Thursday, September 12, 2013

Week 2 Power Rankings

A bit of a serious shake up this week but that is to be expected. Each NFL season is it's own and while some of us like to think we can predict everything, we just can't. I don't see another shake up like this week coming in my power rankings for the rest of the season but you never know.

1: San Francisco 49ers

The best teams beat good teams and Sunday the 49ers beat a good team. I like that they are having Kapernick pass the ball and the addition of Boldin is a lot bigger than I thought it would be. If they keep looking this good I will be surprised if they don't get another shot at the Lombardi.

2: Denver Broncos

After their game this last Thursday all I can say is I have faith in the Broncos once again. I don't know if they will look that awesome every week, but they should look pretty good regardless.

3: Seattle Seahawks

They should have done better against the Panthers so I knocked em down a couple ranks. I might have knocked them further but really they played well they just didn't seem to find the end zone.

4: Philadelphia Eagles

This team is scar fast and I think if they will keep people guessing all year. I read some of Chip Kelly's comments after the game and he said he let the foot off the gas too soon. If that's the case I hope his team can keep up with the pace all season.

5: New Orleans Saints

While I think it's to early to say the Saints D is better, it showed some promising signs against a very good Falcon's offense.

6: New England Patriots

One one hand I think they should have had an easier time beating Buffalo, but then again, how many teams can win with so much change?

7: Houston Texas

Some people might point to three quarters of not very much but I will point to the final score. The great teams never quit and always find a way to fight back.

8: Atlanta Falcons

Despite their loss I still think they are one of the best teams in the league. If they drop next weeks game may have to throw them in the middle of the road collumn.

9: Green Bay Packers

I keep talking about how the Pack's arrogance keeps them from winning and Sunday proved that assertion perfectly. This team really needs to stop thinking about how good it is and start playing with the chip on their shoulder they had during their Super Bowl season.

10: Chicago Bears

Giving the Bears a huge boost after watching an impressive performance. I tell you what, if Cutler can get that kind of protection every week this team could be really dangerous.

11: Miami Dolphins

Another big mover on the list I think the Dolphins are a bit better than I thought they were. We will see though, you can't ever tell what a team looks like just because of a single game.

12: Detroit Lions

Sunday was a great example of how good the Lions can be and probably should be. If they improve their discipline and keep from shooting themselves in the foot, this team could turn some heads.

13: Dallas Cowboys

That was a gutsy game and a gutsy victory. I don't know if the Cowboy's are any good yet, but signs are promising.

14: Indianapolis Colts

I don't know if I think Andrew Luck is as good as everyone says he is, but this team looked pretty okay.

15: New York Jets

Okay Rex, maybe I was wrong because you coached a really good game this week. I just want to see if you can keep it up.

16: Tennessee Titans

It's really hard to get a good feel for teams this early in the season but for now the Titans won so they move up in the rankings.

17: St. Louis Rams

See my entry for the Titans.

18: Baltimore Ravens

They may not deserve this big of a knock down but not only did they lose, they lost bad.

19: Cincinnati Bengals

These guys didn't look as good as I thought they would, but the main reason they lose so much ground is I had to put all the teams who won above the ones who lost to some degree.

20: Kansas City Chiefs

Am I the only one who finds Andy Reid's conservative play calling a bit disconcerting? Admitted it is still more aggressive than a lot of coaches, but this game was a bit of a yawner.

21: Minnesota Vikings

Sorry mom, I tried to hold onto the make believe idea the Vikings are a good team for you, but they aren't.

22: Arizona Cardinals

I think Carson Palmer fits in the offense very well and think that this team could turn things around quickly.

23: Buffalo Bills

I was very impressed with the rookie signal caller but want to see a few more games before I give the Bills to big a jump.

24: New York Giants
The Giants lost but they played well so I felt a bit of a bump in the rankings was fair.

25: Washington Redskins

The Redskins drop in rankings isn't so much about how good or bad they are as it is about RGIII's questionable health.

26: Cleveland Browns

Okay Brandon Wheedon, I keep trying to have faith in you but you have to meet me halfway man.

27: San Diego Chargers

New coach, new front office, same result. The Chargers had that game then like usual let it slip out of their grasp.

28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The problem with doing power rankings is no matter how hard you try someone winds up being in a place they don't really deserve. I think this team played well and they hung in till the end, but I just didn't have room to put them anywhere else.

