Post week 1 POWER RANKINGS (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

Why put Cincy ahead of them? Cincy had a game at home last year that could have put them into the playoffs and couldn't beat the Steelers. And I really didn't thin they played all that well last night. I agree with Indy, NE and SD. I'll have to see a little more from Denver before I make a decision on that one.

That was last year. Using that logic, then the 49ers should be ahead of the Broncos, since the 49ers kept the Broncos out of the playoffs last year by winning in Denver week 17, and since they are both 1-0. Call me crazy, but beating the Ravens at home is much more impressive than beating the Browns on the road. You Steelers' fans are always a crazy bunch, get all bent out of shape when others think they are not as good as you think they are. Bottom line...with a new (and unproven) head coach, it remains to be seen how good the Steelers will be, once they starting play good teams. If Cowher were still there, I would think differently.

This is essentially the same team that won the SB 2 years ago and went 15-1 the year before that. They could have easily won 11 games last year if not for the unusual amount of turnovers. And Tomlin has done nothing but impress since he arrived. No reason to think the Steelers aren't a top 4 or 5 AFC team this year.And I'm not bent out of shape at all, just making my point.

Almost every rookie head coach impresses before the season begins. The newness of it all impresses most, but we won't know what he is really made of until we are well into the season, so for now, I am not counting on their coaching being as good as it was when Cowher was there. As for it being the same team, no, it is not. They are missing key players on both sides of the ball. Sure, some of the stars are still there, but considering they have lost some key players and their future HoF coach, I don't see how you can say that it is the same team.

 

[SoloMatisse]

Colts still #1 til someone beats 'em.

Pats/Chargers - whoever wins this week.

Pittsburgh - last year was a fluke with everyone knowing Cowher was leaving, and Ben's situation. Theyre back.

Dallas - best team in the NFC.

Chicago - Im hesitant to put them this high. I can see this Superbowl loser's season falling apart before our very eyes. already losing key guys.

Tennessee - all Vince does is win.

Cinci - all Chad does is show off. not impressed with the D...Baltimore's O is horrible.

Denver - running game is still unreal. secondary seems like theyll cause teams real problems this year.

Seattle - a veteran team that will be tough for alot of NFC teams to beat. they just know how to win.

Teams in trouble -

Philly - Mcnabb just doesnt look like himself. hope we're not looking at another Culpepper situation.

NYGiants - their season could be over in a month.

Baltimore - same old Ravens, but worse O. if Ray L is done, theyre done.

AZ - this is a hard luck team that still hasnt seemed to figure out how to win.

Rams - Pace is out, line is thin, D is nothing special...its over.

Jets - getting it dropped on 'em by a bunch of cheaters. Welcome back to reality, NYJ.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Question for those down on the Steelers: What football reasons do you see for them not being ranked so high? I'm talking player personnel, coaching staff, etc. How do you see this team being mediocre on paper?

So far I don't think I've heard anything except, "They were 8-8 last year and the Browns suck." That's nice, but I'd like to hear some reasons why they're going to be bad THIS year.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Why put Cincy ahead of them? Cincy had a game at home last year that could have put them into the playoffs and couldn't beat the Steelers. And I really didn't thin they played all that well last night. I agree with Indy, NE and SD. I'll have to see a little more from Denver before I make a decision on that one.

That was last year. Using that logic, then the 49ers should be ahead of the Broncos, since the 49ers kept the Broncos out of the playoffs last year by winning in Denver week 17, and since they are both 1-0. Call me crazy, but beating the Ravens at home is much more impressive than beating the Browns on the road. You Steelers' fans are always a crazy bunch, get all bent out of shape when others think they are not as good as you think they are. Bottom line...with a new (and unproven) head coach, it remains to be seen how good the Steelers will be, once they starting play good teams. If Cowher were still there, I would think differently.

This is essentially the same team that won the SB 2 years ago and went 15-1 the year before that. They could have easily won 11 games last year if not for the unusual amount of turnovers. And Tomlin has done nothing but impress since he arrived. No reason to think the Steelers aren't a top 4 or 5 AFC team this year.And I'm not bent out of shape at all, just making my point.

Almost every rookie head coach impresses before the season begins. The newness of it all impresses most, but we won't know what he is really made of until we are well into the season, so for now, I am not counting on their coaching being as good as it was when Cowher was there. As for it being the same team, no, it is not. They are missing key players on both sides of the ball. Sure, some of the stars are still there, but considering they have lost some key players and their future HoF coach, I don't see how you can say that it is the same team.

