NFL Season: Week 13 Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers (12-0)
The debate: should the Packers go for perfection? The answer: YES! That’s why we love football: the records, the anomalies, the history. Winning the Superbowl is ‘everything’, except it isn’t. 45 teams over the years have won the Superbowl. The Packers franchise has won it 4 times already. You know what has only happened once? A team going all the way without so much as a dot in the T or L columns. And you know how many teams have managed that since the realignment of the league?
None.
Maybe not for long…
2. New Orleans Saints (9-3)
A Saints win and falcons loss keeps the Saints locked in the Number 2 spot – looking good now.
3. San Francisco 49ers (10-2)
San Fran clinched the division this week. A just reward for a franchise long overdue some good news.
4. Baltimore Ravens (9-3)
They are still the team to beat in the AFC North. Pittsburgh may be getting hot at the right time, but Baltimore have a terrifyingly easy run-in, which should lead to a 13-3 record. That could be good enough for the Number 1 seed and a first round BYE.
Even if the Steelers match them game-for-game it won’t be enough to earn anything higher than the fifth seed. Harsh, but true.
5 (6). Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
When was the last time a team finished 13-3 and wound up fifth seed? It matters not, because it could so happen this year, and I for one would love to see it!
I backed the Patriots for this season on the day after the Packers hoisted the Lombardi trophy in February. A fifth-seed Steelers would be great news for the Patriots, who are looking to secure the number 1 seed, because given the winner of the AFC West will take 4th seed and play either the Bengals/Jets/Titans and LOSE, the Steelers will have to play the Ravens (the Patriots’ booby team) setting-up a classic Steelers/Pats AFC championship game and we all know Tom Terrific loves those.
6 (7). New England Patriots (9-3)
7 (5). Houston Texans (9-3)
I have to say, that no team impressed me more than the Texans this week. Beating a streaking Atlanta with your rookie third string QB and without your best defensive player, another massively important linebacker and losing your star receiver (again) is nothing less than sensational. But here’s the rub: the teams around Houston in the AFC race (the Pats, Steelers and Ravens) are getting better as the year goes on and the Texans look ready to implode with this latest flurry of bad luck. What they need is time to gel and the likelihood they will end up with the third seed might see them play a ‘softer’ opponent in the Wild Card Round. That BYE is looking mighty attractive, though, so if I were them, I’d play hard then rest-up.
8. Dallas Cowboys (7-5)
Losing to a Cardinals team that’s won 4 of 5 isn’t awful, but it was damned stupid. Giants next and they’ve got to win, but control their destiny so stay locked in at 8.
9 (15). New York Jets (7-5)
They won where other teams with a currently identical record lost. That sees them take-off into ninth.
10 (9). Atlanta Falcons (7-5)
Really? You can’t go losing to a team that’s just suffered a failed bypass. The Falcons did, however, and see their stock fall as punishment. They should still make the cut, though.
11 (16). Denver Broncos (7-5)
Hallelujah, I’m a believer! Tebowmania has swept the nation and the Broncos are riding the wave of this particularly old skool orange crush. Keep it up Tim, you’re too nice not to love!
12 (11). Detroit Lions (7-5)
13 (12). Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)
14 (17). Tennessee Titans (7-5)
Call me crazy, but the Titans look good to me. I think they are the number one outsiders to nick a playoff spot. Possibly at the expense of the Bengals and jets. All three are on 7-5, but the titans have made it that far without their 2 best players. Can CJ2K have an effect? Don’t rule him out…
15 (13). Chicago Bears (7-5)
Losing to the Chiefs? Bin Hanie and pay Favre. Joke! But wouldn’t it be cool…
16 (10). Oakland Raiders (7-5)
17 (14). New York Giants (6-6)
18 (23). Miami Dolphins (4-8)
The first of 3 big climbers, the ‘fins are getting good, fast. Teams who are out of the race, but can still wreck big teams’ dreams. The Dolphins sudden aptitude for the game of football, might save their coach’s job. It might…
19 (24). Seattle Seahawks (5-7)
20 (25). Arizona Cardinals (5-7)
21 (18). Buffalo Bills (5-7)
22 (19). Kansas City Chiefs (5-7)
23 (29). Carolina Panthers (4-8)
Why not? At least they are fun to watch.
24 (20). San Diego Chargers (4-8)
25 (21). Philadelphia Eagles (4-8)
26 (31). Minnesota Vikings (2-10)
I like Ponder, a lot. I think the Vikings are a threat right now. No team should feel good about playing them away. The Draft and next season will be kind to this deserving franchise.
27 (22). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)
28 (26). Washington Redskin (4-8)
29 (27). Cleveland Browns (4-8)
30 (28). St Louis Rams (2-10)
31 (30). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-9)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-12)
Andrew Luck to Indy? What will the Peyton say?
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Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
NFL Week 12 Power Rankings: The Whole List
1. Green Bay Packers (11-0)
They just keep on rolling. Really, there is no weakness to this team. If they do lose a game, which, with every passing week, is getting less and less likely, it will be because they can afford to. They have to decide over the next fortnight whether to shoot for perfection and play their starters to the end, or whether to pull the big guns as soon as the top seed is wrapped-up. My advice? Go for broke! Resting starters can save on the sleepless nights, but these guys are professionals and know how to stay healthy. It would be a freak occurrence if an irreplaceable member of the team went down, and besides, leaving your crowd-drawing names on the bench isn’t guaranteed to work. Look what happened to the 14-0 Colts of 2009. Yeah. Exactly…
2 (3). New Orleans Saints (8-3)
The closer you get to the top of the table, the harder ascending becomes. The jump from 31-21 is a mere trifle to the gargantuan stride taken by the Saints to push the 49ers down to 3rd, while they take their place as the second best team in the NFC and L. Brees and Co blew out a contender with their 49-24 humbling of the Giants. We’ve seen them run-up the scoreboard before, but also slip against some truly gutless teams. Their niggling loss to St Louis kept them down in the rankings this long, but they seem to have ironed out the creases and to be finding all of them in their opponents D packages. Can they go all the way? They might have to go through the Pack, but if they can beat Aaron then they have a real shot of making it 2 Super Bowls in 3 years.
3 (2). San Francisco 49ers (9-2)
It’s tough to be bumped down a spot by a team with a lesser record, but here’s the thing: these are power rankings, not record rankings. You don’t need me or any other schmuck with a keyboard and an opinion to tell you which team has the best record, it’s right there in black and white. No, what you want from hacks like me is an opinion, and here’s mine: the 49ers are good; the 49ers are solid; the 49ers are, for a warm weather team, well-built to face the playoffs thanks to their run-first strategy. The 49ers are not, however, experienced, electrifying or even terrifying.
4 (5). Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
5 (4). Houston Texans (8-3)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
7. New England Patriots (8-3)
8 (9). Dallas Cowboys (7-4)
9 (15). Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
10 (13). Oakland Raiders (7-4)
11 (8). Detroit Lions (7-4)
12 (10). Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)
13 (11). Chicago Bears (7-4)
14 (12). New York Giants (6-5)
15 (14). New York Jets (6-5)
16. Denver Broncos (6-5)
17 (18). Tennessee Titans (6-5)
18 (17). Buffalo Bills (5-6)
19. Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)
20. San Diego Chargers (4-7)
21. Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)
22 (23). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
23 (22). Miami Dolphins (3-8)
24. Seattle Seahawks (4-7)
25 (26). Arizona Cardinals (4-7)
26 (31). Washington Redskin (4-7)
27 (25). Cleveland Browns (4-7)
28 (27). St Louis Rams (2-9)
29 (28). Carolina Panthers (3-8)
30 (29). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)
31 (30). Minnesota Vikings (2-9)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-11)
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They just keep on rolling. Really, there is no weakness to this team. If they do lose a game, which, with every passing week, is getting less and less likely, it will be because they can afford to. They have to decide over the next fortnight whether to shoot for perfection and play their starters to the end, or whether to pull the big guns as soon as the top seed is wrapped-up. My advice? Go for broke! Resting starters can save on the sleepless nights, but these guys are professionals and know how to stay healthy. It would be a freak occurrence if an irreplaceable member of the team went down, and besides, leaving your crowd-drawing names on the bench isn’t guaranteed to work. Look what happened to the 14-0 Colts of 2009. Yeah. Exactly…
2 (3). New Orleans Saints (8-3)
The closer you get to the top of the table, the harder ascending becomes. The jump from 31-21 is a mere trifle to the gargantuan stride taken by the Saints to push the 49ers down to 3rd, while they take their place as the second best team in the NFC and L. Brees and Co blew out a contender with their 49-24 humbling of the Giants. We’ve seen them run-up the scoreboard before, but also slip against some truly gutless teams. Their niggling loss to St Louis kept them down in the rankings this long, but they seem to have ironed out the creases and to be finding all of them in their opponents D packages. Can they go all the way? They might have to go through the Pack, but if they can beat Aaron then they have a real shot of making it 2 Super Bowls in 3 years.
3 (2). San Francisco 49ers (9-2)
It’s tough to be bumped down a spot by a team with a lesser record, but here’s the thing: these are power rankings, not record rankings. You don’t need me or any other schmuck with a keyboard and an opinion to tell you which team has the best record, it’s right there in black and white. No, what you want from hacks like me is an opinion, and here’s mine: the 49ers are good; the 49ers are solid; the 49ers are, for a warm weather team, well-built to face the playoffs thanks to their run-first strategy. The 49ers are not, however, experienced, electrifying or even terrifying.
4 (5). Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
5 (4). Houston Texans (8-3)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
7. New England Patriots (8-3)
8 (9). Dallas Cowboys (7-4)
9 (15). Atlanta Falcons (7-4)
10 (13). Oakland Raiders (7-4)
11 (8). Detroit Lions (7-4)
12 (10). Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)
13 (11). Chicago Bears (7-4)
14 (12). New York Giants (6-5)
15 (14). New York Jets (6-5)
16. Denver Broncos (6-5)
17 (18). Tennessee Titans (6-5)
18 (17). Buffalo Bills (5-6)
19. Kansas City Chiefs (4-7)
20. San Diego Chargers (4-7)
21. Philadelphia Eagles (4-7)
22 (23). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7)
23 (22). Miami Dolphins (3-8)
24. Seattle Seahawks (4-7)
25 (26). Arizona Cardinals (4-7)
26 (31). Washington Redskin (4-7)
27 (25). Cleveland Browns (4-7)
28 (27). St Louis Rams (2-9)
29 (28). Carolina Panthers (3-8)
30 (29). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-8)
31 (30). Minnesota Vikings (2-9)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-11)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings: The Whole List
NFL Season: Week 11 Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers (10-0)
Putting 35 points on the board is a good day’s work for any team. Any team, that is, save the green bay packers, who looked decidedly half-arsed in their victory over the floundering Buccaneers. They say that every team – even the legendary – has a bad week at some point during the season. We saw the 2007 Patriots go 18 games undefeated before suffering an off day when it really mattered. If a 35-26 win over a 4-6 team (all but out of playoff contention) is the off-day we’ve been waiting for, Aaron Rodgers and co should take it. Perfection is still attainable and they look more and more likely to achieve it as the weeks roll by.
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1)
Beating the cardinals to remain the NFC’s number 2 seed is no tall order. With a routine 23-7 domination, the San Francisco 49ers – this year’s surprise package – put further distance between themselves and their NFC West rivals. The Seahawks could still, in theory, catch the Niners, but seriously? It isn’t going to happen. Coupled with the remaining division leaders bleeding games here and there, the California faithful look good value for the number 2 spot.
3. New Orleans Saints (7-3)
The Saints hit their BYE week at a good time. Having weathered the longest start to the league with a few noticeable problems on both sides of the ball, escaping with just 3 losses (albeit troubling and, save the Packers’ in the first game of the season, avoidable defeats) and the lead in what was expected to be a hotly contest NFC South race, should be regarded as a success. Drew Brees’ continued health is imperative to this team’s success and as in the case of the Texans with Schaub’s injury and the Bears with Cutler’s recent thumb break, any damage to the star man will see this team plummet in the rankings. For now, though, they remain my number 3 side and occupy the same slot in the NFC.
4. Houston Texans (7-3)
Also on a break this week, the Texans face a nervy 6-game run-in as the playoffs loom. Thankfully they are by far and a way the strongest team in the AFC South with only the Titans, who dropped to 5-5 this week after a 6 point loss to a resurgent Atlanta, anywhere near them. The two-game cushion the Texans are currently lounging on may have some of the stuffing knocked out of it over the next fortnight as they try and adjust to having Matt Leinart under centre while Schaub recovers from his injuries. For all the criticism Leinart has endured over his career, he’s certainly not a bad back-up and should be able to manage the game effectively enough for Houston to continue their winning ways. Driven by a dominant D and a rarefied rushing attack, this team is well-suited to the playoffs and should make it with ease.
5 (6). Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
By beating the difficult Bengals, the Ravens have put themselves in complete control of the AFC North. With the Steelers resting up and unable to maintain their one-game lead, the Ravens have levelled the score at 7-3 apiece, but with the significant advantage of a season series sweep over their storied rivals.
6 (5). Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
The Steelers too sit out this week, but unfortunately drop one spot to sixth after Baltimore managed to beat a talented Bengals side who are still, despite the loss, the 6th best team in the AFC. There is no doubt the Steelers are the more mature unit, but this long-time divisional rivalry is so often decided on head-to-head records that the Ravens’ pair of wins over the Black & Gold come at a premium and afford them the fifth spot, while the Steelers drop to sixth and third in the AFC. If the season ended today the Steelers would be the 5th seed and have to play the Raiders in the Wild Card Round. Troubling? I don’t think Mike Tomlin would lose any sleep, let’s leave it at that.
7. New England Patriots (7-3)
The Patriots continued to build on their win over the New York Jets by beating the Chiefs on Monday night. Additionally, the Jets shocking loss to the Tim Tebow-led Broncos has put a huge, possibly irreparable, dent in their playoff hopes. The Patriots are sitting pretty with tiebreakers and a 2-game lead. It looks like another playoffs appearance for the winningest postseason Quarterback in NFL history. As it stands they are locked-in as third seeds and would face the Bengals in Foxboro. Easy money.
8 (10). Detroit Lions (7-3)
5 Touchdown tosses with 2 picks is not a bad day at the office for Detroit Lion, Matthew Stafford. This has been a brilliant week for Detroit: not only did they come back from 17 points down for the third time this season (apparently an NFL first since at least 1950), but the Chicago Bears – their main Wild Card rivals – lost Jay Cutler to a broken thumb, effectively ruining their chances of keeping pace with the high-flying Lions. The Bears could certainly make the playoffs, but with Atlanta and New York one skinny game behind them, they are going to have to go some to maintain the same level of play they’ve enjoyed from Cutler. The Lions, however, look to have recovered from their mid-season slump and are, once more, scoring at will. Tougher opposition won’t roll over, but Detroit have proven they can hang with the big boys when it comes to the crunch. This should be the year that we finally see a return to the playoffs for one of the NFL’s most maligned franchises of recent years.
9 (14). Dallas Cowboys (6-4)
Boom! And just like that the Cowboys close the gap and leap frog the highly-rated Giants to top the NFC East. With Vince Young at Quarterback, the underachieving Eagles beat Big Blue and opened the door for the Cowboys to sneak into top spot. It wasn’t easy – an overtime victory over a truly pathetic Redskins team is not the most glorious of ascensions, but the job got done nonetheless. Dallas now have the advantage and, for the first time this season, control their own destiny. Jason Garrett is a good coach and seems to understands his Quarterback, the often criticised but undeniably talented Tony Romo, and may, for that reason, be able to shake off the curse that has followed the ‘Boys into the postseason since the glory days of Aikman, Smith and Irvin. Could this be their year? With talent throughout and the chance to roll into the playoffs with some serious momentum, don’t count them out!
10 (11). Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)
Despite losing again this week, the Bengals are still alone at 6-4 and hold the 6th AFC seed because of it. Having weathered their tough divisional fortnight and come out of it in charge of their own destiny, Fancy them to pick up the pace again in the latter half of the season. The character this young team showed in losing to two far more experienced rivals has convinced me – they can make it to the playoffs. And unlike the chasing pack, they don’t need any help to do it.
