NFL Mid-Pre Season Power Rankings

NFL Pre-Season Power Rankings

#1 - Pittsburgh Steelers : Big Ben's Achilles is a concern but early reports is that he will be fine.

#2 - New England Patriots : Tom Brady got beat up in Cincy and struggled, but he got back up and kept playing, the blocking will improve and it will be Brady delivering the beatings soon.

#3: - Indianapolis Colts : After a slow start to the Pre-season Peyton Manning and the Colts are clicking and look dangerous.

#4: - San Diego Chargers : With a watered-down AFC West, the Chargers should breeze their way to division title ala 2008 Cardinals.

#5 - Minnesota Vikings : Favre was less than impressive in his pre-season debut once the regular season comes around if defenses stack 8-in-the-box to stop Peterson, Favre will burn you deep.

#6 - Baltimore Ravens : Joe Flacco is entering his second season in Baltimore. Because of his solid running game and devastating defense he will not be asked to win games on his own. His situation is very reminiscent of Ben Roethlisberger's second season in Pittsburgh, which by the way ended in a Super Bowl championship.

#7 - New York Giants : The defense is smothering, the running backs are dominating, unfortunately the recievers are troubling.

#8 - New Orleans Saints : Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is working on making the defense legit. QB Drew Brees has the offense rolling they will put up a bunch of points.

#9 - Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers is looking very sharp so far, and the defense is creating a ton of turnovers, Sleeper Alert!

#10 - Miami Dolphins : Jason Taylor is back from a one-year loan to Washington and plans to regain his old Dolphin form, AFC East beware.

#11 - Philadelphia Eagles : Will the addition of Michael Vick and the loss of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson motivate or distract?

#12 - Tennessee Titans : Kerry Collins is not getting any younger, but luckily for the Titans they have 3 solid backs to help him hide his age a little longer.

#13 - Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler makes this team instantly better, as long as he doesn't keep insulting his teammates "allegedly".

#14 - Arizona Cardinals : The window is closing on Kurt Warner and Super Bowl losers always rebound poorly.

#15 - Atlanta Falcons : Will QB Matt Ryan have a sophmore slump? Does future HoF TE Tony Gonzales have enough left in the tank to get his first playoff victory? The Falcons tough schedule should indicate no!

#16 - Carolina Panthers : RB DeAngelo Williams is solid in the backfield but his running mate Jonathan Stewart has struggled to stay healthy so far this offseason. The team does not want to have to rely on Jake Delhomme to win games as a passer anymore.

#17 - Dallas Cowboys : The Cowboys look like Super Bowl contenders so far, running hard, sharp passing, etc. But they always look thay way to start the season, we'll see how they look when they finish.

#18 - Seattle Seahawks : QB Matt Hasselback is healthy and he, along with T.J. Houshmanzadeh will try to bring the division title back to rainy Seattle.

#19 - Houston Texans : The Texans really need to break their 8-8 streak with a winning season, they may have the pieces to pull it off.

#20 - Washington Redskins : The spent a boatload on Albert Haynesworth whose presence will be felt of the defense, but may have ruined their quarterbacks confidence by chasing every available QB out there.

#21 - New York Jets : Rex Ryan is going to build a championship team, just not this season.

#22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Bucs are super-fast on defense and improving on offense, but will start the season with two defensive starters serving suspension, never a good way to open the season.

#23 - Cincinnati Begals : The Bengals can be very explosinve on offense but haven't been so far. With little depth they are one injury away from another disasterous season.

#24 - San Francisco 49ers : Inconsistent QB-play and an under achieving defense will not get it done in the NFL. Did anyone else see the over-paid Nate Clements get burned by a rookie?

#25 - Jacksonville Jaguars : The Garrard-Williamson connection seems to be clicking, long rookie hold-outs do not help a struggling team.

#26 - Cleveland Browns : A dead heat thus far in a QB competition means you have two mediocre quarterbacks, someone needs to step up their game and carry this team.

#27 - Buffalo Bills : The Bills offensive line is a mess and it won't matter who they have at wide reciever if Trent Edwards is under a pile of defenders.

#28 - St. Louis Rams: Rams look a though they are making the appropriate steps to improve but it won't be a speedy turn-around.

