Cold, Hard Football Facts rank amateur
Who says you need a great quarterback to win in the NFL?
Oh, that's right ... we did!
The Titans are attempting to prove us wrong. They continue to
stomp on the dregs of the league – and continue to hold down the top spot in our Power Rankings – despite playing without a top quarterback.
Kerry Collins was already statuesque when holding down his last regular starting job in 2005, with the Norv Turner-led Raiders. He didn't do much on Sunday either, completing 11 of 18 passes (61.1%) for 123 yards, 6.83 YPA, 0 TDs, 0 INTs and a perfectly mediocre 81.5 passer rating.
But his Titans demolished Kansas City, 34-10.
Tennessee plays football in a manner that would make the "pundits" proud: with devastating defense and a crushing ground game.
The Titans surrender just 11.0 PPG, best in the league and on the verge of
being the best of the Live Ball Era. And,
as we noted Monday, they've allowed just one TD through the air this year. Their rush offense, meanwhile, fresh off a franchise-record 332-yard outburst against the Chiefs, averages 154.5 YPG (4th).
So who cares if Collins's passer rating through six games is 74.2, or that their leading pass catcher, tight end Bo Scaife, has caught 23 balls for 274 yards and 1 touchdown, or that some dude named Lavelle Hawkins played wide receiver against the Chiefs?
The Titans certainly don't. And neither do we ... at least for now.
THE DOMINANT DOZEN
1. TENNESSEE (6-0, previous rank: same)
Last week: The Titans invaded once-intimidating Arrowhead Stadium and stomped on Kansas City, 34-10.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: The previous franchise record for rushing yards in a game was 296, set in 1977 when the team was still the Houston Oilers. Their opponent? The Chiefs.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Indianapolis on Monday night. LenDale White looked like he was racing to the all-you-can-eat taco bar during his 80-yard TD run against Kansas City. He and backfield-mate Chris Johnson must be licking their chops again as they prepare to face a Colts run defense that surrenders 153.5 YPG (28th).
2. TAMPA BAY (5-2, previous rank: 3)
Last week: The Bucs schooled Seattle and overmatched backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, 20-10.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Tampa Bay allowed 74 points in its first four games (18.5 PPG), but has since clamped down, giving up just 29 points in its last three contests (9.7 PPG) and causing six turnovers over that span.
Week 8 matchup: at Dallas. After losing the first eight games between the two franchises, the Bucs had beaten the Cowboys in three of four meetings – until getting routed in Dallas on Thanksgiving 2006 by a score of 38-10.
3. N.Y. GIANTS (5-1, previous rank: 2)
Last week: The Giants overcame one of their worst offensive performances of the year (4.3 yards per play, 3.5 yards per rush) to beat the 49ers, who summarily fired their coach after one of his team's best defensive efforts.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: The G-Men lost to Cleveland in Week 6 and struggled against San Francisco, but they still rank third in total offense (395.0 YPG), second in scoring (28.3 PPG) and first in rushing (169.7 YPG).
Week 8 matchup: at Pittsburgh. The Giants travel to Pittsburgh to face the surging Steelers (three straight wins) in a game that will feature two of the last three Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks (Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger), both of whom were taken in the first round of the 2004 draft.
4. PITTSBURGH (5-1, previous rank: same)
Last week: Somehow, some way, the Steelers managed to escape "The Jungle" in Cincinnati with a 38-10 win over the vicious Bengals.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: In his last 21 games, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown 41 touchdown passes and just 14 interceptions, with a 97.4 passer rating.
Week 8 matchup: vs. N.Y. Giants. This will be just the fifth meeting between the two Super Bowl contenders since 1991; the series is tied 2-2 over that span, but Pittsburgh trails 43-28-3 all-time.
5. BUFFALO (5-1, previous rank: same)
Last week: The Bills shook off a Ralph Wilson Stadium power failure that lasted into the third quarter to top San Diego, 23-14.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: The difference between a "possession" receiver and a "downfield" receiver? See the Bills duo of Lee Evans and Josh Reed. Both have caught 24 passes this season, but Evans boasts nearly twice as many yards (521 to 269) and more than a 10-yard advantage in yards per catch (21.7 to 11.2).
Week 8 matchup: at Miami. In his one career start against the Dolphins, Buffalo QB Trent Edwards completed just 11 of 23 passes (47.8 percent) for 165 yards. Oh, he also threw 4 TDs and 0 INTs, with 7.2 YPA and a 111.4 passer rating, in a 38-17 Buffalo win.
