Rankings of Powerfulness

[KempBolt 498]

Before training camps start in earnest, and little rumblings and nuggets from practice begin coloring our opinions, let's lay out the league as we see it on paper.

 

I'm sure that some people are going to get mad at me anyways, but please note the tiers. I don't see a ton of separation between any of the teams in any particular tier, so if you feel like your team should be over another within that same group... just pretend.

 

Tier One: The Elites

 

These are teams that I absolutely believe will make the playoffs and I would be surprised if they didn't win at least one postseason game. My Super Bowl favorites are also housed in this group.

 

1. Seattle Seahawks

 

I've been seeing some chatter here and there about a Super Bowl hangover for the reigning champs. And while I realize there are examples of teams coming off a SB win slumping the next season, the effect has a much stronger correlation to SB losers. See the 2007 Colts, 2011 Saints, and 2012 Packers for examples of SB winners coming back even stronger (for the regular season). This doesn't mean that I think SEA will repeat, as that's a daunting task regardless of talent level. But I do think they still boast the league's best roster, and I only see Russell Wilson getting better.

 

2. New Orleans Saints

 

The Saints shocked the league in 2013 by fielding a stronger scoring defense (4th) than scoring offense (10th). It's hard for me to come up with a reason why the defense would take a step backwards, especially with the addition of Byrd. And with the offense reloading (Cooks/Stills... <3 <3), I wouldn't be surprised to see them nudge upwards towards their normal levels in the top 5. That sort of combination of defense and scoring is hard to find anywhere in the league, and I genuinely think it could end up carrying the Saints to a league best record.

 

3. San Francisco 49ers

 

For all intents and purposes, the NFCCG was the Super Bowl last year. It isn't difficult at all to envision the Niners bulldozing the Broncos in much the same way that Seattle did. Well SF has reloaded on offense in order to give Kaep his best possible chance to take a step forward. Stevie Johnson, the returning Michael Crabtree, and newly drafted Carlos Hyde could all be big additions. And while last year's 3rd ranked scoring defense might take a small step backwards, I don't see it being very significant.

 

4. Denver Broncos

 

The first AFC team on my list, the Broncos would normally be the team that I'd put under the "SB Hangover" scrutiny if it wasn't for Peyton Manning. I have no doubt that he will light a fire under anyone that isn't putting out, and they will cruise through the regular season once again. Whether or not they've done enough to produce a different outcome once they get there remains to be seen. Much will depend on how the returning Von Miller and new defensive additions perform. If Ware has a healthy season and Miller is his same old self, that could be enough.

 

5. Green Bay Packers

 

We all know that GB was a much better team than the 8-7-1 record they put on paper last year. Rodgers' injury limited their regular season success, but may end up helping them in the long run. His absence forced the Packers to discover a really effective ground game, the likes of which hasn't been seen there in years. With Lacey toting the rock, and Rodgers helped by a full compliment of weapons, there shouldn't be any concern over their ability to score. And I think their defense will get a bump from the young talent that's been developing on the roster (esp. Hayward, Daniels, Jones).

 

6. New England Patriots :Patriots:

 

Tom Brady hovers around 60% completion, the running game is top ten, and the defense may be on the rise? This team is taking me back to 2002. And much like that team, I can envision this one pushing for a SB berth if things break right. First, they'll need their defense to improve in reality as much as it has on paper. Getting Mayo back, the development of Jamie Collins, and the addition of Darrelle Revis are the main factors that will make or break that unit. On offense, much and more hinges on Gronkowski's health. He may carry the single biggest impact of any offensive player in the league, excluding QB's.

 

 

Tier Two: Playoffs Plus...?

 

These are teams that I favor to make it into the playoffs. Once there I wouldn't be shocked to see any of them get hot and go on a run towards the big game.

 

7. Indianapolis Colts

 

The Colts are a strange team for me to gauge, because they feel like they're trending downwards for some reason (Richardson? Their draft? Mathis' suspension?), but they did a lot of really impressive things last year (e.g. beating the 49ers, the Seahawks, and the Broncos). I like the addition of Nicks, and love what they're getting back from injury (Allen, Thomas, Ballard, and Wayne). I think Luck will be in a position to take the next step in his development. It's hard to say whether the defense will improve or decline. Adding Arthur Jones is big, but missing Mathis for 4 games will hurt. Maintaining status quo as a top 10 scoring D wouldn't surprise me.

