Mid-Season Power Rankings

Mid Season Power Rankings

With week eight in the books I have decided to write up some mid season power rankings. I was intending to update them weekly but life got the better of me for a while. Currently there is one undefeated team in the NFL and there are some other teams that are starting to pull away from the pack. As usual there is are some surprises on who is doing well (did I pick Kansas City or what?) and some surprises about who is doing bad (I am looking at you Atlanta. I think that is why I love the NFL so much, each season is different and every team has a shot to make it all the way eventually. Without further ado, on to the power rankings.

32: Jacksonville Jaguars

I honestly can't think of a time when picking the worst team in the league was this easy. I feel for their fans and really think this team needs to look at grabbing Tim Tebow. He may not be a classic QB but the man is exciting and can make a bad team look pretty good.

31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Okay, maybe Josh Freeman wasn't the best QB but I thought he gave them a better chance at winning than the guy who replaced him. I will be amazed if their coach has a job by the end of the season. I have to say while Jon Gruden may not have been putting out the best product toward the end of his time in Tampa, he never fielded a team that looked this bad.

30: Atlanta Falcons

The bottom part of the power rankings are always a hard thing to do. You have teams that suck, teams that have a bad record but don't suck, then teams that really shouldn't suck. I am sorry, but if your a team as loaded with talent as the Falcons and you aren't winning, you need to look at why.

29: Minnesota Vikings

Sorry Mom, but I just can't justify putting these guys any higher on the list. I like them and think they play hard and are a bit better than their record, but they are still 1-6 at this point. Give them a decent QB a new coach and they could be a contender.

28: Houston Texans

Another team that should have a much better record. I have to say I am a bit stunned at how poorly Schaub has been playing. He was never the flashiest QB, but he was solid and could get the job done. I just hope the Texans don't decide Kubiak has to go. He has made a damn good team down there.

27: New York Giants

The last couple of weeks they have looked a bit more like the team a expected them to be, but I also didn't expect them to be very good. I think they keep expecting to much out of Eli and Tom Coughlin seems to keep losing the team. Of course last time I said this, they won a super bowl... if they do it again I am going to insist they pay me for helping them out so many times.

26: Washington Redskins

As much as I hate to say it, I think their coach needs to just give it up and retire. I was willing to buy into the excuses in Denver, but now I am starting to see the problem isn't with the team, it's with the coach.

25: Pittsburgh Steelers

This team needs to get younger at almost every position, needs to let Big Ben play QB like he knows how, and for the love of god find some halfway decent Secondary players.

24: Philadelphia Eagles

I think Chip Kelly needs to realize he can't run the offense he wants without a QB capable of running it. I wonder if the owners of the Eagles are rethinking their decision to Jettison Andy Reid yet?

23: Buffalo Bills

This team could be a real danger next year, but this year they still are looking bad. I have to say though, if your a Bills fan there is a lot of reason for hope.

22: Cleveland Browns

I think that if the Browns keep playing like they have been, they might just be in the playoff hunt at the end of the season. Another team that looks like it might be good next year.

21: St. Louis Rams

I have to say this team plays a lot better than I thought it would and if they can figure out a decent Offensive line they might actually be a winner soon.

20: Miami Dolphins

I like this team but like the last couple I think they need to start looking toward next year. Tannenhill is solid but needs more time to live up to his potential.

19: Oakland Raiders

Man, I think that they need to just commit to Pryor as their franchise QB and build around him. They are on the verge of being a real threat in the AFC.

18: New York Jets

Man it's hard to decide who these guys are. One week they look like a serious contender, the next like they have a rookie quarterback behind center. That is life with a rookie QB though.

17: Baltimore Ravens

Lewis and Reed leaving hurt this club a lot more than even I expected. Also, why do they insist on trying to make Flacco an elite QB when they should know better by now. Don't get me wrong, Flacco is good, and definitely worth a top ten grade, but he has a few flaws in his game that stop him from being truly great.

16: Arizona Cardinals

Having a hard time getting a bead on this team so stuck them at the middle because that's what their record says they are.

15: Tennessee Titans

I honestly think they can make the playoffs if Locker comes back from injury looking like he did before he got hurt. If not they are going to take a dive in the power rankings.

