frankbones Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 check this $hit out http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrank/offseason.html Bucs remain in No. 1 spot -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ESPN.com ESPN.com's Power Poll The rankings are determined by a poll of ESPN.com's NFL staff -- senior writers John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli and editor Peter Lawrence-Riddell. Click here to send in comments on the first rankings of 2003. The regular season is more than four months away. But as any NFL fan knows, there's no offseason anymore. From the moment the 2002 season ended with the Bucs hoisting the championship trophy, teams have been busy building toward 2003. With the draft finished, we decided it was time to see how the NFL's 32 teams stack up. Unlike last offseason when people still doubted the Patriots, the Buccaneers appear headed into 2003 as the clear No. 1 team. With the core of their Super Bowl team returning, there's no reason the Bucs shouldn't be considered favorites. Since optimism tends to be overly rampant in the offseason, we've listed why each team should be optimistic heading into 2003. However, it wouldn't be any fun -- or particularly accurate -- if we listed only the positives, so we've included reasons to be pessimistic for each team, too. Team ESPN.com says Tampa Bay Bucs Optimistic: Core of Super Bowl team returns intact. Pessimistic: There's nowhere to go but down. Warren Sapp's contract status could also be a distraction -- you know Warren won't keep quiet about it. 2. Raiders Optimistic: Team only seems to get better with age. Pessimistic: Can Gannon, Rice and Brown continue last season's form? 3. Eagles Optimistic: They still have Donovan McNabb and he'll keep them near the top of the NFC. Pessimistic: Hugh Douglas' production won't be replaced by a rookie or anyone else on their roster right now. 4. Steelers Optimistic: While Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland are improving, the Steelers are still the class of the AFC North. Pessimistic: Anyone want to wager on Tommy Maddox having the same success in 2003 he had in 2002? 5. Titans Optimistic: Steve McNair just seems to win and 2003 should be no different. Pessimistic: Eddie George isn't getting any younger -- 3.4 and 3.0 yards per carry the last two years is not good. 6. Patriots Optimistic: Offseason additions should improve defense. Pessimistic: Running game is still a big question mark. 7. Falcons Optimistic: Two words: Michael Vick Pessimistic: But can he follow up 2002 with a step forward? 8. Dolphins Optimistic: Ricky Williams was everything the Dolphins hoped for and should be just as good in 2003. Pessimistic: Until the Dolphins find a way to win late in the season, who cares? 9. Packers Optimistic: Brett Favre is coming back, which is all Packers fans need to hear. Pessimistic: Will talk of Favre's future be a distraction? 10. Saints Optimistic: With Deuce McAllister and Aaron Brooks, offense should continue to improve. Pessimistic: They'll still find a way to stumble down the stretch. 11. Jets Optimistic: Chad Pennington emerged as a star last season and should continue to improve. Pessimistic: But will his lack of arm strength catch up to him? 12. Chiefs Optimistic: If defense can improve a little, they'll be dangerous. Pessimistic: Priest Holmes' health status sure doesn't sound good. 13. Colts Optimistic: With Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and a healthier Edgerrin James, Colts have offense to win. Pessimistic: We're still waiting to see Manning win a playoff game. 14. 49ers Optimistic: Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens will keep the 49ers in contention. Pessimistic: Tai Streets came on last year, but this team is still too reliant on Owens. 15t. Bills Optimistic: Offseason additions on defense should help one of the league's most porous defenses. Pessimistic: Despite the improvements, they're still probably the No. 4 team in their division. 15t. Rams Optimistic: The Rams still have the talent and with improved health, should return to top form. Pessimistic: Kurt Warner might never return to the level of an elite QB. 17. Broncos Optimistic: Mike Shanahan will turn Jake Plummer into an above-average NFL QB. Pessimistic: Plummer is what he is and not even Shanahan can change that. 18. Giants Optimistic: Jeremy Shockey should continue to get better, meaning the whole offense will be better. Pessimistic: Still not sure they have enough to stay with the Eagles. 19. Vikings Optimistic: Won last three games and enter 2003 believing they've turned a corner. Pessimistic: Defense still doesn't look like a playoff-caliber unit. 20. Seahawks Optimistic: Matt Hasselbeck emerged as No. 1 QB and Koren Robinson emerged as No. 1 WR. Pessimistic: Defense is still shaky and counting on Hasselbeck might be risky. 21. Browns Optimistic: After making the playoffs last season, 2003 should bring even better things. Pessimistic: The Browns were lucky to make the playoffs last year and actually took a step back with offseason losses. 