11 (9). Chicago Bears (7-3)
This is agonising for the Bears. Winning as they did against a tricky opponent in San Diego should merit a rise in the table, but they lost far more than they won by moving to 7-3 on Sunday. Jay Cutler, the Quarterback whose play has been largely to thank for the Bears’ resurgence, has broken his thumb and will likely need surgery to repair the broken digit on his throwing hand.
12 (8). New York Giants (6-4)
Ouch! That’s got to hurt: having your chances at the NFC East title ripped in two ways in one week? Eli Manning is going to have to pull out all the stops when the Giants face the Cowboys in Week 14. That game will likely decide the division and also which one of the two NFC East franchises makes it to the postseason. There will only be room for one…
The Bottom Half…
13 (16). Oakland Raiders (6-4)
14 (12). New York Jets (5-5)
15. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
16 (19). Denver Broncos (5-5)
17 (13). Buffalo Bills (5-5)
18 (20). Tennessee Titans (5-4)
19 (17). Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
20 (18). San Diego Chargers (4-6)
21 (22). Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
22 (23). Miami Dolphins (3-7)
23 (22). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
24 (25). Seattle Seahawks (4-6)
25 (27). Cleveland Browns (4-6)
26 (24). Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
27 (26). St Louis Rams (2-8)
28 (30). Carolina Panthers (2-8)
29 (28). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)
30 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-8)
31. Washington Redskin (3-7)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
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1. Green Bay Packers (10-0)
Putting 35 points on the board is a good day’s work for any team. Any team, that is, save the green bay packers, who looked decidedly half-arsed in their victory over the floundering Buccaneers. They say that every team – even the legendary – has a bad week at some point during the season. We saw the 2007 Patriots go 18 games undefeated before suffering an off day when it really mattered. If a 35-26 win over a 4-6 team (all but out of playoff contention) is the off-day we’ve been waiting for, Aaron Rodgers and co should take it. Perfection is still attainable and they look more and more likely to achieve it as the weeks roll by.
2. San Francisco 49ers (9-1)
Beating the cardinals to remain the NFC’s number 2 seed is no tall order. With a routine 23-7 domination, the San Francisco 49ers – this year’s surprise package – put further distance between themselves and their NFC West rivals. The Seahawks could still, in theory, catch the Niners, but seriously? It isn’t going to happen. Coupled with the remaining division leaders bleeding games here and there, the California faithful look good value for the number 2 spot.
3. New Orleans Saints (7-3)
The Saints hit their BYE week at a good time. Having weathered the longest start to the league with a few noticeable problems on both sides of the ball, escaping with just 3 losses (albeit troubling and, save the Packers’ in the first game of the season, avoidable defeats) and the lead in what was expected to be a hotly contest NFC South race, should be regarded as a success. Drew Brees’ continued health is imperative to this team’s success and as in the case of the Texans with Schaub’s injury and the Bears with Cutler’s recent thumb break, any damage to the star man will see this team plummet in the rankings. For now, though, they remain my number 3 side and occupy the same slot in the NFC.
4. Houston Texans (7-3)
Also on a break this week, the Texans face a nervy 6-game run-in as the playoffs loom. Thankfully they are by far and a way the strongest team in the AFC South with only the Titans, who dropped to 5-5 this week after a 6 point loss to a resurgent Atlanta, anywhere near them. The two-game cushion the Texans are currently lounging on may have some of the stuffing knocked out of it over the next fortnight as they try and adjust to having Matt Leinart under centre while Schaub recovers from his injuries. For all the criticism Leinart has endured over his career, he’s certainly not a bad back-up and should be able to manage the game effectively enough for Houston to continue their winning ways. Driven by a dominant D and a rarefied rushing attack, this team is well-suited to the playoffs and should make it with ease.
5 (6). Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
By beating the difficult Bengals, the Ravens have put themselves in complete control of the AFC North. With the Steelers resting up and unable to maintain their one-game lead, the Ravens have levelled the score at 7-3 apiece, but with the significant advantage of a season series sweep over their storied rivals.
6 (5). Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
The Steelers too sit out this week, but unfortunately drop one spot to sixth after Baltimore managed to beat a talented Bengals side who are still, despite the loss, the 6th best team in the AFC. There is no doubt the Steelers are the more mature unit, but this long-time divisional rivalry is so often decided on head-to-head records that the Ravens’ pair of wins over the Black & Gold come at a premium and afford them the fifth spot, while the Steelers drop to sixth and third in the AFC. If the season ended today the Steelers would be the 5th seed and have to play the Raiders in the Wild Card Round. Troubling? I don’t think Mike Tomlin would lose any sleep, let’s leave it at that.
7. New England Patriots (7-3)
The Patriots continued to build on their win over the New York Jets by beating the Chiefs on Monday night. Additionally, the Jets shocking loss to the Tim Tebow-led Broncos has put a huge, possibly irreparable, dent in their playoff hopes. The Patriots are sitting pretty with tiebreakers and a 2-game lead. It looks like another playoffs appearance for the winningest postseason Quarterback in NFL history. As it stands they are locked-in as third seeds and would face the Bengals in Foxboro. Easy money.
8 (10). Detroit Lions (7-3)
5 Touchdown tosses with 2 picks is not a bad day at the office for Detroit Lion, Matthew Stafford. This has been a brilliant week for Detroit: not only did they come back from 17 points down for the third time this season (apparently an NFL first since at least 1950), but the Chicago Bears – their main Wild Card rivals – lost Jay Cutler to a broken thumb, effectively ruining their chances of keeping pace with the high-flying Lions. The Bears could certainly make the playoffs, but with Atlanta and New York one skinny game behind them, they are going to have to go some to maintain the same level of play they’ve enjoyed from Cutler. The Lions, however, look to have recovered from their mid-season slump and are, once more, scoring at will. Tougher opposition won’t roll over, but Detroit have proven they can hang with the big boys when it comes to the crunch. This should be the year that we finally see a return to the playoffs for one of the NFL’s most maligned franchises of recent years.
9 (14). Dallas Cowboys (6-4)
Boom! And just like that the Cowboys close the gap and leap frog the highly-rated Giants to top the NFC East. With Vince Young at Quarterback, the underachieving Eagles beat Big Blue and opened the door for the Cowboys to sneak into top spot. It wasn’t easy – an overtime victory over a truly pathetic Redskins team is not the most glorious of ascensions, but the job got done nonetheless. Dallas now have the advantage and, for the first time this season, control their own destiny. Jason Garrett is a good coach and seems to understands his Quarterback, the often criticised but undeniably talented Tony Romo, and may, for that reason, be able to shake off the curse that has followed the ‘Boys into the postseason since the glory days of Aikman, Smith and Irvin. Could this be their year? With talent throughout and the chance to roll into the playoffs with some serious momentum, don’t count them out!
10 (11). Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)
Despite losing again this week, the Bengals are still alone at 6-4 and hold the 6th AFC seed because of it. Having weathered their tough divisional fortnight and come out of it in charge of their own destiny, Fancy them to pick up the pace again in the latter half of the season. The character this young team showed in losing to two far more experienced rivals has convinced me – they can make it to the playoffs. And unlike the chasing pack, they don’t need any help to do it.
11 (9). Chicago Bears (7-3)
This is agonising for the Bears. Winning as they did against a tricky opponent in San Diego should merit a rise in the table, but they lost far more than they won by moving to 7-3 on Sunday. Jay Cutler, the Quarterback whose play has been largely to thank for the Bears’ resurgence, has broken his thumb and will likely need surgery to repair the broken digit on his throwing hand.
12 (8). New York Giants (6-4)
Ouch! That’s got to hurt: having your chances at the NFC East title ripped in two ways in one week? Eli Manning is going to have to pull out all the stops when the Giants face the Cowboys in Week 14. That game will likely decide the division and also which one of the two NFC East franchises makes it to the postseason. There will only be room for one…
The Bottom Half…
13 (16). Oakland Raiders (6-4)
14 (12). New York Jets (5-5)
15. Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
16 (19). Denver Broncos (5-5)
17 (13). Buffalo Bills (5-5)
18 (20). Tennessee Titans (5-4)
19 (17). Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)
20 (18). San Diego Chargers (4-6)
21 (22). Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
22 (23). Miami Dolphins (3-7)
23 (22). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)
24 (25). Seattle Seahawks (4-6)
25 (27). Cleveland Browns (4-6)
26 (24). Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
27 (26). St Louis Rams (2-8)
28 (30). Carolina Panthers (2-8)
29 (28). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)
30 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-8)
31. Washington Redskin (3-7)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Week 10 Power Rankings: The Whole List
NFL Season: Week 10 Power Rankings
1. Green Bay Packers (9-0)
What can you say? The Packers are still on course for a perfect season and looking hot for the Super Bowl right now. With their BYE in the rear view mirror, Mike McCarthy’s Champions can keep the foot on the gas all the way through to January. Rodgers is a tough kid and plays efficiently, but should they bench him for Matt Flynn once the Number 1 seed has been wrapped-up we may see the Packers ship a few games towards the season’s close as the Colts did after starting 13-0 in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV. That said, the continued pressure coming from San Francisco may force McCarthy to play his starters all the way to Week 17, because should the 49ers take finish in the top two along with the Packers, premier seeding becomes exponentially important when their NFC Championship game opponent figures to be a warm-weather team. Nothing like a postseason Ice Bowl to tip the balance in favour of the Cheeseheads…
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-1)
By beating the storming Giants, a team riding high after felling the Patriots last week, the 49ers continue to decrease the doubters out there and stay locked at number 2 in my Power Rankings. It is amazing to think that a single loss by the Packers levels these teams given that one has played under intense media scrutiny and due hype since Week 1 and the other floated confidently under the radar until now. Having a hard time giving the 49ers respect? Just take a look at their record and the exceptional run game/game management of Alex Smith. As the Ravens proved in 2001, a quarterback of a run-first team need not be stellar, only responsible. Can they go all the way? Even now we should be talking about an NFC Championship clash with the Pack, which you’d still fancy the defending champs to win. But as the season progresses and the injuries rack-up in Wisconsin, there’s every chance the 49ers could be this year’s 2007 Giants and dethrone the undefeated at the most crucial time.
3 (4). New Orleans Saints (7-3)
By virtue of beating the Falcons, the Saints move up one spot to 3rd. Drew Brees and his men may not have a mind-blowing record, but own a 1.5 game lead over Atlanta and have snared the early advantage in the 2-game intra-divisional series between the teams that concludes in Week 16 in what could shape-up to be a showdown for the division. But that doesn’t seem likely as New Orleans have a BYE coming up over which they can prepare for the rattled Giants, then a sliding Detroit, followed by what should be a piar of walkovers against Tennessee and Minnesota before rounding off the season with a Week 17 feast versus the Panthers. For those reasons, the Saints take number 3 on the rankings and will likely take the same seed in the NFC.
4 (8). Houston Texans (7-3)
The biggest movers in the Big 12 this week are the Houston Texans. I’ve been rooting for this team since the start of the season, but having thus far been unable to take a real strangle hold on a severely weakened division, have erred on the side of caution and kept their ranking low, but no longer. The Texans possess the same record as the Steelers but have a two game lead over their nearest rivals and a 4 games jump on the third placed Jaguars, whereas the Steelers are just one game ahead both the Ravens and Bengals, two teams with plenty left to play for. Furthermore, the Texans actually beat the Steelers this year, so by virtue of their identical records, head-to-head victory and bigger lead in their division, the Texans get the nod, jump four places and sit prettily at number 4. Incidentally, they are currently the AFC’s number one seeds thanks to that win over Pittsburgh. Who’d have seen THAT coming?
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
The Steelers did well to beat an unpredictable, hungry and threatening team in the Bengals this week. Having lost to the Ravens who headed this week to the Pacific North West to play the rubbish Seahawks, the Steelers must have felt like they were riding some rough luck. No better time, then, for a season-defining performance as a tough-nosed win against a competitive Cincinnati preceded the humiliating loss of the Ravens to the Seahawks, handing the division back to the Steelers. Granted, the Ravens own tiebreakers and are only half a game behind by virtue of the Steelers having enjoyed they BYE week already, but the Black and Gold are a far more mature unit than the mind-bogglingly inconsistent Ravens.
6 (3). Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Really? Win a last second thriller against one of the toughest teams in the NFL and grab control of the most brutal division in pro football and then lose to the Seahawks? Ravens fans must be sick. This year has been typified by the Purple and Black taking their eye off the prize when confronted with an opponent they should steamroll. The Jaguars? Yeah, one of their wins came against the Ravens. The Seahawks made the Ravens look below average at times and for a team with Super Bowl aspirations playing at THAT level, THIS late in the season, such a performance is unacceptable. Although they have the power in their hands, their hands don’t appear capable of opening a door right now, let alone catching a football against a decent opponent.
7. New England Patriots (6-3)
The Pats shocked the Jets this week by winning by an unexpectedly juicy 21 point margin to sweep the season series and regain control of the division. However, an injury to starting Cornerback Devin McCourty, a huge loss for an already underperforming secondary, could make life very difficult down the stretch. For that reason the Pats stay locked-in at 7 as other teams shuffle above them and the Texans leapfrog them from 8th to 4th.
8 (6). New York Giants (6-3)
Losing to the 49ers should not be a shock given the records and win-streaks of the two teams going into the contest, but somehow, no one took San Fran seriously until they proved they had the muscle to stop a bubbling juggernaut like New York. The Giants still have a game lead over the strengthening Cowboys, but will have to regroup fast to avoid being caught by America’s Team. The Eagles’ loss to the poor Cardinals has lessened the pressure in the NFC East and news that Michael Vick has sustained 2 broken ribs has left the once eminent division a 2-horse race.
9 (13). Chicago Bears (6-3)
The Bears are rolling and at this time of the season there’s no better statistic to build optimism than a heavy dose of win-streaking. Their win against their main Wild Card rivals, division buddies the Lions, and their 4 consecutive victories, added to the excellent play of Jay Cutler makes these boys my new Number 1 contenders for the 5th Seed in the NFC.
10 (9). Detroit Lions (6-3)
Hitting the skids is never good. It’s all the worse when it includes a loss to the team that needs tiebreakers over you to make it to the playoffs in your place. The Lions and Bears are heading in opposite directions and while they are both still in the running to qualify, Detroit need to pull their socks up or risk having their trousers pulled down.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)
Still in the mix for the 6th Seed thanks to the Jets and the Bills losing, the Bengals had a real chance to take control of the AFC North with what would have been an unlikely win against long-time problem rivals, the Steelers. As it is, young Red Dalton and his surprising Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a tight race for Wild Cards as we edge into the second half of the season. As with the Lions in the NFC North, we will see the true character of these inexperienced units as every contending team’s mettle is thoroughly examined as the season strides towards the close. Can they make it? They will struggle with the Jets keen to rebound after losing control of their own destiny, but if they can just keep doing what they have been doing so far, there’s every reason to think they have a shot.
12 (10). New York Jets (5-4)
In a week that many expected to see the Jets ascend to the top of the pile in the AFC East, the boisterous boys in Green and White slid two places in the rankings after a blow out loss to a Patriots team that looked like they knew they were playing for more than just another win. The loss means New England has swept the season series for the first time since Rex Ryan took charge, and now own the East and all the tiebreakers they need should it come to that. The Jets still figure to feature in the playoffs, but every game must now be treated as a playoff contest, with the Bills, Bengals and Ravens all in the mix for those valuable Wild Card spots. With a similar run-in to the Patriots, save for their clash with the Giants and the Pats tussle with the listless Colts, they can’t afford to dream of the division crown this year. I think they will make it; they are too good not to, but the play of Mark Sanchez could damage their chances unless he picks up the slack.