14: Carolina Panthers

Okay, I like what I have seen the last couple of weeks but still am not sold. If they get to like 9-5 I might be willing to believe, but until them not gonna buy.

13: Chicago Bears

I would have them a lot higher had they not lost Cutler. Now we will once again see why more attention needs to be given to the back up QB. How many times has a promising club been sunk because NFL coaches don't put any real effort into preparing their back up QB's for “just in case”?

12: Detroit Lions

I want this team to make the play offs so bad. If they can keep being competitive and keep playing well, I think they can do it.

11: San Diego Chargers

Man, I knew Mike McCoy would improve this team and he has. This year I think they squeak into a wild card spot, but next year.. wow the AFC West is going to be the most competitive division in football the next few seasons.

10: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys remind you of that really good looking girl who always seemed to say the one thing that would ruin the date. If I was a Cowboys fan I would be infuriated and depressed over the way they find ways to loose games.

9: New England Patriots

Something is wrong with Tom Terrific over there in Foxborough but the rest of the team is starting to come together. My advice to Brady, quit caring so much about what everyone does and start enjoying the game again.

8: Green Bay Packers

Once they stopped worrying about telling everyone how good they were and started actually playing football, they got better. Go figure.

7: Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton is looking like a damn good QB. I think he finally learned that he can throw the ball to someone besides A.J. Green. I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys make it to the Super Bowl.

6: San Francisco Forty Niners

I am glad to see they are starting to let Kapernick play like Kapernick. I bet if they had done that from the start of the season they would be ahead of the Seahawks right now.

5: Indianapolis Colts

Okay, I am starting to buy into the idea that Andrew Luck might be something very special. He may not look pretty but he is a damn good QB. He kind of reminds me a bit of Elway who never had Mario's stats but always won the game.

4: Kansas City Chiefs

I know they are the only undefeated team right now, but they also haven't played a good team other than the Cowboys and that was a game they barely won.

3: Seattle Seahawks

These guys are number three because somebody has to be and the Saints look more complete than they do right now. One thing I really like is Russell Wilson showing his leadership every week and willing his team to victory. That takes a special kind of player and is a skill you can't really measure.

2: New Orleans Saints

This team is good. I knew they were going to be good with getting their coach back but I didn't see that defense coming. I am still holding out for a Broncos vs. Seahawks Super Bowl, but wouldn't it be fun to watch Brees and Manning go at it again?

1: Denver Broncos

I want anyone who questions their spot at number one to consider the following things. They make mistakes that would lose most teams the game and still are on a record setting pace. They are starting to make less of those mistakes and they just got their best player on defense back. Seriously I don't see how you can't put these guys on top.  

Let Them Play: Why Teams Need to Stop Trying to Change the Way QB's play the game

I know that I am not in any way shape or form qualified to be an NFL coach. I don't have the knowledge, dedication, or drive to ever achieve that kind of thing. However, sometimes I think NFL coaches could use a little bit of what I like to call "fan wisdom". See, while your typical NFL fan will never be equal to a coach, this actually can work as an advantage because we look at the game differently than they do. One of the best ways to explain this is the fact that so many NFL coaches try to force their QB's to play according to their system and not the way the QB plays best.

Think about it. Three seasons ago Ben Rothelisberger guided his team to the playoff's. During the offseason they hired a new offensive cordinator. That cordinator decided that he wanted Big Ben to be more of a traditional drop back QB. The result? The Steeler's sucked last year and they suck this year. While it is true that some of that suckatude has to do with an aging defense, the fact is that by trying to force Big Ben to play the game differently, it hampers one of the most important players on the team.

It's not just Big Ben either. You can see it in how the 49er's handled Kapernick, the Panthers keep trying to change Cam Newton, and more. It seems to me that every time a cordinator or coach gets it in their head the QB needs to play differently they teams fortunes fall down and sadly the QB winds up catching the game.

Think back for a moment to the 2011 season when the Broncos finally benched Kyle Orton and started Tim Tebow. The first two games they tried to make Tebow fit the system and didn't look like a good team at all. Once the Denver brass stopped and decided to let Tebow play the way he plays, they wound up making it into the playoff's. Had John Fox not decided to do that, chances are they wouldn't have had a winning seasons much less a playoff berth.

