NFL Top 10 after week 4!
I think I missed a week, so I better jump right in this one….
There were a lot of questions asked and answered after the Monday Night Game, in which Brett Farve showed why he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league… and why Green Bay management screwed up big time.
But that’s another blog, we have to decide who are the top 10 teams in the NFL as of this week, after many teams have played 4 games, some having played only 3 games.
When I looked over my list, I saw that there are currently 5 teams that are 4-0, and then there are 6 teams that are 3-1. That technically should make up my top 10, but we shall see. I also noticed that there are 2 teams that are 2-1, and 7 teams that are 2-2... Could they possibly make the top ten?
First off I had to eliminate a few teams from my list, which include the following:
Philadelphia Eagles: As long as McNabb is injured this is not the team to beat, even at 2-1 their wins were over the hapless Panthers and the Chiefs. We have to wait and see what happens as the season goes on.
Pittsburgh Steelers: At 2-2 I know they had a good win over the Chargers, but two losses to the Bears and Bengals hurts bad. And here too, they have injury issues. Seems to imply more and more that the best teams are the healthy teams.
San Francisco 49ers: yeah, a 3-1 team is not on my list, but only because I had to drop one of them. In effect I am saying that the 49ers, at this point, are the weakest 3-1 team in the NFL. Yeah, I know they beat the Cardinals, Seahawks and Rams, but where are these teams now? Not any real quality wins yet. But they won enough to get Michael Crabtree to sign…but will they get better with him?
So, let’s get into those top 10, shall we?
#10 New York Jets: At 3-1 there is a lot of fanfare for the Jets, especially after beating the Patriots. This clearly is a team to watch out for, but they have more division games to play, and beating the Texans and the Titans at this point really isn’t saying a lot. But any team that can beat the Pats gets my vote.
#9 Cincinnati Bengals: I almost forgot to put these guys on the list, I forgot that they were winning. A loss to the Broncos seemed to put them in a bad light, but winning three straight games over the Packers, Steelers and Browns isn’t so bad. Some may argue that at this point, neither is a really solid quality win, but anytime you beat the defending Superbowl champs and the Packers, that is saying something.
#8 Baltimore Ravens: Another 3-1 team that has shown that they can score, even with a loss to the Patriots. I think if the refs had not been so careful to make sure Tom Brady’s dress was on right, this game could have gone the other way. The Ravens were always a threat with their defense, and now with some offense, they look awesome. But beating the Chiefs and Browns isn’t saying too much, and the Chargers may not be the team we thought they were. Still, these guys are in the hunt.
#7 Chicago Bears: Who woulda thought that they would be 3-1 after the way they started the season? But beating the Steelers is a nice feather in the cap for Da Bears. The problem here is that their other wins were over the Seahawks and Lions…ugh. And losing to the Packers hurts them in their own division. But like the Ravens, this team has a great defense…but like the Eagles and Steelers, they also have very key injuries.
#6 Minnesota Vikings: Some are gonna fry me for this, because this means I have a 3-1 team ranked ABOVE a 4-0 team. This also means I think the Vikings are the weakest 4-0 team in the NFL. I submit to you that this is a good team, and for what it is worth, I am personally rooting for Farve, but beating the Browns and Lions isn’t saying too much. Beating the 49ers is great, but it took the last play to do it, and the Packers game could have been high emotion for Brett Farve. I know, they are all still wins, but I just think that there are 5 other teams that are better than the Vikings at this period in time. Another win could change my mind, but it still depends on what the other 5 are doing.
#5 Indianapolis Colts: This 4-0 team had me comparing with the Vikings, and what it came down to was quarterbacks. I could have easily put the Colts and Vikings tied, but I thought about who, in the course of a game, would I most likely want on my team. Peyton Manning or Brett Farve? This was very hard, and I love both, but I had to edge with youth. Both have great experience, but I think I want Peyton Manning just a sliver more than I want Farve…neither is a bad choice, I just thought the Colts were a bit better…but again, not by much at all.
#4 New England Patriots: Yep, I put this team above some 4-0 teams because this is one of the best teams in the NFL the last 10 years. We all know how they lost to the Jets, but the Patriots have defeated the Bills, Falcons and Ravens, ALL are pretty good. Few other teams can say that right now. Considering their strength of schedule, I believe at this point the New England Patriots are one of the 4 best teams in the NFL. Better than the Colts, well, that would be a good matchup, but I do think better than anybody else on the list…and mind you, they play the Jets again this year.
#3 Denver Broncos: This is odd, having them here at this time of the year. But they are 4-0, with wins over the Bengals, Browns, Raiders and Cowboys. But I think this might be short lived. Beating the Bengals at the beginning of the year is great, since we see that at this moment the Bengals are actually good. But the Browns, Raiders and Cowboys…well, they can’t all be steaks. But consider their division, and already at 4-0, they could run a bunch of games by the end of the year…maybe 12 wins?
