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NFL Preseason Power Rankings (The Tenable Ten)
The NFL has always claimed it was looking for parity…well these 10 teams exemplify it. Any one of them could win 11 games. And yet, each could lose 11 just as easily. But that’s what is great about the NFL: the more you try to figure it out, the more it surprises you.
Read my Tenable Ten (Teams 11-20), check out the Dreadful Dozen (Teams 21-32) and come back tomorrow for the Exemplary X (Teams 1-10).
20. Kansas City Chiefs
Key Additions: Donnie Edwards, Napoleon Harris, Damion McIntosh
Key Losses: Will Shields, Kawika Mitchell, Sammy Knight
Why they’re underrated: If Larry Johnson plays anywhere near the way he did in ‘06, the Chiefs are going to control the ball and stay in a lot of football games. Damon Huard played well after Trent Green went down last year, and the Chiefs are excited about the progress of rookie Brodie Croyle. The team finally decided to address their decrepit receiving corps by drafting burner Dwayne Bowe out of LSU in the first round. The defense has made huge strides over the past year led by star linebacker Derrick Johnson. The Chiefs will only be stronger at the position when Johnson is joined by free agents Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris.
Why they’re overrated: L.J. is holding out, and of more concern, carried the ball 416 times last year—well over the Curse of 370 Carries. Priest Holmes is trying to make a comeback, but there’s little reason to believe he can be the Priest of old. So, if Johnson can’t carry this team, there is little hope that either Croyle or Huard can (neither is a take-over-the-game guy). Tony Gonzalez is another year older. Same goes for Edwards, Patrick Surtain and Ty Law. The Chiefs sneaked into the playoffs last year, but returning there looks like a huge challenge. K.C. may be wise to treat ’07 as a rebuilding year, go with Croyle and let young stars like Tamba Hali, Jarad Page, Bernard Pollard and Bowe.
19. Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions: Mike Gandy, Al Johnson, Rod Hood
Key Losses: Leonard Davis, Alex Stepanovich
Why they’re underrated: Ken Whisenhunt is no Dennis Green. He is who we thought he is, and there is no way the Wiz is letting anyone off the hook. Matt Leinart seems to be prepared and progressing, and as long as Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald stay healthy, the offense should be potent. Bringing in Al Johnson and Levi Brown to protect Leinart was a great move. You can’t pass if you can’t protect. Matt Leinart's buddy Van Wilder got the Cards to "write that down."
Why they’re overrated: It seems like the Cardinals are always overrated. Every year they are the chic team to “make the jump,” and every year the only jump they make is into the toilet. Edge isn’t the same back he was in Indy (though he ended 2006 strong) and it seems like Boldin and Fitzgerald are getting nicked up with all the over-use. Whisenhunt says he wants to run the ball more, but Arizona’s personnel may not be capable of such a feat.
18. San Francisco 49ers
Key Additions: Darrell Jackson, Nate Clements, Ashlie Lelie, Michael Lewis
Key Losses: Sammy Davis, Eric Johnson, Mike Rumph
Why they’re underrated: In 2006, Frank Gore was a beast, Alex Smith hinted that he may be “a good one” and Vernon Davis proved he is the real deal. Nate Clements and Michael Lewis should bolster the secondary for a team that really seemed to be building toward something last year.
Why they’re overrated: They’re everyone’s pick to “break out” this season…how often is “everyone” right? Plus, injury-prone back Frank Gore is already hurt, Alex Smith has never proven he can win on this level, Darrell Jackson and Ashlie Lelie seem to drop more balls than they catch (and both are battling injuries) and they still have no one to rush the passer.
17. St. Louis Rams
Key Additions: Drew Bennett, Randy McMichael, James Hall, Adam Carriker, Dante Hall
Key Losses: Travis Fisher, Kevin Curtis, Jerametrius Butler, Adam Timmerman, Dexter Coakley
Why they’re underrated: We know Mark Bulger, the richest Ram ever, is happy. The additions of Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael should only make him happier. The team is extremely high on Adam Carriker, its first-round pick. Expect him to cause havoc in the middle while Leonard Little and James Hall apply pressure from the outside. Oh, and Steven Jackson is an animal.