I am not saying that you shouldn't try to make a QB play better. I am just saying that maybe you shouldn't try so hard to make a QB play differently. If more coaches and cordinators adopted this philosophy I think a lot more teams would find out that their QB is capable of playing in the NFL and wouldn't waste so many draft picks on "busts"

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 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.

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?

Ranking the Coaches 1-32 NFL Head Coach Power Rankings 2013

Since I won't be fiddling with the team power rankings until after the first week of the regular season I figured I would rank individual parts of the team. The first people to be placed under my expert scrutiny (okay, maybe amature but enthusastic musings) are the head coaches. There was a time when head coaches could make or break a team, but now adays thats more the General Manager's fault. With that in mind I rated each coach based on how well I felt they not only coached the game, but handled their staff, and handled dealing with the General Manager.  You will notice that I put most of the first year coaches toward the bottom and that's where I feel they should be until they have a chance to prove themselves. I will most likely visit this list again mid season and probably at the end of the regular season.

32: Mike Munchack (Tennesee Titans)

I had to pick someone for the lowest spot and honestly Mike Munchack has failed to impress me at all. I think Locker was a stretch and they put him in the line up when they didn't have to. I think he has potential as a coach, but not sure he will see it before he is canned.

31: Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers)

When Rov Rivera first got hired by the Panthers I really thought it was a mistake but then he went on to have a pretty good season. While his first season was good his second was horrible and the Panthers look worse than they did last year. I don't solely blame Rivera, the GM over there is not very bright.

30: Rob Chudzinkski (Cleveland Browns)

My first new coach and again its more a had to put someone there than I don't like the guy. Rob Chudzinkski is walking into a bad situation. I really think there is potential for him to make the Browns into something but not sure it's gonna happen this year.

29: Doug Marrone (Buffalo Bills)

I think the E.J. Manuel pick was a great idea, but it carries a lot of risk with it. If it works out we will be calling Marrone a genuis in a couple of seasons, if it doesn't we will have to start wondering when Buffalo finally gives up and joins the CFL.

28: Mark Trestman (Chicago Bears)

I love what the man can do with Quarterbacks. The problem is that for Mark Trestman to do his thing with Cutler, Cutler is going to have to actually listen. This isn't a strong suit for Cutler either.

27: Bruce Arians (Arizona Cardinls)

I actually think Bruce Arians should be higher but I couldn't decide who to bump to make room for him, so he winds up here. I actually think that if he can duplicate what he did last year with the colts he is going to be a shooting star.

26: Jim Schwartz (Detroit Lions)

I wiffled on Schwartz a lot. On one hand he actually did a remarkable job of turning the Lions around and getting them into the playoffs. Yet, while it looked like he had them going the right direction, last season was a collossal failure, so until he proves different, I have him near the bottom.

25: Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)

When you do this kind of thing you quickly realize that you really have three categories of coaches. You have those you know are good and will be until they retire. You have those who suck and you know are going to until they get fired, and finally, you have the ones you just can't get a fix on. I really just can't get a fix on this guy.

24: Greg Schiano (Tampa Bay Bucaneers)

I might be the only person who liked the fact he had his defense rush the offense on a kneel down. Football should be played until the final whistle blows. I like his attitude, just not sure it will translate into results.

23: Gus Bradley (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Another guy I just can't get a fix on. I hope he finds a way to get something other than flinching out of Gabbert though.

22: Dennis Allen (Oakland Raiders)

I actually like this guy even if he coaches the Raiders. I think he is a good middle of the pack coach and if he is given time to find his legs he will be one of the better ones in a couple of years.

21: Chip Kelly (Philadelphia Eagles)

Putting Chip here hurt a bit. I adored him as a college coach and hope, hope, hope, his offensive scheme can translate to the NFL. Problem is that the record for college to pro coaches is not all that great, specailly when they bring a college scheme with them.

20: Mike McCoy (San Diego Chargers)

I hated him leaving Denver for the Bolts and that is the single reason I have him this low. I actually think he is going to make the Chargers a lot better and that means the AFC West is going to be competitive as hell in the next couple of seasons.

