Big Ben. At least we know they can win with Leftwitch.
4 (5)		6-2	Can they continue their surge into the NFC’s elite? Why not?
5 (4)		6-3	That was sad. Their top dog Portis got stuffed, and Jason Campbell panicked.
6 (7)		5-3	They got off to a rough start, but the final score is what we expected. It’s time for them to put together a long win streak.
7 (6)		5-3	Uh-oh. Tim Hightower showed us something we haven’t seen in Arizona in some time: A balanced offense. The Cardinals can run the ball? Nah.
8 (11)		6-3	Losing to the Chiefs would have dropped the Bucs considerably, but how can you knock them now? What a comeback!
9 (8)		5-3	They just fell into a three-way tie in their division, with two relatively dangerous teams. Big mistake.
10 (6)		5-3	All the doubts I had about them were verified. They just aren’t ready to make the climb to the elite.
11 (10)		5-3	When you get no production from your offense, what do you expect? But it’s more than that, people. This team is in shambles, and it’s unlikely Tony Romo can change that.
12 (14)		5-3	Barely beating the Lions raises an eyebrow, but not as much as if they had lost. Rex Grossman is back in the saddle. Ugh.
13 (17)		5-3	Favre made one mistake, and it could have potentially lost the Jets the game. But then he led his team down for a clinching field goal. It’s becoming obvious this team is good enough to win, even when Favre isn’t at his best.
14 (12)		4-4	They fought hard against the undefeated Titans, but couldn’t finish it. At worst, we know this team can compete with anybody.
15 (15)		4-4	The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. In two weeks they get Bush back. If they can split their next two games, they should be in good shape.
16 (18)		5-3	Once Matt Ryan wins a game without the rush attack backing him, we’ll know he’s arrived. But until then, the Falcons are just a team slightly ahead of the curve.
17 (19)		4-4	The offense really came to life against what was supposed to be a solid defense. But will they keep it going, or just stumble to a 9-7 finish?
18 (20)		5-3	I gotta hand it to Joe Flacco. He’s really stepped it up. But how long can this go on?
19 (22)		4-4	Does anyone still think this team is just getting lucky? They’re only one game out of first place.
20 (23)		4-4	Just when we needed it, we got a great game out of Gus Frerotte. Does anyone else feel that Adrian Peterson is just getting started?
21 (13)		4-4	This team is no longer in a slump; they’re just not very good. Allowing a 3-5 Chargers team hope at the division is a horrible idea.
22 (16)		3-5	We thought the Jaguars were in trouble before, but now this? Losing to Cincinnati won’t exactly help your confidence level.
23 (21)		3-5	Even if they had won this game, they’d be facing an uphill battle. Does losing Schaub end the season?
24 (24)		3-5	They probably were down after blowing it last week, but with Denver’s loss, the opportunity is there for the taking. The ball’s in their court.
25 (25)		3-5	The switch from Anderson to Quinn is a bit premature. Everyone is quick to blame the quarterback, and they’re ignoring the real problem: Braylon Edwards is their only play-maker, and he can’t even catch the ball.
26 (26)		2-6	All that momentum is gone. They had to come off the new coach-high sometime, right?
27 (27)		2-6	That was a sorry display. Jamarcus Russell finished the game with 31 yards passing. I know the line and receivers are bad, but if Derek Anderson gets benched, what happens to this guy?
28 (30)		1-7	They’re clearly not a good team, but it’s hard to ignore their competitiveness. Tyler Thigpen could be turning into something special.
29 (28)		2-6	They had one big play to start the game, and then did nothing the rest of the way. But, it’s not like we really expected more, is it?
30 (29)		2-6	The season is almost certainly lost, but at least we get to see what Shaun Hill his made of. Start the parade today.
31 (32)		1-8	Chad Johnson finally had a solid game, kind of. I mean, they won, right? Dear God, the Bengals won!
32 (31)		0-8	It’s very possible this team doesn’t win a game this season. But for being so bad, they tend to play opponents very close.

