Training Camp Rankings

Now that Training Camp has arrived, it is time for me to release my annual training camp power rankings. These will later be altered into the pre-season rankings, and eventually will take hold week one as the initial power ranking. So let get it started...

32. Atlanta Falcons - So despite spending the third overall pick on Matt Ryan, and signing Michael Turner, I think the Falcons are in for a long season. This teams lacks the firepower to score enough points to stay competitive, and without DeAngelo Hall at corner, I don't see them stopping a whole lot of teams this year either.

31. Kansas City Chiefs - The only thing keeping this team out of the cellar was their awesome draft. I love their draft, but despite that this team is still not good. No clear answer at QB, and aging o-line, no receiving targets, means unless this team D hold opponents to about zero points per game, there won't be many wins in KC.

30. Miami Dolphins - Another team with a draft I liked, but still too many questions to be a factor. Who will be the QB? How will the defense do without longtime leaders Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor? How will new HC Tony Sparano do? These answers will go a long way to defining the Phins year.

29. St. Louis Rams - The Rams offense can still be good with Bulger, Jackson and Holt, but good enough to overcome the defense? Second pick Chris Long will pressure QB's but will they be able to stop the run. There are questions about their secondary too. Until these problems are solved the Rams will be a bottom dweller.

28. Buffalo Bills - Such an enigma this Buffalo Bills squad is. They seem to win more games then they are supposed to but how long can this pig wear lipstick? Their QB is unproven, their o-line's top player is holding out, and their defense has some holes. I don't think this is going to be a very good team. But then, I have been wrong before.

27. Detroit Lions - I know many see this team as on the mend, but I see it differently. I think this season will be another step back for Detroit. Mike Martz is no longer the OC, and although the offense will be more balanced without him, it will also be less effective. Once the crazy offensive output comes back down to earth, Detroit will show themselves as a team without the necessary talent to compete this year.

26. New York Jets - Here is a team that seems to like to shoot itself in the foot. After a great off season, acquiring lots of talent, they enter training camp in trouble. First round pick Vernon Gholston is still unsigned, and a hold out is looking more and more possible. Then consider we are not sure who will be behind center come opening day and I can't commit to the Jets being a contender. Despite this they should still finish second in the AFC East.

25. Baltimore Ravens - Another team in the bottom half and another team with questions at QB. I love the addition of Ray Rice to this running attack, but I wonder who the mystery QB will throw the ball to outside of their TE. The defense is still solid but Ray Lewis is getting older and Terrell Suggs is unhappy. How will this leave Baltimore? Only time will tell.

24. Oakland Raiders - The Raider nation has a lot to be excited about. They added lots of talent this off season, and it should help them be more competitive. This team is not ready yet to challenge for the division crown, but if they can get their new high priced talent to play as a team, they will surprise some opponents. If Russell becomes worth of his loft draft position a year ago, they can be even better.

23. San Francisco 49ers - Is Alex Smith a bust? This is the question the Niners need to find out as their season hangs in the balance. If history is any indicator, Smith will put up career numbers this year, as he gets familiar with Mike Martz's offense. If this happens, the Niners could be better than advertised.

22. Chicago Bears - This team, only two years removed from the SuperBowl has a lot to prove this season. Unfortunately they still have Rex Grossman as their QB and that will translate to at least three extra losses. Now if they cannot get things settled with Brian Urlacher this ranking may be a bit too high.

21. Denver Broncos - I expect to see some good things this year from Jay Cutler, and thus the Broncos should be OK. That being said, there seems to be constant change in the Denver backfield and on the defense and that prevents the team from forming the important factor known as chemistry.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jeff Garcia surprised many, including myself, with his awesome play last year. If the team can get consistent performance from its once stout defense this team could be competitive. Unfortunately I think Brooks has lost a step, and this may hurt the team a bit. Will they be good enough becomes the next question.

19. Tennessee Titans - How good this team will be depends on if Vincanity can find any weapons. Will the running game prove consistent? Who will catch his passes? If this team can put the Pacman saga behind them, and give Vince some targets they could be pretty good.

18. Arizona Cardinals - With all of the offensive weapons it is amazing this team is not better. How much faith will this team have in Marvelous Matt behind center. If they show him faith he could reward it with some pretty big wins. I like Ken Wisenhunt and I see this team being in contention for a wild card.

