NFL Power Rankings - NFL Draft Risers and Sliders

Locker's draft stock takes a dive

Week 3 on the college football schedule featured several outstanding performances from underrated prospects on both sides of the ball. But one high-profile quarterback found his stock sinking after a third straight poor outing. Here are the risers and sliders for Week 3. (*Denotes underclassmen)

SlidersJake Locker/QB/Washington: Locker started the season with uninspired performances against BYU and Syracuse before an awful showing against Nebraska last Saturday. He completed just four of 20 passes for 71 yards and had a pair of interceptions. Locker has forced the ball into coverage while trying to rely on his arm strength to make plays this season. His decision-making has been suspect at times. There's time for the senior to turn around his play, yet there's no denying he has hurt himself in the eyes of NFL scouts in the early going of the 2010 campaign.

Greg Lloyd/LB/Connecticut: Lloyd did lead the Huskies with seven tackles during the loss to Temple. However, for the most part he looked stiff, struggled in coverage and also had several tackles broken.

Justin Houston*/LB/Georgia: Houston has done well this season when lined up in a three-point stance, yet NFL scouts project the junior to outside linebacker. He's struggled playing in space, is slow to react, shows poor instincts and misses assignments.

Risers
Colin Kaepernick/QB/Nevada: The Wolfpack signal-caller was a one-man show on offense, leading Nevada to a 21-point victory over Cal by accounting for 329 total yards and five scores. Kaepernick must continue to improve his passing mechanics, but his decision-making and command of the offense against one of the Pac-10's best defenses impressed NFL scouts.

Ronald Johnson/WR/USC: The Trojans leading receiver is dependable and has big-play potential. He's averaged five receptions a game this season with four touchdown grabs, including a 53-yard score in the win over Minnesota last Saturday. Scouts gave Johnson a late-round grade entering the season, yet many feel he could move into the draft's initial 60 selections if he continues his present pace.

Torrey Smith*/WR/Maryland: The Terrapins offense was anemic in the loss to WVU, except for Smith. The junior receiver finished with 149 receiving yards on just three receptions with two resulting in touchdowns. Smith, also a game-breaking return specialist, is a true vertical threat who has NFL size and home-run hitting speed.

Jock Sanders/WR-RS/WVU: The multi-purpose Sanders produced in a variety of ways during the Mountaineers' border-war victory over Maryland. He made six receptions for 86 yards, added another 10 yards running reverses and averaged 23 yards on three punt returns. The senior nicely projects as a specialist for the next level and will be asked to line up in the slot, carry the ball on occasion as well as handle return duties.

Eric Hagg/S/Nebraska: The Cornhuskers defensive backfield is loaded with next-level talent and it's easy to overlook Hagg, one of the most dependable players in the secondary. He's a complete safety who combines outstanding instincts, toughness against the run and ball skills in coverage. Hagg's stat line in the win over Washington was not eye-popping -- one tackle, one interception and a pair of passes broken up. Yet his ability to stay away from mental errors and play smart, aggressive football each week has impressed scouts.

Jaiquawn Jarrett/S/Temple: He led Temple's big-pay defense from the secondary. He's a heat-seeking missile from his safety position, delivering devastating blows while also displaying discipline with cover assignments. Jarrett lacks classic safety size yet plays big and gets the most from his talents.

Brook Reed/DE/Arizona: Reed was a force in the Wildcats' upset victory over ninth-ranked Iowa on Saturday. The senior led the Wildcat defensive line with five tackles while also registering 1.5 tackles for loss and an equal number of sacks. An intense competitor, he gets every ounce from his 6-foot-2½, 255-pound frame. While his measurables limit his upside, love his football smarts and competitiveness. Reed is the type of prospect who could move north on draft boards if he continues to play at a high level this season and punches out a few solid performances at the Senior Bowl and combine.

SLEEPER ALERT -- Nate Irving/LB/North Carolina State: Irving sat on the sidelines last year rehabilitating serious injuries he sustained during a summer auto accident. He has not lost speed, making plays sideline-to-sideline, just as he did early in his college career. He's a versatile defender and can line up at a number of linebacker spots.

Notes
• Auburn junior Nick Fairley, a Week 2 riser, turned in another impressive performance this weekend. The defensive lineman finished with seven tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback pressures in the comeback victory over Clemson.

• Pittsburgh senior Greg Romeus, a Week 1 slider, had been struggling with a back injury. Now comes word the star defensive end had back surgery to repair a herniated disc. Romeus hopes to return before the season ends, but prevalent back issues could raise red flags for NFL teams.

• West Virginia cornerback Brandon Hogan was suspended indefinitely last week after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence. This is Hogan's second run in with police in five months as he pleaded guilty to urinating in public in June from an incident that occurred last April. The senior was graded as a potential third-round pick by NFL scouts yet could now go undrafted because of his checkered past.




NFL Power Rankings: Week 3
RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT
1 (1) Saints 2-0-0 New Orleans will find out Reggie Bush's value while RB recovers from injury (Sando)
2 (2) Packers 2-0-0 It doesn't matter who plays running back if the passing game and defense continue to dominate (Walker)
3 (7) Texans 2-0-0 They have two wins that mean more than a 2-0 record (Kuharsky)
4 (5) Colts 1-1-0 The Colts' rebound was encouraging, but the Giants weren't smart (Kuharsky)
5 (10) Steelers 2-0-0 With a punishing defense, it's scary to think how good the Steelers will be when QB Ben Roethlisberger returns (Walker)
6 (11) Jets 1-1-0 See what happens when things get easier for Mark Sanchez? The completions start coming (Clayton)
7 (15) Dolphins 2-0-0 With games against the Jets and Pats in the next two weeks, the Dolphins can find out where they are in the AFC East (Clayton)
8 (3) Ravens 1-1-0 Averaging 10 points per game just isn't going to cut it (Walker)
9 (4) Patriots 1-1-0 Bill Belichick won't let the Pats panic after losing a road game against the Jets (Clayton)
10 (13) Falcons 1-1-0 Depth at running back took a hit without production slipping at all (Sando)
11 (17) Bengals 1-1-0 The Bengals have won eight straight division games -- that will keep you in the hunt (Walker)
12 (22) Bears 2-0-0 The Bears are one of several surprise 2-0 teams. (Walker)
13 (12) Chargers 1-1-0 Their beatdown of Jaguars was right response to loss in Kansas City (Kuharsky)
14 (14) Redskins 1-1-0 Mike Shanahan can't blame Albert Haynesworth for losing the game against the Texans (Clayton)
15 (9) Titans 1-1-0 Invisible offense had seven turnovers against the Steelers (Kuharsky)
16 (18) Eagles 1-1-0 Vick is popular with teammates and players respect him. But where does this leave Kolb?(Clayton)
17 (8) Cowboys 0-2-0 Too bad they can't show past Cowboys seasons on the Cowboys Stadium big scoreboard ... thus far, the Cowboys haven't deserved the big screen (Clayton)
18 (6) Vikings 0-2-0 Vincent Jackson, anyone? How about Tarvaris Jackson? (Walker)
19 (16) Giants 1-1-0 Eli Manning wishes he doesn't have to play the Colts for eight more years, not four (Clayton)
20 (23) Chiefs 2-0-0 But for the Bucs, they'd be biggest surprise to this point (Kuharsky)
21 (28) Buccaneers 2-0-0 Say goodbye to that two-game win streak with Steelers visiting Sunday (Sando)
22 (25) Broncos 1-1-0 Visit from Indianapolis will be a big gauge of status (Kuharsky)
23 (20) 49ers 0-2-0 Alex Smith finally led a key fourth-quarter drive, but it wasn't enough against Saints (Sando)
24 (19) Cardinals 1-1-0 Shaky pass protection is putting Derek Anderson's health on the line (Sando)
25 (24) Jaguars 1-1-0 The Jags' secondary is crumbling as the team prepares to face Philadelphia QB Kevin Kolb. (Kuharsky)
26 (21) Seahawks 1-1-0 Matt Hasselbeck's protection has been there, but QB faltered in Week 2 (Sando)
27 (27) Raiders 1-1-0 Hardly smooth in win over Rams, a team they should beat (Kuharsky)
28 (26) Panthers 0-2-0 Switching to rookie QB in Week 3 with John Fox likely in final year (Sando)
29 (29) Lions 0-2-0 The Lions are fun to watch, but they probably won't win many games (Walker)
30 (32) Browns 0-2-0 The Browns lack the talent to compete for four quarters (Walker)
31 (31) Rams 0-2-0 Rams have squandered golden opportunities against Cardinals, Raiders (Sando)
32 (30) Bills 0-2-0 A quarterback change won't fix what's wrong with the Bills (Clayton)

