NFC East Power Rankings Heading Into The 2010 NFL Season
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2010 8:36 AM CDT
in Dallas Cowboys General
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PrintThe BTB countdown clock is down to a handful of days until the season starts for the Cowboys against the Redskins. We no longer have to count months or even weeks. We're counting days, and pretty soon we'll be counting hours.
Most of us have been waiting for this season opener for almost eight months. Be strong my friends. The event we’ve all been drooling over is tantalizingly close.
You’ve done your homework. You've devoured every season preview publication, starting with the most excellent MSP Cowboys Annual (which you can still order here). You’ve scoured the internet for players on the waiver wire and you've followed the roster cuts like it was the real NFL Draft. There's only one question left: how good are the Cowboys?
In the last few days, many a pigskin pundit has released his version of the NFL power rankings heading into the 2010 season. Power Rankings! Some people think they are the greatest scourge to have visited Pro Football, others can't help but pore over them, dissect them and have heated arguments about them.
Time now to dispense with the pretense and commence with some real football. Here are the first power rankings heading into the 2010 NFL season.
It's not how you start it's how you finish
The table below is a summary of the power rankings we tracked last year and how the four NFC East teams were ranked week by week. May this serve as a cautionary tale not to start fast only to end with a whimper. Appropriately, the Giants waved Guy Whimper on September 4th this year (that one was just too hard to resist).
Without further ado, here's what the pigskin pundits have to say about the Cowboys heading into the 2010 season.
1. Major Media Networks & Affiliates
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com: 2nd. "Their offensive line has injury issues, but there is too much talent on this roster to rank them lower. Getting back 20 of 22 starters means something. Wade Phillips is likely coaching for his job again."
USAToday.com: 3rd. No comments provided.
ESPN.com: 4th. "The debut of WR Dez Bryant in a game has taken almost as long as the Cowboys took to build the new stadium. (Clayton)"
WEEI.com: 5th. "The Cowboys are the team to beat in one of the best divisions in the NFL, the NFC East. The team’s biggest concern is their aging offensive line that needs to protect QB Tony Romo. Dallas has loads of talent on both sides of the ball and Jerry Jones’ team has a legitimate shot of being the first organization to host a Super Bowl in NFL history."
Foxsports.com: 6th. "This has been a shockingly silent offseason in Dallas considering expectations entering one without a salary cap. But maverick owner Jerry Jones just couldn't help himself in the draft once enticing WR Dez Bryant starting slipping in the first round. In Bryant, Dallas added a major weapon. But at what expense? Dallas did not address their OT hole left by Flozell "The Hotel" Adams, instead hoping Doug Free can hold down the spot for a full season. Tony Romo sure hopes he can."
NFL.com's Braintrust of Experts: 6th. Panel votes range from 3rd (Gil Brandt) through 10th (Pat Kirwan).
Don Banks of SI.com: 8th. "The Cowboys will be one of the featured teams in the yearly debate about the significance of preseason results, because Tony Romo and the Dallas first-team offense looked completely out of sync in August. Maybe they'll flip the switch Sunday night against the Redskins and wipe away the summer doldrums. But if they don't, the sky will be falling in the Metroplex by mid-Monday morning."
2. Blogs & Other Media or Stat & Computer based rankings.
TSN.ca: 2nd. "QB Tony Romo has a wealth of offensive options, including a three-pronged rushing attack and a deep receiving corps that includes last year's breakout WR Miles Austin, TE Jason Witten and, perhaps ready to make an impact, first-round WR Dez Bryant. If the aging offensive line can stay healthy, they'll score. A lot. Defensively, Dallas has a strong unit, with pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, NT Jay Ratliff and ILB Bradie James among the leaders. If the safeties can hold up, the 'Boys are in business."
WhatIfSports.com: 3rd. These guys simulate every possible match-up in the NFL 100 times, and use the winning percentages from those nearly 50,000 games to evaluate every team, with updated rosters and depth charts.
Drattek.com: 3rd. "The Cowboys have the talent and confidence to make the march to the Super Bowl. But then again, they've had that each of the past 3 or 4 seasons. It just seems that now it appears they have both the belief and the mental fortitude to pull it off. But the offensive line ( and by extension, Tony Romo )for Dallas is the key component. If they make it, at least they won't have to "march" very far. If they don't, and ruin Jerruh's Super Bowl shindig, look for LOTS of heads to roll. That's probably why they won't ultimately make it to the big game. And by the way a reminder to Houston fans all amped up by the pre-season thumping they gave to the Cowboys: September 26th is the rematch, and this one actually counts. Good luck."
