The "how was your summer?" NFL power rankings, Part 2
We're finishing up this short series with Nos. 11-32.
Power rankings can be useful as a way to gauge where your team is in the NFL hierarchy. And, as so much of our media content, it serves to rile fans up. I don’t want to do that with my version of power rankings.
As I explained in part one, I didn’t just consider how good a team is when I decided where to rank all 32 teams. I also examined how well they were able to navigate the summer by fending off distractions, like bad press and major injuries.
You can read the first part here, but as a refresher, this is how the top 10 looks:
1. Buccaneers
2. Chiefs
3. Browns
4. 49ers
5. Seahawks
6. Titans
7. Rams
8. Ravens
9. Packers
10. Bills
Now let’s finish it up with the other 22 teams.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
Before the Steelers’ preseason began, I had registered exactly two tidbits about them all summer: 1. They’re one of the most vaccinated teams and 2) Ben Roethlisberger is in the best shape of his life!
I don’t know how good the Steelers will be in 2021. Judging by Mike Tomlin’s resume, they’re practically guaranteed to go .500 or better, though their schedule is pretty brutal. But that’s how an NFL team wants to spend its offseason: no drama, no fuss.
Even this week, when a potential snag hit Tomlin’s plans, he shot down a report that receiver James Washington requested a trade.
Major props to Tomlin for being an adult. The sports world needs more of them.
12. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ 2020 season was forgettable and, if everything goes according to plan, an aberration. Last we checked, Bill Belichick can still coach, even without Tom Brady.
The quarterback position is a concern, and the Patriots are hoping for more consistency than they’ve seen so far. Still, it’s in much better shape than it was a year ago. Cam Newton is well versed in the offense now, while first-round pick Mac Jones is making headway.
Even the sticky situations are working themselves out. N’Keal Harry’s agent put in a trade request two months ago, but based on the way the third-year receiver has been lighting it up on the practice field, that could soon be forgotten. Stephon Gilmore continues to contribute despite his current contract dispute. And free agent addition Hunter Henry’s recent shoulder injury is nothing that worries Belichick. Not that much worries a man with such a sunny disposition:
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Is this perhaps a sign that the Chargers’ fortunes are changing?
The fans have reason to want to see the Chargers in person. I have yet to hear a negative report on Justin Herbert this offseason — and really, the entire offense — this offseason. There have been no significant injuries (hurry, knock on wood everyone). The defense is still adjusting to its new scheme but is starting to get the hang of it all.
But, and you knew this was coming because this is the Chargers: the kicking battle is roooough. In front of fans on Sunday, the three kickers competing for the job combined to make just 10 of 19 field goal attempts. They were greeted with boos. But hey, at least the Chargers have fans now!
14. Chicago Bears
It’s not hard to understand why Bears fans are brimming with excitement about Justin Fields. He’s earning high marks from his receivers, including Jimmy Graham, Darnell Mooney, and poor Allen Robinson, who finally has a real quarterback throwing him the ball. He’s getting praise from the media. And he can make these kind of jaw-dropping plays on the regular:
Chicago diehards have been waiting a lifetime for a quarterback like Fields — and he still probably won’t start right away because veteran Andy Dalton has had a strong training camp and has shown command of the offense. Matt Nagy is also trying to avoid rushing Fields at the possible detriment to his development, but Fields’ play might force him to start the rookie earlier than he wants.
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows in Chicago, though, particularly the rash of injuries. But ahh, the glimpses of Fields’ skills certainly help mask any problems the Bears may be dealing with this summer.
15. Denver Broncos
OK, so they didn’t manage to trade for Aaron Rodgers, which was never going to happen anyway. But the Broncos’ offseason has been fruitful otherwise. Their defense, with a healthy Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, is set to return to its dominating ways. The secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, and first-round pick Pat Surtain II is fitting right in. Their list of young offensive playmakers is long — Noah Fant, KJ Hamler, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Javonte Williams — and ready to make life easier for whoever wins the quarterback job.