2008 Week 6 NFL Power Rankings

kroberts — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:25:00 +0000

This season continues to live up to the hype of each previous week with each week that follows it. Even when we’re slated to watch a bunch of mid-level games, they turn out to be nail-biting, last second thrillers.

Seriously, who would have thought match-ups between the Lions and Vikings, the Bears and Falcons, and even the Dolphins and Texans, would have been the best games of the week?

But the most interesting note of all, probably isn’t the odd close games, or the wacky endings (see Dallas @ Arizona), but how about the Browns dismantling the reigning champs, or the Patriots getting embarrassed by the Chargers?

After the Rams get their first win over the previously surging Redskins, just exactly who is for real? Are the Packers, Saints, Jaguars, and Chargers all finally prepared to turn the corner, or will we be questioning their worth after another loss next week?

This all needs to be taken into consideration when piecing together the Power Rankings each week, and since almost every team has been about as consistent as J.J. Redick’s playing time, then it’s safe to say the top then is a tough call.

With that said, I’m vouching for the Colts and Saints, while giving up on the Patriots. I’m not sure what we have in Dallas, Washington, or New York, anymore, especially with all three losing this week, and all to teams that are undoubtedly inferior to them. The only team to win in the NFC East was the Eagles, and they might be the one coming out on top when it’s all said and done.

However, until we do finally come across the final six squads for each conference, we have to go with what we know. Forget the big names, the huge off-season signings, and don’t talk to me about gaudy stats. All I need to know right now is the Tennessee Titans are 5-0, and the only team in the entire league that can say so.

Here are the NFL Power Rankings in review of week six in the NFL:

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (4)		5-0	They’re the only undefeated team left. That has to count for something.
2 (1)		4-1	I thought this was a new and improved Eli Manning? Talk about reverting to your old ways.
3 (6)		4-1	With a healthy Willie Parker due back this week, isn’t it time for the Steelers to play some of that smash-mouth football we always hear about?
4 (2)		4-2	Hey Dallas, how’s it feel to be the only team to lose a game by a blocked punt for a score in overtime? Oh, and how’s Brad Johnson’s 401k, I mean arm?
5 (7)		4-1	Believe it or not, Trent Edward’s status could make or break this team. You don’t honestly think they’re just as good with J.P. Losman under center, do you?
6 (5)		4-2	You can call it a fluke all you want. I say these Redskins got a hefty dose of exposure. It was the Rams, people. There is no excusing that if you want to be considered a good football team.
7 (12)		4-2	It’s looking like the NFC West could send a 6-10 team to the playoffs. With that said, this team is playing some darn good football.
8 (14)		3-2	Ladies and gentlemen, the Indianapolis Colts!
9 (10)		3-3	So, that’s what finishing football games looks like! Boy, it’s about time.
10 (8)		4-2	They ran into a good Jacksonville team that just happens to be desperate. But look at the positives. The defense is getting better, and the offense hasn’t played it’s best ball yet.
