This will be the final installment of the power rankings for this season. Come next week, I will predict the playoffs, NCAA Tournament style. It figures, anytime I jump on or off any band wagon, I get proven wrong. The top four are back to where they were back in Week 15. I'm glad I spent all this free time on the rankings every week. Sheesh.
1. Giants (12-3): Last week #3. Just as I thought, with Jacobs back and the offensive coaches recommitted to the running game, the Giants are back on track. I like the way they stayed the course with the ground game though they were down early to the Panthers. The D is looking a little depleted however. Perhaps there is cause for concern.
2. Titans (13-2): Last week #4. I thought their D would struggle without Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch, but wrong again! The defense may be just nasty enough to get them through the playoffs, but I still just can't get excited about them.
3. Pittsburgh (11-4): Last week #1. When Big Ben becomes Bad Ben, this team doesn't have a chance. The one constant during their win streak had been Roethlisberger's ability to take care of the football. That's the only way they could win a rematch with Tennessee.
4. Panthers (11-4): Last week #2. 301 yards rushing? Ouch. A week after running for 299 themselves, they allow a monster day to Jacobs and Co. I'm banking on that performance being an aberration.
5. Colts (11-4): Last week #5. It hasn't been Peyton's best year statistically, but if ever he deserved MVP consideration, it is now. The Colts have won eight in a row and shown that they have brass ones in the process, pulling out a number of close games including their last win vs. the Jags. This sets up an anticlimactic season finale with the Titans, where nothing is on the line and no one will play. It will probably be a boring game on top of it, with neither coach wanting to tip his hand in case these teams meet in the playoffs.
6. Dolphins (10-5): Last week #6. Time for Chad P. to get the last laugh on the Jets. No one is talking about a weak arm anymore.
7. Ravens (10-5): Last week #7. If nothing else the Ravens know how to play to their strengths. They have a rookie QB and a great defense, therefore they have more rushing attempts than any team in the league.
8. Falcons (10-5): Last week unranked. I should have gone with my gut instead of my head last week. The Bucs were ranked instead. I said I was skeptical all year, yet I kept the Bucs in the rankings. Now they're sucking wind and the Falcons have clinched.
9. Patriots (10-5): Last week unranked. It's scary to see them scoring 40+ with regularity again. The AFC better hope New England doesn't get in.
10. Cowboys (10-5): Last week #8. God, I hate you guys. Do they beat up on the weak or what? Then they cower like dogs when they play a big boy defense like Baltimore. Even still, win and they're in. I hope they don't.
What the hell is up with...? The Broncos. You let the once 4-8 Chargers back in the mix. If you had any cajones you would have wrapped up this putrid division weeks ago. All you had to do was win one stupid game. It sickens me to think that either you or the Chargers are going to show up for one game only in the playoffs and the Patriots could be 11-5 and watching from home.
Showing posts with label NFL Power Rankings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Power Rankings. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
NFL Top 10: Week 16
We have a real shake up at the top here. At this point in the season, I'm basing this on recent performance more so than body of work. Each of the top four teams has an impressive resume this season, so I'm going by who looks good right now. What a great weekend ahead featuring two potential conference championship previews with home field on the line.
1. Steelers (11-3): Last week #3. I had the idea to put the Steelers at number one late Sunday night, but because they get to write sports for a living Don Banks and Peter King of SI scooped me. Big Ben was the difference last weekend (controversial call aside). He was the main reason they won and the Ravens lost. He engineered a 92 yard game winning drive and Joe Flacco looked like a rookie, completing less than 50% and throwing two picks.
2. Panthers (11-3): Last week #4. I love their running game. I hate it when teams rely on the run just because the offense has no talent. This rushing attack is down right explosive.
3. Giants (11-3): Last week #1. Two losses in a row. Tisk, tisk. I refuse to believe that Burress' absence is the problem. Jacobs is the straw that stirs the drink as another NYC sports hero said. Run the ball, then you can go down field.
4. Titans (12-2): Last week #2. See what happens when you stop the running attack and make Kerry Collins try to beat you. Houston did it perfectly. I know Collins has made opponents pay at times this season, but I sure wouldn't fear him if I were the Steelers or Ravens (for example). I would be worried most of all by the prospect of Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch being out for two weeks or more. Without their D this team has jack squat.