The Bottom Half…
13 (12). Buffalo Bills (5-4)
14 (18). Dallas Cowboys (5-4)
15 (14). Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
16. Oakland Raiders (5-4)
17 (15). Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)
18 (17). San Diego Chargers (4-5)
19 (24). Denver Broncos (4-5)
20 (21). Tennessee Titans (5-4)
21(19). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)
22 (20). Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)
23 (25). Miami Dolphins (2-7)
24 (26). Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
25 (31). Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
26 (27). St Louis Rams (2-7)
27 (22). Cleveland Browns (3-6)
28 (29). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
29 (23). Minnesota Vikings (2-7)
30 (28). Carolina Panthers (2-7)
31 (30). Washington Redskin (3-6)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
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1. Green Bay Packers (9-0)
What can you say? The Packers are still on course for a perfect season and looking hot for the Super Bowl right now. With their BYE in the rear view mirror, Mike McCarthy’s Champions can keep the foot on the gas all the way through to January. Rodgers is a tough kid and plays efficiently, but should they bench him for Matt Flynn once the Number 1 seed has been wrapped-up we may see the Packers ship a few games towards the season’s close as the Colts did after starting 13-0 in preparation for Super Bowl XLIV. That said, the continued pressure coming from San Francisco may force McCarthy to play his starters all the way to Week 17, because should the 49ers take finish in the top two along with the Packers, premier seeding becomes exponentially important when their NFC Championship game opponent figures to be a warm-weather team. Nothing like a postseason Ice Bowl to tip the balance in favour of the Cheeseheads…
2. San Francisco 49ers (8-1)
By beating the storming Giants, a team riding high after felling the Patriots last week, the 49ers continue to decrease the doubters out there and stay locked at number 2 in my Power Rankings. It is amazing to think that a single loss by the Packers levels these teams given that one has played under intense media scrutiny and due hype since Week 1 and the other floated confidently under the radar until now. Having a hard time giving the 49ers respect? Just take a look at their record and the exceptional run game/game management of Alex Smith. As the Ravens proved in 2001, a quarterback of a run-first team need not be stellar, only responsible. Can they go all the way? Even now we should be talking about an NFC Championship clash with the Pack, which you’d still fancy the defending champs to win. But as the season progresses and the injuries rack-up in Wisconsin, there’s every chance the 49ers could be this year’s 2007 Giants and dethrone the undefeated at the most crucial time.
3 (4). New Orleans Saints (7-3)
By virtue of beating the Falcons, the Saints move up one spot to 3rd. Drew Brees and his men may not have a mind-blowing record, but own a 1.5 game lead over Atlanta and have snared the early advantage in the 2-game intra-divisional series between the teams that concludes in Week 16 in what could shape-up to be a showdown for the division. But that doesn’t seem likely as New Orleans have a BYE coming up over which they can prepare for the rattled Giants, then a sliding Detroit, followed by what should be a piar of walkovers against Tennessee and Minnesota before rounding off the season with a Week 17 feast versus the Panthers. For those reasons, the Saints take number 3 on the rankings and will likely take the same seed in the NFC.
4 (8). Houston Texans (7-3)
The biggest movers in the Big 12 this week are the Houston Texans. I’ve been rooting for this team since the start of the season, but having thus far been unable to take a real strangle hold on a severely weakened division, have erred on the side of caution and kept their ranking low, but no longer. The Texans possess the same record as the Steelers but have a two game lead over their nearest rivals and a 4 games jump on the third placed Jaguars, whereas the Steelers are just one game ahead both the Ravens and Bengals, two teams with plenty left to play for. Furthermore, the Texans actually beat the Steelers this year, so by virtue of their identical records, head-to-head victory and bigger lead in their division, the Texans get the nod, jump four places and sit prettily at number 4. Incidentally, they are currently the AFC’s number one seeds thanks to that win over Pittsburgh. Who’d have seen THAT coming?
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
The Steelers did well to beat an unpredictable, hungry and threatening team in the Bengals this week. Having lost to the Ravens who headed this week to the Pacific North West to play the rubbish Seahawks, the Steelers must have felt like they were riding some rough luck. No better time, then, for a season-defining performance as a tough-nosed win against a competitive Cincinnati preceded the humiliating loss of the Ravens to the Seahawks, handing the division back to the Steelers. Granted, the Ravens own tiebreakers and are only half a game behind by virtue of the Steelers having enjoyed they BYE week already, but the Black and Gold are a far more mature unit than the mind-bogglingly inconsistent Ravens.
6 (3). Baltimore Ravens (6-3)
Really? Win a last second thriller against one of the toughest teams in the NFL and grab control of the most brutal division in pro football and then lose to the Seahawks? Ravens fans must be sick. This year has been typified by the Purple and Black taking their eye off the prize when confronted with an opponent they should steamroll. The Jaguars? Yeah, one of their wins came against the Ravens. The Seahawks made the Ravens look below average at times and for a team with Super Bowl aspirations playing at THAT level, THIS late in the season, such a performance is unacceptable. Although they have the power in their hands, their hands don’t appear capable of opening a door right now, let alone catching a football against a decent opponent.
7. New England Patriots (6-3)
The Pats shocked the Jets this week by winning by an unexpectedly juicy 21 point margin to sweep the season series and regain control of the division. However, an injury to starting Cornerback Devin McCourty, a huge loss for an already underperforming secondary, could make life very difficult down the stretch. For that reason the Pats stay locked-in at 7 as other teams shuffle above them and the Texans leapfrog them from 8th to 4th.
8 (6). New York Giants (6-3)
Losing to the 49ers should not be a shock given the records and win-streaks of the two teams going into the contest, but somehow, no one took San Fran seriously until they proved they had the muscle to stop a bubbling juggernaut like New York. The Giants still have a game lead over the strengthening Cowboys, but will have to regroup fast to avoid being caught by America’s Team. The Eagles’ loss to the poor Cardinals has lessened the pressure in the NFC East and news that Michael Vick has sustained 2 broken ribs has left the once eminent division a 2-horse race.
9 (13). Chicago Bears (6-3)
The Bears are rolling and at this time of the season there’s no better statistic to build optimism than a heavy dose of win-streaking. Their win against their main Wild Card rivals, division buddies the Lions, and their 4 consecutive victories, added to the excellent play of Jay Cutler makes these boys my new Number 1 contenders for the 5th Seed in the NFC.
10 (9). Detroit Lions (6-3)
Hitting the skids is never good. It’s all the worse when it includes a loss to the team that needs tiebreakers over you to make it to the playoffs in your place. The Lions and Bears are heading in opposite directions and while they are both still in the running to qualify, Detroit need to pull their socks up or risk having their trousers pulled down.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (6-3)
Still in the mix for the 6th Seed thanks to the Jets and the Bills losing, the Bengals had a real chance to take control of the AFC North with what would have been an unlikely win against long-time problem rivals, the Steelers. As it is, young Red Dalton and his surprising Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in a tight race for Wild Cards as we edge into the second half of the season. As with the Lions in the NFC North, we will see the true character of these inexperienced units as every contending team’s mettle is thoroughly examined as the season strides towards the close. Can they make it? They will struggle with the Jets keen to rebound after losing control of their own destiny, but if they can just keep doing what they have been doing so far, there’s every reason to think they have a shot.
12 (10). New York Jets (5-4)
In a week that many expected to see the Jets ascend to the top of the pile in the AFC East, the boisterous boys in Green and White slid two places in the rankings after a blow out loss to a Patriots team that looked like they knew they were playing for more than just another win. The loss means New England has swept the season series for the first time since Rex Ryan took charge, and now own the East and all the tiebreakers they need should it come to that. The Jets still figure to feature in the playoffs, but every game must now be treated as a playoff contest, with the Bills, Bengals and Ravens all in the mix for those valuable Wild Card spots. With a similar run-in to the Patriots, save for their clash with the Giants and the Pats tussle with the listless Colts, they can’t afford to dream of the division crown this year. I think they will make it; they are too good not to, but the play of Mark Sanchez could damage their chances unless he picks up the slack.
The Bottom Half…
13 (12). Buffalo Bills (5-4)
14 (18). Dallas Cowboys (5-4)
15 (14). Atlanta Falcons (5-4)
16. Oakland Raiders (5-4)
17 (15). Kansas City Chiefs (4-5)
18 (17). San Diego Chargers (4-5)
19 (24). Denver Broncos (4-5)
20 (21). Tennessee Titans (5-4)
21(19). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5)
22 (20). Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)
23 (25). Miami Dolphins (2-7)
24 (26). Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
25 (31). Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
26 (27). St Louis Rams (2-7)
27 (22). Cleveland Browns (3-6)
28 (29). Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
29 (23). Minnesota Vikings (2-7)
30 (28). Carolina Panthers (2-7)
31 (30). Washington Redskin (3-6)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-10)
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Sunday, 13 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 13-32 List
The Bottom Half…
13 (16). Chicago Bears (5-3)
14 (18). Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
15 (12). Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
16 (13). Oakland Raiders (4-4)
17 (14). San Diego Chargers (4-4)
18 (20). Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
20 (17). Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
21. Tennessee Titans (4-4)
22. Cleveland Browns (3-5)
23 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
24 (31). Denver Broncos (3-5)
25 (30). Miami Dolphins (1-7)
26 (28). Arizona Cardinals (2-6)
27 (24). St Louis Rams (1-7)
28 (25). Carolina Panthers (2-6)
29 (26). Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
30 (27). Washington Redskin (3-5)
31 (29). Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-9)
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13 (16). Chicago Bears (5-3)
14 (18). Atlanta Falcons (5-3)
15 (12). Kansas City Chiefs (4-4)
16 (13). Oakland Raiders (4-4)
17 (14). San Diego Chargers (4-4)
18 (20). Dallas Cowboys (4-4)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
20 (17). Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)
21. Tennessee Titans (4-4)
22. Cleveland Browns (3-5)
23 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
24 (31). Denver Broncos (3-5)
25 (30). Miami Dolphins (1-7)
26 (28). Arizona Cardinals (2-6)
27 (24). St Louis Rams (1-7)
28 (25). Carolina Panthers (2-6)
29 (26). Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
30 (27). Washington Redskin (3-5)
31 (29). Seattle Seahawks (2-6)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-9)
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Saturday, 12 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 11 & 12
11 (15). Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
Nobody, probably not even the Bengals, though that the AFC North would be a 3 horse race this year. Oddly, after 8 games the Bengals actually TOP the division, leading both Baltimore and Pittsburgh on tiebreakers.
That is likely, however, to change. This Bengals team, captained admirably by rookie QB Andy ‘Red’ Dalton have performed beyond expectations, and done so with a welcome dose of poise and verve, but they lack the season-closing skills possessed by their more mature rivals.
That said, the Bengals have benefited from having a long-term coach in place and have been working consistently to improve over the past few seasons. Maybe they are for real? We will know more after week 10, when the Bengals are scheduled to play the Steelers. A win for the Bengals will put them in control of the division and seriously dent Pittsburgh’s chances of making the playoffs due to the horrendous tiebreaker ramifications another intra-divisional loss will have.
12 (11). Buffalo Bills (5-3)
The Bills only just made it inside the top 12 and I expect them to fall away from the leading pack in the next fortnight. The Jets are soaring on the back of a 3 game win streak and have the chance to dismantle the patriots hopes of another division title in Week 10, while the Bills have to play a desperate Dallas outfit that must win to keep the pressure on NFC East frontrunners, the New York Giants.
The following week sees the Jets feast on the Broncos and the Bills playing the Dolphins, another tricky team that has improved in recent weeks (hard to get any worse, really) and look much more potent with matt Moore under centre.
Feasibly the Bills could find themselves back on top of the division if they win while the Patriots continue to lose, and for that mathematical unlikelihood alone, they remain in the top 12. Just…
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Nobody, probably not even the Bengals, though that the AFC North would be a 3 horse race this year. Oddly, after 8 games the Bengals actually TOP the division, leading both Baltimore and Pittsburgh on tiebreakers.
That is likely, however, to change. This Bengals team, captained admirably by rookie QB Andy ‘Red’ Dalton have performed beyond expectations, and done so with a welcome dose of poise and verve, but they lack the season-closing skills possessed by their more mature rivals.
That said, the Bengals have benefited from having a long-term coach in place and have been working consistently to improve over the past few seasons. Maybe they are for real? We will know more after week 10, when the Bengals are scheduled to play the Steelers. A win for the Bengals will put them in control of the division and seriously dent Pittsburgh’s chances of making the playoffs due to the horrendous tiebreaker ramifications another intra-divisional loss will have.
12 (11). Buffalo Bills (5-3)
The Bills only just made it inside the top 12 and I expect them to fall away from the leading pack in the next fortnight. The Jets are soaring on the back of a 3 game win streak and have the chance to dismantle the patriots hopes of another division title in Week 10, while the Bills have to play a desperate Dallas outfit that must win to keep the pressure on NFC East frontrunners, the New York Giants.
The following week sees the Jets feast on the Broncos and the Bills playing the Dolphins, another tricky team that has improved in recent weeks (hard to get any worse, really) and look much more potent with matt Moore under centre.
Feasibly the Bills could find themselves back on top of the division if they win while the Patriots continue to lose, and for that mathematical unlikelihood alone, they remain in the top 12. Just…
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Friday, 11 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 9 & 10
9 (7). Detroit Lions (6-2)
The Lions slip a couple of places simply because the NFC picture is becoming more and more muddled by the week. Dropping 2 through 8 is not a bad way to start the season, but with the bears and Falcons a single game behind, and then the Cowboys, and Buccaneers sitting on 4-4, nothing is safe. To make matters worse, the Giants and Saints both top their divisions with 6 wins. That means should they slip from pole position, they too would tumble into the mixing bowl from which the Lions are still favourites to emerge as a Wild Card, but look certain to be shaken up by the time they do.
10 (9). New York Jets (5-3)
The Jets are hitting their stride at the right time. Having recovered from a frustrating start, they are now perfectly poised to take the AFC East by the scruff of its neck, resting as they in a 3-way tie with the Pats and Bills.
There are no easy games in the National Football League, and the Jets need to play every remaining fixture as if it’s the Super Bowl.
Their defence has been very good of late, and Sanchez has managed to keep the offense on an even keel in spite of the criticism he received over the first month of the season.
The young USC product has already been to two AFC Championship games so must possess something in the way of late-season poise, but can he do it this year after greater expectation, more intense scrutiny and the lofty guarantees of his outspoken coach to live up to?
Quite probably. A Wild Card at worst for the Jets.
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The Lions slip a couple of places simply because the NFC picture is becoming more and more muddled by the week. Dropping 2 through 8 is not a bad way to start the season, but with the bears and Falcons a single game behind, and then the Cowboys, and Buccaneers sitting on 4-4, nothing is safe. To make matters worse, the Giants and Saints both top their divisions with 6 wins. That means should they slip from pole position, they too would tumble into the mixing bowl from which the Lions are still favourites to emerge as a Wild Card, but look certain to be shaken up by the time they do.
10 (9). New York Jets (5-3)
The Jets are hitting their stride at the right time. Having recovered from a frustrating start, they are now perfectly poised to take the AFC East by the scruff of its neck, resting as they in a 3-way tie with the Pats and Bills.
There are no easy games in the National Football League, and the Jets need to play every remaining fixture as if it’s the Super Bowl.
Their defence has been very good of late, and Sanchez has managed to keep the offense on an even keel in spite of the criticism he received over the first month of the season.
The young USC product has already been to two AFC Championship games so must possess something in the way of late-season poise, but can he do it this year after greater expectation, more intense scrutiny and the lofty guarantees of his outspoken coach to live up to?
Quite probably. A Wild Card at worst for the Jets.
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Thursday, 10 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 7 & 8
7 (3). New England Patriots (5-3)
What a fall from grace! The past fortnight has been a hellishly humiliating time for Bill Belichick’s soft defence and suddenly unsynchronised offense. Losing to the Steelers is a forgivable slip-up given the team’s pedigree, but the Giants?
Again?
It seems Tom Coughlin has Brady’s number. The defence utilised in the Giants’ 2007 Super Bowl upset and the schemes employed on Sunday really bamboozle the New England hero. At times, especially in the first half, he looked decidedly average, and although able to break the coverage in the second and give his team the lead with a minute and a half left on the clock, his counterpart – Eli manning, you know the guy? – coolly drove the Giants downfield and tossed the winning TD with a handful of seconds left of the game.
Reminiscent of Super Bowl XLI. Lets hope the wheels don’t fall of completely. The Pats need to bounce back; never more so now they’ve fallen into a 3-way tie with Buffalo and a surging New York Jets.
8. Houston Texans (6-3)
One of only 2 non-movers in the top 12 this week, the Texans won to keep the pressure on the uninspiring Titans. If the Colts lose one more game (that would make a total of 10 losses this season), they will officially relinquish their crown to the heir presumptive, who will try and hold-off what will no doubt be legendary charges from booth the Jags and Titans, who will both want to buy in to a much reduced title.
The Texans have one foot in the playoffs and wholly deserve to be ranked as the fourth best AFC team and are a good shout for 3rd, maybe even 1st or 2nd seed.
