YoHo's Power Rankings: Week 3

[YoHoChecko]

My power rankings last week, praised and lauded by most of you, were awful. How did the readers let me get away with this? In 14 games last weekend, the higher-ranked team beat the lower-ranked team only 8 times. My number one team got drubbed by the number 14. What's worse, is that I felt better about last week's rankings than I do about this week's.

[Azazel]

Do not let Roethlisberger play again until he can trhow. He is making an average team bad.

do not let yoho do power rankings until he learns how to spell.

lol

like I have room to talk.

good work as always man, and I think they are beginning to take shape more and more, these rankings are considerably more agreeable than last weeks. I disagree with you on the saints, they should be higher, this is a new year and they are showing me a lot.

[YoHoChecko]

do not let yoho do power rankings until he learns how to spell.

lol

like I have room to talk.

good work as always man, and I think they are beginning to take shape more and more, these rankings are considerably more agreeable than last weeks. I disagree with you on the saints, they should be higher, this is a new year and they are showing me a lot.
But they have so many bad players. They have a flimsy secondary and what should be a crap offensive line. Their WRs are borderline, though that Colston is really coming on, huh? Their FBs all got injured. Their LBs aren't nearly as talented as they're playing... A team with that make-up cannot be good. I mean, it's the same as the Packers (plus Reggie Bush), who they barely defeated thanks to a late-game Ahman Green fumble. I can't beleive it. Not yet. After they lose to Carolina, can we stop talking about them? (I say this knowing darn well they have a good shot against Carolina... oy)

[Blackmallard]

I had some criticism last week, but heck it was week two.

I don't understand why you are so suprised that Jacksonville lost to the Colts. I had a lengthy argument with you last year trying to convince you that the Jags would even be able to get within ten of the Colts.

Get ready to move the Colts on up as San Diego faces its first team all year that is not terrible and the Colts travel back to NY to face the Jets. I predict that the Colts run defense looks a lot better in week four against the ferocious foursome in the Jet's backfield.

The Eagles will continue to look good as long as they play the worst teams in the league. I can't believe you dropped Jacksonville all the way below them already. This is why the Jags feel disrespected all the time, they get a week and a half of being contenders, but its all yanked away once they lose on the road to the Colts.

I would have gone ahead and put the Cardinals behind the Steelers. Both teams are out of synch on offense right now, but at least the Steelers don't need an offense to compete. You'll just wind up having to do it later anyway.

[Azazel]

But they have so many bad players. They have a flimsy secondary and what should be a crap offensive line. Their WRs are borderline, though that Colston is really coming on, huh? Their FBs all got injured. Their LBs aren't nearly as talented as they're playing... A team with that make-up cannot be good. I mean, it's the same as the Packers (plus Reggie Bush), who they barely defeated thanks to a late-game Ahman Green fumble. I can't beleive it. Not yet. After they lose to Carolina, can we stop talking about them? (I say this knowing darn well they have a good shot against Carolina... oy)


but how do we know they are bad? or even average, maybe up until now they havent been in the right situation. the pats....nobody knew who any of those jabronies were until they started winning....i am not comparing the saints to the pats, but do u see what I mean? there is nobody on the pats roster that you knew before 2002....besides drew bledslow.

[YoHoChecko]

I had some criticism last week, but heck it was week two.

I don't understand why you are so suprised that Jacksonville lost to the Colts. I had a lengthy argument with you last year trying to convince you that the Jags would even be able to get within ten of the Colts.

Get ready to move the Colts on up as San Diego faces its first team all year that is not terrible and the Colts travel back to NY to face the Jets. I predict that the Colts run defense looks a lot better in week four against the ferocious foursome in the Jet's backfield.

The Eagles will continue to look good as long as they play the worst teams in the league. I can't believe you dropped Jacksonville all the way below them already. This is why the Jags feel disrespected all the time, they get a week and a half of being contenders, but its all yanked away once they lose on the road to the Colts.

I would have gone ahead and put the Cardinals behind the Steelers. Both teams are out of synch on offense right now, but at least the Steelers don't need an offense to compete. You'll just wind up having to do it later anyway.
I actually put the Cardinals in front of the Steelers on purpose, just because the mere fact that the two were comprable made it fun to put the Cardinals ahead. No, not really... but honestly, I can't see them winning a game unless Roethlisberger heals or sits.

The Eagles have played crap and beaten it... and lost to mediocrity. And they play crap again this week (the most talented crap Brett Favre has ever played with, though). The reason I don't hold it too far against them is because they are a talented team. I like their personnel and I like their coach.

San Diego is being tested for the first time... by a team who beat the Raiders, the Bucs and squeeked by against the Browns. The Ravens' offense still won't test SD's defense at all, and Tomlinson plays for the Chargers.

As for the whole Indy/Jax thing... last year I said Jacksonville was overrated because they beat the Steelers early, and then didn't play anyone difficult all year, except for losing to the Colts. They went 12-4 and only beat one playoff team. This year, they rose towards the top with defense and the emergence of their young players on offense. Indy's D isn't good. And the Jax offense couldn't get it done.

As far as the Colts' side of this, last year the Colts were playing much, much better... so my opinion that they were far ahead of the Jags made sense. This year, I thought the Jags were better and I know the Colts aren't as good (right now) as they were at any point last year. It isn't clicking yet, the running game struggles, Reggie Wayne is banged up, their defense seems to have 18 players on the injury list every week. How can I expect this team to beat a team with a solid defense? But they did.