#29 - Kansas City Chiefs : They traded for a one-hit wonder QB and signed him to a big contract this offseason and he may not even be their starter come opening day.

#30 - Denver Broncos : Things are a mess in Denver, lack of trust in the coaching staff, PR department mishaps

#31 - Oakland Raiders : The Raiders want to play smash mouth football, they just have to reming the head coach that its the opponents they want to smash and not defensive assistants.

#32 - Detroit Lions : Teammates fighting during pre-game warm ups are never a sign a team is improving.

Ocho-Kicko?

The Cincinnati Bengals' kicker Shayne Graham may have some competition for his position in Cincy, there is a new kicker in town. Recently in a pre-season game between the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, wide reciever Chad Ochocinco handled the kicking duties for the team while Graham was sidelined with an injury.

Not only booted the opening kickoff of the second half inside the 10-yard line, he also kicked an extra point following the game's only touchdown. Give Ocho credit; he drilled the extra point, almost as if he had been doing it his entire career.

Favre Watch 2009

Favre Watch Day 187

We Thought that we had shut down the "Favre Watch" for the summer after a month of total innactivity, but Favre is creeping back in to the news with this report from Jay Glazer from FoxSports.com.

If I were a betting man, I'd swear Brett Favre would be joining the Vikings in the next few weeks, or at least attempt to join the team in that time frame.
Wait a minute, I am a betting man.

Now, first off, this is not one of those "FOXSports.com has learned ..." news scoops. Instead, it's a picture that has been painted for me and a prediction I'm making after spending my time with Zygi Wilf's squad. My prediction couldn't be more emphatic.

After visiting the Vikings for two days, I am convinced — positively convinced — that Brett Favre will soon have talks with the Vikings to return to the team and could be joining them for this season after all. If my instincts are correct, all those purple Favre jerseys will have a home on Minnesota store shelves.

Granted, my camp stop occurred before Sage Rosenfels lit up the Colts in the preseason opener to the tune of 10-of-13 passing for 91 yards. And if Rosenfels can continue like this, he could squash this prediction as the preseason continues.

But until I see it more consistently, I'm absolutely convinced. Why? For starters, because everyone else on the Vikings seems to be convinced of the same thing. I mean damn near everybody!

During my two days in Mankato, nearly everyone I talked to within the team talked about Favre joining not as an "if" but rather a "when."

Players, coaches, team employees ... you name it, they seem to believe it. The case for a Favre-Vikings marriage seems more likely than not when we look at the overall picture of clues.

Exhibit A) Acceptance within the team that it's pretty much already done.

When I say nearly everyone I talked to on the team is convinced he's coming, that is not an exaggeration. People from all walks of life within the organization talk about it as if it's no secret, almost an afterthought.

"I'm telling you it's already done," said one Viking. "Right after the Indy game (first preseason game). I don't think anyone here doesn't think that."

Another Viking said, "I don't know if it's done, but I think he'll be in by the third preseason game."

If it happens, when is a good question. While the one source says he thinks it will happen this week, I don't. If it happens, getting him in by the third preseason game would have been ideal, but waiting until the season starts to see if the Vikings starting quarterback falters could be another route. That way Favre can come riding in on his white horse.

Our humble host of FOX NFL Sunday, Curt Menefee, also made the trip to camp when I did, and upon our exodus from Mankato, Menefee brought up how matter-of-fact the issue seemed to be around the club. Everyone acted as if they already knew something (even if they didn't) and even Menefee said he was floored by how open it seemed and how accepted it was as more than an opinion.

"It was crazy, it was like it was accepted as fact ... by everybody," said Menefee during a conversation while we were en route to the airport. "It wasn't even like it was a secret. I've never seen anything like it."

Exhibit B) Favre has not closed the door on his decision.

Those close to Favre told FOXSports.com he is still contemplating what he wants to do and is still eliciting advice from people he trusts regarding his decision. Those sources say his decision either way is far from set in stone.

Favre is still working out (at least according to what he's told others) and is still keeping in touch with members of the Vikings via text. If Favre wasn't planning to keep the door open or planning a full-on return, why would he have indicated that he would continue to throw and work out? Was that simply to make sure we all keep wondering and talking about a potential return?

