Training camp power rankings

TDJets72027 · Aug 1, 2007

1. Indianapolis Colts:

Indianapolis lost several key defensive players from its championship team last season (Nick Harper, Cato June, Mike Doss, Jason David specifically) via free agency over the off-season. On offense, Dominic Rhodes and Brandon Stokley each signed with squads in the AFC West. But, maybe the biggest off-season loss for Indy came last week when longtime Colts left tackle Tarik Glenn announced his retirement. Glenn started 154 regular-season games during his 10-year career with the Colts and has protected Peyton Manning since the quarterback first entered the league in 1998.

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Power rankings 17-32

So who fills in for the 10-year vet? Most likely a rookie second-round pick Tony Ugoh out of Arkansas. Right tackle Ryan Diem and second-year man Charlie Johnson have been mentioned as potential replacements as well. But whoever gets the nod won't be as steady and trusted as Glenn.

Hey, the Colts are the defending champions. And for that they're my number one. But with two new starting cornerbacks, an enormous question mark at left tackle, and a slew of rookies who will be expected to perform right away, question marks certainly abound. Indy plays New England and San Diego in consecutive weeks during November. By then, we'll have some answers on the '07 Colts.

2. New England Patriots:

While it seems as though everyone else in the media is ready to crown the Patriots as kings of the NFL and champions of Super Bowl XLII, I've had my reservations. I wrote about my concerns with this season's New England squad back in June. Patriots fans let me hear about it then, and I'm sure they'll let me hear about it now. I'm about as well liked as A-Rod and Bucky Dent up in New England these days. And that's fine. I just can't put New England on top of Indianapolis yet.

3. San Diego Chargers:

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The Chargers were the only team in the NFL to not sign a single veteran free agent over the off-season. What's that tell me? A.J. Smith really, really, really likes his squad. Michael Turner's back, Kris Dielman was re-signed, and all seven of the Chargers' draft picks were locked up by the end of July. Receivers Vincent Jackson, Malcolm Floyd and first-round selection Craig Davis are looking good and ready to take both the NFL and fantasy leagues across the country by storm. Tomlinson, Gates, Merriman, Rivers it's a parade of Pro Bowlers in San Diego.

So what's not to like? Well, the coaching staff from last year's 14-2 squad underwent an "Extreme Makeover: SoCal Edition" this off-season. The head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, tight ends coach and linebackers coach from last year's AFC West champions are now all gone. In comes a cast of new characters, headed up by Norv Turner and his career 58-82-1 record as a head coach. Does the coaching carousel help or hurt San Diego? We'll have to wait and see. For now? I'll keep San Diego at No. 3 in the Power Rankings.

4. New Orleans Saints:

Everyone's pumped about New Orleans this year. REALLY pumped. From Peter King to the independent blogs on the web, it looks like everyone with access to a keyboard and a URL address has the Saints playing in Glendale come February. Can you blame them? New Orleans reached the NFC Championship Game last January and only got better over the off-season.

On defense, Charles Grant was re-signed for a long-term deal; veterans Brian Simmons, Kevin Kaeshivarn, and Jason David were all brought in to bolster an already solid defense; and speedster corner Usama Young was drafted out of Kent State in the second round.

On offense, Robert Meachem replaces Joe Horn, and Antonio Pittman adds yet another playmaker to an already loaded backfield. Meachem's rehabbing from an injured knee now, but should be ready to dazzle by September. Drew Brees and Sean Payton have even more weapons on offense than they did last year, and the defense improved across the board. What's not to love? I'd hold off on booking those February flights to Phoenix for now. But if I were a Saints fan, I'd at least add an airline's website to my "favorites".

5. Baltimore Ravens:

Interesting off-season for Baltimore. Coming off a magical 13-3 season in which they won the AFC North, the Ravens lost key contributors Jamal Lewis, Tony Pashos, Adalius Thomas and Olvie Mughelli in free agency. But they responded by bringing in Willis McGahee one of the premier running backs in the league and had a strong draft. First-round pick Ben Grubbs will be a first-year starter and third-round selection Yamon Figurs should make Ravens fans have visions of Jermaine Lewis when he's returning kicks. Baltimore's defense loses the versatile Thomas, but remains one of the tops in the league. They're still the class of the AFC North.

