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2002 NFL Power Rankings (Week 9)

November 06, 2002 by Steel Haven

November 6, 2002
2003 NFL Power Rankings (week 9)
RnkTeamRecordComment
1.Green Bay Packers7-1Winning despite an injury epidemic on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Sherman has done a surprisingly solid job as GM and head coach with help from relatively unknown defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.
2.Denver Broncos6-2I have never been a huge fan of Mike Shanahan, but his handling of Brian Griese in the first half deserves praise.
3.Philadelphia Eagles6-2Rejuvanated running game led by Duce Staley and Donovan McNabb makes it tough on opposing defenses.
4.San Fransisco 49ers6-2Beat the Raiders by impressively controlling the ball for 15 minutes straight in the 4th quarter and overtime.
5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers7-2The offense finally had a breakout game. Remember though, the Vikings defense makes everyone look pretty good.
6.New Orleans Saints6-2Come off the bye having been knocked out of first place. A finesse team that needs to hope there is no repeat of last year's second half collapse. Return of Dale Carter from suspension should help the weak secondary.
7.New England Patriots4-4Finally woke up in Buffalo and the schedule is very kind for the next 5 weeks. Rated ahead of the Steelers because if they meet in the playoffs the recent past indicates the matchups favor the Patriots.
8.Pittsburgh Steelers5-3Tough to decide whether the players, coaches, or schedule makers deserve the credit for the Steelers turnaround. The Steelers have won 4 straight and have already grasped firm control of the pathetic AFC North. A week 1 playoff bye, even home field throughout the playoffs, is not out of the realm of possibility. Hard to believe after a 1-3 start.
9.St. Louis Rams3-5The problem is that 5 NFC playoff spots look set and the surging Falcons are 2 games ahead for the last wild card slot.
10.Atlanta Falcons5-3Won fourth straight despite Michael Vick's first off week.
11.San Diego Chargers6-2This probably isn't fair, but the Chargers couldn't afford a loss to the Jets. The AFC West is the leagues toughest division and the Chargers schedule is brutal in the second half.
12.Miami Dolphins5-3I never thought I would be saying this, but the loss of Jay Fiedler was a debilitating blow.
13.Kansas City Chiefs4-4Tied for last in the AFC West, would easily win the AFC South.
14.Buffalo Bills5-4Still a defense away from serious contention.
15.Tennesee Titans4-4Collapse of the Colts basically hands the Titans a playoff spot.
16.Oakland Raiders4-4Losers of 4 straight, the Raiders look old and confused just like managing general partner Al Davis.
17.New York Giants4-4Jekyl and Hyde in blue and red.
18.Washington Redskins4-4Can Daniel Snyder functioning as the defacto GM get Steve Spurrier the offensive talent his system needs to succeed?
19.Arizona Cardinals4-4In the last 2 weeks the 49ers and Rams put the Cardinals in their place.
20.Cleveland Browns4-5Tim Couch is just not a good QB and I'm beginning to wonder if Butch Davis might be in over his head.
21.New York Jets3-5A win over the QB-less Dolphins next week would get them back into the jumbled AFC East.
22.Baltimore Ravens3-5Those that thought Jeff Blake would be an upgrade on Chris Redman seem to have been proven wrong in the last 2 losses.
23.Indianapolis Colts4-4Tony Dungy looks clueless when the offense is on the field, but worst of all from a Colts' perspective so does Peyton Manning.
24.Jacksonville Jaguars3-5The cap losses are taking their toll. It is never a good sign for the Jaguars when Fred Taylor needs an MRI.
25.Carolina Panthers3-5Kudos to John Fox for his work with the defense. Rodney Peete's return can't hurt, although a season ending injury to Sean Gilbert, 4 game suspension to former Steeler Brentson Buckner, and injury to Dan Morgan that is expected to keep him out at least 2 weeks are all cause for concern.
26.Detriot Lions3-5Maybe Matt Millen and Marty Mornhinweg know what they are doing. No, probably not.
27.Seattle Seahawks2-6Mike Holmgren continues to learn it is easier to be a genius with Ron Wolf procuring talent and Brett Favre playing QB.
28.Cincinnati Bengals1-7The Bengals are poised to make their usual second half run at 5 wins. They remain a GM, coach, and QB away from respectability.
29.Minnesota Vikings2-6OT Bryan McKinnie was finally signed, although that doesn't really help a defense that is capable of making Brad Johnson look like Dan Marino.
30.Chicago Bears2-6I saw an interesting sign at the Bears game this week against the Eagles. A picture of the Three Stooges labeled Jerry Angelo, Dick Jauron, and John Shoop.
31.Dallas Cowboys3-6Somebody needs to bring a picture of the Three Stooges labeled Jerry Jones, Dave Campo, and Bruce Coslett to Texas Stadium.
32.Houston Texans2-6Dom Capers has done a solid job, but the loss to the Bengals shows the talent is just not yet in place.
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