MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 7)

October 29th, 2010, Saturday (late week)

MY NFL Team Power Rankings
(thru Week Seven)



It’s been a bit of a wacky first seven weeks with teams like Kansas City and Tampa Bay causing folks to take notice, but in the top 10 through the first seven weeks anyways there are still a lot of familiar faces.

Here’s how they rank;

Top 10

1. New York Jets (5-1): The Jets have the perfect balance of run and pass with great team defense. The winners of five straight look very tough as we near the mid-way point of the season.
2. New England Patriots (5-1): Tom Brady and Bill Belichick just find ways to win. With an offense scoring 30 points per game, the defense does not need to be dominant.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1): Now that Big Ben has returned the offense has more big play potential. With a stout defense and hard nose running game the Steelers looked primed to challenge for the AFC title.
4. New York Giants (5-2): The Giants are now winners of five straight and are playing like the class of the NFL. With Nicks emerging as a force and Bradshaw leading the ground assault, the G-men look poised to wrestle the NFC title away from all takers.
5. Baltimore Ravens (5-2): The Bills exposed the Ravens shaky secondary mixed with some poor tackling last week, but a patented offense and a Ray Lewis on defense always makes this team dangerous.
6. Tennessee Titans (5-2): The Titans have been a bit of an early surprise this season sitting on top of the AFC South, but when you consider their 8-2 finish last year, should we be surprised? They are winning now and we have yet to really see Chris Johnson break loose.
7. Atlanta Falcons (5-2): Not so much a surprise, but definitely an impressive start for the Falcons. Their only two losses this season have come at the hands of teams from Pennsylvania, so if you’re a team from another state it could be a long afternoon on Sunday.
8. Indianapolis Colts (4-2): The Colts are a bit of a mixed look this season, at times looking dominant and at others looking exposed. Injuries could be adding up, but Manning keeps holding the offense together (2nd in the NFL).
9. Houston Texans (4-2): The Texans have emerged as a contender in the tough AFC South division, but a suspect defense (ranked last in the NFL) could eventually catch up to them.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2): One of the surprises of the 2010 season has been the upstart Bucs, but their two losses have come to teams with winning records while all four wins have come against teams with a combined record of 8-18. It may be a bit too early to start tooting any horns.


The Rest of the league

• Kansas City Chiefs (4-2)
• Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
• Green Bay Packers (4-3)
• New Orleans Saints (4-3)
• Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)
• Washington Redskins (4-3)
• Chicago Bears (4-3)
• Miami Dolphins (3-3)
• Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
• Oakland Raiders (3-4)
• St. Louis Rams (3-4)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
• Minnesota Vikings (2-4)
• San Diego Chargers (2-5)
• Cleveland Browns (2-5)
• Denver Broncos (2-5)
• Carolina Panthers (1-5)
• Dallas Cowboys (1-5)
• Detroit Lions (1-5)
• San Francisco 49ers (1-6)
• Buffalo Bills (0-6)

MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 3)

October 1st, 2010, Friday

MY NFL Team Power Rankings
(Week Three)


Here’s this week’s look at my top 10; not a lot of changes from a week ago. The Falcons creep into the top 10 at number eight with an impressive road win over the Saints. Sure they beat the Saints, but let’s not forget Hartley’s missed field goal that should have ended the game. Nonetheless, the Falcons scoot and the Saints drop. The Packers also fell on Monday night to what is starting to look like a strong Bears team. With Da Bears, the Steelers and Chiefs also remained undefeated with impressive wins last weekend. The Colts and Saints do not look quite as dominant as they did a year ago, but then again when we look at our top 10 here, everything really isn’t quite what is appears.


