Continuing my preseason power rankings, covering teams 11-20. There?s gonna be some controversy as all of these teams have potential to be top ten, but in my own personal rankings had some challenges to make the top of their division.
11. Cleveland Browns
The team that was argued should have been in the top ten, I?m putting them just below by one position. The biggest change to the Browns include saying goodbye to Terrell Owens, a replacement at FS, and QB Philip Rivers swaps teams with the Tennessee Titans. It should be known that the Cleveland Browns had a #1 defense last year and I expect them to be a tough team to beat, but changes at QB and the hole to fill at WR, I don?t think the Browns will be able to replicate 13 wins with their new roster. The Browns should be feel good about the outlook of their team, adding Rivers is a strong move for the future and really turns the page from the win-now moves made last year.
12. New England Patriots
Very little roster changes in New England puts them right in line to be competitive like last year, but I?m placing them 3rd in the division, which would be the first time in SFL history. We saw the Buffalo Bills take a step forward last year, and improvements on the New York roster, adds some serious competition to the Patriots outlook into 2007. I expect them to be as competitive as ever and the division will continue to exchange blows. The biggest addition was WR Bobby Wade and though he may not be the player to break the top of their offense, he might be a weekly target to help open things up for HB Musa Smith, who is looking to come back from a down year and recapture his performance from 2005. Keep an eye on who the Patriots may fill in at RT.
13. Tennessee Titans
It feels like just yesterday the Titans had traded Drew Brees for Philip Rivers and the next season, they were winning the division. Fast forward to 2007 and Rivers is now in a Browns uniform and longtime veteran Drew Bledsoe joins the Tennessee roster. The 35 year old QB is coming off his best season throwing for 32 touchdowns and an impressive 100+ QBR. If the Titans can continue that kind of performance and combine that with a roster that includes Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, Michael Bennett, Marcus Stroud, Shawne Merriman, and Lito Shepard, the Titans have some serious bright spots on their roster. I expect them to be competing for first in their division and could swap spots with the Jaguars at #9.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys at 14 sits on the rotator cuff and health of that said cuff in the shoulders of Kurt Warner, but if healthy the potential of this roster reminds me of the 2002 Rams, Warner?s Super Bowl win. An offensive roster of Warner, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Edgerrin James looks strong enough to beat most teams. And additions of CB Delta O?Neal and FS Lance Schulters should help them take a step forward on defense. On paper the Cowboys look set up for a strong season and if they can stay healthy, I can foresee a playoff appearance.
15. Miami Dolphins
It?s hard not to get excited for the Dolphins after the draft they had, collecting WR Calvin Johnson, DE Jay Moore, HB Clinton Portis (from Green Bay), LB Zak DeOssie, OT Mike Otto and QB Drew Stanton and collecting future picks along the way. The Dolphins roster looks to be in a good shape compared to last season. I could see the Dolphins competing for first place in the division, but I have questions on how the roster will perform after trading both Plexico Burress and CB Patrick Surtain. I do have confidence that Daren can find ways to win with their new HB Clinton Portis. That being said, even if they only perform at a #15 level, the stock they have for future picks makes this year only the beginning of what the future holds for the team.
16. Philadelphia Eagles
In a similar situation like the Patriots, the transition from 2006 to 2007 remained consistent. The biggest additions being DT John Henderson, OG Kris Dielman, and CB Joey Thomas. I thought that Joey Thomas was a great addition and will play well for their team. I do have questions on how well Ahmed Green will perform, but I do have confidence he will be a reliable back to pair with Eli Manning. Manning enters his 4th season with a surrounding roster of John Olinger and Maurice Mann, I believe they will be competitive and a tough team to beat, I do think the division is incredibly difficult and I wonder if they made enough moves to overtake the Cowboys or the Redskins.
17. Detroit Lions
Only the second NFC North team after the Vikings to make the appearance. It was only two years since Mike Vick went bananas and the Detroit Lions made the playoffs, and I think that playoff DNA is still there, in fact, I think they have an improved roster since 2005. I?m really excited to see Brandon Marshall break out. I liked the addition of Dennis Northcut and I think the Lions will have a strong receiving core, but they are a young core that is growing. The Lions are on the cusp of being really great, but they may need more time to develop. That being said, I do like their chances in the division and I could see them as a sleeper pick.
18. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are a hard one to predict because Apolo is our newest GM. He?s inherited a really talented team and with the right guidance they have the potential of being one of the most talented teams in the SFL. The team is made up of a lot of younger players, which could have an effect on awareness of the roster. Arizona is already known for speedy Wide Receivers so Robert Mechem should find a starting role on the team. I?m curious to see what Apolo will do with the team because the ceiling can be so high.
19. San Francisco 49ers
It?s felt like the transition from Jeff Garcia to Kyle Orton has been a flash. Orton has quickly taken over leading the 49ers, now entering his 3rd season its felt like the team has finally exited cap hell. With a mess of capital the 49ers were able to make a big splash in free agency by signing Joe Horn from the New Orlean Saints and Peter Warrick in Free Agency, previously from the Falcons. Pairing Orton with Horn, Warrick, and Todd Watkins, last year?s first round pick, the 49er offense has some potential to improve. On defense the addition of Lamar Woodley will be a critical piece to improving the rushing defense. Still, weaknesses of new rookies that will be growing, and QB that has taken 80 sacks in 2 seasons will be a challenge.
20. Indianapolis Colts
Probably too underrated team on this list, the Colts have been historically one of the best passing teams in the SFL. Peyton Manning will enter his 10th year and will try to put his lowest statistical season behind him. The colts say goodbye to Reggie Wayne and hello Aaron Morehead. The offensive talent does appear to be shrinking, I do think they have the DNA of a competitive roster. I like their defensive backs, the combination of Justin Miller, Walt Harris, and Chris Harris will make it difficult for the division. I have some questions about the defensive line. I?m curious what other moves they may make before the new season starts.
So tell me, what teams are on your top 20? What teams do you think I have overrated, which teams are underrated. Look forward to ranks 21-32 coming next.
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