NFL Power Rankings For the 2009-2010 Season
32. Oakland Raiders: This team was bad, but they have Jamarcus Russell, who isn’t a bust yet. They could have shored up their defensive line by drafting Brian Orackpow, or even strengthened their line backing unit by drafting Larry English, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing or Rey Maualuga. Instead, they go ahead and draft wide receiver and speedster Darius Heyward-Bey. Not even the most talented in the draft, I might add. They went with pure speed over route running and catching ability, by passing on Jeremy Maclin and Michael Crabtree. The Raiders could have improved themselves, but failed miserably.
31. Detroit Lions: They are heading in the right direction. Matthew Stafford seems to be a QB who can make all the right decisions and the tough throws. Then again, so was Joey Harrington. The Lions should let Stafford sit out for at least some of the season, so he isn’t thrown into a horrible situation, where he will be lying on his back half the time thanks to a weak offensive line.
30. San Fransisco 49ers: They have Frank Gore, but that’s about it. Mike Singletary has yet to prove himself as a coach, while the niner defense is very unproven. Until San Fran finds a quarterback, they will not contend with most NFL teams.
29. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs got Matt Cassell, and drafted Tyson Jackson out of LSU. The two will help the team win, but not enough. Cassell was made better last year because he was throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker. With the Chiefs, Matt has no wide receiver other than Dwayne Bowe, especially with the absence of Tony Gonzalez.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: This team is pretty bad. They have one of the, if not the worst defensive units in the league, and their running game is deteriorating as their backs age. Carson Palmer is a great quarterback, but will have trouble finding people to throw to. Chad Ochocinco is a great wide out, but he will be double covered by most teams, and the Bengals don’t have much of a #2 without TJ Houshmenzadeh. Laverneus Coles is a good wide receiver, but not great. The Bengals simply have too many questions on defense to win. Also, many of their players (including possible #3 WR Chris Henry) have been in trouble with the law.
27. Seattle Seahawks: Seattle has no running game to speak of, an okay (at best) defensive unit, a good QB, and okay wide receivers. T.J. Houshmenzadeh is obviously their biggest threat, but teams will realize that doubling Housh and maybe even shading him with a third defender will be a possibility, given that Seattle doesn’t really have a #2.
26. St. Louis Rams: If they can stay healthy, they’ll be an okay team. They are very weak defensively, and they still haven’t found someone who they know can replace Orlando Pace. Jason Smith could fill the void, and James Laurinitis will help defensively, but the Rams have more questions than answers. Steven Jackson is a great RB, and Marc Bulger is a good QB. Unfortunately, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce are no longer options as wide receivers.
25. Denver Broncos: With a good draft, the Broncos should have been able to compete. Unfortunately, Jay Cutler left and the Broncos were left with Kyle Orton. Orton is an okay QB, but not nearly as good as Cutler. The Broncos had major defensive issues, but still went offensive in the draft as they took RB Knowshon Moreno. Moreno looks to have great upside, but the Broncos fell into the trap of drafting talent rather than need. The Broncos have a weak D, and I doubt if Josh McDaniels can coach the defensive into the postseason; he was an offensive coordinator.
24. Houston Texans: The team over achieved last year. Their best player far and away is wide receiver Andre Johnson. After him, they don’t have much of a unit. Matt Schuab is a decent quarterback and their defense is average. Brian Cushing was a good pick, and will help out big time. Steve Slaton was a great RB last season, but he had just over 260 carries. It is yet to be seen if his 5’9″ frame can hold up being an every down type of back, who normally averages over 310 carries in a season. If Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans put up big seasons for Houston, then they could be more of a threat, but until then, Houston will not be a good team.