29: Pittsburgh Steelers

I really expect the Steelers to climb out of this hole, but they just looked tired out there.

30: Oakland Raiders

Tell you what, if their QB plays as well next week I think I will move them up even if they lose.

31: Carolina Panthers

If this team could find a weapon for Cam Newton they might be able to win a game.

32: Jacksonville Jaguars


Two points? Really?

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Tuesday Morning Hangover

All I can say is that week 1 was awesome and am happy the regular season is now offically under way. It's interesting because while this was the first week of the regular season you can see where a lot of teams are still knocking the rust off so to speak. While there were plenty of mistakes and a couple real headscratchers this week, the football was good and it looks like this could be one of the most competitive seasons we have had for a while.

Game of the Week

While I loved watching the Broncos trounce the Ravens, I think the best game of the week was actually the Packers vs 49ers game. This game is what football should be with both teams in it until the end.

Play of the Week

This was tough to pick but I decided to go with Brian Cushings diving interception towards the end of last nights game. It's not often you get to see a linebaker pull that kind of thing off.

Player of the Week

Have to go with Reggie Bush. It really doesn't seem that long ago everyone was writing him off as over rated but he keeps showing up. I really think he is a perfect fit for the Lion's scheme and wouldn't be surprised if we hear his name a lot this season.

Bonehead of the Week

Clay Mathews needs to stop worrying so much about proving he is a tough guy and focus more on playing football. Admitted, Mathews is one of the best linebackers in the game, but just imagine what he could do if he worried more about playing football instead of proving how hardcore he is. That hit on Kapernick was not only uncalled for, but hurt his team and probably gave the 49ers the game.

Random Thoughts

Tom Brady might be a mortal man but after Sunday's performance I am starting to think he might not be. While the Pats played a pretty sloppy game, they held on for the win and Brady made some spectacular thorws.

Chip Kelly's offense might be a good thing for the NFL but you have to wonder how long the team can keep that kind of pace up. If the Eagles keep that kind of tempo up all season they are going to be having to use every single person on their roster in every single game just so people can breathe.

I hope RGIII knocks off the rust because he just didn't look like himself out there last night. I think the injury is still causing him a bit of an issue but if he can keep from getting hit, he should be okay.

I really hope the Saint's defense is the real deal. They looked really good Sunday and it would be nice to see that trend continue.


Saturday, September 7, 2013

2013 Week 1 Power Rankings

The regular season is here and that means it's time to update the power rankings. After the pre-season you always have a better idea of what each team looks like, but things can change on any given Sunday. If you like what you see here great, if not feel free to let me know how you feel.

1: Seattle Seahawks

I was high on my Bronco's at the start of the regular season but the Seahawks looked like they were ready for regular season already. If they don't make it to the big show this year It's because the next two teams are just as good. A shout out to my buddy Brian, you have an awesome team this year and that Wilson guy might just be something special.

2: San Francisco 49er's

I could easily put this team at number one and feel pretty confident about that pick. I love this team and think it may have the most complete roster in the NFL. In a way this team reminds me of the 49er's back in the day when they had Montana. While ole' Joe may have been the QB you couldn't find a bad player on the team.

3: Atlanta Falcons

This is another all around solid team and I think they might be getting hungry enough to actually make it. They were close last season and I think this could be the year the Falcons break through. The one problem I see with this team (and why I don't have them number one) is the fact they play in a dome. Dome teams always look awesome at home but can struggle when the weather is a factor.

4: Denver Broncos

After Thursday night's performance I want to put these guys at the top but Will wait and see. I have been to many times to trust the Orange and Blue this early on. I tell you this though, I am having a hard time seeing how any one is going to effectively stop that pass attack.

5: New England Patriots

Between Brady and Belichick I think you could put a bunch of twelve year old girls on the team and  they Pats would still go 8-8. Maybe I am a bit to fond of Brady, but from what I saw in the pre-season he is not going to miss a beat.

6: Green Bay Packers

I am glad the talk of Aaron Rodgers being the best QB in the NFL has died down a bit but he is still damn good. I really think the thing that keeps this team from being as good as they could be is the fact they think they are so damn good. If the Pack could learn a bit of humility they would be seriously scary.

7: Houston Texas

Out of all the teams in the NFL I think the Texans are probably coming in under the radar. Maybe it's because instead of being flashy and aerodynamic they have a solid blue collar kind of team. If there is going to be a surprise that some of us saw coming, it's the Texans.

