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NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp Edition
By Don Denkinger
Jul 7, 2008 - 9:44:58 AM
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Don Denkinger’s pre-training camp NFL power rankings. From the final week of the preseason through 17 weeks of the regular season, I will be ranking the teams each Wednesday. To begin, I project 10 out of the 12 2007 playoff teams to return to the playoffs, including all six from the AFC. I have broken my list into six tiers listing their strengths and weaknesses. I have also drawn out the course of the playoffs to the Super Bowl winner. I invite all to discuss my predictions in the forum.
Super Bowl Caliber Teams
1. San Diego Chargers
They have all the ingredients to win the Super Bowl. They have a great defense that features a strong pass rush, the best running back in the league, and an adequate passing game.
Biggest Strength: LT
Biggest Weakness: Can Jamal Williams still command a double team?
2. New England Patriots
The 18 and 1 team. Most of the record-breaking offense returns but they lost Asante Samuel and the defense as a whole is aging. They will give up way more points this year, but will still score a ton.
Biggest Strength:
The passing game.
Biggest Weakness:
The defensive backs.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The class of the NFC. The Cowboys had a busy offseason. They brought in Felix Jones, Mike Jenkins, the thug formerly known as “Pacman” while retaining Marion Barber. However, Roy Williams and Terry Glenn both want out of Dallas.
Biggest Strength:
The offense.
Biggest Weakness:
This team could blow up or get shot at a strip club at any point.
4. New York Giants
The Super Bowl champions won’t repeat, but they will be a force to reckon with. Eli Manning should continue to improve now that the pressure on him has diminished. Plexico will get the new deal he deserves, but Shockey could turn into a TO like distraction.
Biggest Strength:
The pass rush will still be great despite the loss of Strahan.
Biggest Weakness:
The Shockey breakdown that will inevitably happen.
Potential Super Bowl Teams
5. Indianapolis Colts
They get one more year at the top of the division. Anthony Gonzalez should cover for the diminishing role of Marvin Harrison. More concerning is the crumbling of the defense. The defense needs Dwight Freeny to be 100%, which I would not count on.
Biggest Strength:
Manning can still pick apart a defense.
Biggest Weakness:
A defense that will struggle to get after the QB.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
These are not your father’s Steelers. They have an explosive, young offense, and a defense that is quickly aging. Mendenhall and Parker will combine for a great running back tandem, and Roethlisberger will enjoy having Ward and Holmes to throw to. The defense is aging, especially up front.
Biggest Strength:
The running game.
Biggest Weakness:
Little has been done to bolster the front three on defense.
7. Green Bay Packers
They might be my Super Bowl pick if Favre returns. But, that won’t happen (right?). Aaron Rodgers takes over a team with a good running game, and a young, physical defense. Al Harris still remembers getting dominated by Plexico though.
Biggest Strength:
The Front Seven.
Biggest Weakness:
Aaron Rodgers is going to feel the pressure from Week 1.
Teams One Step Away
8. Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson is the league’s most talented RB, but will he dodge the injury bug for the whole year? His health is vital to the Vikings’ playoff hopes. Tavaris Jackson also has to justify the faith Childress has put in him.
Biggest Strength:
This could very well be the return of the “Purple People Eaters”.
Biggest Weakness:
Will Tavaris Jackson step up and be an effective QB?
9. Tennessee Titans
Critics say that the Titans have not upgraded their offense enough. Alge Crumpler, Chris Johnson, J-Mac, and Mike Heimerdinger likely disagree. VY’s passer rating should jump 15 points, and LenDale should be better on two knees. Add in a physical defense, and the Titans will be a dangerous team come January.
Biggest Strength:
The Lines.
Biggest Weakness:
Depth at the DBs.
10. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were well to a division title until Delhomme went down. David Carr and Vinny Testaverde stepped in and spearheaded their collapse. In all fairness, Julius Peppers and the defense did not pick on the slack either. The Panthers are planning to win now, which is why they traded back into the 1st round to draft Jeff Otah.
Biggest Strength:
The offensive line should be much improved.
Biggest Weakness:
Is Matt Moore the answer if/when Delhomme goes down?
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
They got torn up by Tom Brady to the tune of 26 out of 28. So, they moved up to #8 to pick Derrick Harvey and then picked Groves to bolster the pass rush. However, they still have Joey Porter and Troy Williamson at WR. They can’t carry the offense if Fred Taylor goes down, as he probably will.