Here’s how they rank;

Top 10

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0): Without Big Ben, the Steelers look like they just might be cut above the rest. A bruising ground game and punishing defense, sounds like the familiar ingredients to a championship recipe.
2. Chicago Bears (3-0): The Bears made huge strides on Monday night with a big home win over their divisional rivals, but this season still has a long way to go. Let’s not start hanging any championship banners, they still have to travel to Minnesota and Lambeau.
3. Green Bay Packers (2-1): The Packers did everything to give Monday night’s matchup away except hand the game over on a silver platter. Regardless of how much talent Green bay has, they will never overcome two turnovers, 18 penalties, and surrendering a punt return for six.
4. New Orleans Saints (2-1): The Saints have been walking the tight wire all season, averaging just 21 points per game and forcing a mere five turnovers in three games. Last season the Saints averaged over 30 points per game and recorded 39 takeaways; not quite the same as a year ago.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0): It’s hard to just on this band wagon just yet, with two wins over the Browns (0-3) and the sinking Niners (0-3) that’s not saying a lot. They do have their season opening Monday win over the Chargers, but San Diego is not looking like much right now either. We’ll have to wait and see how the Chiefs do when they hit the road.
6. Indianapolis Colts (2-1): The Colts have officially rebounded from their week one embarrassing 34-24 loss to the Texans, with back-to-back strong performances for victory. In their last two wins, Manning and company have outscored their opponents 65-27.
7. New York Jets (2-1): The Jets have now got their ships flying straight with another strong division win this past Sunday. Led by the Sanchise, the Jets handled the Dolphins last Sunday night and looked strong in doing so; a huge improvement from week one.
8.Atlanta Falcons (2-1): The Falcons and their quarterback Matt Ryan just keep showing everyone why they are a team to reckon with. Their only loss this season came on the road and at the hands of the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers and they only mustered three field goals in that game. Since week one, they have scored 68 points, including eight touchdowns.
9. Miami Dolphins (2-1): Despite the loss at the hands of the Jets, Tony Sparano has his troops playing and acting like winners. They look strong on both sides of the ball and they will continue to get better as the season progresses. The AFC East is far from being decided.
10. Houston Texans (2-1): The Texans suffered a tough loss last week to a winless Cowboys team, but a team that was much better than their 0-2 record. The loss exposed a few chinks in the Texans armor; a poor pass defense (ranked last in the league), no pass rush, and poor pass protection (11 sacks allowed this season).




The Rest of the league

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
• New England Patriots (2-1)
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
• Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
• Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
• Tennessee Titans (2-1)
• Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
• Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
• Seattle Seahawks (2-1)
• Arizona Cardinals (2-1)
• San Diego Chargers (1-2)
• Washington Redskins (1-2)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
• Denver Broncos (1-2)
• Oakland Raiders (1-2)
• New York Giants (1-2)
• St. Louis Rams (1-2)
• San Francisco 49ers (0-3)
• Carolina Panthers (0-3)
• Detroit Lions (0-3)
• Cleveland Browns (0-3)
• Buffalo Bills (0-3)

WHAT'S THE LATEST

October 2nd, 2010, Saturday


What’s the Latest

News from around the league

Drew Brees:
Reports are that the Saints signal caller may be sporting a knee brace on Sunday, but despite the brace he is expected to start as usual. Brees has thrown six touchdowns and passed for 856 yards this season.

Pierre Garcon:
The Colts wide receiver did not play last week with a hamstring injury and will not play this week either. Garcon did not travel with the team to Jacksonville and has been ruled out. The Colts receiver has just 4 receptions for 54 yards this season.

Calvin Pace:
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets linebacker has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Bills. It has been reported that Pace did not even travel with the team to Buffalo. Pace has yet to play a snap in the regular season.

Andre Johnson:
The Texans wide receiver is doing everything he can to be on the field Sunday. According to AOL Fanhouse Johnson is receiving therapy to treat his ankle injury. Johnson has tweeted he fully intends to play, but it sounds like this is more likely to be a game-time decision.

Steven Jackson:
The Rams running back was limited in practice on Friday and has been receiving treatment for his groin injury. He is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday morning. If he is unable to go, Kenneth Darby is expected to get the start.

Ryan Torain:
The Redskins running back ran strong in week three and has moved up the depth chart to the number two spot according to a few reports circulating. There is also some speculation that Torain could see more action on the early downs.

Shawne Merriman:
The Chargers linebacker has been battling his lingering injuries thus far this season and is not expected to suit up on Sunday. Merriman was not a participant in practice on Friday and he has seen very little action this season; he has yet to record a sack.