Exhibit C) Best available option.

Neither Sage Rosenfels nor Tarvaris Jackson has done anything to make the Vikings feel either is the answer at quarterback. Jackson had been hurt this summer, but even when healthy he and Rosenfels have actually been outplayed during training camp by third-stringer John David Booty.

To listen to Brad Childress, one would think an open door to Favre would be in order. While I was at camp, Childress was quoted as being unhappy with the passing game. While he wanted more out of that phase of the offense, he was quick to point out that the receivers were doing well. So if the receivers are doing well but the passing game is struggling ... hmmm, who does that leave?

Exhibit D) Favre hates camp.

It's far from a secret that the NFL's version of Lou Gehrig dreads the rigors of living at a college campus, working out in the stifling sun with a bunch of kids who won't be in the league in three weeks. If he could miss camp, he would. In this case if the Vikings would take him back after camp, Favre gets his wish.

I think any NFL jury would award the verdict to a Favre return. However, while I may be completely convinced he will at least attempt to join the team now that camp has broken, the question that now arises: Will owner Zygi Wilf give Favre the go-ahead despite previously being spurned?

Some Vikings people vehemently attempted to convince me that the Vikings' ship has sailed to other waters. Childress has said they are fine with what the Vikings have. But until the final game of this season is played with no sign of No. 4 in sight, I'm not going to buy it.

The Vikings know they would be a better team with Favre at the helm. But some inside the organization believe the Wilfs could have been put off by how Favre Fiasco '09 unfolded. It dragged on past soap opera drama levels and in the end, they were left jilted at a very public altar.

However, I've got to believe that if Rosenfels and Jackson do nothing to conjure images of Fran Tarkenton, having Favre ride his mower up to the Twin Cities will begin to look awfully tempting to the Wilfs.

Again, I'm a betting man and if I had to lay a bet down right now ... I'd be willing to bet my farm.

Favre Watch 2009

Day 140

Favre Watch 2009

Day 134

Pre-Training Camp Power Rankings

1) Pittsburgh Steelers - The reigning champs have a nearly impoosible road ahead to a repeat, but they face a much easier schedule on paper then they faced last season.

2) New England Patriots - The team missed the playoff without Tom Brady, but he is back and appears to be healthy.

3) Baltimore Ravens - With Joe Flacco entering his second season teamed with that smothering defense is very reminiscent of Ben Roethlisberger's second season in Pittsburgh, which by the way ended in a Super Bowl championship.

4) New York Giants - The defense was good in 2008 but should be scary good with off-season additions, hopefully they will be able to find a replacement for Plaxico Buress.

5) San Diego Chargers - With a watered-down AFC West, the Chargers should breeze their way to division title ala 2008 Cardinals.

6) Indianapolis Colts - The loss of Tony Dungy will hurt, but with Peyton Manning and the offensive weapons they are always a contender.

7) Philadelphia Eagles - The team was one win away from the Super Bowl last season and made some nice offseason additions.

8) Tennessee Titans - Replacing the production of Albert Haynesworth is the key to the Titans success, a superior running game will keep the defense rested.

9) Chicago Bears - The addition of Jay Cutler will account for additional wins next season.

10) Carolina Panthers - With that running game they should be higher on this list, but with Jake Delhomme under center and uncertainty with Julius Peppers makes us worried.

11) Arizona Cardinals - Kurt Warner is back, Anquan Boldin is still there and Matt Leinart is maturing and will push Warner for playing time. But will they be able to shake off that devastating Super Bowl loss?

12) Minnesota Vikings - The Williams wall appears to be clear of legal troubles and Adrian Peterson is a beast.

13) Atlanta Falcons - The "Dirty Bird" shocked everyone last season, don't expect Matt Ryan and the Falcons to sneak up on anyone this season.

14) Miami Dolphins - Parcells and Sparano did a marvelous job in their first season with the team and Pat White will make the Wildcat even more dangerous.

15) Dallas Cowboys - I am not ready to by into the no T.O = no Drama non-sense, this team has struggled to win a playoff game long before Owens arrived.

