Today, ESPN released its first 2011 NFL Power Rankings and I’m sure you’ve already checked them out.
Green Bay at the top, followed by New England, the Eagles…blah, blah, blah. Watching ESPN every day over the last two weeks made it pretty clear who they thought were the top five teams.
(I’m not totally sold on the Eagles right now, and they certainly aren’t a “Dream Team” but that’s another discussion)
I, obviously, am more concerned with the No. 31 position that was given to the Buffalo Bills.
Yea, it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, but it was a little upsetting, right? Then again, I’m not delusional. I know the Bills aren’t likely to contend in the loaded AFC this year. Hell, the best two squads in the Conference might be the Patriots and the Jets as much as that makes me sick to my stomach.
But No. 31? Really?
An 11-year playoff drought justifies anyone’s thought that Buffalo will once again be camped out in the NFL’s cellar when the year is finished, and gives main stream media all the reason to make the Bills the league’s afterthought. I get all that. But in looking at the teams directly above them, who has gotten considerably better?
– Everyone applauded Carolina for resigning defensive end Charles Johnson and running back DeAngelo Williams. Why? Sure, both are good players but how much do they improve from 1 win last year? Unless Jimmy Clausen makes huge strides with the Panthers’ receiving corp, which isn’t exactly scaring anybody, how do they vault the Bills?
– The Washington Redskins quarterback situation is far worse than the Bills. John Beck, Rex Grossman or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Be honest, who you taking?
I’m taking Fred Jackson over Ryan Torain and say a push at best on defense. Buffalo’s receiving corp certainly trumps the Redskins. (Who are the Redskins receivers anyway?)
– As far as the Broncos go, let’s not even start. I have never thought a quarterback controversy has that much impact on a team, (I think the media makes it way bigger than it really is) but the one in Denver this season could get ugly and could easily divide that locker room.
– The Browns aren’t in much better shape than the Bills, although I did like what I saw from a gritty Colt McCoy last season. The defense should be more productive and there is that Peyton Hillis guy. (Don’t forget he was held in check against Buffalo last season)
– Even the 49ers I don’t understand. Alex Smith is getting what seems like his 5th chance under his 5th coach to excel and the defense is going through wholesale changes. I expect them to be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes to be honest.
This is not to say Buffalo should be in the Top 20. Heck no. Marcell Dareus will instantly make the run defense more stout, Kyle Williams will be Kyle Williams and thinking logically the offense should be more efficient in Chan Gailey’s second year at the helm.
However, there are still holes at offensive tackle and middle linebacker. Fitzpatrick is likely close to, if not already at his ceiling. Plus, we aren’t sure about Shawne Merriman or if Steve Johnson will build on his 2010 season.
In summation, it’s not the end of the world. The preseason hasn’t even started yet, guys will get hurt, “contenders” will falter and supposed bottom feeders will sneak away with some surprise wins.
Just watch.
But the only way the Bills return to relevance and gain some respect is by closing out tight games and winning the winnable ones. Until that happens, they’ll be relegated to the bottom of any “Power Rankings” list. For the voters, it’s just too easy to put Buffalo there.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