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What a fall from grace! The past fortnight has been a hellishly humiliating time for Bill Belichick’s soft defence and suddenly unsynchronised offense. Losing to the Steelers is a forgivable slip-up given the team’s pedigree, but the Giants?
Again?
It seems Tom Coughlin has Brady’s number. The defence utilised in the Giants’ 2007 Super Bowl upset and the schemes employed on Sunday really bamboozle the New England hero. At times, especially in the first half, he looked decidedly average, and although able to break the coverage in the second and give his team the lead with a minute and a half left on the clock, his counterpart – Eli manning, you know the guy? – coolly drove the Giants downfield and tossed the winning TD with a handful of seconds left of the game.
Reminiscent of Super Bowl XLI. Lets hope the wheels don’t fall of completely. The Pats need to bounce back; never more so now they’ve fallen into a 3-way tie with Buffalo and a surging New York Jets.
8. Houston Texans (6-3)
One of only 2 non-movers in the top 12 this week, the Texans won to keep the pressure on the uninspiring Titans. If the Colts lose one more game (that would make a total of 10 losses this season), they will officially relinquish their crown to the heir presumptive, who will try and hold-off what will no doubt be legendary charges from booth the Jags and Titans, who will both want to buy in to a much reduced title.
The Texans have one foot in the playoffs and wholly deserve to be ranked as the fourth best AFC team and are a good shout for 3rd, maybe even 1st or 2nd seed.
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Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 5 & 6
5 (2). Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
A huge loss following their biggest win is not a good recipe for momentum as the Saints proved this week also. Beating the Patriots was a test and, as it transpired, a statement of intent, but beating the ravens after losing the season opener to their divisional rivals was absolutely essential.
Having lost the number 1 tiebreaker against their main challenger for AFC bragging rights, the Steelers have well and truly offered the driving seat to the Ravens. They are just as good as ever, but look more likely to finish the season as a Wild Card. For that reason they cannot be higher than 5 and, some might say, are lucky to be that high at all.
6 (10). New York Giants (6-2)
Out of nowhere, Big Blue have climbed to a 2 game lead in the AFC East and share the joint 3rd best record in the NFC with the Detroit Lions. The major difference is that their nearest rival has 4 wins, while the Packers are sitting pretty in the Lions’ quadrant with 8.
I won’t lie; the NFC East is still as open as Moll Flanders’ legs but the Giants have a healthy cushion at the halfway point, and have to feel good about the upcoming intra-divisional match-ups that look certain to solidify their hold on the title.
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A huge loss following their biggest win is not a good recipe for momentum as the Saints proved this week also. Beating the Patriots was a test and, as it transpired, a statement of intent, but beating the ravens after losing the season opener to their divisional rivals was absolutely essential.
Having lost the number 1 tiebreaker against their main challenger for AFC bragging rights, the Steelers have well and truly offered the driving seat to the Ravens. They are just as good as ever, but look more likely to finish the season as a Wild Card. For that reason they cannot be higher than 5 and, some might say, are lucky to be that high at all.
6 (10). New York Giants (6-2)
Out of nowhere, Big Blue have climbed to a 2 game lead in the AFC East and share the joint 3rd best record in the NFC with the Detroit Lions. The major difference is that their nearest rival has 4 wins, while the Packers are sitting pretty in the Lions’ quadrant with 8.
I won’t lie; the NFC East is still as open as Moll Flanders’ legs but the Giants have a healthy cushion at the halfway point, and have to feel good about the upcoming intra-divisional match-ups that look certain to solidify their hold on the title.
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Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 3 & 4
3 (5). Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
By winning against the Steelers and thus sweeping the season series the Ravens leapfrog their long-time divisional rivals into 3rd place and the frontrunners for the AFC North.
Although the surprising Bengals still top the division, they are fully expected to fall away in the second half of the season and open the door for the \Ravens, who must now do no more than match the Black and Gold of Pittsburgh to assure the division crown and what will likely be the number 1 or 2 seed in the AFC,
4 (6). New Orleans Saints (6-3)
The Saints regain some ground this week by beating division rivals, the Tampa Bay buccaneers. After losing to a weak Rams team it was essential the Saints bounced back.
They did so with style. Standing at 6-3 puts them half a game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons, a team unlikely to make the playoffs in any other roll but division champions and thus an ardent competitor. Despite some stupid – some really, really stupid – losses this year, the Saints are too good to let a talented but inconsistent Atlanta catch them down the stretch.
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By winning against the Steelers and thus sweeping the season series the Ravens leapfrog their long-time divisional rivals into 3rd place and the frontrunners for the AFC North.
Although the surprising Bengals still top the division, they are fully expected to fall away in the second half of the season and open the door for the \Ravens, who must now do no more than match the Black and Gold of Pittsburgh to assure the division crown and what will likely be the number 1 or 2 seed in the AFC,
4 (6). New Orleans Saints (6-3)
The Saints regain some ground this week by beating division rivals, the Tampa Bay buccaneers. After losing to a weak Rams team it was essential the Saints bounced back.
They did so with style. Standing at 6-3 puts them half a game ahead of the Atlanta Falcons, a team unlikely to make the playoffs in any other roll but division champions and thus an ardent competitor. Despite some stupid – some really, really stupid – losses this year, the Saints are too good to let a talented but inconsistent Atlanta catch them down the stretch.
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Monday, 7 November 2011
Week 9 Power Rankings: 1 & 2
1. Green Bay Packers (8-0)
With a win against a potentially awkward opponent, the Packers continued to assert themselves as the driving force of the NFL. Rodgers had another Hall of Fame calibre game by throwing 4 touchdowns (taking his half season total to 24, only one off pace to match Tom Brady’s 2007 record of 50 TDs through 16 games) and no interceptions.
Although throwing for more yards, his counterpart Phillip Rivers found the packers 3 times – an unthinkable sin when playing against a team so strong in every phase of the game.
Quite simply put, the Packers seem capable of weathering any storm into which they roam. The Chargers put up one hell of a fight for a team facing an embarrassing 3-game losing streak, and should be proud of themselves and take solace in the fact that both division rivals (the Chiefs and Raiders) also failed to win in Week 9.
For the Wisconsin Wonder-kids, the dream goes on.
Number 1 by a long, long way.
2 (4). San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
What a season! 7-1 sounds good, but being on course for 14-2 at the halfway point is absolutely mesmerising. The 49ers look great: confident, effective and resilient, these boys know how to play the game, and I don’t believe they are a flash in the pan, either.
Whereas the Lions are performing at a level one might expect from them in a year or two, the 49ers have hit the form that has been predicted for this talented unit for years. With a matured and mechanical Alex Smith running the show, the San Francisco sufferers finally have something to smile about.
And long may it continue.
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With a win against a potentially awkward opponent, the Packers continued to assert themselves as the driving force of the NFL. Rodgers had another Hall of Fame calibre game by throwing 4 touchdowns (taking his half season total to 24, only one off pace to match Tom Brady’s 2007 record of 50 TDs through 16 games) and no interceptions.
Although throwing for more yards, his counterpart Phillip Rivers found the packers 3 times – an unthinkable sin when playing against a team so strong in every phase of the game.
Quite simply put, the Packers seem capable of weathering any storm into which they roam. The Chargers put up one hell of a fight for a team facing an embarrassing 3-game losing streak, and should be proud of themselves and take solace in the fact that both division rivals (the Chiefs and Raiders) also failed to win in Week 9.
For the Wisconsin Wonder-kids, the dream goes on.
Number 1 by a long, long way.
2 (4). San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
What a season! 7-1 sounds good, but being on course for 14-2 at the halfway point is absolutely mesmerising. The 49ers look great: confident, effective and resilient, these boys know how to play the game, and I don’t believe they are a flash in the pan, either.
Whereas the Lions are performing at a level one might expect from them in a year or two, the 49ers have hit the form that has been predicted for this talented unit for years. With a matured and mechanical Alex Smith running the show, the San Francisco sufferers finally have something to smile about.
And long may it continue.
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Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Week 8 Power Rankings: The Whole List
1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)
The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2 (3). Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
With an absolutely thumping win over the patriots this week, the Steelers have reasserted themselves as top-dogs in the AFC. After a slow start and a loss to the Ravens that looked to have dented their division chances, the Steelers have rolled steadily to 6-2 and the best record in the AFC.
Don’t look now but the top spots are occupied by last year’s Superbowl contenders. Rematch? Never say never…
3 (2). New England Patriots (5-2)
New England have been good money for the number 2 spot since the season began, with only that highly entertaining loss to the Bills blemishing their record. Until, that is, they ran head-first into the steel curtain.
Brady looked bamboozled by the Steelers hard-press man-to-man secondary, which was able to shut down the Pats Prolific Passing machine. A special shout out should go to Ike Taylor, whose vicious shut-down of NFL leading receiver Wes Welker, was probably the turning point of the game. With no slot to Wes, Brady was stifled and unable to hit the big play. Let this be a lesson to other teams – the Patriots can be soundly beaten. But will it happen again before a game of significance? Not too many times, I’m sure.
4 (6). San Francisco 49ers (6-1)
So far, the 49ers are the surprise package of the 2011 season. Alex Smith has finally elevated his game and is looking after the football like the seasoned pro he should be by now. It is nice to see him giving the 49ers faithful a return on their lengthy investment – remember, Smith was the Number One overall pick from the same Draft Class as Aaron Rodgers and, if my memory serves, the guy in green and gold has done a hell of a lot more for his team than Smith.
But with an NFC-second record and a near lock for the NFC West division, the 49ers have a lot to shout about. It’s really not about if they can make it to the playoffs now, but as what seed. Number 2 looks good but they will be tested down the stretch. Look to the Week 10 clash with the Giants for a good finger-hold on 2nd seed and then to Weeks 12 and 15 at Baltimore and Pittsburgh to test this teams mettle and readiness for the onslaught of the unfamiliar playoffs. The 49ers will not lose more than 3 games this year and that makes them very, very dangerous.
Interestingly, the 49ers are the only team undefeated in the Super Bowl. Can Smith and co make it 6 out of 6? Watch this space…
5 (4). Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
After nearly losing to the hapless, one-win Cardinals of Arizona, Joe Flacco and his buddies are lucky to be on this list at all. But win they did and by doing so, kept the pressure on the Steelers.
In fairness to the Cards, they are not a bad side, and have been on the short end of some hellishly close contests this year. 20 points spread over the last 7 games and we could be looking at a division leader, but that’s football.
And although the Cardinals are not the Super Bowl contenders they were a couple of seasons ago, they forced the ravens to take a serious look in the mirror at half time and decide what reflection they wanted the world to see in the second half: that of a spineless, hype-team, or that of a gritty, never-say-die, not-embarassed-to-eke-out-the-victories-that-should-have-been-easy-but-for-some-inexplicable-reason-have-become-tricky team that is ready to fight tooth and nail for its record and chances of appearing in the postseason in as high a seeded position as is possible.
They chose the latter and are 5th in my rankings as a result.
6 (5). New Orleans Saints (5-3)
Were it not for the undeniable talent of Brees and his offense, this team would have fallen off the charts after having their pride rammed well and truly up their team’s collective backside.
After humiliating the Colts in a 62-7 rout, losing to the winless Rams – and not even in acceptable circumstances – is disgusting. Sean Payton must be sick, and so he should be. Victories don’t come cheap in this league and that was a penny-mix win to throw away.
Can the Saints bounce back? Of course! They just fell asleep for the most embarrassing hour of the week, but they are still playoff calibre. Any more losses like that, though and they will be exiting the top ten fast than Tim Tebow will be the hearts of the Denver faithful…
7. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Conventional wisdom would suggest a 6-2 team be higher than 7th, especially when 2 5 win teams stand above them in the rankings, but if this was simply a records list there’d be no point in reading, right?
The Lions bounced back this after hitting a two-game skid, which was long overdue for a team that amassed a 5-0 record through guts, fortune and a degree of rough talent.
This team is a great example of a youth set-up that might – that could – go on to dominate the league for years if – and this is an enormous if – the unit were to stay together and avoid injury to their star players, which is a problem when one of your star players is called Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been a game-changer this year, but the team’s performance and record hangs on the skittish cohesion of a team over-bubbling with just enough enthusiasm to fill-in the obvious maturational deficiencies that plague the Lions.
They are getting there at the moment, but the wheels could oh so easily fall off. Let’s see for how long they cling to the 7th spot. If I was a Lions fan right now, I would stick and be glad of it…
8. Houston Texans (5-3)
The Texans keep on rolling and have done well to battle their way to their best ever 8 game record. They have looked shaky at times, but are one of the few teams at 5-3 to have earned their big wins against big teams. That will count for a lot in the tiebreak standings and with only the Titans to worry about in terms of divisional rivals, the road is paved with gold for Gary Kubiak’s Texans. They have some real gimmees coming up with Cleveland and Carolina as well as their two more pathetic division rivals so they should romp their way to a very respectable record – in fact, they may not lose another game this year with their toughest opponent on the cards being Cincinnati. They will beat the Colts again, and likely the Jaguars too and if they can down the Titans in Week 17 the division will surely be theirs.
9. New York Jets (4-3)
The Jets are fast sinking in my estimation. New England’s loss this week has kept them in the mix, but it’s looking harder and harder to get in to the playoffs because of Baltimore, Cincinnati and Buffalo all posting better records and projecting more confidence this far in to the season. I rank them above the Bills solely on the fact they have a head-to-head yet to play that is all that separates them right now. Win that and the Jets will be back in the driving seat. Will they make the playoffs? 6th seed is attainable if they get a little help from the Bengals.
10. New York Giants (5-2)
Here’s a team that has surprised me. I looked at the Giants pre-season and couldn’t see anything to get excited about. I predicted a wilderness year and an anonymous slump to a mid-table record. What I failed to pick-up on, amidst all the hype surrounding the Eagles’ newly strengthened offense and their assertion that the Super Bowl, never mind the NFC East, was their goal, was that the Giants had managed to remain relatively stable in the off-season and the backlash to Eli Manning’s persistent whining that he wasn’t being given the props he deserved, has actually compelled the Super Bowl winning game-marshal to prove it.
Sure, the Eagles have woken up and the second half of the season figures to be a very different story, but right now Big Blue are 5-2 and top of the East. Playoffs? Looking good so far…
12 (13). Buffalo Bills (5-2)
I like the Bills, really I do. I want them to make the playoffs and they are still winning and winning well, which is really all they need to focus on. If I were in their position I would not dwell on the many late season collapses, inexperience of the team, lack of exposure to the pressures of the post season or being sandwiched between two perennial playoff contenders. I would just keep winning.
Close your eyes. Dive for the line. You’re halfway there, Buffalo, don’t stop now.
12. (23). Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
The big jumpers of the week! The Chiefs have won 4 straight and are suddenly in control of a division that they claimed last year. To rise 11 places may be a bit ‘bandwagon’, but they are now suddenly a powerful team. A loss would have seen them remain rooted to the bottom half of the table, but this puts them in charge of their own destiny and that, my friends, is power.
13 (11). Oakland Raiders (4-3)
The Chiefs ascension has aided the Raiders hold a relatively unchanged position. Despite being shut-out and leapfrogged in the AFC West, over the past fortnight as their new Quarterback, Carson Palmer, struggled to get back up to speed with the game of pro football after a considerable lay off. The BYE week will help the Raiders regroup and gain confidence in their new signal caller before they engage in a three-way tussle for supremacy. As the raiders push for the West look to them for fireworks.
14 (12). San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Were it not for the useless Broncos, the Chargers would find themselves at the bottom of a confusing barrel. The AFC West doesn’t appear to hold any legitimate threats to the throne, with the 3 top teams a game above .500, and yet there is something in this group that other, more seasoned competitors, lack.
There is fire. There is zip. There is reckless confidence belied by an average record, but buoyed by a ceaseless swagger.
The Chargers should win this division with their eyes closed. With Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates hauling in high-balls from the amazing – although so far this season, slumping – Phillip Rivers, there should never be a doubt to their credentials.
But as we saw last year, losing doesn’t take any practice. It just kind of happens when you take your eye off the ball. Will they regain their composure, win the division and finally realise their potential with the Super Bowl their loyal fans so very dearly deserve? Well, it’s all to play for from here on in, but I’m not sure they’ve got their heads straight enough to take on the Raiders/Chiefs maelstrom.