Knowshon Moreno:
According to a few reports, head coach Josh McDaniels did not sound too optimistic about Moreno’s chances of playing Sunday. It sounds more like Moreno will sit another week with his hamstring injury and running back Laurence Maroney will likely get the start on Sunday against the Titans.

HOW I SEE IT

September 24th, 2010, Friday

Philadelphia Eagles: Making All the Right (Vick) Moves

It is amazing being a fan and observer of the NFL. After watching the conclusion of Sunday’s games in week two you could see the sharks circling the Eagles camp and getting ready for blood in the water on Monday.

Back on Sunday Mike Vick had just completed his first start under center since the 2006 season and led the Eagles offense to its’ first win of this young 2010 season. For some this may not have exactly been considered a great achievement, but considering the road traveled by Vick and the fashion in which he completed his task on Sunday it was something.

It had seemed only out of necessity that the decision to start Mike Vick in week two was made as the then starter, Kevin Kolb (concussion) was not available. No harm no foul or so it seemed, but following Vick’s performance on the gridiron you just knew the same decision in the future would not be made as easy. After all, Kolb was the heir apparent and a big reason why the team chose to part ways with former starting quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Even in week one after the impressive display by Vick, it would have been a difficult decision to make had there been a chance Kolb was available, but as it was the switch to Vick was made easy and without criticism; Kolb as hurt and Vick was healthy.

As the Eagles entered the third week of the NFL season, it was unavoidable; they had a daunting task and difficult decision to make. With all due respect, a difficult decision; I hardly think so.

Back in week one Kolb entered the season as the team’s starter, but this was based on what? The kid did show some flashes of brilliance last year in a couple of starts and even this offseason he may have even impressed a few of the coaches with his knowledge and grasp of the offense, but what had he really done. He has hardly had any time to convince anyone that he is the real deal and ready to lead the Eagles to the next level.

I am not knocking the kid here, while he obviously possesses skill and talent whatever anyone thinks or believe’s at this time is just conjecture. He still has to go out there and prove it. I am sure the coaching staff has great confidence in his ability, but what in a league where winning now is a necessity it’s hard to overlook the obvious.

Against the Packers back in week one, Mike Vick entered the game in the second half and passed for 175 yards and tossed one touchdown. Vick also scampered his way to 103 yards rushing leading the Eagles offense to 17 second half points. It was vintage Vick using his legs and his arm to create offense and excitement. If anyone had any doubts about whether Vick was back or if he was capable of playing at a high level once again, in week two he removed all doubt. Against the Lions defense Vick was once again impressive passing for 284 yards with a pair of scores and another 37 yards on the ground.

With week three looming and Kolb healthy, it’s really not a difficult decision for the Andy Reid and the Eagles. After Sunday’ win you could already hear naysayers in disagreement with Reid’s proclamation that Kolb was his starter; how could they sit Vick? It was surprising to hear the announcement earlier this week because of the sudden change, but should it really have been a surprise?

It’s quite apparent that the Eagles can see what they have and what they will get with Vick, while Kolb is still a work in progress with upside and potential. The decision to make the change to Vick is the right move for now. The Eagles must win now and in six quarters they can see what is quite obvious; Vick gives them the best chance right now.

The Eagles offense is definitely a work in progress with an offensive line that is a classic patch work job. In two games the line has been through many changes due to injuries and one of the results has been shaky protection. The Eagles have allowed a league high 12 sacks (4 more than any other team) and both Kolb and Vick have sustained quite a bit of punishment; another reason that favors Vick in the pocket because of his athleticism and escape-ability.

It may seem hardly fair that the team has decided to abandon the Kolb era after just 10 passes, but this decision is less about what Kolb did or didn’t do and much more about what Vick has done, can do, and will do for this offense. In two games Vick has been efficient completing nearly 64% of his passes while leading the Eagles offense to 52 points. He has also passed for 459 yards, tossed three scores, and rushed for 140 yards (very positive and impressive numbers) in just six quarters of football this season.

Kolb may be getting shelved for the time being, but it shouldn’t be a step back in his progress. He has a strong grasp, confidence, and appears ready to step in at a moment’s notice. He presents a very attractive safety net for Andy Reid and the Eagles offense should this switch stumble in the future.

