MHR's Week 4 Power Rankings

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 12:02 PM MDT

We all like(dislike) power rankings around the web and I've started posting them each week, but I figured, why not do a Power Ranking - MHR style. I've emailed Guru, Styg50, Hoosierteacher, and mdierk to get their complete power rankings. Of course, we're all going to try and attempt to be intellectually honest about our team and I think those of us that participated did well.

I gave each team a value opposite of their actual rank. For example, the number one team gets 32 points while the worst team gets 1 point. Styg50 had a much better and more accurate scoring system, but I am not as smart as he so I'm going to do it cave man style! lol

I didn't give the staffers much notice this week, so I am going without mdierk or TSG's rankings and I also added ejruiz's rankings from another post just to make the model a little more accurate than just three opinions.

So without further adieu, here is MHR's Official Week 4 Power Rankings:

Week 4 Power Rankings

RANK	TEAM	PTS	COMMENTS
1.		128	Early preseason favorite has done nothing to remove itself from the top.
2.		121	Super Bowl Champs are proving they still deserve respect.
3.		118	Until the NFL proves it can stop this offense...
4.		114	They are clicking on all cylinders right now; best 2-1 team in football.
5.		113	Solid defensive play and superior coaching has this team in contention.
6.		112	Let's see if this team can forge ahead after a shaky performance against the Raiders.
7.		95	After two straight poor outings, this team has to show something or their value will plummet.
8.		90	Another well coached football team putting themselves into contention despite a lack of superstar talent.
9.		89	A young football team that must prove this week whether they are contenders or pretenders.
10.		87	Their Monday Night Football showing just gives the Broncos all the more reason to maintain that 2 game lead.
11.		86	Another team that still needs to prove they are contenders and not pretenders.
12.		78	Last week's win may very well put this team back on track.
13.		77	The worst team in the best division in football.
14.		76	Injuries continue to pile up on this talented football team.
15.		73	2-1 is a great start for this team without an identity.
16.		72	2-0 without Steve Smith, 0-1 with Steve Smith.
17.		66	Perhaps an early Bye is just what the doctor ordered for this ailing and sloppy football team.
18.		62	Playing well, but this teams fortunes will rise and fall with the performance of rookie Matt Forte.
19.		59	Can Gus Frerotte lead this talented team to the playoffs?
20.		57	Oh how the mighty have fallen.
21.		56	This team is looking rather good right now, playoffs anyone?
22.		44	The Falcons did a great job recovering from the multiple disasters that struck this organization last season.
23.		43	Brett Favre, the mighty, can only do so much for a horrible football team.
24.		40	This team needs to admit that it's rebuilding, injuries or not.
25.		34	Owner created drama is destroying this organization.
26.		33	A 38 point beat down against the Patriots bumps this team up several spots.
27.		25	The Bungals showed some life last week against the World Champs.
28.		20	A good football team that has been beaten up by mother nature. Can they salvage their season?
29.		19	I've never seen so little done with so much talent. Except maybe in Cincinnati.
30.		11	This was a tie between the Lions and Chiefs for 30th, but they get an extra point for firing Millen this week.
31.		10	This team is doing all the right things to return to competitiveness, just not in 2008.
32.		4	Horrible. Just horrible.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

Walter

Don’t know if any of you check out walterfootball.com. He does a thorough analyis re the spread and Vegas, etc. Anyway, he has the Broncos at 4. But he also said that Jamie Winborn was “literally two yards over the line of scrimmage” on the play that Sean Payton complained about. I e mailed him and politely told him he needs glasses.

If there's gonna be a collision, you better start it. Larry Csonka..

by bradley on Sep 25, 2008 12:32 PM MDT reply actions

Yea, I like Walter...but his website confuses me at times.

You should have told him to listen to MHR Radio, there was no offsides on that play.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 12:33 PM MDT up reply actions

Walter

I got a response from Walter. He said, “Yeah I know, I was exaggerating. Two yards over would put him behind the quarterback. Still was a bad call though.” I notice he hasn’t changed his comment about the two yards over in his Power Ranking section.

If there's gonna be a collision, you better start it. Larry Csonka..

by bradley on Sep 26, 2008 7:54 AM MDT up reply actions

The rest of the rankings...