[Blackmallard]

As for the whole Indy/Jax thing... last year I said Jacksonville was overrated because they beat the Steelers early, and then didn't play anyone difficult all year, except for losing to the Colts. They went 12-4 and only beat one playoff team.

For the record Jax swept the AFC north last year (2 playoff teams) and beat Seattle.



As far as the Colts' side of this, last year the Colts were playing much, much better... so my opinion that they were far ahead of the Jags made sense. This year, I thought the Jags were better and I know the Colts aren't as good (right now) as they were at any point last year. It isn't clicking yet, the running game struggles, Reggie Wayne is banged up, their defense seems to have 18 players on the injury list every week. How can I expect this team to beat a team with a solid defense? But they did.

The Colt's wins against the Giants and Jaguars were odd, I'll give you that. They did manage to make their defense look terrible and their offense look one dimensional in the process of winning.

Soon they will hypnotize you by beating the tar out of some weaker teams, and all you will remember is that they beat the Giants and Jaguars by the time they are coming off of their bye to play Washington.

The Jaguars win will look all the better in the meantime as they go to 4-1 going into their bye, humiliating every offense they face along the way.

It would also help if the Giants would quit trying to cheapen the Colt's win against them by getting blown out of the water by the Seahawks.

[YoHoChecko]

For the record Jax swept the AFC north last year (2 playoff teams) and beat Seattle.
For the record at 1 am, I reserve the right to pull crap out of my butt. Statistical accuraccy will return during daylight hours

(I think I'm slipping, aren't I?)

[Blackmallard]

For the record at 1 am, I reserve the right to pull crap out of my butt. Statistical accuraccy will return during daylight hours

(I think I'm slipping, aren't I?)

The thing that happened with Jacksonville last year is pretty much what you said, only you left out the Bengals and Seahawks. They played the Bengals and Seattle before it really meant anything to beat them and by the time it was clear that those were both really good teams Jax was on its long string of easy teams. They got beat up by injuries and were not as good in the second half of the season as they were in the early half, but they kept winning against bad teams anyway.

[jjflr]

Read the rankings! (http://www.pigskinheaven.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=6)

don't be so hard on yourself Yoho...........none of us are psychic.......we can't predict the future.......if we could, we would all be billionaires winning money off of each game...........

as far as the rankings, they're just for fun and you did a good job making them fun and breaking down each team.........there weren't any glaring absurdities in there........the Eagles at #7 probably is the one that jumps out at me the most.........they're not that strong........but other than that, the teams are about where everyone else would put them, give or take a couple of spots, based on opinion.

[YoHoChecko]

don't be so hard on yourself Yoho...........none of us are psychic.......we can't predict the future.......if we could, we would all be billionaires winning money off of each game...........

as far as the rankings, they're just for fun and you did a good job making them fun and breaking down each team.........there weren't any glaring absurdities in there........the Eagles at #7 probably is the one that jumps out at me the most.........they're not that strong........but other than that, the teams are about where everyone else would put them, give or take a couple of spots, based on opinion.
yeh, I moved the Eagles up high in anticipation of Eagles-Packers week on Monday Night Football. On one hand, I fear the Packers will make the Eagles look good, helping to justify the high ranking. On the other hand, in hopes of the upset being pulled off, I'd like for it to look like a more amazing upset, so if the Eagles rank 7th, then what a mighty fall they can have.

But did you know the Packers haven't won in philadelphia since the sixties? seriously, 40 years.

[jjflr]

But did you know the Packers haven't won in philadelphia since the sixties? seriously, 40 years.

ouch........40 years ?

How many times have they played in Philly in that time ?

I would guess maybe 8 or 9 over that span, eh ?

[Azazel]

But did you know the Packers haven't won in philadelphia since the sixties? seriously, 40 years.

http://img430.imageshack.us/img430/1552/nelsonhahadu7.jpg

yes...the 60's! and for an added dose of history, Lombardi's ONLY playoff loss happened in Philly too....

I will take you task on philly "not being that strong" JJ, what is the basis for this? because we had a meltdown against the giants? or because we haven't played anyone of substance yet? The Eagles are a VERY talented team man, give them some love.

[Blackmallard]

I will take you task on philly "not being that strong" JJ, what is the basis for this? because we had a meltdown against the giants? or because we haven't played anyone of substance yet?

Both of those are true. The Eagles have not stood up well to the one test they faced. They look like a good team to me, but they haven't really done anything yet.

I haven't gotten to see them yet this year, but it seems like for a team that is supposed to be about defense they are coughing up a lot of points. They seem to be winning their games with their offense, which is certainly good, but its hard to tell how good. Everyone they have played has given up a lot of points in every game, and their next game is no different.

So far the Eagles have rode an easy schedule to a narrow division lead, and really the only reason Dallas isn't ahead of them right now is because of the bye week.

[Azazel]

Both of those are true. The Eagles have not stood up well to the one test they faced. They look like a good team to me, but they haven't really done anything yet.
Well, they have put a lot of points on the board, they have shut good RBs DOWN (Tiki, Gore) they have limited Eli who everyone here loves...to nothing except for the comeback by even to my own admission was amazing, they have the #1 passing attack, the #1 rated Passing QB, lead the league in sacks......



I haven't gotten to see them yet this year, but it seems like for a team that is supposed to be about defense they are coughing up a lot of points. They seem to be winning their games with their offense, which is certainly good, but its hard to tell how good. Everyone they have played has given up a lot of points in every game, and their next game is no different. Who said they are about defense, the defense IS good, VERY good actually, yes they have given up points, but good lord, WATCH them play before you make assumptions. This team has a Offensive weapons, we are SUPPOSED to be an offensive team, everyone on that side of the ball is explosive, so we have a good defense, and an explosive offense, that is what should be called a BALANCED team.


