It’s the middle of the season and I thought it would be fun to look back at my rankings from the beginning of the year and highlight four teams that have either risen or fallen compared to my early rankings.
Two teams that have impressed:
Green Bay Packers
Originally ranked #26. Currently #7
Criminally under ranked. I originally looked too far into their first round pick of QB Matt Ryan and I thought that Jake Delhomme might be benched and the team would be in transition. Instead, Delhomme is ranked in the top 10 for touchdowns, HB Adrian Peterson is on pace for 2,000 yards and top HB in the league. Kudos to Juqua Parker with 11 sacks on the season (current sack leader), David Akers top kicker, and KR Dante Hall top kick returner. Some really outstanding performances in Green Bay and truly deserve their place at number sever in the power rankings.
Miami Dolphins
Originally ranked #29. Currently #5
The Dolphins traded Couch and changes at the QB made me worry for the outlook in Miami. Drew Stanton and Charlie Whitehurst were the two new QBs and both were unproven. Lucky for them HB Clinton Portis was another addition to the roster and has been a reliable weapon each week.It should be noted that the combined QB roster for Whitehurst, Rattay, Stanton and Flacco have all gotten playing time and each QB boasts a QBR higher than 71.9. The outlook of QB talent is bright! On the other side of the ball, the Dolphin defense has been feasting. MLB Nick Barnett is leading in both tackles and interceptions, in addition CB Justin Phinisee also leads in interceptions. Should also be noted that WR Calvin Johnson is on pace for 1,000+ yards and 8 TDs, and rookie James Hardy is on pace for 8 TD to start his first season. KR Donnie Avery is also leading in kick returns.
Next, two teams that have been slow off the block. I originally had both ranked in the top 5, but both have had some rotten luck.
Cleveland Browns
Originally ranked #1. Currently #22
I originally had the Browns the top team in the SFL after a shake up in their division. Surely the Bengals wouldn’t have the same success without Jon Kitna! Surely, there would be continued struggles for the Ravens and Steelers. Well, as the season actually played out, the Bengals and Ravens have been a thorn in Cleveland’s side and the Steelers have put up a close fight in their first matchup. I have confidence the Browns will be able to improve their ranking easily. QB Philip Rivers is the 2nd top QB in yards and playing at an improved QBR and WR Antonio Bryant leads the league in receptions and on pace for 1,500 yards and 8 TDs. One element they’re missing is in the Running Back Department and the absence is being felt after a great season from DeShaun Foster last year. Rookie HB Ryan Torain is getting his first snaps at HB1 and in his last game ran for 129 yards and a TD. Things will get better for Cleveland and despite the #22 ranking they’re tied for first in the division.
Dallas Cowboys
Originally ranked #5. Currently ranked #23
Man, when I first saw the Cowboys roster. I thought they were gonna rock like a motherf*cker. That defense looked awesome and a big trade for a QB had my hopes they would continue to sting on offense. Instead the Cowboys took an early losing streak and put them on suicide watch by week 4. The second quarter has been friendlier to the cowboys getting into the win column 3 times improving their record to 3-5. As we enter week 9 it appears as if they’ve found a winning game plan and QB Donovan McNabb has really flexed his offensive muscle with such notable games like, vs Bengals, Cardinals, and Rams. WR Andre Johnson is still the star of the team, leading WRs and on pace for 1500 yards and 8 TDs and possibly elbow for most receptions in the league. It should also be noted that MLB Brian Urlacher leads the league in tackles at the moment. I expect the Cowboys to improve. Their early schedule has been met with a lot of top 10 power ranked teams, but a look ahead puts them in matchup with a few low 20 ranked teams.
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