…look pretty good, but I’d jump the Texans and Seahawks above the Patriots – Texans are surely better than the Raiders.

If there's gonna be a collision, you better start it. Larry Csonka..

by bradley on Sep 25, 2008 12:35 PM MDT reply actions

I gave my HOU rationale below

and I have SEA one spot above NE. 0.454 to 0.437 I believe. If they played eachother, it would be close with Seattle having a clear edge in point productivity.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 25, 2008 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Patriots at Seattle

December 7. Sunday night.

If there's gonna be a collision, you better start it. Larry Csonka..

by bradley on Sep 26, 2008 7:57 AM MDT up reply actions

Oakland in front of Houston???????

Houston has played one less game than oakland and has not played a home game. Not too mention the hurricane hangover. Plus their losses were to the #5 and #7 ranked teams on the road. I dunno I think they are way better than the faders. Just my humble opinion. (So are these scores a combo of all you guys rankings? )

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 12:55 PM MDT reply actions

Don't look at me...I rated them ahead of Oakland, but everyone else didn't. :P

Yea. Houston got 8-4-4-4=20 while Oakland got 6-8-13-7=34

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions

Ok

Well then my diatribe was aimed at the wrong guy, my sincere apologies.
On another note today is the 30th anniversary (wierd term to use) of PSA flight 182 that crashed in North Park. Did you live close to the crash site? Do you even know about it? I bet your parents remember it. Sad.

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 1:14 PM MDT up reply actions

I do not remember it...I was born 30 years ago next month.

I can’t even recall where North Park is.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 1:18 PM MDT up reply actions

Well the best way to describe it

Its were the alternative lifestyle people live. (I dont wanna offend anyone)
Its kind of NorthEast of downtown SD.

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions

I thought it was called Hill Crest.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions

one in the same

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions

Ahhh....

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 1:58 PM MDT up reply actions

They mentioned it during the America's Game - The Missing Rings about the '91 Chargers

It was the same day the Chargers hired Coryell.

Hank Bauer said that he got to the stadium and one of the columnists for the U-T asked if he heard the news. Hank said “yeah, horrible”. Turns out the columnist was talking about hiring Coryell and hadn’t even heard about the crash.

I think it was Fouts who said that coming down 805 there were bags and clothes all over the highway.

I moved to SD in 1988 and was there for the 10th anniversary (that is a weird term to use) and I remember it was all over the papers as they were still trying to figure out what a student and instructor pilot were doing there (even though the instructor wasn’t “under the hood”).

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"I love your analysis of our team. Its kinda like watching a spider monkey trying to figure out a jar of peanuts.. you know whats going on.. you know whats in there, but to actually figure it out, is just a bit beyond your mental skills..."
- Bronco Dano

by DesertBroncoFan on Sep 25, 2008 2:43 PM MDT up reply actions

i thinks

amazing how the pilot got the plane to clear the 805. I was hearing stories all mornign from people who was around the area. One lady said her house was next to one than was totally destroyed by the cessna.

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 2:55 PM MDT up reply actions

bottom line is production for a power poll

I probably ranked HOU the lowest of anyone, I had them ahead of only DET, KC and STL (though they rounded out the tier of teams above the basement teams).

I ranked HOU at 0.335 and OAK at 0.476 (tops is 0.719 DAL and low is STL at 0.225). HOU does indeed have a tougher run of opponents so far (but not significantly tougher) and both teams are about equal in terms of defending their goals, but HOU has been significantly less productive on offense, a 1-3 ratio or thereabouts. If they don’t start scoring points they aren’t going to be climbing the rankings anytime soon….

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 25, 2008 1:17 PM MDT up reply actions

Actually everyone rated Houston 4th worst except for me.

The one that you had that surprised me was your Indy pick.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions

They are losing to teams that aren't playing well

and even though their offensive eficacy is rising, their defensive woes are causing some serious trouble. I expect them to climb the charts with good coaching and QBing, but yeah, I have them at 27th right now with a 0.343 score. I expect nothing less than a win from them coming off of the bye week, and that will go a long ways right now towards getting them on a roll. I still consider them a team with playoff potential.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 25, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions

Just curious

The fact that they have played two road games against 2 real good defenses, does that take in any consideration to your point system. ( i am curious about that) Plus do you think the lackluster performance at Tenn was a result of the Ike?
The way you break things down is real interesting to me. I like those formulas you used in the preseason on the positions. I am always interested in things like that from you.

