The SFL is a unique Madden league in that its current player attributes are significantly lower that current and past Madden leagues that have been running or had run for several seasons. The current league management is hoping to continue that trend for years down the road. In light of this I wanted to take a look at the current secondaries in the league and rank them in order of their player attributes. This ranking takes into account the following attributes: height, speed, strength, awareness, agility, acceleration, catch, jump, and tackle.
A couple of notes before I dive into the analysis and rankings:
All attributes have received equal weight in the forming of these rankings. I recognize that some GM?s will not value certain attributes like strength and jump, for example, as highly as speed or awareness, but I?ve tried to be as comprehensive as possible in these rankings so I have included all nine and weighted them equally.
Each team has five players who contribute to this evaluation. Three starting CB?s including the nickel back. This is because the 3rd CB sees a good deal of time on the field in Madden. Additionally the free safety and strong safety are including as well. In most cases I went off the team?s depth chart to select the 3rd CB.
Each team receives an overall average and ranking for each attribute plus an overall score combining all nine attributes. In the case of each of the rankings including the overall ranking the lower the score the better.
With this in mind, here are the rankings in order from 1 to 32.
1- 
Washington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins top the list of SFL secondaries. They are in the top 10 of every category with the exception of tackle. This alone is a phenomenal accomplishment. Champ Bailey is the leader of the secondary and at only 25 he?s a stud for many years to come. He?s the best CB in the league on the best secondary in the league. In addition to Bailey, the Redskins acquired 6?3? SS-Adrian Wilson this offseason from the Cardinals. The final key piece to the Redskins secondary is CB-Fred Smoot who was already with the team coming off a five interception season in 2002. Here are the members of the Redskins secondary: CB-Champ Bailey- 25 years old, CB-Fred Smoot- 24 years old, CB-Doug Evans- 33 years old, FS- Bhawoh Jue- 24 years old, and SS-Adrian Wilson- 24 years old. The Redskins finished 2002 7th overall in yards against and currently rank 14th in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.6 (League average- 71.6)- 3rd
Speed- 89.2 (League average-88.44)- 8th
Strength- 60.8 (League average- 58.83)- 9th
Awareness- 81 (League average- 75)- 5th
Agility- 88.8 (League average- 87.71)- 4th
Acceleration- 91 (League average- 89.07)- 2nd
Catch- 66.6 (League average- 63.64)- 9th
Jump- 90 (League average- 87.78 )- 5th
Tackle- 62.8 (League average- 64.37)- 22nd
Overall- 61- 1st
2- 
Baltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are next on the list of top SFL secondaries coming in 2nd overall. The Ravens boast three quality players in their secondary led by FS-Ed Reed. There?s no faster free safety in the league than Reed and he second best in the league attribute-wise behind only Brian Dawkins. Alongside, Reed in the secondary are two tall, talented CB?s in Chris McAlister and Gary Baxter. This secondary is young and, if the Baltimore GM chooses, can be together for a while. Here are the members of the Ravens secondary: CB-Chris McAlister- 26 years old, CB-Gary Baxter- 25 years old, CB-Denard Walker- 30 years old, FS-Ed Reed- 25 years old and SS-Will Demps- 24 years old. The Ravens finished 2002 6th overall in yards against and currently rank 1st in 2003 by a remarkably wide number.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.6 (League average- 71.6)- 3rd
Speed- 89.2 (League average-88.44)- 8th
Strength- 62.4 (League average- 58.83)- 6th
Awareness- 75.4 (League average- 75)- 16th
Agility- 90.4 (League average- 87.71)- 2nd
Acceleration- 90.8 (League average- 89.07)- 4th
Catch- 65 (League average- 63.64)- 13th
Jump- 90.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 2nd
Tackle- 63.2 (League average- 64.37)- 20th
Overall- 74- 2nd
3- 
Miami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins come in 3rd in the SFL secondary rankings for 2003. The Dolphins are led by the cornerback tandem of Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain. Both possess elite level speed, agility, acceleration and catch. Madison is coming off a 2002 season that was injury riddled only playing in the first two games and the season finale. Surtain played the entire season in 2002 picking up fiver interceptions in his last seven games. The nickel cornerback for Miami also is coming off an impressive 2002 season, 6?3? Yohance Scott had six interceptions in relief of Madison last season. Statistically the Dolphins are top five in height, agility, acceleration, and jump which how they are so high on the list. Here are the members of the Miami Dolphins secondary: CB-Sam Madison- 29 years old, CB-Patrick Surtain- 27 years old, CB-Yohance Scott- 24 years old, FS-Bryan Scott- 22 years old, SS-Omar Stoutmire- 29 years old. The Dolphins completed the 2002 campaign as the top defense in the SFL in yards against. This season they currently sit 9th overall in the same category.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.6 (League average- 71.6)- 3rd