17. Carolina Panthers - I see the Panthers as the best of the bottom half of the league. With Delhomme healthy and behind center this team should be pretty formidable. My only question is who will force opposing defenses to not triple team Steve Smith? If the Panthers can find that answer, John Fox will save his job.

16. Seattle Seahawks - As long as Hasslebeck is behind center this team will have a chance to win. They have made a lot of changes, especially in their backfield, but I like Julius Jones, and I expect him to provide an upgrade to the numbers put up by Alexander last season. This could lead to a challenge for a division title in a weak NFC West.

15. Cincinatti Bengals - The Chad Johnson story aside, the Bengals are still a talented team. I expect to see some noticeable improvements on the defensive side of the ball, and Carson and TJ make an awesome QB-WR combo. Now if Johnson decides to play this year, all the better.

14. Green Bay Packers - Oh the Brett Farve saga. Right now I assume it will be Aaron Rodgers under center. Given that I cant see this team replicating last years overacheivement. I think the Pack will come back to earth next year, thus their mid range ranking.

13. New Orleans Saints - This team has all of the makings of a playoff team. They have a great QB in Drew Brees, two super backs in Bush and McAllister, and now a defense being led by Johnny Vilma and Dan Morgan. Watch out. this team may be for real.

12. Minnesota Vikings - How good will this team be? We know they can run the ball. And now in his second year at QB Tavaris Jackson will be better. But if this team gets Brett Farve, they could quickly be a contender. Even without him, they will be competing for a playoff spot.

11. Washington Redskins - This could have been an ominous start to Training Camp, losing Phillip Daniels for the year before it even got started. But then the team who has never been fond of holding on to draft picks up and deals some picks for Jason Taylor. Will it work? I think so. I can see Washington making some serious noise in a crowded NFC East.

10. Houston Texans - So how about this. A top ten Training Camp ranking for the Houston Texans. Am I crazy? I don't think so. I think this team is for real. The defense may be one of the leagues best behind Demeco Ryans and Amobi Okoye, and the offense will be improved too. Now that Shaub has had a year to develop some chemistry with Andre Johnson, this team will be very good.

9. Philadelphia Eagles - Every year the Eagles seem poised to make noise, and this year is no different. Still, somehow I am left with the feeling that the Eagles will show much promise and leave us with much disappointment. How much more does McNabb have in the tank? Will Westbrook start making noise about his contract? How will Asante Samuel fit into Jim Johnson's defense? If these questions are answered satisfactorily, the Eagles will be pushing for a Wild Card.

8. Cleveland Browns - Is Derek Anderson for real? This question will be the key to the Browns season. And if it turns out like I expect, with a resounding yes, then the Browns will be in the playoff mix in the AFC. The Browns have both offensive and defensive weapons and and great coach in Crenell, so allow me to put you on notice, the Browns are back.

7. New York Giants - The question for the SuperBowl champs is, "How long can Cinderella wear her slipper? After all, it is made of glass." I love what the G-Men did during last years playoffs, but defending will be another story. They will be good, but I don't expect to see a repeat.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers - How ironic is it that the team called the Steelers pulled off the draft's biggest heist by nabbing Rashard Mendenhall late in round 1. This move alone will keep the Steelers among the league's elite. They can run and pass and play D, and that means they will be in every game they play.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - The two headed monster that is the Jags running game will keep all of their opponents off balance. If Dave Garrard continues to grow as a signal caller, the Jags will be right in the middle of a tough fight for the AFC crown.

4. New England Patriots - What is the cost of a 16-0 regular season? It is a target, and all of the Pats opponents will be prepared for their matchup this year. You can bet on that. The Pats will still put up some serious offense, and their D will still be OK. Their secondary was decimated and this will be the Pats undoing.

3. San Diego Chargers - San Diego is the most talented team in the league bar none. They have weapons everywhere. They can score with anyone, and they can stop just about anyone. The only achilles heal this team has is their coach. Can Norv get this team over the top? For his sake I hope so.

2. Dallas Cowboys - The Lone Star state can be proud of their Boys once again. These guys are the class of the NFC, and unless they get in their own way, they should be in Tampa come January. They have talent in all the right places on offense, and their defense is possibly the best in the league. Their only question mark is if the loss of so many coaches to the Dolphins will be of consequence.

1. Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning. Dwight Freeny. Bob Sanders. Marvin Harrison. Reggie Wayne. Tony Dungy. This team has everything it takes to be a contender and all of the intangibles it takes to turn that into a title.