Ok, this is a little more what I was looking for.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Question for those down on the Steelers: What football reasons do you see for them not being ranked so high? I'm talking player personnel, coaching staff, etc. How do you see this team being mediocre on paper?So far I don't think I've heard anything except, "They were 8-8 last year and the Browns suck." That's nice, but I'd like to hear some reasons why they're going to be bad THIS year.

I do not think they will be mediocre. In fact, right now, I think they and the Bengals will fight it out for the division title this year, with both possibly making the playoffs, but I wouldn't put either of them in the AFC top 4 right now. Indy, NE, SD, and Denver is my top 4 at the moment.The good news for the Steelers is they have a soft September schedule, so they could easily be 4-0 before going to Denver, which means they will be able to build a lot of confidence with the new coaching staff before heading into the meat of their schedule.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Sorry, but it is gonna take more than beating the hapless Browns before I am ready to declare a team that was under .500 team last year a top team this year.

Just nitpickin... but the Steelrs were not below .500 last year.

Oops, my bad. My point still stands, though, that beating the Browns does not make a team worthy of being a top 5 or 6 team as of yet.I would say Carolina was much more impressive in winning on the road this weekend, yet they are at 12?

Did you forget Ben did a faceplant into and Olds last year ? They started 2-6, then went 6-2, and did what they were supposed to do to a crappy team, DOMINATE. 7-2 in their last 9 games, I would say they are back to being a contender, second teir seems about right to me.

I could see the Steelers being a contender again this year, but given their easy September schedule, it is gonna take at least a month before I am ready to put them in the top 7 or 8. Right now, they are not a top 5 AFC team, IMO. I would put Indy, NE, SD, Denver, and Cinn all ahead of them.

Pittsburgh had the same record as Cincy last year and split the series. As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

 

[Ghost Rider]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

 

[fred_1_15301]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

 

[Ghost Rider]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

 

[Spartans Rule]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Jeff Hartings definitely needs a mention on this list.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Santonio Holmes >> AREJoey Porter = Old

 

[Ghost Rider]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Jeff Hartings definitely needs a mention on this list.

Randle El and Porter were the first two that came to mind, but yeah, Hartings is a good one, too.

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Santonio Holmes >> AREJoey Porter = Old

Holmes over ARE remains to be seen. Old or not, Porter was a key contributer on those Steelers teams in '04 and '05. And still no mention of Cowher? Jeez, some of you Steelers fans sure are forgetting how great he was awfully fast.

 

[fred_1_15301]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Porter had a great playoff run but he was and is on the decline. The Steelers current linebacking crew is probably the strongest part of their team. I don't think they lose much here. Randle El was a great punt returner and was a critical part of their playoff run with the gadget plays. You can downgrade them in that sense but then you must upgrade the Steelers at WR (unless you believe El is better than Holmes). I agree with you on the coach. Cowher was a great coach and the jury is out on Tomlin. I'm a Steeler fan so I'm obviously biased but I really don't believe the team is significantly different from 2 years ago. In all honesty, I thought that championship was as much a fluke as last year's 8-8 record. They were somewhere in between. I actually think they're more experienced and a better overall team this year than they were either of the last 2 years. Of course I could be singing a differnt tune on Sunday.....

 

[Rhino]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Jeff Hartings definitely needs a mention on this list.

Also Jerome Bettis.

 

[SoloMatisse]

Whether or not Pittsburgh is as good as the team 2 years ago matters WHY? The '04 Steelers team was better than the '05 team. This Steelers team can be the 6th best in the AFC this year and still win it all. its all about January. i wouldnt waste so much time worrying about how good your boys are week1. anyone with a brain can see the Steelers are for real this year.

 

[CrossEyed]

As Assani stated, the Steelers are virutally the same team from 2 years ago and last year could have been a fluke. Not sure why you're able to put Cincy in the top 5 and not Pittsburgh?

To repeat...the 2007 Steelers are NOT the same team as the 2005 or 2004 Steelers. They have lost a handful of key players, not to mention their head coach, who was one of the best in the NFL.

the core players on offense and defense are the same. Every team will lose some players in 2 years. Who are the "key" players that you're talking about?

Randle El and Joey Porter are significant losses to the offense and defense, respectively. Remember all of those trick and gadget plays that were so important in the Steelers SB run? Randle El was a part of all of 'em. And how can you say Porter wasn't a core defensive player? Lastly, how can you ignore the loss of Bill Cowher?

Randle El? Are you serious? Yeah, he was used on a few gadget plays from time to time, but check out the guys stats. He was never a significant part of the offense.Porter was a good LB but was overrated, IMHO. After he got shot he was never quite the same player.As for Cowher, sure he was a great coach. But it was time for a change and I think this staff might be better than last year's staff. Time will tell.

 

[Despyzer]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Suprised to see Cincy ranked after Baltimore after tonight's game.