6. Denver Broncos:

Jay Cutler's development will determine the Broncos' playoff chances. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

Ranking a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year as the sixth best in the league? Sounds crazy, but I love what Denver did this off-season and see big things out of the Broncos in '07. Jay Cutler's my sleeper pick for league MVP and Travis Henry's going to flourish in the Broncos' running scheme. I also love what Denver did on the defensive line via the NFL draft, getting younger and more versatile overnight by picking up college stars Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder, as well as off-the-field wildcard Marcus Thomas. All three should make immediate impacts.

The Broncos had a terrific July mini-camp (a rarity in the NFL), which was attended by most of the team. Longtime number one target Rod Smith is still recovering from off-season surgery, but insists he'll return. In the meantime, young wideouts Brandon Marshall and David Kircus will vie for the starting gig alongside Javon Walker. Of course, Marshall needs to be healthy to compete. The talented speedster hobbled off the field a few weeks ago with a tweaked quad. D.J. Williams, Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, Travis Henry, John Lynch, Cutler and Walker could all be Pro Bowlers come February. I'd be shocked if Denver wasn't playing playoff football come January.

7. Chicago Bears:
Though Bears fans will likely find it preposterous that their team is ranked behind New Orleans, it's hard to think Chicago improved over the off-season. While the addition of Darwin Walker will help, there are still a few lingering question marks. Lance Briggs got a one-year deal before the start of camp but could still be poisonous in the locker room, Tank Johnson's gone, Thomas Jones was traded to New York, and contributors Ian Scott, Todd Johnson, Alfonso Boone and Cameron Worrell are all elsewhere as well. More importantly, five of Lovie Smith's assistant coaches including defensive coordinator Ron Rivera are no longer with the organization.

Who knows what Chicago's going to get out of the Cedric Benson/Garrett Wolfe/Adrian Peterson/Devin Hester combo at running back, and Rex Grossman is... well... not the most consistent quarterback in the league. History isn't exactly on Chicago's side either. Five of the last six Super Bowl runners-up failed to make the playoffs the following year. Then again, the defense is still likely tops in the NFC and the addition of Adam Archuleta should only help. Chicago's going to be strong in '07; no questions there. Is it the NFC's best team, though? I'm tentatively tipping my hat to New Orleans on that for now.

8. Seattle Seahawks:
Word out of Seattle is that for the first time in eight years, Mike Holmgren installed new plays and formations even before training camp began. Seattle's ready. No one's really talking about the Seahawks, but with a healthy Alexander and a healthy Hasselbeck, as well as the additions of Patrick Kerney and Deon Grant on defense, Seattle should be vastly improved from last year. Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, D.J. Hackett, Bobby Engram and a carnival of rookie receivers should more than make up for the loss of Darrell Jackson at wideout. Yes, the NFC West will be better this season than it has been in years. But Seattle's still the division favorite.

9. Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals were a win away from the postseason last year, but ended up losing their final three contests and missing the playoffs altogether. With Carson Palmer completely healthy, Cincy shouldn't find itself on the couch come January of 2008. At least you wouldn't think so. The problem, of course, will be that defense. Yes, the Bengals drafted Michigan star Leon Hall at corner. But Cincinnati finished tied for last in the league in pass defense in '06, and lost key contributors Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaesviharn in the off-season. Budding defensive star David Pollack's health is still an issue as well. The offense will be the engine here, but what's to make of that D? If ever there was a man in the league to make do with what he's got, it's coach Marvin Lewis. But in the AFC North, "making do" may not be enough to get by.

10. New York Jets:
There may be no more popular coach in New York right now than Eric Mangini. He's downright beloved. The "Sopranos" cameo was only the icing on the cake. He'll have a lot of talent to work with in '07. The Jets picked up a 1,000-yard back from Chicago in Thomas Jones, scooped up two defensive starters in the draft, and brought in a host of new defensive linemen via free agency. Jericho Cotchery's everyone's fantasy "sleeper" this season, and there's a ton of excitement around safety Kerry Rhodes. New York's got a difficult schedule in '07, including back-to-back dates with New England and Baltimore to start the season. But Gang Green should be in the AFC playoff hunt come Christmas time. The Pete Kendall contract situation could distract a team guided by a different man, but not Mangini. Look for the Jets to finish second in the AFC East behind New England. Anything less would be a great disappointment.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Dirk Koetter era never really worked out for Arizona State. He botched the Sam Keller/Rudy Carpenter quarterback situation, got embarrassed against California last year, and poorly managed the clock against USC on national television. Jaguars fans, meet your new offensive coordinator! Of course, Koetter is widely recognized as an offensive genius, and the early word out of Jacksonville is that he and Byron Leftwich are clicking on all cylinders. In an interesting move, the Jags brought in former No. 1 pick Tim Couch. Free-agent addition Dennis Northcutt has already established himself as one of the team's main targets, and chronic under-performers Reggie Williams and Matt Jones are expected to flourish under Koetter's new system.