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 25, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions

as always

the point system is experimental and is purely based on record, opp. record (with some caveats thrown in there), and points scored and against. I put it in a spreadsheet and the computer does the rest. I enjoy interpreting the results and comparing it to what I and others have seen from watching the teams, and in three wekks I have yet to be surprised by anything it has turned out (though that isn’t saying much, since the first three weeks are wacky anyways).

In a way, two games against 2 good defenses is definitely accounted for, by considering both the opponents record (overall play) and opponents points allowed (defense). But the road home splits (and any other splits) don’t factor into it for me. When betting against a spread I think they matter, but every team has 8 games on the road. Those things will even out. (The NO road show from Katrina is a little different story, and was a handicapping nightmare. I couldn’t compensate for that situation in these formulas).

While HOU has a great excuse in Ike, I won’t insult them by using it. They are millionaires with tremendous resources and skill. If anyone is in a postiion to do their job despite Mother Nature’s ways, its a pro football team.

Regarding the preseason player rankings, I’m still doing those, if anyone cares, I am just being much more leisurely about it. I am still scouting the SD game, and don’t have any plans to release the rankings until maybe the bye week, or if we start to lose really bad and want something to talk about or such. I will unroll them later, during the offseason, when we can discuss our performance for the year, and get ready for 2009.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 25, 2008 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions

styg--I'm going to bed now......

I would try to undestand what you just wrote—but why? With the defense our team hopes to get to get better…it doesn’t make sence.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 9:06 PM MDT up reply actions

purely a hypothetical situation Mike

rest easy knowing that no one around these parts actually thinks that could happen…

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 26, 2008 1:35 AM MDT up reply actions

The Pack...

I think should be a ahead of the Buccaneers. Thats the only thing that stuck out in my mind. Solid rankings!

"You always knew the day would come when the machines would rise up and take over the world, but never did you imagine it'd be so convenient."

by Denver_Native on Sep 25, 2008 1:58 PM MDT reply actions

Not if you picked the Bucs to beat the Pack this week. ;)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 2:05 PM MDT up reply actions

Gotcha!

"You always knew the day would come when the machines would rise up and take over the world, but never did you imagine it'd be so convenient."

by Denver_Native on Sep 25, 2008 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions

Buzzed!

"You always knew the day would come when the machines would rise up and take over the world, but never did you imagine it'd be so convenient."

by Denver_Native on Sep 25, 2008 1:59 PM MDT reply actions

Hmmm.........Denver only third at this site!!

Great call Zappa! That will fool the league into underestimating us! I’m waiting for a sign of defense—at least some defense anyway—or something!

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 5:13 PM MDT reply actions

Hey...Only one of the 4 people that gave me power rankings had the Broncos less than 3rd. and it was 4th. lol

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 5:57 PM MDT up reply actions

ok, I live in la-la-land....and have for a long time...never knew the rulers though....you must be one.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 9:11 PM MDT up reply actions

It is a far-far better thing than I have ever done.

Zappa,

you have a courage—I do not.

Denver……..third best team in the league………without a defense?

What are you thinking? 13-3 baby! Zappa—come back to reality!

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 6:54 PM MDT reply actions

Dude...it's not just me! lol see above comment. :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 7:17 PM MDT up reply actions

sorry, I crawl back in my cave.

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 9:12 PM MDT up reply actions

have you left lala land

So you think Dallas has a better D than Denver?

PLEASE Mike come back

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 26, 2008 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions

It's painfully clear

you guys haven’t watched a second of Seahawk football.

by RaiderPete on Sep 25, 2008 8:04 PM MDT reply actions

9th worst team in the league isn't bad enough for ya? :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 8:13 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't really have any problem with the ranking

that’ll change with time. But rebuilding? Thats…. that’s just mind boggling.

by RaiderPete on Sep 25, 2008 8:25 PM MDT up reply actions

i have no faith in the Seahawks...you drink the juice of the northwest much like Guru was drinking the juice of the cleveland area.