Video of Dallas Cowboy Owner Jerry Jones

Video of Dallas Cowboy Owner Jerry Jones
that everyone is talking about

The End Has Come for Brett Favre

We got vintage Favre in what may have been the legend's final game
www.si.com
NEW ORLEANS -- The moment was deeply routine, and yet it was not routine at all. Brett Favre sat on a stool in front of a cubicle in the visitors' dressing room in the belly of the Superdome. His pads and helmet were stuffed into a purple canvas bag with the Minnesota Vikings' logo on the outside. His shoes and socks sat on the floor. Slowly he peeled off his white game pants and pulled a sleeveless undershirt over his head. He squirted white, gooey shampoo into his grey buzz cut and it began running down off his head. All of this he has done hundreds of times since he was a little boy, flinging footballs around fields in Mississippi.
He rubbed a sort left wrist and a bruised right thigh. He hobbled on a sprained left ankle. He grimaced when he moved.
Yet in other ways it was not routine at all. Vikings' defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier sat down next to Favre and hugged him, speaking into Favre's left ear. When Frazier stood, quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers approached, showered and wearing a suit, and hugged Favre.
Next came wide receiver Sidney Rice. Over the course of their one season together, Rice flourished with Favre, with 83 receptions in the regular season and then three touchdown catches last week in the divisional playoff victory over the Cowboys. Rice is 23 and Favre is 40. Rice made Favre young; Favre made Rice grow up. They were good together. Now Rice stood in front of Favre with a towel around his waist and they embraced until Favre dropped his head into the crook of Rice's neck and his eyes welled with tears.
Defensive tackle Pat Williams was next, all 317 pounds of him, wrapping Favre in an embrace and then walking out of the locker room without turning back. Those were four. "You probably missed the other 50 guys I gave a hug to," Favre would say after all this when a reporter asked him about speaking just with Frazier.
Maybe this is the way it finally ends for Favre, with a one-season grab at a last Super Bowl falling one game short, an exasperating 31-28 overtime loss to the Saints. There were no pronouncements from Favre late Sunday night in the Dome. "In a situation like this, I really don't want to make a decision right now based solely on what's happened," Favre said after the game. Had he offered a conclusion either way, he wouldn't have been believed, not with his history of indecision.
This much is safe to say: There's a pretty reasonable chance that Sunday's loss was the last game of Favre's career. And if that's the case, it was in many ways a snapshot of his career. He was brilliant and ballsy, competing his aging old butt off in the face of relentless pressure from the Saints. He threw 46 passes and completed 28, for 310 yards and one touchdown, and for most of the night kept the Vikings pushing toward a game that they should have won. Instead, they lost with five turnovers and two other crucial mistakes. And the worst mistake was Favre's.
There was 2:37 to play when the Vikings took possession at their own 21 with the game tied, 28-28. They had lost three fumbles, including one by rookie Percy Harvin that gave the Saints possession on the Minnesota seven and quickly led to a 28-21 New Orleans lead. There had been another by veteran wide receiver Bernard Berrian late in the third quarter in the red zone. And one credited to Favre on a sloppy handoff to Adrian Peterson, one of three times Peterson put the ball on the ground. Favre had suffered a nasty sprained ankle late in the third quarter and was hobbling now.
But there was a chance to end it and quiet the Dome, which had been deafening most of the night. On third-and-eight from the 23, Favre threw 10 yards to Berrian for a first down. On the next play he hit Rice for 20 yards, and on the next, Chester Taylor ran 14 yards to the Saints' 33. Favre could have taken three knees and then let his buddy, Ryan Longwell, kick a 50-yard indoor field goal to send the Vikings to the Super Bowl.
Two running plays gained nothing and then, inexcusably, the Vikings were flagged for having 12 men in the huddle on third-and-10 from the 33. Those five yards took them out of Longwell's range. They had to run a play.
Favre rolled right. There was open field in front of him, but instead Favre made the gunslinger's play and knifed a throw across his body toward Rice in the middle of the field. It was a crazy pass. Every young quarterback is taught: Never throw late over the middle. Trouble lurks. Saints' cornerback Tracy Porter read Favre's eyes and intercepted the pass. "I probably should have ran it," Favre said afterward. "I don't know how far I could have gotten, but in hindsight that's probably what I should have done. I don't know how many yards we needed for a field goal, but I knew we needed some." He paused.
"I was just late to Sidney."
The outcome seemed almost fated at that point, and it was. The Saints won the coin toss and the game on Garrett Hartley's 40-yard field goal less than five minutes into overtime. They are going to the Super Bowl for the first time in the franchise's 43-year history.
The Vikings' Favre experiment cuts two ways. He was signed to take a very good team to the Super Bowl. They knew it. He knew it. "This was all about winning another Super Bowl," Favre's wife, Deanna, told me after the Vikings' win over Dallas a week ago. That didn't happen, and by that measure the season is a disappointment. That Favre committed the most crucial error in a game full of them only underscores the failure.
And it's fair to say: This is what you get with Favre. He will make the great play, but he will also risk the critical mistake. He has not only the most touchdown passes in NFL history, but also, by a wide margin, the most interceptions. (His last pass as a member of the Packers was also a crucial pick on a bitter cold night in January 2008, all but handing the Giants a berth in the Super Bowl). But that would also be too simple.
A larger story was written, too. Favre made the Vikings much better. You can argue that they went just two games deeper into the postseason than they did with Tavaris Jackson and Gus Frerotte at quarterback, but that ignores a 12-4 regular season and a dominant playoff win over Dallas, which had been the hottest team in the NFL. And it ignores that Favre made the NFL a more interesting place. Granted, the money-minting league hardly needs help in drawing eyeballs, but ratings soared this fall and Favre was surely a big reason for that.
Sports history is full of great players who stay too long, yet Favre was vintage. And the season touched him. "Even though it was one year," he said, "it felt like 50." He meant that in a good way.
"All I can say is it's been a great year," said Favre. "This is a great group of guys. I'd love to win the Super Bowl. Who wouldn't? I didn't have anything to prove coming in. But I'm going out on top one way or the other."
When he was finished talking, he walked through long corridors in the basement of the Superdome until he found his family and put an arm around his wife. It had the feeling of something coming to an end and it wasn't all sad. Two teams move on, Favre stays behind. He deserves to be remembered not just for the last pass he threw, but also for the hundreds that came before it.







www.espn.com
NEW ORLEANS -- Brett Favre will never forget Sunday's NFC Championship Game.
His body won't let him.
Favre was pounded like a gavel, twisted like an Auntie Anne's pretzel. The guy got hit so hard and so often Sunday that Superdome officials should have a walking tour of the field.

Here's where Favre's left ankle went right.

Here's where Favre's right thigh took one for the team.

Here's where Favre's left wrist lost a chunk of flesh.

But most of all, here's where the Minnesota Vikings had their postseason crushed.

The New Orleans Saints beat the Vikings in overtime partly because -- no, mostly because -- they beat up Favre. That, and five Vikings turnovers, including one gruesome interception by Favre in the final 15 seconds of regulation.
By game's end, Favre's body color matched his helmet color: purple. He was 40 at kickoff. He was 60 at the final whistle. In between, he was knocked all the way to Kiln, Miss.
"How old are you?" said Favre to ESPN's Ed Werder as reporters formed a loose semicircle around his locker.
"Forty-nine," said Werder. "How old you feel?"
"Something around that," said Favre.
The Saints are going to their first Super Bowl thanks to a merciless defensive game plan designed to inflict pain. Favre was the inflictee.
You should have seen him sitting in front of that locker immediately after the loss. Red welts on his left arm. Blood on his upper right shoulder. A puffy left wrist. A raw gash on the same wrist. A swollen left ankle. A tender right thigh and lower back.
And red eyes.
One by one, Vikings coaches, teammates and staff made a beeline to Favre for handshakes, long hugs, backslaps and, yeah, tears. Were they thanking him or saying goodbye?
"I'd love to win the Super Bowl, who wouldn't?" Favre said later. "But, of course, I can't print anything for you guys, but I know I'm going out on top, one way or the other.
"My goal is to get to Miami. Obviously that's not going to happen. If it is [the last season], then there's no doubt I'm on top."
Favre said it won't take months for him to make his retirement-or-return decision. He first wants to remove himself from the emotion and physical pain of Sunday's defeat. Then he'll discuss the choice with his family.
"It's hard to even think about anything other than the loss," he said.
Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier spent at least five full minutes consoling Favre after the defeat. As Frazier leaned toward him and spoke, Favre dropped his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.
Wide receiver Sidney Rice hugged him for at least 30 seconds.
Guard Anthony Herrera was next. Then running back Adrian Peterson.
"'Preciate you," Favre said to Peterson.
Next came rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin, whose eyes were as misty as Favre's.
If this was the final game of Favre's Hall of Fame career, it ended with him standing near the sideline, helmet on, helpless as Saints kicker Garrett Hartley punched through the game-winning 40-yard field goal in OT. It was an inglorious end to a glorious season and, depending on Favre's decision, a glorious career.
Once again, Favre's final pass in an NFC championship resulted in a costly interception. It happened in the 2007 NFC Championship Game against the New York Giants. It happened Sunday against the Saints.
Favre deserves -- and accepted -- the blame for the forced throw intended for Rice on a third-and-15 play from the New Orleans 38. It cost the Vikings a chance at a long field goal and the win. Instead, the game went into overtime.
"I probably should have ran it," said Favre.
You mean, limp it. Favre couldn't run. He could barely walk, the result of a high/low hit that could have been called a penalty, but wasn't.
"Did it look bad?" Favre asked Sports Illustrated's Peter King.
King said it did.
"I thought I broke it," Favre said. "The lights went out. I could hear things crunching … Monday or Tuesday I promise the whole foot will be purple."
Favre's second interception -- his 30th postseason INT -- was a killer. It deprived the Vikings of what would have been a 55-yard field goal attempt by Ryan Longwell. That's no chippie, but the long try would have beat the alternative -- another Vikings turnover.
Blame Favre, if you want, but remember that Bernard Berrian's fourth-quarter fumble of a Favre pass at the Saints' 5 was also a killer. So was Harvin's fourth-quarter fumble at the Minnesota 22. So was a botched handoff exchange between Favre and Peterson at the Saints' 4 near the end of the second quarter. So was an inexplicable 12-men-in-the-huddle penalty the play before Favre's final INT.
In short, there aren't enough fingers to point at all the Vikings who screwed up Sunday. And by the way, the Saints and their crowd had a little something to do with the outcome.
If this was the end for Favre, he has zilch to apologize for. The Vikings wouldn't have reached the NFC Championship Game without him. As it was, he completed 28 of 46 passes for 310 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was the best player on a really good team. At 40.
"I didn't think I had anything to prove coming in," said Favre, "but if there were doubters out there, maybe I served notice to them."
A few minutes later, he left the makeshift stage and walked slowly, very slowly, down a stadium corridor to meet his family. You got the feeling that it might be the last walk down one of these corridors he ever makes.

