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ESPN power rankings moved steelers up to 6th place
by Hi5Steeler » Wed Sep 03, 2008 5:02 pm
NFL Power Rankings: 2008 Week 1
Week: Pre | 1
Add Widget By Pat Yasinskas
ESPN.com
They lost the Super Bowl in February, but that's not preventing the New England Patriots from opening the 2008 regular season as the No. 1 team in the NFL.
The Patriots own that distinction according to ESPN.com's Week 1 power rankings, which vary slightly from the 2008 training camp edition published in July. We polled 12 experts, including ESPN.com staff writers and Scouts Inc. insiders. Each ranked the teams No. 1 through 32, and the Patriots secured the top spot easily. Five experts voted the Patriots No. 1 and six voted New England No. 2. I voted them No. 3, but I easily can see New England winning it all.
The Chargers got four first-place votes and are ranked No. 2. Even as star linebacker Shawne Merriman's knee woes clouded the picture, the Chargers still received nothing lower than a fifth-place vote (Chargers fans: That No. 5 ranking came from AFC North blogger James Walker).
As long as we're inciting the fans, let's just clarify that in our NFL season previews that ran last week, I did predict the Dallas Cowboys would finish third in the NFC East. That was not a misprint, although I heard from plenty of Dallas fans who were sure it was.
I realize the Cowboys have tons of talent, but I'm just playing a hunch (nothing more and nothing less). I voted them eighth in this poll, but my colleagues all had them a lot higher. The Cowboys are ranked No. 3 overall in these power rankings. Scouts Inc. Insider Matt Williamson and AFC East blogger Tim Graham each voted Dallas in the top spot.
ESPN.com's Power Rankings
The rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton, Jeffri Chadiha, Tim Graham, Matt Mosley, James Walker, Kevin Seifert, Paul Kuharsky, Pat Yasinskas, Bill Williamson, and Mike Sando; and Scouts Inc. Insiders Jeremy Green and Matt Williamson.
• Watch: NFL Live debate
• Blog: How we voted, more
• Your turn to rank 'em
The Indianapolis Colts, a unanimous choice in the top five, are No. 4 overall. The Jacksonville Jaguars round out the top five, although John Clayton, who's probably smarter than the rest of us put together, put them at No. 14.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers round out the top 10. Yes, the defending Super Bowl champion Giants ranked No. 8, despite a No. 16 vote from Clayton. The Seahawks finished at No. 9, although Matt Williamson ranked Seattle at No. 20.
On the bottom end of the rankings, the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons each got at least one last-place vote and that wasn't a big surprise. San Francisco ranks No. 29 and the Dolphins are No. 30. The Falcons, who got seven last-place votes, edged out the Chiefs to earn the No. 32 ranking.
Entering the 2008 regular season, we've called upon some of our voting members to provide team-by-team commentary. Thus, for your reading pleasure, you'll have:
• Tim Graham on the AFC East
• James Walker on the AFC North
• Paul Kuharsky on the AFC South
• Bill Williamson on the AFC West
• Matt Mosley on the NFC East
• Kevin Seifert on the NFC North
• Pat Yasinskas on the NFC South
• Mike Sando on the NFC West
The New York Jets, who acquired Brett Favre in an early August trade with the Green Bay Packers, vaulted seven places from No. 23 in the July rankings to No. 16 in this edition. The New Orleans Saints improved five places from No. 12 to No. 7.
The defending champion Giants, who traded tight end Jeremy Shockey and lost defensive linemen Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to retirement and season-ending injury, respectively, dropped two places from No. 6 to No. 8.
The Arizona Cardinals, who recently named Kurt Warner the starting quarterback over Matt Leinart, dropped four places from No. 17 to No. 21.
(Editor's note: LW indicates each team's ranking last week -- or in this case, our July 2008 Training Camp edition. And the REC reflects the teams' 2007 regular-season finishes.)