23. Cleveland Browns: Eric Mangini played the draft very well, understanding his biggest need was center. He drafted Alex Mack, who played well in college. Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn have both played, and have both showed glimpses of talent. Braylon Edwards is a solid target, so they will have someone to throw to. With Eric Mangini coaching, the defense should be stronger. Overall, the Browns can be a good team.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This team has great upside, but if their quarterbacks can’t produce, they won’t go anywhere. Josh Freeman could be a long term answer at quarterback, but that is uncertain. The defense is quite good, with Will Allen and Gaines Adams (who still has time to make a name for himself) as well as Ronde Barber. Barber is well out of his prime, as is most of the Bucs’ defense. They can be good, but again, it depends on quarterback play.
21. Chicago Bears: They now have a quarterback. Jay Cutler will provide the Bears stability in a position which they have been searching for for years. Unfortunately, the Bears D isn’t nearly as strong as it used to be, and in overall defense failed to break the top 10 last season.
20. Dallas Cowboys: They no longer have a premier wide receiver, so Tony Romo will be hesitant when throwing. They don’t have a prime back, and their defense is average. The Cowboys were good for the last few years, but they will not be too big of a threat this year. However, if Felix Jones competes at an even higher level than he did last season, America’s team could definitely make the playoffs.
19. Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jags don’t really have a quarterback, and their defense is old. They are okay at stopping the run (Mike Peters still has some left in the tank). Their strength is at running back, where they have Maurice Jones-Drew. Fred Taylor left to go to New England, so Jones-Drew will be tested.
18. New York Jets: The Jets drafted Mark Sanchez out of USC, who has great potential and awesome leadership skills. Their defense is very strong, with Kerry Rhodes leading the unit. Their offensive line should be strong, held together by Alan Faneca. I am hesitant to put New York any higher because you can never be certain what you’ll get with rookie QB. Joey Harrington is a prime example.
17. Washington Redskins: Jason Campbell is not a great quarterback by any stretch of the imagination. Clinton Portis is well out of his prime, but can still get the job done. He will be helped by Ladell Betts, who is a great 2-back. Defensively, the Skins will be helped out by the pick of Brian Orakpow, who was the top defensive lineman in the draft.
16. Buffalo Bills: Trent Edwards is a young quarterback who should improve, and he will be helped by the addition of Terrell Owens. TO has had success throughout his career in his first season with a team. Throw Lee Evans into the equation and the Bills have a solid receiving tandem. They also have RB Marshawn Lynch, who if not in trouble with the law poses a threat to defenses. Aaron Schobel is one of the best defensive lineman in the game, and anchors a very consistent Bills D.
15. New Orleans Saints: The Saints have Drew Brees, who is obviously one of the best QB’s in the league. He has Marques Colston to throw at, and he is a great option. Reggie Bush can still prove himself to be a solid player, while Deuce Mcallister can still put up decent numbers. Unfortunately, the Saints defense is pretty weak. Jonathan Vilma is not nearly as good as he used to be, but can still make tackles.
14. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins were a major surprise last year, but they were helped by the absence of Tom Brady when playing New England. Ronnie Brown is a sensational RB, and Chad Pennington proved he could still make precise throws he used to be known for. The Dolphins will be better than they were last year, but they will not have as good of a record, thanks to the strong AFC east division.
13. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson is now one of the best RB’s in the league. He is an amazing player and defenses will have a helluva lot of trouble bringing him down. Unfortunately, the Vikings haven’t quited worked out their quarterback situation, and they can’t hand the ball to Adrian every play. Defensively, the Vikings have a great line, led by sack master Jared Allen.
12. New York Giants: They have a very good running game in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, and if the running game can get going, Eli Manning will play well, because is very effective off the play action. Unfortunately, Manning does not have a true #1 receiver to throw to now that Plaxico Burress is gone, and he is not a good enough QB to mask that.
11. San Diego Chargers: Without Shawne Merriman last season, the Charger defense was very weak. This year he’ll be back, and the unit should be much better. Philip Rivers is a great quarterback, and he will be throwing to Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson, who are two good receivers. However, LaDanian Tomlinson is not as good as he used to be, and seems to be running out of gas, and Darren Sproles hasn’t shown he can be an every down runner. Charger’s former FB Lorenzo Neal’s absence will continue to show its effect.