22t. Ravens Optimistic: With a healthy Ray Lewis expected back, defense should be better than average. Pessimistic: It won't matter how good the defense is if the offense can't find the end zone. 22t. Redskins Optimistic: Offseason additions -- especially Laveranues Coles -- will make 'Skins better. Pessimistic: Can second-year QB Patrick Ramsey avoid Steve Spurrier's quick hook. 24. Chargers Optimistic: Addition of David Boston gives Drew Brees much needed weapon. Pessimistic: He might have been old, but the Chargers will miss Junior Seau. 25. Panthers Optimistic: Team took a big step forward in John Fox's first season. Pessimistic: Despite some additions, offense will still struggle. 26t. Bears Optimistic: Anthony Thomas is apparently in great shape. Pessimistic: Kordell Stewart is not the answer at QB in Chicago. 26t. Bengals Optimistic: Marvin Lewis has things on the right track. Pessimistic: It's too easy to say, but Mike Brown is still in charge and they're still the Bengals. 28. Cowboys Optimistic: The day he walked in the door, Bill Parcells made the Cowboys a better team. Pessimistic: They have three years to win, because that's about as long as Parcells will be around. 29. Jaguars Optimistic: Surprisingly active in free agency, Hugh Douglas and Mike Peterson will help on defense. Pessimistic: Mark Brunell might not have enough left in the tank for another playoff run. 30. Lions Optimistic: Steve Mariucci should be good for at least a few wins. Pessimistic: A two-game improvement would still make Detroit just 5-11. 31. Texans Optimistic: More weapons and experience should make David Carr happy. Pessimistic: They're still going to struggle to score points. 32. Cardinals Optimistic: At least Emmitt Smith will sell more tickets. Pessimistic: Losses of Jake Plummer and David Boston would be hard for a good team to overcome -- and this team wasn't good. I mean c'mon, ranking the Vikes and Seahawks ahead of us? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eparadox Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 The Chiefs at 12, and the Jets at 11? What the heck, Priest Holmes is screwed, and they still think that offense is gonna run smooth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSchwartz Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 It's kinda early to worry about stupid polls like that don't ya think? Especially that power poll. They routinely were ranking teams ahead of teams with identical records that lost in the head to head matchup last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wicked Wop Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Well, I will give them credit for atleast going after an unknown factor going into next offseason as far as justifying our ranking ie, Patrick Ramsey (I to think he will be fine, but it is a ? at this time). I don't know if that justifies us being ranked 22, but I'll live with it for now, but every team still has proved nothing yet, and the skins are the only team that has improved dramatically at numerous positions. And considering that we were around this rank in last year in power rankings it makes you scratch your head. Most of the rest of it I can live with except for the JETS. I think maybe they felt sorry for them losing all their players, but even looking at if from an NFL view instead of the Redskins.....do you really think they are better than the Giants, Rams, or 49ers......I don't know seems kinda shaddy to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RabidFan Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 I have serious problems with Minnesota and Seattle being rated above the skins.....at least the Browns made the playoffs so thats fine.....Balt too shouldn't be above us just because Ray Lewis is back......I like how Cincy is higher than Dallas though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeypeet Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 It is to early for polls. And at this point I would rather be and underdog but anyone that thinks the Viking will be better than us next year.....well......:doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codeorama Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 I'd rather be underrated than overrated... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HogsOfWar Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 A lot of the ranking were dumb. Philly lost a lot of players and yet were ranked #3. The Giants only got stronger since last offseason and are #18. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Y Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 The press never gives us any respect. Why should they start now? We have a pretty tough schedule this year with a second year QB and Coach. Lets face facts they are unproven as pros. But like Code said I'd rather be underestimated, so we can jump up and bite them on their a$$es when we roll to the NFC East Title. King Patrick:king: will lead us to the promised land.:notworthy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCS:BraveCaringSoul Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 I'm with WhiskeyPete and Code on this one. In fact I wish they had us ranked at 32. From a team psyche p.o.v. it is far easier to motivate players when they're viewed as the decided underdog than when they're the favorite. Sometimes "bad press" is really good news and it frequently makes great bulletin