The defense, despite the recent waiving of longtime Jaguars star Donovin Darius, remains one of the top units in the league and the rushing attack will be superb yet again. The Jags have the talent and the depth to make a run at an AFC wild card berth, and quite possibly an AFC South title. Whether or not they will be consistent enough to do it, though, is the issue. Remember, this is the same team that dropped its two division games versus Houston last year.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

A healthy Donovan McNabb makes Philly a threat in the NFC. (Chris McGrath / Getty Images)

There were a lot of changes over the off-season for the 2006 NFC East champions. Takeo Spikes, Montae Reagor, Ian Scott and Kevin Curtis are now wearing Eagles green. Gone, however, are 2006 contributors Shawn Barber, Roderick Hood, Donte Stallworth, Michael Lewis, Darwin Walker and Jeff Garcia. Dhani Jones who underwhelmed last year is no longer with the squad either. They're the favorites in the NFC East this season, but did they improve from last year? New faces all around. We'll see how it goes.

13. Dallas Cowboys:

Dallas underwent a bit of a makeover this off-season as well. The Parcells era is now over, as Wade Phillips takes over as the head coach in Big D. Phillips, a career 48-42 head coach, has never won a playoff contest, going 0-3 in previous postseason appearances. His best squad was the '99 Bills, where a curious decision to start Rob Johnson over Doug Flutie and the Music City Miracle led to a first-round exit.

Along with Parcells, gone are veterans Jason Fabini, Marco Rivera and Drew Bledsoe. Additions Leonard Davis and Ken Hamlin should make immediate contributions, while draft picks Anthony Spencer and James Marten will be looked at early and often. T.O.'s been a model citizen this off-season, but how long will it last? Maybe he flourishes without the Tuna. Maybe not. Dallas could very well win the NFC East this yearor just as easily finish 8-8. For a team that hasn't won a playoff game since 1996, the Dallas faithful are hoping for the former as opposed to the latter.

14. San Francisco 49ers

There's no NFL team bandwagon quite as full as the San Fran one this summer. With all the pundits dubbing them the "sleeper" team of '07, the whole "sleeper" label almost doesn't make sense. Sleeper or not, it's hard not to like what the Niners did this off-season. On top of a tremendous draft in which they picked up potential starters in Patrick Willis, Joe Staley and Jason Hill, San Fran fared very well in the free agency game, scooping up both Nate Clements and Tully Banta-Cain. They also traded for veteran wideout Darrell Jackson. Alex Smith, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis are all primed for monster years, and there's lots of excitement surrounding the young defense.

The big question, of course, will be Smith's ability to succeed without Norv Turner guiding him. Now entering his third year in the league, look for Smith to lean on his backup, savvy veteran and former Super Bowl champion Trent Dilfer, even more. The 'Niners may be this year's vogue "sleeper" team, but few will be surprised if they secure a playoff berth.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers

Everyone's excited over Mike Tomlin. FOXSports.com columnist Adam Schein in what I imagine being a very, very, very loud voice is absolutely oozing with optimism over "Camp Tomlin" in his columns, while current and ex-players from around the league are echoing their praise for the young Steelers coach. On the field, Ben Roethlisberger showed up to camp in shape and ready to lead, Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu has signed a four-year contract extension, and rookie punter Daniel Sepulveda has columnists and bloggers giggling with excitement over his knuckleball punts and linebacker mentality.

However, it's not all roses in Latrobe, Pa. Six-time Pro Bowler Alan Faneca came to camp without his contract woes being settled, insisting he likely won't be a Steeler next season. Though not exactly pleased, Faneca's in camp, working out and apparently ready to go. Pittsburgh went 8-8 last year. Fans are hoping for improvement in '07.
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16. Carolina Panthers

Dan Henning's out as the offensive coordinator in Carolina and former Patriots wunderkind Jeff Davidson is in. Keyshawn Johnson is out at wideout, and a host of young unproven talent is in. Out is the nightmarish backup quarterback situation from last year (Chris Weinke lost 15 of 17 career games in Carolina), and David Carr is in. Travelle Wharton returns from injury and draft picks Jon Beason and Tim Shaw add insurance to the linebacker corps as well.