15 (17). Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
I guess I should explain my placing a 5-2 team at 15th below 3 underperforming sides, right? Well here’s the juice: while the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers are yet to reach their potential, and the Bengals are already exceeding my season expectations, I am wont to think their bubble might burst. Furthermore 5-2 in the AFC North is not 5-2 in the NFC West. Both the Ravens and Steelers sit above the Bengals in the standings and elsewhere the Bills posses the same record (although have lost a head-to-head with the Bengals) as do the Patriots and not to mention the Jets’ chances of going on a run any time soon…things are not all rosy at 5-2. Unless they maintain this unrealistic level of play they are doomed, and even if they do, it might not be enough.
16 (14). Chicago Bears (4-3)
Despite owing a winning record, the Bears feature so low down the list because they play in a top division that boasts not only the 6-2 Lions but the undefeated Packers. Additionally, the performances of Tampa Bay (4-3), the Saints (5-3) and the Falcons (4-3), all vying for the second Wild card Spot have given Bears fans used to success, something of a headache.
The Bears may struggle down the stretch with another couple of tough divisional games to go, as well as a bi-annual match-up with the resurgent Vikings, who look more capable of competing with rookie Christian Ponder at the helm.
17 (19). Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
Just outside the top half, but steadily climbing spots, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to look more like the team that many anointed Super Bowl champs before the season began.
The words of all-pro corner back and off-season acquisition, Nnamdi Asomugha summed up the mood well: “That was more like it.”
And more like it, it was. By thumping division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, they sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the NFC East: We’re comin’ to get ya!
The Giants, who barely edged past a winless Dolphins team can’t be relishing the prospect of playing a buzzing Eagles team and the nose-diving Redskins are probably at home, ironing their white flag as we speak.
18 (15). Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
The Falcons have been really uninspiring this year, but having made it to 7 games with a winning record and finding themselves still well in the NFC South they can’t be too disappointed with the result given their lacklustre play.
The BYE for them this week came at the right time. If they return to a win they will have a healthy 5-3 under their belts and be tied with the Saints’ record after Week 8.
They are very much contenders, but missing that spark that hopefully a week of rest and personal reassessment will be able to muster. Good luck to Matty Ryan and co, they are going to need it, I think!
19 (16). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
Another team with a lot to do and not much done, despite being a touch above .500 this deep in to the season. The Buccaneers have shown flashes of brilliance and moments of woeful immaturity. It is to be expected, but big things were expected from a unit that finished respectably last year and only narrowly missed-out on a surprise spot in the postseason.
Can Josh Freeman handle the pressure down the straight with so much on the line? The Bucs, although not favourites to win the South, are no longer dark horses and have teams have their number.
It could be the making of this team, should they achieve the unlikely. But should they fall short this year, heart should be taken from what we’ve seen so far from this young, up-and-coming franchise.
20 (18). Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Sometimes I hate sports journalism. Not very often; only when talking about how the Cowboys slipped up again. I am not, nor have ever been, a Dallas fan. I barely have sympathy with ‘America’s Team’. I only care for their fans.
Aside from the Chargers there is no more talented roster in the NFL to have not won a championship over the past 5 seasons.
Green bay were stacked and did what many thought they could. Pittsburgh are unwavering powerhouses and never disappoint. The Colts and the Saints had a title coming their way. But the Chargers and the Cowboys are the most hated franchises in the world of the football Gods.
And the rest…
The bottom of the table enjoyed a bit of a reshuffle this week with the big movers the Minnesota Vikings (up 6 places to 23 after Christian Ponder’s impressive showing) and the Washington Redskins (down 5 to 27). Of the bottom 12 only the Titans have any legitimate chance of making the playoffs and it is a chance rooted in mathematical possibility only. The Texans have an easy roll in to the post season, now, and it would take a gargantuan slip on their part and a Herculean effort on the titans’ to change the outcome of the AFC South.
21. Tennessee Titans (4-3)
22 (20). Cleveland Browns (3-4)
23 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
24 (31). St Louis Rams (1-6)
25 (24). Carolina Panthers (2-6)
26 (25). Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
27 (22). Washington Redskin (3-4)
28 (27). Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
29 (26). Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
30. Miami Dolphins (0-7)
31 (28). Denver Broncos (2-5)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-8)
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The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2 (3). Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
With an absolutely thumping win over the patriots this week, the Steelers have reasserted themselves as top-dogs in the AFC. After a slow start and a loss to the Ravens that looked to have dented their division chances, the Steelers have rolled steadily to 6-2 and the best record in the AFC.
Don’t look now but the top spots are occupied by last year’s Superbowl contenders. Rematch? Never say never…
3 (2). New England Patriots (5-2)
New England have been good money for the number 2 spot since the season began, with only that highly entertaining loss to the Bills blemishing their record. Until, that is, they ran head-first into the steel curtain.
Brady looked bamboozled by the Steelers hard-press man-to-man secondary, which was able to shut down the Pats Prolific Passing machine. A special shout out should go to Ike Taylor, whose vicious shut-down of NFL leading receiver Wes Welker, was probably the turning point of the game. With no slot to Wes, Brady was stifled and unable to hit the big play. Let this be a lesson to other teams – the Patriots can be soundly beaten. But will it happen again before a game of significance? Not too many times, I’m sure.
4 (6). San Francisco 49ers (6-1)
So far, the 49ers are the surprise package of the 2011 season. Alex Smith has finally elevated his game and is looking after the football like the seasoned pro he should be by now. It is nice to see him giving the 49ers faithful a return on their lengthy investment – remember, Smith was the Number One overall pick from the same Draft Class as Aaron Rodgers and, if my memory serves, the guy in green and gold has done a hell of a lot more for his team than Smith.
But with an NFC-second record and a near lock for the NFC West division, the 49ers have a lot to shout about. It’s really not about if they can make it to the playoffs now, but as what seed. Number 2 looks good but they will be tested down the stretch. Look to the Week 10 clash with the Giants for a good finger-hold on 2nd seed and then to Weeks 12 and 15 at Baltimore and Pittsburgh to test this teams mettle and readiness for the onslaught of the unfamiliar playoffs. The 49ers will not lose more than 3 games this year and that makes them very, very dangerous.
Interestingly, the 49ers are the only team undefeated in the Super Bowl. Can Smith and co make it 6 out of 6? Watch this space…
5 (4). Baltimore Ravens (5-2)
After nearly losing to the hapless, one-win Cardinals of Arizona, Joe Flacco and his buddies are lucky to be on this list at all. But win they did and by doing so, kept the pressure on the Steelers.
In fairness to the Cards, they are not a bad side, and have been on the short end of some hellishly close contests this year. 20 points spread over the last 7 games and we could be looking at a division leader, but that’s football.
And although the Cardinals are not the Super Bowl contenders they were a couple of seasons ago, they forced the ravens to take a serious look in the mirror at half time and decide what reflection they wanted the world to see in the second half: that of a spineless, hype-team, or that of a gritty, never-say-die, not-embarassed-to-eke-out-the-victories-that-should-have-been-easy-but-for-some-inexplicable-reason-have-become-tricky team that is ready to fight tooth and nail for its record and chances of appearing in the postseason in as high a seeded position as is possible.
They chose the latter and are 5th in my rankings as a result.
6 (5). New Orleans Saints (5-3)
Were it not for the undeniable talent of Brees and his offense, this team would have fallen off the charts after having their pride rammed well and truly up their team’s collective backside.
After humiliating the Colts in a 62-7 rout, losing to the winless Rams – and not even in acceptable circumstances – is disgusting. Sean Payton must be sick, and so he should be. Victories don’t come cheap in this league and that was a penny-mix win to throw away.
Can the Saints bounce back? Of course! They just fell asleep for the most embarrassing hour of the week, but they are still playoff calibre. Any more losses like that, though and they will be exiting the top ten fast than Tim Tebow will be the hearts of the Denver faithful…
7. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Conventional wisdom would suggest a 6-2 team be higher than 7th, especially when 2 5 win teams stand above them in the rankings, but if this was simply a records list there’d be no point in reading, right?
The Lions bounced back this after hitting a two-game skid, which was long overdue for a team that amassed a 5-0 record through guts, fortune and a degree of rough talent.
This team is a great example of a youth set-up that might – that could – go on to dominate the league for years if – and this is an enormous if – the unit were to stay together and avoid injury to their star players, which is a problem when one of your star players is called Matthew Stafford.
Stafford has been a game-changer this year, but the team’s performance and record hangs on the skittish cohesion of a team over-bubbling with just enough enthusiasm to fill-in the obvious maturational deficiencies that plague the Lions.
They are getting there at the moment, but the wheels could oh so easily fall off. Let’s see for how long they cling to the 7th spot. If I was a Lions fan right now, I would stick and be glad of it…
8. Houston Texans (5-3)
The Texans keep on rolling and have done well to battle their way to their best ever 8 game record. They have looked shaky at times, but are one of the few teams at 5-3 to have earned their big wins against big teams. That will count for a lot in the tiebreak standings and with only the Titans to worry about in terms of divisional rivals, the road is paved with gold for Gary Kubiak’s Texans. They have some real gimmees coming up with Cleveland and Carolina as well as their two more pathetic division rivals so they should romp their way to a very respectable record – in fact, they may not lose another game this year with their toughest opponent on the cards being Cincinnati. They will beat the Colts again, and likely the Jaguars too and if they can down the Titans in Week 17 the division will surely be theirs.
9. New York Jets (4-3)
The Jets are fast sinking in my estimation. New England’s loss this week has kept them in the mix, but it’s looking harder and harder to get in to the playoffs because of Baltimore, Cincinnati and Buffalo all posting better records and projecting more confidence this far in to the season. I rank them above the Bills solely on the fact they have a head-to-head yet to play that is all that separates them right now. Win that and the Jets will be back in the driving seat. Will they make the playoffs? 6th seed is attainable if they get a little help from the Bengals.
10. New York Giants (5-2)
Here’s a team that has surprised me. I looked at the Giants pre-season and couldn’t see anything to get excited about. I predicted a wilderness year and an anonymous slump to a mid-table record. What I failed to pick-up on, amidst all the hype surrounding the Eagles’ newly strengthened offense and their assertion that the Super Bowl, never mind the NFC East, was their goal, was that the Giants had managed to remain relatively stable in the off-season and the backlash to Eli Manning’s persistent whining that he wasn’t being given the props he deserved, has actually compelled the Super Bowl winning game-marshal to prove it.
Sure, the Eagles have woken up and the second half of the season figures to be a very different story, but right now Big Blue are 5-2 and top of the East. Playoffs? Looking good so far…
12 (13). Buffalo Bills (5-2)
I like the Bills, really I do. I want them to make the playoffs and they are still winning and winning well, which is really all they need to focus on. If I were in their position I would not dwell on the many late season collapses, inexperience of the team, lack of exposure to the pressures of the post season or being sandwiched between two perennial playoff contenders. I would just keep winning.
Close your eyes. Dive for the line. You’re halfway there, Buffalo, don’t stop now.
12. (23). Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
The big jumpers of the week! The Chiefs have won 4 straight and are suddenly in control of a division that they claimed last year. To rise 11 places may be a bit ‘bandwagon’, but they are now suddenly a powerful team. A loss would have seen them remain rooted to the bottom half of the table, but this puts them in charge of their own destiny and that, my friends, is power.
13 (11). Oakland Raiders (4-3)
The Chiefs ascension has aided the Raiders hold a relatively unchanged position. Despite being shut-out and leapfrogged in the AFC West, over the past fortnight as their new Quarterback, Carson Palmer, struggled to get back up to speed with the game of pro football after a considerable lay off. The BYE week will help the Raiders regroup and gain confidence in their new signal caller before they engage in a three-way tussle for supremacy. As the raiders push for the West look to them for fireworks.
14 (12). San Diego Chargers (4-3)
Were it not for the useless Broncos, the Chargers would find themselves at the bottom of a confusing barrel. The AFC West doesn’t appear to hold any legitimate threats to the throne, with the 3 top teams a game above .500, and yet there is something in this group that other, more seasoned competitors, lack.
There is fire. There is zip. There is reckless confidence belied by an average record, but buoyed by a ceaseless swagger.
The Chargers should win this division with their eyes closed. With Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates hauling in high-balls from the amazing – although so far this season, slumping – Phillip Rivers, there should never be a doubt to their credentials.
But as we saw last year, losing doesn’t take any practice. It just kind of happens when you take your eye off the ball. Will they regain their composure, win the division and finally realise their potential with the Super Bowl their loyal fans so very dearly deserve? Well, it’s all to play for from here on in, but I’m not sure they’ve got their heads straight enough to take on the Raiders/Chiefs maelstrom.
15 (17). Cincinnati Bengals (5-2)
I guess I should explain my placing a 5-2 team at 15th below 3 underperforming sides, right? Well here’s the juice: while the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers are yet to reach their potential, and the Bengals are already exceeding my season expectations, I am wont to think their bubble might burst. Furthermore 5-2 in the AFC North is not 5-2 in the NFC West. Both the Ravens and Steelers sit above the Bengals in the standings and elsewhere the Bills posses the same record (although have lost a head-to-head with the Bengals) as do the Patriots and not to mention the Jets’ chances of going on a run any time soon…things are not all rosy at 5-2. Unless they maintain this unrealistic level of play they are doomed, and even if they do, it might not be enough.
16 (14). Chicago Bears (4-3)
Despite owing a winning record, the Bears feature so low down the list because they play in a top division that boasts not only the 6-2 Lions but the undefeated Packers. Additionally, the performances of Tampa Bay (4-3), the Saints (5-3) and the Falcons (4-3), all vying for the second Wild card Spot have given Bears fans used to success, something of a headache.
The Bears may struggle down the stretch with another couple of tough divisional games to go, as well as a bi-annual match-up with the resurgent Vikings, who look more capable of competing with rookie Christian Ponder at the helm.
17 (19). Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
Just outside the top half, but steadily climbing spots, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to look more like the team that many anointed Super Bowl champs before the season began.
The words of all-pro corner back and off-season acquisition, Nnamdi Asomugha summed up the mood well: “That was more like it.”
And more like it, it was. By thumping division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, they sent a loud and clear message to the rest of the NFC East: We’re comin’ to get ya!
The Giants, who barely edged past a winless Dolphins team can’t be relishing the prospect of playing a buzzing Eagles team and the nose-diving Redskins are probably at home, ironing their white flag as we speak.
18 (15). Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
The Falcons have been really uninspiring this year, but having made it to 7 games with a winning record and finding themselves still well in the NFC South they can’t be too disappointed with the result given their lacklustre play.
The BYE for them this week came at the right time. If they return to a win they will have a healthy 5-3 under their belts and be tied with the Saints’ record after Week 8.
They are very much contenders, but missing that spark that hopefully a week of rest and personal reassessment will be able to muster. Good luck to Matty Ryan and co, they are going to need it, I think!
19 (16). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
Another team with a lot to do and not much done, despite being a touch above .500 this deep in to the season. The Buccaneers have shown flashes of brilliance and moments of woeful immaturity. It is to be expected, but big things were expected from a unit that finished respectably last year and only narrowly missed-out on a surprise spot in the postseason.
Can Josh Freeman handle the pressure down the straight with so much on the line? The Bucs, although not favourites to win the South, are no longer dark horses and have teams have their number.
It could be the making of this team, should they achieve the unlikely. But should they fall short this year, heart should be taken from what we’ve seen so far from this young, up-and-coming franchise.
20 (18). Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Sometimes I hate sports journalism. Not very often; only when talking about how the Cowboys slipped up again. I am not, nor have ever been, a Dallas fan. I barely have sympathy with ‘America’s Team’. I only care for their fans.
Aside from the Chargers there is no more talented roster in the NFL to have not won a championship over the past 5 seasons.
Green bay were stacked and did what many thought they could. Pittsburgh are unwavering powerhouses and never disappoint. The Colts and the Saints had a title coming their way. But the Chargers and the Cowboys are the most hated franchises in the world of the football Gods.
And the rest…
The bottom of the table enjoyed a bit of a reshuffle this week with the big movers the Minnesota Vikings (up 6 places to 23 after Christian Ponder’s impressive showing) and the Washington Redskins (down 5 to 27). Of the bottom 12 only the Titans have any legitimate chance of making the playoffs and it is a chance rooted in mathematical possibility only. The Texans have an easy roll in to the post season, now, and it would take a gargantuan slip on their part and a Herculean effort on the titans’ to change the outcome of the AFC South.