2009 NFL Pro-Bowl Teams

2009 NFL Pro-Bowl Teams
- Brett Favre and Peyton Manning have other plans for visiting Miami in early 2010.
Already Pro Bowl regulars, they were selected to this season's game Tuesday. Favre was among eight Minnesota Vikings who made the NFC team, while Manning was one of six Indianapolis Colts on the AFC squad. It will be Favre's 11th Pro Bowl and the 10th for Manning. No other quarterbacks have been to 10 all-star games.
Naturally, both of them -- and every other player chosen for the Pro Bowl whose team has made the playoffs -- are thinking of appearing in another game in South Florida, the Super Bowl. All six of the quarterbacks made the playoffs and, of course, would prefer to be playing in the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 in Miami. The Pro Bowl has been moved to the previous Sunday at Dolphin Stadium, and no Super Bowl participants will play in the all-star game.
As Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco said on Twitter after discovering the AFC North champions have nobody going to the Pro Bowl:
"Just been informed myself nor any of my teammates made the Pro Bowl-bengal fans we wouldn't be abe to play in it anyway! SUPER BOWL BABY!!!"
Favre will be a backup to New Orleans' Drew Brees, the NFL's top-rated passer. The other NFC quarterback will be Aaron Rodgers, who replaced Favre in Green Bay last year.
"When you are voted in as a quarterback, you really represent the entire offense and the team," Brees said, "because there isn't anything I can accomplish without the offensive line, running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. So this is a recognition of what we've been able to achieve as a unit, and I've been thrilled to be a part of an offense that has worked together so well this season."
Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, the league's leading rusher, also made the AFC team, along with NFL receptions leader Wes Welker of New England. Manning will be backed up at quarterback by New England's Tom Brady and San Diego's Philip Rivers.
Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, the league's top scorer among non-kickers, will be in the NFC backfield. The other Vikings who made it: wide receiver Sidney Rice, defensive end Jared Allen, guard Steve Hutchinson, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, special teamer Heath Farwell and tackle Bryant McKinnie.
Dallas and Philadelphia, which meet for the NFC East title on Sunday, had the next most players on the NFC roster with six each, followed by top-seeded New Orleans with five. There were 13 first-timers chosen in the NFC in voting by fans, coaches and players.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has earned another $1.5 million by making his fifth Pro Bowl, pushing his NFL-high salary to $18.2 million this season. Peppers has 10½ sacks and was voted an NFC starter.
Nobody made it from the Falcons, Seahawks, Buccaneers or Lions.
The other Colts on the AFC roster were tight end Dallas Clark, defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, wide receiver Reggie Wayne and center Jeff Saturday.
San Diego, Denver and Baltimore each had five players chosen for the AFC team. There were eight newcomers in the AFC, while Cincinnati was the only division champion with no Pro Bowlers. Kansas City was the other AFC team without one, for the first time since 1978.
Two rookies made the AFC team, Houston linebacker Brian Cushing and Buffalo safety Jairus Byrd, who is on injured reserve.
"I'm just thrilled," Cushing said. "It's one of those things you always look forward to growing up playing football. When coach called me today I was just beyond ecstatic. I couldn't believe that it actually happened."
Washington LB Brian Orakpo is the lone rookie on the NFC squad. Orakpo is the first Redskins rookie selected for the Pro Bowl in 31 years.
"It really humbles me, because it shows people are watching and really know what I can do out there," Orakpo said. "I appreciate this honor and hopefully will get some more in the future -- and turn this team around, as well."
Several players used social media to reveal their selections to the game well before the NFL's official announcement at 7:15 p.m. ET. The NFL found that "understandable."
"To be named to the Pro Bowl is a tremendous individual honor," league spokesman Michael Signora said. "We notified each club of its Pro Bowl players at 4 p.m. ET to provide an opportunity for the club to inform its own players. This is standard procedure. It is understandable in today's world of social media that some players couldn't resist sharing their good news by tweeting."
Record-setting kick returner Josh Cribbs made the AFC team and joked it might help his stalled contract negotiations. Cribbs is planning to take most of the members of Cleveland's return units with him to the Pro Bowl.
"I hope I get that contract so I can afford it," he said, laughing. "It's the least I can do for a job well done. I can't leave those guys behind, they deserve it as much as I do. I've got to take care of my guys."

NFL Week 9 Power Rankings and the Cleveland Browns

2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week 9
www.espn.com
RK (LW) TEAM REC COMMENT
1 (2) Saints 7-0-0 Another week, another victory for the most complete team in the NFL through Week 8. (Sando)
2 (1) Colts 7-0-0 Is the toughest month of the 2009 schedule about to begin with a visit from the Texans? (Kuharsky)
3 (4) Vikings 7-1-0 Brett Favre has wish No. 1 this season: revenge. (Chadiha)
4 (3) Broncos 6-1-0 The bounce-back game after the first loss is another tough one: home against Pittsburgh. (Kuharsky)
5 (5) Patriots 5-2-0 Enjoying a bye after a romp in London, the Patriots didn't have to do anything to open up ground in the AFC East. (Clayton)
6 (6) Bengals 5-2-0 They can make a statement the next two weeks with games against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. (Chadiha)
7 (7) Steelers 5-2-0 A week off shouldn't slow their momentum after four straight victories. (Chadiha)
8 (9) Cowboys 5-2-0 Don't look now, but the Cowboys are quietly sneaking up on people and playing like a playoff team. (Clayton)
9 (12) Eagles 5-2-0 The young legs of LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson have the Eagles' offense soaring. (Clayton)
10 (14) Ravens 4-3-0 They're celebrating a big victory over Denver, breaking a three-game losing streak. (Chadiha)
11 (11) Falcons 4-3-0 Despite recent troubles, the Falcons seem like a strong wild-card candidate from the NFC. (Sando)
12 (13) Packers 4-3-0 Aaron Rodgers is starting to show signs of his season-long beating. (Chadiha)
13 (10) Cardinals 4-3-0 The Cardinals take a 3-0 road record to Soldier Field, where a victory would help their cause immensely. (Sando)
14 (17) Texans 5-3-0 The upcoming trip to Indianapolis is only the most significant game in franchise history. (Kuharsky)
15 (8) Giants 5-3-0 The Giants entered Week 8 with the league's top-ranked defense, but it played like No. 32. (Clayton)
16 (16) Chargers 4-3-0 They could be catching the struggling Giants at just the right time. (Kuharsky)
17 (18) Bears 4-3-0 Like everyone else, they loved seeing the Browns on the schedule. (Chadiha)
18 (15) Jets 4-4-0 If the Jets were to win a national lottery, the winning ticket would fly out of their office and land with the Dolphins. (Clayton)
19 (20) 49ers 3-4-0 Opening up the offense could be tougher with left tackle Joe Staley on the injured list for six weeks. (Sando)
20 (19) Dolphins 3-4-0 After a week in which Ted Ginn was grim, his two kickoff returns for touchdowns have Dolphins fans wearing grins. (Clayton)
21 (21) Jaguars 3-4-0 A home date with the unattractive Chiefs is not going to be the game that ends the blackout run. (Kuharsky)
22 (22) Bills 3-5-0 The best part about the Bills' bye week is that no one will get a chance to see the Bills' offense. (Clayton)
23 (24) Panthers 3-4-0 It's amazing how good the Panthers can seem when Jake Delhomme throws to his own guys instead. (Sando)
24 (23) Seahawks 2-5-0 A home date against the Lions should let Seattle feel good about itself again, if only for a week. (Sando)
25 (25) Redskins 2-5-0 No consultants were hired during the bye week, so things were quiet in D.C. (Clayton)
26 (29) Titans 1-6-0 The 49ers likely will offer significantly more resistance than the Jaguars did. (Kuharsky)
27 (27) Raiders 2-6-0 What can the Raiders do during the bye week to improve the state of things? (Kuharsky)
28 (28) Chiefs 1-6-0 The Jaguars' limited pass rush could give Matt Cassel time to find some big plays. (Kuharsky)
29 (26) Lions 1-6-0 A loss to St. Louis is a step in the wrong direction. (Chadiha)
30 (32) Rams 1-7-0 No one in the league is playing more commendably than Rams running back Steven Jackson. (Sando)
31 (30) Browns 1-7-0 It's about time somebody got fired for this disaster. (Chadiha)
32 (31) Buccaneers 0-7-0 This is officially the worst team in the league now that the Rams have finally won a game. (Sando)




NFL Power Rankings after week 8
www.sportsline.com
Current Team Previous
1 Colts · Trends 1
They didn't look great against the 49ers, but they found a way. That's what good teams do. It has to be good having Bob Sanders back again.
2 Saints · Trends 2
It was a little bit of a struggle against the Falcons, but the schedule is favorable the rest of the way, to say the least. Is an undefeated season possible?
3 Vikings · Trends 4
They have a real hold on the division after sweeping the Packers. They really are a balanced team and Brett Favre is coming off a big game. There, I said it. Aside from the Steelers game, he is playing well.
4 Broncos · Trends 3
After their first loss, here come the champions. The Pittsburgh Steelers will provide another stiff test for the Broncos. They need to throw it better. Period.
5 Patriots · Trends 5
They come off the bye with a chance to take a real hold of the division by beating Miami. You know they'll be ready for the Wildcat.
6 Bengals · Trends 6
At 5-2 after their bye, they get a rematch with the Ravens this week. They can throw it better now than when they beat them the first time, which should help.
7 Steelers · Trends 7
They can show they are back with a road victory at Denver. The bye week gives them a little edge heading into that one, although Denver will be angry coming off its first loss.
8 Eagles · Trends 8
We get Eagles-Cowboys this week for first place in the NFC East. That should be fun. The Eagles are rolling after that Oakland disaster two weeks ago.
9 Cowboys · Trends 11
Is it time to stop ripping on Tony Romo? He's playing some of his best football. The defense, which was a problem much of the season, is playing better.
10 Ravens · Trends 14
They had to beat Denver to save their season, but now they get a big one against the Bengals on the road. To have a real chance to win the division, they need that one.
11 Cardinals · Trends 9
Can anybody figure this team out? They play well on the road and stink it up at home. Good thing they're on the road this week.
12 Giants · Trends 10
They are an example of how fast things can go bad in the NFL. If that defense doesn't play better soon, they could be playoff-less.
13 Texans · Trends 16
The improvement of the defense to go with that passing game has really helped this team. They do have a lot of premium talent on the defensive side of the ball.
14 Chargers · Trends 17
They seemed to right things the past two weeks, but now must head east to play a desperate Giants team. That won't be easy.
15 Falcons · Trends 12
They played well at New Orleans, especially in the second half, and the schedule gets easier now. They are a good 4-3 team.
16 Packers · Trends 13
Boy that offensive line is bad. If they don't improve there, Aaron Rodgers doesn't stand a chance.
17 Bears · Trends 19
Nothing like the Cleveland Browns to provide the perfect potion for all that ails a team. Facing Arizona at home this week won't be as easy.
18 Dolphins · Trends 22
That wasn't pretty against the Jets, but they found a way. Now they have to go to New England, with a chance to get back into the race. Playing two consecutive road games is tough.
19 Jets · Trends 15
There is no way they should have lost to the Dolphins at home, but at 4-4 they have been way too inconsistent. How about some special-teams work this week?
20 Jaguars · Trends 18
They will be a .500 team at best. The defense isn't very good, so they will play a lot of high-scoring games. The good news is they have a winnable game against Kansas City this week.
21 Panthers · Trends 24
Was that a job saver for coach John Fox and a season saver last week in Arizona? It was a big win, but those two things are still to be decided.
22 49ers · Trends 20
Playing close isn't good enough. They have to start winning those kinds of games. It's hard when they're limited on offense.
23 Bills · Trends 21
The run defense is really bad and they don't have the offense to make up for it. Did you ever think they would long to get Trent Edwards back so much?
24 Seahawks · Trends 23
They've been a major disappointment in a lot of people's minds. But the injuries have crippled this team. It's a tough first year for Jim Mora Jr.
25 Raiders · Trends 25
At least they showed up and competed against the Chargers. It's more than they did the previous week. Wonder how Tom Cable's troubles will affect the team?
26 Chiefs · Trends 26
They come off their bye with the Larry Johnson saga hanging over their heads. Something they need more of: Better play from Matt Cassel.
27 Redskins · Trends 27
Did they fix things during the bye? Is Jim Zorn safe now that he made it through the week off? Can they turn it around? Doubtful.
28 Rams · Trends 31
They won. They won. They won. After 17 consecutive losses, they should celebrate. Steven Jackson is having a good year for a bad team.
29 Titans · Trends 32
The move to Vince Young paid off. Yeah, as long as Chris Johnson runs for 228, it paid off. They did show more life coming off their bye in winning for the first time.
30 Lions · Trends 28
Losing to the Rams drops them down a few spots. They are competing, which is a good sign for this young team.
31 Browns · Trends 29
Does this team need a bye or what? Do they really have to play out the season with that offense?
32 Buccaneers · Trends 30
The Josh Freeman Era begins, and it's the right thing to do. They have to get him going for the future. Why wait?