16) New Orleans Saints - We all know how good the offense is and the defense looks better on paper, stop us if you've heard this before.

17) Green Bay Packers - Aaron Rodgers and the offense will be improved but how will the defense adjust to the scheme change?

18) Seattle Seahawks - Matt Hasselback is back and will attempt to steal back the division from the Cardinals.

19) Houston Texans - The Texans really need to break their 8-8 streak with a winning season, they may have the pieces to pull it off.

20) Washington Redskins - The spent a boatload on Albert Haynesworth whose presence will be felt of the defense, but may have ruined their quarterbacks confidence by chasing every available QB out there.

21) New York Jets - Rex Ryan will whip the defense into shape with the pieces he brought with him from Baltimore, let's hope he can help Mark Sanchez channel his inner Flacco or geographically appropriate inner Joe Namath.

22) Cincinnati Bengals - Could be higher on this list by the end of the season, assuming the Palmer/Ochocinco sleepover goes well in July.

23) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - With what is expected to be an explosive offense and a shaky defense the Bucs may have entered "Bizzarro World".

24) Buffalo Bills - Terrell Owens needs to find his groove and a place to live soon or he will be an even bigger distraction in Western New York.

25) San Francisco 49ers - Mike Singletary will make them tougher, but without a QB they are at least another year away.

26) Jacksonville Jaguars - Will Maurice Jones-Drew be able to shoulder the load on offense without Fred Taylor and very inconsistent QB play? No longer the Super Bowl favorites they were just one year ago at this time.

27) Cleveland Browns - Unsettled at quarterback position aside, head coach Eric Mangini is banking on the same first-year success he had in New York. Don't get your hopes up.

28) St. Louis Rams - This team has a several positive pieces to work with but are a few years away from completing the puzzle.

29) Denver Broncos - It may be time for Owner Pat Bowlen to step in and stop the bleeding, Josh McDaniels is tearing this team apart from within.

30) Kansas City Chiefs - A one-hit wonder QB was brought in via trade, and a new regime is changing to a defensive scheme which does not the rosters strength troubles a brewing in Kansas City.

31) Oakland Raiders - Al Davis needs to step back and bring in a personnel evaluator before this team can improve.

32) Detroit Lions - The Lions will remain at the bottom until they register a notch in the win column.

Favre Watch 2009

Day 130

For the 130th day of Favre watch I found this article by Bruce Ciskie @ NFL.Fanhouse.com

The Minnesota Vikings are still awaiting a final determination of Brett Favre's playing status for 2009. All indications are that they want him, and he wants them.

However, the potential of signing Favre this late in the offseason doesn't sit well with all the players, nor do stories of Favre's relationship with his teammates. Defensive end Ray Edwards has been the most outspoken on the matter, and he was at it again this week during a stop at ESPN headquarters.

While there, Edwards made it clear that Favre's presence would be a good thing, but then he was pressed to clarify, and he did.Q. I'm curious to whether you're being politically correct right here because there are a number of stories on the Internet that have you saying that most of the guys on the team do not want him as the team's QB.

A. "I never said we didn't want him. We just don't want him to bring his prima
donna attitude to our team. Because I feel that will break a team apart."

Q. What do you mean by prima donna attitude?

A. "Wanting your own locker room and not signing autographs for your teammates and things like that. That's kind of prima donna-ish to me."

Q. So if he does come in with not signing autographs and needs his own locker room how does that play out with you guys?

A. "I don't think it will divide the team but it will divide us from him. Having his back and things like that. Like I said, you've got to trust each other in this game we call football because it's not an individual sport. So him not having our trust [means] it will definitely be hard for us to trust him."

Give Edwards credit for honesty. Stories of Favre dressing separate from his teammates are out there, and virtually everyone is aware of this by now. While you wouldn't fashion it a big deal, Edwards obviously has a different opinion.

While Brad Childress might not have won Viking fans over with his coaching acumen, there is at least one important thing that he has undeniably done well in Minnesota.

He's brought the locker room together. This is a close-knit group of players. They believe in each other, and they do indeed have each other's backs. While it's hard to imagine Favre being a disastrous presence on this team, as long as they're winning, stuff like this is going to matter if the team isn't successful.