10. Baltimore Ravens: Led by rookie QB, the Ravens offense was surprisingly good. Willis McGahee led the ground attack, while Flacco put together a solid rookie campaign. Defensively, the Ravens are still one of the best, featuring Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.
9. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts no longer have Marvin Harrison or Tony Dungy, and Bob Sanders is one year older. Peyton Manning will be content throwing to Reggie Wayne, but a legitimate #2 WR has yet to reveal himself. Without Dungy, the Colts will not be as good as they were with him, and it will be obvious when they play. Joseph Addai is a pretty good running back, but the Colts’ defense is too weak to compete with powerful, smashmouth teams, especially without Bob Sanders.
8. Green Bay Packers: They drafted NT B.J. Raji out of Boston College. He is a monster inside, and will wreak havoc against most offensive lines. Aaron Rodgers proved he was worthy of playing in the NFL, and he has Greg Jennings to throw to. Overall, the Packers will be a very strong team, and they have key players at corner back who can make big plays; last year Charles Woodson and Nick Collins combined for 14 picks.
7. Tennessee Titans: Kerry Collins can still make the throws he needs to, and Chris Johnson is a dominating running back. The Titans will not be as good as they were last season, but they will still be a force, and I think make the playoffs because the Colts are without coach Tony Dungy.
6. Philadelphia Eagles: They have all the necessary tools to be a great team. A great QB, a strong running game and good wide outs. Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb are still good players, and Kevin Curtis is a pretty good wide receiver. Defensively, they have Asante Samuels, as well as Sheldon Brown. LeSean McCoy has a bright future as an NFL running back, and if he starts off on the right foot, the Eagles will go deep into the playoffs.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner will be back, and he has the best wide receiving tandem in the league at his disposal, in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Tim Hightower is an okay running back, and the Cards have a very strong defense, led by safety Adrian Wilson.
4. Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is a great QB, and will be better than last year, as will his targets including Roddy White. The Addition of Tony Gonzalez will only help the offense, and they have a very strong running game, thanks to Michael Turner.
3. Carolina Panthers: Great running game, great passing game and great defense. Julius Peppers can still make huge plays on D, while DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart produce a nasty running attack. Jake Delhomme is a very good QB, and when you have Steve Smith to throw to, you are helped out big time. If the Panthers can get on a roll going into the playoffs, they could go deep into the playoffs, and they are my pick to win the NFC.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers: Best defense in the league, and a great offense. Any time you win a super bowl, your team has to be pretty darn good, and the Steelers are just that. Big Ben leads an offense attack which can punch you in the nose with a run from Mewelde Moore, Rashard Mendenhall or Willie Parker, or air out a deep bomb to Hines Ward or Santonio Holmes. The Steelers defense is as powerful as the offense, shown by the defeat of one of the best passing attacks in the league lsat year in the Arizona Cardinals.
1. New England Patriots: Tom Brady is back, and he has Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk each posess certain skills which complement each other, giving New England an offense which can air it out as well as any team better than any team in the NFL, while still play smash mouth football. Defensively, New England has one of the best D lines in the league, thanks to Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour and Ty Warren, while their secondary has been greatly improved in the draft. Darius Butler was widely considered a top CB, and Pat Chung is a smart, hard hitting safety. The Pats have a mixed linebacking unit. Jerod Mayo is a beast, as is Adalius Thomas (who still has gas left in his tank). Tedy Bruschi plays smart, and the other OLB position will be filled by Shawn Crable, who is spoken very highly of by the New England coaching staff. The Pats’ only real uncertainty is at LOLB (where Crable will most likely play). It was hard to decide between Pittsburgh and New England here, but I just felt that because the Pats have a top defensive unit and the best offense in the league, they could beat the Steelers. The Patriots are deep too, and barring an injury situation similar to last year, I expect the Pats to win the SB.