He’s finally picking against the Browns for the first time this year this weekend. lol

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 8:43 PM MDT up reply actions

But you have no reason to lose faith in the Seahawks

The Browns downfall was predictable, the Seahaws are plagued by injuries and bad luck.

by RaiderPete on Sep 25, 2008 9:12 PM MDT up reply actions

A donkey fan should know a thing or two about luck, by the way

by RaiderPete on Sep 25, 2008 9:13 PM MDT up reply actions

Raider Pete,

You never make sense when you type—-why don’t you find a 900 number to find what you want??!!

The best defense is a good offense!
I hope.

by Mike Clark on Sep 25, 2008 9:17 PM MDT up reply actions

Come now. Seahawks=6-10 this year.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 25, 2008 10:52 PM MDT up reply actions

Why?

This is a better version of the team that went 10-6 last year. They went 1-2 without the first 6 recievers on their depth chart or the right side of the offensive line (they also lost Rocky Bernard and Jordan Babineaux for the Bills game), losing one game to special teams and one game in overtime. I don’t see any reason to be down on them and I certainly don’t see where you would say they’re rebuilding.

Emphasis on confusion over rebuilding comment.

by RaiderPete on Sep 25, 2008 11:20 PM MDT up reply actions

Vanderbilt could have blown out the Rams right now....

If Seattle finished above .500 this year I will be surprised.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 7:42 AM MDT up reply actions

Still no explanation on the rebuilding comment

As far as the Rams go, theres only one thing you can do with a bad team, blow them out, and thats what the Seahawks did. Good teams dominate bad teams, and the Seattle dominated them in the same fashion as the Eagles and the Giants before them.

Again, I really don’t have a problem with the ranking. They’re 1-2 right now and deserve to be down the list. But to say that the Hawks are rebuilding is pretty baseless.

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 10:29 AM MDT up reply actions

I didn't say they were rebuilding.

I think I meant they are pretending they still matter when they should just admit they need to rebuild. They remind me of the Broncos two years ago.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions

who is gonna catch footballs from a beat up Hasselbeck?

You defend Seattle but claim you are a fader fan, I am so confused

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 26, 2008 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions

He lives in the Seattle area, so is forced to listen to

local radio propaganda all day long. I hear the same here in the bay area. You’d think the Raiders and 49ers are on the cusp of a world championship by the way they drink the kool aid around here. That is also probably why Guru has picked the Browns for three straight weeks, he lives in that area and has to listen to all the propaganda from delusional fans and radio hosts. ;-)

Remember a few months back, I had even said the Broncos would lose on opening day on their way to a 13-3 record. I had drank too much norcal kool aid, but luckily I threw up the juice and picked the Broncos to win week 1. lol

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 12:18 PM MDT up reply actions

well

we made sure you ralphed that krap-aid.
I totally know how the locals are about their teams. All I heard was how GREAT SD was and how crappy Denver was, except someone forgot to tell JC, Marhsall and Shanny and us at MHR about that. OHHHH wait isnt Denver 3-0 and the losers here in sd 1-2. yup Denver sure does suck lol

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 26, 2008 12:24 PM MDT up reply actions

You're an Ed Hochuli call away from 2-1

and tied with San Diego for the division.

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

bah, you gotta roll with the punches.

The Broncos have been shafted in the past, but you can’t say we should be 2-1 because we ARE 3-0.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions

Branch and Engram are back for the Giants game

and Hasselbeck had a back thing in the preseason but has said since the beginning he’s fine and had it been the regular season would have played those games. They’ve got plenty of pass catchers at other positions too, Carlson is a stud, Bumpus has played shockingly well, and McMullen has come out of nowhere to catch some balls (it’s crazy I know, but seriously the guy has played well). Jones has good hands out of the backfield as well.

I don’t understand why the Browns and the Seahawks are getting lumped together. The Browns had a bad defense last year, they have a bad defense this year. They had an out of no where resurgence from Jamaal Lewis that no one should have expected to be repeated this year. Their o-line played out of their minds with no reason beyond the addition of Joe Thomas. Joe Thomas is still good, but the rest of their line has gone back to being what they always were. Bad. Derek Anderson was an average college quarterback who couldn’t cut it in qb desperate Baltimore and, like most of Cleveland last year, played out of his mind last year.