#2 New Orleans Saints: Oh yeah, my HOMETOWN! Finally I can break out my Saints hat and wear it with pride. At 4-0 the Saints have knocked off the Lions, Eagles, Bills and Jets. Now, outside the Lions, that is a pretty good trio. This team is like a Ferrari with a turbo boost, and a defense that can hold it’s own. I know it’s still early, and with division foes like the Falcons still yet to play, and a Carolina team many expect to find a way to rebound, it’s not locked up for the Saints yet…but it is looking good.
#1 New York Giants: One guy on ESPN said this about the Giants, that he felt they were better because they already have 2 division wins under their belt. Well, so does the Vikings. But come on, the Lions don’t count….no jokes about the Redskins yet. Still, the Giants have everything in place to prove that they are one of the best teams in the NFL, and with the Redskins faltering, the Eagles banged up and the Cowboys confused, this could be a run for them. They do have some key injuries, including Eli Manning, but if they can put a healthy team on the field, they may well be in the Superbowl at the end of the year.
So that is my top 10 for now, this can change easily from week to week, and as teams get healthy…or lose players. We shall see.
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh Steelers. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Top 10 NFL Teams week 7
Top Ten NFL Teams Week 7
After some interesting games I think we can see that nothing is etched in stone when it comes to the NFL. Just a few weeks ago I would have sworn that three teams out of the NFC East were guaranteed in the playoffs, but now, I am not so sure. I gotta tell you guys, right now ANYTHING can happen, there is no clear cut favorite to the playoffs. But how does that change the top 10 standings? Let’s find out:
#10 Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
We’re not sure if this is the real deal or as former coach Dennis Green once said, “they are who we THOUGHT they were”. But you’ve got to be impressed by how this team has played. Beating the Cowboys and the Bills are impressive at this point in the year, and losing to the Redskins isn’t so bad as one of 2 losses. I think it’s going to be a challenge for the Cardinals to get more than 8 wins, but certainly if healthy they can do it, and possibly see themselves in the playoffs…possible, but not guaranteed.
#9 New England Patriots (4-2)
I’ve got the Patriots higher than the Cardinals purely on experience. Yeah, we know they crushed the Denver Broncos, but we may be finding out that the Broncos are not exactly what we thought they were. Beating the Rams this week won’t really prove anything, but losing to them will say a lot. And remember the recent Superbowl history…the team that LOSES usually does not even make the playoffs… could the Pats be the next statistic?
#8 Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Perhaps the surprise team of the year thus far, and in a pretty competitive conference, the Falcons are looking pretty good with a brand new quarterback. Losing to Tampa Bay and Carolina isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but with both being in your division that hurts a lot. Their schedule isn’t that easy, and have yet to play a very desperate New Orleans team. We’ll see if they can keep the magic going…
#7 Washington Redskins (4-2)
Just a couple of weeks ago, we thought this may be THE team of the NFC, now we don’t know anymore. A loss at the beginning of the year to the Giants was ok, but losing to the Rams looked very telling…but now we have to rethink that if the Rams turn to be pretty decent. Most of their games have been close, their average margin of victory being about 6 points. With a game against the Lions coming up, they ought to be able to pad their stats a bit.
#6 Buffalo Bills (5-1)
I am just not fully convinced that this is one of the top 3 teams in the NFL, but I will grant you that it is currently one of the top 3 teams in the AFC. With no division wins or games played, none of their wins come from any team over .500. And with their schedule, they could very well get a bye and lose the first game in the playoffs. The schedule is in their favor, but have we really seen the best of the Bills…or just bluff?
#5 Carolina Panthers (4-2)
This team is pretty good once they get the engine going, with very quality backs and receivers, I don’t see why this isn’t the number one scoring team in the world…not NFL but the world! It’s quite conceivable that the Panthers can win the next 5 games, or at least 4, but we’re not sure which team we will see. Losing to Tampa Bay and Minnesota shows that they are not quite the best teams in the NFC, but I don’t see how they can miss the playoffs. Games against the Cardinals, Raiders and Lions will let us know how much roar these Panthers really have.
#4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
It’s funny that just a few weeks ago we said that the NFC East would put 3 teams in the playoffs…now it looks like the NFC South has that distinction. Tampa Bay is on top, beating both Carolina and Atlanta. With a wounded Cowboys team coming up, if Tampa Bay wins this game, it might be the first of a 5-game winning streak, although technically it would be 7 since they won their last 2 games. Too early to crown the best in the NFL, even in the NFC, but it’s looking pretty good for them.