5. Colts (10-4): Last week #5. Another double digit win season for Peyton and crew. They just keep finding ways to win. Like I said before, no one wants to face them in the playoffs. I wonder how much, if anything, will be on the line in the season finale vs. the Titans.
6. Dolphins (9-5): Last week #8. The teams on the rest of this list all control their own destiny. In other words, they don't need help to get in the tournament. They just need to win. I think it's completely underrated how much of a stabilizing force Chad Pennington has been for this team.
7. Ravens (9-5): Last week #6. They're still very much in the hunt even after the disappointing loss to Pittsburgh. We'll see how the young QB, Flacco, rebounds from the poor outing.
8. Cowboys (9-5): Last week #9. I wouldn't be surprised if this team won out and made it to the Super Bowl or lost their last two and completely imploded.
9. Buccaneers (9-5): Last week #7. They're reeling after two straight losses, and I'd love to put the Falcons here, but I can't. The Bucs are in a better situation with tie breakers.
10. Jets (9-5): Last week unranked. See above only switch Falcons with Patriots.
What the hell is up with...? Fairness. There are a number of teams who, in certain scenarios, could finish 11-5 and miss the playoffs, while the Cardinals could finish as 8-8 division winners and still get in. In my opinion, the divisions are too small. You only have to be better than 3 teams to get into the tournament. This will never happen, but you could keep the division structure to help with scheduling and still allow the 6 best teams from each conference in based completely on record and seed accordingly. The NFL would hate this, but in my system, the top two teams could come from the same division and both get byes. Oh well, a guy can dream.
1. Steelers (11-3): Last week #3. I had the idea to put the Steelers at number one late Sunday night, but because they get to write sports for a living Don Banks and Peter King of SI scooped me. Big Ben was the difference last weekend (controversial call aside). He was the main reason they won and the Ravens lost. He engineered a 92 yard game winning drive and Joe Flacco looked like a rookie, completing less than 50% and throwing two picks.
2. Panthers (11-3): Last week #4. I love their running game. I hate it when teams rely on the run just because the offense has no talent. This rushing attack is down right explosive.
3. Giants (11-3): Last week #1. Two losses in a row. Tisk, tisk. I refuse to believe that Burress' absence is the problem. Jacobs is the straw that stirs the drink as another NYC sports hero said. Run the ball, then you can go down field.
4. Titans (12-2): Last week #2. See what happens when you stop the running attack and make Kerry Collins try to beat you. Houston did it perfectly. I know Collins has made opponents pay at times this season, but I sure wouldn't fear him if I were the Steelers or Ravens (for example). I would be worried most of all by the prospect of Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch being out for two weeks or more. Without their D this team has jack squat.
5. Colts (10-4): Last week #5. Another double digit win season for Peyton and crew. They just keep finding ways to win. Like I said before, no one wants to face them in the playoffs. I wonder how much, if anything, will be on the line in the season finale vs. the Titans.
6. Dolphins (9-5): Last week #8. The teams on the rest of this list all control their own destiny. In other words, they don't need help to get in the tournament. They just need to win. I think it's completely underrated how much of a stabilizing force Chad Pennington has been for this team.
7. Ravens (9-5): Last week #6. They're still very much in the hunt even after the disappointing loss to Pittsburgh. We'll see how the young QB, Flacco, rebounds from the poor outing.
8. Cowboys (9-5): Last week #9. I wouldn't be surprised if this team won out and made it to the Super Bowl or lost their last two and completely imploded.
9. Buccaneers (9-5): Last week #7. They're reeling after two straight losses, and I'd love to put the Falcons here, but I can't. The Bucs are in a better situation with tie breakers.
10. Jets (9-5): Last week unranked. See above only switch Falcons with Patriots.
What the hell is up with...? Fairness. There are a number of teams who, in certain scenarios, could finish 11-5 and miss the playoffs, while the Cardinals could finish as 8-8 division winners and still get in. In my opinion, the divisions are too small. You only have to be better than 3 teams to get into the tournament. This will never happen, but you could keep the division structure to help with scheduling and still allow the 6 best teams from each conference in based completely on record and seed accordingly. The NFL would hate this, but in my system, the top two teams could come from the same division and both get byes. Oh well, a guy can dream.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
NFL Top 10: Week 14
It pains me to do so, but my Redskins have dropped out of the Top 10. The offense looked putrid against the Giants on Sunday. There is still no one on that side of that ball that strikes fear into the hearts of opposing defenses. The 'Skins D is solid and kept Washington in the game for a while. However, it's hard to continue to do that when the offense is punting every five minutes. Anyway, on to the Top 10.