Why they’re overrated: Outside of the line, the defense is suspect at best. I’d be kind if I called the linebackers sub-par. The secondary is basically untested—since it was so easy to run on the Rams last year. And those explosive receivers are getting old. Torry Holt is 31 this year and “the Reverend” is 35 years young.
16. Tennessee Titans
Key Additions: Nick Harper, Ryan Fowler, Eric Moulds, Justin Gage
Key Losses: Travis Henry, Pacman Jones, Drew Bennett, Bobby Wade
Why they’re underrated: When you are led by the real Superman—Vince Young—a guy who follows up his for-the-ages Rose Bowl with a rookie season like his ’06 campaign (winning six of his last seven—most of the time on his own), anything is possible. Despite the preseason punch, all reports indicate that Tennessee is a cohesive unit lining up behind its young superhero leader. Young has the ability to change a game in one play with either his arms or his legs and has shown a penchant for turning broken plays into big plays. Roydell Williams is a promising young receiver who should develop well opposite Brandon Jones.
Why they’re overrated: Who’s going to run the ball? LenDale White? We know it won’t be Chris Brown for very long…the guy is more banged up than Lindsay Lohan. And for all his heroics, Young struggled with consistency last year. If he can’t improve on his yards/attempt, INTs/attempt and QB rating (all of which were in the bottom 5 in the league last year), reaching the playoffs will be a longshot. Plus, we won’t know how much of a distraction the Pacman Jones scandal(s) has been until the team takes the field in September.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions: Tony Pashos, Jermaine Wiggins, Tim Couch
Key Losses: Donovan Darius
Why they’re underrated: Maurice Jones-Drew proved himself to be a real difference-maker last year, and he will only get better with a year under his belt. No longer are the Jags worried about which week Fred Taylor will rip a hamstring. Matt Jones looks like he can be a standout at wide receiver if Jacksonville can find someone who can get him the ball consistently. On defense, this unit is S-O-L-I-D. Marcus Stroud and John Henderson absolutely dominate the middle of the line. The Jags will need Mike Peterson to stay healthy and will look for Pro Bowler Rashean Mathis to lead the secondary through the loss of Donovan Darius.
Why they’re overrated: It’s often been said that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any. That looks to be the case in Jacksonville (if you don’t count Tim Couch…and I don’t). Byron Leftwich has fizzled since he broke his leg in ‘05, and while David Garrard has been better, his skill-set and “upside” are quite limited. The Jags will go into ‘07 behind Leftwich, but if he struggles, calls for Garrard won’t be far behind.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions: Ken Hamlin, Leonard Davis, Jim Molinaro, Brad Johnson
Key Losses: Bill Parcells, Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Fowler, Marco Rivera, Jason Fabini
Why they’re underrated: With Bill Parcells gone, all of the players seem much more relaxed. Tony Romo has a year of experience and T.O., Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, Julius Jones and Marion Barber give America’s playboy an incredible group of weapons. Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis are two huge acquisitions that address the ‘Boys most glaring needs—free safety and offensive line.
Why they’re overrated: With Bill Parcells gone, all of the players seem much more relaxed. Julius Jones and Co. are convinced that’s a good thing, but what if the Hall of Fame coach actually knew what he was doing? What if he took a conservative approach because he saw gaping holes in his O-line, linebacking corps and secondary? Or worse, what if he was holding back the offense because (gasp!) he didn’t think Romo was that good?
Cowboys fans, divorce yourselves from the acrimony of the last few years. Who’s a better coach, Wade Phillips or Bill Parcells?
