2008 NFL Power Poll
4th Week of August Offseason Power Poll
The last of the preseason games is upon us and teams are starting to make cuts and shape themselves up for the upcoming regular season. There quite a bit of movement in this week’s Power Poll thanks to injuries and missing players. It’s sure to ruffle a few feathers!
The following is a look at how teams are rating going into the fourth week of August.
1. Dallas Cowboys (LW 2)-Despite the fact that they have looked a little bit shaky this preseason, the Cowboys now appear to look like they have the most and perhaps the best talent in the NFL. Still, this team will only go as far as Tony Romo can take them.
2. New England Patriots (LW 1)-This team, even with Tom out, is still having some issues. They are getting beat up in the preseason and this should have the coaching staff and fans worried about how they will perform in the regular season.
3. San Diego Chargers (LW 4)-The health of linebacker Shawne Merriman is in doubt and if he missed the 2008 season, the defense will suffer. Getting Antonio Gates back will be a big boost too, if he can make it back.
4. Indianapolis Colts (LW 3)-Without Peyton Manning, the Colts have had a rough preseason. Having Peyton Manning out for the entire preseason hasn’t helped the Colts and the question now is, how will having him out hurt them in the regular season.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (LW 6)-The Jaguars appear to be poised for a solid season and if the Colts take a tumble which is entirely possible, they could lead their division.
6. New York Giants (LW 5)-The loss of Osi Umenyiora will hurt the Giants deeply. Michael Strahan isn’t coming back. Will Kiwanuka fit the bill?
7. Washington Redskins (LW 7)-Will Jason Taylor be able to make it back from his injury? Can the Redskins compete with the Cowboys this season?
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW 8)-The Steelers appear to be the team to beat in their division. Questions about on whether or not Rahsard Mendenhall was a wise choice in this year’s draft. He has a lot to prove.
9. Minnesota Vikings (LW 9)-Tavaris Jackson should be ready to go at the start of the season. Look for Adrian Peterson to pile up the yards and the Vikings to win the NFC North.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LW 11)-
11. Seattle Seahawks (LW 10)-With Matt Hasselbeck out for an extended period of time during the preseason, the offense might not be in top shape when they get to the regular season in a couple of weeks.
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13. Philadelphia Eagles (LW 16)-The Eagles look like a real contender this preseason but they play in what should be considered the best in the NFL so it’s going to be difficult to come out on top for the Eagles.
14. Carolina Panthers (LW 18)-The Panthers continue to impress and look like they are much better than they were last season. However, if Jake Delhomme goes down, they might have a repeat of 2007.
15. Cleveland Browns (LW 12)-
16. Tennessee Titans (LW 14)-Vince Young needs to get more comfortable and throw the ball more. He should be able to do that more with some of the weapons he has available to him.
17. Green Bay Packers (LW 13)-Time will tell with this group as Aaron Rodgers is still getting his feet wet. The defense looks pretty good though.
18. Houston Texans (LW 19)-The Texans are a team on the rise and if they can put their offense together a little bit better and their defense stays consistent they could have a good season.
19. New York Jets (LW 20)-There will be some improvement on this team and it won’t all be thanks to Brett Favre. They are a better with him, no doubt, but there are other parts of this team that have improved without him.
20. Buffalo Bills (LW 17)-The Bills could still be in trouble at the quarterback position and need to get some solid play there if is any hope of them improving over last season.
21. Denver Broncos (LW 21)-This is a tough team to figure out. If they can get their running game going and Jay Cutler can be consistent they could be ok.
22. Arizona Cardinals (LW 22)-Kurt Warner is now the starting quarterback. The question is, how long can he stay healthy? The defense is also suspect and has to step up.
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24. Cincinnati Bengals (LW 23)-The injury issue with Chad Johnson could hurt this team if the other receivers don’t step up. If they lose Rudi Johnson in trading for a wide receiver, who will replace him?
25. Chicago Bears (LW 25)-Their defense let them down this last time but their offense looked pretty good. If they can get back to normal on defense this team could be pretty good this season.
26. Detroit Lions (LW 24)-Kevin Smith looks like the real deal and should give the Lion’s running game a boost. Their defense is suspect however and needs to improve.
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28. Baltimore Ravens (LW 29)-They are still unsettled at the quarterback position and this will cause them problems going into the regular season. Who will be their quarterback?
29. Kansas City Chiefs (LW 30)-Their offense is looking a little bit better but can Brodie Croyle really be considered their quarterback of the future? Time will tell.
30. Oakland Raiders (LW 27)-This is going to be a tough team to figure out. JaMarcus Russell needs Darren McFadden to run well to take the pressure off so he can throw the ball.
31. Atlanta Falcons (LW 31)-The biggest question here is whether or not Matt Ryan can handle his new role as the starting quarterback. Will he succeed or will he fail?
32. Miami Dolphins (LW 32)-Still last until they can prove otherwise. Chad Pennington might help them get better on offense but the Dolphins have a long way to go before they are a complete team.
Surprise Team: I think that the Carolina Panthers are still a team that’s going to turn a lot of heads this season. They key to their success will be quarterback Jake Delhomme staying healthy.