1. Giants (11-1): Last week #1. Plaxico who? Domenik Hixon is a receiving star on the rise. Very dangerous.
2. Titans (11-1): Last week #2. What is a better way to rebound from a loss than to bury the toothless Lions on Thanksgiving day? Are they destined for 0-16 or what?
3. Steelers (9-3): Last week #3. They showed the Patriots who's boss. After falling behind 10-3, they scored the game's next 30 points. Think they were motivated by some past playoff failures against the Pats?
4. Cowboys (8-4): Last week unranked. I know, I know. How can I bring them from unranked to number four on the list. Because it's my list, damn it! Clearly, the return of Tony Romo has the 'Boys clicking again. It's amazing how teams can overcome just about any injury except to the QB.
5. Colts (8-4): Last week #5. That was an ugly, ugly win against the Browns. C'mon, only 3 offensive points! But sometimes you have to find a way to win in the mud and gunk. The Colts stepped out of their comfort zone and did just that.
6. Jets (8-4): Last week #4. I give the Jets somewhat of a pass for the loss on Sunday to Denver. They were working off a couple of big wins where they expended a lot of physical and mental energy. They have three winnable games in a row on the upcoming schedule. Don't screw it up!
7. Patriots (7-5): Last week #6. They just got manhandled by Pittsburgh on Sunday. You can never count out BB though. A playoff rematch might yield different results.
8. Panthers (9-3): Last week #8. When they run the ball, all is well. Will they be able to avenge their October 12th loss to the Bucs on Sunday?
9. Buccaneers (9-3): Last week #9. The winner of Bucs vs. Panthers could very well end up the 2nd seed in the NFC (and a coveted top 5 ranking in Dan's list).
10. Falcons (8-4): Last week #10. Everyone is sleeping on the NFC South. The winner could cause trouble in the playoffs for the favorites. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan is having one of the best rookie seasons ever for a QB. He has thrown just 6 interceptions and has only been sacked 13 times to go along with his 61% completion rate.
What the hell is up with...? Plaxico Burress. Certainly you don't need me to analyze the events of a few days ago. All the sports media will be doing that ad nauseum. But what baffles me the most is how Plax was such a good soldier last season. He played hurt all year. He made big catch after big catch. He kept is nose clean. So now that he has his ring he has no desire to work hard anymore or keep himself out of career risking situations? He should be trying especially hard to keep out of trouble considering that it's quite clear that the Giants don't need him.
1. Giants (11-1): Last week #1. Plaxico who? Domenik Hixon is a receiving star on the rise. Very dangerous.
2. Titans (11-1): Last week #2. What is a better way to rebound from a loss than to bury the toothless Lions on Thanksgiving day? Are they destined for 0-16 or what?
3. Steelers (9-3): Last week #3. They showed the Patriots who's boss. After falling behind 10-3, they scored the game's next 30 points. Think they were motivated by some past playoff failures against the Pats?
4. Cowboys (8-4): Last week unranked. I know, I know. How can I bring them from unranked to number four on the list. Because it's my list, damn it! Clearly, the return of Tony Romo has the 'Boys clicking again. It's amazing how teams can overcome just about any injury except to the QB.
5. Colts (8-4): Last week #5. That was an ugly, ugly win against the Browns. C'mon, only 3 offensive points! But sometimes you have to find a way to win in the mud and gunk. The Colts stepped out of their comfort zone and did just that.
6. Jets (8-4): Last week #4. I give the Jets somewhat of a pass for the loss on Sunday to Denver. They were working off a couple of big wins where they expended a lot of physical and mental energy. They have three winnable games in a row on the upcoming schedule. Don't screw it up!
7. Patriots (7-5): Last week #6. They just got manhandled by Pittsburgh on Sunday. You can never count out BB though. A playoff rematch might yield different results.
8. Panthers (9-3): Last week #8. When they run the ball, all is well. Will they be able to avenge their October 12th loss to the Bucs on Sunday?
9. Buccaneers (9-3): Last week #9. The winner of Bucs vs. Panthers could very well end up the 2nd seed in the NFC (and a coveted top 5 ranking in Dan's list).