11 (11)		3-3	Can we all agree to not talk about the Super Bowl until they’re at least above .500?
12 (17)		3-3	The dominant defense wasn’t expected, but this is the perfection we have grown to love out of Drew Brees and this high-octane offense.
13 (3)		3-2	It’s one thing to lose to the Chargers, but to get flat out beaten? Matt Cassel is looking more and more like he is not the guy.
14 (15)		3-2	It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. With a cakewalk schedule coming up featuring games against the Raiders, Chiefs, and Rams, these Jets could gain some confidence.
15 (9)		4-2	Just when I started backing the Panthers, they get blasted by the Buccaneers. They couldn’t do anything right.
16 (16)		3-3	They got some help from the refs near the end, but Denver is the last team to complain about that. This team is sticking around, and should make some serious noise in their division.
17 (18)		4-2	It appears, at least so far, that these Bucs are for real. They’ve played well and beaten quality opponents. But which team are they? The Brian Griese Bucs, or the one led be Jeff Garcia?
18 (19)		4-2	Talk about a redemption kick for Jason Elam. This has become an exciting team to watch.
19 (13)		3-3	That had to hurt Kyle Orton to see the Falcons win on a field goal after completing a terrific comeback. That’s just the pits.
20 (20)		3-3	They took care of business and broke the 3-game skid against a poor Seattle squad. For now, that’s what is most important.
21 (21)		3-3	Can Gus Frerotte be written in as a comeback player of the year nominee? He’s playing his 37-year old heart out.
22 (25)		2-3	Can four games of horrible football be forgotten after one flawless victory over the former champs? I say yes.
23 (22)		2-3	Trick plays or no trick plays, this team is leaps and bounds better than last season. They’re a tough match for any opponent. They ran into a truly desperate and underrated Texans team. Bummer.
24 (23)		2-4	It’s beginning to feel like 2007 in San Francisco. I feel another 4-12 season slowly coming on.
25 (24)		2-3	Five interceptions by the rookie Flacco is exactly what this team doesn’t need. They need to fix their offensive woes, and fast.
26 (27)		1-4	Forget about his costly fumble; Andre Johnson was the man on Sunday. And who does Matt Schaub think he is, Michael Vick? What a clutch run on 4th and 2 to win the game.
27 (26)		1-4	They couldn’t keep up with the Packers, even when they were facing a depleted defense. It’s safe to say the Charlie Frye experiment shouldn’t go any further, but it will.
28 (28)		1-3	If we have to keep watching this Jamarcus Russell show, can we at least get a real taste of what Darren McFadden can do? Enough of this Justin Fargas and Michael Bush stuff. Let’s get to the cream filling.
29 (29)		1-4	Well, they managed to hold onto Tony Gonzalez, so that’s something. But something has to change in Kansas City.
30 (31)		1-4	And so the Jim Haslett era begins. The Rams are undefeated with their new coach, and something tells me they’ll play a lot better with him leading the way.
31 (30)		0-5	I said it in the beginning, when the Lions ridded themselves of Mike Martz, they threw away their offense. They need to establish an identity other than playing worse than their opponent. Oh, and Dan Orlovsky, what were you thinking?
32 (32)		0-6	You thought 0-6 was bad? Carson Palmer is expected to miss this week, too. Yeah, it’s one of those years.

