Sporting Joe NFL Power Poll: Week 3

The NFC is a stronger conference from top to bottom than the AFC but the Power Poll barely reflects that this week.  The presence of three AFC teams in the top four overshadows the overall six to four split in favor of the NFC.  However, it would be foolish to draw broad conclusions from this data alone.  The AFC also has Oakland and Jacksonville. 

                                          

1)      Seattle- There is no argument that another team is better, at the moment.  The Seahawks failed to shut the door on Denver and that raises some concerns.                

2)      Denver-  John Elway’s much ballyhooed off-season spending binge closed the gap on Seattle.  However, if Denver cannot win a big game in September what gives fans reason to believe that will change in January.

    

3)      New England-  Bill Belichick is a defensive coach.  When the Patriots won Super Bowls, it was on the strength of their defense.  The Pats currently rank fourth in the NFL in scoring defense.

   

4)      Cincinnati-  Hue Jackson is digging into the playbook and adding some panache to Cincy’s attack.

5)      Philadelphia-  Another week and another to close for comfort win.  This could be a sign of the developing maturation of a team or an indicator of a club that is incapable of delivering the finishing blow.

     

6)      San Diego- Beating Seattle was good but following that with a win on the east coast indicates a steadiness that the Chargers have lacked.  File away the fact that San Diego beat Denver in Denver last regular season.

        

7)       Arizona-  Despite losing Carson Palmer the Cardinals are 3-0.  Tough tests await this young crew but a fast start has them playing with confidence.

8)      Chicago-  The slew of defensive injuries, compounded by a gimpy Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, is the only issue preventing a rapid ascent for the Bears.  If the Bears handle Green Bay that will answer the questions and precipitate a rise in the rankings.

    

9)      Green Bay- Despite an astonishingly lackluster performance in Mo Town the Packers remain in the hunt.  The onus is on Dom Capers to slow down a wounded Bear’s offense so that Rodgers and crew have the opportunity to recapture their rhythm.

10) Atlanta-  Coach Mike Smith will not want to hear it but the Falcons are emulating the Saints.  Road struggles and home dominance will be enough to capture a mediocre NFC South, which is the formula New Orleans has used well.