 

8. Carolina Panthers

 

Pundits and media types have been quick to bury the Panthers this offseason after cap troubles and retirements dictated that they lose some marquee players. And while I think Gross' retirement will sting some, I really think the "losses" on the whole are overblown. The defense (pending Hardy's legal troubles) should be just as good, if not better due to the development of young players (especially the DT's). Too much was made of Munnerlyn and Mitchell leaving-- this stop unit is about the front 7. And on offense, Cam Newton gives the Panthers the perfect player to win close games. He can use his legs to keep crunch time drives alive. And while I don't think this passing game will be pretty, what exactly did he lose that was so important? 35 year old Steve Smith with his 745 yards? Please...

 

9. San Diego Chargers

 

The Chargers experienced some growing pains under a new staff during last year's regular season and gave up some winnable games. But they got it going down the stretch and ended up notching 6 victories against PO teams. This offseason, they didn't sustain any important losses and made helpful additions in the form of Brandon Flowers and Donald Brown. The offense should keep on rolling as it did during the 2nd half of 2013; the defense is what will need improvement (though not as much as you'd think; 11th in scoring D last year). That will depend on the talent returning from injury (Ingram), the development of young players (Reyes, Te'o, Wright), and whether or not the 2014 draft class can contribute as much as the previous year's did. Given the schedule, a 10 win season would be an impressive feat but it's doable.

 

10. Philadelphia Eagles

 

Much like last year, the Eagles rate as one of the more intriguing teams of 2014. There is still a fair bit of mystery surrounding Nick Foles. Regardless of whether or not he's as good as he looked last year, it's fairly certain that this team is going to put up yards and points. The stop unit is what will need to take a step forward if this team is going to continue its improvement under Chip Kelly. Unfortunately, the secondary still looks like a mess. So any improvement is going to have to come up front and trickle back. I expect a lot of production out of a young and talented DL group (Cox, Logan, Curry, Thornton, etc.). If we expect a normal regression from that ridiculous INT rate for Foles, the defense will need to be better than 26th in takeaways to balance it out. The Eagles really overachieved for a team that was -10 in turnover differential last year. They can't count on that again.

 

11. Chicago Bears

 

The Bears strike me as a team very similar to the Eagles in that the offense looks poised for several big games, and the concerns hover around the defensive side of the ball. The offensive line is solidified, and by season's end Chicago could prove to have the top unit of pass catchers in the league. I really like what they've done on defense to shore up the line (esp. Houston). If you're going to pour the majority of your resources into one level of the defense, that's the right choice. We will see if those improvements translate into better production on the 2nd and 3rd levels. Adding Kyle Fuller was a great move and the Bears can hope for one more good campaign from Briggs. It will be interesting to see how a healthy Jay Cutler looks in his second season with Trestman.

 

12. Cincinnati Bengals

 

A team that boasted top 10 marks in both scoring offense and defense, the Bengals underwent a fair bit of change in the offseason, especially in terms of coaching. There's been a lot of optimism around Hue Jackson, but I'm not certain that enough has been said about the losses of Zimmer and Gruden. In any case, the team is going to try and run the football more, and I can see how that would work out well. The biggest concerns are Any Dalton's persistent mediocrity and the question marks on defense. Atkins and Hall are top players at their positions, but both are coming off injury. And Michael Johnson's replacement is still something of a mystery. Ultimately, the talent level on this team will keep them in contention for a PO spot but I don't think much will improve while Andy is still at the helm.

 

 

Tier Three: Great Parts, but what about the Whole?

 

This tier is full of teams with lots of high end talent which, when put together correctly, should translate to postseason play. But for whatever reason (coaching, fatal flaw, etc.) it hasn't worked out yet (or lately). That doesn't mean that it can't this year.

 

13. Pittsburgh Steelers

 

It's becoming an offseason tradition for the Steelers to make a statement to the press about how "it's time to get back to Pittsburgh Steeler football." By which they mean that they want to suck less at running the ball and defense. But now, with a real talent at RB and some youth on D, could this be the year that they actually do it? One thing's for certain, if the offense picks up where it left off they will be a tough out for anyone (29 pts/game weeks 11-17 in 2013). On defense, they need to get some help from their young players-- especially Heyward, Shazier, and Jones. If that happens, and the additions pan out (e.g. Mike Mitchell), I think this team challenges for the division.