All of this assumes Brady can stay healthy…
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HAHA….biased much?
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Nope, sayin’ it like it is. The Pats, on paper, have the best team in the NFL. 100% of the time Brady of Big Ben, and the Pats have the best overall receivers (welker, moss, galloway, lewis) in the conference. Also, Chris Baker and Fred Taylor will add more depth. Leigh Bodden is a good, big, strong corner who will threaten deep ball receivers, and Shawn Springs is the best in the NFL at covering Terrell Owens. The only hole NE has is LOLB, where Shawn Crable will play, and if I might remind you, BB has spoken very highly of him.
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Pretty weak analysis of quite a few teams.
And did you happen to watch the last half of the 2007 season? Some pretty weak performances by your dynasty, and I can vividly remember two games(ravens ring a bell?) that they should have lost(and would have if not for very poor calls). Teams figured them out, and they will again this year. I say they deserve the 5 spot.
You sound like a 2008 cowboy fan touting them by “how they look on paper”.
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Yes, I did watch the last of of the 2007 season. Did you see how the Pats have bolstered their secondary, and now have legitimate corners who can contend with big, deep threat receivers. Shawn Springs is the best in the league at covering Terrell Owens, and Leigh Bodden is the first Patriot corner over 6 feet in a while. Also, the 2007 did not feature Jerod Mayo, and a RB core consisting of Maroney, Morris and Taylor. Also, the 2007 receivers were not as good as the 09 wide outs will be. Moss and Welker are both there, but this season the Pats will feature Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, both viable number three options. In 07, the Pats only had Ben Watson as a legitimate tight end, but this year, Alex Smith was signed, and a great receiving and blocking tight end was picked up in Chris Baker.
Yes, I remember the Ravens game, in fact, I remember the Super Bowl too. I do believe that the Pats are a better team than they were in 07.
If you think the Pats deserve the 5 spot, who goes ahead of them? I’m assuming you think Pittsburgh, but who else?
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i think its up for grabs. pats will be good, maybe great, maybe bust.(with a stacked team like that everything but a superbowl win is a bust).
i think you need to adjust the saints, the texans, and the seahawks. there are a bunch of reasons why all of those teams need to be higher in your rankings.(i.e. in front of the jags, skins, and the dolphins)
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I think that the Saints could very well be higher up, but I really believe that it lies on Reggie Bush. Drew Brees is a great quarterback, but teams can defend one aspect of an offense. If Reggie Bush and the Saints’ overall RB’s pull themselves together, they will definitely be deep playoff contenders.
The Texans are very one dimensional, and don’t have a running game. Andre Johnson is the most underrated wide out in the league, but again, defenses can cover a single offensive aspect. Houston’s defense is improving, and if Demeco Ryans and Mario Williams can take the next step, they could be higher up.
The Seahawks are a team that I do not have very high hopes for. T.J. Houshmenzadeh is a great wide receiver, but he will be hasselbeck’s only target if Deion Branch and the Seawhawks’ other wide outs fail to stay healthy (which has been a problem). Their defense is okay, but they really need the help of a premiere running back… someone who they’ve been missing after Shaun Alexander.
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reasons-
seahawks: kerney, lofa, curry, hill? thats a better than “okay” defensive core. just because they are the bastard children of the nfl, you cant balk at the prospects for a probowl passer with healthy deion branch, burleson, t.j., and carlson(rookie broke record for seahawk t.e. recieving yards, without hasselbeck)
texans: very quick and maturing defense. didnt get help from offense last year. did you forget about owen daniels? walter also has his moments. what about steve slaton dude?
saints: you probably know the important details but are underestimating them IMO.
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Exactly.. HEALTHY wide receivers will be key. Branch has been injury prone ever since he left the Pats (and even with NE)… But as I said.. a great passing game is easily countered by a defense, an offense needs a balanced attack. Case in point: 2007 Patriots.. couldn’t run in the SB and were beaten by the Giants.