Speed- 91 (League average-88.44)- 1st
Strength- 56.6 (League average- 58.83)- 22nd
Awareness- 62.6 (League average- 75)- 31st
Agility- 91.6 (League average- 87.71)- 1st
Acceleration- 90.8 (League average- 89.07)- 4th
Catch- 66 (League average- 63.64)- 12th
Jump- 91.6 (League average- 87.78 )- 1st
Tackle- 66.8 (League average- 64.37)- 8th
Overall- 83- 3rd
4- 
Green Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers come in at #4 in the SFL secondary rankings. This is a veteran heavy secondary led by their safeties, Darren Sharper and Pat Tillman. But Sharper and Tillman are not alone as Mike McKenzie and Shawn Springs (acquired from the Seattle Seahawks) also present a formidable challenge to opposing passing attacks. Overall this is a balanced Packer secondary ranking in the top half of the league in every category with height being their weakest area. There is a lot of money tied up in this secondary and there is a day of reckoning coming specifically for the Shawn Springs contract but for now the Packers are a top 4 secondary in this league. Here?s a breakdown of the members of the Packers secondary: CB-Shaw Springs- 28 years old, CB-Mike McKenzie- 27 years old, CB-Tyrone Carter- 27 years old, FS-Darren Sharper- 28 years old, and SS-Pat Tillman- 27 years old. The Packers finished the 2002 season ranked 18th overall in yards against and are currently 11th in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.4 (League average- 71.6)- 16th
Speed- 89.4 (League average-88.44)- 6th
Strength- 63.2 (League average- 58.83)- 4th
Awareness- 78.4 (League average- 75)- 10th
Agility- 87.8 (League average- 87.71)- 13th
Acceleration- 90 (League average- 89.07)- 7th
Catch- 64.8 (League average- 63.64)- 14th
Jump- 90.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 4th
Tackle- 66.6 (League average- 64.37)- 13th
Overall- 87- 4th
5- 
New York GiantsThe New York Giants are the fifth ranked team in the SFL secondary rankings for 2003. They are led by veterans Jason Sehorn and Brock Marion. The Giants secondary actually looks very similar to the Packers secondary in that they are very well balanced in all attributes. They are top 10 in speed, agility, acceleration, jump, and tackle while their lowest ranking is awareness where they rank 17th. Jason Sehorn is a unique player in that his catch and tackle are off the charts for a cornerback. He?s tied for 6th in the SFL in catch for a CB and 1st overall in tackle by a margin of four points over Brian Williams from the Buccaneers. The members of the Giants secondary are as follows: CB-Jason Sehorn- 32 years old, CB-Will Allen- 25 years old, CB-Will James- 24 years old, FS-Brock Marion- 33 years old, and SS-Chad Cota- 32 years old. The Giants finished the 2002 campaign ranked 10th overall in yards against and currently sit dead last in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.4 (League average- 71.6)- 16th
Speed- 89.4 (League average-88.44)- 6th
Strength- 58.8 (League average- 58.83)- 15th
Awareness- 74.6 (League average- 75)- 17th
Agility- 88.2 (League average- 87.71)- 8th
Acceleration- 90 (League average- 89.07)- 7th
Catch- 66.6 (League average- 63.64)- 9th
Jump- 90.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 2nd
Tackle- 66.8 (League average- 64.37)- 8th
Overall- 88- 5th
6- 
San Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are the 6th ranked secondary in the SFL for 2003. They are led by a trio of quality defensive backs: CB-Todd Lyght, CB-Quintin Jammer, and SS-Rodney Harrison. Both Lyght and Harrison are older players while Jammer has the prime of his career ahead of him. Lyght and Jammer combined for 11 interceptions last season. Lyght is already halfway to his 2002 total four games into the 2003 season. The downside to Lyght is that he is already starting to regress and it looks like his speed will be 84 at the beginning of next season. That?s still viable in the SFL, but not for much longer. The Chargers strength as a secondary lies in their strength, awareness, catch, and tackle. They lack high end acceleration and are just in the bottom half of the league in speed and agility. The members of the Chargers secondary are as follows: CB-Todd Lyght- 34 years old, CB-Quentin Jammer- 24 years old, CB-Dre? Bly- 26 years old, FS-Ken Hamlin- 22 years old, and SS-Rodney Harrison- 31 years old. The Chargers finished the 2002 season ranked 5th in overall yards against though they are struggling a bit this season where they are 22nd overall.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72 (League average- 71.6)- 11th
