MaddenFans.com – NFL Power Rankings 2009 – Cont

I do apologize for not getting this article out when I said I would. Holiday here in the good ol U.S.A. and got caught up in it. Not to mention that new UFC game has peeked my interest a little. Well enough of that and on to the next four teams. You can read about the first four teams here. Lets do a quick recap.

32. Detroit Lions
31. Cleveland Browns
30. Kansas City Chiefs
29. St. Louis Rams

28. Oakland Raiders

The only person who made out good with Oakland’s draft picks was Michael Crabtree. The expression on his face when Oakland passed him was shared by many without a doubt. Tom Cable is nothing more than a yes man for Al Davis. The draft picks were a complete debacle. Word from mini-camp is Jamarcus Russell has no work ethic and Heyward-Bey can’t catch a pass to save his life. Oakland was last in pass yards per game and I doubt this is likely to change. Javon Walker had another knee surgery so count him out in the long run. Look for Garcia to be starting mid-season if not sooner if Russell doesn’t act quickly. I would have dropped them lower but insanity has to count for something.

27. Cincinnati Bengals

I have seen some boards have the Bengals ranked higher because of what the defense did last year (ranked 12th) but I am not a believer. The defense had 17 total sacks. Offensively they should be sound at least in the passing game. I will give them this they did draft well for the most part. They picked up Andre Smith who should help to protect Palmer and added Maualuga at LB and this will be a key pick if he develops. They should have kept Housh, guaranteed 100 catch guy.

26. San Francisco 49ers

San Fran finished strong going 4-1 at the end of the season. There biggest issue right now is QB. If Alex Smith or Shaun Hill can step up they are in contention to win the division. Patrick Willis will be the key for a decent pass rush from the outside linebacker spot. Expect to see Crabtree early and a lot. Mike Singletary will have much more on his plate as his style will have to last the whole season.

25. Denver Broncos

Here is a team that I am prepared to see drop in the rankings. I would have them in the first four posted but we are still talking the Denver Broncos. Josh McDaniels has a long road this season after trading Jay Cutler, even though the trade rested on the shoulders of Cutler and his whiny boy attitude. I just can’t see how anyone could be excited about any QB replacing Cutler. Denver has needs all over defense and drafted a RB with there first pick. McDaniels has some work to do with the fans. He has basically alienated himself with sending Cutler packing and paying a long snapper 1-million dollars. The free agency moves were not much better, signing guys that are doing nothing more but looking forward to retirement. This team has a lot of work to do.

The continued article with the next teams will be out later this week.

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