#3 New York Giants (5-1)
The defending Superbowl Champions are not out of this, not by a long shot, but one had to question their strength of schedule. Beating teams that had a losing record, and then losing to the Browns might be the start of something. Now the schedule turns into a completely different story. The next 9 games are against teams that have a very strong chance to get into the playoffs…these are not cupcakes. And 5 of those games are divisional games…this will not be easy for the Giants, and we’re going to see how the champs can defend that crown.
#2 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
If there was any question on the test the Giants have, it starts here. These two teams play this weekend, and I put the Steelers here because their single loss came to a quality team (Eagles). Yet the Steelers have had a pretty soft schedule too. I might counter that by saying that the wins against Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore were divisional wins and always tougher than you think. But injuries have me concerned about how this will really play out. It just seems that the best team may not necessarily be the BEST team, just the healthiest at the right time. If Pittsburgh can weather through this game vs. the Giants…it really doesn’t get much easier.
#1 Tennessee Titans (5-0)
I said it last week, I say it again, this is only by default. I know this is a quality team but they are the only undefeated team in the NFL, so I place them here. I might give them 4 more guaranteed wins with the schedule they have, but now they have to earn the other wins. Jacksonville was the best team the Titans had thus far, and that was AT home, winning only by 7. Wins over the Bengals, Texans and Chiefs don’t give you playoff points, but it’s not Tennessee’s fault. Their schedule is still soft, but there are some games that will allow us to see how tough these guys REALLY are. They are almost a shoe-in for the playoffs simply because the schedule isn’t that tough. And an 8-8 record might get them in, a 9-7 COULD get them a bye. We’ll see.
Anyway, that’s it for now, check out my blogs on blogspot since I tend to blog more there than my others. Later!
After some interesting games I think we can see that nothing is etched in stone when it comes to the NFL. Just a few weeks ago I would have sworn that three teams out of the NFC East were guaranteed in the playoffs, but now, I am not so sure. I gotta tell you guys, right now ANYTHING can happen, there is no clear cut favorite to the playoffs. But how does that change the top 10 standings? Let’s find out:
#10 Arizona Cardinals (4-2)
We’re not sure if this is the real deal or as former coach Dennis Green once said, “they are who we THOUGHT they were”. But you’ve got to be impressed by how this team has played. Beating the Cowboys and the Bills are impressive at this point in the year, and losing to the Redskins isn’t so bad as one of 2 losses. I think it’s going to be a challenge for the Cardinals to get more than 8 wins, but certainly if healthy they can do it, and possibly see themselves in the playoffs…possible, but not guaranteed.
#9 New England Patriots (4-2)
I’ve got the Patriots higher than the Cardinals purely on experience. Yeah, we know they crushed the Denver Broncos, but we may be finding out that the Broncos are not exactly what we thought they were. Beating the Rams this week won’t really prove anything, but losing to them will say a lot. And remember the recent Superbowl history…the team that LOSES usually does not even make the playoffs… could the Pats be the next statistic?
#8 Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Perhaps the surprise team of the year thus far, and in a pretty competitive conference, the Falcons are looking pretty good with a brand new quarterback. Losing to Tampa Bay and Carolina isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but with both being in your division that hurts a lot. Their schedule isn’t that easy, and have yet to play a very desperate New Orleans team. We’ll see if they can keep the magic going…
#7 Washington Redskins (4-2)
Just a couple of weeks ago, we thought this may be THE team of the NFC, now we don’t know anymore. A loss at the beginning of the year to the Giants was ok, but losing to the Rams looked very telling…but now we have to rethink that if the Rams turn to be pretty decent. Most of their games have been close, their average margin of victory being about 6 points. With a game against the Lions coming up, they ought to be able to pad their stats a bit.
#6 Buffalo Bills (5-1)
I am just not fully convinced that this is one of the top 3 teams in the NFL, but I will grant you that it is currently one of the top 3 teams in the AFC. With no division wins or games played, none of their wins come from any team over .500. And with their schedule, they could very well get a bye and lose the first game in the playoffs. The schedule is in their favor, but have we really seen the best of the Bills…or just bluff?
#5 Carolina Panthers (4-2)
This team is pretty good once they get the engine going, with very quality backs and receivers, I don’t see why this isn’t the number one scoring team in the world…not NFL but the world! It’s quite conceivable that the Panthers can win the next 5 games, or at least 4, but we’re not sure which team we will see. Losing to Tampa Bay and Minnesota shows that they are not quite the best teams in the NFC, but I don’t see how they can miss the playoffs. Games against the Cardinals, Raiders and Lions will let us know how much roar these Panthers really have.