2008 Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

kroberts — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:02:00 +0000

The great Miami Dolphins are surging, people. They are taking us all by surprise and laughing in our faces. Not simply because they’re winning games, but because they’re doing it by playing unorthodox football.

And the worst part? The two teams from last season’s AFC Championship couldn’t stop them. So who does that speak louder for; those teams or the Mighty Dolphins?

I, much like you, am “all aboard” for a “who cares” train trip to week six. There are too many disappointing teams that are supposed to be contenders, that a team like this is a real treat. And quite honestly, they’re one of the most exciting teams to watch.

They lost Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor, yet their defense is playing very well, and stuffing offenses that normally dominate teams. And we were dogging the Jets for barely beating this team?

The Fins’ won’t be in the top 5 anytime soon, but their tricky style of “Wildcat” offense has got us, and every NFL team that isn’t undefeated, reeling. They’ve got us all thinking, “Could they really make the playoffs?”. And while it’s unlikely, especially with the Pats’, Jets, and Bills standing in their own division, it is a definite possibility.

So, aside from reading my rankings and sly comments, I beg of you to do one thing: Keep watching. Because as I say each week, it’s only going to get better.

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		4-0	They lost their starting defensive linemen and tight end from last season, and are 4-0. Seattle might not be a great team, but 44-6? These Giants are the team to beat.
2 (2)		4-1	I was happy to see Terrell Owens not getting his way. But maybe he should have. That game against the Bengals was way too close.
3 (3)		3-1	Everyone needs to settle down. Aside from one long bomb to Randy Moss, Matt Cassel didn’t look that great. It’s the defense that keeps this team special.
4 (5)		5-0	Their defense is allowing less than 12 points per game, while their offense is registering 23 per game. Enough said.
5 (11)		4-1	When’s the last time you saw Clinton Portis run that freely? Jim Zorn has this team doing some special things. With the rest of their division opponents coming to Washington, the Skins’ could end up being a lot better than we think.
6 (6)		4-1	Can Ben Roethlisberger do any more for this team? And on that note, can we please have Willie Parker back?
7 (4)		4-1	Losing Trent Edwards only minutes into the game probably did them in, but it didn’t look like the Bills’ defense was stopping the Cards’ offense, anyways.
8 (9)		4-1	That’s two straight games of terrible offense for the Broncos. But hey, how about that defense? They just might be coming around.
9 (10)		4-1	I don’t care if it was the Chiefs. A shutout is a shutout. This is a darn good football team.
10 (7)		2-3	I agree with Donovan McNabb, that the Eagles are better than the last two teams they lost to. But where’s the line between being better and losing? This team just isn’t finishing games.
11 (8)		2-3	For anyone who thought the Chargers didn’t need LT to win games, here’s your proof. Just when you thought this team was turning things around, they go and lose to the Dolphins.
12 (19)		3-2	After contemplating retirement, Kurt Warner really stepped up and led his offense to a big victory. For the moment, this team still looks like the division favorite.
13 (18)		3-2	That’s the way you handle a bad football team, and on the road, no less. Kyle Orton is coming into his own.
14 (16)		2-2	So how much did Tony Dungy pay Sage Rosenfals to lose this game?
15 (15)		2-2	Is anyone else excited to see what Favre and the Jets’ offense does for an encore?
16 (12)		2-3	That was a tough loss to Pittsburgh, and it’s not from a lack of effort. They’ll just have to regroup and continue to prove they’re better than their record.
17 (14)		2-3	If you’re not buying Reggie Bush now, I don’t think you ever will. He had the game of his life, only to see his kicker ruin it.
18 (17)		3-2	You can dog Brian Griese all you want, but it’s clear the offense flows smoother with him. Hopefully his shoulder injury isn’t too serious.
19 (24)		3-2	Roddy White absolutely defaced the Green Bay secondary, and Michael Turner had a ton of room to run against the rush defense. The Falcons just out-played the Packers, period.
20 (13)		2-3	That’s 3 straight losses for a team that lost 3 games all year last year. Things are only going to get worse in Green Bay.
21 (21)		2-3	Thanks goes to Ryan Longwell. Gus Frerotte is 2-1 as a starter, and whether you like it or not, he hasn’t looked too bad.
22 (27)		2-2	They just doubled last season’s win total. The season is a success!
23 (22)		2-3	There’s nothing like having your defense become Randy Moss’s little play toy. J.T. O’Sullivan took a few steps back.
24 (23)		2-2	If Flacco doesn’t make mistakes, the Ravens win. If he does, they lose. How does anyone really expect this team to finish better than 8-8?
25 (25)		1-3	They needed this bye week. Up next: A humiliating loss in front of the nation to the Giants on Monday Night Football.
26 (20)		1-3	This team has been disappointing on so many levels. True, they’ve been hit in a bad way by injuries, but the good teams find a way to win, regardless.
27 (26)		0-4	It’s weird, because if it weren’t for Rosenfals, the Texans wouldn’t have even been in this game.
28 (30)		1-3	The week off should give the team time to rest up and regroup after Lane Kiffin’s firing. You could see a different team next week.
29 (28)		1-4	Hey, Larry Johnson, how do you go from 198 yards to 2? I mean, really?
30 (29)		0-4	So, can we finally make the switch to a different quarterback?
31 (32)		0-4	They’ll still be a bad team, but I get the feeling that Jim Haslett will allow the offense to open up a bit more. A little freedom can go a long way.
32 (31)		0-5	You have to admit, they have heart. They really hung in there against Dallas. But what is it going to take to get a win out of this team?

2008 Week 3 NFL Power Rankings

kroberts — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:02:00 +0000

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.