Speed- 88.4 (League average-88.44)- 17th
Strength- 62.4 (League average- 58.83)- 6th
Awareness- 78.8 (League average- 75)- 8th
Agility- 87.6 (League average- 87.71)- 17th
Acceleration- 88.6 (League average- 89.07)- 20th
Catch- 67.2 (League average- 63.64)- 4th
Jump- 87.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 15th
Tackle- 69.6 (League average- 64.37)- 2nd
Overall- 100- 6th
7- 
Tennessee Titans (Tie)The Tennessee Titans are next tied for 7th in the rankings with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Titans boast an excellent foursome in their secondary composed of Samari Rolle, Andre Dyson, Lance Schulters, and Tank Williams. The safeties in particular are physically intimidating at 6?2? and 6?3? respectively. Williams and Dyson are both coming off of four interception seasons in 2002 with Dyson converting two of those interceptions for TD?s. The Titans are top 10 in the league in height, agility, acceleration, jump, and tackle. The two specific areas of weakness for this secondary is awareness and catch. The Titans secondary has among the worst hands in the league at 27th. The members of the Titans secondary are as follows: CB-Samari Rolle- 27 years old, CB-Andre Dyson- 24 years old, CB- Mike Echols- 25 years old, FS-Lance Schulters- 28 years old, and SS-Tank Williams- 23 years old. The Titans completed the 2002 season ranked 29th overall in yards against which is ironically exactly where they currently are in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.2 (League average- 71.6)- 7th
Speed- 88.6 (League average-88.44)- 14th
Strength- 59 (League average- 58.83)- 13th
Awareness- 72.4 (League average- 75)- 24th
Agility- 89.2 (League average- 87.71)- 3rd
Acceleration- 90 (League average- 89.07)- 7th
Catch- 60.4 (League average- 63.64)- 27th
Jump- 89.6 (League average- 87.78 )- 6th
Tackle- 69.4 (League average- 64.37)- 3rd
Overall- 104- 7th
7- 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tie)As previously mentioned, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers come in at #7 in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings in a tie with the above Tennessee Titans. The Bucs secondary is led by two players, CB-Ronde Barber and SS-John Lynch. Barber is coming off a 2002 season where he had 7 interceptions one of which was returned for a TD. Lynch is coming off a 2002 season where he had 2 interceptions to go along with 56 tackles and 13 passes deflected. Currently Ronde Barber is going through a long-term injury and this will no doubt be a big blow to the Bucs pass defense and really their overall defense. The Bucs are top 10 in strength, agility, and catch and 1st overall in tackle. Their weakness are in height and speed. Here?s a breakdown of the Bucs secondary: CB-Ronde Barber- 28 years old, CB-Brian Williams- 32 years old, CB-Corey Ivey- 26 years old, FS-Jermaine Phillips- 24 years old, and SS-John Lynch- 32 years old. The Buccaneers finished 2002 ranked 3rd overall in yards against and they currently sit 4th in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.2 (League average- 71.6)- 21st
Speed- 87.2 (League average-88.44)- 29th
Strength- 62.8 (League average- 58.83)- 5th
Awareness- 76.2 (League average- 75)- 14th
Agility- 88.8 (League average- 87.71)- 4th
Acceleration- 89.4 (League average- 89.07)- 12th
Catch- 67 (League average- 63.64)- 7th
Jump- 88.6 (League average- 87.78 )- 11th
Tackle- 71.2 (League average- 64.37)- 1st
Overall- 104- 7th
9- 
New York JetsThe New York Jets come in at #9 in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The Jets secondary is really solid across the board with no superstars but also no weak links. The strength of the secondary attribute-wise is their strength, awareness, catch, and tackle. Basically Kevin is focusing on the progressive attributes with this secondary as opposed to the physical attributes. I should point out that the Jets are 11th in height, meaning they are one spot out of the top 10 in what most GM?s view as a key category. The attributes where the Jets can improve the most are agility and acceleration. Here?s a breakdown of the Jets starters in the secondary: CB-Donnie Abraham- 30 years old, CB-Duane Starks- 29 years old, CB-Ray Mickens- 30 years old, FS-Dexter Jackson- 26 years old, and SS-Shaun Williams- 27 years old. The Jets finished the 2002 season ranked 4th in overall yards against. They currently sit 13th in the same category this season.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72 (League average- 71.6)- 11th
Speed- 88.4 (League average-88.44)- 17th
Strength- 62.4 (League average- 58.83)- 6th
Awareness- 78.8 (League average- 75)- 8th
Agility- 87.6 (League average- 87.71)- 17th
Acceleration- 88.6 (League average- 89.07)- 20th
Catch- 67.2 (League average- 63.64)- 4th
Jump- 87.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 15th
