Week 11 NFL Power Rankings: Postseason Contender/Pretender Edition
11/20/2007
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Last time we compiled our NFL Power Rankings, Week 5 had just concluded and three undefeated teams (Patriots, Colts and Cowboys) still remained. With 11 weeks now in the books, it’s again time to check out the rankings, only this time around the Patriots are the lone perfect team and by all accounts, they may stay that way too. The idea is simple for this edition: there are playoff contenders, pretenders and teams that unfortunately only have next April’s draft to look forward to. See below to check out which teams fall into which of the three categories.
1. New England Patriots (10-0)
CONTENDER Using the word “contender” to describe the Patriots would be an understatement. They’re in a class by themselves and there’s simply not another team in the league that can match up with their firepower. The Steelers may have a shot because of their secondary, but then again, they just lost to the Jets. It’s probably time to face facts: New England, “spygate” or not, will likely go undefeated.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-1)
CONTENDER Offensively, Dallas has become the New England Patriots of the NFC, racking up just over 275 passing yards and 32 points a game. Terrell Owens’ four-touchdown performance against the Redskins last week proved he’s still one of the best players in the game and has developed a great rapport with Tony Romo. The Cowboys also do the basics well: run the ball and stop the run.
3. Green Bay Packers (9-1)
CONTENDER This ranking isn’t based solely on records – I actually believe the Packers are a better team right now than the Colts. Aside from some injuries in the backfield, Green Bay has stayed relatively healthy and Brett Favre is one of the best players in the league again. The defense is also getting a tremendous effort from Aaron Kampman (9 sacks), Charles Woodson (4 INTs) and Nick Barnett (team leading 83 tackles). If Ryan Grant can continue to run the ball well and Koren Robinson can give the special teams a boost, the Packers are going to give Dallas a run for their money in the NFC.
4. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
CONTENDER From injuries to Peyton Manning throwing interceptions to Adam Vinatieri (yes, Adam Vinatieri) missing field goals, the Colts have serious issues. Losing Marvin Harrison, Dallas Clark and especially Dwight Freeney (right) for an extended period of time is creating a trickle down effect to the team’s healthy players. Manning is missing weapons, the defense isn’t creating enough pressure without Freeney and worse yet, the Jaguars are now breathing down Indy’s neck in the division. The NFL offers a cure-all, however, in the form of the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving night, as well as an extended rest after that.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
CONTENDER While the Jaguars are playing better right now, I still believe the Steelers are the better team. Unfortunately, the swagger that helps them beat up teams like the Ravens fails them when they play the Cardinals and Jets. It’s ridiculous that this team thinks it can waltz into the Meadow Lands and the Jets are just going to roll over and play dead. Mike Tomlin is still doing a tremendous job, especially when you consider that he took over for a legend in Bill Cowher. But tighten the reins Mike.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)
CONTENDER Over the past two weeks, the Jags have gotten back to running the football with consistency and some of that has to do with having a healthy David Garrard under center. Opposing defenses actually have to respect the fact that Garrard will test them deep and down the seams. The pass is starting to open up running lanes, allowing Maurice Jones-Drew to bounce back from a slow start. This is one of the hotter teams in the NFL right now and one that could definitely still catch a beat up Colts squad in the AFC South.
7. Tennessee Titans (6-3)
CONTENDER There are things to really like about the Titans (the defense) and things to cringe (Vince Young’s decision-making at times). Teams can’t run against Tennessee’s defense, which in turn is making them one-dimensional and mistake prone. Unfortunately for the Titans, however, Young has put the defense in bad situations by forcing passes and not securing the football when he runs. The defense could lead this team to the playoffs on its own, although it seemed to spring a leak two weeks ago against Jacksonville. Was it just a bad day or was it a prelude of things to come?
8. Tampa Bay Bucs (6-4)
CONTENDER The job Monte Kiffin has done with an older, slower Tampa defense is proof that he’s still one of the best coordinators in the NFL. Opposing teams can’t even throw a screen pass because all 11 defenders are there to make a tackle. They pursue, gang tackle and play to the whistle every snap. Something that cannot be overlooked, however, is the job Jeff Garcia (right) and the Bucs’ offense has done in taking care of the football and limiting turnovers. They rarely put the defense in bad situations.
9. New York Giants (7-3)
CONTENDER Dallas and Green Bay proved that the Giants probably can’t hang with the top competition at this point, but give Tom Coughlin credit for finally getting through to his players (or did his players finally get through to him?). Eli Manning is having his best season as a pro and Brandon Jacobs (when healthy) is running like a Mac truck. The defense has been impressive as well and owns one of the best defensive lines in all of football. Losing Mathias Kiwanuka (broken left fibula) will hurt more than people think, however. After getting his feet wet the first couple games, he was really starting to come into his own at linebacker.