2008 Power Rankings: Week 1
RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT
1 (1) Patriots 16-0-0 The Patriots had better hope Tom Brady stays healthy. They've looked lost without him. Injuries on the offensive line and question marks in the secondary will make their games more competitive this year. (TG)
2 (3) Chargers 11-5-0 The Chargers are tired of knocking on the door. This team is ready to make a Super Bowl push, and it could be a successful push if they stay healthy. (BW)
3 (4) Cowboys 13-3-0 The Cowboys' delegation already has set up a branch office in Tampa. The only thing standing in the Cowboys' way is winning their first playoff game since 1996. (MM)
4 (2) Colts 13-3-0 All those early injury concerns got solved, and now they're going to have to figure out life without key cog C Jeff Saturday. With all that missed practice, can the stars keep up superb Sept. play? (PK)
5 (5) Jaguars 11-5-0 A lot to like, but OL play is a concern, particularly with LT Khalif Barnes underachieving. Those backs need holes and David Garrard needs time. Derrick Harvey's initial contribution won't be big. (PK)
6 (7) Steelers 10-6-0 Nearly all of the pieces are in place for the Steelers to make a run. The one exception is a shaky OL, which could be the difference in being a good team or an elite team. (JW)
7 (12) Saints 7-9-0 Offense is loaded at the skill positions. Defensive overhaul must take hold for this team to contend. (PY)
8 (6) Giants 10-6-0 I had to do it. You drop at least four spots when you lose the best defensive player on the team. (MM)
9 (9) Seahawks 10-6-0 The Seahawks might have more depth than they've had at any time during the salary-cap era. Even backup QB Seneca Wallace looks like he could win games if needed. (MS)
10 (8) Packers 13-3-0 Aaron Rodgers had a solid preseason, but the backup QB situation is a bit worrisome. (KS)
11 (11) Vikings 8-8-0 QB Tarvaris Jackson looked sharp in the preseason -- when he was on the field. (KS)
12 (13) Eagles 8-8-0 If Donovan McNabb stays healthy and the Eagles knock off the Cowboys early, this team could challenge for a division title. (MM)
13 (10) Browns 10-6-0 Are the Browns good enough to turn it on after a sluggish preseason? We will find out with two tough games against Dallas and Pittsburgh to start the season. (JW)
14 (14) Titans 10-6-0 Behind Jags now, but I have a feeling they'll wind up at least even in the long run. When they open the playbook, you'll see a pass offense that's better than it seemed in the preseason. Even with a struggling VY, the run game and defense can win. (PK)
15 (15) Buccaneers 9-7-0 Defense looked strong in the preseason. But QB Jeff Garcia and WR Joey Galloway missed lots of practice time with injuries and might not be sharp right away. (PY)
16 (23) Jets 4-12-0 The O-line appears fantastic, and their defensive additions have made a noticeable difference. If Brett Favre can cope with the big change, look out. (TG)
17 (20) Panthers 7-9-0 QB Jake Delhomme's arm seemed fine in the preseason and DE Julius Peppers appears motivated for a big year. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart will give the team the power running game it has lacked. (PY)
18 (18) Bills 7-9-0 Brett Favre's arrival in AFC East and Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters' holdout will make it more difficult for the Bills to make the playoffs. Defense should be markedly improved with DT Marcus Stroud. (TG)
19 (16) Redskins 9-7-0 I want to believe in the Age of Zorn, but the last couple of performances scare me. At some point, this team probably needs one of its second-round receivers to show up. (MM)
20 (19) Texans 8-8-0 I see progress, but how will they climb up a rung in this division? The defensive stars need others to play better around them. The run game and secondary still rank as legitimate concerns and that first five-game stretch is a crucible. (PK)
21 (17) Cardinals 8-8-0 The Cardinals have better depth in their defensive front seven and enough weapons at receiver to produce without WR Bryant Johnson. Lack of depth on the offensive line could hold them back. (MS)
22 (22) Broncos 7-9-0 The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 (24) Bengals 7-9-0 The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 (21) Ravens 5-11-0 Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 (25) Bears 7-9-0 On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 (29) Lions 7-9-0 The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 (27) Raiders 4-12-0 The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 (26) Rams 3-13-0 The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 (28) 49ers 5-11-0 The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 (31) Dolphins 1-15-0 QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 (30) Chiefs 4-12-0 This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 (32) Falcons 4-12-0 The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)
Week: Pre | 1
Add Widget By Pat Yasinskas
ESPN.com
They lost the Super Bowl in February, but that's not preventing the New England Patriots from opening the 2008 regular season as the No. 1 team in the NFL.
