Week 3 NFC Power Rankings

Everyone's favorite arguments this side of Springer...  And without any further ado:

1. Seattle - Yes, they beat a floundering Giants team.  Yes, they just lost Alexander.  But for at least one last week, they're my number 1.
   
2. Chicago - Very strong showing, beating a very solid Minnesota team on the road.  This weekend's game against Seattle settles the arguement once and for all.
   
3. Philly - Except for a hiccup against the Giants in the 4th quarter, this team would be crusing to a 3-0 start.  Their schedule starts to toughen up after this weekend, so they'd b etter take advantage of the easy goings to start the year.  Losing the game to NYG should help them the rest of the way.
   
4. New Orleans - The new America's team.  They beat a tough ATL team to end their Monday Night winless streak.  Did I say beat?  I mean dismantled.  Their defense looked tough.  I said if they showed up, I'd believe...
   
5. Dallas - By not playing this weekend, they actually got better.  Everyone who was ahead of them either lost or looked altogether bad.  They have the terrible Titans before a showdown with Philly.
   
6. Minnesota - Tough loss to a tough team.  They looked good and in control for the better part of the game but this team needs to learn how to finish.  If the defense keeps it up, this team could give Chicago a run for their money the next go round.
   
7. Atlanta - Tough loss to the city of, I mean, team of New Orleans.  They looked overwhelmed and underprepared.  Their recievers couldn't get open at all.  The usually sure handed TE Crumpler crumpled under pressure, dropping sure TD passes.  The running game was contained.  QB Vick looked like a guy running a high school offense.  Bad special teams play, especially in protection.  I look for them to rebound with a statement game next week.
   
8. Carolina - They still haven't looked great, but a win's a win.  Smith returned and the offense scored points.  The defense didn't hold the anemic Tampa offense down, despite destroying Chris Simms' Spleen.  This team needs to get on track in a hurry if they want to make some postseason noise.
   
9. St. Louis - This is a team that needs to find itself.  They won against a very good Denver team, lost to San Fran, then won against Arizona in a very weird game.  Their winning, which is good, but they aren't consistent in any phase of the game this side of K Wilkens.
   
10. Washington - They finally won.  They finally had an offense that worked.  Brunell set an NFL record for consecutive completions.  But it was the Texans.  Good luck against JAX, especially if they can't get anything going offensively.
    
11. New York Giants - Last week they were on top of the world.  This week, they can't even be in the same room as their coach.  This team is headed for problems, and that's even before they start playing a game.  They need one, big group hug.  Or maybe instead of meetings, they can have group therapy sessions.
    

12. Arizona - This team needs an offensive identity.  They can't throw the ball successively and they give up on the run before halftime.  The defense needs someone to step up and become a playmaker.  I don't think QB Leinart is the solution, but he can't do worse than Warner has been.
    
13. San Fran - Showed heart against Philly, but little else.  Gore is the only player to show up every week for them.  The defense is painful to watch.  This team needs to grow up, no one more than QB Smith.
    
14. Green Bay - They won.  QB Farve threw for 340 yards and celebrated like the Farve of 10 years ago.  The defense did enough to win, though not anything spectacular.  Enjoy this one, there are not too many more on the horizon for this team.
    
15. Tampa Bay - Their outstanding player this past weekend was a guy who doesn't have a spleen anymore.  The defense played like they were the ones hurting.  That game was theirs to win but they let Carolina back in to it.  I hope QB Gradkowski is ready, because this team can no longer rely on their Defense to win them games.
    

    And the Week 3 "Exercise in Futility" Worst Team in the NFC Award goes to:

16. Detroit - They lost, again.  To Green Bay.  This team is lost with no help in sight.  Forget firing GM Millen, someone should up and shoot him.  He makes Isiah Thomas look like a genius.  Wait a minute... There's an idea:  Millen should take over duties as coach and go down with the ship on the sidelines, instead of up in the box.

    That's it for this edition.  Tune in next week to see me screw up the rankings.  And as always, let me know where I am wrong and where I should have ranked your favorite team...