6. WASHINGTON (5-2, previous rank: 7)
Last week: Clinton Portis rushed for 175 yards (6.8 YPA) and a touchdown as the host Redskins got past the Browns, 14-11, and stayed a half-game behind the NFC East-leading Giants.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Portis, who rushed for a career-high 1,591 yards in 2003 with the Broncos, has averaged 142.5 YPG in his last four and is on pace to rush for 1,870 (818 through seven games).
Week 8 matchup: at Detroit. The Redskins had trouble against two subpar teams (St. Louis and Cleveland) at home the last two weeks after beating division rivals Dallas and Philadelphia in consecutive road games. Does that mean they will lose to the Lions? Ah, no.
7. CAROLINA (5-2, previous rank: 11)
Last week: One week after getting bombed by Tampa Bay, the Panthers bounced back with a 30-7 win at home against the Saints. Carolina held the high-powered New Orleans offense to one measly score despite being outgained 343-336.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: The home team is now 5-0 in NFC South division matchups.
Week 8 matchup: vs. Arizona. The Panthers are third in scoring defense (14.9 PPG), second in pass defense (168.7 YPG) and undefeated at home. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are No. 1 in scoring (29.5 PPG) and third in passing (273.2 YPG).
8. CHICAGO (4-3, previous rank: 9)
Last week: The Bears beat the Vikings, 48-41, at Soldier Field. It was Chicago's greatest scoring output in 22 years, but also the most points allowed in a victory in franchise history.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: In a sign o' the offensive times, Bears quarterback Kyle Orton has completed 143 of 230 passes (62.2 percent) for 1,669 yards, 7.26 YPA, 10 TDs, 4 INTs and a 91.4 passer rating – but he is only the 14th-highest-rated passer in the NFL.
Week 8 matchup: Bye. Chicago defensive players and coaches will use the week off to uncross their eyes after intercepting Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte four times – despite missing their top three cornerbacks (Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman and Danieal Manning) – but giving up 41 points anyway.
9. PHILADELPHIA (3-3, previous rank: 8)
Last week: Bye. The extra week was beneficial for Philly, as Brian Westbrook's ribs had time to heal and Andy Reid had time to draw up more scenarios in which he'll send kicker David Akers out to attempt field goals he has no chance of making.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Maybe balance is overrated. The Eagles are 29th in rushing (85.8 YPA) and 5th in passing (263.5 YPG). But it adds up to an offense that's 4th in the NFL in scoring (27.8 PPG).
Week 8 matchup: vs. Atlanta. Hopefully no one at the Linc will come down with the bird flu.
10. ARIZONA (4-2, previous rank: same)
Last week: Bye. While the NFC West wallowed in mediocrity and saw its second coaching casualty of the season (San Francisco's Mike Nolan), the Cardinals maxed and relaxed in first place.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Kurt Warner completed 65.1 percent and 68.7 percent of his passes in his two Super Bowl seasons with St. Louis. Through six games this year, he has completed 149 of 213 passes (70.0 percent).
Week 8 matchup: at Carolina. The Cardinals, last seen beating the Cowboys two weeks ago, are underrated against the run. They allow 93.7 YPG (11th) and have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.
11. ATLANTA (4-2, previous rank: 16)
Last week: Bye. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan brought some of his good fortune to the alma mater, attending Boston College's upset of then-No. 17 Virginia Tech.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: Rookie Ryan's not-too-shabby 82.9 passer rating is better than the number that two-time MVP Peyton Manning has posted so far this season (80.0).
Week 8 matchup: at Philadelphia. Ryan hits his hometown to face the 10th-ranked pass defense of the Eagles (77.5
Defensive Passer Rating).
12. NEW ENGLAND (4-2, previous rank: 21)
Last week: Three Matt Cassel touchdown passes (two to Randy Moss) and five turnovers led the Patriots to a 41-7 thrashing of the Broncos on Monday night; New England won just two games by a wider margin during last year's record-setting 16-0 season.
Cold, Hard Football Facts: In less than six full games, Cassel has been sacked 25 times – four more times than Tom Brady was sacked in the entire 2007 regular season.
Week 8 matchup: vs. St. Louis. Not to sound like a presidential attack ad, but just who are the Patriots? Suddenly, their game against the resurgent Rams at Foxboro looks more appealing.
THE TEPID TWENTY
13. GREEN BAY (4-3, previous rank: 18) — Aaron Rodgers boasts more passing yards than Brett Favre (1,668 to 1,321), a higher YPA average (7.5 to 6.8), a better passer rating (98.8 to 92.3) and more wins (4 to 3).
14. INDIANAPOLIS (3-3, previous rank: 6) — The Colts rank dead last in rushing offense (70.0 YPG) and fifth-worst in rushing defense (153.5 YPG). Meanwhile, Reggie Wayne's output against Green Bay (2 catches, 24 yards) was his worst since Christmas Eve 2005 in Seattle (2 catches, 21 yards).