10. Cleveland Browns (6-4)
CONTENDER Who would have thought 11 weeks into the season that the Cleveland Browns would rank in the top 10 in any power rankings? If OC Rob Chudzinski keeps this up, he’s looking at a head coaching job in the near future. The best part about the Browns is that they’re fun to watch, although for actual Browns fans, the defense has to keep them up at night. The Browns are one last-second field goal miss against Oakland and a frenzied Ben Roethlisberger-led Pittsburgh comeback away from being 8-2. Chew on that for a second.
11. Seattle Seahawks (6-4)
CONTENDER Boy, how good did Matt Hasselbeck look against the Bears last weekend? He completely carved Chicago’s secondary up and had plenty of leftovers afterwards. If Shaun Alexander could shake the nagging injuries and get back to performing at least above average, this team is a potential sleeper in the NFC. One of the best free agent signings this past offseason was Patrick Kerney (7.5 sacks). He made Bears’ tackle Fred Miller look like a turnstile.
12. San Diego Chargers (5-5)
CONTENDER Wow, at 5-5 the Chargers are leading their division. Pundits like to hammer the NFC for being so bad, but look at the AFC West. Three teams are below .500 and the Chargers have more flaws than Major League Baseball’s drug testing policy. San Diego is a contender, but only by the sheer fact that no other team in the division may win three more games. This team needs to get back to playing hard and not worrying about dancing and doing back flips after every special teams tackle.
13. Arizona Cardinals (5-5)
CONTENDER His play looks ugly at times, but Kurt Warner is getting the job done. Something tells me that if Matt Leinart were still healthy, the Cardinals wouldn’t be one game out of first place in the NFC West. If they can keep getting defensive performances similar to the ones Antrel Rolle and Karlos Dansby have turned in the past two weeks, the Cards might just catch Seattle too. Speaking of Dansby, he’s about to become a very rich man this offseason. He’ll arguably be the best free agent on the market and he’s only 26.
14. Detroit Lions (6-4)
CONTENDER Uh oh. Two weeks ago the Lions were 6-2 and the talk of the NFL. Now with two straight loses and the Packers and Cowboys coming up in the next three weeks, things look dim again in Detroit. However, even with their loss to the Giants this past weekend, the Lions are still very much in the hunt for a Wild Card in the NFC. But the offensive line might sink their playoff hopes if they can’t protect Jon Kitna. Kitna doesn’t have any time to throw and worse yet, he’s turning the ball over as usual. Mike Martz refuses to run the ball and give his quarterback max protection, so things aren’t likely to get better for Kitna anytime soon.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)
PRETENDER It’s another year and another injury for Donovan McNabb. The writing has to be on the wall and there’s no doubt that rumors will start circulating that McNabb’s future in Philly is in doubt. Much like the Ravens, the Eagles seem to be in flux right now. They certainly have quality players, but there aren’t enough pieces to fill an entire puzzle.
16. Washington Redskins (5-5)
PRETENDER The Redskins have to be encouraged from what they saw out of Jason Campbell (right) last weekend in Dallas. He moved the offense down the field the entire game and gave them a couple chances to win at the end. He’s learning and at this point, that’s all Washington can ask of him. Next year, though, the Skins will likely want to see a breakout performance or else panic may start to set in.
17. Houston Texans (5-5)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? It’s obvious the Texans have something great forming in Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. They already have one of the league’s most promising front sevens on defense, so if they can get a young running back and start filling some of the gaps along the offensive line, this team is going to be right in the thick of things next year. Obviously they’ll have to avoid injuries to key players, however, because everyone saw what happened when Schaub and Johnson missed time.
18. Buffalo Bills (5-5)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? The Bills had a nice run up until they met the juggernaut that is the New England Patriots. Without Rookie of the Year candidate Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, the Bills never stood a chance. The game was like watching a three-hour Patriots’ practice. Nevertheless, you can see that Buffalo is starting to build a nice core group of players, although who knows what the quarterback situation is going to look like next year. My opinion? Cut the cord on J.P. Losman and go with Trent Edwards. Edwards just appears to have a higher ceiling than Losman.
19. Baltimore Ravens (4-6)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? Kyle Boller wasn’t perfect against Cleveland this past weekend, but he was certainly better than Steve McNair. At least the guy can throw downfield and not play like he’s only got three fingers on each hand. The Ravens are kind of entering unfamiliar territory right now. Will Brian Billick get the heave-ho? Is Boller the quarterback of the future? How much does Ray Lewis have left in the tank?