The Patriots own that distinction according to ESPN.com's Week 1 power rankings, which vary slightly from the 2008 training camp edition published in July. We polled 12 experts, including ESPN.com staff writers and Scouts Inc. insiders. Each ranked the teams No. 1 through 32, and the Patriots secured the top spot easily. Five experts voted the Patriots No. 1 and six voted New England No. 2. I voted them No. 3, but I easily can see New England winning it all.
The Chargers got four first-place votes and are ranked No. 2. Even as star linebacker Shawne Merriman's knee woes clouded the picture, the Chargers still received nothing lower than a fifth-place vote (Chargers fans: That No. 5 ranking came from AFC North blogger James Walker).
As long as we're inciting the fans, let's just clarify that in our NFL season previews that ran last week, I did predict the Dallas Cowboys would finish third in the NFC East. That was not a misprint, although I heard from plenty of Dallas fans who were sure it was.
I realize the Cowboys have tons of talent, but I'm just playing a hunch (nothing more and nothing less). I voted them eighth in this poll, but my colleagues all had them a lot higher. The Cowboys are ranked No. 3 overall in these power rankings. Scouts Inc. Insider Matt Williamson and AFC East blogger Tim Graham each voted Dallas in the top spot.
ESPN.com's Power Rankings
The rankings were determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton, Jeffri Chadiha, Tim Graham, Matt Mosley, James Walker, Kevin Seifert, Paul Kuharsky, Pat Yasinskas, Bill Williamson, and Mike Sando; and Scouts Inc. Insiders Jeremy Green and Matt Williamson.
• Watch: NFL Live debate
• Blog: How we voted, more
• Your turn to rank 'em
The Indianapolis Colts, a unanimous choice in the top five, are No. 4 overall. The Jacksonville Jaguars round out the top five, although John Clayton, who's probably smarter than the rest of us put together, put them at No. 14.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers round out the top 10. Yes, the defending Super Bowl champion Giants ranked No. 8, despite a No. 16 vote from Clayton. The Seahawks finished at No. 9, although Matt Williamson ranked Seattle at No. 20.
On the bottom end of the rankings, the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons each got at least one last-place vote and that wasn't a big surprise. San Francisco ranks No. 29 and the Dolphins are No. 30. The Falcons, who got seven last-place votes, edged out the Chiefs to earn the No. 32 ranking.
Entering the 2008 regular season, we've called upon some of our voting members to provide team-by-team commentary. Thus, for your reading pleasure, you'll have:
• Tim Graham on the AFC East
• James Walker on the AFC North
• Paul Kuharsky on the AFC South
• Bill Williamson on the AFC West
• Matt Mosley on the NFC East
• Kevin Seifert on the NFC North
• Pat Yasinskas on the NFC South
• Mike Sando on the NFC West
The New York Jets, who acquired Brett Favre in an early August trade with the Green Bay Packers, vaulted seven places from No. 23 in the July rankings to No. 16 in this edition. The New Orleans Saints improved five places from No. 12 to No. 7.
The defending champion Giants, who traded tight end Jeremy Shockey and lost defensive linemen Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to retirement and season-ending injury, respectively, dropped two places from No. 6 to No. 8.
The Arizona Cardinals, who recently named Kurt Warner the starting quarterback over Matt Leinart, dropped four places from No. 17 to No. 21.
(Editor's note: LW indicates each team's ranking last week -- or in this case, our July 2008 Training Camp edition. And the REC reflects the teams' 2007 regular-season finishes.)