Lots of changes in Carolina, to be sure. But after an inconsistent 2006 which ended in great disappointment, Panthers fans are being careful with their pre-season optimism. Of course, with a Falcons team in distress and a Buccaneers squad in a rebuilding mode, Carolina could legitimately challenge the Saints for the NFC South crown this year.
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17. Kansas City Chiefs

Anyone else absolutely psyched for the August 8th premier of HBO's "Hard Knocks"? The 4-week HBO mini-series returns this summer and focuses on the Chiefs. A training camp quarterback battle, Herm Edwards and Gunther Cunningham spitting venom and waxing poetic on the sidelines, and now a plot twist with Priest Holmes? It's gold, Jerry! Gold!

TV shows and Seinfeld references aside, Kansas City enters camp with question marks all over. Is the Huard/Croyle combo enough to get the Chiefs back to the playoffs? Will tackle machines Donnie Edwards and Napoleon Harris solidify a previously weak linebacker situation? Is rookie wide receiver Dwayne Bowe ready to produce right away? Probably the biggest issue, though, circles around All-Pro Larry Johnson and his current contract situation. Last season, Johnson set an NFL record with 416 carries. The longer this drags on, the worse for KC. Bad for Chiefs fans; great for those who pay for their reality TV.

18. St. Louis Rams

I like what the Rams did on defense this off-season, bringing in first-round pick Adam Carriker and free agents Chris Draft, James Hall, Todd Johnson and Mike Rumph. Those additions will be needed. St. Louis gave up the fifth-most points in the league last season and were 31st in the NFL in rush defense. Carriker's the man to watch. A defensive end in college, he'll be asked to play DT in his first season in the NFL. Is he ready? On offense, Drew Bennett joins the already talented receiving corps, Randy McMichael comes in at tight end, and rookie Brian Leonard adds a little depth to the running back position. There's optimism surrounding the Rams this season, but the D will make or break em. A return to the playoffs is certainly a possibility, but far from a sure thing.

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Power rankings 1-16

19. New York Giants

Jerry Reese sure is taking the bull by the horns in his first year as the Giants' GM. In his first few weeks on the job, Reese got right down to business, releasing veterans LaVar Arrington, Carlos Emmons and Luke Pettigout. He then shipped under-achieving receiver Tim Carter out to Cleveland, and ignored the draftniks by waiting until the sixth round to select an offensive lineman in April's draft.

With Philadelphia and Dallas considered the class of the NFC East, and the Redskins a vogue "sleeper" pick for '07, the Giants haven't gotten much buzz over the past few months. Of course, knowing the Big Blue fan base, that's perfectly fine with them. As long as the G-men show up ready to play in September, the experts can buzz about whatever else they like.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Is 20th a little high for a team that won five games last season and a grand total of one playoff game in the past 40 years? Possibly. But while I usually resist the annual July swoon over the Arizona Cardinals, I'm seeing big things out of Arizona in '07. The Cardinals absolutely cleaned up in April's draft. They had five picks and knocked each one out of the park. Levi Brown's the ideal anchor for Russ Grimm's offensive line, second-rounder Alan Branch is already signed and ready to go, and Buster Davis, Steve Breaston and Ben Patrick will all contribute immediately.

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Roderick Hood and Terrence Holt are nice additions on the defense, while Matt Leinart's got everyone pumped about the O. Arizona, with the least difficult schedule in the NFL this season, should be in the playoff hunt come December. I'd truly be surprised if they're not. Then again, I wouldn't be the first NFL writer to fall for the Cards before Labor Day.

21. Buffalo Bills

There's lots of excitement in and around Western New York surrounding the local pro football team these days. Yes, despite losing defensive leaders Nate Clements, Takeo Spikes and London Fletcher, as well as running back Willis McGahee in the off-season, expectations are big for the 2007 Bills.