Tackle- 69.6 (League average- 64.37)- 2nd
Overall- 110- 8th
10- 
Indianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts come in 10th in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. They are led by the best free safety in the league, Brian Dawkins. Alongside Dawkins is outstanding CB in Walt Harris. Harris is coming off a 2002 season that saw him snag 7 interceptions. The strengths of this secondary are their speed, agility, and acceleration. They are ranked 5th, 4th, and 6th respectively in each of these categories. The weaknesses of the secondary are their height and strength. They rank 21st and 22nd overall in that category. They are also just in the bottom half of the league in both catch and tackle. Despite the their catch and tackle, awareness is solid ranking 12th overall. So they are really a mixed bag in terms of progressible attributes. Here?s the Colts secondary by individual player: CB-Walt Harris- 29 years old, CB-Nick Harper- 29 years old, CB-Donald Mitchell- 27 years old, FS-Brian Dawkins- 30 years old, and SS-Donovin Darius- 28 years old. The Colts finished the 2002 season ranked 17th overall in yards against but have improved that position in 2003, currently sitting at 10th.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.2 (League average- 71.6)- 21st
Speed- 89.6 (League average-88.44)- 5th
Strength- 56.6 (League average- 58.83)- 22nd
Awareness- 77.8 (League average- 75)- 12th
Agility- 88.8 (League average- 87.71)- 4th
Acceleration- 90.2 (League average- 89.07)- 6th
Catch- 62.8 (League average- 63.64)- 17th
Jump- 88 (League average- 87.78 )- 13th
Tackle- 63.6 (League average- 64.37)- 17th
Overall- 117- 10th
11- 
New England PatriotsThe New Englands Patriots are ranked 11th in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The Patriots are led by veterans Ty Law and Lawyer Milloy. In fact, the entire secondary is older, perhaps the oldest secondary in the SFL. They are also of course the highest ranked secondary in terms of awareness. They also rank 4th in catch and 8th in tackle. Basically, this is one of the best secondaries in the league in progressible attributes. Where they are weak, however, are in the physical attributes. The Patriots rank 20th in speed, 27th in agility and 26th in acceleration. With being a veteran secondary these weaknesses won?t improve through progression so they will need to be addressed through the draft or via trade. Here?s a breakdown of the Patriots secondary by position: CB-Ty Law- 29 years old, CB-Terrell Buckley- 32 years old, CB-Ashley Ambrose- 33 years old, FS-Tebucky Jones- 29 years old, and SS-Lawyer Milloy- 30 years old. The Patriots finished the 2002 season ranked 2nd in overall yards against and currently stand 8th overall in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.6 (League average- 71.6)- 13th
Speed- 88 (League average-88.44)- 20th
Strength- 60.4 (League average- 58.83)- 10th
Awareness- 88.4 (League average- 75)- 1st
Agility- 86.4 (League average- 87.71)- 27th
Acceleration- 88 (League average- 89.07)- 26th
Catch- 67.2 (League average- 63.64)- 4th
Jump- 89 (League average- 87.78 )- 10th
Tackle- 66.8 (League average- 64.37)- 8th
Overall- 119- 11th
12- 
San Francisco 49ersThe San Francisco 49ers come in at #12 in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The 49ers are led in their secondary by CB-Aeneas Williams, a ball-hawking defender. Williams had 9 interceptions in 2002, including two that were returned for TD?s. Williams is currently tied with Ken Lucas of the Seahawks and Ray Buchanan of the Falcons for the SFL lead in career interceptions. Williams is not alone in terms of overall skill in the secondary, Leroy Butler is another ball-hawking defense, who while being unbelievably slow, does get his share of interceptions including 6 in 2002. The 49ers also signed FS-Sammy Knight in free agency this offseason and he also had 6 interceptions in 2002. The strength of this secondary, as you might suspect, is their awareness and catch. The 49ers rank 2nd in awareness and 1st in catch. The weaknesses are height, strength, and acceleration, with height and acceleration being the most concerning. It will be an interesting upcoming offseason for the team with both Butler and Williams likely to retire. Here?s a breakdown of the 49ers current secondary by position: CB-Aeneas Williams- 35 years old, CB-Fernando Bryant- 26 years old, CB-Jason Webster- 26 years old, FS-Sammy Knight- 28 years old, and SS-Leroy Butler- 35 years old. The 49ers finished 2002 ranked 26th in overall yards against but have improved substantially in 2003 where they are currently 6th.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.8 (League average- 71.6)- 26th
Speed- 88.6 (League average-88.44)- 14th
Strength- 57.4 (League average- 58.83)- 20th
Awareness- 88.2 (League average- 75)- 2nd
Agility- 87.8 (League average- 87.71)- 12th
Acceleration- 88.2 (League average- 89.07)- 23rd