The Cleveland Browns: JOKE!
The Browns are a certifiable train wreck now. That much we know, in the wake of the departure of general manager George Kokinis from the organization. I've heard the ESPN report that the Browns are investigating firing Kokinis "for cause,'' which means he may have done something untoward to get him canned. And let me say that in conversations with three front-office people in the league who know Kokinis well, I could hear their jaws drop when that nugget was relayed. I know Kokinis, but I'm not close to him. Those who are describe him the way you'd describe a trusted friend and honest to a fault. So we'll see where this leads.

The problem as I see it is this organization careens from one disaster to the next. If owner Randy Lerner trusts Eric Mangini, he's got to take the slings and arrows of a furious fandom and let Mangini try to fix this huge mess. If he doesn't, Lerner has to fire Mangini, issue a mea culpa, and hire the next franchise leader.

The one thing that's maddening is the Browns owe former GM Phil Savage and ex-coach Romeo Crennel their salaries through 2012 and 2011, respectively. There are other lingering contract payouts from the assistants on Crennel's staff. It's a pill of at least $20 million Lerner is swallowing, and if he cans Mangini -- in the first year of an estimated four-year, $12-million deal -- it just adds to the financial mayhem.


Mangini won't discuss GM's exit
www.si.com
BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- The convoluted ouster of George Kokinis as Cleveland's general manager barely made a ripple in the Browns' locker room.
These guys are accustomed to losses.
Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas hardly knew Kokinis, who was hired in January and left the club under unexplained circumstances on Monday.
"He wasn't around too much, and when he was, he was pretty quiet," Thomas said.
Everyone inside team headquarters at 76 Lou Groza Blvd. was pretty quiet on Tuesday. The Browns, who have a bye this week, went about their business as rumors swirled about Kokinis, the events that led up to his departure and who -- or if -- anyone will replace him.
Browns coach Eric Mangini offered no details about the team's decision to move on without his longtime friend and hand-picked GM.
"Anytime a decision like this is made it is difficult personally and professionally," Mangini said. "George is a friend of mine and I respect him and I wish his family well. I can tell you that for a variety of reasons things didn't work out. You never go into a situation like this with the intention of it not working out.
"We felt that, organizationally, this was the best decision in order to move forward."
That was about as deep as Mangini would venture into the Kokinis matter. Mangini spent most of his news conference politely deflecting questions about why the decision was made.
He was asked if there were legal reasons why he couldn't address Kokinis' exit.
"There's really a variety of reasons," he said, "and I'll just leave it at that."
Browns owner Randy Lerner, who following Sunday's loss in Chicago said he planned to hire a "serious, credible" football authority to help run his fumbling franchise, was not available for comment. A team spokesman said there was no immediate plans for Lerner to address the media.
Lerner did spend two hours meeting with two disgruntled season-ticket holders, who have been urging Cleveland fans to stay out of their seats for the Nov. 16 kickoff against Baltimore in protest of the team's futility. "Dawg Pound Mike" Randall said Lerner was open to their ideas and gave them a few of his own.
"He's trying to get the Browns on the right track," Randall said. "He wants it to happen now. He cares deeply."
It's still not known if Kokinis was fired or forced out by the Browns, who are 1-7 and have been overmatched in most of their games.
There are reports that Kokinis was asked to resign by Lerner, who pressed the former GM and sought to dismiss him "for cause." Citing a team source, ESPN.com reported that the team's security and legal department were reviewing phone records to build its case against Kokinis.
The Browns denied reports that Kokinis was escorted from the building on Monday.
As for a possible replacement for Kokinis, Mangini would not comment when asked if former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar might handle some of the GM's responsibilities. Kosar was recently brought in by Lerner in an unspecified consulting role that could expand.
Also, the team has not addressed reports that former Browns and New York Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, a close friend of Lerner's, might return to Cleveland in some capacity. Accorsi helped Lerner search for a GM earlier this year and has been working as a consultant for the NFL since retiring in 2007.
Mangini said he would not be resistant to the Browns giving final personnel decisions to someone else in the future.
"My goal is to win and my goal is to improve," he said. "There's never opposition to someone that can help us achieve that goal. That's true here. It was true in New York with the Jets."
Mangini said he learned under coaching mentors Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick the benefits of being open to the opinions of others.
"You appreciate the feedback," he said. "You appreciate the honesty. You appreciate people trying to constantly improve at what they're doing or constantly help the group improve. You want to hire as many people as you possibly can like that."
Mangini and Kokinis began their careers together working under Belichick, when New England's coach was with the Browns in the 1990s.
Their breakup as a management team came less than a year after former GM Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel were dismissed after failing to make Cleveland a consistent winner.
Kokinis' parting is just more of the same for the Browns.
"It doesn't affect me," tight end Steve Heiden said. "I can speak for myself on this because I've been here a while and I've seen some changes. I can't control anything that goes on anywhere else besides at this locker. That's the truth and that's all I'm trying to do.
"I'm in my bubble and I'm staying there."


Fan: Lerner 'doing everything he can'
BEREA, Ohio -- Die-hard Browns fan Mike Randall made sure he put on his Sunday best for his important meeting with team owner Randy Lerner.
He wore a giant plastic dog bone hat.
The season-ticket holder, aka "Dawg Pound Mike," one of the best known members of Cleveland's rabid bleacher section of fans, spent two hours on Tuesday meeting with Lerner, who stepped away from a turbulent week and his busy schedule for the visit.
Randall and his friend, Tony Schafer, have been encouraging others to stay out of their seats for the opening kickoff of Cleveland's next home game on Nov. 16 to protest the Browns' futility. The fans were scheduled to spend 30 minutes with Lerner but ended up staying much longer.
"It was great," Randall said. "How many owners would spend two hours meeting with two fans? None."
Randall said Lerner was receptive to their ideas for improving the Browns' game-day experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium and even tossed out a few of his own. Randall, who has met Lerner several times, came away impressed with the owner's passion and determination to get the Browns turned around.
"He's doing everything he can to improve the Browns," Randall said. "He wants it to happen -- now."
Lerner's meeting with the fans came less than 24 hours after general manager George Kokinis was removed from his job, the latest upheaval for a franchise that has made the playoffs just once since 1999 and is on its fourth head coach in 10 years.
The camera-shy Lerner has yet to address the circumstances surrounding Kokinis' departure.
Randall said Lerner liked the fans' idea for displaying some of the team's championship banners and retired jersey numbers inside the stadium. Lerner also seemed unaware of the strict security measures in place at the stadium, a zero-tolerance policy that has upset some Cleveland fans.
"He's a fan, just like us," Randall said. "He wants what's best for Cleveland and I believe him. He wants to win."
Randall said he and Schafer are going forward with the "Brown out" protest despite their meeting with Lerner. They will consider canceling it if Lerner agrees to speak to Browns fans, who walked out by the thousands during the second half of a recent home loss to Green Bay.
Randall said he presented Lerner with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that he felt best summed up his desire to have Browns fans heard.
"It says, 'In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing,'" Randall said. "Randy liked that. We're doing something. So is he."

Top NFL Draft Prospects and Week 7 NFL TV Schedule

2010 NFL Draft: Top 10 prospects
www.si.com
1) Ndamukong Suh/DT/Nebraska: Suh is not only dominant but also plays a smart brand of football with a non-stop motor. He's the type of player opponents must game plan around weekly.

2) Eric Berry*/S/Tennessee: The Volunteers top player lacks the size of a classic safety yet is a complete defensive back in every way.

3) Gerald McCoy*/DL/Oklahoma: McCoy has been dominant since stepping on the field as a freshman. He offers potential at a variety of defensive line spots in a number of different schemes.

4) Russell Okung/T/Oklahoma State: Okung is a complete offensive tackle with a large upside. The left tackle stands out in pass protection while also dominating as a run blocker.

5) Taylor Mays/S/USC: The Trojans senior would've been a top 15 pick in last April's draft and now moves towards 2010 with a top ten ranking.

6) Dez Bryant*/WR/Oklahoma State: Bryant is big, dominant and flashes the ability to break games open. He's disappeared against top competition in the past. It's important for him to return to the field if the NCAA lifts his suspension.

7) Anthony Davis*/T/Rutgers: The Rutgers junior is rated by many as the best pass-protecting left tackle in the nation. Davis is a terrific athlete who'll improve as he physically matures. He is expected to enter the draft.

8) Sam Bradford*/QB/Oklahoma: Bradford's recent injury woes are a setback but he's still a quality signal caller with the ability to lead a franchise at the next level.

9) Jonathan Dwyer*/RB/Georgia Tech: Dwyer offers a tremendous combination of size, speed and strength. The junior has the necessary skill set to be a franchise back in the NFL.

10) Greg Hardy/DE/Mississippi: Hardy ranks with any player in this draft but has been unable to stay healthy the past two seasons. He offers tremendous upside, which will be met should he stay away from the injury bug.

11) Damian Williams*/WR/USC: The Trojans wideout offers home-run hitting speed, breaking games open as a receiver and return specialist. He's developing a complete game and is a special talent.