#4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
It’s funny that just a few weeks ago we said that the NFC East would put 3 teams in the playoffs…now it looks like the NFC South has that distinction. Tampa Bay is on top, beating both Carolina and Atlanta. With a wounded Cowboys team coming up, if Tampa Bay wins this game, it might be the first of a 5-game winning streak, although technically it would be 7 since they won their last 2 games. Too early to crown the best in the NFL, even in the NFC, but it’s looking pretty good for them.
#3 New York Giants (5-1)
The defending Superbowl Champions are not out of this, not by a long shot, but one had to question their strength of schedule. Beating teams that had a losing record, and then losing to the Browns might be the start of something. Now the schedule turns into a completely different story. The next 9 games are against teams that have a very strong chance to get into the playoffs…these are not cupcakes. And 5 of those games are divisional games…this will not be easy for the Giants, and we’re going to see how the champs can defend that crown.
#2 Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
If there was any question on the test the Giants have, it starts here. These two teams play this weekend, and I put the Steelers here because their single loss came to a quality team (Eagles). Yet the Steelers have had a pretty soft schedule too. I might counter that by saying that the wins against Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore were divisional wins and always tougher than you think. But injuries have me concerned about how this will really play out. It just seems that the best team may not necessarily be the BEST team, just the healthiest at the right time. If Pittsburgh can weather through this game vs. the Giants…it really doesn’t get much easier.
#1 Tennessee Titans (5-0)
I said it last week, I say it again, this is only by default. I know this is a quality team but they are the only undefeated team in the NFL, so I place them here. I might give them 4 more guaranteed wins with the schedule they have, but now they have to earn the other wins. Jacksonville was the best team the Titans had thus far, and that was AT home, winning only by 7. Wins over the Bengals, Texans and Chiefs don’t give you playoff points, but it’s not Tennessee’s fault. Their schedule is still soft, but there are some games that will allow us to see how tough these guys REALLY are. They are almost a shoe-in for the playoffs simply because the schedule isn’t that tough. And an 8-8 record might get them in, a 9-7 COULD get them a bye. We’ll see.
Anyway, that’s it for now, check out my blogs on blogspot since I tend to blog more there than my others. Later!
Monday, October 13, 2008
NFL Best teams, week 6
Top 10 NFL Teams: Week 6
Just finished watching the Cleveland Browns knock off the New York Giants, so now there is only one undefeated team in the NFL. But with so much going on, it is nearly impossible to say who is really number one, let alone the top 10. But let’s give it a shot:
#10 Buffalo Bills 4-1
This was the spot these same Bills had last week, and you’d think I might have moved them up a spot or two…not so. I am still not convinced that this team is even good enough to make the playoffs considering they had a very soft schedule. With a team that has a very soft schedule and losing recently to the Cardinals, the jury is still out on the Bills. I am just not convinced that this team is the elite of the AFC.
#9 Arizona Cardinals 4-2
This team has a history of flopping, as well as providing us with one of the best quotes in football, by former head coach Dennis Green. Still, with wins over the then undefeated Bills, and just recently over the Cowboys, there just might be something to this team. With a high scoring offense and a weak division, dare we say that Arizona is playoff bound?
#8 Carolina Panthers 4-2
I don’t understand how a team with potent weapons in receivers and running backs should be losing, but losses to the Vikings and the Buccaneers raises some questions. They score about 20 points more than they allow, which breaks down to about a field goal difference per game. Close games for a team with such a promising offense could spell trouble.
#7 Denver Broncos 4-2
At the beginning of the year, I thought for sure that this was almost a lock for the postseason, and maybe the AFC Championship. I just don’t get it, this team beats quality teams like Tampa Bay and San Diego, whips up on the sad-sack Raiders, but loses to the Chiefs and the Jaguars. You just don’t know what you’re getting from the Broncos. With games upcoming against the Patriots and the Dolphins, we’re gonna see if this is a contender or a mid card team.
#6 Dallas Cowboys 4-2
In truth, I should put this team even lower not just because of the record, but also of the results of injuries. I cannot say in truth that the Cowboys are the 6th best team in the NFL with their quarterback injured and other players. We also don’t know what off field incidents will bring to the team as well. Losing to the Redskins at home was embarrassing enough, but losing to the Cardinals is a punch in the eye socket. This team is in some trouble and I see another loss or two in the next month. But with everybody in the NFL being hurt in some shape or form, maybe it balances out for the Cowboys.
#5 Washington Redskins 4-2
Just a week or two ago everybody was blowing kisses to the Redskins, calling them the elite team of the league. But the NFL has a way of learning new coaches, and sometimes teams that are mid card are not used to the press they read about themselves. Could it be that the Rams, under a new coach, mixed things up and caught the Skins off guard… or was the Redskins just too cocky? Welcome back to earth guys.
