The Powers That Be
I woke up this past Sunday morning, December 14th, 2008, “feeling like a million dollars” (a phrase my grandmother use to refer to what the power of a bath can do). For once, even though it was the celebratory day of my birth, I abstained from the typical college weekend and spent the night catching up with Comcast’s On-Demand movie section. And, for once I had actually woken up before noon. With that said, I did the daily grind of what I like to call my “Sunday morning routine” which consists checking out ESPN.com and Rotoworld.com for fantasy football purposes while simultaneously watching Sunday NFL countdown on ESPN. I tried to be as quite as possible and not wake my girlfriend or else that scenario results in the immediate changing of channels. Yet, as quiet as I was, when I returned from the bathroom, E’s The Soup was on and I was forced to watch Tyra Banks have her weekly meltdown, catch the highlights of Speidi’s (Spencer Prat and Heidi Montag) eloping and finally the disdain Oprah’s weight fluctuations. Even though the show is a bit humorous, I still made a point to pout and call it “mind numbing” and “pointless”. All the while, I was sure to keep a close eye on my alarm clock for those green, digital numbers to read 1: 00 PM (a symbol for NFL kick off); my daylight at the end of a dark tunnel.
As 8:00 pm rolled around, I silently reflected on being twenty-two while watching a showdown between Dallas and New York. While witnessing Romo out-duel Manning, I enjoyed a nice cup of eggnog in honor and commemoration of the completion of my senior thesis and of coarse living to see twenty-two. Then, I began to reflect on the fact that it is week 15 in the NFL and I haven’t written one lick on a wild and unpredictable 2008 season. I happened looked over on the hardwood floor in my room and picked up the Wednesday issue of the Boston Metro. Every Wednesday their sports writers compile a list of where each of the 32 teams ranks amongst the NFL: “power rankings” in sports lingo. I’ve always thought about writing a “power ranking” but knew that I could never fit a breakdown of each team in only three or four sentences. But, since my coverage of the NFL has been lackluster, to say the least, this season, I thought it would be appropriate to break the trend and unveil my version of NFL power rankings as we head into the playoffs; a two-part series of contenders and pretenders. And now, the TRU: Power Powers That Be.
The Contenders
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) – No AFC bias here. It’s clear that their defense is the real deal after holding off the Ravens in the” battle of defensive gods”. As Troy Polamolu continues to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks, running all over the field like a wild man, this defense isnot going to slow down as the winter wears on. Let’s not forget that Ben Roethlisberger, despite his offensive woes, which I will blame fully on his offensive line, is an iron man in the winter. And, if the running game can come together, we’re looking at a Super Bowl contender here.
2. New York Giants (11-3) - They still are, by far, the most complete team in the game right now and it is evident because they have already clinched the NFC Easy. But, is Eli’s second-half funk going to continue? And, is the absence of Plaxico going to continue to take its toll on the offensive side of the ball? The Giants will, however, be able to prove how good they are when they take on Carolina this week for the bragging rights of who is “Number one in the NFC” on Sunday night.
3. Tennessee Titans (12-2) – Everyone knows about their defense: dangerous and complete. Everyone knows about Lendale White and Chris Johnson: power and speed. But, can Kerry Collins, old with a strong arm, continue to carry the offense deep into January, or have they peaked too early? Will Haynesworth and Van den Bosch come back to the post-season in full force? If so, it would be great for Tennessee to avenge the Super Bowl they lost by an arm’s length.
4. Carolina Panthers (11-3) – With the recent explosion fans have bared witness to at the hands, or should I say feet, of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, it is difficult to not see the Panthers making some noise down the stretch. The reemergence of Julius Peppers as a mercenary on the line has helped Carolina’s defense rank 11th in the NFL. If Delhomme can keep playing how he has, mediocre at best, in the cold weather with Steve Smith, the Panthers have a chance to clinch the number one seed if they can take down the G-men on Sunday.