 

14. Detroit Lions

 

There simply is no excuse for the Lions. They have pro-bowl caliber talent all over the place, and have not been able to put it together as of yet. I like Caldwell to assemble an offensive approach that will be a lot more efficient than what's been going on there lately. But the bigger improvement could be on defense, where Teryl Austin's defense should be a lot less predictable than the vanilla 4-3 that Jim Schwartz employs. The Lions might actually blitz every now and then, and I think they have the personnel to do so effectively. Is this the year? It's going to be tough in the NFC North, but we'll see.

 

15. Atlanta Falcons

 

I hate to be "this guy," but I saw 2013's implosion coming before the season and took a lot of heat from some angry Falcons fans for saying so. To their credit, they've fixed a few of the problems-- the offensive line looks much better, the receivers should be healthier, and the run defense ought to be a lot stouter. But one of their fatal issues from 2013 persists: pass rush. And as far as problems for a team to have, that's a big one. Where is it supposed to come from? I think ATL fans have to hope for a really effective offense, and a manufactured pass rush by committee that gives them enough to get by. That, or a trade for a real talent who can get after the QB are the only ways I see this team challenging for a spot at the table come January.

 

16. New York Giants

 

I think a lot of people could be sleeping on the Giants this season. Let's examine the evidence: 1) While it's possible that Eli has regressed, it would make a lot more sense to me that the real issue was an antiquated Gilbride offense mixed with general offensive underperformance (including Eli). But they've switched over to the promising Ben McAdoo, and made some nice additions (OBJ, Schwartz, and Jennings). Not hard for me to see this unit getting back to respectability. And I'm yet more optimistic on defense, where JPP should be healthy and joined by emerging talent like Hankins, Amukamara, and Moore. The X Factor is DRC. If he plays like he did for the Broncos last year, that's a huge boost. Things are going to need to break right, but the Giants might surprise a lot of people this season.

 

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

I really love almost everything that TB did this offseason. They canned Shitano, shed underperformers on the offensive line, added some quality weapons on offense, and made a HC hire that absolutely fits what they have on D, especially after swapping Verner for Revis. But they also signed Josh McCown and it looks like he's going to start over the promising Mike Glennon. I really don't buy McCown at all... he's sucked for 8 years and suddenly at 34 the light comes on? Lolno. He was in a perfect situation with a coach that made it easy on him and receivers who have enormous catch radii. If Tampa Bay expects more of the same this season, I'm telling you right now they will be disappointed. Bucs fans need to hope Glennon wins the job back in camp. If he does, I think the defense makes a big step forward under Lovie and this team makes some noise (though PO's more likely in 2015, IMO).

 

18. Baltimore Ravens

 

The Ravens really underwhelmed in 2013, due in large part to the inexplicably horrible performance of their offensive line. The running game disappeared, and the offense was too much for Flacco to handle on his own. While I tend to despise Kubiak's system, I do think it could be a quick fix improvement for this offense. The talent they have along the line and in Bernard Pierce seems to fit his approach and could revitalize the running game. Emerging stud Torrey Smith is the perfect player to hurt defenses off PA bootlegs. I also think their defense will improve markedly this year. The real question is whether or not Flacco can be the glue that holds the whole thing together and leads the team back to the postseason.

 

19. Arizona Cardinals

 

I was down on the Cards in 2013, and Arians proved me wrong. So why are they #19? A couple reasons. 1) I think the offensive side of the roster is improving just as Carson Palmer is really declining. The yardage and TD totals were great last year, but 22 picks? Turning 35 this year, it's really hard for me to believe that he's going to clean that up. Especially in Bruce's offense. And 2) while the defense was awesome last year, it looks like they've taken a step back. The heart of the unit (ILB's Washington and Dansby) is gone. Meanwhile, the edge rusher situation looks shaky at best and they're going to start the season with a still recovering Tyrann Mathieu. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see them fall off on both sides of the ball from their 2013 totals.

 

20. Washington Redskins

 

Bob Griffin's return is going to be one of the major story lines of the 2014 season. He should be healthy, he has a good offensive mind at HC, and his pass catchers are a great looking group. However, the offensive line could still have some major issues. On defense it's all going to come down to Orakpo and Kerrigan getting a consistent rush going. Because the back end of the defense still looks suspect and could get lit up if opposing QB's aren't getting banged around. So if Griffin and the pass rushers shine, this team is right back in the PO conversation. But it's easy to envision that not being the case, which would mean this team is a mess once more.

 

 

Tier Four: Mediocrity is Where you Live

 

These are teams that belong right around the 8-8 mark. A confluence of amazing circumstances might lead to them exceeding that mark, but it remains unlikely.

 

21. St. Louis Rams

 

The Rams look ideally built to achieve the kind of grinding 8-8 season that Jeff Fisher stakes his sterling reputation upon. The offensive line should be pretty strong, allowing Stacy and Mason to put up good numbers. And there is a big enough smattering of OK pass catching talent that the totals should be at least average there too. The defense is dangerous and will keep them in most every game. But ultimately I have a hard time envisioning Bradford staying healthy or Brian Schottenheimer being creative enough with the in-house talent to make any real noise. That said, if they prove me wrong the defense is good enough that they might flirt with a WC spot.

 

22. Tennessee Titans

 

The Titans seem to be the most forgettable team in the league for whatever reason, but I really like what they did with their coaching staff this year. Ken Whisenhunt is a stud HC, and Ray Horton is a top 5 defensive coordinator. I don't really know what to expect from Jake Locker, but the supporting cast is full of quality players, so if things break right they might be pretty formidable. The defensive transition to a 3-4 can be rocky at times, but Horton's brand of defense uses a lot of 4-3 concepts so I think it will be smoother than expected. If I'm picking a team to pull a 2013 Chiefs and shock the league, it's this team (esp. because they play in the AFC South). I just can't rank them much higher because Locker is such a fragile unknown.

 

23. Miami Dolphins

 

I really don't like Joe Philbin, but I am a fan of Tannehill and think he has a chance to succeed in this league. The offensive line will be better, so they should be able to move the football. It will be critical for Philbin and his staff to improve their situational awareness and decision making. The defense is a Jekyll and Hyde situation. There's some real talent (Grimes, Jones, Wake, Starks), but it could have been so much better. The FO has made some really stupid moves adding Jordan, Wheeler, Ellerbe, and Finnegan. I am guessing that, as a unit, they will have some really dominant outings and some really bad ones throughout the season. Consistency could be hard to achieve.

 

24. Kansas City Chiefs

 

Kansas City proved a lot of pundits right and took a huge step forward in 2013 from their 2-14 performance of the year before. A lot of factors fed into that, one being schedule. And not just a weak schedule, but one that included 5 backup quarterbacks. Their overall record belied a 1-6 mark against teams heading to the postseason. But despite all that, I still think the Chiefs were a very respectable club in 2013, deserving of top 16 ranking had nothing changed. But much has, and not for the better. KC has lost over 2000 quality snaps on the offensive line between Albert, Schwartz, and Asamoah. Their lone offensive addition of note is career whipping boy Jeff Linkenbach. Jamaal Charles is still there, but then so is Alex Smith. The front seven on defense should be just as good, now with Hali/Houston injury insurance in the form of Dee Ford. But the secondary looks like a big liability. Sean Smith was ok last year, but the rest of the corners are all unknowns. And Eric Berry's counterpart will be Husain Abdullah. I think this team surprises people again in 2014, but for the wrong reasons.

 

25. Dallas Cowboys

 

There's a lot of glitz on that Dallas offense. Romo, if healthy, should still be Romo. The pass catchers look fantastic, and the offensive line should be great too. But peel back the surface just a bit and you'll find just about nothing for depth, especially at WR and OL. On the other side of the ball, they don't have a depth problem as much as they have surface problems. Every level looks highly suspect. Dallas might win some shootouts in 2014, but not enough to be a contender. And if just the normal amount of injuries hit their roster, things could get ugly in a hurry. Brandon Weeden ugly.

 

26. New York Jets

 

Rex Ryan is full of hot air, but he can coach football. He may end up getting fired, but I don't think he deserves to be let go. Much hangs on how Geno Smith looks this coming year. I understand that he was a hot mess at times in 2013, but I still think there could be something there. His supporting cast is by no means full of world beaters, but it will be better than it was. And I think the defense will play well enough to keep them in most contests. Playoffs aren't in the cards for this team, but respectability and a brighter future well may be.

 

27. Minnesota Vikings

 

You guys have no idea how badly I want Teddy to play and prove everyone wrong. And I can honestly envision that happening, given the supporting cast he has to play with. But the Matt Cassel factor still looms, and could really sink my hopes. So until I know Teddy won the job, and see him play well, I think this is right about where Minny belongs. That said, the roster is stocked with young talent, the coaching staff projects to be strong, and the arrow is pointing up for the future.

 

28. Houston Texans

 

Houston's depth chart looks tailor-made for a 7-9 season. The defense abounds with high level talent (if it can stay healthy) that will help them win a few ugly ones. The offensive line should keep a viable ground game going, and when the games are close they can just let Fitzpatrick take high % shots so he doesn't turn the ball over. That's a great formula for beating bad teams, but it probably won't work when they play quality. This team isn't far off once they land a QB, but until that happens I don't see them surpassing the middle of the pack.

 

 

Tier Five: There's always 2015

 

29. Cleveland Browns

 

Hoyer or Manziel? Who cares... who are they going to throw to? Teams can basically quadruple cover Cameron and dare whoever is at QB to find someone else. Johnny might be the better fit in that situation because of his mobility, but not to the point that the offense becomes anything more than below average. I see the defense putting out quality play, but not to the point that they win games all on their own. The Browns will be punting quite a bit, and eventually the stop unit will crack.

 

30. Buffalo Bills

 

Poor E.J. Manuel, getting outperformed by Thad Lewis. Now the coaching staff is in a bind. The player they should start isn't their first round pick, so they're going to have to trot E.J. out there and let him suck bad enough to be pulled before they're allowed to make the right move. Minus Pettine, Alonso, and (possibly) Dareus, I don't think the defense is going to be able to make up for much of the offense's issues. I won't be terribly surprised if the Browns are picking #1 overall in 2015 with Buffalo's pick.

 

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

 

The Jags seemed to end 2013 on an optimistic note, with players buying in to Bradley and notching 4 wins in the second half (HOU twice, CLEV, and TEN). And they've made some respectable additions this offseason. I don't deny any of that, but this is still a Chad Henne led team that was 28th in scoring D and 32nd in scoring O last year. You're still talking about a bad QB behind a bad OL throwing to inexperienced receivers. The defense will be better, but better in this case could still mean somewhere in the 16th-20th range. That won't be nearly enough to make up for the offense. Best case scenario, the Jags discover a good ground game with Gerhart and that, combined with the defense, pushes them towards the 7-8 win mark.

 

32. Oakland Raiders

 

The Raiders are getting better. I mean it. McKenzie is a smart GM, and I hope they fire him before he has a chance to really make a difference in Oakland. But much like with Jacksonville, any improvements need to be kept in perspective with just how terrible the baseline was here. And before any of those additions were made, Oakland lost their two best players. So now they're relying on a boatload of over-the-hill veterans who have never played together. Undoubtedly a couple of them will play well, but not nearly enough of them. Counting on this many players whose best football is behind them is really dangerous (Schaub, Penn, Boothe, Jones, Woodley, Tuck, Smith, Roach, Rogers, and Woodson).

Edited July 23, 2014 by KempBolt

[SteVo+ 3,702]

Quality write-ups, man. I agree with your Eagles assessment. Nicely done.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

You do a great job as always. But I just find it hard to agree with anyone that believes the Seahawks will be in the top 2 or 3 this coming season. Great team, no doubt. But you've got to be worried not about a "Super Bowl Hangover", rather the fact that you've got a whole group of young guys with new big money deals. Young guys, with money. They're all fantastic players, but I think the rate at which younger guys who get paid have been busting out after getting that contract is enough to scare me away.

 

I think that the Seahawks could be in a dangerous situation. Much more so with the fact that they feel it's necessary to start limiting Lynch more and more. Not liking the situation right now.

 

I actually agree with the Falcons assessment. It's pretty worrisome that our roster looks to have zero to little pass rush on it. Umenyoira isn't an answer, he's old and lacks that burst. I think right now that Mike Nolan is leaning on the fact that our tweeners that have been in the wrong system (4-3) for years have the ability to step up as 3-4 OLB and create some presence in the QBs throwing lanes. That's all we've got for hope.

 

If our offense doesn't stay healthy, we're done.

Edited July 21, 2014 by Rain Man

[Thanatos 2,847]

Finally someone else points out that the Panthers WR corps didn't really lose much of anything. Everyone has been harping nonstop on the WRs being so much worse than last year and its like, did you watch the Panthers at all last year?

 

And then you nailed it again by pointing out the defense lives on the front seven and we can plug and play guys in the back 4 because of the pressure those front guys get on the QB.

 

Well-written, sir.

[KempBolt 498]

I can't really see Earl Thomas or Richard Sherman slacking because they got paid. Doesn't seem like their M.O.. And I'm also not too worried about them backing off Lynch, because I think Michael is a stud. He was one of the most talented backs I'd watched in years coming out of TAMU. Just needs to keep his head on straight.

[oochymp 2,393]

first one of these I've seen with a reasonable assessment of the Titans

[CampinWithaMissingPerson 2,025]

I can't really see Earl Thomas or Richard Sherman slacking because they got paid. Doesn't seem like their M.O.. And I'm also not too worried about them backing off Lynch, because I think Michael is a stud. He was one of the most talented backs I'd watched in years coming out of TAMU. Just needs to keep his head on straight.

 

This, this, this.

 

Michael gonna be a beast Plus the Seattle WRs will be BETTER this year. Add that on to how their OL was injured all last year, and another year of experience for Wilson I expect their offense to be a lot better.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

I can't really see Earl Thomas or Richard Sherman slacking because they got paid. Doesn't seem like their M.O.. And I'm also not too worried about them backing off Lynch, because I think Michael is a stud. He was one of the most talented backs I'd watched in years coming out of TAMU. Just needs to keep his head on straight.

I agree with the Christine Michael assessment bud, I've been living to see him take the field since his stubborn college coaches benched him for lesser talent. But, in not saying it's their MO, just that history doesn't support them having heard like last year again after getting paid

[Phins4life 271]

Because I haven't really done much research this year, I pretty much have to bow to the wisdom of those who have, but Miami sitting below 3 teams in a row that didn't even hit .500? Come on, now. For the second season in a row, the Dolphins were separated from the playoffs by, quite literally, a handful of missed FG's and ill-timed decisions. I'm keenly aware that this is a key factor in sorting out winners from losers, but anyone who knows me also knows I will call Miami out on their shitty play when they deserve it, which is often. Thing is, if Tannehill gets even an average level of pass pro and Lamar Miller returns to the form he showed with his limited rookie carries, I believe it's a completely different offense. Considering how weak our pass rush was, the defense actually kept us in games more often than the O did. And whether you hate him or like him, adding Finnegan to the other side of Grimes adds more grit and it's an improvement over any CB1/CB2 combination we had last year.

 

I know I'm splitting hairs over only a few slots, but it irks me to see a team that has been THAT close in back to back seasons relegated to the idea that they might as well play for picks. They have a lot of improving to do, but they are better than that. That's my rant for the day. That aside, I do like these rankings. Good work.

[Cherry 1,302]

Because I haven't really done much research this year, I pretty much have to bow to the wisdom of those who have, but Miami sitting below 3 teams in a row that didn't even hit .500? Come on, now. For the second season in a row, the Dolphins were separated from the playoffs by, quite literally, a handful of missed FG's and ill-timed decisions. I'm keenly aware that this is a key factor in sorting out winners from losers, but anyone who knows me also knows I will call Miami out on their shitty play when they deserve it, which is often. Thing is, if Tannehill gets even an average level of pass pro and Lamar Miller returns to the form he showed with his limited rookie carries, I believe it's a completely different offense. Considering how weak our pass rush was, the defense actually kept us in games more often than the O did. And whether you hate him or like him, adding Finnegan to the other side of Grimes adds more grit and it's an improvement over any CB1/CB2 combination we had last year.

 

I know I'm splitting hairs over only a few slots, but it irks me to see a team that has been THAT close in back to back seasons relegated to the idea that they might as well play for picks. They have a lot of improving to do, but they are better than that. That's my rant for the day. That aside, I do like these rankings. Good work.

Their O-line is shit. They lack serious offensive firepower. Grimes is elite and I like the Jones-Delmas tandem at safety, but Finnegan won't help at all. Finnegan is a bum at this point. The linebackers are severely overrated. D-line is about the only potential top 10 part of this team. Throw on a mediocre special teams and coaching staff; along with what could be considered the worst draft of any team, and the Dolphins aren't looking pretty this year. If everything goes the right way, they could be 8-8 or 9-7 with a wild card. If it goes the wrong way they could be a 1 or 2 win team. I personally would bet 3-5 wins.

[KempBolt 498]

Because I haven't really done much research this year, I pretty much have to bow to the wisdom of those who have, but Miami sitting below 3 teams in a row that didn't even hit .500? Come on, now. For the second season in a row, the Dolphins were separated from the playoffs by, quite literally, a handful of missed FG's and ill-timed decisions. I'm keenly aware that this is a key factor in sorting out winners from losers, but anyone who knows me also knows I will call Miami out on their shitty play when they deserve it, which is often. Thing is, if Tannehill gets even an average level of pass pro and Lamar Miller returns to the form he showed with his limited rookie carries, I believe it's a completely different offense. Considering how weak our pass rush was, the defense actually kept us in games more often than the O did. And whether you hate him or like him, adding Finnegan to the other side of Grimes adds more grit and it's an improvement over any CB1/CB2 combination we had last year.

 

I know I'm splitting hairs over only a few slots, but it irks me to see a team that has been THAT close in back to back seasons relegated to the idea that they might as well play for picks. They have a lot of improving to do, but they are better than that. That's my rant for the day. That aside, I do like these rankings. Good work.

Yeah I was probably a little too harsh on em. I just really, really don't like Joe Philbin. A fairer spot would be in the next tier up, ahead of teams like Houston.

[Phins4life 271]

Grimes is elite and I like the Jones-Delmas tandem at safety, but Finnegan won't help at all. Finnegan is a bum at this point.

 

I beg to differ. A look at his healthy 2012 season (3 INT/9 PD/101 total tackles) tells me he could bring something to the table. Besides, Miami doesn't need his ball skills on the right side nearly as much as they need those kinds of tackle numbers on the perimeter. A quick glance at the New Orleans game enforces that idea more than enough (screen to Sproles, anyone?). The health part is the big "if" here, but at this point everyone can usually agree that there are no certainties for anyone when it comes to health. These kinds of pre-season rankings are usually, if not always, developed in an injury-free vacuum.

[Phins4life 271]

Yeah I was probably a little too harsh on em. I just really, really don't like Joe Philbin. A fairer spot would be in the next tier up, ahead of teams like Houston.

 

The jury on Philbin is still out for me, but I am beginning to feel that itch telling me he isn't going to take risks. The Carolina game stands out as just one example, where I can't help but feel like excruciatingly conservative play ultimately lost them the game. It's like Tommy Bowden's Tigers all over again for me lol.

[.AirMcNair. 1,232]

I would actually be relatively high on the Titans(well, for the Titans, as in like 10-6), but Jake Locker staying healthy is something I'd never bet on. Ryan Fitzpatrick made some games respectable last year but his gun slinger mentality and lack of clutch ability did us in. Now we're replacing him with Charlie Whitehurst(I like Ken, but god damn if I understand that decision, unless he wants to tank if Locker goes down)?

 

Whitehurst is pretty much a lock to play 10 or so games next year, and I wouldn't be shocked if we went winless with him at QB, which is why I'm in the anywhere from 3-13 to 6-10 range for the Titans this year.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

Zach Mettenberger. That is all

[CampinWithaMissingPerson 2,025]

Zach Mettenberger. That is all

 

Roll Tide?

[KempBolt 498]

I think that the Seahawks could be in a dangerous situation. Much more so with the fact that they feel it's necessary to start limiting Lynch more and more. Not liking the situation right now.

 

 

I agree with the Christine Michael assessment bud, I've been living to see him take the field since his stubborn college coaches benched him for lesser talent.

 

Ok, so I'm confused. Because I thought you were saying that part of the reason you're down on Seattle is that they're potentially going to be backing off Lynch's usage. But that would mean turning more to Michael, who you're high on correct? So why does the potential timeshare concern you?

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

I like his potential, but he's not even close to Lynch. They won a huge amount of games on Lynch's back.