Buffalo had a fabulous draft in April, scooping up top collegiate performers Marshawn Lynch, Paul Posluszny, Trent Edwards and safety Jon Wendling. The Bills improved their offensive line via free agency as well, and now feature a four-year veteran at quarterback in J.P. Losman. It's time for Losman to make the jump. If he lives up to the off-season hype and the young defense holds up its end of the deal, Buffalo could be vying for an AFC wil card spot this winter.

22. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee's been a confusing team to figure out this off-season. The Pacman Jones chaos, the questionable draft choices, the loss of key playmakers on offense (Bobby Wade, Drew Bennett, Travis Henry), and their starting running back showing up to the summer OTAs completely out of shape had fans and media alike scratching their heads.

Yes, Vince Young is there. And yes, he's defied the odds before. But who's he handing off the ball to? Who's he throwing to? Eric Moulds is a nice pickup and Brandon Jones has shown some potential, but neither are legitimate number ones at this stage in their respective careers. I'd be shocked if Tennessee matched its win total from last year. Then again, with Vince Young under center, anything's possible.

23. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay finished the season strong in '06, winning its final four games and finishing the year 8-8. That came as a huge surprise to most considering a host of injuries across the offensive line. But the Pack put it together in December, and the young offensive line held its own.

Does the team take a step back, though, in '07? The rushing game, for one, is a definite sore spot. Who's going to carry the load now that Ahman Green's gone and William Henderson isn't blocking? The current depth chart reveals a green, unproven running corps consisting of Vernand Morency, Brandon Jackson, Noah Herron and DeShawn Wynn. Two rookies and a pair of young veterans. Combined, the Green Bay backs have 683 career NFL rushing yards. That's putting a lot of faith in a bunch of untested players. The gamble worked out last year with the O-line. Can it work out again in the backfield? We'll have to wait and see.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs revamped their defense over the off-season, bringing in Cato June, former Broncos pass specialist Patrick Chukwurah, and collegiate defensive stars Gaines Adams, Quincy Black, Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscatelli. Simeon Rice is gone, but his best days might be behind him. Tampa also added some depth to the offensive line, signing former Giant tackle Luke Pettigout. At the quarterback spot, longtime veteran Jeff Garcia takes the reins. Chris Simms won't go down without a fight, but it's Garcia's team for now.

Is this the 2006 Eagles stud Garcia, though? Or the 2004-05 Lions and Browns washed-up former star Garcia? Jon Gruden and Co. are banking on the former. Tampa should be better in '07 than it was in '06. But a playoff squad? Probably not. Jon Gruden's not on the hot seat just yet but come October, let's check back on the status of that one.

25. Washington Redskins

Jason Campbell showed flashes of being a franchise QB as a rookie. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Jason Campbell's got a nice new mustache and a lot of high praise coming out of Washington. The stat heads will tell you it's warranted. The guys at FootballOutsiders.com are big Campbell supporters, writing recently, "Go back to your Pro Football Prospectus 2006. Read what David Lewin wrote about Philip Rivers. Be amazed at how accurate it was. Look at the projection for Jason Campbell. Note that no recent top QB prospect has both more college starts and a higher collegiate completion percentage than Campbell. Adjust expectations of possible late-season Washington upsets accordingly." Bold prediction, sure. But it's not without merit. Everyone you ask is high on Campbell. Of course, he's also the team's biggest question mark.

However, with the Clinton Portis/Ladell Betts duo healthy and ready to go, there's some genuine excitement for the Redskins as they enter training camp. Al Saunders worked wonders with Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson in his backfield back in 2005. Portis and Betts have that 1-2 potential. The defense was a nightmare last season, but should be improved with the additions of veteran performers London Fletcher-Baker, Fred Smoot and Omar Stoutmire. Can Washington compete in the up-for-grabs NFC East? Sure, why not? Crazier things have happened.

26. Detroit Lions

Jon Kitna guaranteed 10 wins a few weeks back, and the pundits had a field day. But Kitna's not backing down from the comments. With a manageable schedule, a budding offense guided by Mike Martz, and a re-patched defensive line, the Lions will most definitely improve from last year. Ten wins, though? Eek. I don't know. First things first they need to come to terms with Calvin Johnson. The second overall pick is currently un-signed.

27. Miami Dolphins

No one seems to be expecting much out of the Dolphins this season. A year after being considered a Super Bowl favorite by several talking heads, the 'Phins are now generally being talked about as a bottom of the barrel NFL team. It's certainly been an odd off-season for Miami. The Saban debacle was followed by the Daunte Culpepper mess, a curious and unpopular draft, and a slew of off-the-field trouble including problems for receivers Chris Chambers and Kelly Campbell, as well as DT Fred Evans and linebacker Joey Porter. Campbell and Evans were released, but Chambers and Porter remain with the squad.