5. Indianapolis Colts (10-4) I detest writing what I am about to write: However, the Colts, who looked mundane, in the first half of the season have taken full advantage of their weak schedule and dominated the opposition. Talk about triumphs, seven straight wins? Even with Marvin Harrison out this week, the rightful heir to his thrown, Anthony Gonzales, will find a way to connect with Peyton. The offensive weapons continue prove dominance, as Wayne, Addai, Clark and Rhodes will put up big numbers on a Jaguars team that beat the Colts back in week 7. Also, look for Bob Sander’s presence to steer this hot ticket in the right direction heading into the playoffs.
6. Dallas Cowboys (9-5) – Call me an optimist for believing in “America’s Team”, or even putting them in the top-10, but I just can’t let go of the fact that these guys are playing great football on both sides of the ball. Dallas is loaded, I mean fully loaded, and they've only gathered nine wins. I understand that when Romo went down it was the end of the world, but tragedies and losses reveal a man’s character, and this team has none. The phrase, “too many roosters in the hen house” is a gross understatement at this point. Yet, no matter what they say about T.O stirring the pot and Jerry Jones’ knowledge in the medical field, or lack there of, if all falls into place, this team could hang on get a birth in the post season. They could be the Giants of '08 if this Terell Owens, Tony Romo and Jason Witten love fiasco proves to be water under the bridge. It’s evident that Dallas has the weapons to get it done, but with a tough schedule remaining (BAL and @PHI) it’s hard to imagine that they slide in as a wild card. However, if they do…can Tony finally win the big game?
7. Atlanta Falcons (9-5) – Michael who? The Matt Ryan era has erupted in the NFL and signs show that Atlanta still has a shot at the post season. There is no denying that this football franchise had failed morally and ethically as Michael Vick was ousted to prison for dog fighting and Bobby Petrino, who swore he was in it for the long-run, left just after one season. But, the #3 pick in the ’08 draft has won the heart and minds of his teammates, coaches and fans. This kid, along with Michael Turner and Roddy White, can do some damage if they get the opportunity to compete past the regular season.
8. Minnesota Vikings (9-5) – The Vikes have looked “respectable”, to say the least, this season. Under the leadership of head coach and weenie, Brad Childress, Minnesota has found an identity where Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe have emerged as offensive weapons. Though they have been riding the coat tails of Adrian Peterson I can see the defense playing a big part down the home stretch. But, the sudden Any Given Sunday scenario that has put the former, snubbed quarterback, Tarvaris Jackson back in the driver’s seat over Gus Frerotte is like the revival of an old mellow drama.
9. New England Patriots (9-5) – Wow, my boys always seem to get it done. This New England team has taken an absolute melee of injury from the hands of the football gods. I guess running up the score on the opposing teams wasn’t such a good idea. Still, I have to hand it to Bill, who has sculpted and molded a true quarterback out of back-up sensation Matt Cassel. Despite having the most reliable talent of receivers in the AFC, there is not one notable flaw in his game. We are watching the development of a future great in the NFL. The defense however, is suspect to serious question. Plain and simple: Belichick finds a way to win. Don’t fall asleep on New England just yet.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-5) – John Gruden prides himself on his defensive prowess and has assembled a defense that can terrorize the opposition. Competing in the NFC isn’t a cakewalk either, but the Bucs have held their own proving that they have the tools to make a push for the playoffs. I don’t know if they have the offensive weapons to compete in a shoot out, but the relationship between Antonio Bryant and Jeff Garcia, who collectively combined for two touchdowns and over 300 yards, is an interesting variable that could catch a defense napping and become a serious deep threat. If that doesn’t work, just put Garcia’s wife on the sideline as a distraction tool.