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		3-0	This just in: When you win a game by more than 10 points and your star receiver has almost nothing to do with it, you’re pretty good.
2 (6)		3-0	The Bengals put up a fight, but great teams don’t just blow teams away. They find ways to win, no matter what. The Giants are showing everyone a repeat is possible.
3 (2)		2-1	What a beat down. The Patriots didn’t just lose, they got embarrassed. Matt Cassel has failed to lead his team to more than 20 points in three straight games. This is a problem, folks.
4 (8)		3-0	Two close victories in two weeks would lead some to think this team is lucky. That, or they’re getting really good at winning. If it hasn’t been said already, then here it is: Jay Cutler is becoming something special.
5 (7)		2-1	After getting torched by Dallas, the defense stepped up and completely shut down Pittsburgh’s offense. This team is solid on both sides of the ball. Let’s just hope Brian Westbrook’s injury doesn’t hold him back.
6 (3)		1-2	It’s difficult to win when you allow a team to run all over you. It’s even harder when your offense has the ball for four minutes in the second half. Ouch.
7 (5)		2-1	Can you say conservative? In games one and two, Mike McCarthy almost lost his team both games by not sticking with what was working. Now they’re without Al Harris, for likely the entire season. With Atari Bigby already on the shelf, it’s starting to get ugly in Green Bay on the injury report.
8 (4)		2-1	That’s two straight games of 10 or less points. They need to start opening things up a bit. With that said, they were facing Philadelphia, which happens to be a pretty darn good team.
9 (9)		1-2	Their defense answered the call that they weren’t any good without Merriman. What a performance. Believe it or not, this team still has the recipe for a Super Bowl contender.
10 (16)		3-0	It’s official, Trent Edwards is a solid quarterback, and the Bills are a good football team. You’re looking at the frontrunner in the AFC East.
11 (10)		2-1	They started the season hot, but a loss next week to the Jets could send them right back to the land of mediocrity. It’s time for this team to step up.
12 (13)		3-0	Kerry Collins is getting the offense by, Chris Johnson and Lendale White are helping out, and the defense is flat out dominating. It doesn’t hurt when the three teams you beat are a combined 1-7. Don’t go predicting them to win it all, just yet.
13 (11)		2-1	They ran into a Minnesota team that was desperate, so there’s no reason for panic. Having Steve Smith back will really help this team.
14 (14)		1-2	It’s pretty hard to lose when your ground game can’t be stopped. If the offensive line woes are even partially fixed, this team could be headed back among the elite in no time.
15 (12)		1-2	As long as Reggie Bush keeps playing this well and the offense puts up points, does it even matter if they actually win? A short interview with Sean Payton would say yes.
16 (15)		1-2	Sure, it was the Rams, but they had to start somewhere. The upside here is that they didn’t just win, they became the third straight team to thoroughly dismantle St. Louis.
17 (19)		1-2	True, the Chargers had to win, but if the Jets didn’t notice, the Bills are 3-0. Yes, the Bills. Brett Favre and those receivers need to get on the same page, pronto.
18 (18)		1-2	Gus Frerotte to the rescue…wait, what?
19 (17)		1-2	So when do we make the switch back to Rex Grossman? I thought Kyle Orton was the quarterback who didn’t turn the ball over.
20 (20)		2-1	Who am I to say Brian Griese can’t still play and win games? Two consecutive wins and a 400-yard outing tell me he’s doing mighty fine.
21 (22)		2-1	Is that progression we’re seeing out of Jason Campbell? Boy, it’s nice to see someone finally getting the goods out of Santana Moss.
22 (24)		2-1	If Mike Martz can keep this awesome balanced attack thing going, the Niners’ just might have something here.
23 (26)		2-0	If they didn’t have a rookie quarterback starting, I’d say they have a real shot at the division, and a realistic shot at a Super Bowl run. But, they do have a rookie quarterback starting.
24 (23)		0-2	It’s too early to give up on this team. They’ve faced two stellar defenses to open the season, and would have faced three had their game against Baltimore not been cancelled. But no one in the NFL is going to feel sorry for them. They’ve got to start winning, fast.
25 (21)		0-3	Don’t get me wrong, Derek Anderson is not playing well, but it’d be a shame to blame it all on him. A few drops here or there-I’m okay with that. But Braylon Edwards inability to catch key passes (or any) is crippling this team.
26 (25)		0-3	As the field goal went through the uprights in overtime, Carson Palmer’s face said it all. Only three games into the season, and it’s over for Cincinnati.
27 (29)		2-1	It’s very possible this whole “good game, bad game” stuff from Matt Ryan will be a trend. That’s okay. I’m sure 8-8 sounds pretty good to Atlanta fans right now.
28 (31)		1-2	If this were the Surprise of the Century Rankings, Miami is number one. Who saw this coming and didn’t have the guts to say it out loud?
29 (27)		0-3	Is it safe to say Matt Millen could be out of a job fairly soon?
30 (30)		1-2	Wow, way to cough up a game. In the NFL, wins are hard to come by. They really blew it for Lane Kiffin. Or did they? This guessing game has got to stop.
31 (28)		0-3	Way for Larry Johnson to have a great bounce-back game and silence his critics. Can’t really say the same for Tyler Thigpen…
32 (32)		0-3	This team is like “The Love Guru” with Michael Meyers. It’s not funny anymore. It’s just sad. Seriously, don’t watch that movie. Or the Rams.