19: Joe Philbin (Miami Dolphins)

I think Philbin is going to have a great year but want to see one more out of him before I risk a top 16 spot on him. 

18: Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals)

This is one coach who would probably be higher if the Bengals were owned by anyone but the guy who owns them. I think Lewis is a great ball coach but until the Bengals ownership actually grows a brain, there isn't a coach in the world who could make this team as good as it could be.

17: Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings)

I actually wanted to put him higher but I just have no idea what he plans to do. He seems to be wanting to get rid of Ponder, but at the same time won't actually do it? Or maybe he was protecting Ponder? Eh at least he has AP so the Vikings will always have a shot.

16: Rex Ryan (New York Jets)

I like this outspoken guy and think he is a great defensive mind. What kills him is that he can't take a step without somone talking about what he said to the press. 

15: Chuck Pagano (Indianapolis Colts)

I might be reaching a bit on this one, but I like Chuck so am giving him a top 16 because of that. I also like his moxy and toughness.

14: Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

It's not easy putting a guy who has won two super bowls and been to a third this low on the list. The problem is that all the guys above him have better teams this year. 

13: Tom Coughlin (New York Giants)

Someone somewhere is wondering if I am insane because Coughlin has two Lombardi's to his name. I am very aware of that fact, but also am aware that aside from his two super bowl wins he hasn't had a decent season yet.

12: Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)

I think McCarthy is over rated but also admit he is a helluva ball coach. For this reason I don't give him top ten status but put him close.

11: Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)

This is how this will pan out. Either A: Andy Reid shows us that the Eagles brass was as stupid as we think they are or B: he shows us that they were smarter than we wanted to give them credit for. I really wish he wasn't coaching Kansas City.

10: Jeff Fisher (St. Louis Rams)

Admittedly Fisher hasn't done much with the Rams yet, but they have been a mess for a while now. I like how the team is looking and think Fisher is going to get them into the playoffs this year or the next.

9: Mike Smith (Atlanta Falcons)

I probably should have him higher but I just can't figure out who to bump him for. If there is one knock on his coachng it's the fact he can be a bit predictable.

8: John Fox (Denver Broncos)

I tell you what, if Fox pulls that crap he pulled in the playoff's last season I will stop talking him up. However, everyone deserves a do over and he really is a good coach. Don't beleive me? Look what he did before he had Peyton Manning under center.

7: Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins)

This is a pick made out of nostagia, true, but it's alos a pick based off what I saw him do last year. I think he has his mojo back and the Redskins are going to be a force for the forseeable future.

6: Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans)

I really believe ole' Kubes is going to have the Texans in the super bowl soon. If you look at what he started with there and how he has improved the team every single year, it just makes sense.

5: John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens)

I already hear people yelling at me, but stop for a second and look at the guys on the list ahead of him. I had to pick someone for this spot and he was the one who fit best.

4: Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)

God I can not wait to see him wreck vengence on the NFL this year. He had an entire season of having to watch his team while he fumed and plotted. I am seriously on edge waiting to watch the Saints blaze a swath of carnage behind them offensively. Now if he could pay attention to his defense he might just be the best coach in football.

3: Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

I have to admit that when he first came in the league I didn't expect anything out of him. Well, I have changed my tune. This guy is just awesome in every aspect of coaching. I think what I like best about him is his dedication to truly open competition at every spot. To many coaches hold favorites and it costs them, Carroll doesn't play favorites and the results speak for themselves.

2: Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49er's)

A lot of people will say that putting Jim over John is stupid, but I disagree. I know John beat Jim in the Super Bowl, but John had more future hall of famers playing for him than Jim does, nuff said.

1: Bill Belichick (New England Patriots)

Yes, I know this is who everyone picks, but there is a good reason for it and that's the fact that Belichick may be the best football coach in history. 

Preasason Week 2 Picks

With week 1 in the books and some looking ahead at how seriously I actually intend to take this blog I figured I would throw up some picks for the slate of games this coming week. I realize this is only pre-season but just like the pros, I figure I should get some practice in too. Besides there are good reason to watch pre-season since it's a chance to see the various teams take their final form before the real season begins. Anyway onto the picks.

