Under Center w/ Maly Mal

As I watched Oregon St. upset USC last week, I told a family member that there’s something about when the seasons change the football season changes with it. Meaning, what happened in September isn’t the rule of thumb in October. And, week 4 in the NFL proved just that. In a week full of clichés (i.e. what goes up, must come down), the one that sticks out the most is “that’s why they play the game.” It’s only fitting that the NFL followed its apprentice lead and have the No. 1 team go down. The Washington Redskins seemed to have found a swag that no one (especially me) thought they would find… At least not this year. On ESPN’s Sports Reporters Stephen A. Smith was emphatic about not being sold on how good the Washington Redskins are. After Sunday’s game, I don’t think the Redskins left any doubt. The Cowboys were beaten in every aspect of the game. Santana Moss has been a Cowboy assassin, and didn’t miss a step with 8 receptions for 145 yards. Quite frankly, Santana Moss has been sensational all year. Couple that with Jason Campbell’s swelling confidence, the Redskins are a force to be reckoned with, and have every bit of a chance to win the division as the others. Thus, there’s a shakeup in the power rankings this week.

1. New York Giants – To be the champs, you have to beat the champs. So far, no one has beaten the champs.
2. Tennessee Titans – Jeff Fisher is a former member of the ’85 Bears defense, and he has the Titans playing a lot like that team.
3. Dallas Cowboys – The lost came against a divisional foe. However, questions are abound regarding the defense… Especially the secondary.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers – Big win against the Ravens. But, something tells me Ben Roethlisberger isn’t as healthy as he leads on.
5. Washington Redskins – Did I really question Jason Campbell’s ability to run the Redskin’s offense? Shut up, Maly-Mal!
6. Buffalo Bills – The Bills are 4-0 and leading the AFC East division. No one predicted that. But, I won’t be sold until they beat the Jets/Patriots.
7. New England Patriots – Everyone else can dismiss them. I’m not!
8. San Diego Chargers – Tough win against their California nemesis, but, a win is a win.
9. Carolina Panthers – They are the true meaning of a team. No matter the obstacle in front of them, they find a way to win. Jake Delhomme will be the key.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – It was vintage Eagles on Sunday night… So close, yet, so far away. Must win on Sunday vs. Washington.
11. Denver Broncos – Cutler’s performance and maturation is being overshadowed by the porous play by the Broncos defense.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Everyone can say Brian Griese’s 3-0. But, it was the immortal Derrick Brooks’ play that beat Green Bay.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jags have pulled out two nail-biters, in a row. But, they need more production from the run game to really turn the corner.
14. Baltimore Ravens – Agonizing divisional lose against the Steelers. However, the Ravens may have finally found a QB who can score some points in Joe Flacco.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Were the Colts able to sure up the offensive line during their bye week?
16. New Orleans Saints – The return of Deuce McAllister will be a welcomed sight for Reggie Bush. Now Bush can get back to attacking the flats.
17. Green Bay Packers – Is this the beginning of the end? The Packers played well enough to win on Sunday, but, didn’t. That’s 2 in a row…
18. New York Jets – Brett Favre throws for 6 TD’s. Laveranues Coles caught 3 of them. If this tandem learns how to co-exist, look out!
19. Chicago Bears – Much needed win against Philadelphia. The goal line stand could be a watershed moment… could be…
20. Arizona Cardinals – The Cards certainly get more offensive production when Kurt Warner’s under center. However, the results the same… Loss!
21. Seattle Seahawks – Hopefully for Seattle the bye week gave them time to get healthy and work out the kinks on defense.
22. Minnesota Vikings – It looks like another season that goes by where the Vikings will say, “We need a QB”. DUH!
23. San Francisco 49ers – Bad week to have a must win game… The 49ers travel to New England. But, if they want to show they’re on the rise, they need this win.
24. Atlanta Falcons – Best of the rest. Too young to do any real damage.
25. Cleveland Browns – They finally get a win… Against the Bengals. Ha! OVERRATED!
26. Miami Dolphins – Can the Dolphins follow up their impressive beat down of the Patriots?
27. Houston Texans – Competitive, but, competing doesn’t win football games.
28. Detroit Lions – One of the worse teams in the league… But, they got rid of Matt Millen. That moves them up a few spots on my poll.
29. Oakland Raiders – If the front office could get their act together this may be a good team later in the season. Good enough to be a pretender… Not contender!
30. Kansas City Chiefs – I thought this team wouldn’t win a game this year. Nice win against Denver.
31. Cincinnati Bengals – “Smell that, Ike? Smells like someone died!” (Curly Bill – Tombstone) What I smell is the Bengals stink!
32. St. Louis Rams – I’ve never been a fan of firing a coach mid-season. I really wouldn’t do it when the players threaten to revolt!