12) Jerry Hughes/OLB-DE/TCU: Hughes, highly rated entering the season, has elevated his game as a senior. He moves towards April ranked as one of the top 3-4 outside linebackers on the draft board.

13) Arthur Jones/DT/Syracuse: Jones has been the bright spot in what has been a dreary chapter in Syracuse football. He's another prospect with a great motor and the versatility to be used at several defensive line spots.

14) Brandon Spikes/LB/Florida: Florida's defensive leader is one of the fiercest linebackers available in next April's draft. Spikes dominates as a run defender and also terrorizes quarterbacks on the blitz.

15) Jahvid Best*/RB/California: Best is one of the most complete backs in the nation and a ball carrier who creates his own yardage while also being a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield.

Mel Kipers Top 5
www.espn.com

Ndamukong Suh
DT 6-4300Analysis: Explosive, relentless and consistent. Last week: No. 2

Eric Berry
DB 5-11203Analysis: Ultimate playmaker, in the Ed Reed mold. Last week: No. 3

Gerald McCoy
DT 6-4297Analysis: Disruptive force. Productive NFL career ahead. Last week: No. 4

Taylor Mays
S 6-3235Analysis: Linebacker size and cornerback speed. Last week: No. 5

Sam Bradford
QB 6-4223Analysis: Has underrated arm, great feel for position; super-accurate. Last week: No. 1



WEEK 7 NFL TV Schedule
Sunday, Oct. 25
1:00: New England at Tampa Bay Wembley Stadium, CBS (704)
1:00: San Francisco at Houston, Fox (709)
1:00: San Diego at Kansas City, CBS (706)
1:00: Indianapolis at St. Louis, CBS (707)
1:00: Minnesota at Pittsburgh, Fox-23 (710)
1:00: Green Bay at Cleveland, Fox (708)
4:05: Buffalo at Carolina, CBS (711)
4:05: N.Y. Jets at Oakland, CBS-6 (712)
4:15: Chicago at Cincinnati, Fox (705)
4:15: New Orleans at Miami, Fox (714)
4:15: Atlanta at Dallas, Fox-23 (713)
8:20: Arizona at N.Y. Giants, NBC-13
Monday, Oct. 26
8:30: Philadelphia at Washington, ESPN (206)
Byes: Ravens, Broncos, Lions, Jaguars, Seahawks, Titans
Synopsis: If Jets get off to a bad start, CBS-6 could shift toward Bills if they’re playing well. The Fox-23 early game should get tood ratings.

NFL Power Rankings and TV Schedule for Week 6

2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week 6
power rankings taken from all of the major sports websites: si, espn, cbssports
1 (1) Colts 5-0-0 They're coasting into their bye week making a strong claim to being to being better than everyone in the league. (Kuharsky)
2 (2) Giants 5-0-0 Eli Manning learned that the best medicine for plantar fasciitis is a Sunday with the Raiders. (Clayton)
3 (3) Vikings 5-0-0 They seem to be growing stronger with each passing week. (Chadiha)
4 (4) Saints 4-0-0 Just a guess, but I'm thinking Drew Brees will come out firing after the bye, re-establishing his MVP credentials. (Sando)
5 (8) Broncos 5-0-0 The Broncos have silenced more doubters each week to the point where far fewer are around. (Kuharsky)
6 (11) Bengals 4-1-0 Time for the doubters to shut up; the Bengals are pretty good. (Chadiha)
7 (10) Eagles 3-1-0 Against the Bucs, Donovan McNabb got back into a passing rhythm with youngsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. (Clayton)
8 (9) Falcons 3-1-0 Matt Ryan & Co. seemed like a playoff team during their dismantling of the 49ers. Take it as a good sign for Atlanta. (Sando)
9 (5) Jets 3-2-0 Braylon Edwards already looks like a steal of a trade for the Jets. (Clayton)
10 (6) Patriots 3-2-0 Tom Brady is out of sync with his receivers, but no secondary is more out of sync than that of the Titans, who are the Pats' next foe. (Clayton)
11 (7) Ravens 3-2-0 Two tough losses and now a road trip to Minnesota? That's harsh. (Chadiha)
12 (14) Bears 3-1-0 A 3-1 record, much of it produced without injured linebacker Brian Urlacher, is pretty impressive. (Chadiha)
13 (15) Steelers 3-2-0 Rashard Mendenhall is making his case for a permanent starting job. (Chadiha)
14 (13) Packers 2-2-0 They'd better have done something about their offensive line during their bye week. (Chadiha)
15 (12) 49ers 3-2-0 The worst defeat at Candlestick Park since 1967 will force the 49ers to reassess heading into their bye week. At least Frank Gore is coming back. (Sando)
16 (16) Chargers 2-2-0 San Diego comes out of its bye into a critical home game against Denver that could signal a changing of the guard. (Kuharsky)
17 (17) Cowboys 3-2-0 The Cowboys have miles to go to play better football, but at least Miles Austin made Sunday's visit to the Chiefs profitable. (Clayton)
18 (21) Dolphins 2-3-0 After beating the Jets with extensive use of the Wildcat, what's next, the wishbone? (Clayton)
19 (19) Cardinals 2-2-0 One of these weeks, Beanie Wells will announce his arrival with a 100-yard rushing performance and a long-term spot in the Cards' offense. (Sando)
20 (24) Seahawks 2-3-0 Beating the Cardinals at home in Week 6 would affirm Seattle's belief that the Seahawks can win the division with Matt Hasselbeck healthy. (Sando)
21 (18) Jaguars 2-3-0 A complete dud in Seattle could allow them to show us how they bounce back from big adversity. (Kuharsky)
22 (20) Texans 2-3-0 The Texans' never-ending identity crisis continued with their failures in Arizona. A trip to Cincy might be another tough assignment. (Kuharsky)
23 (26) Panthers 1-3-0 Beating the declining Redskins isn't anything to brag about. Carolina still seems like a bad team trying to find its way. (Sando)
24 (22) Redskins 2-3-0 Congress might have to hold a hearing to determine why the Redskins' offense remains in a recession. (Clayton)
25 (23) Bills 1-4-0 Against the Browns, the Bills' no-huddle offense proved to be the falsest start of the 2009 season. (Clayton)
26 (27) Lions 1-4-0 Don't let the record fool you. This is a better team. (Chadiha)
27 (25) Titans 0-5-0 Facing New England at Gillette Stadium coming off a tough loss doesn't sound like a cure for all that's ailing Tennessee. (Kuharsky)
28 (29) Browns 1-4-0 They had to win eventually, right? (Chadiha)
29 (28) Raiders 1-4-0 A pathetic showing against the Giants showcased a starting quarterback who plays as if he isn't capable and doesn't care. (Kuharsky)
30 (30) Chiefs 0-5-0 K.C. was undone by little-­known receiver Miles Austin in a game when it had a great chance to win. (Kuharsky)
31 (31) Buccaneers 0-5-0 The team that stood by Jerramy Stevens might add Matt Jones to the locker room? Not sure that's the right way to go. (Sando)
32 (32) Rams 0-5-0 The offense showed improvement with 400 yards and 27 first downs against the Vikings in Week 5, even though some yardage was in garbage time. (Sando)

1 Giants · Trends 1
You have to give Eli Manning credit for playing last week, but now he has to go to the Superdome and play that tough New Orleans defense. The best NFC team (for now) will be decided in that game.
2 Colts · Trends 2
The scary thing is they really haven't been healthy yet. The bye week will help in that area. Peyton Manning is on his way to another MVP.
3 Saints · Trends 3
Their bye came at a time they probably didn't want it since they were playing so well. It will be interesting to watch that defense matched up against that Giants offense.
4 Vikings · Trends 4
They showed against St. Louis that they are veteran enough to not have letdowns. Now they get two tough ones, against Baltimore and then Pittsburgh. We'll know how good they are in three weeks.
5 Broncos · Trends 5
Hard to believe they are here. But I believe now. Just a warning: Be careful Monday at San Diego. That could be an ambush. The Chargers are desperate.
6 Falcons · Trends 9
Matt Ryan and that passing game will be even better as the season moves along. Ryan is gaining more and more confidence and will get even more the rest of the way. They looked dominant at San Francisco.
7 Eagles · Trends 10
They will score a lot, so the key for them will be that defense. It seems to be getting better, but some of the offenses they've played are dreadful.
8 Bengals · Trends 11
They are for real. The defense is really improved. I still think the offense can do a lot more, and will as the season moves along. Cedric Benson adds the much-needed running dimension.
9 Bears · Trends 12
Coming off their bye, they face a good Atlanta team on the road. Jay Cutler will have to continue to play like he has the past three games.
10 Patriots · Trends 7
One of the glaring things that showed up against the Broncos was their lack of a pass rush. They have to be better there -- or they can forget about a Super Bowl.
11 Steelers · Trends 13
The pass rush finally showed up Sunday against the Lions, but that defense still isn't all the way back. The return of Troy Polamalu is badly needed.
12 Ravens · Trends 8
It's hard to believe that defense didn't keep a lead late against the Bengals. Now they get Brett Favre. Here's one thing they need to do: Let Joe Flacco loose more. They didn't against the Bengals, and it cost them.
13 Jets · Trends 6
Two road games, two losses. That has to be a concern. The defense struggled at Miami. Now the schedule gets easier, which should help them go on a little run.
14 Chargers · Trends 15
Here come the Broncos. If the Chargers are to have a real chance to win the division, they have to win that game. Did they find a defense during their bye week?
15 Cowboys · Trends 16
Was that a season saver against the Chiefs? They did find a much-needed deep threat in Miles Austin and Tony Romo came alive. For a half, it looked like Wade Philips might get it at halftime.
16 49ers · Trends 14
Thud. That's the 49ers defense crashing to Earth. They were exposed some against the Falcons. And they don't have an offense that can keep up.
17 Cardinals · Trends 18
They beat the Texans, but the defense is still having issues. They have to get better on that side of the ball quickly. They also aren't running the ball at all.
18 Packers · Trends 17
Aaron Rodgers better hope the bye fixed that offensive line. If not, he might not make it through the season.
19 Dolphins · Trends 19
Does anybody doubt Chad Henne should be playing now? His arm gives them another dimension. Henne, not the Wildcat, will decide this team's fate.
20 Seahawks · Trends 22
Did Matt Hasselbeck's return save the season? It sure looked that way against the Jaguars.
21 Texans · Trends 23
The defense continues to be a problem, although it did play better in the second half against the Cardinals. Now they have to go play a hot Bengals team on the road. That won't be easy
22 Jaguars · Trends 21
They get the perfect tonic for their showing in Seattle -- the St. Louis Rams. But the Jaguars aren't very good on defense and they have no pass rush with only four sacks.
23 Panthers · Trends 25
They got their first victory, but the offense still isn't good. The good news is that Julius Peppers showed up against the Redskins.
24 Redskins · Trends 20
Paging Mike Shanahan. Paging Mike Shanahan. It's only a matter of time.
25 Lions · Trends 28
They will be in a lot of high-scoring games. Their pass defense isn't that good. It will take another draft to fix that.
26 Titans · Trends 24
It isn't good. They can't stop anybody and their passing game isn't good enough to keep up. Can you believe it's this bad? I can't.
27 Browns · Trends 32
Wonder what Brady Quinn thought as he watched Derek Anderson complete two passes against the Bills? The passing game has no weapons -- they've been traded away -- and it shows.
28 Bills · Trends 26
When does T.O. pop? How's he feel about his year in Buffalo now? At least they have good wings.
29 Raiders · Trends 27
Sit JaMarcus Russell right now. He isn't good. He doesn't seem to care. The rest of the team isn't far behind.
30 Buccaneers · Trends 29
Is it time to go to Josh Freeman? It might be. Why not? Josh Johnson isn't very good.
31 Chiefs · Trends 31
There is progress. Matt Cassel played better against Dallas and the defense was better. They'll take it.
32 Rams · Trends 30
They look nastier than Rush Limbaugh's mouth. Sure, you want in, Rush? This is what happens when the talent pool is thin. You can't compete. They are two offseasons away from winning.