So far the Eagles have rode an easy schedule to a narrow division lead, and really the only reason Dallas isn't ahead of them right now is because of the bye week.you are starting to sound like a hater, and that is fine, but the thing is with this "riding an easy sched" thing is that is EXACTLY what Seattle dd last year and we had to hear every day how "great" that team was. so, if we beat the Giants would this analysis be different...even though it is obvious that THEY aren't a decent team either? and the Dallas comment is baseless, they haven't looked good at all. here is the bottom line: The Philadelphia Eagles are the best team in the division. They are the MOST talented in the division. They have issues that need to be addressed, yes of course, but the eagles bashing has got to stop, this is the same core that won all those years, but with IMPROVEMNETS. the hate train obviously took a stop in Indianapolis with the way mallard and crunky trash us, but come on......

[Parrish]

Mcnabb isn't the top rated Quarterback in the league, David Carr is, he isn't even the second rated Quarterback.

[Azazel]

Mcnabb isn't the top rated Quarterback in the league, David Carr is, he isn't even the second rated Quarterback.


my bad, I meant leads the league in passing yards
http://www.nfl.com/stats


#3 in passing rating.
http://www.nfl.com/stats/leaders/NFL/PRAT/2006/regular

[YoHoChecko]

I will take you task on philly "not being that strong" JJ, what is the basis for this? because we had a meltdown against the giants? or because we haven't played anyone of substance yet? The Eagles are a VERY talented team man, give them some love.
but how do we know they are talented? or even average, maybe up until now they have just been in the right situation. the pats....they made david givens and david patten look like viable NFL WRs, but what have they done with other teams.... i am not comparing the eagles to the pats, but do u see what I mean? there is nobody on the pats roster that looked bad before 2006.....



For those of you confused about why I just made such a flimsy argument, I was merely using Azy's words from earlier in this thread and paraphrasing into a completely different situation and meaning.

[Blackmallard]

Well, they have put a lot of points on the board, they have shut good RBs DOWN (Tiki, Gore) they have limited Eli who everyone here loves...to nothing except for the comeback by even to my own admission was amazing, they have the #1 passing attack, the #1 rated Passing QB, lead the league in sacks......

Who said they are about defense, the defense IS good, VERY good actually, yes they have given up points, but good lord, WATCH them play before you make assumptions.

I can't watch them play unless they televise their games in Terre Haute:cry3:. I would have loved to see the Giants-Eagles game.


you are starting to sound like a hater, and that is fine, but the thing is with this "riding an easy sched" thing is that is EXACTLY what Seattle dd last year and we had to hear every day how "great" that team was. so, if we beat the Giants would this analysis be different...even though it is obvious that THEY aren't a decent team either? ......

It took a long time for anyone to be sold on Seattle last year. I was one of the first to start predicting they would come out of the NFC on this site last year, and I didn't start untill just over halfway through the season.

If the Eagles had cruised to an easy victory over the Giants instead of losing the game I would be a lot more sold that the Eagles have what it takes to win the division. They didn't though, the Giants came back and won. As it is the Eagles are 0-1 in the division and 2-0 vs. two last place finishers from last year, who both may well finish last in their divisions this year. After monday I expect the Eagles to be 3-0 against that calibur of team.


and the Dallas comment is baseless, they haven't looked good at all. here is the bottom line: The Philadelphia Eagles are the best team in the division. They are the MOST talented in the division. They have issues that need to be addressed, yes of course, but the eagles bashing has got to stop, this is the same core that won all those years, but with IMPROVEMNETS. the hate train obviously took a stop in Indianapolis with the way mallard and crunky trash us, but come on......

The Dallas comment isn't baseless. I'm not saying they look like a better team, I'm saying that they have done more to help themselves win the division so far than the Eagles have. If Dallas had played Tennessee last week they would be 2-1 right now and 1-0 in the division, which is a little better than where the Eagles are. Thats what I meant when I said the only reason the Eagles were ahead of them was because of the bye.

I'm pretty certain that the Texans aren't going to post a win against the NFC East this year so that win does not really give the Eagles any seperation in the division race. The one thing they have done so far to help themselves is beat San Francisco.

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

Mcnabb isn't the top rated Quarterback in the league, David Carr is, he isn't even the second rated Quarterback.

Mcnabb leads the league in passing yards. Is 2nd in passing TD's and is 3rd in passer rating. I'd say that qualifies him for as the top rated passer in the league right now especially since hes doing it on a team who throws the ball 40 times a game. Mcnabb is leading the top rated passing attack in the league. How you do that and not be the top rated passer in the league is beyond me.

Mallard your assessment is off. Yes our defense has given up alot of points but its been in garbage time for the most part with our starters on the bench because the game is already in hand. The only exception being that Giants game where we still werent buckling down in our normal defensive schemes. The first 3 quarters of the game though when we are locked into our schemes and the starters are in, we have absolutely dominated the competition.

If you think you've seen the best of this team through 3 weeks youve got another thing coming. They have done exactly what they were supposed to do, they completely dominated 2 teams who were weaker than them and when they played a team closer to their skill level, yes they lost but they took the Giants to the absolute brink. They completely dominated them for 3 straight quarters until a wave of unfortunate mishaps kept the Giants in the game and allowed them to tie it and send it to OT where the Giants rode that momentum to a victory. If you think the Eagles did not stand up well to that test then you are sadly mistaken.