True, Steve Slaton is a strong RB, but I would like to see another season from him before I will rank him higher. My reasoning: The Pats had a great rookie campaign from Lawrence Maroney, but ever since then he’s been injury prone.
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Thank you for the great web site – a true resource, and one many people clearly enjoy
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Nice! We truly liked this work .
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the eagles have had all of these things for years. all it did was get them there to lose the big dance.
year they lost to the patriots they were “dominant” in the nfc, but when it comes down to it..they will never have what it takes. because when you put all of your faith in a washed up has been choke artist of a quarterback you tend to pack up in late december.
and westbrook? seriously? that breed of running back is dead. the eagles have one good thing going for them..ONE SOLID THING. mr. dawkins.
oh wait. he was traded.
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also. cowboys not having a premiere RB is a direct result of very poor offensive decisions. felix or marion could easily be top 5 throughout the year. give them they ball and see what happens. if dallas decided to step it up and play to their full potential it would be interesting. being a cowboy fan like myself this is frustrating. ugh.
also last I checked getting rid of T.O. is the equivalent to successful chemotherapy.
keep in mind that for years the patriots have never had a premiere WR or running back, but have become a more than dominant force in the nfl. or it could be because they use energizer batteries for their video cameras. :)
and another thing..carolina? really?the cardinals? you’ve got to be joking. BTW your spot for atlanta is great. they will be..and mark my words..a force to be reckoned with in the next few years.
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Chase,
Tony Romo is an overrated quarterback and has been the benefactor of a strong offensive line. Jones and Felix are premiere running backs as a combination, and you said it yourself, they could be top 5. Say all you want about T.O., but he made Romo a better QB, and was his major threat.
That is true about the Pats, but they have far superior coaching to the Cowboys, and Brady is a better player than Romo.
In terms of Carolina and the Cardinals, I see agarwal’s point.
Carolina has a very good passing game with Delhomme and Steve Smith, and the best running game in the league, with Stewart and Williams. The Cardinals made the SB last year, and Tim Hightower getting consistent rushes will make the Cards’ run game more consistent, and they have the best wide receiving tandem in the league with Anquan and Fitzgerald.
Brian Westbrook, if healthy, is an amazingly quick and strong back who is a major threat receiving out of the backfield.
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The ’09 Patriots are a better team than the ’07 Patriots who were one of the best teams in football history.
I know a lot of people don’t like the Pats but they’re the real thing and it’s unlikely they’ll be the underdog in ANY game they play this season.
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I completely agree with you. The Pats have a younger, quicker and more energetic defense than 07, with cornerbacks who can actually play consistently. If Tom Brady comes back 85-90% the Pats will be in great shape, if he comes back fully healthy, then New England should dominate.
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The Texans at 24???? You are not paying attention…from the 4th best offense in the league to the ever improving denfense…and now they have a run game. I’m not saying they are in the top ten…..yet…but, #24 behind Cleveland??!!….ridiculous!
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I think the Browns will be a solid team this season. They went 10-6 two years ago with a very similar roster, and Eric Mangini has proven he can win with a lack of talent in New York. The Texans were ranked 22nd in defense last season. I think Cushing will help out the defense alongside Demeco Ryans and behind DeMario Williams, but I don’t believe the D is great unit just yet.
Offensively, the Texans were good last season in terms of yards (3rd), but they were only 17th in points scored. Houston was not able to consistently finish drives. Matt Schaub is a solid quarterback, and if he can improve upon last season’s numbers, then the Texans can certainly be better than 24.
I think Steve Slaton will be good, but it is yet to be seen whether Slaton can handle being the #1 back. Last season he had just over 260 carries, which is about 50 carries less than the average starting running back.
The Texans are also in the same division as the Colts and Titans, both of whom were playoff teams last year.
