Power rankings system devised and compiled weekly by Stemshul. “Expert” analysis by paradroid.
Well, I guess the season is over (I waited a couple of weeks to make sure). Unlike in MLB (thanks, Atlanta!), the team who won the title also ended up at the top of our power rankings. This is easier to pull off with about one tenth the games (17+ vs. 162+), so maybe not too much can be read into this. But the Rams did end up with the most average points earned per game played at 5.3, so perhaps they were the best team this year after all. The Bengals, who made it all the way top to the Super Bowl, ended up averaging 2.5 points per contest, so according to our rankings, the best team won.
The game itself, while not the best of the postseason by any means, was a close and enjoyable affair. The Rams got it together in time to recover from a 20-13 deficit early in the 3rd. It was a pretty complete game for the L.A., who’s defense shut down Joe Burrow and the Bengals to clinch the game after the offense got them into the lead late in the 4th. Although Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp was very good, I think the big second half from Aaron Donald should have earned him the prize. Cupp was also a solid choice, but Donald was dominant, especially on the last Cincy drive, and as the best player on the winning team (who also had a pretty great game), I think he was the best choice if you aren’t giving it to the QB.
As for the Lions, they couldn’t quite catch the #30 Texans, ending up just one point behind in 31st. Do I think they were the second worst team in football? Well, in the first half of the year, that’s a reasonable assessment. And although it’s tough to argue with having the second worst record in the league, the improved play once they got that first win combined with the sense of optimism and buy-in from the players leaves me feeling pretty hopeful about the next couple of years. I think the you can look at the great production from the rookies, including the highly touted (Penei Sewell), the less so (Amon-Ra St. Brown), and the undrafted (Jerry Jacobs), and both see that Brad Holmes has a good eye for talent and that the coaching staff know how to develop it. Another draft is on the way, and there’s also free agency beginning in a couple of weeks, so the franchise will have a chance to repeat their success in the draft and maybe add some players who will help the team. My prediction for the team’s ranking at the end of this coming year is in the 15-20 range. I’d take being in shouting distance of the playoffs. I just hope we have some clarity on the long term answer at quarterback at this time next year.
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