Week 6
Sun, Oct 18 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
STL @ JAC Jacksonville Municipal Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 709 156 (STL) 130 (JAC)
NYG @ NO Superdome 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 710 127 (NYG) 157 (NO)
BAL @ MIN Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 705 152 (BAL) 123 (MIN)
DET @ GB Lambeau Field 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 708 155 (DET) 91 (GB)
HOU @ CIN Paul Brown Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 704 154 (HOU) 121 (CIN)
CLE @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 706 153 (CLE) 122 (PIT)
KC @ WAS FedEx Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS 707 155 (KC) 125 (WAS)
CAR @ TB Raymond James Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX 711 158 (CAR) 126 (TB)
ARI @ SEA Qwest Field 4:05 PM Tickets FOX 713 121 (ARI) 125 (SEA)
PHI @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM Tickets FOX 712 122 (PHI) 126 (OAK)
BUF @ NYJ Giants Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets CBS 715 91 (BUF) 127 (NYJ)
TEN @ NE Gillette Stadium 4:15 PM Tickets CBS 714 123 (NE)
CHI @ ATL Georgia Dome 8:20 PM Tickets NBC 127 (CHI) 126 (ATL) Radio
Mon, Oct 19 Stadium Time (ET) Tickets Network DIRECTV SIRIUS Westwood One
DEN @ SD Qualcomm Stadium 8:30 PM Tickets ESPN 206 126 (DEN) 125 (SD) Radio
Byes: Cowboys, Colts, Dolphins, 49ers

Week 4 NFL Power Rankings and TV Schedule

NFL Power Rankings
www.si.com
1
Last Week: 1 Baltimore Ravens (3-0)
After all those years of offensive struggles, the Ravens have totally remade themselves into a machine on that side of the ball. And it must be a sight to behold in Baltimore. In their two home dates so far, the Ravens offense has averaged 490 yards, 30 first downs and 36 points per game. Since starting last season 2-3, Baltimore has gone 14-3 including playoffs, with two of those losses coming against the hated Steelers, and the other against the Giants. The Ravens simply don't lose any more to inferior competition.

2
Last Week: 2 New Orleans Saints (3-0)
Only the Cowboys are out-rushing the Saints' 170.7 yards per game, and what a double-edge sword it is to try to play defense against New Orleans these days. Try to cheat up and take away the Saints run game, and Brees will pick you apart all day long with his right arm. Lay back and concentrate on keeping the Saints receivers in front of you, and your safeties are going to be rushing up on run defense for four quarters. We can't wait to see if Rex Ryan and his aggressive Jets defense provides a blueprint for slowing both the Saints running and passing games. Coaches around the league have their Xerox machines at the ready.

3
Last Week: 3 New York Giants (3-0)
Watching some of New York's utter domination at Tampa Bay on Sunday, it occurred to me that these two teams met in the first round of the NFC playoffs a little less than 21 months ago, on the same field. About now, I'm guessing that feels like another lifetime ago for your average Bucs fan, who probably can't quite envision when they might see another home playoff game. Giants fans can't quite remember what it feels like to not make the playoffs.

4
Last Week: 5 Indianapolis Colts (3-0)
Yeah, that Colts passing game really misses Marvin Harrison. Or the injured Anthony Gonzalez for that matter. Indy leads the league in passing through three weeks, with 322.7 yards per game. I'm starting to think Peyton Manning could consistently beat you throwing to three guys from the local plumbers and steamfitters union. But knowing Peyton, he'd want to choose the guys himself.

5
Last Week: 4 New York Jets (3-0)
If Rodney Harrison can call Terrell Owens "a straight-up clown" for not saying much of anything in his postgame news conference Sunday in Buffalo, what label will he use to describe Jets receiver David "Straight-up" Clowney, who was de-activated last week against the Titans because New York head coach Rex Ryan didn't appreciate him complaining about his Week 2 playing time via Twitter? Such minor annoyances are the only thing that passes for trouble these days in Jet-land.

6
Last Week: 7 Minnesota Vikings (3-0)
OK, a few house-keeping items to check off our list in the wake of Minnesota's last-second survival at home against San Francisco: Brett Favre's biceps tendon? It's fine. Can Favre still make a throw of longer than 20 yards? Uh, let's go with affirmative on that one. And when they have to, can the Vikings win with something other than their running game and defense? Yes. Yes, I'd say so.

7
Last Week: 9 New England Patriots (2-1)
The Patriots don't look real good right now for cutting veteran receiver Greg Lewis just before the season started and keeping the older Joey Galloway, who has struggled to find a role in New England's passing game. Galloway likely gets more time to see if he can contribute, but I wouldn't bet the mortgage just yet that he makes the whole season as a Patriot. We've seen New England cut its losses in midseason many times before.

8
Last Week: 6 Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
The Falcons are one of four teams that drew the early Week 4 bye this year, and of that group, only Philadelphia is going to enjoy its break. The Eagles are the only team coming off a win. Atlanta, Arizona and Carolina all have to sit around this weekend and think about how they got handled rather easily last week. I'm not even sure how the NFL determines who gets its bye when, but I did notice that these four teams have something in common of recent vintage: Last January, it was the Cardinals going through the Falcons, Panthers and Eagles on their way to that improbable Super Bowl run.

9
Last Week: 10 Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
Andy Reid decided this week to end the team's second go-round with veteran quarterback Jeff Garcia and begin its third with veteran linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Given the Eagles injury situation at linebacker and the eye-opening production of third-year quarterback Kevin Kolb, that just makes sense. But now we get to play the always popular game of Where Will Garcia Land? Given the past six years or so of Garcia's career, all guesses are valid.

10
Last Week: 12 San Diego Chargers (2-1)
The Chargers are talking this week about the need for going into Pittsburgh -- yet again -- and being more physical. Matching the Steelers bruising style of play with some hitting of their own. A lot of teams have talked like that before a game against the Steelers, but very few have actually accomplished it. With defensive tackle Jamal Williams out for the season, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman still not himself, and San Diego's offensive line missing two starters, I don't see how the Chargers and their No. 2-ranked passing game win the physical battle. Or the game.




2009 Power Rankings: Week 4
www.espn.com
1 (1) Ravens 3-0-0 They've got a great defense and an offense averaging 34 points per game. (Chadiha)
2 (3) Colts 3-0-0 The Colts seem to be in their traditional early season form, which means they are hard to beat. (Kuharsky)
3 (2) Giants 3-0-0 The Giants stay ahead of their long injury list by winning. (Clayton)
4 (7) Saints 3-0-0 They're 2-0 on the road and have four of their next five games at home. (Sando)
5 (5) Vikings 3-0-0 Brett Favre has lived up to the hype so far. (Chadiha)
6 (8) Jets 3-0-0 The Jets team that beat the Titans on Sunday might have more staying power than the 8-3 Jets that beat Tennessee in 2008. (Clayton)
7 (10) Patriots 2-1-0 Tom Brady might not have his offense in sync yet, but you can see it's coming. (Clayton)
8 (4) Falcons 2-1-0 You know the Falcons have made progress when a road loss to the Patriots stands as a disappointment. (Sando)
9 (9) Eagles 2-1-0 Expect Donovan McNabb to return after the bye week, but Kevin Kolb kept the offense humming during his absence. (Clayton)
10 (12) Packers 2-1-0 They should be pumped for their first meeting with Brett Favre. (Chadiha)
11 (24) Bengals 2-1-0 They haven't been this impressive since winning the division in 2005. (Chadiha)
12 (11) Chargers 2-1-0 They have a great opportunity to make a statement in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers will be feeling desperate. (Kuharsky)
13 (20) Broncos 3-0-0 A great start against lightweights will now be measured against a much tougher five-pack. (Kuharsky)
14 (14) Bears 2-1-0 It's now hard to remember how lousy Jay Cutler played in Week 1. (Chadiha)
15 (13) 49ers 2-1-0 Nothing quite like a home game against the Rams to cleanse the palate following the taste of bitter defeat. (Sando)
16 (6) Steelers 1-2-0 Think they miss Troy Polamalu? (Chadiha)
17 (15) Cowboys 2-1-0 Tashard Choice and Felix Jones prove the Cowboys can still have a running offense when Marion Barber is injured. (Clayton)
18 (16) Titans 0-3-0 Drops have to be a big practice issue this week, on special teams and for pass targets. (Kuharsky)
19 (18) Cardinals 1-2-0 The bye week comes at a good time because Kurt Warner is hurting and the Cardinals have much to figure out. (Sando)
20 (17) Texans 1-2-0 The Texans lost one they had to have to the Raiders last year. They'll try again, this time in Houston. (Kuharsky)
21 (21) Bills 1-2-0 Terrell Owens' 185-game reception streak was snapped Sunday. The next thing to snap will be T.O. (Clayton)
22 (27) Jaguars 1-2-0 Would a win over winless Tennessee qualify as an upset at this point? (Kuharsky)
23 (22) Seahawks 1-2-0 Two of their top three corners are out and the other one, Ken Lucas, has been banged up. Hello, Peyton Manning. (Sando)
24 (19) Dolphins 0-3-0 With Chad Pennington likely done for the season, the rebuilding program officially begins with new QB Chad Henne. (Clayton)
25 (25) Panthers 0-3-0 Who are these guys? Carolina seems to be searching for its identity three games into the season. (Sando)
26 (23) Redskins 1-2-0 As much as Clinton Portis is being stopped on goal-line plays, maybe Jim Zorn should let Portis call a few plays. (Clayton)
27 (26) Raiders 1-2-0 Raiders' passing average: 119.7 yards per game. Next worst passing average: Cleveland (146.7). (Kuharsky)
28 (31) Lions 1-2-0 That won't be the last victory they get this season. (Chadiha)
29 (29) Browns 0-3-0 As ugly as this looks, it's only going to get worse. (Chadiha)
30 (30) Chiefs 0-3-0 Improved third-down efficiency on offense has to be one of the Chiefs' top priorities. (Kuharsky)
31 (28) Buccaneers 0-3-0 Raheem Morris was all smiles when the Bucs hired him as head coach. He could not have known what awaited. (Sando)
32 (32) Rams 0-3-0 If QBs Kyle Boller or Marc Bulger cannot find open receivers, it's probably because there aren't any. (Sando)