Week 2 2008 NFL Power Rankings

kroberts — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:14:00 +0000

Aside from Redskins tight end Chris Cooley revealing more than just his playbook, this week was nothing but gravy in the NFL.

Aaron Rodgers continues to impress, while backed by a quite clearly explosive defense. However, the Packers were facing the Lions.

Interesting circumstances had certain teams winning or losing games, and sending a bunch of pre-season Super Bowl contenders to the dreaded 0-2.

Just off the top of my head, it’s looking like Mike Holmgren’s swan song is going downhill before it could really ever get started, the Chargers desperately miss Shawne Merriman already, and the Minnesota Vikings, despite already being labeled as one-dimensional, are…well, just that.

However, what has not changed, is that Tony Romo and the Cowboys are the team to beat in the NFC, the Colts are still relevant in the AFC, and Tom Brady or no Tom Brady, the Patriots are undefeated.

But aside from the rise and fall of many teams, the most telling fact in the league has remained the impact of the 2008 draft class.

Felix Jones returned a kickoff for a touchdown on Monday night, DeSean Jackson registered his second straight 100 yard game to start his career, Eddie Royal caught his second straight touchdown, and Jonathan Stewart had two rushing touchdowns. And that’s just on the offensive side of the ball.

Here are the week two NFL Power Rankings…

Rank (Pv)	Team	Record	Comment
1 (1)		2-0	Don’t knock the defense. They stopped Philadelphia when it mattered. Tony Romo and Terrell Owens are flat out toying with their opponents.
2 (2)		2-0	If they think they’re going to get to the Super Bowl by scoring 18 points per game, they’re sadly mistaken. Hats off to Matt Cassel and mistake-free football, though.
3 (3)		1-1	It took Peyton Manning about seven quarters into the new season to break into stride. If he keeps making use of Anthony Gonzalez like this, Marvin Harrison will continue to be an after thought.
4 (4)		2-0	The win over the Browns showed they can win by grinding it out. It was an ugly win, but that’s vintage Pittsburgh smash-mouth football, folks. You gotta love it.
5 (6)		2-0	You can talk about them blowing their 21 point lead all you want. The fact is that defense turned it on when it counted.
6 (7)		2-0	Don’t look now, but the regular season Eli Manning is growing into a man. This team should still be mentioned among the NFC elite.
7 (9)		1-1	It’s clear this offense is pretty unstoppable, even if they came up short at the end against Dallas. Can you imagine how it’s going to be when Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis return at full health? Oh, baby!
8 (14)		2-0	Controversy, Shmontroversy. Mike Shanahan said it best; the Broncos still had to score the touchdown, and they did.
9 (5)		0-2	Does anyone else think this defense is missing Shawne Merriman more than they let on? A pitiful two sacks after two games tells me yes.
10 (13)		2-0	Kurt Warner for MVP? The Cards’ are looking more and more like division champions.
11 (17)		2-0	Another Jake Delhomme comeback, another win for the Steve Smith-less Panthers. It’s obvious that this team is better than we thought, and their rise doesn’t figure to stop with Smith’s return next week.
12 (10)		1-1	That’s two weeks in a row that Reggie Bush did his best to live up to the hype. Still, they don’t have a true running game going.