board material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Awesome Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Three teams that didn't make the playoffs: Pats, Dolphins, and SAints ranked in the top ten??? over two teams who were in the playoffs: 49ers and Giants??? Sometimes it really kills me to think about how these a$$holes get paid GOOD money for this kind of bs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riggo-toni Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Given Bulger's performances, the Rams should be ranked a lot higher. The Eagles will be hurting w/o Douglas, but the big drop will be the Raiduhs, maybe even out of the top ten. Nobody rebounds from getting thrashed like that in the playoffs, and the Raiduhs are really fighting father time. I'd say they're 50/50 to make the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottb Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Let's see...we drafted 13th based upon last year's performance. We are ranked 22nd for the upcoming season based upon percieved talent and off season moves. I guess that means the coaches and team did a helluva good job last season huh?....something sure seems off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Funny that we've actually lost points in the standing from the end of last year to now I think . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Fascinating. The team tied with us for 22nd - the Ravens - had this written about them: 22t. Ravens Optimistic: With a healthy Ray Lewis expected back, defense should be better than average. Pessimistic: It won't matter how good the defense is if the offense can't find the end zone. So we're the equivalent of a team with a "better than average defense" whose scoring ability is in doubt even after we improved ourselves the way we did, huh? Someone better tell SOS that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Hopefully this ranking doesnt effect the Madden product coming out in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins26 Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Let me tell you all something. There is a reason why it seems like every single year the people in the superbowl were never the favorites to be there. And that reason is because these people suck. I mean sure they know their football, but this is so hard to pick right now, id say if your in the top 25 of this you have a shot. They are usually pretty accurate that the last 7 teams are gonna blow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowtrain Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Originally posted by Skins26 Let me tell you all something. There is a reason why it seems like every single year the people in the superbowl were never the favorites to be there. And that reason is because these people suck. I mean sure they know their football, but this is so hard to pick right now, id say if your in the top 25 of this you have a shot. They are usually pretty accurate that the last 7 teams are gonna blow. From last year's preseason rankings, 7 out of 8 of the teams that actually advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs were ranked as playoff teams in ESPN's preseason rankings. 7 out of 8. We all know these should be taken with a grain of salt and this year seems one of the most difficult to rank in recent history. But let's not pretend they're simply throwing darts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eparadox Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 We were ranked #2 in 2000. Pre-Season rankings mean squat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yomar Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Its a vast media conspiracy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenaciousd Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 I like the Jets at 11. That got a good laugh out of me. Probably going to finish 4th in their own conference, but they're the 11th best team in the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tommy-the-Greek Posted May 7, 2003 Share Posted May 7, 2003 Flow, Will you still post here if the Jets lose the opener? I know you will be back if the Jets win, but will we see your posts if you lose? Just wanted to know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earl Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 this is bull i think we are better than 8 teams ahead of us. well if the world doesn't expect anything from us, then they would scrutinize every little mistake. we're gonna shock the world! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Om Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 Flow, I'd be interested in seeing how ESPN has done historically with these preseason rankings ... without having to go dig around on their site at the moment. You say they pegged 7 of 8 eventual playoff teams last year. Do they still have their rankings for, say, the past ten? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phat Hog Posted May 8, 2003 Share Posted May 8, 2003 ESPN's NFL Power Poll equates to asking a woman what color she likes on any given day.... FORGEDABOUDITT !! :stick: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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