#4 New York Giants 4-1
I’ll be honest, I was not really impressed with their 4-0 record. They catch a new coach on his first regular season game in the Redskins, then proceed to beat three teams that 2-14 combined before losing to a team that was 1-3. I had to rank them high earlier because they were the defending Superbowl Champs and undefeated, but now I don’t have to. As with the Redskins, welcome back to earth.
#3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-2
I have been impressed with this team, and they have played the toughest schedule of the previous teams on this list. While everybody is playing the cupcakes of the NFL, the Buccs were playing MAN games. They lose an emotionally charged game in New Orleans against the Saints, I can live with that. They beat the Falcons who are suddenly looking pretty good, then knock off the Bears and Packers back to back. They lose a close game vs. Denver AT Denver and crush the Panthers. This team is good. Watch out for these cats.
#2 Pittsburgh Steelers 4-1
I almost regret putting the Steelers here but the other teams did poorly so they had to move up. Their strength of schedule is soft and even with that they escaped some games. The Brows, Ravens and Jaguars wins were by one possession so I am just not fully convinced that these guys are the ones to beat. The AFC is really up for grabs this year, and the healthiest team is going to take it…not the BEST team. That could be the Steelers…oh wait, they have injuries too!
#1 Tennessee Titans 5-0
I’d like to put an asterisk here, because I have to put them here ONLY because they are the only undefeated team left, and they were #4 on my list last week. With the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys losing, Tennessee gets the #1 spot only by default. Wins over the Jaguars (3-3) and the Vikings (3-3) are decent, but beating the 0-6 Bengals and the 1-4 Texans isn’t saying much. The win over the 2-3 Ravens is quality but we all know the Ravens don’t believe in scoring. Overall this is a decent record…well, who are we kidding, it is a great record. Any team will take a 5-0 start. But it is misleading that they are seen as the best team in the NFL. And with the Chiefs coming up next, they could look like a Superbowl contender. But after that Kansas City game, we’re gonna REALLY see what the Titans are really about. Four very interesting games will show us if, as a coach once said, you are what we THOUGHT you were!
So that’s my top 10. I actually wanted to put the Colts on the list, but if I had a top 11, they would be there. I also had to pinch off the Patriots, and that loss clearly shows that the AFC is up for grabs. Heck, the NFC is too. I guess my early thoughts for the Patriots vs. the Cowboys is over rated. But there are 10 weeks left to go, anything can happen. Let’s keep watching and see…
Just finished watching the Cleveland Browns knock off the New York Giants, so now there is only one undefeated team in the NFL. But with so much going on, it is nearly impossible to say who is really number one, let alone the top 10. But let’s give it a shot:
#10 Buffalo Bills 4-1
This was the spot these same Bills had last week, and you’d think I might have moved them up a spot or two…not so. I am still not convinced that this team is even good enough to make the playoffs considering they had a very soft schedule. With a team that has a very soft schedule and losing recently to the Cardinals, the jury is still out on the Bills. I am just not convinced that this team is the elite of the AFC.
#9 Arizona Cardinals 4-2
This team has a history of flopping, as well as providing us with one of the best quotes in football, by former head coach Dennis Green. Still, with wins over the then undefeated Bills, and just recently over the Cowboys, there just might be something to this team. With a high scoring offense and a weak division, dare we say that Arizona is playoff bound?
#8 Carolina Panthers 4-2
I don’t understand how a team with potent weapons in receivers and running backs should be losing, but losses to the Vikings and the Buccaneers raises some questions. They score about 20 points more than they allow, which breaks down to about a field goal difference per game. Close games for a team with such a promising offense could spell trouble.
#7 Denver Broncos 4-2
At the beginning of the year, I thought for sure that this was almost a lock for the postseason, and maybe the AFC Championship. I just don’t get it, this team beats quality teams like Tampa Bay and San Diego, whips up on the sad-sack Raiders, but loses to the Chiefs and the Jaguars. You just don’t know what you’re getting from the Broncos. With games upcoming against the Patriots and the Dolphins, we’re gonna see if this is a contender or a mid card team.
#6 Dallas Cowboys 4-2
In truth, I should put this team even lower not just because of the record, but also of the results of injuries. I cannot say in truth that the Cowboys are the 6th best team in the NFL with their quarterback injured and other players. We also don’t know what off field incidents will bring to the team as well. Losing to the Redskins at home was embarrassing enough, but losing to the Cardinals is a punch in the eye socket. This team is in some trouble and I see another loss or two in the next month. But with everybody in the NFL being hurt in some shape or form, maybe it balances out for the Cowboys.
#5 Washington Redskins 4-2
Just a week or two ago everybody was blowing kisses to the Redskins, calling them the elite team of the league. But the NFL has a way of learning new coaches, and sometimes teams that are mid card are not used to the press they read about themselves. Could it be that the Rams, under a new coach, mixed things up and caught the Skins off guard… or was the Redskins just too cocky? Welcome back to earth guys.