Power Rankings
www.cbssports.com
1 Giants · Trends 1
Beating Tampa Bay isn't that impressive, but doing it the way they did after a big divisional road game at Dallas is. They are running it as well as anybody, which has been the offensive key.
2 Colts · Trends 2
They have to be thrilled with their 3-0 start because they haven't been close to being full strength. Watch out when they get their players -- see: Bob Sanders -- healthy.
3 Saints · Trends 4
Even with the passing game not clicking, they found a way at Buffalo. Now comes the fun stuff: Their passing game against the Jets defense. Can't wait.
4 Ravens · Trends 5
Joe Flacco is the biggest difference in this team. The defense is still top notch, but Flacco's passing ability takes them up a level. He can win games now with his right arm.
5 Jets · Trends 6
Rex Ryan loves a challenge. He has one this week in the Saints offense. For Mark Sanchez, it will be his first major road test. The Superdome will be loud. Does he go to 4-0?
6 Vikings · Trends 7
At 3-0, they get a huge division test when Brett Favre faces his former team, the Packers. Start the hype. Oh, it did this past Sunday.
7 Patriots · Trends 8
Tom Brady is starting to show signs of coming to life. That's bad news for the rest of the league. Fred Taylor is running the ball well, which helps.
8 Falcons · Trends 3
They head to their bye off a bad loss at New England. They did nothing in the second half. The run defense has to play better.
9 Eagles · Trends 11
Kevin Kolb is making life without Donovan McNabb a lot easier. The emergence of DeSean Jackson bodes well for the rest of the season.
10 Chargers · Trends 13
Is there any doubt this is Philip Rivers' team? The Chargers are a passing team now, which is OK with Rivers running the show. The Steelers will challenge that passing game Sunday.
11 Cowboys · Trends 10
Yes, they beat the Panthers on Monday night. Did it look good? For a half, it was bad. They finally got it going, but we'll know more about them when they go to Denver this week.
12 Bengals · Trends 14
They have to avoid a letdown against the Browns. Past Bengals teams might not have, but this team is better. Even so, they need to be careful.
13 Steelers · Trends 9
Their defense is letting them down late in games. They miss Troy Polamalu in a big way, especially in the fourth quarter. The good thing is the running game showed some life in Cincinnati.
14 Packers · Trends 15
You don't think these guys want to beat up Favre this week, do you? Aaron Rodgers will be juiced as well to prove the Packers made the right decision. They did, by the way.
15 Broncos · Trends 16
Maybe Josh McDaniels knew what he was doing after all, and we were all wrong. That defense is really playing well, not giving up a touchdown the past two games. Of course, it was against Cleveland and Oakland.
16 Bears · Trends 19
The past two weeks we saw why they traded to get Jay Cutler. The kid can play, even if some, like my colleague Clark Judge, don't think he can.
17 49ers · Trends 12
They're one Brett Favre laser away from being 3-0. The defense is really making strides. They have to play without Frank Gore for a couple of weeks, which hurts.
18 Cardinals · Trends 17
That Super hangover looks very real. They have not played well, especially on defense. It's hard to believe that is the same defense that played so well in the playoff run.
19 Seahawks · Trends 20
Too many injuries are crippling this team. They didn't lose because of Seneca Wallace playing for Matt Hasselbeck, but the injuries are adding up.
20 Titans · Trends 21
Message to Titans: Win at Jacksonville this week or kiss the playoffs goodbye. If they start 0-4, they're done.
21 Dolphins · Trends 22
Chad Pennington is gone for the season, so now they turn to Chad Henne. It was time anyway. Find out if he's the long-term answer.
22 Redskins · Trends 23
At 1-2, with that loss to the Lions, things aren't going so well. Jim Zorn has to be feeling the pressure already.
23 Bills · Trends 24
Where is Terrell Owens? Anybody? Wasn't he supposed to liven up that passing game? He hasn't. Or is Trent Edwards the reason?
24 Jaguars · Trends 27
Their offense came alive against the Texans, which is a good sign for the rest of the season. But that defense isn't very good. It has to play better.
25 Texans · Trends 18
They've used a lot of first-round picks on defensive players the past six years and they can't seem to stop anybody. What the heck is going on? Changing coordinators might not have been the answer. It's the players.
26 Raiders · Trends 25
I thought JaMarcus Russell would turn the corner this season. He did: Smack dab into a truck called the Ryan Leaf Delivery Service. Nothing ever gets completed. Russell hasn't improved at all, and neither have the Raiders.
27 Panthers · Trends 26
Could anyone have imagined this team getting off to an 0-3 start? They can't pass the football very well. That limits them big time. It will be tough climbing out of this hole.
28 Lions · Trends 32
What Matt Stafford did against the Redskins is a good indicator of things to come in the future. Be patient, Detroit. You have the right guy.
29 Buccaneers · Trends 28
This season is officially a disaster. That offense is horrible and the defense can't stop anybody. That's a bad combination. Is benching Byron Leftwich the answer? They think so, so Josh Johnson takes over.
30 Rams · Trends 29
The offense just can't score enough. It looks like Marc Bulger's injury could put Kyle Boller in as the starter at quarterback. But they have bigger issues than just QB.
31 Chiefs · Trends 30
Are they starting to wonder about Matt Cassel? They should. They paid a lot of money to a player who isn't playing well and isn't taking shots down the field.
32 Browns · Trends 31
They are an offensive disaster. They can't score. And all Eric Mangini can do is play coy on the quarterback situation and do his usual mumbling about things. Nice hire.
TV Schedule
Sunday, 10/4
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NFL Power Rankings for Week 3

Power Rankings WEEK 3
according to www.cbssportsline.com
1 Giants · Trends 3
Seeing how the passing game played in Dallas has to give this team hope for the rest of the season. Those young receivers came up big. Eli Manning was sharp. The defense needs to play better, especially against the run.
2 Colts · Trends 5
They showed Miami what's important in the NFL: Scoring points, not ball control. They've played two close games, but 2-0 is still 2-0, right?
3 Falcons · Trends 6
We'll know if they belong here when they go to New England next week and face an angry Patriots team. They better hope the defense tightens up. The offense can be explosive.
4 Saints · Trends 10
They play with their foot on the pedal all game long. It's a treat to watch. Drew Brees is on fire and Sean Payton doesn't let up. The defense is still iffy.
5 Ravens · Trends 11
The best thing to come out of the first two weeks is how well Joe Flacco has played. He has five touchdown passes in two games. But that didn't look like a Ravens defense in San Diego.
6 Jets · Trends 16
Defense, defense and more defense. Watch out when Mark Sanchez gets even better. This team is better than I expected.
7 Vikings · Trends 13
They've defeated two bad teams on the road, which was to be expected. The jury is still out. What happens when they have to throw to win?
8 Patriots · Trends 1
Where has the offense gone? What has happened to the big play? This isn't what we've come to expect with the Patriots. Tom Brady looks jumpy.
9 Steelers · Trends 2
At some point, they need to get the running game going. Ben Roethlisberger is taking too many big hits. It's a huge game this week at Cincinnati. Do the champs fall to 1-2?
10 Cowboys · Trends 12
Talk all you want about how poorly Tony Romo played, but if they don't improve on defense it won't matter. That unit has given up too many big plays in two games in the passing game. That needs to be fixed quickly.
11 Eagles · Trends 4
It's hard to gauge their loss to the Saints because Donovan McNabb didn't play. But he doesn't play defense. That unit was shredded.
12 49ers · Trends 14
They are playing some impressive defense, which we might have expected with Mike Singletary as the coach. Don't you still wonder if they can stay up here? Frank Gore is a beast.
13 Chargers · Trends 8
They have a ton of injuries already, which could impact their season. They will still win the division, but what about after that?
14 Bengals · Trends 19
That just might have been a season saver at Green Bay. The defense will be something to watch as the season progresses. It's pretty good. Are they ready for the champs? They better be.
15 Packers · Trends 9
The offensive line is an issue. Aaron Rodgers is getting hit and dumped way too much. The defense also didn't play well against the Bengals. Maybe they aren't as good as we thought.
16 Broncos · Trends 17
Josh McDaniels has his team at 2-0. You have to give him credit for that. The big shock has to be how well the defense is playing.
17 Cardinals · Trends 18
Kurt Warner and the offense played well against Jacksonville, with Warner doing what he wanted, and now might have to get in a shootout with Peyton Manning. Lots of passing that night will make for a fun game.
18 Texans · Trends 21
If they can play offense like they did against the Titans they will be tough for anybody they play. But that defense needs work.
19 Bears · Trends 20
So Jay Cutler isn't that bad after all. He played well in beating the Steelers to hush some critics. The better news is the improved play of the defense -- even without Brian Urlacher.
20 Seahawks · Trends 15
That was a tackling disaster in San Francisco and now Matt Hasselbeck has a broken rib. Ouch. Why does he always seem to get hurt?
21 Titans · Trends 7
They opened last season 10-0 and are staring 0-3 in the face with a trip this week to play the Jets. What happened to the defense? Where has all the nastiness gone?
22 Dolphins · Trends 24
They controlled the clock against the Colts, ran the ball for over 200 yards and did what they intended to do. But they didn't score enough touchdowns. That's what not having big plays does to a team, and the Dolphins now must go to San Diego.
23 Redskins · Trends 25
They aren't scoring points and just haven't looked that good on offense. They could have made a lot of survivor pool people angry if they lost to the Rams.
24 Bills · Trends 26
They've played well in their first two games, especially on offense. Fred Jackson might keep Marshawn Lynch on the bench. Can they slow the Saints?
25 Raiders · Trends 28
They could easily be 2-0. They just might be better than some expected. JaMarcus Russell now has two big fourth-quarter drives in two games.
26 Panthers · Trends 23
Even when Jake Delhomme doesn't throw it to the other team, they have issues. They can't stop anybody. The defense has become a major issue.
27 Jaguars · Trends 22
How far have they fallen since 2007? The real problems are on defense. They can't rush the passer, so the opposing quarterbacks have a field day. Just ask Kurt Warner.
28 Buccaneers · Trends 27
Remember when the Bucs were good on defense? They sure aren't now. They can't stop anybody. The pass defense is terrible.
29 Rams · Trends 29
Where, oh where is the offense? They just don't score. They have seven points in two games. Ouch.
30 Chiefs · Trends 30
They got Matt Cassel back and played better. But it's going to be a tough first season for Todd Haley.
31 Browns · Trends 31
They just don't do anything on offense. That's an issue that will carry on all year long. It's going to be a tough year for Eric Mangini and his gang. Still like him as a coach, Randy Lerner?
32 Lions · Trends 32
It was better against Minnesota, which is progress. Stop asking who should play quarterback. No matter what happens, it has to be Matt Stafford.