Atalanta vs. Baltimore: Atlanta

This is a game I would absolutely love to see in the regular season when both teams are playing for keeps but it's not. I am looking to see how Baltimore's defense looks in this game because honestly, if they want to hoist the Lombardi again, they will need solid defense.

Detroit vs. Cleveland: Detroit

I actually think Detroit could make a good show this season if they fix some things. I love Brandon Wheedon over there in Cleveland but with a whole new regime in there I am just not sure the Browns are going to look any better. I think Detroit is the better team and has better depth so don't see any reason why they won't win.

Carolina vs. Philadelphia: Philadelphia

After the way Carolina looked last week I may be moving them down a peg or two or three. While I am wondering if Cam Newton is ever going to be they dynamo he was his first season, I loved what I saw out of Vick and it looks like Chip Kelly has a good ship over there so yeah, kind of hard not to pick Philly in this one.

San Diego vs. Chicago: Chicago

I will be honest I flipped a coin because these two teams are so damn similar. Each team is under new management, have extremely talented Quarterback's who are frustratingly inconsistent, and have more questions than answers.

Minnesota vs. Buffalo: Minnesota

Okay mom, there you go, I picked your team so you happy now? While I am picking on my mom a bit because I can't seem to ever pass an opportunity to do it, I actually think Minnesota is the better team in this game. I like what Buffalo is doing, but I don't see them ready to make the big strides they need just yet.

San Francisco vs. Kansas City: San Francisco

I actually didn't pick the niner's because they are the better team (though they are), I picked them because their head coach is insanely competitive. Harbaugh can't stand losing even in the pre season which means his players go into the game a bit more amped up specially since they lost in Denver last week.

Tampa Bay vs. New England: New England

After last weeks showing and knowing that the Patriots take every game seriously I expect to see more of the same from them. On the other side, I think Tampa Bay is making some improvements but just isn't there yet.

Oakland vs. New Orleans: New Orleans

I think both Brees and Peyton are to prove something this season and think they intend to start showing that in pre season. Not only are the Saints playing to make people forget last year, the Raiders are still trying to figure out who they are. This team is probably going to be spinning wheels for a while as they figure out who they are without Al Davis in the mix.

Dallas vs. Arizona: Arizona

I am picking Arizona for this game because I really think they want to see exactly what they have in Carson Palmer and will be opening up the play book a bit more. I think Dallas probably has the better over all team but I can't stand their coach and every time I pick them they lose so... yeah.

Tennessee vs. Cincinnati: Cincinnati

I actually expect Tennessee to take a step backward this season and think Cincinnati is on the verge of being a honest to god contender.

Jacksonville vs. Jets: Jacksonville

I actually asked my wife to make this pick and she picked the Jag's because Jaguars are a "nice" animal. My wife doesn't know anything about football, but she seems to always pick winners. I have absolutely no reason to actually watch this game except for maybe making myself feel better about my masculinity since Gabbert makes my youngest daughter look tough.

Miami vs. Houston: Miami

I know the popular pick is probably going to be Houston and I don't blame people for that. However, I really think Miami might be a surprise this year and so figured I would throw the fish a bone.

Green Bay vs. St. Louis: St. Louis

I think Green Bay is the far better team here, but they seem to not other teams seriously and that shows up in the pre season. Meanwhile I love Jeff Fisher and think he will get some good things out of his squad this year.

Denver vs. Seattle: Denver

This is actually my pick for the super bowl this year but I don't expect either team to be playing like they are in the big show. I really think either team is capable of winning this game so went with Denver since I am a Bronco's fan.

Indianapolis vs. Giants: Giants

I actually picked the Giants because I didn't want to write Indianapolis twice.. doh guess I did anyway. Seriously though I like the way both teams are looking and didn't see a clear favorite. I think the Giants have things a bit more together, but won't be at all surprised to see Indy pull off a victory.

Pittsburgh vs. Washington: Washington

I have Washington winning this one because they have the best back up Quarterback in the league. Kirk Cousins could probably start for at least ten of the teams on this list and be an improvement.

So there you have it, my first picks of the season, let me know what you think, or if your really brave you can give me your picks. Tell you what, if you pick better than me this week I will let you pick all the games for next week.