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions: Lawrence Timmons, Kevan Barlow
Key Losses: Joey Porter, Chad Brown, Bill Cowher
Why they’re underrated: By all accounts, Mike Tomlin has hit the ground running in Pittsburgh. Under Tomlin, the defense won’t skip a beat...even if it lost an overrated and apparently injured linebacker in Joey Porter. Willie Parker proved he can carry the load last year, and expect him to get plenty of touches in ’07 (though the addition of Kevan Barlow should give him some resting downs). Hines Ward may be the best over-the-middle wide receiver in the league, and Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington are all coming along as nice deep threats to complement Ward.
Why they’re overrated: Pittsburgh HAS to be able to run the ball and control the game. Roethlisberger is just not an air-it-out quarterback. When the Steelers ask him to do too much, they lose. If Roethlisberger can’t stay within himself like he did in ’05, the Stillers are in for a long season. It’s all on Big Ben’s shoulders. Those in the ‘Burgh are comfortable with that. Me, not so much.
12. Carolina Panthers
Key Additions: David Carr, Dwayne Jarrett
Key Losses: Keyshawn Johnson
Why they’re underrated: Talk about a team that’s hard to predict. If all of the Panthers are not on the IR (a big “if” when it comes to Carolina) they are a contender in the NFC. The O-line looks healthy once again (fingers crossed), which should open up some holes for the two “De”s (Foster and Williams), if they can stay healthy (rabbit’s foot ready). Dan Morgan believes he will be ready for ’07 after battling concussions (wood knocked) and the D-line is fierce—Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu--when it gets to play together (fat guy’s belly rubbed).
Why they’re overrated: All the injures might not be bad luck. It might be that Carolina assembled an injury-prone team. Plus, could Jake Delhomme have hit the wall? Is that why David Carr was brought in?
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions: Ed Hartwell, Alex Stepanovich
Key Losses: Justin Smith, Eric Steinbach, Odell Thurman
Why they’re underrated: Carson Palmer is all the way back and set to lead the Bengals offense on a scoring binge. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmazilli (Put it on the board. Championship!) cap off a trio that rivals the model they were built on (Manning-Harrison-Wayne). Rudi Johnson is a solid, dependable every-down back who will punish defenses, and Chris Perry adds explosion out of the backfield. The Bengals are going to score points.
Why they’re overrated: This team has been threatening to make the leap forever now but has failed to live up to expectations. It’s easy to blame it on the off-the-field problems and perceived inconsistency on offense. But the real culprit has been Marvin Lewis’ defense, which has finished in the bottom 5 in total D in three of the past four years. Jonathan Joseph and draftee Leon Hall should provide some stability in the secondary, but the loss of Odell Thurman isn’t going to help a defense that was already weak against the run. With all of the holes on defense, you begin to wonder if Palmer’s playoff injury against the Steelers ruined the one chance this group had at a special year.
pretty crappy but there they are
- date 08-07-2007 02:40 PM
- author Lee_Russakoff writes:
Read my Tenable Ten (Teams 11-20), check out the Dreadful Dozen (Teams 21-32) and come back tomorrow for the Exemplary X (Teams 1-10).
20. Kansas City Chiefs
Key Additions: Donnie Edwards, Napoleon Harris, Damion McIntosh
Key Losses: Will Shields, Kawika Mitchell, Sammy Knight
Why they’re underrated: If Larry Johnson plays anywhere near the way he did in ‘06, the Chiefs are going to control the ball and stay in a lot of football games. Damon Huard played well after Trent Green went down last year, and the Chiefs are excited about the progress of rookie Brodie Croyle. The team finally decided to address their decrepit receiving corps by drafting burner Dwayne Bowe out of LSU in the first round. The defense has made huge strides over the past year led by star linebacker Derrick Johnson. The Chiefs will only be stronger at the position when Johnson is joined by free agents Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris.
Why they’re overrated: L.J. is holding out, and of more concern, carried the ball 416 times last year—well over the Curse of 370 Carries. Priest Holmes is trying to make a comeback, but there’s little reason to believe he can be the Priest of old. So, if Johnson can’t carry this team, there is little hope that either Croyle or Huard can (neither is a take-over-the-game guy). Tony Gonzalez is another year older. Same goes for Edwards, Patrick Surtain and Ty Law. The Chiefs sneaked into the playoffs last year, but returning there looks like a huge challenge. K.C. may be wise to treat ’07 as a rebuilding year, go with Croyle and let young stars like Tamba Hali, Jarad Page, Bernard Pollard and Bowe.
19. Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions: Mike Gandy, Al Johnson, Rod Hood
Key Losses: Leonard Davis, Alex Stepanovich
Why they’re overrated: It seems like the Cardinals are always overrated. Every year they are the chic team to “make the jump,” and every year the only jump they make is into the toilet. Edge isn’t the same back he was in Indy (though he ended 2006 strong) and it seems like Boldin and Fitzgerald are getting nicked up with all the over-use. Whisenhunt says he wants to run the ball more, but Arizona’s personnel may not be capable of such a feat.
18. San Francisco 49ers
Key Additions: Darrell Jackson, Nate Clements, Ashlie Lelie, Michael Lewis
Key Losses: Sammy Davis, Eric Johnson, Mike Rumph
Why they’re underrated: In 2006, Frank Gore was a beast, Alex Smith hinted that he may be “a good one” and Vernon Davis proved he is the real deal. Nate Clements and Michael Lewis should bolster the secondary for a team that really seemed to be building toward something last year.
Why they’re overrated: They’re everyone’s pick to “break out” this season…how often is “everyone” right? Plus, injury-prone back Frank Gore is already hurt, Alex Smith has never proven he can win on this level, Darrell Jackson and Ashlie Lelie seem to drop more balls than they catch (and both are battling injuries) and they still have no one to rush the passer.
17. St. Louis Rams
Key Additions: Drew Bennett, Randy McMichael, James Hall, Adam Carriker, Dante Hall
Key Losses: Travis Fisher, Kevin Curtis, Jerametrius Butler, Adam Timmerman, Dexter Coakley
Why they’re underrated: We know Mark Bulger, the richest Ram ever, is happy. The additions of Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael should only make him happier. The team is extremely high on Adam Carriker, its first-round pick. Expect him to cause havoc in the middle while Leonard Little and James Hall apply pressure from the outside. Oh, and Steven Jackson is an animal.
Why they’re overrated: Outside of the line, the defense is suspect at best. I’d be kind if I called the linebackers sub-par. The secondary is basically untested—since it was so easy to run on the Rams last year. And those explosive receivers are getting old. Torry Holt is 31 this year and “the Reverend” is 35 years young.
16. Tennessee Titans
Key Additions: Nick Harper, Ryan Fowler, Eric Moulds, Justin Gage
Key Losses: Travis Henry, Pacman Jones, Drew Bennett, Bobby Wade
Why they’re overrated: Who’s going to run the ball? LenDale White? We know it won’t be Chris Brown for very long…the guy is more banged up than Lindsay Lohan. And for all his heroics, Young struggled with consistency last year. If he can’t improve on his yards/attempt, INTs/attempt and QB rating (all of which were in the bottom 5 in the league last year), reaching the playoffs will be a longshot. Plus, we won’t know how much of a distraction the Pacman Jones scandal(s) has been until the team takes the field in September.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions: Tony Pashos, Jermaine Wiggins, Tim Couch
Key Losses: Donovan Darius
Why they’re underrated: Maurice Jones-Drew proved himself to be a real difference-maker last year, and he will only get better with a year under his belt. No longer are the Jags worried about which week Fred Taylor will rip a hamstring. Matt Jones looks like he can be a standout at wide receiver if Jacksonville can find someone who can get him the ball consistently. On defense, this unit is S-O-L-I-D. Marcus Stroud and John Henderson absolutely dominate the middle of the line. The Jags will need Mike Peterson to stay healthy and will look for Pro Bowler Rashean Mathis to lead the secondary through the loss of Donovan Darius.