2009 Power Rankings: Week 3
according to www.espn.com

1 (10) Ravens 2-0-0 They're balanced on offense and tough on defense. (Chadiha)
2 (3) Giants 2-0-0 Mario Manningham might not be Plaxico Burress, but he's becoming an Eli Manning go-to guy. (Clayton)
3 (5) Colts 2-0-0 The first of two back-to-back prime-time road games went just fine in Miami. (Kuharsky)
4 (7) Falcons 2-0-0 Taking care of business within the division is key, but the Falcons can take another step if they win at New England on Sunday. (Sando)
5 (8) Vikings 2-0-0 So far, so good with Brett Favre in charge. (Chadiha)
6 (1) Steelers 1-1-0 They have got to find a running game. (Chadiha)
7 (12) Saints 2-0-0 Scoring 48 points at Philly isn't easy. Drew Brees is completing 75 percent of his passes to lead the MVP race early.(Sando)
8 (16) Jets 2-0-0 Rex Ryan has blitzed his way into first place in the AFC East. Division, beware. (Clayton)
9 (4) Eagles 1-1-0 Kevin Kolb put up great passing numbers, but the Eagles can't fly without Donovan McNabb. (Clayton)
10 (2) Patriots 1-1-0 Bill Belichick must go back to the drawing board for a November rematch against the Jets. (Clayton)
11 (6) Chargers 1-1-0 Might that home loss to the Ravens become an outcome that places a playoff matchup in Baltimore? (Kuharsky)
12 (11) Packers 1-1-0 Where was the Packers' pass protection (six sacks) and discipline (11 penalties) against the Bengals? (Chadiha)
13 (18) 49ers 2-0-0 The 49ers want to run the ball and they are, but don't overlook Shaun Hill. He's 9-3 as the 49ers' starter. (Sando)
14 (15) Bears 1-1-0 The Bears need more of the Jay Cutler who showed up to beat the Steelers. (Chadiha)
15 (13) Cowboys 1-1-0 Two problems don't go away: critical turnovers by Tony Romo and giving up big plays on defense. (Clayton)
16 (9) Titans 0-2-0 Mistake-filled first two weeks are fueling those critics who predicted a big drop-off after a 13-3 season. (Kuharsky)
17 (23) Texans 1-1-0 Everyone is wary of saying too much about the great victory in Tennessee, because historically the Texans have had some duds for follow-ups. (Kuharsky)
18 (17) Cardinals 1-1-0 Beating the Colts at home in Week 3 would validate the Cardinals' blowout victory at Jacksonville while potentially forcing a tie atop the NFC West. (Sando)
19 (19) Dolphins 0-2-0 The Wildcat dominated the Colts but Miami lost the game by four. Maybe the "Cat" isn't that wild. (Clayton)
20 (24) Broncos 2-0-0 Their two remaining games against the AFC North aren't likely to produce the same results their first two did. (Kuharsky)
21 (21) Bills 1-1-0 He's lost two offensive tackles and an offensive coordinator, but Trent Edwards is hanging in there as a no-huddle quarterback. (Clayton)
22 (14) Seahawks 1-1-0 Injuries always seem to be the big story for Seattle. Matt Hasselbeck's ribs aren't going to feel good any time soon. (Sando)
23 (20) Redskins 1-1-0 Playing St. Louis and Detroit in back-to-back weeks is a gift that buys time for the offense to start clicking. (Clayton)
24 (26) Bengals 1-1-0 This team would be 2-0 if it hadn't blown the final minute of its season opener. (Chadiha)
25 (22) Panthers 0-2-0 Jake Delhomme was much better in Week 2, but his two-game pace works out to eight touchdown passes and 40 interceptions. (Sando)
26 (27) Raiders 1-1-0 Better than many expected, but how long can they endure the poor play of JaMarcus Russell? (Kuharsky)
27 (25) Jaguars 0-2-0 It's time for the rookie wide receivers to see some action and make some contributions for the struggling Jags. (Kuharsky)
28 (29) Buccaneers 0-2-0 The Bucs have allowed 900 yards in their first two games. They even made the Bills look good. (Sando)
29 (28) Browns 0-2-0 Two blowout losses to open the season don't bode well. (Chadiha)
30 (30) Chiefs 0-2-0 Two turnovers, other miscues undid a lot of stat advantages in loss to Oakland. (Kuharsky)
31 (31) Lions 0-2-0 Even with two defeats, they already seem better than last season. (Chadiha)
32 (32) Rams 0-2-0 The Rams desperately need more punch from their passing game. Donnie Avery has been a nonfactor so far. (Sando)


NFL Power Rankings Week 3
according to www.si.com
1

Last Week: 4 Baltimore Ravens (2-0)
It was a real debate on whether to elevate the Ravens or the Saints to the top spot this week. Both have featured dynamic offenses thus far, with defenses giving up about 25 points per game. But the Ravens get the nod, based on the quality of their Week 2 win. They won at San Diego against a healthy Philip Rivers. The Saints won at Philadelphia, with an injured Donovan McNabb playing spectator. And if you're wondering, I checked and the Ravens and Saints don't play this season. Unless it's in Miami in early February. Can I get a mulligan on my Super Bowl pick?

2

Last Week: 5 New Orleans Saints (2-0)
The Saints are averaging 46.5 points per game, which is more than a touchdown per game higher than the record-setting 2007 Patriots, who put up 36.8 points per game en route to a 589-point regular season. So, by my math, if the Saints average 35.5 points per game from here on out, they score 590 this season and break New England's two-year-old mark. Not that that's a necessity or anything. The last three teams to hold the one-season scoring mark didn't win the Super Bowl: 2007 Patriots, 1998 Vikings, 1983 Redskins.

3

Last Week: 6 New York Giants (2-0)
Circle Week 6 on your calendar, then pinpoint the Giants-Saints matchup at the Superdome. Why? Because my hunch is we'll be watching 5-0 New York versus 4-0 New Orleans in an early-season showdown for NFC supremacy. All that stands in the way of the Giants reaching that game undefeated are trips to Tampa Bay and Kansas City the next two weeks, followed by a home game against Oakland. See? Like I said, 5-0.

4

Last Week: 13 New York Jets (2-0)
Yeah, OK, I've bought into Jets mania. New York jumps up nine spots this week, tying it with Cincinnati for the biggest leap of the week. Now it's a New York-New York doubleheader at the No. 3 and 4 spots in our rankings, and you know that kind of convergence always sparks dreams of a Giants-Jets Super Bowl. But the next two weeks will tell us plenty more about young Mark Sanchez and his first-place team. New York plays host to the desperate Titans this week, and then travels to New Orleans in Week 4.

5

Last Week: 11 Indianapolis Colts (2-0)
I swear it looked like Peyton Manning didn't even perspire in 85-degree Miami the other night. Suzy Kolber was sweatier. That's how little the Colts had the ball in a game that put the lie to the time-tested axioms that big rushing totals and dominating the clock leads to victory. Miami had the ball for 45:07 and ran for 239 yards, becoming the third team to lose this season among the six who have rushed for 200 yards-plus.

6

Last Week: 10 Atlanta Falcons (2-0)
The Falcons took care of business at home to start the season, beating both Miami and Carolina. But four of their next five games are on the road, and it's a grinder of a stretch: at New England, at San Francisco, at Dallas and at New Orleans, sandwiched around a visit from Chicago. If Atlanta can keep its nose above .500 at 4-3 through Week 8, the second half of the season sets up for another run at the playoffs.

7

Last Week: 12 Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
The Vikings are the league's only 2-0 team that has accomplished it on the road and you have to figure that bodes well. They didn't win their second road game of the season last year until Week 12, and they still managed to go 10-6 and win the NFC North. But road wins are no rarity so far this season. Visiting teams were 16-16 in the first two weeks, going 7-9 in Week 1 and 9-7 in Week 2.

8

Last Week: 2 Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)
Look, there's no shame in losing at Chicago. I read somewhere the Steelers are 1-12 there against the Bears, so they've had some practice at it over the years. And the trip to the Windy City wasn't a complete lost cause, because the Steelers rushing game looked considerably better than it had against the Titans, even getting a rare contribution from Rashard Mendenhall.

9

Last Week: 1 New England Patriots (1-1)
I'm trying to imagine what would happen if Patriots owner Robert Kraft asked head coach Bill Belichick to record one of those fire-up-the-fans voice-mail messages for New England's season ticket holders, like the one the Jets' Rex Ryan did for New York before the Patriots game? While he's at it, Kraft might as well ask Belichick to release a detailed New England injury report.

10

Last Week: 7 Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
Without McNabb in the lineup, I'm not of a mind to downgrade the Eagles too severely for that blowout loss at home to the Saints. But the whole quarterback contingent in Philly is a fascinating sub-plot that might extend all season, and it's as if QB collector Jon Gruden has taken control of Andy Reid's body -- now there's an image -- and can't stockpile enough arms.