Biggest Strength:
Gregg Williams should build a formidable defense.
Biggest Weakness:
They have an ex-Raider and an ex-Viking at WR. Unfortunately, neither are Randy Moss.
12. Seattle Seahawks
The final playoff team. Honestly, a few other teams deserve this spot more, but none of those teams are eligible for the NFL West title. Exchanging Shawn Alexander for Julius Jones and TJ Duckett is an upgrade but the offense as a whole is coming apart.
Biggest Strength:
The defense is formidable…
Biggest Weakness:
but the offense is not.
Stuck in the Middle
13. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are a playoff team in most divisions, but not in the NFC East. Westbrook should help either McNabb or Kolb be a productive QB. The money spent on Asante Samuel would have been better spent on someone to help improve the pass rush. Brian Dawkins is also not the dominating presence he used to be.
Biggest Strength:
Brian Westbrook is a Top 5 NFL running back.
Biggest Weakness:
They need pass rush help.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Warrick Dunn and Earnest Graham should do enough to replace a “Cadillac”. The defense is aging and Galloway and Garcia aren’t exactly young either. Aqib Talib will get to learn from Ronde Barber this year and contribute as a nickel back.
Biggest Strength:
Barrett Rudd has evolved into a strong MLB.
Biggest Weakness:
This team is old.
15. Cleveland Browns
The offense will score a lot of points, but the defense will give up just as many. Shawn Rodgers and Corey Williams give them two big bodies in the middle, but they do not have much of a pass rush.
Biggest Strength:
Lots of targets for Anderson.
Biggest Weakness:
Will give up a whole lot of points.
16. Houston Texans
All four AFC South teams are in the top half of the rankings. Schaub and Rosenfels can both play QB at a high level, and Andre Johnson is a beast. Mario Williams really came on in the last half of last year. DeMaco Ryans has been a top level MLB.
Biggest Strength:
A few pieces away from a dominant defense, especially when Dunta Robinson comes back.
Biggest Weakness:
Who is going to run the ball?
17. Buffalo Bills
Lynch should be worried about the wrath of Goodell, but as long as he is on the field, he will carry the offense. Edwards could be yanked for Losman if he struggles. McKelvin should start immediately.
Biggest Strength:
They get to play the Dolphins twice.
Biggest Weakness:
They have to play the Patriots twice.
18. Washington Redskins
Is Campbell the answer at QB? If he does not prove he is, Collins will get the chance to prove that he deserves to be a starting QB. LaRon Landry will anchor a secndary that will miss the late Sean Taylor.
Biggest Strength:
Whoever the QB is will get to play with Portis, Cooley, and Santana Moss.
Biggest Weakness:
How is the defense going to do?
19. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees and the passing game should rebound from a miserable 2007 season. The running backs are still unsettled, as Deuce may be about done and Bush has done about as much for New Orleans as FEMA. The defense also struggled in all aspects last year.
Biggest Strength:
The passing game should be better, as should the defensive line.
Biggest Weakness:
Jason David started for them, and could start again. This secondary is terrible.
20. Cincinnati Bengals
Keith Rivers should provide a spark to the defense. Free agent signing Antwan Odom should help bolster a pathetic pass rush somewhat. Rudi Johnson is just about done. Marvin Lewis gets fired after this year.
Biggest Strength:
The passing game will be explosive unless Johnson blows up.
Biggest Weakness:
They do not have much of a running game.
21. Arizona Cardinals
Leinart and Warner combine for one functional QB. Fitzgerald and Boldin provide good targets for the QB. Edgerrin James has not done anything for the Cardinals, and the team has no other running back. They will miss Calvin Pace who signed with the Jets. Antrel Rolle is being moved to safety in the hopes he can become an adequate player.
Biggest Strength:
The wide receivers.
Biggest Weakness:
Travis LaBoy won’t replace Calvin Pace and the defense will struggle.
22. New York Jets
The Jets spent a ton of money in the offseason. However, it won’t help if Kellen Clemens does not step up and become a competent QB. Thomas Jones is getting old and Leon Washington is probably not going to be a #1 running back. Gholston is talented, but he will not contribute much this year.
Biggest Strength:
The wide receivers.
Biggest Weakness:
The quarterbacks.
23. Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall is the new PacMan. Don’t be surprised if he gets suspended soon. He’s the only consistent weapon the Broncos have for Cutler. Clady will contribute immediately and will solidify the offensive line. The defense is crumbling. The Broncos are clearly on a downslide.