[Blackmallard]

Why do I have to buy into the Eagles after three weeks without even having had a chance to see them?

I don't care if they dominated the Texans, every average team in the NFL has that potential. The loss to the Giants at home is a bad thing, not a good one. Seattle showed what dominating the Giants for three quarters and then letting up is supposed to look like.

Their win over San Fransisco has pretty much convinced me that they will have a winning record this year. San Fransisco appears to be a mediocre team and the Eagles handled them well. If you drop the Eagles into the AFC East in the place of the Patriots I'd be ready to hand them the division title, but I'm not convinced that one of the other three teams in the NFC east can't match everything the Eagles have done.

[jjflr]

Let me jump in here since my comment started this debate:

My comment was "they are not that strong" (at #7).........

Yes, absolutely they are talented.......on offense, their O-line is coming together both in the running game and protecting their QB, Westbrook is a weapon, LJ Smith is a big target, and Stallworth seems to like his new home

On defense, their D-line is playing OUTSTANDING.........I don't think I can say enough about what this line has done so far this year..........14 sacks in 3 games JUST by the D-line.............even though Kearse has gone down, this is still the strength of this defense.

Those are their strengths........now let's talk about the reason why I don't see them as a superpower in the league this year.............

I'm not sold on their 'vaunted' linebackers..........Trotter and Jones are the 2 big 'names' and they're solid enough against the run, but after Trotter and Jones, there's a big drop-off and TE's and RB's are not being contained in the passing game...........I don't see these linebackers as game-changers or being able to help out a secondary, which.................

the secondary...........For how many years did it seem the Eagles lost starter after starter in the secondary to free agency and the story always was, "the organization will replace them with someone just as good through the draft"...............

It appears this latest round of replacements is not up-to-the-par of the previous secondaries........they're giving up a lot through the air, they're making opposing QB's and WR's look like Marino to Duper every week. WR's are running free and any team with a competent QB and targets to throw to are going to rack up a lot of yards and a lot of points against them.......and NOW they're getting banged up so we're going to see an even lower talent level............

This secondary allowed Alex Smith to throw for a career-record number of yards

Once the Giants started throwing the ball, they were able to move the ball on the Eagles.......they only ran the ball 3 times in the 4th quarter and were able to come back and win the game

The Texans are REALLY bad but Carr was still able to complete 67% of his passes against the Eagles..............

Balance wins championships, as we all know and I don't see the back end of the Philly defense holding up it's end of the bargain this season. They may mature and improve by the end of the season and, as always, I reserve the right to change my opinion on this........but at this point, Top 10 would be a little too optimistic for this team.

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

I'm not sold on their 'vaunted' linebackers..........Trotter and Jones are the 2 big 'names' and they're solid enough against the run, but after Trotter and Jones, there's a big drop-off and TE's and RB's are not being contained in the passing game...........I don't see these linebackers as game-changers or being able to help out a secondary, which.................


Matt Mccoy has played better than probably Jones has, but Mccoy doesnt cover the TE, hes a WILL. The TE is covered by the SAM and thats Jones spot. Shawn Barber is a stud too, and rookie Omar Gaither has been VERY good in his backup role. I fail to see how TE's arent being covered. Week 1 Putzier was held to 1 catch. Week 2 Jeremy Shockey (one of the leagues very best) was held to 2 catches for 17 yards. In week 3 against the 49ers, Eric Johnson had a good, but deceiving statistical day. 6 of his 7 catches came in the 2nd half when the game was pretty much in hand, and his only TD came at the very end of the game against the backups with 10 seconds left on the clock. How that isnt containing TE's is beyond me, seems like you havent been doing your homework here.

I dont think we've done a bad job against backs in the passing game either. The Houston backs did nothing against us in week 1 through the air. And while Tiki Barber had a decent game through the air against us, he is one of the best receiving backs in the league. But even he didnt do much through the air until we built a commanding lead and made their offense one dimensional. Same can be said for the San Francisco game. The telling part of the story though, we havent given up a receiving TD to a back this season so is containment really an issue?



the secondary...........For how many years did it seem the Eagles lost starter after starter in the secondary to free agency and the story always was, "the organization will replace them with someone just as good through the draft"...............

It appears this latest round of replacements is not up-to-the-par of the previous secondaries........they're giving up a lot through the air, they're making opposing QB's and WR's look like Marino to Duper every week. WR's are running free and any team with a competent QB and targets to throw to are going to rack up a lot of yards and a lot of points against them.......and NOW they're getting banged up so we're going to see an even lower talent level............

This secondary allowed Alex Smith to throw for a career-record number of yards

Once the Giants started throwing the ball, they were able to move the ball on the Eagles.......they only ran the ball 3 times in the 4th quarter and were able to come back and win the game

The Texans are REALLY bad but Carr was still able to complete 67% of his passes against the Eagles..............

Balance wins championships, as we all know and I don't see the back end of the Philly defense holding up it's end of the bargain this season. They may mature and improve by the end of the season and, as always, I reserve the right to change my opinion on this........but at this point, Top 10 would be a little too optimistic for this team.


