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The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
| 2007 Preseason Power
Rankings Obviously, preseason rankings are usually both meaningless and difficult, to say the least. However, after viewing preseason games and evaluating draft picks and free agency signings, many things have become very apparent. First of all, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Minnesota are going to have severe problems at quarterback. In addition, Kansas City, Miami, Carolina, and the New York Jets will have controversies at the most important position on the field. Second, the rich truly do get richer. New England added Adalius Thomas, the most versatile defensive player in the league, to an already outstanding unit. Then, they signed two wide receivers that are better than anyone Tom Brady has ever played catch with in Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth. Also, Scott Pioli traded for Wes Welker, who is the type of player Bill Belichick loves - a hard-nose overachiever that will provide an upgrade in the slot and on special teams. Lastly, the NFC is still the stepchild of the AFC. There is no doubt that the four, maybe even five or six, best teams in the AFC could handily beat the Chicago Bears or New Orleans Saints. That being said on with the rankings, and make sure to email all of your overly heated comments by using the "Ask the Doc" link above.
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1. New England
Patriots - if we see the "Minnesota Randy Moss", this
team may be one of the best ever.
2. San Diego Chargers
- simply put, they have the best and most versatile
player on the planet.
3. Indianapolis Colts
- key losses on a defense that was already shaky puts
the reigning champions here.
4. Baltimore Ravens -
Brian Billick claims he's going to open up the offense.
Good, as it is, it couldn't be more boring.
5. Chicago Bears -
Rex Grossman is the only thing keeping this team from
the top spot.
6. Pittsburgh
Steelers - it looks like Mike Tomlin has won over the
players. Losing Joey Porter will hurt, though.
7. Denver Broncos -
Jay Cutler may end up being the best quarterback of the
2006 draft.
8. New Orleans Saints
- can Drew Brees follow up a wonderful season with
another?
9. Philadelphia
Eagles - when Donovan McNabb is healthy, they're the
best team in the NFC.
10. Cincinnati
Bengals - if their defense can consistently hold teams
under 24 points, they could end up with 13 wins.
11. Dallas Cowboys -
the defense will thrive under Wade Phillips, but the
inexperience on offense may hurt.
12. Seattle Seahawks
- it's time to put it all together, because this team
only has two more years before it's too old.
13. Jacksonville
Jaguars - Jack Del Rion needs a playoff appearance to
keep his job.
14. Carolina
Panthers - Good Jake? Bad Jake? Their season depends on
his performance.
15. Houston Texans -
mark my words, this team is on the rise and will be in
the playoffs next year.
16. St. Louis Rams -
if Seattle falters, this team could run away with the
NFC West.
17. Green Bay
Packers - this defense will be the most improved this
year.
18. Buffalo Bills -
Marshawn Lynch was a great pick, but they took a big hit
when they lost Nate Clements.
19. New York Jets -
last year was a fluke. They're simply not that good.
20. San Francisco
49ers - As Mike Singletary's student, Patrick Willis
will be the Defensive Player of the Year.
21. Detroit Lions -
they made the best move in recent draft history by
keeping Calvin Johnson.
22. Arizona
Cardinals - even Bill Bidwill can't screw up this team's
prosperous future.
23. Kansas City
Chiefs - after their preseason showing, do you think
they regret letting Trent Green leave?
24. Minnesota
Vikings - Adrian Peterson will be the Offensive Rookie
of the Year - guaranteed.
25. Tennessee Titans
- this was a "smoke-and-mirrors" team last year. Without
Pacman, their luck will run out.
26. New York Giants
- their offensive and defensive units are old and Eli
Manning is too inconsistent.
27. Washington
Redskins - well, they'll have the best pair of safeties
in the league, but that's about it.
28. Miami Dolphins -
Ted Ginn?!?!?! Ted Ginn?!?!?! You've got to be kidding!
29. Tampa Bay
Buccaneers - "We simply don't have enough quarterbacks."
- Jon Gruden
30. Atlanta Falcons
- without Michael Vick, they'll lose at least 12.
31. Oakland Raiders
- Al Davis needs to let go of the reins, he's ruining
this franchise.
32. Cleveland Browns
- there isn't a single positive thing to say about this
team, and that includes Brady Quinn.