It was in Cincy, so they're supposed to win. And as I said, I'm not going to drop a 13-3 team from last year too much just due to a tough road loss in week 1, especially considering that one could argue they were screwed by the refs and bad breaks. Cincy wasn't even a playoff team last year...it'll take more than one close home win for them to move higher.

Then wouldn't that same argument hold true for Philadelphia.

Green Bay is not a tough road loss imo...they are a team that good teams should beat. I could be wrong, jmho.

Same thing with Cincinnati. They are an 8-8 team. They were 4-4 at home last year. I wouldn't exactly call that a tough place to play.

Look at where I have Cincy ranked and look at where I have GB ranked. You may think GB is as good as Cincy, I don't...and thats why I rationalize those losses differently.

 

[BoltBacker]

Bottom 528. NYG29. Miami30. Atlanta31. KC32. Cleveland

How can you put MIA that low after they go on the road to play the Redskins to a tough overtime "coin-flip" loss but oak loses to DET at home and doesn't make the list?

 

[plymkr]

Bottom 528. NYG29. Miami30. Atlanta31. KC32. Cleveland

How can you put MIA that low after they go on the road to play the Redskins to a tough overtime "coin-flip" loss but oak loses to DET at home and doesn't make the list?

That is a very solid point.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Bottom 528. NYG29. Miami30. Atlanta31. KC32. Cleveland

How can you put MIA that low after they go on the road to play the Redskins to a tough overtime "coin-flip" loss but oak loses to DET at home and doesn't make the list?

Because it's my list. And I think Oakland and Detroit are both better than Miami. I'd be willing to put Oakland at 29 and Miami at 27, though. If that would make you feel better. I didn't see any of the Miami/Washington game so I'm kinda guessing on them at this point.

 

[Steeler]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

 

[Despyzer]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

 

[BoltBacker]

2-0

NE

IND

DEN

PIT

DAL

SF

WAS

GB

HOU

DET

1-1

SD

CHI

BAL

SEA

CAR

CIN

TEN

JAX

TB

MIN

ARZ

CLE

0-2

NO

PHI

STL

NYJ

NYG

MIA

BUF

KC

OAK

ATL

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

 

[Sheriff66]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

You forgot they beat the Bears as well....then the Bengals, Colts, Broncos on the road. OH, and they played that one game at the neutral site that they won too.

 

[Despyzer]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

Prior to that stretch, they were behind both the Chiefs and the Chargers. They didn't beat either of those teams during that stretch. Therefore, they needed the help.

 

[Despyzer]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

You forgot they beat the Bears as well....then the Bengals, Colts, Broncos on the road. OH, and they played that one game at the neutral site that they won too.

I think you lost sight of the point.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

Prior to that stretch, they were behind both the Chiefs and the Chargers. They didn't beat either of those teams during that stretch. Therefore, they needed the help.

We have very different definitions of "needing ton of help." Thanks.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Top 5....

1. Patriots

2. Steelers

3. Colts

4. Cowboys

5. Chargers

Re: Steelers, the big differences are that Ben has another year under his belt and Tomlin is a great fit.

I expect the Steelers to come calling to Foxboro in January.

 

[Irish]

I think the Steelers are a playoff-caliber team (even moreso than the Bengals), but I'm not sure that making the argument that they are basically the same team from two years ago is the strongest tack to take. After all, they just barely snuck into the playoffs that year.

Minor point: the Steelers tied for the AFC North lead at 11-5 but lost the tie-breakers to Cincy. That's not really sneaking in IMO.

Suit yourself. They won out against the Vikings, Browns, and Lions while needing a ton of help down that stretch. Is there a lower playoff seed than 6th?

What help did they need down the stretch? No 11-5 team has ever missed the playoffs, and the Steelers were in control of their destiny the last two weeks.

Prior to that stretch, they were behind both the Chiefs and the Chargers. They didn't beat either of those teams during that stretch. Therefore, they needed the help.

 

[BoltBacker]

3-0

NE

IND

DAL

GB

PIT

2-1

TEN

SEA

BAL

TB

JAX

DEN

WAS

HOU

SF

CAR

DET

1-2

SD

PHI

CHI

NYG

CIN

ARZ

CLE

KC

MIN

NYJ

OAK

0-3

NO

MIA

STL

BUF

ATL

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Top 5....1. Patriots2. Steelers3. Colts4. Cowboys5. ChargersRe: Steelers, the big differences are that Ben has another year under his belt and Tomlin is a great fit.I expect the Steelers to come calling to Foxboro in January.

Updated for Week 3, Chargers may creep back, but for now Tennessee is #5 with a bullet.1. Patriots2. Steelers3. Colts4. Cowboys5. Titans