Ah yeah, that. In the future, the Broncos might come to regret passing on Justin Fields, but both Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater are capable quarterbacks and can bring more stability to the position than Denver had last season. Heading into the preseason, the competition is still ongoing, for better and worse.
16. Miami Dolphins
How the Dolphins’ season goes will largely depend on how much Tua Tagovailoa improves. The early reports are promising, especially regarding his feel for the offense and connection with first-round pick Jaylen Waddle.
Just last week, one headache was resolved when Xavien Howard, who requested a trade, received a restructured contract.
Brian Flores has a little BS to deal with, however. The offensive tackle situation is iffy, and they’ve had a few players land on the Covid list recently. Most publicly, tight end Adam Shaheen, who is fourth on the depth chart and retweets Candace Owens. And in case you’re wondering, the answer is igneous — that’s the kind of rock that’s floating around in his head where his brain should be.
17. Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray is already a human highlight reel who puts up the type of stats that make his fantasy owners very happy. Still, it doesn’t feel like he’s even scratched the surface of what he can be. He hasn’t really had a complete season yet. That could change this year with a stronger offensive line and a few more offensive weapons. A.J. Green is thriving in his new home, and Rondale Moore is ready to embarrass defenders each Sunday.
This is Arizona in the summer, though, so there are reasons to sweat if you’re a Cardinals fan. DeAndre Hopkins is another vaccine skeptic. J.J. Watt has yet to practice after another injury setback. Chandler Jones wants a trade. Jordan Hicks is irked he won’t get to compete for a starting role. And last I checked, the Cardinals still play in the NFC West.
18. Dallas Cowboys
Training camp started on such an optimistic note. And then Dak Prescott hurt his shoulder.
The Cowboys downplayed it and though he sat out the Hall of Fame Game, he started throwing again soon after. At the same time, Amari Cooper came off the PUP and Micah Parsons was basking in the glow of his impressive NFL debut for a defense that needs difference makers.
And then Dak underwent another MRI, which the Cowboys not-so-reassuringly told us was nothing to worry about:
Hopefully that’s the case, because based on what we saw from his backups in their preseason opener, the Cowboys will be screwed again if Dak suffers a serious injury.
19. New Orleans Saints
If the Saints weren’t loaded with dudes at almost every position, they’d be ranked a lot lower than this because each day has seemingly brought more bad news for the team.
Star receiver Michael Thomas is in the middle of an ugly fight with Sean Payton. The quarterback competition isn’t inspiring much confidence. One cornerback retired and another could be facing a suspension. Even the kicker’s hurt!
There’s still time for the Saints to get their shh-it-flew-out-the-window together before the season begins, and Payton knows how to deal with drama and keep his team focused. Nevertheless: yikes!
20. Minnesota Vikings
Speaking of yikes, let’s check in with the Vikes. Mike Zimmer is fed up with media illiterate anti-vaxxers on his team, most notably Kirk Cousins, who vows to follow every protocol — except the simplest, safest, most effective solution.
Rookie Christian Darrisaw, expected to take over at left tackle, has been hurt. So has No. 1 receiver Justin Jefferson, though he thankfully avoided a serious injury. Another recent first-round pick, Jeff Gladney, was released earlier this month after he was indicted for felony assault.
That’s a lot of negative developments. And yet, this is a talented team, with a defense poised to rebound in 2021. But if the Vikings can’t move past their disappointing summer, just blame it on Cousins.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Carson Wentz underwent surgery again. So did All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, for the same injury as Wentz. Now first-round pick Kwity Paye is injured too after suffering an ankle sprain.
Fortunately, Wentz and Nelson could be back for Week 1. That doesn’t answer the big question: Can Wentz regain the MVP-like form he had last time he played for Frank Reich? If not, can he at least play competently enough to keep the Colts competitive?