The secondary has been playing hurt. Once again, no homework done here. Lito Sheppard has been out since the first week of the season, and Roderick Hood our backup got hurt in week 2. Thats left us with Joselio Hansen and freshly re-signed Dexter Wynn as key contributors. The pass defense hasnt played badly at all considering they are a little scuffed up and we have turned every team we have played into a one dimensional team by shutting down the pass and the run through the first 3 quarters. The yardage and completions that you seem to think are the base of your argument arent coming until the 4th quarter when we are sitting on a lead and relaxing a bit.

You cite Alex Smiths sucess and David Carrs sucess as if you are rating them based on last seasons performances and then using that to knock us. THose guys arent the same QB's they were a year ago and they are having sucess versus everyone right now. David Carr leads the league in passer rating this season and has thrown 6TD's to only 1 INT. Only one of those TD's came against us. Alex Smith has posted very good numbers against every team hes played this year. You cite the yardage statistic as if its some big telling number, nevermind the fact that most of those yards came in garbage time against us and the 1 TD he threw came with 10 seconds left on the clock in a game that was over halfway through the 3rd.

Im not worried about our pass defense AT ALL. If you actually watched Phily play you would understand that this unit gets the job done and once its healthy again in a week or two, it will regain its utmost dominance.

You want something bad to say about us, go question the coaching because it is clear that their late game strategies are what has hurt this team the past 2 weeks. In the Giants game it hurt us enough to contribute to a loss and in the 49ers game it helped make things a little interesting.

[Blackmallard]

You know Phil, I basically believe you. I really haven't been able to see the NFC East yet this year apart from one Giants game though so I'm waiting for a big statement game from someone out of that division before I let myself be convinced. Maybe if I knew more about whether the 49ers were for real this year I'd feel like last week was that game, but I'm not sure what to think of them yet either.

[GatorsRock]

You Eagle fans realize that the teams you have played are a combined 2-7 right? And one of the wins was against the Eagles..... Not counting the Eagles game they are 1-5. Being any higher would be too high, IMO. You have to beat good teams to get the respect that you want. They are a good team and should continue to compete for the division, but just because they're 2-1 and leading the division after Week 1, doesn't mean that they are going to win the division and are the class of the division yet.

[|(evin|(olb|(ritik]

You Eagle fans realize that the teams you have played are a combined 2-7 right? And one of the wins was against the Eagles..... Not counting the Eagles game they are 1-5. Being any higher would be too high, IMO. You have to beat good teams to get the respect that you want. They are a good team and should continue to compete for the division, but just because they're 2-1 and leading the division after Week 1, doesn't mean that they are going to win the division and are the class of the division yet.

Did any of us ever claim that? Nope. We merely put forth arguments against the claims of our supposed weaknesses. We have weaknesses, I realize that, but it certainly isnt defending against TE's, running backs, or poor secondary and linebacker play. Thats all ive said here. I havent said that we are the cream of the NFC or that we are a lock to win the division. But when people say we are ranked too high because of weaknesses that really are kind of off base im going to speak up and clear some things up.

Question our fortitude at this point, question our coaching strategies late in games, question our seemingly inability to put people away. Those are real issues right now and if someone pointed toward any of those things I wouldnt have much to say except that I recognize those issues and think they can be resolved by coaching. But baseless accusations of poor linebacker play and TE domination that doesnt exist arent goign to get the job done.

[Dreamers]

wow! this is worse then last week. The eagles at 7 after beating the Texans and 49ers. Do they become #1 if the beat Green Bay. The Chargers at #1 after beating the Titans and Raiders. That's worse then putting Atlanta #1 after week 2. The Colts at least beat Jax and the Ravens and Chicago both have better Deffence. And check the Jets schedual they have 7 more low ranked teams this year. I'd say they have yet to over-achieve and if they do not finish second in that division I'd be surprised. If they beat Indi or Jax then talk of over-achieving. Until then lay off and give them some credit for looking better each week even in their loss to NE. At least they've played a team like NE unlike SD.

[YoHoChecko]

wow! this is worse then last week. The eagles at 7 after beating the Texans and 49ers. Do they become #1 if the beat Green Bay. The Chargers at #1 after beating the Titans and Raiders. That's worse then putting Atlanta #1 after week 2. The Colts at least beat Jax and the Ravens and Chicago both have better Deffence. And check the Jets schedual they have 7 more low ranked teams this year. I'd say they have yet to over-achieve and if they do not finish second in that division I'd be surprised. If they beat Indi or Jax then talk of over-achieving. Until then lay off and give them some credit for looking better each week even in their loss to NE. At least they've played a team like NE unlike SD.
Ok, first of all, I'm high on the Chargers. They were number two on my list last week, they had a bye week and number one lost. Once they beat the Ravens, be fine with it. Honestly, the Chargers are a switch back to their powder blue uniforms away from my becoming a Chargers fan as my secondary team (AFC). As it is, I'll just back them. And I will state again, they didn't "beat" the Raiders and Titans. They decimated them. They beat the Titans way worse than anyone else has beaten the Titans, for comparison's sake.

As for my decision to make the Falcons number 1 last week, that was based on a dynamic and dominating run game. But they only ran the ball 23 time against New Orleans. They still averaged about 4 ypc, so it should have been good enough to stick with more... their defense... I don't know what happened to their defense. Really, Atlanta confuses me now. I have no idea what kind of team they are.

I already explained my Philly rankings. I hate Philly. I don't wanna talk about them anymore.