21. Tennessee Titans (4-3)
22 (20). Cleveland Browns (3-4)
23 (29). Minnesota Vikings (2-6)
24 (31). St Louis Rams (1-6)
25 (24). Carolina Panthers (2-6)
26 (25). Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
27 (22). Washington Redskin (3-4)
28 (27). Arizona Cardinals (1-6)
29 (26). Seattle Seahawks (2-5)
30. Miami Dolphins (0-7)
31 (28). Denver Broncos (2-5)
32 . Indianapolis Colts (0-8)
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Saturday, 29 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 13-32
The Bottom Half…
Despite a better record than the Cardinals, the Broncos do not deserve any credit for their 2 wins. Tebow’s performance against the Dolphins was good, but against a winless team it has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the Florida product and believe he will offer a solid return on the investment made in him by the Broncos, but right now the kid cannot deal with the speed and complexity of the NFL. He will get it, but don’t hold your breath…
The Bills drop outside the top half in spite of the fact they own a better record than 3 of the teams ranked above them and the same record as the number 4 ranked Ravens. Be mindful though of the Bills’ impending schedule and the sudden potency of a Jets team that is far better than their stumbling start suggests.
The Bengals too receive little respect for their 67% win record based simply on the fact they occupy the AFC North and do not figure to be threatening the Ravens or Steelers come Week 17.
The Bears are in the same boat: the NFC North boasts not only the undefeated Packers, but also the finally toothed Lions. The Bears have an outside shot at the second Wild Card but it will be difficult for them to snare given their intra-divisional showdowns with the Pack and Detroit are likely to go against them.
As for the rest only the Cowboys and Eagles deserve a mention: the Eagles are yet to take-off, but look to them to shoot up the rankings if the Giants slip in the coming weeks and they manage to find fifth, fourth, third or even second gear; the Cowboys are real contenders for a disappointing and unpredictable NFC East but they are their own worst enemy. Can they overcome the errors and inconsistencies? Maybe, but they too will need some help to make the postseason from Big Blue.
13. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
14. Chicago Bears (4-3)
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
18. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
20. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
22. Washington Redskin (3-3)
23. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
24. Carolina Panthers (2-5)
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
27. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
28. Denver Broncos (2-4)
29. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
31. St Louis Rams (0-6)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7)
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Despite a better record than the Cardinals, the Broncos do not deserve any credit for their 2 wins. Tebow’s performance against the Dolphins was good, but against a winless team it has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of the Florida product and believe he will offer a solid return on the investment made in him by the Broncos, but right now the kid cannot deal with the speed and complexity of the NFL. He will get it, but don’t hold your breath…
The Bills drop outside the top half in spite of the fact they own a better record than 3 of the teams ranked above them and the same record as the number 4 ranked Ravens. Be mindful though of the Bills’ impending schedule and the sudden potency of a Jets team that is far better than their stumbling start suggests.
The Bengals too receive little respect for their 67% win record based simply on the fact they occupy the AFC North and do not figure to be threatening the Ravens or Steelers come Week 17.
The Bears are in the same boat: the NFC North boasts not only the undefeated Packers, but also the finally toothed Lions. The Bears have an outside shot at the second Wild Card but it will be difficult for them to snare given their intra-divisional showdowns with the Pack and Detroit are likely to go against them.
As for the rest only the Cowboys and Eagles deserve a mention: the Eagles are yet to take-off, but look to them to shoot up the rankings if the Giants slip in the coming weeks and they manage to find fifth, fourth, third or even second gear; the Cowboys are real contenders for a disappointing and unpredictable NFC East but they are their own worst enemy. Can they overcome the errors and inconsistencies? Maybe, but they too will need some help to make the postseason from Big Blue.
13. Buffalo Bills (4-2)
14. Chicago Bears (4-3)
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
18. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)
19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
20. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
22. Washington Redskin (3-3)
23. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
24. Carolina Panthers (2-5)
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
26. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
27. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
28. Denver Broncos (2-4)
29. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
31. St Louis Rams (0-6)
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7)
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Friday, 28 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 11 & 12
11. Oakland Raiders (4-3)
The Raiders are sitting above the AFC West division leaders in my rankings for the simple reason that they are better than the Chargers and will come out on top by season’s end.
Confident words, I know, especially considering their Quarterback has gone down with a season-ending injury and they have plucked former USC and Bengals stand-out Carson Palmer from the sofa of retirement and plugged him into an offense that he understands about as well as Plaxico Burress understands the gun laws of New York State.
Palmer will come good, the Raiders will prosper and the Chargers will run out of power soon enough. Watch this space.
12. San Diego Chargers (4-2)
The Chargers occupy the final spot in my top twelve on the basis of pedigree and talent. Despite topping their division at this point in the season, their lofty position is by no means stable and I imagine they will sink faster that the Titanic when they hit the ice-cool juggernaut that is the Green Bay Packers, who they are scheduled to face in Week 9.
A Week 8 match-up against divisional come-back kids, the Chiefs now holds more significance than one might have thought possible after three weeks. Lose to the streaking Chiefs and the division will enter a three-way tie that the Chargers are favourites to fall out of first thanks to the looming showdown with the Pack.
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The Raiders are sitting above the AFC West division leaders in my rankings for the simple reason that they are better than the Chargers and will come out on top by season’s end.
Confident words, I know, especially considering their Quarterback has gone down with a season-ending injury and they have plucked former USC and Bengals stand-out Carson Palmer from the sofa of retirement and plugged him into an offense that he understands about as well as Plaxico Burress understands the gun laws of New York State.
Palmer will come good, the Raiders will prosper and the Chargers will run out of power soon enough. Watch this space.
12. San Diego Chargers (4-2)
The Chargers occupy the final spot in my top twelve on the basis of pedigree and talent. Despite topping their division at this point in the season, their lofty position is by no means stable and I imagine they will sink faster that the Titanic when they hit the ice-cool juggernaut that is the Green Bay Packers, who they are scheduled to face in Week 9.
A Week 8 match-up against divisional come-back kids, the Chiefs now holds more significance than one might have thought possible after three weeks. Lose to the streaking Chiefs and the division will enter a three-way tie that the Chargers are favourites to fall out of first thanks to the looming showdown with the Pack.
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Thursday, 27 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 9 & 10
9. New York Jets (4-3)
The Jets are better than their 4-3 record suggests. With only one team in the NFL undefeated, 3 losses isn’t as bad as it usually seems. They may be 2 games behind the Patriots, but they’ve had their BYE already and look fresher and more confident since the break. The Pats have got some really tough matches on the horizon and after 8 games the picture could look much better for the White and Green side of New York. Despite recent postseason success, the 4-3 record leads me to classify the jets as a dangerous sleeper…
…and a real nightmare for some.
10. New York Giants (4-2)
The Giants are a hard team to work out. They shouldn’t be winning, but they keep on getting the job done. Manning has been better than usual and has showed maturity and poise in the pocket. He is still an echelon below the Bradys, Rodgers and Brees of the league, but is quietly justifying his preseason complaint at being mandatorily excluded from conversation whenever the subject turned to elite QBs.
He has got a Super Bowl ring, after all, but can he get him and his team another? A Week 9 match-up with the Patriots will tell us more, until then the giants must keep picking up easy games. It figures that the NFC East will be a tight one with some close-to-even records come January. Right now, though, they look favourites to edge it.
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The Jets are better than their 4-3 record suggests. With only one team in the NFL undefeated, 3 losses isn’t as bad as it usually seems. They may be 2 games behind the Patriots, but they’ve had their BYE already and look fresher and more confident since the break. The Pats have got some really tough matches on the horizon and after 8 games the picture could look much better for the White and Green side of New York. Despite recent postseason success, the 4-3 record leads me to classify the jets as a dangerous sleeper…
…and a real nightmare for some.
10. New York Giants (4-2)
The Giants are a hard team to work out. They shouldn’t be winning, but they keep on getting the job done. Manning has been better than usual and has showed maturity and poise in the pocket. He is still an echelon below the Bradys, Rodgers and Brees of the league, but is quietly justifying his preseason complaint at being mandatorily excluded from conversation whenever the subject turned to elite QBs.
He has got a Super Bowl ring, after all, but can he get him and his team another? A Week 9 match-up with the Patriots will tell us more, until then the giants must keep picking up easy games. It figures that the NFC East will be a tight one with some close-to-even records come January. Right now, though, they look favourites to edge it.
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Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 7 & 8
7. Detroit Lions (5-2)
The Lions have hit the skids, but losing to a patchy Falcons team is forgivable due to the hangover from dropping their first game the week previously. Lose another, though, and this team will start to tumble down the rankings. It is essential that this young bunch come together in times of adversity and prove they are more than just a flash in the pan.
A real test will come in game 8 for the Lions but I figure them to recover with style.
8. Houston Texans (4-3)
If these rankings were based solely on gut-feeling, the Texans would be higher. I have championed this team for the past two seasons, but on both occasions they have disappointed come the year’s end.
This year, though, things feel very different. With a massively weakened division they should make their first ever appearance in the playoffs and once there are well built to cause some damage. My only remaining concern is how they will fair in inclement weather and with the likelihood of having to travel north for the Divisional round of the playoffs, which I expect them to reach.
Thankfully their rushing attack is now strong enough to take some of the pressure of their passing corps, and that will be essential come January.
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The Lions have hit the skids, but losing to a patchy Falcons team is forgivable due to the hangover from dropping their first game the week previously. Lose another, though, and this team will start to tumble down the rankings. It is essential that this young bunch come together in times of adversity and prove they are more than just a flash in the pan.
A real test will come in game 8 for the Lions but I figure them to recover with style.
8. Houston Texans (4-3)
If these rankings were based solely on gut-feeling, the Texans would be higher. I have championed this team for the past two seasons, but on both occasions they have disappointed come the year’s end.
This year, though, things feel very different. With a massively weakened division they should make their first ever appearance in the playoffs and once there are well built to cause some damage. My only remaining concern is how they will fair in inclement weather and with the likelihood of having to travel north for the Divisional round of the playoffs, which I expect them to reach.
Thankfully their rushing attack is now strong enough to take some of the pressure of their passing corps, and that will be essential come January.
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Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 5 & 6
5. New Orleans Saints (5-2)
The Saints sure know how to win in style, but have they got the confidence to win with guile? Sometimes with an offence so finely tuned, the slightest hiccough can blow a game plan to pieces. The defence will have to be strong in the coming weeks to secure the NFC South title, for which they are still favourites, but constantly harassed by the teams so close behind them.
Brees is on pace to finish in the top three passers again, and is essential to his team’s continued success. If he stays healthy, which he should given his reputation for toughness, the Saints could figure in the postseason picture in a big way.
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
The dark horse of the season have impressed through their first 6 games. Forced to sit out this week due to a BYE has probably irked Coach Harbaugh given his team’s amazing run of form, but he is a smart enough HC to prep his units well for their next challenge. Look to the 49ers to continue their run of success and lock-up the NFC West before any other team has assured top spot in their division.
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The Saints sure know how to win in style, but have they got the confidence to win with guile? Sometimes with an offence so finely tuned, the slightest hiccough can blow a game plan to pieces. The defence will have to be strong in the coming weeks to secure the NFC South title, for which they are still favourites, but constantly harassed by the teams so close behind them.
Brees is on pace to finish in the top three passers again, and is essential to his team’s continued success. If he stays healthy, which he should given his reputation for toughness, the Saints could figure in the postseason picture in a big way.
6. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)
The dark horse of the season have impressed through their first 6 games. Forced to sit out this week due to a BYE has probably irked Coach Harbaugh given his team’s amazing run of form, but he is a smart enough HC to prep his units well for their next challenge. Look to the 49ers to continue their run of success and lock-up the NFC West before any other team has assured top spot in their division.
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Monday, 24 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 3 & 4
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
The Steelers have won 3 on the bounce and are looking dangerous. A Week 8 tussle with the Patriots looms and the winner will establish themselves as an early favourite for the AFC number 1 seed. The Steelers must still be wary of division rivals, the Ravens, though, as a Week 9 contest will either see them split the season series and the Steelers take a decisive step towards the AFC North, or the Ravens sweep their long-time rivals and throw themselves into the mix for top dog.
Roethlisberger is playing close to his best and his receiving corps is looking better than ever. With a run game capable of carrying the load should the aerial attack suffer an off day, the Steelers look well placed to go deep into the postseason again.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens need to win the easy games. They are a team with all the tools to win it all, but they still stutter in the face of adversity. They’ve taken some big scalps already (the Texans and Steelers) but they have lost a couple of real doozies and need to make sure they turn-up every week instead of switching off against lesser teams.
The second game against the Steelers will make or break their chances of an easy postseason, with at least the number 2 seed available to the AFC North winner. Let’s hope that the right Joe Flacco suits-up on gameday.
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The Steelers have won 3 on the bounce and are looking dangerous. A Week 8 tussle with the Patriots looms and the winner will establish themselves as an early favourite for the AFC number 1 seed. The Steelers must still be wary of division rivals, the Ravens, though, as a Week 9 contest will either see them split the season series and the Steelers take a decisive step towards the AFC North, or the Ravens sweep their long-time rivals and throw themselves into the mix for top dog.
Roethlisberger is playing close to his best and his receiving corps is looking better than ever. With a run game capable of carrying the load should the aerial attack suffer an off day, the Steelers look well placed to go deep into the postseason again.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
The Ravens need to win the easy games. They are a team with all the tools to win it all, but they still stutter in the face of adversity. They’ve taken some big scalps already (the Texans and Steelers) but they have lost a couple of real doozies and need to make sure they turn-up every week instead of switching off against lesser teams.
The second game against the Steelers will make or break their chances of an easy postseason, with at least the number 2 seed available to the AFC North winner. Let’s hope that the right Joe Flacco suits-up on gameday.
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Sunday, 23 October 2011
Week 7 Power Rankings: 1 & 2
1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)
The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2. New England Patriots (5-1)
Brady’s up to his old tricks (excluding the horror show against the Bills during which, at times, he looked more like Rex Grossman than arguably the best clutch player of his generation). At 5-1 the Pats are great value to top their tough-nosed division, but a couple of horribly awkward games face them in the coming fortnight. Having to play the Steelers – a team on a 3 game win streak and in the ascendancy – at this stage of the season could be a deciding factor in who comes away with the number one seed in January or even who tops their respective divisions.
Following Big Ben and the Pennsylvania wrecking crew are Eli Manning and the Giants of New York – something of a booby team for Tom terrific and the Brady bunch. Going 0-2 into Week 10 is a viable and worrying possibility for this talented, but somehow still misfiring team.
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The Packers, with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, look simply unbeatable. It isn’t that the odd score line hasn’t been close – the Vikings only lost by 6 this weekend with Christian Ponder under centre – and it isn’t that teams can’t score against the men in Green & Gold, it’s simply the fact that no one seems to be able to score as much.
And quite frankly, it’s almost entirely down to the Hall of Fame standard to which Rodgers – now a bona fide super star following his Super Bowl MVP performance against the Steelers – has elevated his game. Through 7 games, Rodgers has thrown for 20 touchdowns and been picked off just 3 times. Those are the kind of stats for which the Green Bay faithful have been praying for years. Not even Brett Favre was able to offer the Cheeseheads such confidence and control over the ball.
2. New England Patriots (5-1)
Brady’s up to his old tricks (excluding the horror show against the Bills during which, at times, he looked more like Rex Grossman than arguably the best clutch player of his generation). At 5-1 the Pats are great value to top their tough-nosed division, but a couple of horribly awkward games face them in the coming fortnight. Having to play the Steelers – a team on a 3 game win streak and in the ascendancy – at this stage of the season could be a deciding factor in who comes away with the number one seed in January or even who tops their respective divisions.
Following Big Ben and the Pennsylvania wrecking crew are Eli Manning and the Giants of New York – something of a booby team for Tom terrific and the Brady bunch. Going 0-2 into Week 10 is a viable and worrying possibility for this talented, but somehow still misfiring team.
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Friday, 21 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: Texans Vs Ravens
In contrast to my previous match report, this is one I’d been looking forward to all Summer. I love both these teams and the way they play football. I’ve been a long-time admirer of the Ravens consistently staunch defence and likewise the Texans explosive, strike-fast O.