It’s called regression to the mean, it played against Cleveland this year and will be favorable to Seattle this year. You guys keep saying Seattle is done, they need to rebuild, and they’re over rated, but there is nothing to support that. They have talent across the board, and even if they’re not able to rebound from the hole they’ve found themselves in so far they’ll be able to roll the same team out next year and be able to expect good results. I’d love to hear any reasons why I should think otherwise.

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

He's another way to look at it

Lets look at team A and team B.

Team A: 3-0. Team A has given up 75 points in 3 games on defense, and is 29th in the league giving up over 400 yards per game. Team A is number 1 in points scored and second in yards gained on offense. According to VOA Team A is first on offense and 26th on defense so far this season. Team A has won one game because of a bad call on a fumble that would have directly lead to them losing a game, and one on a missed 43 yard field goal by the other team.

Team B: 1-2. Team B has given up 54 points on defense (in regulation) and is 16th in the league in yards gained by opposing teams at 314 a game. Team B is tied for 10th in the league in points scored and twelfth in the league in yards gained on offense. According to VOA Team B is 17th on offense and 12th on defense this season. Team B has been without it’s first 6 wide recievers, it’s starting right guard is lost for the season and it’s starting right tackle hasn’t played yet. Team B will get it’s starting two recievers and it’s starting right tackle back for it’s next game. Team B lost their first game where they gave up 14 points to special teams plays and their second game in overtime.

Which team sounds like it has results that are reproducable? Does Team B sound like a 1-2 football team thats in the bottom quarter of the league? Does Team A sound like it might be somewhat fortunate to find themselves undefeated at this point?

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 3:16 PM MDT up reply actions

I like how everyone is underestimating the Broncos right now.

I’ll buy you a beer if Seattle finishes with a better record than the Broncos this year.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 3:42 PM MDT up reply actions

It has nothing to do with underestimating the Broncos

I didn’t write that to rip the Bronco’s, I wrote it because the Bronco’s are a top 5 team right now. But as good as you are you have flaws, all teams do, they just have been masked by some lucky breaks. Like you said, you’ve gotta roll with the punches, you get bad breaks and you get good breaks.

The Broncos are getting good breaks right now, but had those breaks gone the other way you wouldn’t suddenly be a different team because you’re 1-2 instead of 3-0. You’d still be a very dominate offense with a defense thats struggling. Just like the Seahawks aren’t a bad team just because they’ve gotten their bad breaks in the beginning of the year. The raw numbers haven’t translated into wins yet, but there is no reason to think they won’t.

Paul DePodesta said all this far better than I ever could.

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions

I still suspect the Seahawks will fail to break .500

We’ve had one lucky break, I’ll give you that. Denver would have come back to beaten the Saints easily. Missed field goal or not and it has been proven that the offsides mumbo jumbo was by the millisecond. Winborn jumped offsides one frame before the ball was snapped. You can’t expect any referee to catch that.

That said, if the Saints make the field goal are you saying the Broncos wouldn’t be able to drive down to FG range in 2 minutes when the Saints defense hasn’t done jack all day?

I would argue that at worst this team could be 2-1 right now IF one bad call wasn’t made. It was made and this team is 3-0. San Diego STILL had a chance to stop the Broncos from scoring the TD, THEN they had a chance to stop the Broncos from scoring a two point conversion.

That in itself warrants a discussion about the fact that Denver EARNED that win against San Diego by doing what they needed to do to win the game. San Diego did what they needed to do to LOSE it. And they lost it. Period. End of Story.

;-)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions

You say that Seattle won't break .500, and then talk about Denver the rest of the way.

I’m not really talking about Denver though, just using you as an example. Try pretending I’m using Washington or Detroit or something so you can see my point.

I know Denver is good, but that doesn’t change that they’ve had a couple lucky breaks. They would still be very good even if the breaks didn’t go their way. Talent is not dependent on the bounce of the ball. My point is that if you can say that despite the fact that Denver has gotten a couple good bounces they’re still a good football team you should be able to look at Seattle and say that despite the fact they’ve gotten a couple bad bounces they’re still a good football team.

Results based analysis are bad, mkay?

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 4:10 PM MDT up reply actions

Lets all be done talking about the Broncos "luck"

It has been beat to death here and everywhere else, and discussing it more will only lead to hard feelings for everyone involved. That isn’t what any of us wanted to talk about in this thread anyways.

