Stevo
09-08-2009, 05:56 AM
Great post by my boy Michael Wilbon from PTI. Finally, somebody with some sense.
http://views.washingtonpost.com/world-wide-wilbon/wilbon/2009/09/the_wilbon_index_top_nfl_teams.html?hpid=topnews
The Wilbon Index: Top NFL Teams
Every week, I'll post a top 10 poll for both pro and college football. The NFL is particularly difficult to gauge the very first week, but here goes:
1) Steelers - Why people are picking the Patriots over the defending champs is beyond confusing to me; it's stupid. The Steelers have won two Super Bowls since New England has won it all. The Patriots have lost five key defenders from the team that lost in the Super Bowl two years ago. The Steelers have 19 of 22 starters back to defend their championship. I said last year I'd take Ben Roethlisberger over any and all NFL QBs, and Tom Brady's return doesn't change that.
2) Vikings - Not only does Minnesota have Adrian Peterson but Brett Favre is passing the ball to Bernard Berrian (20.1 yards per catch last season) and the Vikes can work versatile rookie Percy Harvin into the offensive scheme wherever they want. Oh, and the defense is real good.
3) Falcons - History says Falcons can't do it; the franchise has never had back-to-back winning seasons. Michael Turner, don't forget, trailed only Peterson in rushing last year, with 1,699 yards. Like that the team used seven of eight draft picks on defense. NFC South won't be as tough since Tampa and Carolina look to be on the slide. Matt Ryan will get better, having Tony Gonzalez to throw to.
4) Chargers - Most talented team in the league. It all comes together this year and they reach the AFC title game.
5) Patriots - Coming back from a serious knee injury isn't a given, even for The Golden Boy, Tom Brady.Trade of Richard Seymour could suggest superior scouting or incredible arrogance, that whoever the Patriots put out there will be just fine. Careful, careful.
6) Cardinals - I know, I know, I know. Seven of the last eight teams to lose in the Super Bowl didn't make the playoffs the next year. But if this team doesn't have a chip on its shoulder, something's very wrong. Ken Whisenhunt is going to emerge after going to the Super Bowl, strangely enough, as a really top-drawer NFL coach. Cards have the best offense in the NFC and they begin the season knowing everybody thinks last season was a fluke.
7) Giants - Need their Steve Smith and rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden to evolve quickly into big-time pass catchers. They won't be as good as their 11-1 start last year suggested but the NFC East will be tight, very tight.
8) Colts - How much will Tony Dungy's departure hurt Indy? Nothing suggests that Jim Caldwell is going to come in making a bunch of wacky changes. Peyton Manning didn't leave with Dungy, and neither did Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, or most importantly the architect, Bill Polian.
9) Bears - The schedule is too difficult for the Bears to be more than 10-6, with 9-7 more likely. Jay Cutler has no No. 1 receiver. But, he is a legit No. 1 QB, which is rare in Chicago. And a competent offense will take pressure off the defense. Matt Forte accounted for a greater percentage of his team's yards from scrimmage (35) than any back in the league.
10) Eagles - Lot of changes for a conference finalist, some of them unwelcome, including the death of defensive coordinator supreme Jim Johnson. But finally, Donovan McNabb has some worthy targets in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis, plus tight end Bret Celek.
Next Five: Ravens, Texans, Packers, Saints, Titans
http://views.washingtonpost.com/world-wide-wilbon/wilbon/2009/09/the_wilbon_index_top_nfl_teams.html?hpid=topnews
The Wilbon Index: Top NFL Teams
Every week, I'll post a top 10 poll for both pro and college football. The NFL is particularly difficult to gauge the very first week, but here goes:
1) Steelers - Why people are picking the Patriots over the defending champs is beyond confusing to me; it's stupid. The Steelers have won two Super Bowls since New England has won it all. The Patriots have lost five key defenders from the team that lost in the Super Bowl two years ago. The Steelers have 19 of 22 starters back to defend their championship. I said last year I'd take Ben Roethlisberger over any and all NFL QBs, and Tom Brady's return doesn't change that.
2) Vikings - Not only does Minnesota have Adrian Peterson but Brett Favre is passing the ball to Bernard Berrian (20.1 yards per catch last season) and the Vikes can work versatile rookie Percy Harvin into the offensive scheme wherever they want. Oh, and the defense is real good.
3) Falcons - History says Falcons can't do it; the franchise has never had back-to-back winning seasons. Michael Turner, don't forget, trailed only Peterson in rushing last year, with 1,699 yards. Like that the team used seven of eight draft picks on defense. NFC South won't be as tough since Tampa and Carolina look to be on the slide. Matt Ryan will get better, having Tony Gonzalez to throw to.
4) Chargers - Most talented team in the league. It all comes together this year and they reach the AFC title game.
5) Patriots - Coming back from a serious knee injury isn't a given, even for The Golden Boy, Tom Brady.Trade of Richard Seymour could suggest superior scouting or incredible arrogance, that whoever the Patriots put out there will be just fine. Careful, careful.
6) Cardinals - I know, I know, I know. Seven of the last eight teams to lose in the Super Bowl didn't make the playoffs the next year. But if this team doesn't have a chip on its shoulder, something's very wrong. Ken Whisenhunt is going to emerge after going to the Super Bowl, strangely enough, as a really top-drawer NFL coach. Cards have the best offense in the NFC and they begin the season knowing everybody thinks last season was a fluke.
7) Giants - Need their Steve Smith and rookies Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden to evolve quickly into big-time pass catchers. They won't be as good as their 11-1 start last year suggested but the NFC East will be tight, very tight.
8) Colts - How much will Tony Dungy's departure hurt Indy? Nothing suggests that Jim Caldwell is going to come in making a bunch of wacky changes. Peyton Manning didn't leave with Dungy, and neither did Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, or most importantly the architect, Bill Polian.
9) Bears - The schedule is too difficult for the Bears to be more than 10-6, with 9-7 more likely. Jay Cutler has no No. 1 receiver. But, he is a legit No. 1 QB, which is rare in Chicago. And a competent offense will take pressure off the defense. Matt Forte accounted for a greater percentage of his team's yards from scrimmage (35) than any back in the league.
10) Eagles - Lot of changes for a conference finalist, some of them unwelcome, including the death of defensive coordinator supreme Jim Johnson. But finally, Donovan McNabb has some worthy targets in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, Jason Avant and Kevin Curtis, plus tight end Bret Celek.
Next Five: Ravens, Texans, Packers, Saints, Titans