NFL Power Rankings Week 10: Chargers Exposed, Panthers Ascend
By Dean Holden
SLR’s Week 8 NFL Power Rankings: 32-25
Nov 3, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate (81) runs for yards after the catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-8) NC
That was almost something good, but then it wasn’t. I’m sure a second-half collapse leading to an overtime loss against the Seahawks, in what could have been a outlook-changing win, won’t cause any further tension in that locker room. Right?
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-8) NC
What do they even have to work on in their bye week? I mean, everything, obviously, but there’s just so little they can fix this season. They’re facing a complete lack of talent. You can’t practice that away in a bye week. Maybe they’ll focus on trying to earn over 100 passing yards now that Justin Blackmon is suspended for the rest of 2013. It’s more likely they’re getting a jumpstart on draft scouting, though.
30. Minnesota Vikings (1-7) NC
Christian Ponder had a decidedly not-awful game against the Cowboys, which is good. But ultimately all it means is that the defense was exposed on the way to another loss. Adrian Peterson can only do so much for this team.
29. Atlanta Falcons (2-6) ▼2
What in the world is wrong with Matt Ryan? I know he’s a little short on weapons at the moment, but does that immediately make him Mark Sanchez? This team has problems all over, on both sides of the ball, but none so perplexing as Ryan’s suddenly major struggles in securing the ball.
28. New York Giants (2-6) NC
So the Giants win two straight, take a bye, and then the entire division decides to win. That’s not helping those incredibly misguided playoff hopes.
27. Houston Texans (2-6) ▲2
A quote from last week: “their starting quarterback for next season probably isn’t on the roster right now.” The 2013 season is effectively dead for this team, but I may have been wrong about where they get their next quarterback. It’s unwise to base too much on just a couple of starts, but you have to admire Case Keenum’s moxie… and his deep ball. He nearly outdueled Andrew Luck, but then the Colts remembered to cover Andre Johnson.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) ▼2
That New England offense isn’t as good as the Steelers made it look. They’re old and slow on defense, falling apart on the offensive line, and they may need a complete detonation and overhaul when this offseason comes around.
25. Washington Redskins (3-5) ▲1
Clutch drive to go down the field and end things on one drive in overtime, and the offense will get due credit for that. But what needs to be talked about is the absolutely massive goal-line stand posted by the Washington defense to force overtime. The Wasington defense has not exactly been highly-regarded this season. Respect is due.