1) Ravens- playing great football on both sides of the ball, showing very few weaknesses if any as the Defense is now gelling. Flacco looks great, running game is beastly, Heap is playing well again.
2) Colts- Will be a tough out in the postseason with #18 under center as it is, defense is very quick and unexpectedly, fairly stout. Running game looks improved.
3) N'awlins- More of a tap of the brakes in Buffalo, they still put up points even sleepwalking. Brees is unconscious and has a bevy of good hands people to throw it to. Factor in an excellent running game led by Mike Bell and I'm not sure their defense will matter... until December.
4) Giants- Lucky vs the Cowboys who owned them up and down the field offensively in the run game- and struggles a tad vs divisional opponents generally- but this team REALLY manhandles teams that are unfamiliar with their personnel, playcalling, and front seven on defense. Due their accolades yes- but they can be had by a team which has a balanced attack.
5) Eagles- better than their record- and the Vikings whom struggled against a decent but flawed 49ers team. Mc Nabb will give them a spark when he returns and only needs a good divisional showing as they too generally spank teams that don't see them often enough.
Bottom 5:
28) Titans- Not a misprint. Can stop noone. Alge is very fat, and Kerry is very old. Chris Johnson is terrific, but wut do he gotta do? The DB play has been maybe the worst in football overall this season thus far. This team will likely climb, but right now- they stink to high heaven. Maybe Jeff Fisher needs a new videoboard before the Titans fans start watching from home instead of LP Field.
29) Panthers- bewildering squad loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but is saddled with a ragged armed Qb that is losing confidence daily. Has a chance to turn it around a bit but will not sniff the playoffs this season.
30) Buccaneers- their inspired first outing was their best and that wasn't good enough to beat any marginal to good team. Since catching the 'Boys off guard a bit, the let down in Buffalo led to the disaster last week which might lead to the bottom of the barrel if they are not steadfast in improving.
31) Rams- at least they are trying. Erratic play on both ends speaks to lack of talent and time under Spags, who will get it going at some point. A blessing in disguise? With Kyle Boller under center, the offense has a chance to make a few plays. I emphasize "few"... as in maybe three a game, and chances are it will be Steven Jackson that makes those.
32) Browns- this team is absolutely wretched. Theyoffer nothing, have nothing to offer, and are playing with less ridgidity than a Bobby Carpenter Fathead. This just in: Braylon Edwards is overrated, Brady Quinn is horrific, and Jamal Lewis is cooked. Man-gina won't see a second season if this level of play continues: book it.
Current Cowboys rank: 14)- Running game is turbocharged, but has the NOS tank been removed with Felix's injury? Romo can improve his already lofty win pct. with heady play we saw vs. Carolina. The defense showed some nastiness vs. Carolina we haven't seen in a bit. Special Teams are greatly improved to the point where we can really make teams work for scores if we play smart football.
One more thing: And you can bash me if you want. Wade Phillips is a good football coach and should he lead this team into the playoffs- I think he should stay on.
I was impressed with the way he handled the adversity of losing the first game in our new house. He has his eyes on the bigger picture at all times, and he called a terrific game vs. Carolina. Should he take the Cowboys to the playoffs with the personnel we have on the field, I believe he should stay for one more shot at it.
How do you quickly restructure a team that is predicated on his style defense? Noone else runs it the same way and I saw some things in the last game- as much of a struggle it was- that says it's going to definitely come together sooner rather than later. We had a four week hiatus, but I think we are returning to November '08 form and I think you will see that THAT level of play becomes the norm and not the abberation.