10. Falcons (8-4): Last week #10. Everyone is sleeping on the NFC South. The winner could cause trouble in the playoffs for the favorites. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan is having one of the best rookie seasons ever for a QB. He has thrown just 6 interceptions and has only been sacked 13 times to go along with his 61% completion rate.
What the hell is up with...? Plaxico Burress. Certainly you don't need me to analyze the events of a few days ago. All the sports media will be doing that ad nauseum. But what baffles me the most is how Plax was such a good soldier last season. He played hurt all year. He made big catch after big catch. He kept is nose clean. So now that he has his ring he has no desire to work hard anymore or keep himself out of career risking situations? He should be trying especially hard to keep out of trouble considering that it's quite clear that the Giants don't need him.
Monday, November 24, 2008
NFL Top 10: Week 13
We're down to the last month or so of the season. The wildcard races are getting hairy. Whatever you do, don't start trying to figure out all of the tie breaker scenarios. It's enough to give you a stroke.
1. Giants (10-1): Last week #1. The G-Men didn't play their best game against the Cardinals. But what impressed me is that in spite of being down Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs, they were able to answer each time Cardinal offense scored and made it a game.
2. Titans (10-1): Last week #2. Any team with a defense like that has a chance for the Super Bowl. They had an uncharacteristically bad game against the Jets, but what concerns me more is the offense. They need to run the ball better. Anyone who thinks that Kerry Collins can shoulder the offensive load week-in and week-out is a fool.
3. Steelers (8-3): Last week #4. They seem to have their mojo back after a short rough patch. Big Ben looked like his towering, formidable self on Thursday night. They have a chance to make a statement against the Pats in their next game.
4. Jets (8-3): Last week #10. Believe it or not, right now they are the 2nd seed in the AFC. Huh? I am very impressed with their back-to-back wins over the Patriots and Titans.
5. Colts (7-4): Last week #5. Nice hard fought win against a Chargers team that was desperate and usually has their number. The rest of the schedule is very favorable for the Colts including the season finale against the Titans who will have nothing to play for.
6. Patriots (7-4): Last week #6. Another team with an easy schedule down the stretch. If they can beat the Steelers coming up, they could easily finish 12-4. So much for the season being lost without Tom Terrific.
7. Redskins (7-4): Last week #7. I don't know why I keep them around. Barely beating the hapless Seahawks doesn't instill me with much confidence. A win against the Giants Sunday would.
8. Panthers (8-3): Last week #3. I know I was singing their praises a few weeks ago, but Jake Delhomme's play has soured me on the Panthers. I can see them falling by the wayside.
9. Buccaneers (8-3): Last week #9. I have to see this team play more. I have to know how they're doing it.
10. Falcons (7-4): Last week #10. They're back in the top 10 after a nice victory against the Panthers. Wouldn't it be interesting if they could capture the division one year after the Vick/Petrino catastrophe?
What the hell is up with...? LenDale White of the Titans after the team's first loss of the season. Quoth White, "You would like to win it, but it is one game, so what? -- I only played three plays so I really couldn't tell you what happened, I don't really know, I wasn't paying attention, I didn't care really." Does that sound like the voice of a champion? Your team is 10-1 and a legit Super Bowl contender and that's what you have to say for yourself? Be thankful that they keep your fat behind on the roster so you can roll into the endzone for TD's. You could just take your 3.8 yard average to the unemployment line. P.S.-- What's up with the capital letter in the middle of your made-up name?
1. Giants (10-1): Last week #1. The G-Men didn't play their best game against the Cardinals. But what impressed me is that in spite of being down Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs, they were able to answer each time Cardinal offense scored and made it a game.
2. Titans (10-1): Last week #2. Any team with a defense like that has a chance for the Super Bowl. They had an uncharacteristically bad game against the Jets, but what concerns me more is the offense. They need to run the ball better. Anyone who thinks that Kerry Collins can shoulder the offensive load week-in and week-out is a fool.
3. Steelers (8-3): Last week #4. They seem to have their mojo back after a short rough patch. Big Ben looked like his towering, formidable self on Thursday night. They have a chance to make a statement against the Pats in their next game.
4. Jets (8-3): Last week #10. Believe it or not, right now they are the 2nd seed in the AFC. Huh? I am very impressed with their back-to-back wins over the Patriots and Titans.
5. Colts (7-4): Last week #5. Nice hard fought win against a Chargers team that was desperate and usually has their number. The rest of the schedule is very favorable for the Colts including the season finale against the Titans who will have nothing to play for.