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Wow.. this list is pretty whacked… is was already a terrible list which got more terrible when NE replaced the Steelers at the top…. NE isnt even top 5…
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Yes George. The same Patriots offense from the ’07 16-0 team (with a better run game) and a stronger defense does not belong in the top 5.
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Houston at 24?
NO RUNNING GAME? ARE YOU SERIOUS?
So Steve Slaton isn’t a offense threat?
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I like Slaton, he was great last year, but as I said I don’t know if his small frame is ready to take the beating which is entailed when a back gets 300+ carries. If he is, then hell, the Texans will be solid. I think there are a lot of possibilities with Houston. Matt Schaub put up a pretty good season last year, and if he can do the same/better he puts his team in a good situation. Defensively, Ryans, Williams and Cushing need to perform at extremely high levels. If all of this happens, the Texans will compete.
Keep in mind that Houston plays in the AFC South, meaning that four of their games are against Indy or Tennessee (13-3 last year).
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Let this be heard! The ultimate biggest mistake of these power rankings is the seahawks.
If you disagree, post something that makes it clear, and in december we will see…..
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The Seahawks COULD be good this year, but there are a few things that need to happen. The receivers and QB need to stay healthy and the defense needs to be good.
First off, Neither Hasselbeck nor his receiving crew has been able to stay healthy over the last few years, with Deion Branch, and Nate Burleson both missing significant time over the last few seasons. If T.J. is the only viable receiver the Seahawks have, teams will easily double cover him. Also, even if Branch is healthy, he is nowhere near as good as he was with New England, when Brady was throwing to him. With all three healthy, Seattle has very viable receivers, but if Hasselbeck is injured, they will not make a difference. Of course if healthy, Seattle could have a good offensive year. Based on the last few seasons, however, the Seahawks have NOT been able to stay healthy.
Last year, the Seahawks defense was ranked 30th in the league in YPG and 25th in PPG. That is, frankly, atrocious defense. Aaron Curry will certainly help in containing the run and receiving tight ends, but unless they make a huge jump from last year to this coming year, they will not impress. Marcus Trufant and Ken Lucas are both out of their prime and have lost a step, and while they can still bring leadership and coverage skills to the table, they are very vulnerable deep or on quick crossing routes.
Lastly, Julius Jones is going to be the feature back for Seattle. He has had one season in his career when he has gone over 1000 yards, and that too barely. Don’t get me wrong, Jones is a good RB who averages 4 YPC, but he has not succeeded as a feature back consistently. T.J. Duckett will be the hammer for short yardage situations, but he’s in his 9th year, well out of his prime and is good for maybe 70 touches in a season (over the last 3 years his high has been 65).
Basically, if every offensive piece can remain healthy (again, they have not been able to do so) and Lofa Tatupu’s defense, now with Aaron Curry, can be consistent and not one of the worst units in the league, then they can be competitive. Otherwise, they might only fare a little better than last year.
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The Bears at 21? Behind The Packers (at number 8!!??) and the VikeQueens? You must be on crack. The Bears D underperformed last year, but they are healthier this year and added Tinoisamoa to the LB core of Briggs and Urlacher(the best in the NFL?). We also got Marinelli coaching the D line, so expect big improvements there…which will result in more pressure on the opposing QB (Mark Anderson will have double digit sacks) and better play from the secondary. Manning and Tillman will both put up solid performances and get a handful of picks each. Plus, the Bears are hungry and will be looking not only to make the playoffs, but to make a SB run.
