Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Sporting Joe NFL Power Poll: Week 6

The mid-season mark is approaching and injuries are mounting for every team.  The best teams are the ones who can fully embrace the next man up ethos.  While Seattle struggles with secondary injuries, Cincinnati faces a dearth of bodies at wideout.  The Eagles have a patchwork offensive line that the Colts exceed with a cobbled together defensive front seven.  This is the point in the season when the talent evaluation of every general manager will either carry a team or lead to a drop in on-field production.

1)      Denver- After six weeks the Broncos have ascended to the number one spot.  If the Denver offense struggles against San Francisco’s shorthanded defense, it will be a short-lived stay at the top. 
             
2)      San Diego- The Chargers put away a feisty Oakland squad largely due to Phillip Rivers, who recorded his fifth consecutive game with a passer rating of 120 or higher. 
     
3)      Seattle- Dallas dominated the Seahawks in Seattle.  Moreover, cornerback injuries are mounting and testing their depth.  However, this is the type of adversity that Pete Carroll embraces. 

4)      Green Bay- The ship has righted itself but the loss to the Lions in Detroit may have lasting divisional implications. 
   
5)      Dallas- The victory in Seattle was a vivid example of the Cowboy’s new-found aggressive mentality.  This is a dangerous team if Dallas can maintain that edge over the course of the season.
   
6)      New England- A mere fortnight after the media declared their run over; the Patriots have claimed sole possession of first place in the AFC East.
    
7)       Indianapolis- Bjoern Werner was close to receiving the dreaded bust label after a disappointing start to his career.  This season, with Robert Mathis sidelined, Werner has begun to flash his potential with three sacks in six games. 
  
8)      Cincinnati- Mike Nugent’s missed 36-yard overtime field goal resulted in a frustrating tie for fans.  Allowing 37 points to an embattled Carolina offense is twice as frustrating to Marvin Lewis.
  
9)      Detroit- The Lions have the NFC North lead and boast the NFL’s number one scoring defense.  Yet, Jim Caldwell, and his often-questionable game management, is cause for unease.

10)Philadelphia- The Eagles desperately need this week’s bye to convalesce.  If Darren Sproles misses any games with his knee injury, all eyes will be on LeSean McCoy for a pivotal showdown in Arizona.

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