6. Patriots (7-4): Last week #6. Another team with an easy schedule down the stretch. If they can beat the Steelers coming up, they could easily finish 12-4. So much for the season being lost without Tom Terrific.
7. Redskins (7-4): Last week #7. I don't know why I keep them around. Barely beating the hapless Seahawks doesn't instill me with much confidence. A win against the Giants Sunday would.
8. Panthers (8-3): Last week #3. I know I was singing their praises a few weeks ago, but Jake Delhomme's play has soured me on the Panthers. I can see them falling by the wayside.
9. Buccaneers (8-3): Last week #9. I have to see this team play more. I have to know how they're doing it.
10. Falcons (7-4): Last week #10. They're back in the top 10 after a nice victory against the Panthers. Wouldn't it be interesting if they could capture the division one year after the Vick/Petrino catastrophe?
What the hell is up with...? LenDale White of the Titans after the team's first loss of the season. Quoth White, "You would like to win it, but it is one game, so what? -- I only played three plays so I really couldn't tell you what happened, I don't really know, I wasn't paying attention, I didn't care really." Does that sound like the voice of a champion? Your team is 10-1 and a legit Super Bowl contender and that's what you have to say for yourself? Be thankful that they keep your fat behind on the roster so you can roll into the endzone for TD's. You could just take your 3.8 yard average to the unemployment line. P.S.-- What's up with the capital letter in the middle of your made-up name?
Monday, November 17, 2008
NFL Top 10: Week 12
What does everyone think of all of this junk? I've been doing this for about a month now and I'm sure I could reverse positions three through ten and the list would make just as much sense. All of the week 11 teams made it to week 12 but one. We have someone new in the number 10 spot. Check it out.
1. Giants (9-1): Last week #1. Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward are like the three heads of the fearsome Cerberus. They combined for 31 carries and 210 yards against the touted Ravens D. The Giants have rushed for 200 yards in three straight games.
2. Titans (10-0): Last week #2. I had been wondering all season how the Titans would fair in a game when they were down double digits late. Sunday they gave me the answer. I am now a believer.
3. Panthers (8-2): Last week #6. Jake Delhomme has another game where he only reaches double digits in passing yards. No matter, the Panthers just rush for over 200 and destroy the outmatched Lions.
4. Steelers (7-3): Last week #5. Not a pretty win in the snow, but they managed to tough it out against a Charger team that was just aching for a victory.
5. Colts (6-4): Last week #7. They are getting into a groove at the right time. No one will want to face them if they can get into the playoffs.
6. Patriots (6-4): Last week #3. I would still favor them in a playoff match up vs. the Jets, but Sunday's loss has to hurt. Correction: In last week's top ten I speculated about a trade involving Matt Cassel. The fact is Mr. Cassel is about to have a dump truck full of money dumped on his lawn in free agency. I doubt the Pats will match any offer he gets on the open market in order to keep him in New England to back up Brady. Buyer beware though. Remember Matt Schaub?
7. Redskins (6-4): Last week #4. Sorry fellow 'Skins fans. I smell a slide coming on. There's no way for them to stay in the hunt unless they beat the Seahawks next week. Then the week after that it's the Giants. Ouch.
8. Cardinals (7-3): Last week #8. It looks like we're going to have the first Cards playoff berth since Jake the Snake was at the helm.
9. Buccaneers (7-3): Last week #9. Jeff Garcia keeps on trucking along. They have an interesting stretch coming up. First the Lions then three divisional games in a row.
10. Jets (7-3): Last week unranked. I can't ignore that big time win against the Pats. This sets up a very interesting game against the undefeated Titans this weekend.
What the hell is up with...? The Eagles. This is another seemingly good team that just can't get it together. They failed to keep pace with the rest of the NFC East following their sister-kissing tie against the Bungles. How does an offense like that only manage 13 points on Cincinnati, then fail to score at all in overtime? The big fat cherry on top of this is that Donovan McNabb didn't realize the game could end in a tie. Huh? I know it doesn't happen very often, but c'mon. (For the record, I am not in favor of changing the system to avoid ties. It's so infrequent that it's not worth taxing already overtaxed players with multiple OT periods.)
1. Giants (9-1): Last week #1. Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward are like the three heads of the fearsome Cerberus. They combined for 31 carries and 210 yards against the touted Ravens D. The Giants have rushed for 200 yards in three straight games.