While there is sure to be a lot of dissension with this decision (along with favoritism) there is no doubt that Vick is the right move for the Eagles (for now).

By David Ortega

MY POWER RANKINGS (WK 2)

September 24th, 2010, Friday

My NFL Team Power Rankings
(Week Two)


Here's how I breakdown my top 10. The Packers with their strong passing game led by Aaron Rodgers and an aggressive defense led by second year linebacker Clay Matthews look like the class of the league at the moment. The Saints are still a favorite in the NFC, but after they struggled some last Monday night against the Niners they take a step down. An early surprise has to be the undefeated Steelers who can make it three in a row on with a win on the road Sunday against the Bucs; and they can only get better once Big Ben makes his return in week six. The Chiefs and Bucs are nice early stories this season, but you have to question their early soft schedule.

Here's how they rank;

Top 10

1. Green Bay Packers (2-0): The Packers take the top spot with complete balance. After two weeks Dom Caper's defense leads the NFL with 10 sacks and the offense is ranked 3rd in scoring.
2. New Orleans Saints (2-0): The Saints are the defending champs, but after a shaky Monday win on the road they need to rebound with a strong performance on Sunday.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0): What is scary about the Steelers start is they are out of the gate fast with two wins without their starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. How good will they be when he returns?
4. Chicago Bears (2-0): In two games Jay Cutler and the Bears passing game has fired on all cylinders. Cutler has passed for 649 yards with five touchdown passes and has Da Bears sitting atop the North with a huge Monday night matchup with the 2-0 Packers.
5. Miami Dolphins (2-0): Quietly and relatively un-noticed head coach Tony Sparano has his club sitting alone atop the AFC East at 2-0 with a big intra-division clash with the Jets on Sunday.
6. Houston Texans (2-0): The Texans are one of the hottest teams and have an explosive offense, but their Achilles heel could be a suspect secondary ranked dead last in the NFL.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): One of the biggest surprises this season, but also a benefactor of a weak schedule. Both of their opponents this season have yet to win a single game.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0): Another surprise this season. The Chiefs could benefit greatly from their fast start and a weak division, but a weak early schedule (opponents record is 1-3) could be misleading.
9. Indianapolis Colts (1-1): Manning and company ran into a buzz-saw in week one falling to the Texans, but rebounded strong last Sunday against the G-Men scoring 38 points.
10. New York Jets (1-1): After a sluggish week one loss to the Ravens on Monday night, Sanchise and Ryan rallied the troops for an impressive home opener victory over the Patriots.

The Rest of the league

• Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
• New England Patriots (1-1)
• San Diego Chargers (1-1)
• Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
• Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
• Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
• Washington Redskins (1-1)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
• Denver Broncos (1-1)
• Tennessee Titans (1-1)
• Oakland Raiders (1-1)
• New York Giants
• Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
• San Francisco 49ers (0-2)
• Dallas Cowboys (0-2)
• Seattle Seahawks
• Arizona Cardinals
• Carolina Panthers (0-2)
• Detroit Lions (0-2)
• Cleveland Browns (0-2)
• St. Louis Rams (0-2)
• Buffalo Bills (0-2)

Check back every week for my “NFL Team Power Rankings”
By David Ortega

MONDAY NIGHT HEADLINES

Monday Night Headlines

March 29th, 2010 11:07pm PST

Monday Night Headlines

Parker wants out of Pittsburgh...
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers’ running back Willie Parker wants out of the Steel city. With Rashard Mendenhall the new starter in the backfield, Parker is apparently not content with his new role as a backup. Parker is only 29 and should have plenty left in the tank although his durability may come into question. And even though he is more than capable of being a productive back in the right system, it doesn't sound like it will be in Pittsburgh.

Sproles reports for voluntary workouts....
After receiving a high tender from the Chargers as a restricted free agent, running back Darren Sproles appears ready to move forward. His attendance for the team's voluntary offseason training is considered a positive sign. With LT vacated, Sproles has not been christened the team's new starter, but he will be expected to be more involved in the offense in 2010 (if he signs his tender).