11. Arizona Cardinals (8-6) - I am at a loss for words on the behalf of the Cardinals. I can’t believe Kurt Warner has literally been “born again” and is taking advantage of having the best wide out duo in the game putting them ahead in the West. Sure, Fitzgerald and Boldin make it look easy for Warner, but let’s face it. This guy is going to win the MVP this year and there are no if, and, or buts about it. How far they make it into the playoffs? - Well, that remains to be seen. Tim Hightower is going to have to start putting up more yards per carry in order to keep opposing defenses susceptible to the pass, which, if you hadn’t noticed, Arizona does a lot. *** On another note, isn’t it great to see Matt “Vinny Chase” Leinart watch from the sidelines? He no longer needs an Entourage because he has all of those players to keep him company as he scopes out the blonds and brunettes in the crowd. It’s funny too because like Vincent Chase in much of the 6th season of Entourage, Matty boy is out of a job. *** This team has clinched the NFC West and will ride out the storm, win or lose. But, don’t think they “show up when they want”. I know this team will make for an interesting factor in this years post season.
12. Miami Dolphins (9-5) – Despite the Fins being division rivals to my Patriots, I like what Bill “Tuna” Parcells has done with the brittle team of the panhandle. He sits in the owners box and looks on, like a king over his kingdom. Chad Pennington, who was robbed of a spot in the Pro Bowl, has helped resurrect this team of no-names. Although Joey Porter, the belly-shirted, abs-flashing moron ranks on my list of most-hated NFL players, he has put up digits (sacks) and brutalized the opposing quarterback. Miami’s defense has proved to be above average and Ronnie Brown along with Ricky Williams has made for a nice little combo out of the backfield. It's also great to see that Ricky made the tough sacrifice of bong hits, sour patch kids and re-runs of South Park for a career as a professional football player. If they can get past the Jets and win out the regular season, they have a shot at advancing to the second round at best. If not, there is always next year.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1) – First of all, let me start by saying that the #1 that falls after the #5 in the Eagles record, will kill them come week 17. I don’t know if Andy Reid has been given more McDonalds to get an edge in the BMI (Body Mass Index) competition between him and Mike Holmgren or, Donovan has stopped eating Campbell’s chunky soup and decided to start playing football. Either way, Philadelphia has risen from the ashes and attempted to muster a winning record out of a disappointing 2008 campaign. Though Brian Westbrook has lived up to the hype of being a headline-generating machine, Reid’s Eagles are relying on other teams to falter in order to prosper in a tough division. Even though McNabb has helped rejuvenate this bunch, that “tie” will put the nails in the casket of the playoff hopes for Philadelphia.
14. Denver Broncos (9-5) – Although the AFC West is a complete and utter joke, the Broncos have been up and down all season. There are some weeks were they look like complete studs and Mike Shanahan looks sober. Then, there are weeks where Jay Cutler struggles, their loss of running backs, six to be precise, proves to be pivotal in their lack of points scored and their defense ranks 100th in the country in the Pop Warner league. Still, I can’t figure this group out. I think that having the pathetic San Diego Chargers in their rear-view mirrors for title contention is disgusting, Denver could get hot at the right time and make a rumbling in the AFC wild card game. But, with the weight of their post-season success on the shoulders of Cutler, it will be a great time to see what kind of leader the Vanderbilt alumnus is.
15. Chicago Bears (8-6) – Great to see Lovie’s boys are still in the hunt. With a “paramount game” in the midst on Monday Night Football, it is tough to see how the Bears will finish. Besides their defense and Matt Forte, this team is in need of some deep revamping. Though they pulled out the over-time win over the Saints, who don’t understand how to win a game, the Bears are simply a team complied of smoke and mirrors and a decent record that could still squeak into the post season. Green Bay takes them out this Monday.
16. New York Jets (9-5) – I hate the Jets. I hate their coach. Wow, I’m objective. In any regard, this past week’s display of embarrassing football proves that this Jets team is clearly on a free fall. If it weren’t for the ingenious play call on the goal line by Dick Jauron, the Bills would have showed America how bad New York really is. With the remainder of schedule left on hand for the Jets, they could pull out a miracle; remember they do have Brett Favre. Despite him, the Jets record is the only respectable aspect of this team’s illusion of being a strong and worthy playoff contender.
To be continued....