As far as the AFC East goes, outside the division, they are 2-2, with both wins coming in close gaimes against the Titans (decided by one 4th quarter score). The divisional games have all been close, competetive contests, but in my opinion, not very well-played. Sure, I'll give the Jets credit for fighting hard against a disappointing Patriots team, for breaking a tie game in the 4th quarter with the Titans, and for beating the Bills by a score(plus 2) despite being dominated by them in all phases of the game except turnovers. They get credit for that... but I don't think any of that means much. The Jets aren't good. The Bills aren't too good. The Pats aren't all that good. And the Dolphins are pretty bad. Maybe the Jets will finish second, but that doesn't mean anything, league wide. This division is at a pretty low point right now.

[BigBenCan7]

Alright YoHo, I'll bite on the Steelers at twenty one. While I agree that they should be low, and personally thought they were too high last week, I think dropping them all the way down to the bottom third of the league is a bit too much. Behind the Cardinals? The Redskins? Seven spots behind the Giants? The Steelers nearly beat your number two team, and your number 2 team. I know when almost counts, and that it isn't in football, but when they were one play from winning both games against two top 10 teams, I feel they should be ranked higher than a team that has lost a close game to your 10th ranked team, was beat rather handedly by your 18th ranked team, and was only able to muster up a win against your 32nd ranked team.

The Steelers have looked fine if you ask me. A couple of mistakes here and there, but beyond that they've been fine. I won't say they deserve to be in the top 10, or maybe not even the top 15, but missing out on the top 20 made me raise my eyebrow.

[YoHoChecko]

Alright YoHo, I'll bite on the Steelers at twenty one. While I agree that they should be low, and personally thought they were too high last week, I think dropping them all the way down to the bottom third of the league is a bit too much. Behind the Cardinals? The Redskins? Seven spots behind the Giants? The Steelers nearly beat your number two team, and your number 2 team. I know when almost counts, and that it isn't in football, but when they were one play from winning both games against two top 10 teams, I feel they should be ranked higher than a team that has lost a close game to your 10th ranked team, was beat rather handedly by your 18th ranked team, and was only able to muster up a win against your 32nd ranked team.

The Steelers have looked fine if you ask me. A couple of mistakes here and there, but beyond that they've been fine. I won't say they deserve to be in the top 10, or maybe not even the top 15, but missing out on the top 20 made me raise my eyebrow.
They almost beat the #2 team, in a divisional rivaly game that should be close, when my number two team had a ****-poor game. The Steelers' starting QB has 0 TDs and 5 INTs. Forget his name and who he is and tell me that doesn't put them at 20 or below. I think I already said this, but I'll say it again... I put the Cardinals ahead of them because they were both so comprable and I thought "wow, when's the last time I could put the steelers below the Cardinals. This is probably as close as I'll ever get, so I might as well do it."

But really, seeing how the Dolphins have turned out, that win barely means nothing. Don't worry, they'll move up. Have you ever seen the ESPN college bottom ten rankings... every week they reserve one spot for a decent team that either lost a game they shouldn't have or they've just been disappointing in general. They know they're not actually one of the ten worst teams in the game, but they put them there as punishment. Consider the Steelers punished. They are too good to be 1-2. Or, there's this theory, courtesy of Bill Simmons' editor:
Some people (including me) thought the Seahawks would be sunk by the Super Bowl Loser Curse. But what if Seattle was really the better team last February, and Pittsburgh was earmarked for second place and the eventual Super Bowl Loser Curse, only the refs altered the destiny of the game? Just because the game didn't play out like it should have, does that mean that the curse still proceeded as planned? And that, my friends, is why the Hawks might be the best team in football right now. That's KJ's theory.source (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060929)

[BigBenCan7]

They almost beat the #2 team, in a divisional rivaly game that should be close, when my number two team had a ****-poor game. The Steelers' starting QB has 0 TDs and 5 INTs. Forget his name and who he is and tell me that doesn't put them at 20 or below. I think I already said this, but I'll say it again... I put the Cardinals ahead of them because they were both so comprable and I thought "wow, when's the last time I could put the steelers below the Cardinals. This is probably as close as I'll ever get, so I might as well do it."

I suppose I'll give you the Cardinals over the Steelers 'just because', but the Redskins over the Steelers makes no sense to me. The Steelers have lost to higher ranked teams, and defeated a higher ranked team.


But really, seeing how the Dolphins have turned out, that win barely means nothing. Don't worry, they'll move up. Have you ever seen the ESPN college bottom ten rankings... every week they reserve one spot for a decent team that either lost a game they shouldn't have or they've just been disappointing in general. They know they're not actually one of the ten worst teams in the game, but they put them there as punishment. Consider the Steelers punished. They are too good to be 1-2. Or, there's this theory, courtesy of Bill Simmons' editor:source (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/060929)

Not really the stat filled reasoning I was expecting, but that'll do for me.

As for Bill's theory, you forgot one important part of that quote.

'Important note: I don't believe any of this' ;)

[YoHoChecko]

I suppose I'll give you the Cardinals over the Steelers 'just because', but the Redskins over the Steelers makes no sense to me. The Steelers have lost to higher ranked teams, and defeated a higher ranked team.

Well, I'm ranking the Redskins with a healthy Portis as opposed to a Redskins team without a healthy Portis, like the ones that went 0-2 even though Portis played in game one... not healthy.


As for Bill's theory, you forgot one important part of that quote.

'Important note: I don't believe any of this' ;)
That's why I said courtesy of Simmons' editor. Who DOES allegedly beleive that, according to Bill. Love Bill.

[BigBenCan7]

Well, I'm ranking the Redskins with a healthy Portis as opposed to a Redskins team without a healthy Portis, like the ones that went 0-2 even though Portis played in game one... not healthy.