20. Denver Broncos (4-5)
CONTENDER Just like the Chargers, the only reason the Broncos are a contender in the AFC is because of their division. This hasn't been a very good team and that’s mind boggling considering how many good players they have on both sides of the ball. This defense should be way better than 22nd in the league. They have a solid secondary, but the rush defense needs a ton of work.
21. Minnesota Vikings (4-6)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? I still have no idea what Brad Childress was thinking not addressing his quarterback situation in the offseason. With a solid offensive line, a superstar in the making in Adrian Peterson (when healthy of course) and the league’s best run defense, this team is on the cusp of being pretty good. But how Childress thought he was fine with Tarvaris Jackson, Brooks Bollinger and Kelly Holcomb is beyond me.
22. Chicago Bears (4-6)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? Forget Rex Grossman and the quarterback situation for a second and check out the mess that is the Bears’ defense. Injuries have decimated Chicago on a whole, but in particular, the run defense is brutal and Adam Archuleta might be the worst safety in the league. The Bears knew when they acquired him that he was just a smaller linebacker, but man, he’s allowing at least a touchdown a game because of his very limited coverage skills. Who would have thought after last year’s Super Bowl run that the Bears would be this bad?
23. Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
CONTENDER Well, if the Broncos are still a contender, I guess the Chiefs are too. The defense has been a pleasant surprise and that’s a testament to Herm Edwards. They’re allowing just less than 20 points a game, which ranks them ninth best in the league. They’re nothing offensively without Larry Johnson, however. It’s highly doubtful KC puts a playoff run together, but maybe Brodie Croyle will show flashes throughout the rest of the year and give this team hope heading into next season.
24. New Orleans Saints (4-6)
PRETENDER The defense is killing the Saints and unlike last season, the offense just can’t keep up. Aside from a recent stretch of good games, it’s obvious Drew Brees is trying too hard to make things happen. And this season should be evidence that the Saints need Deuce McAllister to spell Reggie Bush from time to time. The magic is officially gone folks – the Saints are done.
25. Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? Ah, the Saints of the AFC. The offense is just trying too hard to keep pace with how many points the defense is giving up. Of course, unlike the Saints, the Bengals have plenty of internal issues as well, like players complaining on the sidelines. This team is just going to have to take one full offseason and address damn near every single position on defense.
26. Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START?I don’t blame Bobby Petrino for making a switch to Byron Leftwich last week, because even though he won two straight games, Joey Harrington was brutal against the Vikings, Titans and Giants. Petrino was obviously looking for more out of his quarterback position than what the ultra conservative Harrington was giving him, so he made the switch. It backfired and hopefully for the Falcons, Petrino learned something. It doesn’t make sense for the media to lambaste him when Harrington wasn’t lighting the world on fire as it was.
27. Carolina Panthers (4-6)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? This team is quickly coming apart at the seams. Think about how much Jake Delhomme was criticized last year, but look what Carolina is without him this season. At least he kept the Panthers competitive. Carolina is obviously a much different team with Vinny Testaverde and David Carr under center and the end might be near for John Fox.
28. New York Jets (2-8)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? Give the Jets credit for playing hard against Pittsburgh, even though their season is obviously over. Kellen Clemens looks like he might just be a player and Thomas Jones finally looked 100% healthy. To gain more than 100 yards against Pittsburgh’s front seven is impressive and the Jets defense never quit.
29. St. Louis Rams (2-8)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? Back to back wins and the Rams are feeling it baby! Okay, maybe not, but at least they’re still fighting. They aren’t playing particularly well despite the mini streak, but never underestimate what a couple of wins can do at the end of the year. Look at the 2006 Packers -- they won seven straight at the end of last season and are now 9-1.
30. Oakland Raiders (2-8)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? I admire Lane Kiffin for not giving in to what the public wants and starting JaMarcus Russell. Still, at some point, he’s got to give Russell some playing time. Not starting a rookie quarterback on a bad team is smart, but not getting him at least a little bit of game action isn’t. At some point Al Davis is going to want to see how that brand new car drives.
31. San Francisco 49ers (2-8)
WHEN'S THE DRAFT START? So much hope coming into the year, so much disappointment going out. Alex Smith needs to be shut down for the rest of the season, even with Trent Dilfer playing as poorly as he is. The Niners might only score nine points a game from here on out, but at least the defense still has some good pieces and maybe SF can build through the draft next year.
32. Miami Dolphins (0-10)
CONTENDER Fooled you! No, the Dolphins aren’t a contender. I just hope that someone reading this went, “What the hell is this guy talking about?” No, this team is incredibly bad and I find it ironic that in the same year the Patriots could finish 16-0, the Dolphins might also finish 0-16. 1972 must seem like 100 years ago for Dolphin fans.
Questions or comments? Send them to astalter@bullz-eye.com.