ColdHardFootballFacts.com: 3rd. " A Super Bowl host hasn't made the playoffs since the 2001 season, when the Tampa Bay Bucs lost in the first round. The 1998 Dolphins were the last team to win a playoff game in their Super Bowl hosting season."
ProFootballWeekly: 4th. "Is it time to start worrying about Tony Romo and the run game?"
ProFootballTalk.com: 5th. "A glaring weakness at left tackle ultimately could keep the Cowboys from playing in the Super Bowl they'll host." Huh? Have you been reading too much in your own blog again, Mr. Florio?
Betus.com: 7th. "Dallas has mostly struggled this preseason but still have arguably the game’s best front seven on defense – and one of the most potent rushing attacks around."
WalterFootball.com: 8th. "The Cowboys have the most talent in the NFL. Unfortunately, Tony Romo doesn't care, Felix Jones has no idea what's going on, Roy Williams keeps sucking, and Wade Phillips is as confused as ever. Here's to more high blood pressure for Jerry Jones come January!" Here's a writer who is barely hanging on to the thread of reality, and is in serious danger of quickly disappearing from this power ranking roundup. Again.
Here's how the NFC East fared:
| |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Cowboys | Eagles | Giants | Redskins | |
| CBSSports.com |
2 | 13 | 11 | 21 |
| TSN.ca |
2 | 16 | 13 | 11 |
| WhatIfSports |
3 | 7 | 13 | 15 |
| USAToday.com | 3 | 13 | 16 | 22 |
| Drafttek.com | 4 | 15 | 19 | 17 |
| CHHF.com | 4 | 12 | 17 | 24 |
| ESPN.com | 4 | 15 | 19 | 17 |
| PFW.com | 4 | 15 | 13 | 19 |
| NFL.com | 4 | 16 | 17 | 19 |
| PFT.com | 5 | 16 | 14 | 19 |
| WEEI.com | 5 | 17 | 14 | 21 |
| Foxsports | 6 | 13 | 22 | 17 |
| Betus.com | 7 | 22 | 16 | 17 |
| SI.com | 8 | 14 | 13 | 21 |
| WalterFootball | 8 | 18 | 19 | 14 |
| Average | 4.5 | 14.7 | 15.2 | 18.5 |
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Comments
i loathe power rankings
but yet its a good way to shove it to the haters. So then I love power rankings haha
Really?! Really?!
I love power rankings!
Even though they’re quite useless, I’m a guy who loves making lists.
Is it NFL time yet?
As with stock charts
they seldom tell you what will happen next.
seldom ... is often enough for me :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
NFL Power Rankings = Your Local Weatherwoman without the low cut blouse and BooBs
…Just take your umbrella if it looks like rain.
I have yet to see an NFL power ranking that I enjoyed as much as the local Weatherwoman flashing me some cleavage
NFL Power Ranking = a bowl of unflavored oatmeal
Even that does not work, because the oatmeal is good for you
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Larry Allen + Rayfield Wright = Roy Williams
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
the thing is, comparing ANYTHING to the local cleavage flasher isn't really fair now, is it?
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
The 2009 chart ws enlightening
anyone else notice how incredibly consistent the Redskins were? Wow.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
They started in the top 20 and then fell out of the top 25. Consistently falling
Give Snyder time, and the Skins will be in Division III
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
Larry Allen + Rayfield Wright = Roy Williams
My Beer Blog: http://tiltingsuds.wordpress.com/
This is the mark of all "analysts" who don't really know anything about the team, but have a deadline to meet
their OT hole left by Flozell “The Hotel” Adams, instead hoping Doug Free can hold down the spot for a full season. Tony Romo sure hopes he can."
The line problems are all about people NOT named Free.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
In Fairness
If this was any other line in the NFL, a new left tackle who had never started a game at that position would be the biggest red flag on the team.
On this team, our line is such a horror show that Free is actually the LEAST concerning compared to the other 4 we’re rolling out there on Sunday.
by Blue Eyed Devil on Sep 9, 2010 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess my point is
Free is the least of the Cowboys’ current line challenges, but you’d have to actually do some reading and research to know that ship has sailed and another is already in port…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
That's why age
is a huge concern for me. All of the other 4 starters on the line are on the wrong side of 30.
Kosier – 31 (turns 32 late season)
Gurode – 32
Davis – 32 (just turned)
Colombo – 31 (turns 32 late season)
Our scouting department really needs to start focusing on top round Olineman to help bolster our line. We have way to much fire power on offense to be not getting them the ball down field or getting tackled for loss or no gain.
Problem is you just ...
don’t get the longevity out of OLineman,back in the day OL was a position that once they became starters you could put it on the back burner and find a gem in the latter rounds.Maybe Brewster+Costa will go from grains of sand to Pearls in time.Unfortunately because of the injuries we need them to be ready now and not later.