Lets keep this sub-thread focused on evaluating the Seahawks.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 26, 2008 4:16 PM MDT up reply actions

My intention was in no way to discount what Denver has done

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 4:45 PM MDT up reply actions

All I gotta say is

the Raiders better freakin beat the Chargers this week dammit.

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 4:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Nmandi broke his elbow

so I wouldn’t hold your breath

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions

no problem

just making sure everybody is on the same page.

So far everything is just fine.

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 26, 2008 9:45 PM MDT up reply actions

Ok. Let's use the Saints for example

Hugely talented team, but I don’t think they make the playoffs because of the mounting injuries.

Seahawks are in the same boat, except I consider them less talented than the Saints so how can Seattle finish with a better record? :)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 4:16 PM MDT up reply actions

I don't envy you

taking the side of the argument you are taking. SEA has a tough run of games leading up to what I’m sure they hope is a game against SF to either take or gain a share of the lead in the West. This argument will get tougher before it gets easier.

With the NYG next, the Seahawks will be predicted to go 1-3 after four games, but will still rise in the rankings (I have them at 23rd). Then GB and TB, both pretty much playing equally well at this point. SEA could win either of those games, but only if something changes in the Giants game, otherwise they will be predicted to be 1-5 going into SF week 7. Momentum will be a serious consideration for both teams, regardless of who is healthy, and right now the signs point towards SEA being on a losing streak going into that game. 1-3 is a deep hole, and trying to dig out of it has buried most teams who have tried…

In the last five years, 1-3 teams make it to the playoffs 9% of the time, or roughly one team per year. On average 8 teams start out 1-3 (9 in 2005), and 1 team makes it to the playoffs (0 in 2003). In 2004 it was the 10-6 Packers, in 2005 it was the 11-5 Bears, in 2006 it was the 9-7 Chiefs (wildcard), and in 2007 it was the 11-5 Chargers.

In 2008 there are currently 17 teams who may end up 1-3, with 8 of those being “better than likely”. They will include: SEA, NO, MIA, CHI, OAK, HOU, CIN/CLE and NYJ/MIN. In the conversation as teams who are likely to start out 0-4 are STL, KC, DET and teams likely to go 2-2 and get out of this conversation are SD, JAX, IND.

Any of the above teams could be 1-3 after weeks 4 or 5, and yet history indicates only a SINGLE one of them will pick themselves up and fight into the playoffs. With the play so far this season, SEA doesn’t look to have anything more going for them than teams like MIN or NO.

Bottom line is that if SEA goes 1-3, they are probably in too deep of a hole to get out of…

Mountains, forest, sea: these render man fierce, but yet do not destroy the man.

by Jeremy Bolander on Sep 26, 2008 4:13 PM MDT up reply actions

not too mention

that is a hurt team. Look at the trade for Colbert. I dont think they were that good before the injuries

Love is a razor and I have walked the line on that silver blade

by broncfanstuckinsd on Sep 26, 2008 4:15 PM MDT up reply actions

Colbert was promptly buried on the depth chart

Branch, Engram are back and Robinson and Bumpus look to be ahead of him on the depth chart. He may not even beat out McMullen for playing time.

That was such a stupid, panicky trade.

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 4:36 PM MDT up reply actions

We'll take it. :-)

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions

Branch and Engram aren't all-pros either.

Look at what Branch has done since his MVP Super Bowl…squat. Engram is how old again?

If God is not a Bronco fan, then WHY are sunsets Blue and Orange? - Jon Tollerud 5/22/08

by Tim Lynch on Sep 26, 2008 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions

That SF game could have been a back breaker

Dropping that game gives them no wiggle room against those 3 teams.

They’ll beat Tampa and the GB game is a toss up. But first you have the Giants. That Hawks are a better team than a Burress-less Giants but theres some history to be beaten as well. The Hawks are notoriously for coming out flat on east coast trips, we’ve already seen that once this year. Holmgren is historically bad after the bye week as well, it’s a double whammy. Had that SF game gone the other way it’d be the Packer game instead of the New York game that would be crucial, and the Packer game is a much more Hawk friendly match up.

But like Zappa said, you gotta roll with the punches. Seattle, when healthy, is maybe the second most talented team in the NFC, and ultimately they just need to play up to their ability and this should all take care of itself. Should….

by RaiderPete on Sep 26, 2008 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions