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.

I love pre-season!

Well we are done with our first pre-season games and I figured I would take a minute to talk about some of the things I observed. I have to say that I always get excited this time of year. While pre-season may not be the most exciting thing, it does give us a chance to look at players we won't be seeing a lot of come the regular season. So what did I learn from this weeks games?

Tom Brady is unbelievable.

I realize it's the pre-season and things will look a lot different when the bullets are real, but number 12 looked like he didn't miss a beat. In my power rankings I questioned if the Patriots would be able to overcome the loss of talent and I think the answer to that question is not just yes, but hell yes.

While talking about the Patriots I have to give a nod to Tim Tebow. I realize he is not a conventional QB and my daughter can throw a better spiral, but there is just something about this guy I dig. Hope we get to see him given a real shot some day.

The Chief's might be better than I thought...

And this is not a good thing for my Broncos. While I know it's just pre-season, the arrow heads looked damn good out there. If they play as well in the regular season as they did this weekend, they are going to be a very dangerous team.

What are the Vikings doing?

Am I the only one who is confused about what the vikings are doing? It seems like Leslie Frazier can't make up his mind about who his QB is and this should worry Viking fans a bit. Maybe I shouldn't just accept you see some strange things in pre-season.

Blaine Gabbert would you please stop...

Being such a pussy. I mean for god sakes man you look like you are running for your life back there. I was a big fan of you coming out of college but this is getting downright sad. I know you got the goods man, so buck up and stop being so worried about getting hit, it's football for heck's sake!

Green Bay Packers

I don't know how many people remember this, but 01 Rams were coming off a super bowl loss and everyone was expecting big things from them. Their coach Mike Martz basically said he wasn't putting any real effort into the pre-season game plan. What followed was a very long regular season for the Rams as they went from super bowl contenders to flops in the space of a few weeks. The lesson for Green Bay? Don't think your so good that you don't need to put work in. I thought you all would have learned this lesson already but give the big fat egg you put up and the obvious lack of motivation I don't think you have.

Well that's all I really have for today, talk to you all later.

Ric's NFL 2013 Power Rankings

The NFL season is quickly approaching so I have decided that this year I am going to follow along and write a blog about it. I like writing, I like football, and so why not. Right now there really isn't a lot that I think is worth me writing about so am going to start out with some power rankings before we get to involved in pre-season games and the like. This list is pretty simple to follow, 1 is the team I think is the best going into the 2013 season and 32 is the team I think is the worst. If you have a difference of opinion that's fine and feel free to let me know in the comments section.

1: Denver Broncos

Okay so this might be a bit of a fanboy pick here but I actually have some solid reasoning for it. First, while I hate to admit it, Peyton Manning is actually still one of the best QB's in the league and can do some special stuff on offense. Not only do they have number 18 driving the offense but he is surrounded by some play makers with serious skills. Take a look at the receiving core, that is something that is going to be given Defensive coordinators fits.

While I actually believe the deserve the number one spot I do have a couple of concerns. The first is the O-line. With the loss of their penciled in starting center and having to go with a journeyman, I am a bit worried about Mannings protection. Also on the defensive side of the ball the loss of Dummerville hurts quite a bit but I think that Del Rio will find a way to make it work.

2: Seattle Seahawks

I know my buddy Brian is gonna be fuming about me putting the hawks at number 2 (after all he is a Seattle fan), but what can I say, I think the Donkey's are better. I was in love with Russel Wilson from the start and it looks like he is only getting better this year. While Wilson is as good a reason as any to root for the Seahawks, he isn't the entire show. In fact Seattle is going to win more games because of their defense and running game than people will think. If you watched those units last year you would know what I am talking about. That defense is serious and that running game can keep the game in slow motion which helps with stopping the high flying attack that a lot of NFL teams favor right now.

Where I have some concerns with the Seahawks is at wide receiver. While they did fine without the addition of having Harvin last year, i think that people are a bit more cued in on Wilson so having some weapons on the outside would be nice, but again their receiving core did fine. Really just putting something here for the sake of saying this team does have a weakness (though in all honesty I can't see one).

3: San Francisco 49ers

This team is actually a popular pick for making the super bowl and while I think they can do it, I don't think they have the depth of talent on their roster of either the broncos or the Seahawks. I am actually very curious to see how Kapernick does with a full season. If the game slows down for him even more this is going to be one dangerous guy, but at the same time if you look at Cam Newton (similar QB styles) he had a bit of a dip after his breakout rookie campaign. We will see we will see.

If there is one place I would say the Niners are the best in the league it is their linebacking core. I don't think any other team has anything like they do. If they manage to get a bit more production out of their secondary, this is a defense that could actually win games by itself.

4: Baltimore Ravens

I will be honest here, I actually don't know if I have them this high for any other reason than they are the reigning champs. This isn't to say the Ravens are a bad team, far from it, but I think the loss of Ray Lewis to retirement is going to be a factor. I still expect these guys to make it to the playoffs, but I just don't see a repeat appearance in their future this season.

Have to say that I love the Harbaugh's. Both brothers played in the NFL as quarterbacks but both are seriously defensive minded head coaches who prefer the ground and pound over the pass... go figure.

5: Houston Texans

I actually flipped a coin here between the Texans and the Patriots. While the Patriots have number 12 and probably the best head coach to ever call a game, I don't think they can overcome the problems they are going through with the Hernandez incident and I really think them letting Welker go is going to be a serious mistake. Enough about the Pat's though they are up next let's talk about the Texans...

GO GARY KUBIAK I WANNA SEE YOU WIN A SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!

Okay so maybe I am a bit of a fanboy for ole Kub's but hell he backed up John Elway and was the Offensive Cordinator of the two Bronco Super Bowl teams.... by the way the Texans are actually one awesome team, JJ Watt, Brian Cushing, Adrian Foster, and their QB.. um what's his name again?

6: New England Patriots

Like I said I flipped a coin and the Houston Texans wound up in the number four spot. The reason I actually think the Texans are going to be Super Bowl contenders this year is because they probably have the most complete team in the league, unlike the Patriot's. The one single draw back to them going all the way is that QB Matt Schaub. Now please don't get me wrong, I actually think Schaub is a lot better than people give him credit for, but I just don't know if he has the "it" factor that Quarterback's like Brady have.

7: Green Bay Packers

I actually probably should have these dudes rated a little higher, but I just get a bit pissy about how everyone wants to tout Aaron Rodgers as the second coming. I like him, have since he came out of college, but I don't think he is the best QB in the game right now and definitely don't think he is the best QB of all time (sorry but his name is not Elway, Marino, Montana, or even Ken Anderson) so yeah am knocking them down a peg because everyone else is hyping them up so much.

8: Atlanta Falcons

I know a lot of people are kind of overlooking what they did last year, but make no mistake the Falcons have a great shot at making it to the promised land this year. They have a mostly complete team, a damn good coach, and that guy Ryan ain't bad either. There one problem is that if they don't take first seed, I just don't see them taking the Lombardi home, they need home field to much.

9: New Orleans Saints

Okay so last year they looked like a team without a head coach, but that's probably because they didn't have one. Sean Peyton is back this year and he has to be a bit pissed off. I think Brees is going to light it up and I seriously think this team is looking to stomp on some people.

10: Cincinnati Bengals

It was either the Dalton, Green show here or the RGIII show and I opted for the combination versus a guy who got hurt in pre season. I think the Bengals are actually primed for a deep playoff run, but don't think they are quite ready to make it to the big show just yet.

11: Washington Redskins

This pick seriously depends on two factors. Can RGIII stay healthy and can Shannahan get over himself enough to actually change things up a bit and be a little less predictable. Now if these two things happen I actually think this is probably a number four or even number three team, but sorry been bit by Shannahan to many times to trust in him.

12: Indianapolis Colts

This pick is based off the brilliant play of Andrew Luck and a surprisingly awesome coaching staff. I don' think they have the talent to compete against the real big boys, but I do see them pulling off another playoff run.

13: Kansas City Chiefs

No your not having eye problems and no I am not insane (well I might be but that's not why I put the Chiefs here). I actually think this team is going to surprise a lot of people and might just make the playoffs. If you take a look at their team its got some real talent and with Reid taking over and the addition of Alex Smith at QB... I don't know just seems like this team is going to grab some attention this season.

14: Pittsburgh Steelers

Man I really actually want to rate these guys higher but there are two problems. First is the fact their defense is old and that just is hurting them. The second is that I think the Offensive Coordinator is trying to hard to make Big Ben play like a traditional QB instead of playing like Big Ben.

15: Philadelphia Eagles

This one is actually a bit of a stretch considering they just jettisoned Reid (which is one of those SERIOUSLY? kind of moves) and I don't know how well the new coaches scheme is going to mesh in the NFL.

16: Dallas Cowboys

This is actually a team that deserves a higher ranking if you go simply off of talent but they have a big problem and that's the fact their coach seems to be rooting for the other team more than his team. Also, while I think Romo is a hell of a QB, he just seems to have the luck of... hrm.. an unlucky guy I guess.

17,18, 19, 20: New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, and Detroit Lions

You get to a point where you just hit the whole performing under their potential category. Each one of these teams on paper actually could make it to the playoffs and even the big show, but for whatever reason they play way below their talent level.

21-32: The rest

With the exception of the Miami Dolphins who might surprise me, the rest of the teams in the league are really there just for us to make fun of for a season. While there are some bright players in there they just don't have a buzz with them at the moment. Now I totally expect one of "the rest" to shock the hell out of me and make a real play off run, but at this point in time, I don't want to put the effort into actually writing more than a single paragraph about all of them put together.

So there you have it, my first power rankings of the season. I know someone is going "but.. but... but" about this that and the other thing, but that is what the comment section is for. If you actually have a strong opinion or just want to call me stupid, feel free to leave a comment and let me know.

Bonus: My Super Bowl Picks

Each Season I like to pick who will make it to the Super Bowl and while I generally am wrong, I was actually right once (the Raiders and Buc's) so figure I will make a pick this year and if I am wrong, no biggie, it's not like I put money on it or anything.

I predict it will be a Broncos vs Seahawks Super Bowl.