With high expectations, the Dolphins finished the season 6-10 last year. With low expectations, there's hope they'll make a magic run to the AFC wild card. They'd be overcoming a lot in doing so.

28. Houston Texans

Some really great feel-good stories out of Houston camp all summer. First, Samkon Gado requested and was granted some time off from the Texans to prepare for the MCAT exam in June. New nickname? "The Doctor". Then, Rick Reilly had his piece in Sports Illustrated about Ahman Green and safety Jason Simmons helping the needy through their jersey number change. Really good stuff.

What's everyone most excited about, though? The new man under center, Matt Schaub. With a new quarterback, new running back (Ahman Green), new offensive tackle (Jordan Black), and yet another first-round pick on the defense (Amobi Okoye), there's a different kind of feeling coming out of Texans camp this summer. Fans are hoping the season plays out a little differently than usual, too.

29. Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson gives the Vikings a dynamic ground game. (Scott Schneider / Getty Images)

If the Adrian Peterson-Chester Taylor combo performs as expected, and that star-studded Vikings offensive line continues to uphold its end of the bargain, we could be looking at the number one rushing team in the entire league. As for the passing game? Well, who knows? As I discussed in my recent column , both the Vikings' quarterback and receiver situations are enormous question marks. If second-year QB Tarvaris Jackson exceeds expectations, Minnesota could very well be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. Of course, that could be asking a lot out of a guy with a grand total of two career starts.

30. Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta, you're on the clock. What else can you say? On top of the hideous Vick situation, Warrick Dunn's injured, the defense is thin, and there's the chance of mass protest before each and every Falcons road game this season. Everyone's sickened by the Vick stuff but that's just the start of Atlanta's problems.

On defense, unit leader Patrick Kerney left for the Seahawks, and there are question marks all along the defensive line. It's just a horrible situation in Atlanta right now. Public relations-wise and football-wise. Bobby Petrino didn't have this in mind when he left Louisville for the ATL back in January. If he can get this team to .500, he'll be coach of the year. Heck, coach of the decade.

31. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders made news recently by signing former Pro Bowl Jaguars safety Donovin Darius. The signing only further bolsters an already potent defensive squad that ranked as one of the top units in the league last year. Of course, the D wasn't the problem for the Raiders in '06; the offense was. In '06, Oakland averaged a league-worst 246.2 yards per game, a league-worst 4.2 yards per play, and had a league-worst 46 turnovers. They also finished a league-worst 2-14.

So in comes the overhaul. New coaches, new running backs, new quarterbacks ("including Daunte Culpepper), new receivers and a new tight end will all learn to gel together on the go in '07. They'll be better than last year's squad, for sure. That said, they'll also more than likely have a top-10 draft pick come April. A return to the postseason is still a few years away for the natives of the Black Hole.

32. Cleveland Browns

Great story out of Cleveland this week, as Browns center LeCharles Bentley, a highly decorated free agent signing from last spring, was cleared to return to the football field for the first time since tearing up his knee on the opening day of training camp last summer. Bentley's injury was complicated by a staph infection. With or without Bentley in the fold, though, it should be another long season for Browns fans. There will be some definite bright spots (Joe Thomas and Braylon Edwards especially), but question marks still dot the roster. Playing in the loaded AFC North, there's little room for error. Cleveland's moving in the right direction; it's just not there yet.
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Chrisbob · Aug 1, 2007

Low ranking for the Skins but very positive write up.

DawkinsINT · Aug 1, 2007

Did he call Michael Lewis an Eagles contributor? Contributor to what, giving up long TDs?

truelife · Aug 3, 2007

nice seeing the niners in the middle of the pack.. Now i just hope michael lewis will revert to his good old days and improve our secondary

Dam8610 · Aug 6, 2007

DawkinsINT said: ↑

Did he call Michael Lewis an Eagles contributor? Contributor to what, giving up long TDs?
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Yes, that's how Cato June was a contributor as well. The only difference is they "contributed" in different aspects of the game. Lewis gave up the long ball, Cato got steamrolled by RBs on the way to long TDs.

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Training camp power rankings

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