Ben doesn't get the same luxury after coming off of two serious surgeries in one off-season?


That's why I said courtesy of Simmons' editor. Who DOES allegedly beleive that, according to Bill. Love Bill.

So I skimmed over the editor part :shrugging:

:lol2:

[YoHoChecko]

Ben doesn't get the same luxury after coming off of two serious surgeries in one off-season?
I haven't seen any evidence that he's healthy yet. Portis played a full game and played at a high level... bad opposition, but he showed his body is properly functioning. Honestly, if Charlie Batch started the first 3 games, I think the Steelers are at least 2-1. Ouch!

Though I have to admit, those 15 yard penalties they got last week were somewhat ticky-tacky. Ew

[Crunked]

As far as the Colts' side of this, last year the Colts were playing much, much better... so my opinion that they were far ahead of the Jags made sense. This year, I thought the Jags were better and I know the Colts aren't as good (right now) as they were at any point last year. It isn't clicking yet, the running game struggles, Reggie Wayne is banged up, their defense seems to have 18 players on the injury list every week. How can I expect this team to beat a team with a solid defense? But they did.

Very entertaining power rankings Yoho, I love that the Colts keep winning ugly and moving up the food chain because of the misfortunes of others....I wanted to clarify your above highlighted statement though. Addai 4.7 YPC Dominic Rhodes 2.6..... the starter? Rhodes, the bulk of the carries? Addai gets about 1/2 of what Rhodes gets..... I think Dungy is sandbagging, he doesnt want to wear down the rookie, its a long season and he aims to bring him on slow, so I think you will see our "running game struggles" end when Dungy gives Addai the start and parks Rhodes on the bench, about week 8.


Addai 26 attempts for 123 yards 4.7 YPC Long 16
Rhodes 44 attempts for 114 yards 2.6 YPC Long 17

[YoHoChecko]

Very entertaining power rankings Yoho, I love that the Colts keep winning ugly and moving up the food chain because of the misfortunes of others....I wanted to clarify your above highlighted statement though. Addai 4.7 YPC Dominic Rhodes 2.6..... the starter? Rhodes, the bulk of the carries? Addai gets about 1/2 of what Rhodes gets..... I think Dungy is sandbagging, he doesnt want to wear down the rookie, its a long season and he aims to bring him on slow, so I think you will see our "running game struggles" end when Dungy gives Addai the start and parks Rhodes on the bench, about week 8.


Addai 26 attempts for 123 yards 4.7 YPC Long 16
Rhodes 44 attempts for 114 yards 2.6 YPC Long 17
Good theory! I tell you, though, I'm a little surprised by Rhodes' struggles. He impressed me in limited viewing in the preseason. He looked very comfortable out there and made decisive cuts. I haven't seen much since, so I dunno what went wrong.

[Crunked]

Good theory! I tell you, though, I'm a little surprised by Rhodes' struggles. He impressed me in limited viewing in the preseason. He looked very comfortable out there and made decisive cuts. I haven't seen much since, so I dunno what went wrong.

Well he did against lesser opponents, I have a loyalty to Dom as he has been there for the Colts for years, but honestly he has not been as quick since his knee problems two years ago, and when he is out there at game speed he looks slow and struggles to clear the backfield most of the time, his running success (as limited as it is) has occured when a defender misses his assigned gap, not because Rhodes made him miss, on the other hand Addai is better at blitz pick up, he works better in space as far as recieving, he has sat a couple defenders on the turf at the point of impact, and he has outright outrun some poor blocking to make positive yardage, so although their grand totals are similar one guy is struggling to get it (Rhodes) and Addai has been a couple shoe string tackles away from doubling it..

[Blackmallard]

Well he did against lesser opponents, I have a loyalty to Dom as he has been there for the Colts for years, but honestly he has not been as quick since his knee problems two years ago, and when he is out there at game speed he looks slow and struggles to clear the backfield most of the time, his running success (as limited as it is) has occured when a defender misses his assigned gap, not because Rhodes made him miss, on the other hand Addai is better at blitz pick up, he works better in space as far as recieving, he has sat a couple defenders on the turf at the point of impact, and he has outright outrun some poor blocking to make positive yardage, so although their grand totals are similar one guy is struggling to get it (Rhodes) and Addai has been a couple shoe string tackles away from doubling it..


I'm glad you see some signs of hope for the running game. I've just been telling myself that the Colts don't need to run to make the playoffs anyway.

[Blackmallard]

I forsee some shakeup happening after this week all over the YoHo power rankings.

I won't feel offended if the Colts don't move up after putting up what was probably the most entertaining game of the week against the Jets.

Minnesota ranked in the top ten is looks pretty ugly right now.

I think the Colts might have been trying to be careful not to look dominant so that they won't get put in the number one spot next week and fall to the "YoHo Power Curse"

[YoHoChecko]

I forsee some shakeup happening after this week all over the YoHo power rankings.

I won't feel offended if the Colts don't move up after putting up what was probably the most entertaining game of the week against the Jets.

Minnesota ranked in the top ten is looks pretty ugly right now.

I think the Colts might have been trying to be careful not to look dominant so that they won't get put in the number one spot next week and fall to the "YoHo Power Curse"
I know... I really thought I had that SD-Baltimore game firmly in hand... sheesh. Honestly, I can't forsee any team getting ranked #1 next week. I'm going to leave off the loser of the Cleaveland-Oakland game and start the rankings at #2... unless Seattle or Chicago earns it tonight, I can't say who the best team is right now with Cincy absolutely getting destroyed

[Crunked]

I was just thinking how yoho reluctantly keeps moving the Colts up based not on their performance but the performance of the teams ahead of them, they officially have no one ahead of them that have looked better, and believe me, this is the ugliest 4-0 I have ever seen in my life but I will take it, with all the injuries we should be very fresh late in the year, so to be 4-0 now bodes well for our outlook.