2008 Power Rankings: Week 1
RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT
1 (1) Patriots 16-0-0 The Patriots had better hope Tom Brady stays healthy. They've looked lost without him. Injuries on the offensive line and question marks in the secondary will make their games more competitive this year. (TG)
2 (3) Chargers 11-5-0 The Chargers are tired of knocking on the door. This team is ready to make a Super Bowl push, and it could be a successful push if they stay healthy. (BW)
3 (4) Cowboys 13-3-0 The Cowboys' delegation already has set up a branch office in Tampa. The only thing standing in the Cowboys' way is winning their first playoff game since 1996. (MM)
4 (2) Colts 13-3-0 All those early injury concerns got solved, and now they're going to have to figure out life without key cog C Jeff Saturday. With all that missed practice, can the stars keep up superb Sept. play? (PK)
5 (5) Jaguars 11-5-0 A lot to like, but OL play is a concern, particularly with LT Khalif Barnes underachieving. Those backs need holes and David Garrard needs time. Derrick Harvey's initial contribution won't be big. (PK)
6 (7) Steelers 10-6-0 Nearly all of the pieces are in place for the Steelers to make a run. The one exception is a shaky OL, which could be the difference in being a good team or an elite team. (JW)
7 (12) Saints 7-9-0 Offense is loaded at the skill positions. Defensive overhaul must take hold for this team to contend. (PY)
8 (6) Giants 10-6-0 I had to do it. You drop at least four spots when you lose the best defensive player on the team. (MM)
9 (9) Seahawks 10-6-0 The Seahawks might have more depth than they've had at any time during the salary-cap era. Even backup QB Seneca Wallace looks like he could win games if needed. (MS)
10 (8) Packers 13-3-0 Aaron Rodgers had a solid preseason, but the backup QB situation is a bit worrisome. (KS)
11 (11) Vikings 8-8-0 QB Tarvaris Jackson looked sharp in the preseason -- when he was on the field. (KS)
12 (13) Eagles 8-8-0 If Donovan McNabb stays healthy and the Eagles knock off the Cowboys early, this team could challenge for a division title. (MM)
13 (10) Browns 10-6-0 Are the Browns good enough to turn it on after a sluggish preseason? We will find out with two tough games against Dallas and Pittsburgh to start the season. (JW)
14 (14) Titans 10-6-0 Behind Jags now, but I have a feeling they'll wind up at least even in the long run. When they open the playbook, you'll see a pass offense that's better than it seemed in the preseason. Even with a struggling VY, the run game and defense can win. (PK)
15 (15) Buccaneers 9-7-0 Defense looked strong in the preseason. But QB Jeff Garcia and WR Joey Galloway missed lots of practice time with injuries and might not be sharp right away. (PY)
16 (23) Jets 4-12-0 The O-line appears fantastic, and their defensive additions have made a noticeable difference. If Brett Favre can cope with the big change, look out. (TG)
17 (20) Panthers 7-9-0 QB Jake Delhomme's arm seemed fine in the preseason and DE Julius Peppers appears motivated for a big year. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart will give the team the power running game it has lacked. (PY)
18 (18) Bills 7-9-0 Brett Favre's arrival in AFC East and Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters' holdout will make it more difficult for the Bills to make the playoffs. Defense should be markedly improved with DT Marcus Stroud. (TG)
19 (16) Redskins 9-7-0 I want to believe in the Age of Zorn, but the last couple of performances scare me. At some point, this team probably needs one of its second-round receivers to show up. (MM)
20 (19) Texans 8-8-0 I see progress, but how will they climb up a rung in this division? The defensive stars need others to play better around them. The run game and secondary still rank as legitimate concerns and that first five-game stretch is a crucible. (PK)
21 (17) Cardinals 8-8-0 The Cardinals have better depth in their defensive front seven and enough weapons at receiver to produce without WR Bryant Johnson. Lack of depth on the offensive line could hold them back. (MS)
22 (22) Broncos 7-9-0 The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 (24) Bengals 7-9-0 The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 (21) Ravens 5-11-0 Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 (25) Bears 7-9-0 On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 (29) Lions 7-9-0 The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 (27) Raiders 4-12-0 The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 (26) Rams 3-13-0 The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 (28) 49ers 5-11-0 The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 (31) Dolphins 1-15-0 QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 (30) Chiefs 4-12-0 This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 (32) Falcons 4-12-0 The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)
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