[seanbrock 1,684]

I like his potential, but he's not even close to Lynch. They won a huge amount of games on Lynch's back.

I would agree with you on that, but Michael has a much higher ceiling than Lynch. Guy is way more explosive an athlete than Lynch ever was. Seattle has done a good job at getting the most out of their players.

[DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F 2,241]

The Jets are a top 15 team imo. I'd put them in the top half of the league with a chance to get into the playoffs.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

I would agree with you on that, but Michael has a much higher ceiling than Lynch. Guy is way more explosive an athlete than Lynch ever was. Seattle has done a good job at getting the most out of their players.

 

I just don't think you go away from a guy who just carried you all season long and scored double digit touchdowns. It's bad karma.

 

I'll call it right now, as much as I actually enjoy (even though I hate them) watching Seattle because of the way Pete Carroll has his guys play the game, I don't think their going to finish the season on top. Make it to the playoffs? Probably more likely than not, to the SB? No.

 

There are quite a few teams I'm down on heading into the season this year, not just Seattle, but the 49ers and the Eagles head my list of doubts too.

 

The 49ers, I believe, are in a worse position than the Seahawks. I've already explained my feelings for Kaepernick heading into the season. They look to be set up great with all the additions they've made, but man you've got to be worried about the ground game soon. Frank Gore looked solid on paper last year, but he's got to put the brakes on soon. Aldon Smith is going to be suspended, but for how long? How soon until he screws up again? Bowman? I haven't been impressed with the secondary either. To go with all their big additions and great looks, they've got question marks like every other team in the NFL.

 

The Eagles are interesting. I love Chip Kellys offense, it's fun as hell to watch. It's not the hurry up that kills the opposing team though, it's more so the scheme IMO. He's got guys going every which way that people aren't used to. Eventually, defensive coordinators will figure it out and level the playing field a little bit.

[Cherry 1,302]

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[KempBolt 498]

I doubt the Seahawks repeat because doing so is so rare, but I find no compelling reason not to think that they're the best team in football. They come out of the toughest division in football, which resides in the tougher of the two conferences. They went 13-3 and won that division. Then they beat the other two teams that I believe to be top 3 in the NFL, and then they absolutely destroyed the vaunted Broncos.

 

Since then, they haven't really lost anyone of great importance. Essentially nothing is changed. All of the arguments against them seen really tenuous and ethereal. Things like the the SB hangover or that some of them have gotten paid since the season ended. That's not nearly enough to make me overlook how strong their roster is.

 

It's easier to see the 49ers taking a small step back because of defensive issues. A Smith suspension and the Bowman injury could cause some problems. But the roster is still incredibly deep. And even if Kaepernick doesn't actually improve, they still went 12-4 in the NFCW with him playing the way he did.

Re: Chernobyl's Rankings: Panthers to 23?! That seems to exceed even the most pessimistic views of their offseason.

Edited July 22, 2014 by KempBolt

[BradyFan81 404]

I don't really buy the Saints at #2. Adding Byrd could be big but is the defense really that much better? If they matched up with SF in the playoffs, I'd take SF pretty easily. GB and Carolina would be coin flips depending on if it's a home or away game.

 

Also, I kind of think the Cowboys will suck next year. Their defense is an absolute joke and I despise that they're on national TV so much and am forced to watch that garbage. That unit is going to suck, and with Romo coming off the back issues, could be a rough year.

[BC 331]

People need to stop freaking out about Lynch. He is going to get a lot of carries this year. Will it be closer to 280 than 320? Possibly. But there's no way we play in the bruiser grind it out games in our division without using Lynch a lot. He's one of the few guys in the league who can drag multiple unblocked defenders 5 yards and rarely ever cough up the football. The concept of wearing down a defense physically entails throwing a player like Lynch at them. Christine Michael is a very shifty runner indeed but would never be able to drop 100 on the Rams or 49ers. The organization made and then retracted a statement that it would be a committee. They won't change what just won a championship.

 

Football fans be like... Christine Michael is talented. Marshawn Lynch is screwed

 

To the original post, I love the assessments of each team and feel like those are all very accurate. The rankings of the top tier is very well done. I have some issues with the rankings of many of the in-between teams, mainly with the Rams being so low but overall solid rankings.