13 (15)		2-0	I get the distinct feeling that the Titans can win this division with Kerry Collins. Interesting, these receivers seemed worse when Vince Young was behind center…
14 (8)		0-2	They lost two games that they should have won, and now they have the Colts next week. Throw a patchwork offensive line into the mix, and you’ve got a big bowl of failed expectations.
15 (11)		0-2	Logan Payne wasn’t much, but add him to the list. Seattle receivers are dropping like flies. Mike Holmgren’s last hurrah is getting uglier by the day.
16 (23)		2-0	Make that two solid outings for Trent Edwards. Oh, and add a come-from-behind victory to his resume.
17 (18)		1-1	This is why I don’t back Kyle Orton. You can play all the mistake-free football you want, but if you can’t drive down the field and score, you’re nothing to me.
18 (16)		0-2	Everyone put their hands together for Ryan Longwell’s five field goals. We done? Good. You can’t beat the Colts without scoring touchdowns.
19 (19)		1-1	And THAT is why you don’t have Leon Washington in the backfield to pick up blitzes. They only managed ten points, but they hung in there with the Patriots. There’s a lot more optimism in that statement than you’d think.
20 (20)		1-1	Don’t jump to conclusions, just yet. It’s not so much that Jon Gruden was right by switching from Jeff Garcia to Brian Griese. It’s more that the Buccaneers were facing the Falcons. Because, come on, it’s Brian Griese we’re talking about.
21 (12)		0-2	Add two more drops to Braylon Edwards’ stat sheet. Talk about disappointing. Derek Anderson’s confidence in his receivers has to be all but gone. But that’s not the worst of it. Sixteen points in two weeks for this offense? That’s just sad.
22 (22)		1-1	Okay, I admit it, I gave up on Jason Campbell too soon. Boy, the papers don’t lie, do they? That Jim Zorn really does have a way with quarterbacks.
23 (21)		0-1	It’s a good thing their game against Baltimore was post-poned, because they were headed for 0-2.
24 (25)		1-1	Frank Gore keeps playing well, J.T. O’Sullivan is making people forget about Alex Smith, and the Niners’ beat the Seahwaks in overtime on Joe Nedney’s leg. But how about that interception return by Patrick Willis? Now that was impressive.
25 (24)		0-2	Granted, he’s faced two stellar defenses in a row to start the season, but zero touchdowns and three picks? Carson Palmer looks plain awful.
26 (29)		1-0	I don’t know about you, but I just want to see Joe Flacco run every play.
27 (26)		0-2	For a second there, they had Green Bay right where they wanted them. But, they are the Lions, and it was only for a second.
28 (27)		0-2	Why is Larry Johnson so mad? Of all people, he should know how slow he is. If people weren’t already aware, the Chiefs aren’t a threat to win the Super Bowl.
29 (28)		1-1	Talk about night and day. Matt Ryan had the second career start from hell. He couldn’t complete a pass until the second quarter. I suppose we should give some credit to the Tampa Bay defense.
30 (31)		1-1	What an explosion for Darren McFadden. As long as he gets 20 touches a game, this team could stay relevant in the hunt for the division title. Think about it. They’re the only team outside of the Broncos in their division with a win.
31 (30)		0-2	Now there’s the Dolphins offense we’ve come to know and love.
32 (32)		0-2	They can’t do anything right. The Rams are officially the worst team in football.