But now the Texans can stop teams dead and the Ravens can kill you through the air. With both franchises rounding off the rough edges and making strides towards becoming Super Bowl calibre teams, this key match-up was always going to have an impact, not only on the potential seeding for the AFC playoff picture, but also on the coaches’ game plans should these two meet against in the post-season.
And so, despite losing by an impressive 15 point margin, Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans coach, may be able to console himself with the fact that postseason rematches often go the other way thanks in large part to the coaching nightmare presented to the winning play-caller of the regular season contest, who must decide to stick or twist and risk busting.
Additionally, the pressure of being the favourites – a label that will surely stick to the Ravens should these two collide again – can have a massive psychological effect.
But enough of the future, what about the recent past? Joe Flacco had one of his better games in terms of yardage, accumulating 305 aerial yards, but failed to find the endzone and, instead, located the arms of one very happy Texans defensive back.
Schaub hit his receivers for 220 yards, a TD and no interceptions, but was bullied all game, enduring 4 sacks by the end of the clash.
The Texans must go back to Houston with the minds on the real prize and their heads held high. Who knows, they may yet get a shot at revenge…
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But now the Texans can stop teams dead and the Ravens can kill you through the air. With both franchises rounding off the rough edges and making strides towards becoming Super Bowl calibre teams, this key match-up was always going to have an impact, not only on the potential seeding for the AFC playoff picture, but also on the coaches’ game plans should these two meet against in the post-season.
And so, despite losing by an impressive 15 point margin, Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans coach, may be able to console himself with the fact that postseason rematches often go the other way thanks in large part to the coaching nightmare presented to the winning play-caller of the regular season contest, who must decide to stick or twist and risk busting.
Additionally, the pressure of being the favourites – a label that will surely stick to the Ravens should these two collide again – can have a massive psychological effect.
But enough of the future, what about the recent past? Joe Flacco had one of his better games in terms of yardage, accumulating 305 aerial yards, but failed to find the endzone and, instead, located the arms of one very happy Texans defensive back.
Schaub hit his receivers for 220 yards, a TD and no interceptions, but was bullied all game, enduring 4 sacks by the end of the clash.
The Texans must go back to Houston with the minds on the real prize and their heads held high. Who knows, they may yet get a shot at revenge…
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Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: 49ers Vs Lions
Honestly, if you has told me in the pre-season that I would be choosing to report on the 49ers and Lions match-up in Week 6 in a week that sees only 3 games reviewed I would have laughed long and hard.
Look who’s laughing now…
Both teams, to be precise, but the 49ers a little louder having become the first to fell the raging Lions this season.
Matthew Stafford and friends have attracted a lot of attention with their 5-0 start, but losing to the 49ers puts them on the same record. It seems bizarre, given that the single notch in the L column of San Francisco’s record, garnered in the first week, has been enough for most everyone to discount these Californian challengers.
Here’s something for the water cooler conversation: Alex Smith – yeah, that Alex Smith – has thrown the ball to the opposition just twice this season, and the second of those INTs came in this game.
Backed by a brutal rushing attack, Smith’s yardage is unimpressive, but his game management is absolutely exceptional. The best thing about this is that the guy deserves it. He’s endured a rough start to a highly anticipated career and taken a lot of abuse for problems that were always slightly out of his control. The carousel of coordinators hampered his progression and a weak supporting cast – especially in the receiver department – put too much on his shoulders.
It’s all in the past, Alex, and now the playoffs look to be in your future…
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Look who’s laughing now…
Both teams, to be precise, but the 49ers a little louder having become the first to fell the raging Lions this season.
Matthew Stafford and friends have attracted a lot of attention with their 5-0 start, but losing to the 49ers puts them on the same record. It seems bizarre, given that the single notch in the L column of San Francisco’s record, garnered in the first week, has been enough for most everyone to discount these Californian challengers.
Here’s something for the water cooler conversation: Alex Smith – yeah, that Alex Smith – has thrown the ball to the opposition just twice this season, and the second of those INTs came in this game.
Backed by a brutal rushing attack, Smith’s yardage is unimpressive, but his game management is absolutely exceptional. The best thing about this is that the guy deserves it. He’s endured a rough start to a highly anticipated career and taken a lot of abuse for problems that were always slightly out of his control. The carousel of coordinators hampered his progression and a weak supporting cast – especially in the receiver department – put too much on his shoulders.
It’s all in the past, Alex, and now the playoffs look to be in your future…
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Monday, 17 October 2011
Week 6 Highlights: Bills Vs Giants
The Bills might be 4-2 but their play could just have easily seen them 6-0 or 2-4. When they play good teams, it’s always close. Sure, they’ll blow your lower ranks out of the water, but the victor of a top-notch dual might as well be decided by the toss of a coin.
The Giants are slowly, steadily and subtly building a respectable body of work for the season. Going into the bye week, they too possess a 4-2 record and a half-game lead over the 3-2 Redskins who have suddenly found their Quarterback situation up in the air after Rex Grossman sent most of his passes the same way, resulting in a horrifying four INT 0 TD performance against Philadelphia.
In a week of headlines dominated by the other New York team – you know the ones? The ones in green who never shut up, god bless them – Manning and his Giants have earned a few more fans.
A Week 9 showdown against the patriots – the team the Giants beat to lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the 2007 season – will test the mettle of this team and go some way to ascertaining whether it’s all smoke, or whether there really is a fire brewing in the bellies of the NFC East frontrunners.
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The Giants are slowly, steadily and subtly building a respectable body of work for the season. Going into the bye week, they too possess a 4-2 record and a half-game lead over the 3-2 Redskins who have suddenly found their Quarterback situation up in the air after Rex Grossman sent most of his passes the same way, resulting in a horrifying four INT 0 TD performance against Philadelphia.
In a week of headlines dominated by the other New York team – you know the ones? The ones in green who never shut up, god bless them – Manning and his Giants have earned a few more fans.
A Week 9 showdown against the patriots – the team the Giants beat to lift the Lombardi trophy at the end of the 2007 season – will test the mettle of this team and go some way to ascertaining whether it’s all smoke, or whether there really is a fire brewing in the bellies of the NFC East frontrunners.
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Saturday, 15 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Seahawks Vs Giants
Well, who saw that coming? The Giants looked primed to destroy the uninspiring Seahawks, but fell behind by a Touchdown early, before tying it up at 14 apiece by the half.
Then Big Blue and Mini Manning hit the brakes, finding themselves shut-out in the third and conceding a safety allowing the Seahawks to edge in front.
A wild fourth quarter saw a whopping 31 points shared between the teams with a scintillating 20 going Seattle’s way. A 36-25 victory over a decent, if not good, per se, team will go a long way to convincing observers that the Hawks have it in them to win the division again, and hopefully with at least an 8-8 record.
The Giants, however, have convinced me they have no chance of getting out of the crumbling NFC East, but trying to pick a favourite out of that mess is like trying to intercept Tom Brady on a good day.
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Then Big Blue and Mini Manning hit the brakes, finding themselves shut-out in the third and conceding a safety allowing the Seahawks to edge in front.
A wild fourth quarter saw a whopping 31 points shared between the teams with a scintillating 20 going Seattle’s way. A 36-25 victory over a decent, if not good, per se, team will go a long way to convincing observers that the Hawks have it in them to win the division again, and hopefully with at least an 8-8 record.
The Giants, however, have convinced me they have no chance of getting out of the crumbling NFC East, but trying to pick a favourite out of that mess is like trying to intercept Tom Brady on a good day.
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Friday, 14 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Chiefs Vs Colts
After looking like they had buried the Chiefs early, the Colts fell to pieces in the second half, and allowed a Chiefs team that appears to be gaining something approaching momentum to beat them in a contest that has, given the Vikings’ result against the Cardinals, further solidified the opinion that the once vaunted Colts may be picking first next year in the draft.
The Colts will win games and the Chiefs may struggle to find many more as the tension ramps-up so we may see Old Blue climbing off the foot of the table as the season progresses, but unless the team believes they have a chance of challenging for the title, we might see Indianapolis trying out some new players and schemes in preparation for next year. What they really need, though is a Quarterback who is ready, willing and able to inherit Manning’s mantle that the Hall-of-Fame lock may never re-shoulder.
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The Colts will win games and the Chiefs may struggle to find many more as the tension ramps-up so we may see Old Blue climbing off the foot of the table as the season progresses, but unless the team believes they have a chance of challenging for the title, we might see Indianapolis trying out some new players and schemes in preparation for next year. What they really need, though is a Quarterback who is ready, willing and able to inherit Manning’s mantle that the Hall-of-Fame lock may never re-shoulder.
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Thursday, 13 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Saints Vs Panthers
What looked on paper to be an absolute walk over for the Saints turned out to be a real humdinger. The never-say-die 1-4 Panthers came from 20-13 down at the half to take the lead in the fourth, forcing the Saints to get off their backsides and prove why they are regarded as playoff favourites. Trailing by 3 in the final seconds, the Panthers had a shot at winning a dramatic contest, but fell just short.
Newton was, once again, showing his worth. It is so refreshing to see a Number 1 Draft pick justifying his selection and the massive wage packet that comes with it.
By the end of the season, this Panthers team is going to have a lot to feel sore about, but equally, an awful look to take pride in. The body of work they’re putting together this season is literally unbelievable given their haplessness a year previously. As soon as they get over the hurdle and master the shutting down of top teams and gain the maturity necessary to close out games they will be a real contender, potentially for years to come.
Another candidate for worst-to-first in the competitive and unpredictable NFC South? I think so.
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Newton was, once again, showing his worth. It is so refreshing to see a Number 1 Draft pick justifying his selection and the massive wage packet that comes with it.
By the end of the season, this Panthers team is going to have a lot to feel sore about, but equally, an awful look to take pride in. The body of work they’re putting together this season is literally unbelievable given their haplessness a year previously. As soon as they get over the hurdle and master the shutting down of top teams and gain the maturity necessary to close out games they will be a real contender, potentially for years to come.
Another candidate for worst-to-first in the competitive and unpredictable NFC South? I think so.
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Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Cardinals Vs Vikings
Despite finally winning, the Vikings managed to lose ANOTHER second half. They have nothing left in the tank by the time the third quarter gets underway, but thankfully, three first quarter Touchdowns from Adrian ‘All Day’ Peterson, was enough to see them home and dry.
The Cardinals – my beloved Cardinals – are really, really bad. After winning in Week 1, they have declined. I think if they played the Panthers now, that they would lose, and possibly by some way.
There are problems all over the field for the Cardinals, but I think with this team it is a general lack of confidence that lets them down. When they are flying on offense they play well in every position, so the crux of the team’s success is success at Quarterback and Kolb is not pulling his weight. Again – and I’ve said this before – I am expecting a lot from him in his first year, but only because it’s so essential to his team’s success. The Cardinals need their devastating aerial threat to be a constant force or it all breaks down. Without a competent distributor, Fitzgerald might as not be on the field, allowing the defence to narrow the field and go after the Runners.
Kolb must shape-up: losing to the Vikings is a low, low point.
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The Cardinals – my beloved Cardinals – are really, really bad. After winning in Week 1, they have declined. I think if they played the Panthers now, that they would lose, and possibly by some way.
There are problems all over the field for the Cardinals, but I think with this team it is a general lack of confidence that lets them down. When they are flying on offense they play well in every position, so the crux of the team’s success is success at Quarterback and Kolb is not pulling his weight. Again – and I’ve said this before – I am expecting a lot from him in his first year, but only because it’s so essential to his team’s success. The Cardinals need their devastating aerial threat to be a constant force or it all breaks down. Without a competent distributor, Fitzgerald might as not be on the field, allowing the defence to narrow the field and go after the Runners.
Kolb must shape-up: losing to the Vikings is a low, low point.
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Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Raiders Vs Texans
I was excited about this game as soon as I saw the schedule for Week 5. These two up-and-coming teams – both bottom-dwellers now fancied to take their division crowns – have impressed in both wins and losses this season so far.
Despite the Texans being runaway favourites for suddenly weakened AFC South, they are shipping games at a time they need to be building a commanding lead. Losing to the Raiders now, though, may be a defeat from which they can draw a lot. I believe they will win the South and that the Raiders will win the West, with the pair sharing the third and fourth seeds, meaning that should they win through the playoffs they will face-off in the AFC Championship game. Oftentimes, we’ve seen playoff rematches go the other way because of what the losing coach from the regular season has learned and has been able to study the tape of the loss and modify his unit for victory, whereas the winning coach is forced to either stick with the originally winning formula or twist it to confuse the opposition but, in the process, risk fluffing the whole show.
The Raiders should take heart from this win and hopefully the success they’ve enjoyed so far will provide them with the necessary swagger to keep rolling.
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Despite the Texans being runaway favourites for suddenly weakened AFC South, they are shipping games at a time they need to be building a commanding lead. Losing to the Raiders now, though, may be a defeat from which they can draw a lot. I believe they will win the South and that the Raiders will win the West, with the pair sharing the third and fourth seeds, meaning that should they win through the playoffs they will face-off in the AFC Championship game. Oftentimes, we’ve seen playoff rematches go the other way because of what the losing coach from the regular season has learned and has been able to study the tape of the loss and modify his unit for victory, whereas the winning coach is forced to either stick with the originally winning formula or twist it to confuse the opposition but, in the process, risk fluffing the whole show.
The Raiders should take heart from this win and hopefully the success they’ve enjoyed so far will provide them with the necessary swagger to keep rolling.
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Monday, 10 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Titans Vs Steelers
The Steelers need to be winning games of this calibre if they hope to stay in touch with the soaring Ravens. The Titans are better than people think, but worse than their record suggests. Their true potential lies somewhere in between the two – a competitive, hard-to-read team that is more of a problem-causer than a real threat.
I liken this Tennessee team to an easy Sudoku. You know you should be able to beat it, but sometimes, if you lose focus, it can all go horribly wrong and you can find yourself chasing your tail for hours.
Thankfully, despite a slight slip in the middle phase of the game, the Steelers survived with very few signs they have anything to worry about. Their offense was motoring by the end, and the connection between Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward looks tight as ever.
The Titans might well go on a few game slide, following this heavy and demoralising defeat as they struggle to find consistency and a solid identity that will persist into next season.
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I liken this Tennessee team to an easy Sudoku. You know you should be able to beat it, but sometimes, if you lose focus, it can all go horribly wrong and you can find yourself chasing your tail for hours.
Thankfully, despite a slight slip in the middle phase of the game, the Steelers survived with very few signs they have anything to worry about. Their offense was motoring by the end, and the connection between Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward looks tight as ever.
The Titans might well go on a few game slide, following this heavy and demoralising defeat as they struggle to find consistency and a solid identity that will persist into next season.
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Sunday, 9 October 2011
Week 5 Highlights: Eagles Vs Bills
When the Bills lost a close one to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, you could have been forgiven for thinking their quick start was all smoke, but there’s a fire burning in this team that could incinerate all comers.
Beating the Eagles – who are now a worrying 1-4 – is no mean feat, and a game that has righted the wrongs of the previous week for a team that has a slighter margin for error than most, given their hot division.
If you’d said a fortnight ago that the Bills would go 1-1 through their next two games, you would have nodded and thought that was not only likely, but acceptable. They now stand at 4-1 and top the division. They are doing fantastically and going in the right direction.
The Eagles, however, are not in a good place at all. Thankfully, the Giants lost this week too, which lessens the pressure in a tight, unpredictable division. But it isn’t good enough – not by a long shot. They need to go on a run and soon, nay, immediately. A five game win streak will do a lot to ease the mounting criticism, but if they lose many more they will quickly find themselves in an embarrassing and frustrating situation – too good to earn a top pick next year; too disarrayed to fulfil their potential. The Eagles threatened to tie the game up in the fourth, shutting out the Bills, who have a habit of fading late offensively. All in all, this game is a perfect snapshot of a team exceeding expectations, and another, far ‘better’ team, falling well short. It’s crunch time for both, now. Can the Bills keep going (yes, why not?), and can the Eagles recover in time to mount a challenge (here’s hoping!).
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Beating the Eagles – who are now a worrying 1-4 – is no mean feat, and a game that has righted the wrongs of the previous week for a team that has a slighter margin for error than most, given their hot division.
If you’d said a fortnight ago that the Bills would go 1-1 through their next two games, you would have nodded and thought that was not only likely, but acceptable. They now stand at 4-1 and top the division. They are doing fantastically and going in the right direction.