McNabb to Oakland?...
The rumors won't stop and now it sounds like according to ESPN, the Raiders are the leading candidate to trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb. Apparently the Raiders are willing to give up the 39th overall pick and pick up the quarterback's hefty salary and included $6.2 million roster bonus (on May 5). It sounds like the Raiders appear willing, but there has not been any indication that McNabb wants to be a Raider. With Oakland interested in trading for a quarterback, does this mean JaMarcus Russell has worn out his welcome in the bay area?

Weekend Wire....

The Steelers re-signed back up quarterback Charlie Batch to a two year deal. Batch has been with the club for eight seasons, seeing little action (two passes since 2007). Batch will likely have to compete for back up duty with quarterback Dennis Dixon.

While things for the most part have been quiet in Dallas this offseason, team owner Jerry Jones has not been shy to share his thoughts. Last week Jones indicated the team could be considering making a switch in the backfield, moving running back Felix Jones into the top spot. Jones has showed more explosion and big play capability last season (four plays of 40 or more yards), while Barber was slowed by injuries.

MONDAY NIGHT HEADLINES

Monday Night Headlines
March 22nd, 2010 8:07pm PST

Monday Night Headlines

Jets re-sign WR Braylon Edwards
The New York Jets inked wide receiver Braylon Edwards to a one year deal on Monday. Edwards caught 35 passes, including four for scores in 11 starts in 2009 for the Jets. With a full off-season of work with quarterback Mark Sanchez, expectations for 2010 will be much greater.

Washington missing from Workouts
With the signing of veteran running back LaDanian Tomlinson, there has been some talk of the possibility of the Jets trading running back Leon Washington. A restricted free agent, Washington has yet to sign his one year tender of S1.7 million and was absent from the team's voluntary offseason workout program. While there has yet to be any heated talk of trade, with Washington apparently unhappy with his contract status don't be surprised if that changes soon.

Could T.O. be landing soon?
The 36 year old free agent wide receiver left Cincinnati without a deal, but according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, there are three teams interested and a landing spot could be found soon. No teams have been linked, but the Raiders have been rumored to have interest. If Oakland is not in the T.O. sweepstakes, then based on need, it could make sense that Chicago, Carolina, and even San Francisco could turn out to be the interested candidates.

Weekend Wire....

The Dolphins re-signed 3rd year wide receiver Davone Bess to a one year deal. Bess caught a team high 76 passes in 2009, but only found the end-zone twice. He only started two games, but is expected to move into a starting role in 2010.

The Cardinals signed unrestricted free agent linebacker Joey Porter on Friday to a three year deal reportedly worth $17.5 million. The veteran linebacker is entering his 12th season in the league and looks to help bolster the Cards pass rush with his 92 career sacks (including nine in 2009).

The Lions signed linebacker Landon Johnson to a one year deal this past weekend. Johnson spent his first four seasons (2004-2007) with the Bengals averaging nearly 100 total tackles per season. Following the 2007 season Johnson spent two seasons with the Panthers starting only three games and missing seven games.


Recent NFL Moves, Signings, and Trades...
(Since the start of Free Agency)

Just getting caught up with some of the most notable transactions thus far in free agency;

3/22-Jets ink one year deal with WR Braylon Edwards.

3/19-Cardinals ink a deal with OLB Joey Porter; a three year deal worth $17.5 million.

3/18-Eagles cut WR Kevin Curtis.

3/17-Cardinals signed QB Derek Anderson to two year deal.

3/17-Redskins signed QB Rex Grossman to a one year deal.

3/16-Bills ink two year deal with LB Andra Davis.

3/16-Titans re-sign TE Bo Scaife to one year contract.

3/16-Eagles signed RB Mike Bell to one year contract.

3/15-Broncos cut QB Chris Sims.

3/14-Jets ink two year deal with RB LaDanian Tomlinson.

3/14-Broncos trade for QB Brady Quinn, sending RB Peyton Hillis and two draft picks to the Browns.

3/10-Bengals ink four year deal with WR Antonio Bryant.

3/10-Ravens re-sign WR Derrick Mason to two year contract.

3/5-Ravens trade for WR Anquan Boldin (sending 3rd and 4th round 2010 picks to Cardinals. Boldin signs four year extension with Ravens.