…IMO Rounds 1-3 we’ve gotten impact players the defense proves this,I’m not against spending a pick in those rounds for a OLineman,but this line has not needed a walk on starter for a few years,a few back-ups definately,but not a starter ’till this year and we got him in Free.
I'm hoping
Costa will pan out in the long run. He showed me that he was a capable back up Center. IMO he def. showed me he was better than the Proctologist. I think, Brewster has the potential to be something on the right. He just needs to get stronger at the point of attack and needs to develope a mean streak. My biggest concern is the interior line. Lots of question marks there behind the starters.
You don't know Jimmy K.
Nothing bothers him, he a troll with some tough thick skin. He’s a writer at BGN and has other things to do, I would think.
Lock n Load
Can't wait to join
their open thread Sunday. Wonder how long it will take me to get banned?
OCC – got odds?
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
Awwww
Are you saying they’re a bunch of pu**ies over there? I was hoping to get the first post and start with, “First! To offer my condolences on your upcoming loss to the Packers!”
Is that too much?
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
They'll ban you for not joining in the Eagles Fight Song at kickoff
they have wafer thin skin on that site.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Maybe he'll come with me
It’ll be fun. We’ll be polite and let them explode in hissy fits. Should make great copy Monday morning.
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
Thick skin? Yes. Other/better things to do? No, haha. But no, I’m not textaz, although I’m proud he’s been reading my comments.
Not sure I'm ready yet
I’ve been in preseason training over on Silver Screen and Roll. Maybe you could check and see if I’m ready to move up to the big-boy league that is Barfing Green Nation.
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
I promise to be gentle if you promise
to hold my hand and never leave my side. I’ll feel safer. If ya’ll will boo Santa there’s no telling what you’d do to a deaf guy.
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
Do I have a problem with deaf people? Haha, no, of course not. Regardless, if you act like a jerk, I would bet you won’t be received kindly.
Oh, of course,
It’s not like I’ve been locked up in some deaf institution or something. I know how to stay alive in the “real” world. ;)
I just think the forums can be fun. Of course, the world is full of wolves with really weird definitions of “jerk”. Being funny and being an A-hole ARE NOT the same thing!
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
The Horror Show is that they are injured,
there is not a team in the NFL that wouldn’t be in trouble starting the season with 2 injured OLmen,but we’ve seen what has happened when Kosier and Columbo go down.Free has proven himself to be a viable player,now are Brewster,Costa,Holland and the Ram guy ready to backup or start when called on to do so.
…I would think they would give Brewster,Costa and Young every oppurtunity to move up,sorry just don’t have faith in Holland or Barron and feel they are the back-ups to the back-ups if they fail to prove their worth.I think in the evaluation process they short circuited the young guys for players with exp. who haven’t been able to lockdown a spot.
It would have been better for the OLine...
as the injuries happened they had plugged in the back-ups and left them in just for the sake of working together and aquiring some semblance of consistency.
…What happened to the idea of replacing an injured player with a back-up,now we’re moving proven players to other spots and creating 2 questions on the line.Kosier probably would be playing if not for the brilliant idea to move him to practice @ center,he’s a guard-not a center,Davis is a guard-not a tackle,the one thing I took from Parcells was-you are what you are.Unless a player has been a 2 position guy-he won’t be a 2 position guy,they needed Guard-Center on the line and could have drafted Costa to @ least shown it wasn’t an after thought.
….This failure was in the War-Room and could have been addressed in rounds 5-7.
I'll have to agree
I don’t like that fact of all the moving parts. It’s bad enough that your loosing one player, but then you move another starter to that position to cover down, creates 2 holes now. Not very good for consistancy at all.
It's funny how " outsiders " know little about this team
We all know that Doug Free is the smallest of our worries about the Oline.
by Cowboysaficionado on Sep 9, 2010 9:30 AM CDT reply actions
Is he, though?
When it comes down to it, they know what the other 4 starters can do at their position against all levels of competition. We’ve only seen Free in a few preseason snaps. Isn’t that the same as Houston whipping us in an exhibition game? When he does it for real, then they’ll stop saying that.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 9, 2010 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
he is
The two best of those 4 are coming off injury issues. I think you have to consider Columbo a huge question mark. I thought Davis’ play declined last year, and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Gurode starts declining. I feel pretty confident in saying Romo will see as much pressure up his face as he will from his blind side.
I don't think it's very debatable
We’re talking about Free vs two back-ups. Is Free really what any analyst ought to focus on?