22. Las Vegas Raiders
It’s kind of flown under the radar just how weird of a summer the Raiders have had. Four front office executives have resigned since June, three players retired in one week, and two recent first-rounders appear to have lost their starting job.
On the other hand, the team itself continues to make progress.
And Carl Nassib said he’s received nothing but support after coming out. Those are the good vibes the Raiders need.
23. Carolina Panthers
Have you heard much about the Panthers’ training camp? Neither have I. Is that a good or bad omen? Not sure! I do know that Sam Darnold is still their quarterback, so it’s hard to get too excited.
24. Washington Football Team
Washington started off July with a $10 million fine from the NFL. It ended July with immune-deficient Ron Rivera taking his frustrations to the press about how many of his players were still reluctant to get vaccinated. That at least seemed to work; one week later, 84 percent of Washington’s players had at least one shot.
The defense remains as scary as ever. The quarterback position is still unsettled but should be better than it was a year ago. If that’s only by default, then so is Washington’s status as a division title contender.
25. Atlanta Falcons
You know what sounds fun? Arthur Smith coaching an offense led by Matt Ryan, who will be throwing the ball to Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts.
You know what would’ve been more fun? If Julio Jones had been a part of that. Alas, the Falcons traded one of the best players in franchise history (reminder: for a second- and fourth-rounder), the OL protecting 36-year-old Ryan is dicey, and the defense … wellllll:
26. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is back after tearing his ACL last year, but he’s not quite back to normal. Maybe he just needs some time to get into a rhythm again. Same for rookie Ja’Marr Chase, who is beginning to turn it on after a slow start to training camp.
Or, because it’s the Bengals, their struggles could be a harbinger of things to come.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have the potential to rise in traditional power rankings this year thanks to the power of Trevor Lawrence:
But until we see how this young team looks on the field, it’s too early to slot them higher, especially after a summer that involved: 1) foisting Tim Tebow on us again, 2) Urban Meyer getting subpoenaed as part of a lawsuit against the former Iowa strength coach he tried to hire, and 3) Meyer declining to commit to Lawrence as the Week 1 starter (but, c’mon).
28. Philadelphia Eagles
It didn’t take long for the injuries to start piling up. To no one’s surprise, that includes players in the secondary, OL, and at the WR position. Sounds familiar!
Heisman winner DeVonta Smith, this year’s first-round pick, is missing valuable snaps while sidelined with a knee injury, but perhaps that’s opened the door for last year’s first-round pick, Jalen Reagor, to finally put it all together after his rough start.
29. Detroit Lions
The only headlines I’ve seen about the Lions training camp have involved the ever-quotable Dan Campbell. I doubt the Lions are going to be good this year, but I’m pleased to know there are no turds in the locker room. For that quote alone, I refuse to put the Lions in the bottom three of these rankings.
30. New York Giants
Let’s see. The Giants got into a teamwide brawl, several players retired in the span of a few days, and Joe Judge was revealed to be, basically, Led Tasso, Ted Lasso’s evil alter ego.
But at least Saquon Barkley is coming back (for now).
31. New York Jets
I’d like to rank the Jets higher because Robert Saleh is the opposite of Joe Judge (wait, does that make him Ted Lasso? It kinda fits!) And rookie receiver Elijah Moore has been killing it … or had been, until he sustained a quad injury.
But Zach Wilson’s mistake-filled training camp, plus the relative lack of talent on the team overall, means they’re relegated (soccer pun intended) to No. 31.
32. Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson is currently facing 22 civil lawsuits from women accusing him of sexual misconduct. And because Roger Goodell hasn’t stepped in, Watson continues to attend Texans practices (as the fourth-string QB and sometimes as a safety) while the coaches can’t say much more beyond “no comment.”
It’s an uncomfortable situation all on its own. Then you factor in the yokels in charge and the Texan’s “startup” vibe, and it’s hard to imagine any team having a worse 2021.