Power Rankings - Season 62 - Week 12 (Part One)

by adelfish | 4 years ago | 0 Comments

Season 62 - Week 12 Power Rankings - Part 1

One Thing We've Learned About Each Team Edition

#32 - Minnesota Vikings (1-9)

Last Ranking - #31

What we've learned: This offense has a very, very long way to go. 

I'm not even sure if they have an identity. Currently their quarterback room has accounted for 7 touchdowns and 26 interceptions, while the run game with Dalvin Cook is averaging a league worst 64 yards per game. There are so many holes along the offensive line, and the Vikings seem to be on a collision course with the 1st overall pick. It will be tempting to trade down and get more assets, but how can the Vikes pass on moving on from the Cousins era, into the Killings era?

#31- Cincinnati Bengals (1-9)

Last Ranking - #28

What we've learned: The Bengals need to protect their franchise quarterback.

The Bengals surprised everyone with a very frisky September, winning a hard fought game against Cleveland in Week 2, and three losses by one possession against the Chargers, Eagles, and Jaguars. Since then, it's been a major struggle, as the youth on this roster is going through a trial by fire, especially Joe Burrow. The Bengals have something here on offense, with a talented run game and receiving core, but the offensive line is a disaster. Loaded with picks this coming offseason, it's time to find a new pair of offensive tackles, and upgrade the interior.

#30 - Kansas City Chiefs (2-8)

Last Ranking - #30

What we've learned: There needs to be a change at playcalling on both sides of the ball.

There are so many things that we have learned this season about the disastrous Chiefs, but the execution on offense and defense has been atop that list. Despite being the top yardage team in football (some of that attributed to always playing from behind), the Chiefs offense generates more turnovers than any team in the league, which is inexcusable with the talent they have. On the other side, the Chiefs spent valuable draft capital to upgrade their secondary, which ranks 29th in pass yards allowed. Simply put, the playbooks and scheme has to change.

#29 - New York Giants (2-8)

Last Ranking - #21

What we've learned: The defense is worse than we all imagined.

After a 2 game win streak in October, the Giants are 0-4 since, and have yet to hold a defense under 30 points in that stretch. In fact, in their last 5 games, they have allowed 40+ three times, pushing them to the third worst scoring defense in the leauge. The personnel in New York is abysmal, with little to no upside coming. Guys like Logan Ryan, Leonard Williams...they don't inspire a bright future, although I do like the safeties. This pass rush is ranked worst in the league with 10 sacks in 10 games, they have to fix this.

#28 - Detroit Lions (3-7)

Last Ranking - #23

What we've learned: They are who we thought they would be.

Hey, it's hard to come into this league and be successful right away, few have done it. Coach RFox is learning the ropes, and getting 3 wins in his first season is nothing to be upset about, considering this roster is vastly underperforming. Trey Flowers has 1 sack in 10 games, and the passing offense is at a 1/2 TD/INT ratio. Good news? The new look secondary is playing well, with the new trio of cornerbacks combining for 7 interceptions.

#27 - New England Patriots (3-7)

Last Ranking - #12

What we've learned: Their style of play is completely unsustainable for success.

When I ranked the Patriots at #12 last write-up, they were coming off an overtime thriller over the Denver Broncos, that saw the Patriots move to 3-2 on the season. Since then? 5 straight losses, a few of them close, but a trend emerging that this offense is not good enough to support their elite defense. Amazingly enough, the rushing attack is actually really strong, with Sony Michel flirting with a 1000 yard season. Cam Newton and the pass offense has been dreadful, and has completely derailed this team's season.

#26- Miami Dolphins (3-7)

Last Ranking - #27

What we've learned: They should have kept that extra 1st round pick.

Von Miller has been very good for the Miami Dolphins, totalling 8 sacks and helping the Miami defense earn the 4th best pass defense in the league. The question that everyone is asking though, is was it the right time? The Miami Dolphins offense is not good, and it all stems from how poor their offensive line is. The pick they traded belonged to the Houston Texans, which is setting up to be somewhere in the mid-teens. If the Dolphins had their top five-six selection, along with that pick, selecting two blue-chip lineman was a possibility. Now? They will watch Denver use that asset, and hope they can build fast enough to justify the Miller trade.

#25 - Cleveland Browns (3-7)

Last Ranking - #22

What we've learned: The Week 1 win versus Baltimore was a complete mirage.

The Browns beat up the Ravens Week 1, to everyone's surprise. Since then? Two close victories over the Steelers and Bengals, and not much else. The passing attack currently sits at 31st in the league, with Baker Mayfield have a terrible season. My question is, what can they do? The team has so much money invested in their core players, it will be hard to improve this roster. Do they look to make a change at quarterback? I just don't see a path to success after such a failure with this talented roster.

#24- Carolina Panthers (4-7)

Last Ranking - #26

What we've learned: The youth movement on defense is experiencing major growing pains.

After the loss of Luke Kuechly, James Bradberry, and others, we knew this would be a work in progress on defense. Currently the Panthers are the worst yardage and pass yardage defense in the leauge, allowing an eye-popping 273 passing yards per game. There is a lot of work to be done in the secondary, as the young front seven will continue to grow. The silver lining is they have proven they can be competitive, but blowouts against Tampa Bay and Atlanta show they have work to do.

#23 - Houston Texans (5-5)

Last Ranking - #32

What we've learned: This roster is going to look drastically different next season.

Goodbye J.J. Watt and Brandin Cooks, and hello 4 game win streak! The Texans have rattled off 4 straight wins despite trading their best defensive player, and one of their top wideouts. The Broncos have to be seething, watching that pick go from 1st overall to somewhere in the mid-teens...ah well. The Texans are not good, and have been squeaking out wins against mid-tier opponents, I full expect them to finish last or third in a rather disappointing AFC South. This offseason will be about utilizing those new draft picks, and gutting the team of Bill O'Brien's mistakes.

#22 - Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6)

Last Ranking - #13

What we've learned: The quarterback for Season 63 is not currently on the roster.

The Jaguars sat at 4-2 last time we did these rankings, and have since dropped 4 games, and benched quarterback Gardner Minshew in the process. Coach Patrick Allen hasn't been shy about his disdain for the former starter, which points all eyes to looking into this year's draft or free agency. Armed with two 1st rounders, expect Jacksonville to do some damage. I would call this season a major success, as Jacksonville proved they are further along than most thought. They can be competitive soon.

#21- Chicago Bears (4-6)

Last Ranking - #29

What we've learned: The Bears may have the worst offensive supporting cast in football.

Somehow this team is 4-6, going 2-2 since we last spoke, with great wins against the Colts and Saints, and a heartbreaking 3 point loss to the Titans. They are proving that this defense (3rd against the pass) despite it's low sack numbers, is still really good. But the offense? Coach Beat will have to do everything in his power to inject some life into this side of the ball. The quarterback problems aside, look at the weapons. Cordarrelle Patterson at running back? Yikes.

#20 - Atlanta Falcons (5-6)

Last Ranking - #20

What we've learned: They crumble against teams with equal or superior talent, but at least it's fun to watch.

The best wins of the season for Atlanta have came against the 4 win Bears and 4 win Panthers. Anytime they have faced a team at .500 or better, they've been crushed, every single loss being by double digit points, save for a 17-10 loss to the Saints. Currently on a 3 game losing streak, it's safe to say the 33-0 loss to Denver broke this team's psyche, despite having the league's best passing offense. With tons of rumors circling about rebuilding by trading Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, it could be a long few seasons for Falcons fans.