Week 2 NFL Power Rankings
By Tim Kelly
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks fullback Derrick Coleman (40, right) celebrates his 15-yard touchdown reception with tackle Russell Okung (76) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Andy Dalton really impressed me in his first game out of Jay Gruden’s offense, and A.J. Green is a flat-out stud. Gio Berrnard is also one of the most versatile backs in the league, which means that the Bengals have a chance to have one of the better offenses in the league.
Defensively, they did a lot of bending, but didn’t break against Joe Flacco last week. If they do that much bending against Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense this week, they won’t only give up 16 points and they’ll probably lose the game. On a defense that is supposed to be one of the top five in the league, this week needs to be a statement game.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Colin Kapernick looked healthy, which completely opened up what really is a loaded offense. Frank Gore is still trucking, and Carlos Hyde looked pretty damn good. And the receiving corps–Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson and Vernon Davis–is loaded.
I’m not sure the whole Ray McDonald thing is going to turn out very well, but as they get back defensive stars like Navorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, they should only improve.
2. Denver Broncos
For three quarters, things went just about perfectly for the Broncos. Peyton was Peyton. Montee Ball held onto the ball. And new additions like Demarcus Ware, Emmanuel Sanders and Bradley Roby, looked like they had made the Broncos an even better team. And then they let the Colts back in, and almost ended up letting Andrew Luck lead a Joe Flacco-esque comeback.
In the end, the Broncos are the best team in the AFC, and by far the best offense in the league. They will be judged in January, and if things go right, February.
1. Seattle Seahawks
They killed it on opening night, in all facets of the game. On paper, Denver might be the only team that could state that they are as good as the Seahawks right now, but then there’s last year’s Superbowl hanging over their heads.
Another thought: If Richard Sherman all but takes away one side of the field and is the best player (him or Earl Thomas) on what is turning into one of the All-Time great defenses, who really cares if he is better than Darrelle Revis or Patrick Peterson?