15. JACKSONVILLE (3-3, previous rank: 17) — Fred Taylor rushed for 1,146 yards and 5.0 YPA in 2006, followed by 1,202 yards and 5.4 YPA in 2007. Through six games this year, he has rushed for 242 yards and 3.4 YPA, putting him on pace for only 645 yards.
16. NEW ORLEANS (3-4, previous rank: 13) — Just when it looked like the Saints would have their full complement of weapons healthy, all-purpose back Reggie Bush goes down with a knee injury against Carolina. No biggie though – Bush only leads the team in rushing (294 yards), receptions (42) and touchdowns (8).
17. SAN DIEGO (3-4, previous rank: 14) — After gaining 404 yards and not turning the ball over in a 30-10 whupping of New England, the Chargers scratched out just 263 yards and committed three turnovers in a 23-14 loss to the Bills.
18. DALLAS (4-3, previous rank: 12) — If you haven't turned on your television, radio or computer in the last few minutes, all you need to know is that THE COWBOYS ARE IN CRISIS!!!
19. BALTIMORE (3-3, previous rank: 24) — Receiver Derrick Mason is on pace to record 88 catches, 1,115 yards, 3 TDs and 12.7 YPA, which would mark his best season since 2004 with the Titans (96 catches, 1,168 yards, 7 TDs and 12.2 YPA).
20. ST. LOUIS (2-4, previous rank: 29) — What a difference a firing can make. Since canning Scott Linehan, the previously winless Rams are 2-0, posting both wins against Quality Opponents (Washington and Dallas) and outscoring those NFC powers 53-31.
21. DENVER (4-3, previous rank: 15) — Committing eight penalties and five turnovers while surrendering 257 yards on the ground doesn't look so good on the old genius résumé, does it, coach Shanahan?
22. HOUSTON (2-4, previous rank: 26) — The Texans are fifth in total offense (369.5 YPG) but only 14th in scoring (23.3 PPG) – which is how you end up 24th in
Scoreability. A home game against the Bungles this week should boost both numbers.
23. N.Y. JETS (3-3, previous rank: 19) — The Jets may have lost to the Raiders last week, but it wasn't Brett Favre's fault (2 picks, 47.8 passer rating); he was just out there playing and having fun. Everyone else was balancing their checkbooks or raking leaves or something.
24. MIAMI (2-4, previous rank: 22) — It looks like NFL defenses are on to the "Wildcat" offense. Miami managed just 71 yards on the ground last week vs. the Ravens, including just 27 (and 2.1 YPA) by Ronnie Brown.
25. CLEVELAND (2-4, previous rank: 23) — After passing for 3,787 yards, 7.2 YPA and 29 TDs last year, Browns quarterback Derek Anderson is on pace to pass for 2,637 yards, 5.4 YPA and 16 TDs this season.
26. MINNESOTA (3-4, previous rank: 20) — Gus Frerotte or Tarvaris Jackson? Tarvaris Jackson or Gus Frerotte? Brad Childress or the guy in section 42, row 15, seat 7?
27. OAKLAND (2-4, previous rank: same) — Is that JaMarcus Russell playing quarterback for the Raiders, or did Oakland bring back Aaron Brooks? Actually, Russell has been something of an improvement. He has completed 52.2 percent of his passes, with 6.1 YPA, 7 TDs and 6 INTs in 10 games with the Raiders. Brooks completed 57.3 percent of his passes with 5.8 YPA, 3 TDs and 8 INTs in eight games with the Raiders in 2006.
28. SAN FRANCISCO (2-5, previous rank: 25) — Offensive maestro Mike Martz dialed up 11 whole carries for Frank Gore against the Giants last week – after just 19 in the previous week's loss to the Eagles –even though Gore averages a very healthy 4.5 yards every time he runs the ball (118 for 535).
29. SEATTLE (1-5, previous rank: 28) — In their loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday night, the Seahawks averaged twice as many yards on the ground (6.4 YPA) as they did through the air (3.2). Seattle receiver, er, quarterback Seneca Wallace completed 12 of 23 for 73 yards, while his offense produced just 44 yards and one first down in the first half.
31. CINCINNATI (0-7, previous rank: same) — Remember when the Bengals won the AFC North and Marvin Lewis was one of the best up-and-coming coaches in the league? Was that three years ago or 100?
32. DETROIT (0-6, previous rank: same) — The Lions are last in scoring defense (31.2 PPG), last in total defense (418.7 YPG) and last in
Defensive Passer Rating (115.8). Maybe they could sign Matt Millen to play linebacker.
By Jeremy Gottlieb