2. Titans (10-0): Last week #2. I had been wondering all season how the Titans would fair in a game when they were down double digits late. Sunday they gave me the answer. I am now a believer.
3. Panthers (8-2): Last week #6. Jake Delhomme has another game where he only reaches double digits in passing yards. No matter, the Panthers just rush for over 200 and destroy the outmatched Lions.
4. Steelers (7-3): Last week #5. Not a pretty win in the snow, but they managed to tough it out against a Charger team that was just aching for a victory.
5. Colts (6-4): Last week #7. They are getting into a groove at the right time. No one will want to face them if they can get into the playoffs.
6. Patriots (6-4): Last week #3. I would still favor them in a playoff match up vs. the Jets, but Sunday's loss has to hurt. Correction: In last week's top ten I speculated about a trade involving Matt Cassel. The fact is Mr. Cassel is about to have a dump truck full of money dumped on his lawn in free agency. I doubt the Pats will match any offer he gets on the open market in order to keep him in New England to back up Brady. Buyer beware though. Remember Matt Schaub?
7. Redskins (6-4): Last week #4. Sorry fellow 'Skins fans. I smell a slide coming on. There's no way for them to stay in the hunt unless they beat the Seahawks next week. Then the week after that it's the Giants. Ouch.
8. Cardinals (7-3): Last week #8. It looks like we're going to have the first Cards playoff berth since Jake the Snake was at the helm.
9. Buccaneers (7-3): Last week #9. Jeff Garcia keeps on trucking along. They have an interesting stretch coming up. First the Lions then three divisional games in a row.
10. Jets (7-3): Last week unranked. I can't ignore that big time win against the Pats. This sets up a very interesting game against the undefeated Titans this weekend.
What the hell is up with...? The Eagles. This is another seemingly good team that just can't get it together. They failed to keep pace with the rest of the NFC East following their sister-kissing tie against the Bungles. How does an offense like that only manage 13 points on Cincinnati, then fail to score at all in overtime? The big fat cherry on top of this is that Donovan McNabb didn't realize the game could end in a tie. Huh? I know it doesn't happen very often, but c'mon. (For the record, I am not in favor of changing the system to avoid ties. It's so infrequent that it's not worth taxing already overtaxed players with multiple OT periods.)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
NFL Top 10: Week 11
The two top spots are set and have been for a while. As for the rest; they're in then they're out. They're up then they're down. Argh, get that stupid Katy Perry song out of my head.
1. Giants (8-1): Last week #1. They're only two wins away from the 10 they had last season. The tough win on the road against the Eagles earns major points with me.
2. Titans (9-0): Last week #2. I'm still waiting for them to impress me somehow. Give them credit though. You set 'em up; they knock 'em down.
3. Patriots (6-3): Last week #5 . I wonder if there's a job for Matt Cassell somewhere else after the season. The Pats are going to raid some poor sap for draft picks to give him up.
4. Redskins (6-3): Last week #6. Perhaps I'm over-reaching here a little bit with this ranking. But I fully expect the 'Skins to take care of the 'Boys this week, Romo or no Romo.
5. Steelers (6-3): Last week #3. As Big Ben goes, so go the Steelers, down two spots after a subpar performance. Consistency is starting to become a problem for him.
6. Panthers (7-2): Last week #4. Just as I was about to continue gushing about the Panthers. Jake Delhomme turns in one of the most putrid stat lines I've ever seen: 7-27, 72 yds, 4 int. Against the Raiders! To be fair he did throw a TD as well (whoopdeedoo).
7. Colts (5-4): Last week #8. The rest of the AFC thought they wouldn't have the Colts to deal with anymore. Oops.
8. Cardinals (6-3): Last week unranked. Kurt Warner has been absolutely carrying this team. I love Anquan Boldin. He's like TO, but without the attitude. These two guys are tough as nails.
9. Buccaneers (6-3): Last week #9. I'm waiting for them to hit a rough patch, but this team keeps plugging along.
10. Falcons (6-3): Last week unranked. Matt Ryan is the real deal and shows you how important quarterback play is with the way he's resurected the Falcons. We'll see if he hits a rookie wall at any point.
What the hell is up with...? The Chargers. They are by far the most disappointing team in football for me. There is lots of talent there as we all know, but the results don't reflect it. I feel bad for L.T. He's still got some miles left on his tires, but that window for a running back's prime can shut in a hurry. He's 29, and you know what happens to running backs at 30. I hope some how he's able to win a Super Bowl before it's done. He's a player and a person I really like.