When healthy, Kosier might be the most consistent lineman. But I feel confortable saying that Free has enough starts at both tackle positions to judge that he is less of a worry than (1) Davis (2) an unhealthy Colombo (3) a declining Gurode. (4) any of the back-ups.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
He has zero starts at left tackle.
That’s significantly less than Barron has at both left and right tackle, and 48 less starts at his position than Holland.
Like I said, it’s all speculation based on seeing him play another position and preseason performance, which I thought everyone was agreeing was meaningless.
I think he’ll do well, but until he does, it’s a legitimate concern.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 9, 2010 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions
You want to quibble about "starts" and then say "until he does..."
The fact is, we have already seen him play left tackle. Pressed into service on the biggest of stages, he out-performed a quality defender in the Vikings Allen. Free is far more of a known commodity that you imply.
It’s not all speculation and preseason. There’s nothing “meaningless” about a playoff game. Dunk hits it right on the head: he’s clearly not the concern of this O-Line. Do you disagree with any of “1) Davis (2) an unhealthy Colombo (3) a declining Gurode. (4) any of the back-ups” ….?
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
** that ** than ... I've been doing too much of this lately :)
Original Pet-Cats: Duane Thomas, Roger Staubach, Walt Garrison, Charlie Waters, Bob Lilly
Walter Football Guy
just likes to do bits and reinforce cliches. He isn’t worth hanging on to, dude.
"By MLB.TV, we can see J. Hamilton's homer, M. Young's clutch, and N. Feliz's explosive. All about Rangers things can be our interest"
--South Korean Rangers fan
wow I hadn't read it before you posted
What a bunch of crap that guy wrote.
by Cowboysaficionado on Sep 9, 2010 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Walter football
Is a low rent “wanna be” website run by some young hack in PA. I am shocked his power ratings are included here.
It's borderline
shock-journalist.
Semper Fi Do or Die
Projected 2010 Record: 12-4. You heard it here first
It's not even journalism really though.
He has opinions and huge biases. As such, his opinion is as valuable as anyone commenting on this blog and should be held in no higher regard (although its significantly more uniformed than most on this blog). Honestly I would be glad to see him off the list.
Formerly Cowboyfan729
If I had a nickel for every time the Eagles won the Super Bowl, I would have zero nickels
No regional bias on those rankings
Just like Canton, completely objective. And Bristol for that matter.
Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.
by Lord Humungus on Sep 9, 2010 9:48 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
eagles, giants and redskins
it’s interesting how closely the eagles, giants and redskins are matched on power ranking paper .. 14.7, 15.2, 18.5
This probably only means
that nobody has a clue what to expect from these teams this year. All three could be way up or way down.
by One.Cool.Customer on Sep 9, 2010 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm a little surprised, actually.
Both by how consistently high the Cowboys are, and how consistently low the Giants and Eagles are. The buzz seemed to go the other way, and I thought I heard people saying the Cowboys wouldn’t even go 8-8, much less make the playoffs. Ignoring whether you agree with the write-ups or not, the Cowboys are considered a top 5 team by most and top 8 by all. Even the least optimistic ones have them 5 to 10 spots higher than the next best NFC East team.
by Baked Potato Soup on Sep 9, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Is this Barber's last year as a Cowboy?
Looking at all of our issues, (I hesitate to call them problems, see Detroit) I wonder if we will move on to younger players at running back after this year. I do not know the salary cap hit we would take but it seems like the youth movement will hit in the backfield next. Barber has been getting hurt and not playing in his Barbarian fashion for two years. This might change but the ‘New Attitude’ from the Cowboy brass could swing him out the door after this year.
love the guy and all he has done
but with that line in front of him, i dont think running delays and draws is going to give him the numbers to keep him atop the depth chart.
He doesn't want to and..
he is not really built for the job. He seems to lost that battering ram mentality required of a Fullback.
Yeah, I know
Just making a joke. Not a big fan of Barber anymore, can’t put my finger on it, but he doesn’t have “it” anymore. Maybe the quad has robbed him of his burst and that was what set him apart from others. I dunno, looking forward to seeing how he does this year though, things sound promising.
Deaf as a stone, dumb as a Bohr.
Wade Phillips is NOT coaching for his job...
Now if the defense spotaneously combusts,sure he may be fired. But you can’t blame the offensive issues we will have on Wade. That will be all on Jerry.
Too much time and money has been invested in this D to fire Wade if the team falls short, but the defense still plays well.
I agree, the problems on the offensive side would be much more on Jerry
Just don’t see Jerry firing himself. I think a failure to get at least into the second round of the playoffs will see Wade gone, justified or not.
If at first you don't succeed - blame someone else.
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