Biggest Strength:
The corners.
Biggest Weakness:
Weapons for Cutler.
24. Oakland Raiders
They spent a lot of money this offseason. They signed Gibril Wilson, who will help anchor the defensive backs, and traded for an extended DeAngelo Hall, who is not worth the money. They also drafted Run-DMC, and gave him a large amount of money. Drew Carter could also be a starting WR.
Biggest Strength:
The running backs.
Biggest Weakness:
The organization.
Possibly Mediocre
25. Chicago Bears
Sexy Rexy or Kyle Orton, who is Kerry Collins without the talent, will be the QB. That’s just about the only thing I have to say. Urlacher is angry about his contract, they have no one at WR, and they have no one at RB. Hard to believe they made the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.
Biggest Strength:
The defense has the talent to be good.
Biggest Weakness:
The offense has no talent except for Hester.
26. St. Louis Rams
Bulger could be good, if he could stay healthy. Holt and Bennett can be a pretty good WR tandem. Steven Jackson should bounce back and Randy McMichael provide extra weapons for Bulger. Chris Long and Carriker have the talent to be the cornerstones of a great defensive line. The DBs are atrious though.
Biggest Strength:
The weapons on offense should be good.
Biggest Weakness:
The offensive line is terrible.
27. Detroit Lions
Kitna is a mediocre QB. They have great WRs, but they have no RBs. Ernie Sims is the lone bright spot on the defense. Matt Millen should get fired soon, but knowing the Ford family, he won’t.
Biggest Strength:
Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson are a great pair of WRs.
Biggest Weakness:
There is nobody to run the ball.
28. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have Kyle Boller, and Kyle Boller part 2 (Flacco). McGahee is a pretty good back. They only have Mark Clayton and Todd Heap to help whoever is the QB. The defense is OK, but it is aging. Ray Lewis is about done, and so are both corners.
Biggest Strength:
Ray Rice and McGahee will be pretty sick.
Biggest Weakness:
Troy Smith or one of the teo Bollers will not be.
Hope for the #1 Pick
29. San Francisco 49rs
Think they wish they had their 1st round pick back? Me too. They picked up Balmer late in the 1st round, who should help fill the gap left by Sam Adams (not the beer). This is a make or break year for Vernon Davis, who has not lived up to the expectations since being the highest TE taken in the last 40 years.
Biggest Strength:
Patrick Willis is a beast at MLB.
Biggest Weakness:
Wasn’t Alex Smith supposed to be good?
30. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan will be a good QB someday, but hopefully he won’t have to start this season. Michael Turner should help the offense and should be an upgrade over Warrick Dunn. Joe Horn might get moved, and Jamaal Anderson should pick it up after no sacks last year.
Biggest Strength:
Turner should be a consistent threat.
Biggest Weakness:
They will likely start Joey Harrington.
31. Miami Dolphins
The 1 and 15 team. Jake Long can solidify the LT spot. Beck, McCown, or Henne can start at QB but none of them inspire confidence. Ronnie Brown should be healthy in time for the season. Jason Taylor probably has one good year left in him before he retires.
Biggest Strength:
A long string of past and future high picks.
Biggest Weakness:
Their one great player is retiring after this year.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson is done. Jamaal Charles and Glenn Dorsey were good picks. Everyone on the once great offensive line is retired except for Brian Waters. Tony Gonzalez is about done. This team is more or less hopeless for the next year or two.
Biggest Strength:
There are a few good players on this team.
Biggest Weakness:
Most of the team is too old to help rebuild the team.
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card
3 Colts Vs. 6 Jags
Colts Win
Wild Card
4 Steelers Vs. 5 Titans
Titans Win
Divisional Playoffs
2 Pats Vs. 3 Colts
Pats Win
Divisional Playoffs
1 Chargers Vs. 5 Titans
Chargers Win
AFC Championship
1 Chargers Vs. 2 Pats
Chargers Win
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card
3 Panthers Vs. 6 Vikings
Vikings Win
Wild Card
4 Seahawks Vs. 5 Giants
Giants Win
Divisional Playoffs
1 Cowboys Vs. 6 Vikings
Cowboys Win
Divisional Playoffs
2 Packers Vs. 5 Giants
Giants Win
NFC Championship
1 Cowboys Vs. 5 Giants
Cowboys Win
Super Bowl
1 Cowboys Vs. 1 Chargers
Chargers Win
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