|
|
|
|
|
The Ultimate Source for your Ph.D. in Pigskin |
| 2008
Week Fourteen Power Rankings Well, with the losses by the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, there's a new number one in the ol' rankings this week. That team, as you will see below, is the Pittsburgh Steelers. I'm somewhat hesitant to put them there, simply because their offense has been so bad recently. However, the way that the ball has been bouncing their way and the dominant fashion in which their defense controls games, I can't think of a team that's playing any better at the moment. On the other hand, I don't think it will be long before the Giants turn things around. As a matter of fact, it will happen when Brandon Jacobs is healthy enough to start running people over again.
|
| 1 |
 |
Pittsburgh (11-3) | Between the miracle finish against the Cowboys and the reversed call against the Ravens, they have a "team of destiny"-like feel to them. | |
| 2 |
 |
New York Giants (11-3) | I keep hearing how much they miss Plaxico Burress. That is true, but they miss a healthy Brandon Jacobs even more. | |
| 3 |
 |
Indianapolis (10-4) | They're right where they want to be...under the radar. | |
| 4 |
 |
Carolina (11-3) | "Smash and Dash" have taken the league by storm. If Jake Delhomme can regain his form, this team will be in the Super Bowl. | |
| 5 |
 |
Tennessee (12-2) | All year, teams have been trying to do what the Texans did - make Kerry Collins beat them. This past week, it finally worked. | |
| 6 |
 |
Dallas (9-5) | Despite the drama, they figured out a way to get past the Giants. Against the Ravens, however, they'll need more than Tashard Choice. | |
| 7 |
 |
Baltimore (9-5) | They moved up one spot because they played well enough to win that game against the Steelers. | |
| 8 |
 |
Philadelphia (8-5-1) | Believe it or not, their most embarrassing performance of the year, the tie versus the Bengals, might be what gets them in the postseason. | |
| 9 |
 |
Tampa Bay (9-5) | Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, and the rest of the defense better solve that tackling problem and soon. | |
| 10 |
 |
New England (9-5) | Matt Cassel gave an inspiring performance after the death of his father. Maybe that game will rejuvenate them down the stretch. | |
| 11 |
 |
New York Jets (9-5) | It looks like that week 17 showdown against the Dolphins will be for all the marbles. | |
| 12 |
 |
Atlanta (9-5) | Regardless of what happens this weekend in Minnesota, Mike Smith has sewn up the Coach of the Year award in my book. | |
| 13 |
|
Minnesota (9-5) | What the hell got into Tavaris Jackson? | |
| 14 |
 |
Denver (8-6) | I like the young Broncos, but if they played in any other division, they would have been out of the playoff hunt three weeks ago. | |
| 15 |
 |
Miami (9-5) | They better not be looking past the improving Chiefs or the clash in the Meadowlands next weekend will be meaningless. | |
| 16 |
 |
Arizona (8-6) | Like Denver, in any other division, they wouldn't be close to the playoffs. | |
| 17 |
 |
Houston (7-7) | Gary Kubiak finally has this team playing the way I thought they'd play before the season. Look out for them next year. | |
| 18 |
 |
San Diego (6-8) | I wonder if A.J. Smith will consider bringing Marty Schottenheimer back next year. I didn't think so, either. But he should. | |
| 19 |
 |
Chicago (8-6) | I know their record and a couple of the losses were very close, but I just don't see them as dangerous. | |
| 20 |
 |
Washington (7-7) | Well, after losing to the Benglas, it's official....the Redskins have packed it in for the year. | |
| 21 |
 |
New Orleans (7-7) | After further review, and I'm sure the Saints agree with me on this, the penalty yardage for pass interference needs to be changed. | |
| 22 |
 |
Jacksonville (5-9) | OK, OK, I was wrong - they did win another game. Let's see how they play against a good team this Thursday. | |
| 23 |
 |
San Francisco (5-9) | With the 49ers' new attitude, the rest of the west better look out next year. | |
| 24 |
 |
Buffalo (6-8) | I just don't understand why Dick Jauron, being a conservative coach, would allow a pass play to be called in that situation. | |
| 25 |
 |
Green Bay (5-9) | People have been asking me for the reasons for the Packers' decline this year. Two reasons, folks: the run defense and offense. Both have been awful this year. | |
| 26 |
 |
Seattle (3-11) | I still can't believe that the Seahawks would let Mike Holmgren walk away when he still wants to coach. Do they really think Jim Mora, Jr. will be that good? | |
| 27 |
 |
Kansas City (2-12) | Don't get me wrong, I like Carl Peterson, but it's definitely time for him to go. He just hasn't been getting it done recently. | |
| 28 |
 |
Cleveland (4-10) | There is no doubt in my mind that Jamal Lewis is done. For Brady Quinn's sake, the Browns have to get a running back in this offseason. | |
| 29 |
 |
Cincinnati (2-11-1) | So let me get this straight, Marvin Lewis now wants to tell reporters how to do their jobs. I think he needs to worry a little more about doing his own. | |
| 30 |
 |
Oakland (3-11) | That's funny, I saw Tom Cable's lips moving, but Al Davis' words coming out when he chastised offensive line coach James Cregg for leaving the Raiders. | |
| 31 |
 |
St. Louis (2-12) | I know they've had quarterback issues, but can anyone tell me whrn Torry Holt became such an ordinary receiver? | |
| 32 |
 |
Detroit (0-14) | The next Lions' general manager is walking into Dante's seventh level of hell. |