1. Giants (8-1): Last week #1. They're only two wins away from the 10 they had last season. The tough win on the road against the Eagles earns major points with me.
2. Titans (9-0): Last week #2. I'm still waiting for them to impress me somehow. Give them credit though. You set 'em up; they knock 'em down.
3. Patriots (6-3): Last week #5 . I wonder if there's a job for Matt Cassell somewhere else after the season. The Pats are going to raid some poor sap for draft picks to give him up.
4. Redskins (6-3): Last week #6. Perhaps I'm over-reaching here a little bit with this ranking. But I fully expect the 'Skins to take care of the 'Boys this week, Romo or no Romo.
5. Steelers (6-3): Last week #3. As Big Ben goes, so go the Steelers, down two spots after a subpar performance. Consistency is starting to become a problem for him.
6. Panthers (7-2): Last week #4. Just as I was about to continue gushing about the Panthers. Jake Delhomme turns in one of the most putrid stat lines I've ever seen: 7-27, 72 yds, 4 int. Against the Raiders! To be fair he did throw a TD as well (whoopdeedoo).
7. Colts (5-4): Last week #8. The rest of the AFC thought they wouldn't have the Colts to deal with anymore. Oops.
8. Cardinals (6-3): Last week unranked. Kurt Warner has been absolutely carrying this team. I love Anquan Boldin. He's like TO, but without the attitude. These two guys are tough as nails.
9. Buccaneers (6-3): Last week #9. I'm waiting for them to hit a rough patch, but this team keeps plugging along.
10. Falcons (6-3): Last week unranked. Matt Ryan is the real deal and shows you how important quarterback play is with the way he's resurected the Falcons. We'll see if he hits a rookie wall at any point.
What the hell is up with...? The Chargers. They are by far the most disappointing team in football for me. There is lots of talent there as we all know, but the results don't reflect it. I feel bad for L.T. He's still got some miles left on his tires, but that window for a running back's prime can shut in a hurry. He's 29, and you know what happens to running backs at 30. I hope some how he's able to win a Super Bowl before it's done. He's a player and a person I really like.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NFL Top 10
Here's what you've been waiting for kids. Dan's first installment of the NFL Top 10. I have also included a special weekly feature at the end of the post. Enjoy.
1. Titans (7-0): This team has a nastiness that I like and a great O-line. I think they need find an offensive focal point. Chris Johnson perhaps.
2. Giants (6-1): I've never seen a team so deep with offensive play makers. They showed they can win a slugfest as well by beating Pittsburgh last weekend.
3. Patriots (5-2): You just can't count them out... ever. If you can't be the '07 Pats, then be the '01 Pats. They won it all, if you remember.
4. Redskins (6-2): The league's #1 rushing offense + no interceptions for Jason Campbell= Wins. Beware the second half swoon, 'Skins fans.
5. Steelers (5-2): They win when Big Ben plays well. So why can't they protect their best commodity? If Ben can't stay upright, they will be in trouble. He's partially to blame for not getting rid of the football.
6. Panthers (6-2): John Fox always gets this team to play tough. They will not be an easy out.
7. Bills (5-2): Yeah, I know they just lost to the Dolphins, but I'm not going to down grade for a close divisional loss. They're young and talented. Will they have enough to get past New England? B-squared likes to eat young and talented for breakfast.
8. Bears (4-3): The D is back and Rex is on the bench. How did they miss the fact that Kyle Orton is actually kind of good?
9. Buccaneers (5-3): They're in the playoff race as of now, but I don't like them very much. There's something about John Gruden I don't like. Maybe it's his face.
10. Cowboys (5-3): I don't know why, but here they are. I feel like things will get better when Tony Romo gets back (namely my fantasy team).
What the hell is up with....? Media coverage of the Jets. They complain that the Jets should have blown out the Raiders and the Chiefs in consecutive weeks because they're so much better. They lost to the Raiders in OT and barely beat the Chiefs. This is all I heard on New York radio on Sunday. Has it ever occurred to you that the Jets may be closer to the level of Oakland and KC than they are to the playoffs? They stink and so does Brett Favre. I like Favre as much as the next guy, but he's had it. Thanks to the media market we're in I get to watch his slow, torturous decline every Sunday until the Rapture.
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