Now ESPN’s John Clayton has come out with his own Power Rankings. I, of course, feel an uncontrollable need to tell him how wrong he is -- regardless of the fact that I totally dig him and think that Sean “Never Gonna See the Hall of Fame Without a Ticket” Salisbury sniffs dog butt.
1. (2) Eagles: Staley and Vincent could prove troublesome losses. They do have good stable of RBs if they intend a committee approach.
2. (1) Broncos: Portis isn't a huge loss, but the loss of Sharpe makes me nervous about the receiving corps. Lots of potential, lots of young talent, but only Rod Smith has proven himself.
3. (4) Seahawks: A great offseason that's looking better all the time. If Philly falters just a little bit, Seattle will take over the NFC.
4 (3). Vikings: Having some offseason problems that worry me. With an on again / off again player like Moss already making them a question mark, they don't need any off field nonsense muddling things up further.
5. Patriots: Smaller and weaker at the DT position. Dillon is a headcase who is also more hype than ability. Team unity eroding. Expect a drop this coming year.
6. Titans: Still have not addressed the RB problem. Keeping George as the feature back will be a recipe for failure.
7 (11). Redskins: Their offseason just keeps getting better. Now they're going after Miami's Ogunleye. These guys are serious about winning and the teams above them should be nervous.
8 (7). Chiefs: Being overtaken by more proactive teams. The Vermeil era could be crumbling already.
9. Colts: Should have taken a lesson from Rams and Chiefs; A great O can't overcome a weak D -- and the Colts D just keeps getting weaker.
10. (12) Buccaneers: Continue to quietly have a great offseason. Will Keenan McCardell drag them down? I'm thinking no. He's in his twilight and desperate for one last great pay day. Even if he stupidly sits out the season, he'll be easily replaced.
11 (10) Packers: Still haven't addressed their WR problem. How much can Ahman Green and Brett Favre reasonably be expected to do without any help?
12. (14) Falcons: Another team who continues to quietly improve over the offseason.
13. (15) Bills: Taking time to get the small things right. McGahee will be a difference maker.
14. (16) Ravens: Jumping ahead a couple spots because of poor offseasons by teams like Miami and Dallas.
15. (8) Cowboys: Keyshawn is already sewing team unrest. Tuna is not only letting him, but helping him. Don't expect a repeat of '03.
16. (17) Bengals: Benefitting from a very good offseason of their own, plus blunders by other teams.
17. (18) Texans: Seem to be a better fit for a 4 - 3 and might be ranked higher if they'd make that switch. Still doing a nice job this offseason.
18. (19) Lions: Working tirelessly to improve both starting talent and depth. Could be this years NFC success story.
19. (13)Dolphins: The team seems to be falling apart on several levels. If not for their D, I'd have to rank them much lower than this.
20. (21) Cardinals: Green isn't just changing the team's personnel and playbooks, he's changing the way they think. Maybe the Cards CAN be the surprise team of the NFC.
21. (26) Rams: They may not end up as bottom feeders, but they won't be far off. Too many losses on a D that already needed help.
22. (20) NJ Jets: Don't seem to think this offseason is especially important.
23. (22) Jaguars: I just don't see any reason to get excited about these guys, much as I like them from my days living in FL.
24. (23) Panthers: Don't have the personnel to get very far. Even last year's dose of luck wouldn't be enough to help them recover from this offseason's personnel losses.
25. (24) Bears: Poor Lovey. One more year, maybe two, and he can flee Chicago as the team's scapegoat. By then he'll be happy to get out on any pretense.
26. (27) Browns: A fairly nice offseason, but I still question the quality of the coaching staff.
27. (25) Raiders: A bunch of formerly talented old men plus a worthless head coach are not a recipe for success. Just as the Redskins.
28. NJ Giants: Even with Warner, the QB situation seems to be steadily degrading.
29. Saints: Still haven't done anything worthwhile this offseason, and I still think the entire coaching staff should be fired.
30. (31) Chargers: At least they're TRYING to improve. If they finish in the top 20 they’d have to be considered a surprise team.
31. (30) Steelers: A team going nowhere and in a hurry to get there.
32. 49ers: You can say "but they're REBUILDING" all you want, that isn't an excuse for their mad rush to suck.
Comments (2)
denver at 2? whoa now, mayb... (Below threshold)1. Posted by DJ | July 14, 2004 12:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
denver at 2? whoa now, maybe like 16
1. Posted by DJ | July 14, 2004 12:23 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on July 14, 2004 12:23
2. Posted by Tom | July 14, 2004 1:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Come on, DJ, give us a little more. Why? What factors make them fall so far when they finished last year between 7 and 8 on most other rankings? Who should be at the #2?
2. Posted by Tom | July 14, 2004 1:07 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on July 14, 2004 13:07