Catch- 68.2 (League average- 63.64)- 1st
Jump- 89.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 7th
Tackle- 64.2 (League average- 64.37)- 16th
Overall- 121- 12th
13- 
Denver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are the 13th ranked team in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The Broncos secondary is led by CB-Aaron Glenn and FS-Darren Woodson. Glenn was acquired this past offseason in a package that send MLB-Al Wilson to Texas. Glenn had an excellent 2002 season snagging 7 interceptions, one of them resulting in a TD. Woodson was acquired from the Jets for a 4th and 6th round pick after being acquired by the Jets from the Cowboys in the same offseason. The strengths of the Broncos secondary lie in their awareness, acceleration, and catch. It?s no surprise that awareness and catch are an emphasis of a Tom Riddell managed team, but acceleration is a bit unusual. The Broncos rank 6th in awareness, 7th in acceleration, and 8th in catch. The weakness of the secondary are their lack of height where they rank 26th. Here?s a breakdown of the Broncos secondary by position: CB-Aaron Glenn- 31 years old, CB-Tyrone Poole- 31 years old, CB-Deltha O?Neal- 26 years old, FS-Darren Woodson- 34 years old, and SS-Kenoy Kennedy- 26 years old. The Broncos finished the 2002 season ranked 31st in overall yards against, but have really improved early in 2003 where they currently sit 7th.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.8 (League average- 71.6)- 26th
Speed- 88.8 (League average-88.44)- 11th
Strength- 60 (League average- 58.83)- 11th
Awareness- 80 (League average- 75)- 6th
Agility- 87.6 (League average- 87.71)- 17th
Acceleration- 90 (League average- 89.07)- 7th
Catch- 66.8 (League average- 63.64)- 8th
Jump- 88 (League average- 87.78 )- 13th
Tackle- 62 (League average- 64.37)- 23rd
Overall- 122- 13th
14- 
New Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints come in at #14 in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The Saints secondary is led by veteran CB-Dale Carter. Carter registered 6 interceptions in 2002. The Saints are fairly well balance across all five positions. The new addition to the secondary is FS-Mike Doss who was drafted 21st overall in the 2003 draft. He has great speed and acceleration and a uniquely high awareness for a rookie and should be a cornerstone for seasons to come. The strengths of this secondary are their awareness, jump, and tackle. The Saints rank 4th, 7th, and 5th respectively in each of these attributes. Meanwhile the three significant weaknesses are height, strength, and agility where the Saints rank 24th, 22nd, and 22nd respectively. Here?s a breakdown of the current Saints secondary by position: CB-Dale Carter- 34 years old, CB-Fred Thomas- 30 years old, CB-Brian Kelly- 27 years old, FS-Mike Doss- 22 years old, and SS-Jay Bellamy- 31 years old. The Saints finished 2002 ranked 20th in yards against. They currently rank 12th in the same category in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71 (League average- 71.6)- 24th
Speed- 88.2 (League average-88.44)- 18th
Strength- 56.6 (League average- 58.83)- 22nd
Awareness- 82.2 (League average- 75)- 4th
Agility- 87.4 (League average- 87.71)- 22nd
Acceleration- 89 (League average- 89.07)- 15th
Catch- 66.2 (League average- 63.64)- 11th
Jump- 89.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 7th
Tackle- 68.2 (League average- 64.37)- 5th
Overall- 128- 14th
15- 
Dallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are the 15th ranked team in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. The Cowboys are led by CB-Nate Clements who they acquired this offseason from the Bills for a 1st round pick. Clements is coming off a great 7 interception season with the Bills in 2002. The strengths of the Cowboys secondary are their height, strength, and catch. They rank 7th, 2nd, and 4th respectively in these attributes. As far as weaknesses goes, the Cowboys need to improve their agility and acceleration. They rank 25th and 30th in these categories respectively. The current Cowboys roster is not a win now roster so they have some time to build this secondary correctly and with Clements around they have a cornerstone piece to make this happen. Here?s a look at the current secondary of the Cowboys by position: CB-Nate Clements- 24 years old, CB-Aaron Beasley- 30 years old, CB-Bryant Westbrook- 29 years old, FS-Zack Bronson- 29 years old, and SS-Kwame Lassiter- 34 years old. The Cowboys finished 2002 ranked 30th in yards against. They are currently ranked 31st in the same category in 2003.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.2 (League average- 71.6)- 7th
Speed- 87 (League average-88.44)- 30th
Strength- 64.6 (League average- 58.83)- 2nd
Awareness- 79.2 (League average- 75)- 7th
Agility- 86.6 (League average- 87.71)- 25th
Acceleration- 87.4 (League average- 89.07)- 30th
Catch- 67.2 (League average- 63.64)- 4th
