Sporting Joe NFL Power Poll: Week 5

This past week saw the two remaining unbeaten teams lose.  That combined with Chicago’s struggles in Carolina has reshuffled the Power Poll.  Fresh off a "home win" in AT&T Stadium, Dallas has debuted in the rankings.  Meanwhile, familiar faces are ascending the list yet again.

1)      Seattle- If it was not for Richard Sherman’s verbal sparring with an opposing receiver every week; this would be the dullest reigning champion despite being poised to repeat.

              

2)      Denver- Few superlatives remain for Peyton Manning’s illustrious career.  However, one adjective is applicable Denver’s power ground game, missing. 

    

3)      San Diego- If the Chargers were not on their fourth center in six weeks they would have leap frogged the Broncos.  The bandwagon is filling up at Qualcomm Stadium. 

 

4)      Green Bay- Granted Christian Ponder is not a stern test but Dom Capers has his defense flying to the ball and raising havoc.

     

5)      New England- Once again it was too early to fret in Foxboro.  The tight end tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Tim Wright is a developing story to watch in the coming weeks.

     

6)      Cincinnati- Sunday night was another prime time failure for Marvin Lewis and Andy Dalton.  The talent is present, but an inability to match the opponent’s intensity is troubling. 

    

7)       Dallas- Sporting Joe was dubious that the Cowboys would resist the temptation to air it out despite the best run blocking line in the NFL.  DeMarco Murray is on pace to tie the single season rushing attempts record.  Ironically, it is Passing Game Coordinator Scott Linehan’s play calling that has the Cowboys running into the playoff picture. 

8)      Indianapolis- Pat McAfee is the most entertaining specialist the NFL has seen since the Gramatica boys bounced through the league. 

  

9)      Philadelphia- LeSean McCoy may be in his last season in Philly.  An 11.95 million dollar cap number has placed a target on his back and his continuing strife with Chip Kelly only adds to the uncertainty.

10) Arizona- If the Cardinals had not beaten San Francisco in week three; they would have found themselves dropped from the Power Poll in favor of their NFC West brethren.  As it is, a promising start is beginning to hang in the balance due to a rash of injuries.