This sucks. No, not this column, at least I hope not. Im talking about the end of the NFL season. From late August through early February, footballs as omnipresent an American institution as there is. Like P.F. Changs shrimp fried rice or any given season of Entourage On Demand, the action and story lines from the gridiron serve as the quintessential respite from the monotony of everyday life. But every year, without fail, I get an awful sinking feeling in the days after the Super Bowl. It usually happens about 2-3 days post-championship coronation, when a harsh reality slugs me like a 2x4 to the gut: Theres going to be a serious void in my life for the next seven months. And, unfortunately, this is a void no delectable Asian treat or Ari Gold profanity-laced diatribe can properly fill. Sure, the draft provides a momentary foray back into the world of pigskins, but theres not a whole lot more for us to get jacked about until training camp opens. I, for one, dont want to wait until summer. So, fully aware that its utterly ridiculous to pump out a 2008 power rankings two weeks before the start of free agency and two months prior to the draft, heres my crack at the ordering of the leagues hierarchy come 2008. Note: The win-loss mark following each team was its record in 2007, not a 2008 projection. 3. San Diego Chargers (11-5; lost to the Patriots in the AFC championship game) The most encouraging development with these Chargers was the dramatic improvement of the WR corps. Its no longer just Antonio Gates catching Philip Rivers passes. With Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson snagging balls and L.T. toting it behind a solid line, the offense will be first-rate. The defense has All-Pro-caliber guys on all three levels. Biggest strength: The leagues best individual talent. Biggest concern: The coaching staff still hasnt convinced me. Breakout player: S Eric Weddle. Will start in 2008, epitomizes what a football player should be. Link
Nice find Chill, I enjoyed reading someone expressing the reality that that *Patriots will slip to #5 position while that Chargers move up to #3, with my only question being how the hell does an NFC team (Cowboys), and the Colts (whom the Bolts have owned over that past few meetings) move into the #1 and #2 spots? ... Anyways, it was also enjoyable to read that the Faiders would be back standing firm in the #32 position! :spotman: ~ 32. Oakland Raiders (4-12) Say what you will about Lane Kiffin being in over his head. The bulk of the blame goes to Al Davis. I know Davis has always had a bizarre USC fetish, but to give a 31-year-old the keys to an NFL franchise after only sharing play-calling duties for the Trojans? Crazy. Then again, I guess you cant really say Kiffin was given the keys to the team when Davis looms over his every move. This will be getting even uglier. Biggest strength: Linebacker. What Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison lack in bulk they make up for with speed and guile. Biggest weakness: Offensive line. So much for Robert Gallery redefining the OT position. Breakout player: RB Michael Bush. Even with Justin Fargas back in the fold, the battering ram that is Bush will be a force in short-yardage situations.
5. New England Patriots (16-0; lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl) Its inevitable the Patriots take a step backward. Not even Bill Belichick and Tom Brady the standard-bearers at the two most critical positions on a football team can keep them humming at their current clip. Randy Moss should be back, and Laurence Maroney finally began to realize his enormous potential, but a smattering of teams found leaks in a purportedly stellar offensive line that could use a face-lift. The Pats only have about $8 million in cap space and will be hard-pressed to make the necessary fortifications to a thin LB corps and secondary. Biggest strength: Quarterback. Biggest concern: Asante Samuel is the only solid cornerback, and Ill be shocked if hes back. Breakout player: ILB Oscar Lua. Extremely heady youngster, is a viable candidate to step up should Tedy Bruschi and/or Junior Seau retire. I like his thinking!
#5 works for me bill 8mm billicheat earned that I just wonder which team is going to go after samuels and ruin their cap for the next few years someone should start a poll on that