Jump- 87.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 15th
Tackle- 63.4 (League average- 64.37)- 18th
Overall- 138- 15th
16- 
Kansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs come in at #16 in the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. They are led by the recently acquired CB-Troy Vincent. The Chiefs were able to obtain Vincent from the Eagles for only a 5th round pick. SS-Greg Wesley also has the potential to be a force at the SS position given some progression. This Chiefs secondary actually resembles the Cowboys secondary in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. The Chiefs are excellent in height, strength, awareness, and tackle. They rank 1st, 1st, 8th, and 6th respectively in these categories. However, they are really poor in speed, agility, acceleration, and jump where they rank 32nd, 31st, 23rd, and 23rd respectively. It?s feast of famine with this Chiefs secondary. Here?s a breakdown of the current Chiefs secondary by position: CB-Troy Vincent- 32 years old, CB-Eric Warfield- 27 years old, CB-William Bartee- 26 years old, FS-Jerome Woods- 30 years old, and SS-Greg Wesley- 25 years old. The Chiefs finished the 2002 season ranked 24th in yards against and currently sit 16th in 2003 in that same category.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 73.4 (League average- 71.6)- 1st
Speed- 86.2 (League average-88.44)- 32nd
Strength- 65 (League average- 58.83)- 1st
Awareness- 78.8 (League average- 75)- 8th
Agility- 86 (League average- 87.71)- 31st
Acceleration- 88.2 (League average- 89.07)- 23rd
Catch- 64.2 (League average- 63.64)- 15th
Jump- 86.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 23rd
Tackle- 68 (League average- 64.37)- 6th
Overall- 140- 16th
17- 
Oakland Raiders (Tie)This Raiders secondary could actually be very good, very quickly. They have three quality corners in Charles Woodson, Tory James, and Phillip Buchanon. Woodson and Buchanan both have several good years left. Woodson in particular is a star in the making. The problem for the Raiders is at the free safety position. Even with the free safety situation they rank 1st in acceleration and 2nd in speed. Once the free safety position is addressed this will be a top 10 secondary easily.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.2 (League average- 71.6)- 7th
Speed- 90.4 (League average-88.44)- 2nd
Strength- 53.8 (League average- 58.83)- 31st
Awareness- 70.4 (League average- 75)- 25th
Agility- 88 (League average- 87.71)- 9th
Acceleration- 91.8 (League average- 89.07)- 1st
Catch- 62 (League average- 63.64)- 20th
Jump- 87.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 20th
Tackle- 59.4 (League average- 64.37)- 30th
Overall- 145- 17th
17- 
Philadelphia Eagles (Tie)The Eagles have an OK secondary. Bobby Taylor is a quality CB and Sheldon Brown also isn?t bad. The Eagles had a stacked secondary in 2002 before losing Blaine Bishop to free agency and trading away Troy Vincent and Brian Dawkins. They still have elite height and strength but they need help in the other attributes.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.6 (League average- 71.6)- 3rd
Speed- 87.8 (League average-88.44)- 22nd
Strength- 63.4 (League average- 58.83)- 3rd
Awareness- 73.6 (League average- 75)- 21st
Agility- 86.4 (League average- 87.71)- 27th
Acceleration- 89 (League average- 89.07)- 15th
Catch- 63.6 (League average- 63.64)- 16th
Jump- 86.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 24th
Tackle- 65.8 (League average- 64.37)- 14th
Overall- 145- 17th
19- 
Minnesota VikingsThe Vikings secondary was among the worst in the league in 2002 attribute wise. They have chosen to improve it through the draft selecting CB-Asante Samuel and CB-Sammy Davis. Time will tell if they can be quality CB?s. For now, the overall team defense has improved substantially though how much of that can be attributed to the personnel in the secondary is open to debate.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.8 (League average- 71.6)- 12th
Speed- 87.6 (League average-88.44)- 23rd
Strength- 56.2 (League average- 58.83)- 26th
Awareness- 69.2 (League average- 75)- 26th
Agility- 87.8 (League average- 87.71)- 13th
Acceleration- 88.8 (League average- 89.07)- 18th
Catch- 67.4 (League average- 63.64)- 3rd
Jump- 88.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 12th
Tackle- 63.4 (League average- 64.37)- 18th
Overall- 151- 19th
20- 
Chicago Bears
The Bears signed Al Harris this offseason to help at CB and they already have a potential star in FS-Mike Brown, but they are thin in the secondary beyond these players. The good news is that they are 3rd in speed and 2nd in acceleration, two key attributes for players in the secondary.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71 (League average- 71.6)- 24th
Speed- 90.2 (League average-88.44)- 3rd
Strength- 55.8 (League average- 58.83)- 28th
Awareness- 74.4 (League average- 75)- 19th