The Eagles, however, are not in a good place at all. Thankfully, the Giants lost this week too, which lessens the pressure in a tight, unpredictable division. But it isn’t good enough – not by a long shot. They need to go on a run and soon, nay, immediately. A five game win streak will do a lot to ease the mounting criticism, but if they lose many more they will quickly find themselves in an embarrassing and frustrating situation – too good to earn a top pick next year; too disarrayed to fulfil their potential. The Eagles threatened to tie the game up in the fourth, shutting out the Bills, who have a habit of fading late offensively. All in all, this game is a perfect snapshot of a team exceeding expectations, and another, far ‘better’ team, falling well short. It’s crunch time for both, now. Can the Bills keep going (yes, why not?), and can the Eagles recover in time to mount a challenge (here’s hoping!).
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Saturday, 8 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Patriots Vs Raiders
The Patriots bounced back after their shocking defeat to division frontrunners, the Buffalo Bills, by beating a team that had the potential to level the Patriots record at 2-2. It took a great deal of concentration on the Patriots part not to slip-up against the up-and-coming Oakland side that are threatening to be around for a long time this season.
The Patriots scored a touchdown in every quarter (7, 7, 10, 7) showing great composure, consistency and clock management and held the Raiders to one trip to the end zone and three field goals (3, 7, 3, 6).
Not taking the foot off the pedal is one of the marks of champions. Never going to sleep against any opposition, dangerous or not, is an essential component to postseason success. Every team in the NFL is capable of pulling the rug from under your feet if you stand still too long, especially a team as loaded as Oakland. What saved the Patriots’ porous pass defence here was Oakland’s propensity to run the football and Jason Campbell’s inability to make tight throws into coverage. The Raiders’ receivers are burners – freak athletes with immense speed but not the best route running skills. By stuffing the line to prevent the run and playing a consertive mixture of zone and man-to-man, the Patriots effectively neutralised Oakland’s best assets.
Brady was back on form and protected the football well after his 4 interception horror-show against the Bills in Week 3. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions as opposed to Campbell who was responsible for the Raiders’ lone touchdown but also for two damaging interceptions.
Both teams should make it to the playoffs - the Raiders as division champs and the Patriots as either winners of the AFC East or the top Wild Card. Should they slip to fifth seed, it seems plausible to suggest they could get the Raiders in the divisional round away in California.
And that will suit the Brady Bunch just fine.
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The Patriots scored a touchdown in every quarter (7, 7, 10, 7) showing great composure, consistency and clock management and held the Raiders to one trip to the end zone and three field goals (3, 7, 3, 6).
Not taking the foot off the pedal is one of the marks of champions. Never going to sleep against any opposition, dangerous or not, is an essential component to postseason success. Every team in the NFL is capable of pulling the rug from under your feet if you stand still too long, especially a team as loaded as Oakland. What saved the Patriots’ porous pass defence here was Oakland’s propensity to run the football and Jason Campbell’s inability to make tight throws into coverage. The Raiders’ receivers are burners – freak athletes with immense speed but not the best route running skills. By stuffing the line to prevent the run and playing a consertive mixture of zone and man-to-man, the Patriots effectively neutralised Oakland’s best assets.
Brady was back on form and protected the football well after his 4 interception horror-show against the Bills in Week 3. He threw two touchdowns and no interceptions as opposed to Campbell who was responsible for the Raiders’ lone touchdown but also for two damaging interceptions.
Both teams should make it to the playoffs - the Raiders as division champs and the Patriots as either winners of the AFC East or the top Wild Card. Should they slip to fifth seed, it seems plausible to suggest they could get the Raiders in the divisional round away in California.
And that will suit the Brady Bunch just fine.
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Friday, 7 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Broncos Vs Packers
It’s about time Denver got a mention. So far I have resisted slating this team that once held so many happy memories for me, but now fills me with an uncontrollable rage.
Tim Tebow can’t get on the field soon enough. He might give this mess of a franchise a bit of charisma and at least an identity, which they sorely need after Josh McDaniels did a mighty fine job of ruining what was a competitive team.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and Coach John Fox, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, knows a thing or two about turning-around incompetent units when the ability is there.
But this review is not about how bad the Broncos are, but how good the Packers appear.
The Green Bay Packers – the World Champions – were many people’s pick for the title this year, but I was hesitant to anoint them just yet, thinking instead that they would remain an elite team for many years to come and possibly win a couple more Superbowls before Rodgers retires but not just yet. I thought they would need a cooling off period.
Looks like they like it hot.
The Packers are steamrolling opponents this year, and playing with the kind of confidence that comes only from the very greatest triumph. Rodgers is blazing his way through the season, with the highest rating of any Quarterback; a rating that was bolstered by his 4/1 TDINT performance against the Broncos. He racked-up 408 yards through the air and totally outplayed his counterpart, Kyle Orton, who threw 3 touchdowns and 273 yards, but also tossed 3 costly interceptions.
The score line of 49-23 was not flattering for the Packers and, if anything, made it seem as if maybe half of the Broncos have played football before.
Which is, of course, nonsense…
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Tim Tebow can’t get on the field soon enough. He might give this mess of a franchise a bit of charisma and at least an identity, which they sorely need after Josh McDaniels did a mighty fine job of ruining what was a competitive team.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and Coach John Fox, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, knows a thing or two about turning-around incompetent units when the ability is there.
But this review is not about how bad the Broncos are, but how good the Packers appear.
The Green Bay Packers – the World Champions – were many people’s pick for the title this year, but I was hesitant to anoint them just yet, thinking instead that they would remain an elite team for many years to come and possibly win a couple more Superbowls before Rodgers retires but not just yet. I thought they would need a cooling off period.
Looks like they like it hot.
The Packers are steamrolling opponents this year, and playing with the kind of confidence that comes only from the very greatest triumph. Rodgers is blazing his way through the season, with the highest rating of any Quarterback; a rating that was bolstered by his 4/1 TDINT performance against the Broncos. He racked-up 408 yards through the air and totally outplayed his counterpart, Kyle Orton, who threw 3 touchdowns and 273 yards, but also tossed 3 costly interceptions.
The score line of 49-23 was not flattering for the Packers and, if anything, made it seem as if maybe half of the Broncos have played football before.
Which is, of course, nonsense…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: 49ers Vs Eagles
My pre-season predictions for this game would have been so far off the mark I might as well have been talking about baseball.
Alex Smith is playing as well as any Quarterback in this league. He has thrown a solitary interception this term, and it came in the 49ers Week 2 27-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that, in retrospect, they really should have won.
He had a neat game against the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards and 2 Touchdowns, without any picks and earning another top-notch rating of 112.1.
And he had to be good because the Eagles came out fighting. Now 1-3, the finger is hovering over the panic button for Andy Reid and his Dirty birds.
Michael Vick insisted he was fit to play despite taking a serious knock against the Giants in Week 3, and his 416 passing yards seem to suggest he knows his body well. That said, he presided over another loss and is finding it difficult to win games for his team like he did with so much pizazz last year.
Philly need to win soon or they will find themselves with a mountain to climb come the back end of the season. They are fortunate that no other NFC East team has taken advantage of their slow start to build a commanding lead in the division – eve now they are only a couple of games off the lead so all is not lost with many more divisional clashes on the schedule.
The 49ers are now favourites to win the NFC West after 4 games of the season. They look genuine capable of causing some damage as the fourth, maybe third seeds of the conference behind Green Bay and the Saints.
The playoffs could look very different this year as new powerhouses emerge and past masters rediscover what made them great. Who doesn’t want to see the Lions, 49ers, Saints, Packers and Redskins in the playoffs?
Michael Vick for one…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Alex Smith is playing as well as any Quarterback in this league. He has thrown a solitary interception this term, and it came in the 49ers Week 2 27-24 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that, in retrospect, they really should have won.
He had a neat game against the Eagles, throwing for 291 yards and 2 Touchdowns, without any picks and earning another top-notch rating of 112.1.
And he had to be good because the Eagles came out fighting. Now 1-3, the finger is hovering over the panic button for Andy Reid and his Dirty birds.
Michael Vick insisted he was fit to play despite taking a serious knock against the Giants in Week 3, and his 416 passing yards seem to suggest he knows his body well. That said, he presided over another loss and is finding it difficult to win games for his team like he did with so much pizazz last year.
Philly need to win soon or they will find themselves with a mountain to climb come the back end of the season. They are fortunate that no other NFC East team has taken advantage of their slow start to build a commanding lead in the division – eve now they are only a couple of games off the lead so all is not lost with many more divisional clashes on the schedule.
The 49ers are now favourites to win the NFC West after 4 games of the season. They look genuine capable of causing some damage as the fourth, maybe third seeds of the conference behind Green Bay and the Saints.
The playoffs could look very different this year as new powerhouses emerge and past masters rediscover what made them great. Who doesn’t want to see the Lions, 49ers, Saints, Packers and Redskins in the playoffs?
Michael Vick for one…
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Lions Vs Cowboys
The Romo Rollercoaster suffered another devastating derailment this week, as Calvin Johnson and co destroyed the hopes of the Dallas faithful, by storming back from a 13 point deficit in the fourth, to wow a frenzied home crowd with a final quarter score line of 17-0, to bring the result down in their favour by a margin of 4.
Romo played very well for three quarters, and then seemed to forget what a football was and decided he’d much rather the other team had the responsibility of holding it. Allowing the Lions – historically a weak-hearted team – to rally in such miraculous fashion is not acceptable. 47 pass attempts by Tony Romo is an immense effort, but the wear showed-up badly in the form of 3 interceptions. His yardage was good and his 3 Touchdown tosses were excellent, but his late game collapse was horrible to watch.
Matthew Stafford, however, was imperious. 2/1 TD/INT and 248 yards is not stellar, but his composure, grit and incisiveness as the game drew to its frenetic close were all inhuman.
The Lions have exactly what they hoped they had in Stafford – a true star and a game changer.
Dallas have exactly what they hoped they wouldn’t have again – a headache, a hang over and an awful lot of questions to answer.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Romo played very well for three quarters, and then seemed to forget what a football was and decided he’d much rather the other team had the responsibility of holding it. Allowing the Lions – historically a weak-hearted team – to rally in such miraculous fashion is not acceptable. 47 pass attempts by Tony Romo is an immense effort, but the wear showed-up badly in the form of 3 interceptions. His yardage was good and his 3 Touchdown tosses were excellent, but his late game collapse was horrible to watch.
Matthew Stafford, however, was imperious. 2/1 TD/INT and 248 yards is not stellar, but his composure, grit and incisiveness as the game drew to its frenetic close were all inhuman.
The Lions have exactly what they hoped they had in Stafford – a true star and a game changer.
Dallas have exactly what they hoped they wouldn’t have again – a headache, a hang over and an awful lot of questions to answer.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Steelers Vs Texans
A couple of seasons ago, Pittsburgh would have woken up the Sunday morning of playing the Texans at home with a big smile on its face. These days, it’s a grimace at best. The Texans play rough football, much in the mould of the Black & Yellow bulldozers that have terrorized the NFL for decades, garnering 6 Lombardi trophies in the process. This year, however, it is looking more like the Texans turn to hoist the coveted trophy than it is that Big Ben and co will repeat the feats of Superbowls XL and XLIII.
The Texans ran out 17-10 winners of this hard-hitting Week 4 contest. Matt Schaub put in a tidy performance, throwing for a Touchdown and no interceptions, completed 14 of his 21 attempts resulting in a rating that crept over 100.
Roethlisberger and the Steelers were largely ineffective in the first half, finding it impossible to register any points at all. Their 10 second-half points looked to have given them a shot, but the Texans held on to their 1 score lead and ran out winners after picking off Ben once and preventing him from finding the endzone. These two will likely win their divisions with similar records and could be tussling for the second (or even first, should the Patriots continue to lose so surprisingly) seed, making a post-season rematch likely.
Home field advantage will matter more in January, so the Texans need to maintain the intensity unless they fancy returning to a frostbitten Heinz Field.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
The Texans ran out 17-10 winners of this hard-hitting Week 4 contest. Matt Schaub put in a tidy performance, throwing for a Touchdown and no interceptions, completed 14 of his 21 attempts resulting in a rating that crept over 100.
Roethlisberger and the Steelers were largely ineffective in the first half, finding it impossible to register any points at all. Their 10 second-half points looked to have given them a shot, but the Texans held on to their 1 score lead and ran out winners after picking off Ben once and preventing him from finding the endzone. These two will likely win their divisions with similar records and could be tussling for the second (or even first, should the Patriots continue to lose so surprisingly) seed, making a post-season rematch likely.
Home field advantage will matter more in January, so the Texans need to maintain the intensity unless they fancy returning to a frostbitten Heinz Field.
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
Monday, 3 October 2011
Week 4 Highlights: Bills Vs Bengals
This is the first time the Bills looked in any way shape or form like the Bills we’ve come to know and pity. For the first three games they have impressed fans and critics alike with a mixture of offensive flair and defensive nerve, holding out against teams with far more experience and, historically at least, mettle.
After prevailing against the might of division rivals and favourites, the new England Patriots, the Bills went down softly to a team they must have expected to turn over.
Despite the Bengals being perceived as a hopeless unit – as usual – it is interesting to note that no team in the AFC North has a losing record at this point. It is perennially a strong group if only for the reason that both the Steelers and Ravens are constituents, but this year, what with the emergence of Colt McCoy as a genuine NFL starter for the Browns and the Bengals surprising glide to 2-2, there is competition to be found in any game featuring one of these four.
To lose by 3 points after the greatest victory the Bills have experience for over ten years, is a real kick in the gut, and who knows how much of a difference it will make come January, when it is likely several teams will be vying for Wild Card spots.
I still regard the Bengals as the likely losers of the AFC North, but by beating a team with more dynamism and cohesion, flying high on success and optimism, they have proven they mean business and deserve to be taken very seriously.
No one wants to suffer the same fate as the Bills, who fall to 3-1 but still lead the AFC East on head-to-head tiebreakers. Fitzpatrick had a really quiet game for the Bills, which says something about his importance to the team. Without him getting the ball into the end zone via receivers, the Bills struggle to grind it out. Avoiding interceptions is always preferable, but 199 yards is not enough for this team so more confidence is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Dalton, on the other hand, was lighting up every category with 1 TD and 2 INTs, 2 sacks conceded and 298 yards through the air. I don’t think the stats speak very highly (they make him seem rash, immature and gung-ho, all of which he may be), but he was the winning Quarterback this week and deserved to be so on effort alone.
Will Dalton progress and become a real threat for the Bengals or will he be the next through the revolving door in Ohio? I’d plump for the latter, but with a bit of time to mature, who knows..?
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
After prevailing against the might of division rivals and favourites, the new England Patriots, the Bills went down softly to a team they must have expected to turn over.
Despite the Bengals being perceived as a hopeless unit – as usual – it is interesting to note that no team in the AFC North has a losing record at this point. It is perennially a strong group if only for the reason that both the Steelers and Ravens are constituents, but this year, what with the emergence of Colt McCoy as a genuine NFL starter for the Browns and the Bengals surprising glide to 2-2, there is competition to be found in any game featuring one of these four.
To lose by 3 points after the greatest victory the Bills have experience for over ten years, is a real kick in the gut, and who knows how much of a difference it will make come January, when it is likely several teams will be vying for Wild Card spots.
I still regard the Bengals as the likely losers of the AFC North, but by beating a team with more dynamism and cohesion, flying high on success and optimism, they have proven they mean business and deserve to be taken very seriously.
No one wants to suffer the same fate as the Bills, who fall to 3-1 but still lead the AFC East on head-to-head tiebreakers. Fitzpatrick had a really quiet game for the Bills, which says something about his importance to the team. Without him getting the ball into the end zone via receivers, the Bills struggle to grind it out. Avoiding interceptions is always preferable, but 199 yards is not enough for this team so more confidence is needed from Ryan Fitzpatrick. Dalton, on the other hand, was lighting up every category with 1 TD and 2 INTs, 2 sacks conceded and 298 yards through the air. I don’t think the stats speak very highly (they make him seem rash, immature and gung-ho, all of which he may be), but he was the winning Quarterback this week and deserved to be so on effort alone.
Will Dalton progress and become a real threat for the Bengals or will he be the next through the revolving door in Ohio? I’d plump for the latter, but with a bit of time to mature, who knows..?
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day, Bar Centro, Font or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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