#4 New York Giants 4-1
I’ll be honest, I was not really impressed with their 4-0 record. They catch a new coach on his first regular season game in the Redskins, then proceed to beat three teams that 2-14 combined before losing to a team that was 1-3. I had to rank them high earlier because they were the defending Superbowl Champs and undefeated, but now I don’t have to. As with the Redskins, welcome back to earth.
#3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-2
I have been impressed with this team, and they have played the toughest schedule of the previous teams on this list. While everybody is playing the cupcakes of the NFL, the Buccs were playing MAN games. They lose an emotionally charged game in New Orleans against the Saints, I can live with that. They beat the Falcons who are suddenly looking pretty good, then knock off the Bears and Packers back to back. They lose a close game vs. Denver AT Denver and crush the Panthers. This team is good. Watch out for these cats.
#2 Pittsburgh Steelers 4-1
I almost regret putting the Steelers here but the other teams did poorly so they had to move up. Their strength of schedule is soft and even with that they escaped some games. The Brows, Ravens and Jaguars wins were by one possession so I am just not fully convinced that these guys are the ones to beat. The AFC is really up for grabs this year, and the healthiest team is going to take it…not the BEST team. That could be the Steelers…oh wait, they have injuries too!
#1 Tennessee Titans 5-0
I’d like to put an asterisk here, because I have to put them here ONLY because they are the only undefeated team left, and they were #4 on my list last week. With the Giants, Redskins and Cowboys losing, Tennessee gets the #1 spot only by default. Wins over the Jaguars (3-3) and the Vikings (3-3) are decent, but beating the 0-6 Bengals and the 1-4 Texans isn’t saying much. The win over the 2-3 Ravens is quality but we all know the Ravens don’t believe in scoring. Overall this is a decent record…well, who are we kidding, it is a great record. Any team will take a 5-0 start. But it is misleading that they are seen as the best team in the NFL. And with the Chiefs coming up next, they could look like a Superbowl contender. But after that Kansas City game, we’re gonna REALLY see what the Titans are really about. Four very interesting games will show us if, as a coach once said, you are what we THOUGHT you were!
So that’s my top 10. I actually wanted to put the Colts on the list, but if I had a top 11, they would be there. I also had to pinch off the Patriots, and that loss clearly shows that the AFC is up for grabs. Heck, the NFC is too. I guess my early thoughts for the Patriots vs. the Cowboys is over rated. But there are 10 weeks left to go, anything can happen. Let’s keep watching and see…
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The Greatest Running backs ever..#2...#1
Greatest Rbs ever…#2, #1...
So here we are, at the final installment of this countdown. I am sure there were like 3 million readers just clinging to their keyboards, sweating out the last few moments until I blogged the best running backs of all time…
Yeah, right.
Anyway, we are at the final steps of the greatest running back in NFL history…and no I was not persuaded by the donate button on some of my blogs…I mean, it wasn’t like Bo Jackson was emailing me or dropping a few bucks to get is name in the conversation.
But if you read the last blog on this, you may have noticed something that might throw you off a bit…I am wondering if you caught it yet…if not, you will.
So, we have counted down the top 25 running backs of all time (as of 2008) using a formula I made up, which awards greatness by team accomplishments, individual stats and individual awards, while also penalizing players by era. As I said before, I had to do that because players today are better overall than players in the past. This does NOT mean that every player today is better than every player in the 50’s, that is not true either. But in general, we have to accept that football players today are stronger, faster, and more intelligent than ever before. I am not saying that guys that played “back in the day” were brainless, that is not true at all. But every player today that is considered great built on the success of those before him, and in fact became a better player, and made the NFL greater.
But WHO is the greatest NFL running back of all time?
Oh, I guess I better say this before I continue, this is a poll that I created to identify for myself who may be the greatest, but by no means is it the gospel truth. I am just a humble American fan who loves football, and also likes to write. Got it?
Good. Now, on to the next player on the list:
#2 Franco Harris: 71 points
Raise your hands, all those who have FOUR Superbowl rings? Hmmm, not many out there, huh? Say what you want about the 70s but this period of time was very good to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The true glory years were never so good for an NFL football club as it was for Franco Harris and his Steelers. If you are ever going to dub a running back “greatest ever” then surely he must be a proven winner. Winning the supreme championship 4 times, and being on the all time list in rushing categories, as well as being a decorated player is why Franco Harris is clearly one of the greatest of all time. If I was not such a Raiders fan (although HIGHLY questionable with Monty Burns running the team) I would have made the Steelers my favorite because of Franco Harris.
Again…all those running backs with FOUR Superbowl rings…ok, thought so.
Why not higher? Well, how much higher SHOULD Franco go? He’s number 2, right? But if pressed to tell, I’d say that his strongest point was in fact his post season points. Franco Harris received 44 points in this element, better than anyone except Jim Taylor. He was also tied with Rocky Bleier, but no one will debate as who the real star of the backfield was. Sure he suffers a -2 by era adjustment, but even if we didn’t have that, he’s still be in this same spot. The guy ahead of him has more than that. In fact, the guy ahead of Franco Harris has more than twice the points in the individual stats element and almost twice as much points in the individual awards element. Great Franco Harris clearly was (is), but not quite THE greatest.
Why on the list? I say once and I say again, great players make great teams, and we all know how important a running game is in football. If you cannot run, you cannot throw effectively. This means Franco Harris brought strong credibility to the Steelers, which in turn opened up the game. But even when you KNEW Franco was getting the ball, what were you gonna do about it? That’s why he is in the top 20 all time in yards, and top 10 in touchdowns. With a weapon like that, you can’t lose…and apparently, Pittsburgh didn’t…not much.
#1 Jim Brown: 78 points
Could there be anyone else? I mean, really?
The standard of what a running back should be, Jim Brown was the best running back that most NFL players could every think of when it came to rushing. James Nathaniel Brown is an iconic figure to the history of the NFL, and the mere mention of his name triggers thoughts of supreme greatness. Jim Taylor might have been great in his time, but he was almost always overshadowed by Jim Brown in almost every aspect of the game. Jim Brown was winning championships before there was a Superbowl, and was the role model of the great backs of the 70’s and even the 80’s. And to think, Jim Brown MIGHT have played a few years longer if Art Modell had not demanded that he report to training camp instead of being out working on a future classic movie, “The Dirty Dozen”. He could have EASILY played a few years longer, but at that time, what was left for him to do?
Some of the “new school” backs of today need to take a history lesson and read about this great individual, or at least as the Cleveland Browns about this legend. When I was a kid, I thought they actually named the team after Jim Brown…I mean, it was HIS team anyway in how he carried it.
Why is he #1? Across the board, Jim Brown was just better than everyone else on the list. Even with a -4 era adjustment, he was still #1. Even if I didn’t count that, he’s still be #1. It is pure amazing how Jim Brown accomplished so much under the age of 30. He won the NFL Championship in 1964, and twice got the Browns to the Championship.
Jim Brown is amongst the best in yards per carry, he is in the top 5 all time with rushing touchdowns, and top 10 all time in yards. He won so many individual awards it is insane…even in the late 50’s and mid 60’s. Of all the backs, only Jim Brown has more points in the individual awards element with 41 points. This includes 9 Pro-Bowl selections and three times being the NFL MVP. And even after all these years, he is STILL number ONE. Truly a legend in every sense of the word.
So there you have it, the number one running back in the history of the NFL….
“WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!!!!”
What’s the problem? Don’t you agree that these are the greatest running backs of all time in the NFL? Did I not count down the top 25 running backs of all time (as of 2008) and also identify why others were not on the list? Did I not count down all the running backs from #25 to #1?
Did I not share with you my reasons, step by step, why each running back was where they were, and why some didn’t make the list? I admit the formula may not be perfect, but surely you see the logic…
Oh…I see…I forgot something…..
I listed the top 25 running backs off all time, but I forgot that the people I listed are a line of succession…to THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME…
I mean, even in wrestling or boxing, there are contenders to the title, and then there IS the title, right? Then if so, then the number one of all time is a contender to the true greatest running back of all time…meaning there is yet one more to be named…
But surely you know who that is by now, don’t you? If not, then we’ll reveal that name, the GREATEST running back EVER, next time, on the finale of this list.
Don’t miss it!
So here we are, at the final installment of this countdown. I am sure there were like 3 million readers just clinging to their keyboards, sweating out the last few moments until I blogged the best running backs of all time…
Yeah, right.
Anyway, we are at the final steps of the greatest running back in NFL history…and no I was not persuaded by the donate button on some of my blogs…I mean, it wasn’t like Bo Jackson was emailing me or dropping a few bucks to get is name in the conversation.
But if you read the last blog on this, you may have noticed something that might throw you off a bit…I am wondering if you caught it yet…if not, you will.
So, we have counted down the top 25 running backs of all time (as of 2008) using a formula I made up, which awards greatness by team accomplishments, individual stats and individual awards, while also penalizing players by era. As I said before, I had to do that because players today are better overall than players in the past. This does NOT mean that every player today is better than every player in the 50’s, that is not true either. But in general, we have to accept that football players today are stronger, faster, and more intelligent than ever before. I am not saying that guys that played “back in the day” were brainless, that is not true at all. But every player today that is considered great built on the success of those before him, and in fact became a better player, and made the NFL greater.
But WHO is the greatest NFL running back of all time?
Oh, I guess I better say this before I continue, this is a poll that I created to identify for myself who may be the greatest, but by no means is it the gospel truth. I am just a humble American fan who loves football, and also likes to write. Got it?
Good. Now, on to the next player on the list:
#2 Franco Harris: 71 points
Raise your hands, all those who have FOUR Superbowl rings? Hmmm, not many out there, huh? Say what you want about the 70s but this period of time was very good to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The true glory years were never so good for an NFL football club as it was for Franco Harris and his Steelers. If you are ever going to dub a running back “greatest ever” then surely he must be a proven winner. Winning the supreme championship 4 times, and being on the all time list in rushing categories, as well as being a decorated player is why Franco Harris is clearly one of the greatest of all time. If I was not such a Raiders fan (although HIGHLY questionable with Monty Burns running the team) I would have made the Steelers my favorite because of Franco Harris.
Again…all those running backs with FOUR Superbowl rings…ok, thought so.
Why not higher? Well, how much higher SHOULD Franco go? He’s number 2, right? But if pressed to tell, I’d say that his strongest point was in fact his post season points. Franco Harris received 44 points in this element, better than anyone except Jim Taylor. He was also tied with Rocky Bleier, but no one will debate as who the real star of the backfield was. Sure he suffers a -2 by era adjustment, but even if we didn’t have that, he’s still be in this same spot. The guy ahead of him has more than that. In fact, the guy ahead of Franco Harris has more than twice the points in the individual stats element and almost twice as much points in the individual awards element. Great Franco Harris clearly was (is), but not quite THE greatest.
Why on the list? I say once and I say again, great players make great teams, and we all know how important a running game is in football. If you cannot run, you cannot throw effectively. This means Franco Harris brought strong credibility to the Steelers, which in turn opened up the game. But even when you KNEW Franco was getting the ball, what were you gonna do about it? That’s why he is in the top 20 all time in yards, and top 10 in touchdowns. With a weapon like that, you can’t lose…and apparently, Pittsburgh didn’t…not much.
#1 Jim Brown: 78 points
Could there be anyone else? I mean, really?
The standard of what a running back should be, Jim Brown was the best running back that most NFL players could every think of when it came to rushing. James Nathaniel Brown is an iconic figure to the history of the NFL, and the mere mention of his name triggers thoughts of supreme greatness. Jim Taylor might have been great in his time, but he was almost always overshadowed by Jim Brown in almost every aspect of the game. Jim Brown was winning championships before there was a Superbowl, and was the role model of the great backs of the 70’s and even the 80’s. And to think, Jim Brown MIGHT have played a few years longer if Art Modell had not demanded that he report to training camp instead of being out working on a future classic movie, “The Dirty Dozen”. He could have EASILY played a few years longer, but at that time, what was left for him to do?
Some of the “new school” backs of today need to take a history lesson and read about this great individual, or at least as the Cleveland Browns about this legend. When I was a kid, I thought they actually named the team after Jim Brown…I mean, it was HIS team anyway in how he carried it.
Why is he #1? Across the board, Jim Brown was just better than everyone else on the list. Even with a -4 era adjustment, he was still #1. Even if I didn’t count that, he’s still be #1. It is pure amazing how Jim Brown accomplished so much under the age of 30. He won the NFL Championship in 1964, and twice got the Browns to the Championship.
Jim Brown is amongst the best in yards per carry, he is in the top 5 all time with rushing touchdowns, and top 10 all time in yards. He won so many individual awards it is insane…even in the late 50’s and mid 60’s. Of all the backs, only Jim Brown has more points in the individual awards element with 41 points. This includes 9 Pro-Bowl selections and three times being the NFL MVP. And even after all these years, he is STILL number ONE. Truly a legend in every sense of the word.
So there you have it, the number one running back in the history of the NFL….
“WAIT A MINUTE!!!!!!!!”
What’s the problem? Don’t you agree that these are the greatest running backs of all time in the NFL? Did I not count down the top 25 running backs of all time (as of 2008) and also identify why others were not on the list? Did I not count down all the running backs from #25 to #1?
Did I not share with you my reasons, step by step, why each running back was where they were, and why some didn’t make the list? I admit the formula may not be perfect, but surely you see the logic…
Oh…I see…I forgot something…..
I listed the top 25 running backs off all time, but I forgot that the people I listed are a line of succession…to THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME…
I mean, even in wrestling or boxing, there are contenders to the title, and then there IS the title, right? Then if so, then the number one of all time is a contender to the true greatest running back of all time…meaning there is yet one more to be named…
But surely you know who that is by now, don’t you? If not, then we’ll reveal that name, the GREATEST running back EVER, next time, on the finale of this list.
Don’t miss it!
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