NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Highlighting the Teams Making the Biggest Moves

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Two weeks of the football season are in the books and you can already see major movement in the NFL power rankings.

Every football fan has their own opinion on which team is currently the best, and that declaration will change several times before Thanksgiving arrives. 

Here are the teams making the biggest moves in the NFL power rankings:

Philadelphia Eagles

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It’s amazing that the Philadelphia Eagles have turned the ball over nine times in their first two games and are still undefeated. Granted, the Eagles' first win was against the Cleveland Browns, but the Baltimore Ravens are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The team's current success has been building since the end of last season. The Eagles went 4-0 to conclude the 2011 campaign. They aren’t dominating opponents, but a win is a win. If the Eagles can get healthy (center Jason Kelce and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, among others, both went down with injuries), they will be a tough out in the postseason. 

Arizona Cardinals

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Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt needed a good start in 2012, otherwise he would have been on the hot seat.

The Cardinals defense is highly underrated. They've continually forced opposing teams to settle for field goals instead of scoring touchdowns in the red zone this season.

In the past three NFL drafts, the front office has selected young and aggressive defenders, who will only get better as the year progresses.

Offensively, the Cardinals will have to pick up their productivity. Gaining only 250 total yards will not win a division title.

With that being said, quarterback Kevin Kolb is playing smart football through the first two weeks of the season. He’s taking what the defense is giving and patiently moving the team downfield. 

San Diego Chargers

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If the San Diego Chargers are going to have a successful season, their hopes lie firmly on the arm of quarterback Philip Rivers. He has looked great in the first two weeks of 2012, and is handling the pressure very well.

The offensive line is good, but not great. Their overall play will help determine the success of the Chargers' season as a whole.

Don’t overlook the impact of head coach Norv Turner, either. He perfectly utilizes all of his offensive weapons better than any other coach in the NFL. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

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The demise of the Pittsburgh Steelers was greatly exaggerated after a Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. Opposing defenses are still finding it difficult to slow down their passing game.

Not too many quarterbacks could thrive in this offense, but Ben Roethlisberger has the size and strength to wait for his receivers to get open downfield.

Having said that, the Steelers will have to show some form of a running game if they’re going to advance far in the playoffs. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have improved greatly under new head coach Greg Schiano. However, giving up 25 points in the fourth quarter and 600 total offensive yards to the New York Giants is unacceptable in any professional football league.

Bucs fans have to credit Eli Manning for being a clutch quarterback and providing another come-from-behind victory for the Giants. The defense was too aggressive with their blitz schemes, and the secondary had trouble covering the receivers downfield.

Overall, the Buccaneers offense plays hard and smart, but their play-calling after taking the lead is becoming too predictable. Multiple three-and-outs will sap the energy out of your defense. 

New Orleans Saints

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In the first two weeks of the season, we have quickly learned that the New Orleans Saints defense hasn’t improved much under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

It’s still too early for Saints fans to get out their brown bags, but the team must find a pass rush and add reinforcements in the secondary. Meanwhile, the offense must become more balanced and stop relying on the arm of quarterback Drew Brees to get them out of trouble.