[BigBenCan7]

I know... I really thought I had that SD-Baltimore game firmly in hand... sheesh. Honestly, I can't forsee any team getting ranked #1 next week. I'm going to leave off the loser of the Cleaveland-Oakland game and start the rankings at #2... unless Seattle or Chicago earns it tonight, I can't say who the best team is right now with Cincy absolutely getting destroyed

I'd say the Steelers :shrugging:

Seriously, I don't know why the Colts can't be the number one team right now. They've come out of probably the toughest schedule so far with a 4-0 record, and while they've made some mistakes, they've still found ways to win. They seem to be the best team right now - at least to me anyways.

[Blackmallard]

I'd say the Steelers :shrug:

Seriously, I don't know why the Colts can't be the number one team right now. They've come out of probably the toughest schedule so far with a 4-0 record, and while they've made some mistakes, they've still found ways to win. They seem to be the best team right now - at least to me anyways.

They are winning by getting maximum points from all of their scoring opportunities and all of their opponents have let some points slip away, in some cases a LOT of points. Thats a good thing, it comes with being a veteran team, but when you are winning off of missed FG's, failed 4th down goalline plays, and stupid penalties it does not take much imagination to think that one or two of those games could easily have gone the other way.

[YoHoChecko]

They are winning by getting maximum points from all of their scoring opportunities and all of their opponents have let some points slip away, in some cases a LOT of points. Thats a good thing, it comes with being a veteran team, but when you are winning off of missed FG's, failed 4th down goalline plays, and stupid penalties it does not take much imagination to think that one or two of those games could easily have gone the other way.
When you struggle to beat the Jets--giving up a ton of rushing yards to a team that can't run the ball--and continually letting down when you should have the game wrapped up... you are not the best team in the league. In fact, It'll be hard for me to even keep them at 3. d-:

[Blackmallard]

When you struggle to beat the Jets--giving up a ton of rushing yards to a team that can't run the ball--and continually letting down when you should have the game wrapped up... you are not the best team in the league. In fact, It'll be hard for me to even keep them at 3. d-:

Yeah, this has to be one of the ugliest winning streaks I've ever seen. Give the Jets some credit though, the Pats struggled to beat them also, and then slam dunked Cincinatti.

[Crunked]

The Colts currently hold the NFL record of winning ugly with a 4 game streak, it may never be bested again in the history of the sport

but on a serious note, 26 guys not practicing on Wednesday that is literally 1/2 of the team (if you dont count kicker-punter and long snapper) and who does ;) but you get my point, until they get their injury count down to single digits I cant honestly say I know what we have its been goofy, today Nick Harper (out injury) couldnt be replaced by his back up (Marlin Jackson) due to injury so his back ups back up went down at one point in the game I was like come on...LOL we were at our #4 on the depth chart at the #1 CB slot alone, so if we can win against those odds I can live with that, albiet frustrating to watch

[Blackmallard]

Oh yeah, I guess we can welcome the Cardinals to the Power Ranking cellar after this week as well. There's some stiff competition for excellence in the field of crapulence in the bottom third of the league this year.

[Parrish]

The bottom 5 teams should look something like this;

28.) Houston
29.) San Francisco
30.) Cleveland
31.) Miami
32.) Oakland

[YoHoChecko]

The bottom 5 teams should look something like this;

28.) Houston
29.) San Francisco
30.) Cleveland
31.) Miami
32.) Oakland
I dunno. Detroit has done an awesome job of finding ways to lose. They could give San Fran a run for their money

[Parrish]

That's true about the Lions, I really forgot about them. I'm so dissapointed with the 49ers right now that I still would probably rank the Lions ahead of them because the Lions have been closer in games then the 49ers this year, even if they haven't won one yet.

[Sascha]

I know... I really thought I had that SD-Baltimore game firmly in hand... sheesh. Honestly, I can't forsee any team getting ranked #1 next week. I'm going to leave off the loser of the Cleaveland-Oakland game and start the rankings at #2... unless Seattle or Chicago earns it tonight, I can't say who the best team is right now with Cincy absolutely getting destroyed


Looks like Chicago earned it. Of course, now Buffalo will spank them next week.

Anyway, Parrish, there's no room for the Bucs in your bottom 5?

[Blackmallard]

you are starting to sound like a hater, and that is fine, but the thing is with this "riding an easy sched" thing is that is EXACTLY what Seattle dd last year and we had to hear every day how "great" that team was.

After seeing what Dallas did to Tennessee and Washington did to the Texans do you see what I'm saying about the Eagles schedule and how I can't tell yet if they are the best in the division, and that I'm not just "hating" on the Eagles?

Every team in the NFC East is going to destroy those teams. I'll assume for the moment that the Eagles are going to dominate the Packers tomorrow, but it still just does not get them into a comfortable position.

[Blackmallard]

YoHo! Did you give up on these? If you don't get the next one up soon I won't be able to look at it untill after next week's games have been played. Plus, I want to see who the next victim of the "YoHo curse" is going to be for my office pool.

[Azazel]

lol...the yoho curse....OMEONE has got to make a graphic for that.....lol