Agility- 87.8 (League average- 87.71)- 13th
Acceleration- 91 (League average- 89.07)- 2nd
Catch- 61.8 (League average- 63.64)- 22nd
Jump- 87.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 15th
Tackle- 60.2 (League average- 64.37)- 28th
Overall- 154- 20th
21- 
Pittsburgh Steelers (Tie)It?s the Marcus Trufant show in Pittsburgh. Trufant was selected 7th overall by the Steelers in this past year?s draft and they definitely needed him. He?s the best CB on the roster and can team up with 23 year old Chris Hope to form the nucleus for a good secondary in a couple of seasons. The Steelers are in the top 10 in agility but are among the worst secondaries in the league in catch.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.8 (League average- 71.6)- 26th
Speed- 88 (League average-88.44)- 20th
Strength- 58.4 (League average- 58.83)- 17th
Awareness- 74.2 (League average- 75)- 20th
Agility- 88.2 (League average- 87.71)- 8th
Acceleration- 89.2 (League average- 89.07)- 13th
Catch- 60 (League average- 63.64)- 29th
Jump- 87.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 19th
Tackle- 63 (League average- 64.37)- 21st
Overall- 173- 21st
21- 
Carolina Panthers (Tie)The Panthers acquired CB-Anthony Henry from the Browns for a 2nd round pick and it?s a good thing as he is the only player in the secondary that provides any height to this team. In fact, even with his 6?1? frame the Panthers rank 32nd in the league in that attribute. There are several places for the Panthers to improve moving forward.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.2 (League average- 71.6)- 32nd
Speed- 88.8 (League average-88.44)- 11th
Strength- 53 (League average- 58.83)- 32nd
Awareness- 75.6 (League average- 75)- 15th
Agility- 88 (League average- 87.71)- 9th
Acceleration- 89.6 (League average- 89.07)- 11th
Catch- 61.6 (League average- 63.64)- 22nd
Jump- 87.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 15th
Tackle- 60.8 (League average- 64.37)- 26th
Overall- 173- 21st
23- 
Cincinnati BengalsCB-Jeff Burris had three TD?s this past season which is quite remarkable. Outside of his skillset there isn?t a ton in the secondary in Cincinnati. They rank 7th in tackle but are 25th or worse in four different attributes. It will be a tough hill to climb but a quality draft class can do wonders to help.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.6 (League average- 71.6)- 13th
Speed- 87.4 (League average-88.44)- 26th
Strength- 58.2 (League average- 58.83)- 18th
Awareness- 77.2 (League average- 75)- 13th
Agility- 86.6 (League average- 87.71)- 25th
Acceleration- 87.6 (League average- 89.07)- 28th
Catch- 60.8 (League average- 63.64)- 26th
Jump- 87.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 20th
Tackle- 67.8 (League average- 64.37)- 7th
Overall- 176- 23rd
24- 
Atlanta FalconsCB-Ray Buchanan is coming off a 2002 season where he had 8 interceptions and he?s well on his way to repeating that in 2003. He?s in the three-way tie for the most career interceptions in the SFL. The problem for the Falcons is that he doesn?t have much help and he?s 32 years old. The Falcons have the 4th ranked secondary in speed but not much else.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.6 (League average- 71.6)- 13th
Speed- 89.8 (League average-88.44)- 4th
Strength- 57 (League average- 58.83)- 21st
Awareness- 68.2 (League average- 75)- 28th
Agility- 87.6 (League average- 87.71)- 17th
Acceleration- 89 (League average- 89.07)- 15th
Catch- 59.4 (League average- 63.64)- 29th
Jump- 86 (League average- 87.78 )- 25th
Tackle- 60.4 (League average- 64.37)- 27th
Overall- 179- 24th
25- 
Buffalo BillsCB-Antoine Winfield allowed 56 catches in 2002. This is not a good statistic to have attached to your resume. Now granted this probably has a lot to do with the type of coverage being played, but still giving up 3.5 catches per game is astounding. Ryan McNeil is also in the throws of regression so there is clearly work to be done here in Buffalo.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.2 (League average- 71.6)- 21st
Speed- 87.6 (League average-88.44)- 23rd
Strength- 58.6 (League average- 58.83)- 16th
Awareness- 78.4 (League average- 75)- 10th
Agility- 84.4 (League average- 87.71)- 32nd
Acceleration- 87.6 (League average- 89.07)- 28th
Catch- 62.4 (League average- 63.64)- 18th
Jump- 86 (League average- 87.78 )- 25th
Tackle- 66.8 (League average- 64.37)- 8th
Overall- 181- 25th
26- 
Seahawks SeahawksCB-Ken Lucas had a very impressive 9 interceptions in 2002 and is likely to be a stud in this league. The Seahawks also drafted Drayton Florence 27th overall in this year?s draft. Florence is in dire need of some help in awareness but he has the potential to be good at some point down the road. Outside of these two guys there isn?t much there is Seattle.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.4 (League average- 71.6)- 16th
Speed- 87.6 (League average-88.44)- 23rd
Strength- 59 (League average- 58.83)- 13th