Why they’re overrated: It’s often been said that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have any. That looks to be the case in Jacksonville (if you don’t count Tim Couch…and I don’t). Byron Leftwich has fizzled since he broke his leg in ‘05, and while David Garrard has been better, his skill-set and “upside” are quite limited. The Jags will go into ‘07 behind Leftwich, but if he struggles, calls for Garrard won’t be far behind.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions: Ken Hamlin, Leonard Davis, Jim Molinaro, Brad Johnson
Key Losses: Bill Parcells, Drew Bledsoe, Ryan Fowler, Marco Rivera, Jason Fabini
Why they’re underrated: With Bill Parcells gone, all of the players seem much more relaxed. Tony Romo has a year of experience and T.O., Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, Jason Witten, Julius Jones and Marion Barber give America’s playboy an incredible group of weapons. Ken Hamlin and Leonard Davis are two huge acquisitions that address the ‘Boys most glaring needs—free safety and offensive line.
Why they’re overrated: With Bill Parcells gone, all of the players seem much more relaxed. Julius Jones and Co. are convinced that’s a good thing, but what if the Hall of Fame coach actually knew what he was doing? What if he took a conservative approach because he saw gaping holes in his O-line, linebacking corps and secondary? Or worse, what if he was holding back the offense because (gasp!) he didn’t think Romo was that good?
Cowboys fans, divorce yourselves from the acrimony of the last few years. Who’s a better coach, Wade Phillips or Bill Parcells?
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions: Lawrence Timmons, Kevan Barlow
Key Losses: Joey Porter, Chad Brown, Bill Cowher
Why they’re underrated: By all accounts, Mike Tomlin has hit the ground running in Pittsburgh. Under Tomlin, the defense won’t skip a beat...even if it lost an overrated and apparently injured linebacker in Joey Porter. Willie Parker proved he can carry the load last year, and expect him to get plenty of touches in ’07 (though the addition of Kevan Barlow should give him some resting downs). Hines Ward may be the best over-the-middle wide receiver in the league, and Santonio Holmes, Cedrick Wilson and Nate Washington are all coming along as nice deep threats to complement Ward.
12. Carolina Panthers
Key Additions: David Carr, Dwayne Jarrett
Key Losses: Keyshawn Johnson
Why they’re underrated: Talk about a team that’s hard to predict. If all of the Panthers are not on the IR (a big “if” when it comes to Carolina) they are a contender in the NFC. The O-line looks healthy once again (fingers crossed), which should open up some holes for the two “De”s (Foster and Williams), if they can stay healthy (rabbit’s foot ready). Dan Morgan believes he will be ready for ’07 after battling concussions (wood knocked) and the D-line is fierce—Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Kris Jenkins and Maake Kemoeatu--when it gets to play together (fat guy’s belly rubbed).
Why they’re overrated: All the injures might not be bad luck. It might be that Carolina assembled an injury-prone team. Plus, could Jake Delhomme have hit the wall? Is that why David Carr was brought in?
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions: Ed Hartwell, Alex Stepanovich
Key Losses: Justin Smith, Eric Steinbach, Odell Thurman
Why they’re underrated: Carson Palmer is all the way back and set to lead the Bengals offense on a scoring binge. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmazilli (Put it on the board. Championship!) cap off a trio that rivals the model they were built on (Manning-Harrison-Wayne). Rudi Johnson is a solid, dependable every-down back who will punish defenses, and Chris Perry adds explosion out of the backfield. The Bengals are going to score points.
Why they’re overrated: This team has been threatening to make the leap forever now but has failed to live up to expectations. It’s easy to blame it on the off-the-field problems and perceived inconsistency on offense. But the real culprit has been Marvin Lewis’ defense, which has finished in the bottom 5 in total D in three of the past four years. Jonathan Joseph and draftee Leon Hall should provide some stability in the secondary, but the loss of Odell Thurman isn’t going to help a defense that was already weak against the run. With all of the holes on defense, you begin to wonder if Palmer’s playoff injury against the Steelers ruined the one chance this group had at a special year.
pretty crappy but there they are