8: Cincinnati Bengals

While I despise the ownership of the Bengals I have to admit this team is looking really good. Not just good, but super bowl contender good. This is a very solid team with very solid parts and if they can be consistent I don't see any reason why they can't make it all the way.

9: Baltimore Ravens

While you can't decide how a season is going to go for a team after one game, it looks like the Ravens are missing Lewis and Reed a lot. The defense is still good but they looked a bit confused at times. Leadership is important to a team and it can take a while to rebound when the leaders are gone.

10: Minnesota Vikings

This might be a bit high for the Purple People Eaters, but at the same time I love my mom so figured why not. I think this team has the talent to be really good, but wonder sometimes if the coaching staff will hold them back. Are they ready for elite status? If they were in a different division maybe.

11: Washington Redskins

If RGIII stays healthy and IF Mike Shanahan can keep his ego in check this team has a real shot. I have a good feeling about this team but they are a gamble. If nothing else they should be a lot of fun to watch.

12: Cleveland Browns

There is always a team that winds up coming out of no where and making everyone go "wow did you expect that one." At the beginning of pre-season I thought it would be Kansas City, but I am getting sold on the Browns. The one problem is they are in a brutal division this year so that might keep them out of the playoffs.

13: Pittsburgh Steelers

If Big Ben and crew were in any other division I would give them an honest shot at the playoffs. the AFC North is going to be an intense place to play football this season and someone has to be at the bottom of the pack. Sorry Steelers nation.

14: Arizona Cardinals

My oldest daughter has decided she is an Arizona fan because their mascot looks like one of the Angry Birds. I told her they were in a tough division. She responded by saying "Makes sense why they look so angry then."

15: New Orleans Saints

I actually think the Saints are going to do really good this year now that they have Payton back. I still think Bree's is under rated and if these guys can improve on defense we will be putting them near the top of the list near mid season.

16: Indianapolis Colts

I know a lot of people are sold on this team, but not sure I am ready to buy. I think Luck is going to be a great QB but not sure the rest of the team is really there. They had an emotional push last season but it will take holding onto that for them to make it to the playoffs.

17: Miami Dolphins

I really like what I have been seeing these guys do. I think Tannenhill might just develop into a damn good QB and dig their coaches. I just don't think they are where they need to be yet, close, but not quite.

18: Chicago Bears

If Jay Cutler can quit acting like a spoiled teenager this team would be really good. Problem is that Brandon Marshall only adds to Cutler's inner brat.

19: Dallas Cowboys

I think if you took the coach from anyone of the first 18 teams and gave them the Cowboys, Dallas would be a legitimate threat. The problem is that for whatever reason Jones seems to think Garret is a good idea.

20: St. Louis Rams

I kind of feel sorry for Jeff Fisher because if the Rams were in any other division they would be looking like a playoff team.

21: San Diego Chargers

I think the team made good decisions getting rid of people and think they brought in the right people but it takes a while for a club to get turned around.

22: Detroit Lions

If this team could play to their potential they would be the top of every one's list, but they don't and they won't.

23: Philadelphia Eagles

One of two things is going to happen. A: Chip Kelly is going to learn that college football does not translate to the NFL or B: We are all going to be calling him a genius by the end of the year. I am betting on the first.

24: Buffalo Bills

If there is a franchise I miss being good it's the Bills. I think they finally are going the right direction but they still need to find an identity.

25: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The one good thing about being a Buc's fan is it means you live in a nice part of the country.

26: Kansas City Chief's

Maybe Andy Reid just isn't as good as he used to be, but this team look flat in pre-season.

27: Oakland Raiders

Maybe this team needs to move back to L.A. or something. I can't believe I am saying this but I kind of miss Al Davis.

28: New York Jet's

Rex Ryan needs to go back to being a Defensive Coordinator.

29: Tennessee Titans

Can you name a single member on this team? I had to look up their roster to realize they still had CJ2K.

30: Carolina Panthers

I almost forgot to put them in this list, so yeah, they aren't impressing me much right now.

31: New York Giants

I think this team could be a bit of a surprise but am not ready to call them elite yet. Eli is impressive and probably the toughest QB in the league right now, but you have to have more than a QB to win in the NFL.

32: Jacksonville Jaguars

If the Jaguars moved to Oakland and the Raiders moved to L.A. do you think anyone would notice?