But our defense won’t even need to perform at the 2006 level with our improved offense. On offense, Forte is probably the best all-around RB in the NFL. Look for him to have close to 2000 yards in combined yards. Plus with Kevin Jones healthy as the number 2, this is a lethal combination at RB. I don’t think it’s impossible that KJ will get near to the 1000 yeard mark. The Bears O-line is much improved as well. We have added Orlando Pace (have you actually seen how big this guy is?) and Chris Williams is healthy and, trust me, this kid has good size and mobility…and a wicked little mean streak. Kevin Shaffer and Frank Omiyale add some nice depth to the already solid line. Cutler should get good protection from this bunch. And he has options for the pass. Hester is developing nicely as a WR and so is second year Earl Bennett. Look for Rideau and Aromashodu to benefit from Cutler’s rocket arm this year too. Maybe even one of the rookies Iglesias or Knox (a rocket) will perform well as they get more comfortable with the playbook. And Cutler can also hit Forte for yardage as well. Not to mention Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark at TE. What a tandem at TE. Olsen will be a pro bowler this year.
Do I need to mention the Bears Special Teams – consitently one of the best squads in the NFL. Manning on KR and Hester on PR should still scare teams. Both are threats for big returns and will put the Bears in good field position consistently. Gold and Maynard are solid on the kicking squad.
The only thing that would worry me about this Bears team is multiple injuries to key players. But every team should worry about that. BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS. NFC CHAMPS
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Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher are certainly amazing linebackers and have proven themselves. Pisa was a great addition and will definitely improve the line backers.
I do have to disagree with you though. I do not think the offense is a major threat. Forte is a great RB, yes, but not yet one of the best. I still would take LT, Peterson, Michael Turner, Steve Slaton, Clinton Portis and Steven Jackson and even Ronnie Brown ahead of him. Forte’s stats were helped out by the fact that he was given the ball so much, as he was given the ball almost 20 times per game, 5th most in the league. Also, I’d say that Westbrook is a better all around RB than Forte when healthy.
Jay Cutler is definitely the best QB the Bears have had in a while, but he does not have great options. Devin Hester is still a below-average route runner, and is really only a deep threat.. easily covered by sliding a safety over the top. Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark are great players but how far have teams gotten who’s best option is their TE? The Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in forever (w/ Jason Witten) and the Giants won the super bowl WITHOUT their starting TE jeremy shockey.
Orlando Pace WAS one of the best in the game, but he is very well out of his prime, and while still effective, not nearly as dominant.
If your predictions come true: Manning and Tillman having good years, Anderson putting up a great season, rookie/young receivers developing A LOT, then yes, the Bears will be great, but realistically.. they need to prove that they can do it first, especially defensively. If they improve vastly from last season (21st in total defense) then they will be threatening as a unit, but until then, they will suffer some tough losses.
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So you made some sense with the linebacker comment. Phew.
But you are out of line when you can’t admit that Forte is one of the elite RBs in the NFL (Is it because you are a NE fan and you’re not sure what a RB is?). You said Forte’s stats were helped because he had the 5th most carries in the league. Of course they were. If you are a great RB, you get the ball a lot. That’s how it works. I thought it was interesting that the players who had more carries than Forte were all guy you named as better backs (Peterson, Michael Turner and Clinton Portis). Are their stats not helped out by the fact that they had so many carries per game.
Forte’s versatile and can catch the ball as well. Not to mention block when needed. All the ones you mentioned are top 20. I think Forte is top 5 easy. Besides Peterson, I can see someone maybe ranking Williams or Turner ahead of Forte. And Forte being a Bear makes him the best in the NFL for me (you’re not the only one allowed to be biased).
Pace is past his prime, sure, but the bottom line is that our O Line has improved. See my comments from before.
You agree Cutler is an upgrade at QB, right? And Orton took a worse team with a worse coaching staff and an underpersorming defense to 9-7, just missing the playoffs by a game. All this while injured for half the season after the Detriot game. So a healthy Cutler with a better team can’t clinch the NFC North with 10+ wins? Listen, we have Cutler last year and he gets us in range for one more FG and we are 12-4. He gets us another TD a game and we are 14-2.
