ESPN just released their NFL off season power rankings. My Eagles are ranked 4th-maybe a little high for a 9-7 team, but then again, it is explained that the rankings are derived from off season moves. Which, in that case, could justify a top 5 spot.
Here's the link for the list:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/powerranking?season=2009&week=0
My humble, and in turn correct, opinion on noteable teams:
1. Steelers - the defending champs are returning 20 starters. It's hard not to like them as an early favorite. The number 1 ranked defense still has all it's playmakers...minus LB Foote; and let's face it, that's not much of a loss. Look for them to be a contender for the title again. My early pick for the AFC North champs.
2. Patriots - I think it's a little high. ESPN looks like they are still feeding off past Patriot accomplishments...then again, this team DID go 11-5 last season without Brady. Brady, and the defense, are what would concern me about this team. They do have DROY LB Mayo, but that secondary is still really shaky. I also know Brady is back, but I'm sorry, players don't come back immediately from a severe injury like that. But...it is still a "Hoodie" coached team.
3. Giants - As much as it pains me to say, this is the team to beat in the NFC East...if not the entire conference. The defensive line still anchors a tough defense. As long as they field that front line, this is a playoff team. Big question: Can Brandon Jacobs and Eli Manning shoulder this entire offense?
5. Colts - Is it weird that Indy's rebuilding year they are still going to field one of the most prolific passing offenses in the league? Go figure. Peyton Manning would sure love a solid running game, Donald Brown should help that. But will that Cover 2 defense EVER work out? That D isn't getting any younger...they need to find a solution, quick.
7. Chargers - Don't really get them being at the 7 spot. I understand the ridiculous run they went on late in the season, including an amazing division title win and a wild card victory of the Colts. But, still...LT hasn't seemed like the same back since FB Lorenzo Neal left for Baltimore. Rivers was the highest rated QB in the league last year, but does anyone think that him and the defense can lead the Chargers to the promised land? I don't...even with "Lights Out" returning to the defense.
8. Titans - Tennessee was an aboration last year. Their defense lost the best DT in the game to Washington, and my trust in Chris Johnson and Lendale White behind that o-line isn't exactly large. Not to mention this team's QB competition is between Kerry Collins, Vince Young, and Chris Simms...ouch.
9. Cards - Playing in the NFC West helps. I think this team still boasts the best offense, and that alone will be enough to get them the division crown. A top ten team? Well...they are the defending conference champs.
10. Panthers - I may sound like an idiot, which is pretty accurate, but this was the worst 12 win team ever. Jake Delhomme has thrived off of the success of Deangelo Williams, who is arguably the best RB in the game. But that defense is anchored by Julius Peppers: A guy that doesn't even wanna be there anymore
13. Cowboys - Screw Dallas. They should be lower.
16. Saints - Saints were ranked number one overall in offense in 2008, but their defense was on the other end of the spectrum. D was their man focus during the off season and if they can put up, at least, a top 15 ranked defense, chances are they make a late playoff push.
18. Texans - The yearly "sexy" pick goes to Houston. Most think that this is their year to prove their worth since becoming the latest expansion team in '03. With the 3rd ranked offense overall, and one of the best pass rushing DEs in the league in Super Mario, they could certainly contend for, at least, a wild card.
19. Redskins - I feel sorry for 'Skins fans, almost as much as Browns fans. They have a top 5 defense, but a terrible offense...so what does Dan Snyder do? Acquires DT Albert Hanyesworth from the Titans. Good move, Danny.
21. Bills - Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills! Will the combo of Lee Evans and T.O. help this lethargic passing attack get going before T.O. implodes the team? Probably not...but they will at least be competitive with the 'Phins, Pats, and Jets this year.
25. Broncos - They took my Eagles' FS Brian DONKins...signing a 35 year old safety was their best off season move. No, really...they drafted Knoshawn Moreno (RB, Georgia) with their first pick. Josh McDaniels came from Bill Belicheck? He's not making smart moves like it...
27. Bucs - Tampa Bay was one win away from the playoffs but failed to win a final game against the lowly Raiders. They are now in disaray after releasing all their defensive vets, and QB Jeff Garcia. Josh McCown has proclaimed himself the starter...how reassuring.
28. Browns - Good looking team...recently acquired a solid CB in Roderick Hood and finally plan to put in Notre Dame product, Brady Quinn. But their coach is Eric Manboobs...God's speed.
29. RRRRRRRAIDERS - If this team could just slow down the opposition's running game, they would have a top 10 defense; Nnamdi Asmougha is the best shut down CB in the game and they have a damn good pass rusher in Derrik Burges. Also, their slew of RBs are vastly underrated. Their problem? Establishing continuity, and of course, QB. Will Jamarcus Russell get his fat ass working, or will Oak-town have to rely on FA QB Jeff Garcia to brace this team until they find a long term solution?
32. Lions - Poor Detroit...at least they have "Bradford 2 Megatron" to think about for future years to come. They probably end up in the basement, again, but the 0-16 Lions will at least win a few games next year. I mean...they can't possibly be that bad, right?
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