Awareness- 67.4 (League average- 75)- 29th
Agility- 88.4 (League average- 87.71)- 7th
Acceleration- 88.2 (League average- 89.07)- 23rd
Catch- 61.2 (League average- 63.64)- 24th
Jump- 85.4 (League average- 87.78 )- 30th
Tackle- 61.8 (League average- 64.37)- 24th
Overall- 189- 26th
27- 
Los Angeles RamsThe Rams secondary can tackle and they are fairly strong, but outside of that they need significant help. They draft SS-Troy Polamalu early in the 2nd round this year but his name is probably better than his actual attributes.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.4 (League average- 71.6)- 30th
Speed- 86.8 (League average-88.44)- 31st
Strength- 62 (League average- 58.83)- 8th
Awareness- 73 (League average- 75)- 22nd
Agility- 86.4 (League average- 87.71)- 27th
Acceleration- 88.4 (League average- 89.07)- 22nd
Catch- 60.2 (League average- 63.64)- 27th
Jump- 86.6 (League average- 87.78 )- 22nd
Tackle- 69 (League average- 64.37)- 4th
Overall- 192- 27th
28- 
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are clearly not in win now mode. In fact, they are looking to build a team through the draft so it?s not surprising that they rank where they do here. They drafted CB-Charles Tillman 9th overall in this year?s draft and he has the potential to be very good once his awareness progresses. So for now the Jags will just have to endure their current situation.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.4 (League average- 71.6)- 16th
Speed- 88.6 (League average-88.44)- 14th
Strength- 54.6 (League average- 58.83)- 30th
Awareness- 63.2 (League average- 75)- 30th
Agility- 88 (League average- 87.71)- 9th
Acceleration- 88.6 (League average- 89.07)- 20th
Catch- 62 (League average- 63.64)- 21st
Jump- 86 (League average- 87.78 )- 25th
Tackle- 58 (League average- 64.37)- 31st
Overall- 196- 28th
29- 
Arizona CardinalsThe Cardinals are also trying to build through the draft. The Cards drafted CB-Nnamdi Asomugha with the 11th overall pick in this draft and once his awareness progresses he also will be good. The Cards also have an interesting player in 6?2? Rashard Anderson. His combo of height and speed in very intriguing. Overall the Cards have some significant areas to improve.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 73.2 (League average- 71.6)- 2nd
Speed- 87.4 (League average-88.44)- 26th
Strength- 59.6 (League average- 58.83)- 12th
Awareness- 69 (League average- 75)- 27th
Agility- 87.4 (League average- 87.71)- 22nd
Acceleration- 87.2 (League average- 89.07)- 31st
Catch- 62.2 (League average- 63.64)- 18th
Jump- 85.8 (League average- 87.78 )- 28th
Tackle- 56.6 (League average- 64.37)- 32nd
Overall- 198- 29th
30- 
Cleveland BrownsThe Browns secondary is tall but outside of that they rank poorly in almost every other area. I do think there is some potential in this year?s 3rd round pick, CB-Rashean Mathis, but he will take time to develop.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 72.2 (League average- 71.6)- 7th
Speed- 87.4 (League average-88.44)- 26th
Strength- 56 (League average- 58.83)- 27th
Awareness- 72.6 (League average- 75)- 23rd
Agility- 86.2 (League average- 87.71)- 30th
Acceleration- 88 (League average- 89.07)- 26th
Catch- 61.6 (League average- 63.64)- 23rd
Jump- 85.2 (League average- 87.78 )- 31st
Tackle- 65.8 (League average- 64.37)- 14th
Overall- 207- 30th
31- 
Detroit LionsThe Lions have CB-Lito Sheppard so that?s a good thing. But there isn?t much else there in the secondary and the rankings bear this out. They do finish just outside the top 10 in speed but beyond that it?s pretty barren.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 70.4 (League average- 71.6)- 30th
Speed- 88.8 (League average-88.44)- 11th
Strength- 55.6 (League average- 58.83)- 29th
Awareness- 74.6 (League average- 75)- 17th
Agility- 87.2 (League average- 87.71)- 25th
Acceleration- 89.2 (League average- 89.07)- 13th
Catch- 59.4 (League average- 63.64)- 30th
Jump- 85.6 (League average- 87.78 )- 29th
Tackle- 59.8 (League average- 64.37)- 29th
Overall- 213- 31st
32- 
Houston TexansThe Texans are 16th in height. Outside of that they are in the bottom half of the league in every other attribute. Good news is they have nowhere to go but up.
Inside the NumbersHeight- 71.4 (League average- 71.6)- 16th
Speed- 88.2 (League average-88.44)- 18th
Strength- 56.4 (League average- 58.83)- 25th
Awareness- 61.8 (League average- 75)- 32nd
Agility- 87.6 (League average- 87.71)- 17th
Acceleration- 86.6 (League average- 89.07)- 32nd
Catch- 56.4 (League average- 63.64)- 32nd
Jump- 84.8 (League average- 87.78 ) - 32nd
Tackle- 61.8 (League average- 64.37)- 24th
Overall- 228- 32nd
So this has been a look at the 2003 SFL secondary rankings. We are only two seasons in to the SFL so this will look a lot different as players are drafted and developed and other players regress, but it?s an interesting look into where the current state of the league is.