So who will Cutler pass to? Hest, maybe not a true #1, but he will have a good year and have probably between 800-1000 yards. I think there will be a breakout from one of the younger guys, probably not a rookie, but any on e of Bennett, Rideau or Aromashodu could have a breakout year. They all look good in camp. I think Davis might even have a solid year. Plus, we have a theory here in Chicago: “The QB makes the receiver, not vice versa.” We are putting that to the test this year. But here’s some food for thought: Brandon Marshall before Cutler: 15 games/20 rec/309 yds. Brandon Marshall after Cutler: 16 games/103 rec/1295 yds. And Eddie Royal as a rookie with Cutler: 15 games/91 rec/980 yds. Tell me the QB didn’t have something to do with their success. Even if you deny it now, you won’t be able to in December.
I admit the Bears defense underperformed at times last year, especially late in the game…and I think they are prepared to step it up a little this year. But they weren’t even that bad last year. The 21st in total defense stat is a little misleading. The Bears offense simply couldn’t stay on the field long enough (28:36 – 27th in the NFL!). Which means the defense was out there and hence giving up yardage which skews that stat. Not to mention that the defense doesn’t have a chance to rest, which loses games late. If you break that defensive stats down, the Bears were pretty good. Yards per rush, 3.4 was 3rd in the NFL. Yards per pass was 6.20 (8th best). Yards per play was 4.9 (6th). Turnovers forced was 32 was 2nd best. All I’m saying we stay on the field on offense for an extra 3-4 minutes per game, the total defense numbers will improve dramatically. I think the Cutler upgrade alone gives you an extra couple of minutes on offense.
Just some food for thought. I know we need to prove all this, but I’ve been watching the camp and have tried to be pretty objective and I still feel good about this team. My optimism this year has not been topped since the 80s. So I am a little incredulous when I see them slotted at 21. A 9-7 team that has made a quite a few upgrades, you have to figure they will be at least 10 or 11 game winners. Is that even good enough for top 12 or 15.
Anyway, that’s all. When the Bears win the NFC North, I’ll know that the Vikes and Pac are who I thought they were. When we meet the Pats in the big game, you will know that “we are the Bear’s shufflin’ crew”…and you will think of this posting and you will be afraid.
Adrian
PS – If we had drafted someone out of BC, would we have automatically been bumped up 10 spots?
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Thanks for the comment Adrian!
I’ll admit that the Bears are ranked lower than they should be, but I still don’t think they’re a top 12 team. I’d also like to say that I think Brian Westbrook is a better all around back than Forte (but he’s injured half the time).
I’d say that the Bears are ranked so lowly here is b/c of their defensive performance last year, as you said they were unable to make stops late.. If they can improve.. then yes they will definitely end up higher than 21. I felt like the defense needs to take a step forward, even though they’re not getting younger, so a defensive improvement is easier said than done. As I said though, if they can come close to what they did in 07, they’ll definitely be better. You have to remember that they also play the Vikings twice, and if the Williams (Vikes defensive lineman) are not suspended, they’ll give Cutler a run for his money, as will the Packers with an improved offense and a sturdier defense (Raji).
I’ll say it again.. if the Bears can solidify some shaky defense from last year and put it to where it was in 07 they will be a great team, but I couldn’t make that assumption too quickly b/c of the fall it took from 07-08.
About the Qb making the receiver, I couldn’t agree more.. I’m a Pats fan (as you know) and Deion Branch, David Givens, Reche Caldwell etc. were certainly helped by Brady.
And no, you wouldn’t have been bumped up 10 spots ;-)
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I too have the bears slotted much higher. Personally, I think they’ll be clinching the NFC North this year with only the packers giving them trouble. I am not a fan of Jay Cutler but I have to admit, he has really developed as a QB. He and Forte will complement each other all season making defenses respect both the air assualt and the ground game. As far as Bears Defense is concerned, every major site has them ranked top 3 this season. We can only watch and see.
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We really liked the website .. Thank you.
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Are you insane? Vikes are 9-1 this season! anyways, we liked your site too
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