NFL Power Rankings: Rating All 32 Teams Through Two Preseason Games

By (Correspondent) on August 23, 2011

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CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 19: Maurice Stovall #80 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from Drew Stanton #5 (not shown) during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Clevela
Jason Miller/Getty Images

Another week of preseason simply means another week closer to the real deal.

Starters played a little bit more this time around, giving fans a better taste of the garbage that is preseason football. Many teams that showed nothing Week 1, and played just as bad this time around. This list is based just on the two preseason games. Remember, teams that people think will be good won't while others will rise up above current expectations.

Here's how the teams moved around since Week 1 of the preseason.

32. Cincinnati Bengals

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 21:  Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the New York Jets during their pre season game on August 21, 2011 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im
Al Bello/Getty Images

Will Dalton play himself out of the starting job that the team wanted to give him?

50 rushing yards on 24 attempts won't help out any quarterback. Cincinnati fans at least got to see A.J. Green get his first catch.

31. Indianapolis Colts

Three men were needed to change a lightbulb
Three men were needed to change a lightbulb
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Indianapolis' defense didn't show too many looks against John Beck. If the defense isn't worrying, the offense needs to be.

Peyton Manning has to be himself when he comes back, and Reggie Wayne has to be a part of practices, leaving temporarily due to what is being called "family issues".

Curtis Painter is playing himself out of the backup job.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 19: Head coach Todd Haley (L) looks on from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rob Carr/Getty Images

The starters for Kansas City just could not get anything started against the Ravens. The defense gave up four rushing touchdowns, albeit backups.

Todd Haley will also be without Jonathan Baldwin thanks to a beating laid down on him by Thomas Jones, who's the epitome of a pro.

Haley should stop worrying about how opposing coaches go about their business and focus on getting his squad ready to just compete.

29. San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 20:  Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers avoids being tackled by Michael Huff #24 of the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park on August 20, 2011 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

San Francisco can win the NFC West if they find another quarterback that's not currently on the roster.

Kendall Hunter was the biggest running back steal in the draft and he displayed what he can do, rushing for 105 yards with a touchdown on nine carries.

Could a performance like that make it easier to ship Frank Gore out of town?

28. Tennessee Titans

ST. LOUIS, MO - AUGUST 20: Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Tennessee Titans rolls out of the pocket against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on August 20, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri.  (Photo by Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images)
Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images

Giving up a deep pass for a touchdown on the first play of the game is bad, especially when the defensive coordinator was stressing to not give up big plays.

Locker had a nice throw to put the team within 10 yards of the goal line, but only came away with three. Hasselbeck getting hurt was why Locker was in the game so early.

The Titans are getting leverage on Chris Johnson with good performances from the running backs, although none of them provide burner speed.

27. Oakland Raiders

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 20:  Darrius Heyward-Bey #85 of the Oakland Raiders catches a ball while covered by Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on August 20, 2011 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Im
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Jason Campbell isn't playing as poorly as the analysts are saying. Remember, he doesn't have McFadden behind him to hand it to.

A concussion placed Campbell on the sideline as the Raiders mustered up only a field goal for the entire game.

Two catches for two named Heyward-Bey. It looks like Terrelle Pryor will be eventually competing with Heyward-Bey or Jason Campbell.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 19:  Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field on August 19, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Garrard did toss an interception, but Gabbert completed less than half of his passes. If Gabbert does earn the starting job, it's unlikely that Jacksonville will want to pay a backup $8 million.

Cecil Shorts had five catches for 52 yards.

The defense gave up a huge catch-and-run to Harry Douglas, which isn't a good sign for a defense that ranked 28th in passing yards allowed last season.

25. Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE - AUGUST 20:  Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson #7 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field on August 20, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Vikings won 20-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Whitehurst has to start over Jackson because all signs point to poor play the next two weeks for the anointed starter.

Raheem Brock had a huge sack on McNabb.

The offense should feature Leon Washington more in the backfield when the season starts.

24. Chicago Bears

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 22:  Earl Bennett #80 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt against the New York Giants during a pre season game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 22, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Im
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Not a good outing at all for Chicago fans. Marion Barber had nine more carries than anyone else for the Bears. Martz will use him for helping Jay Cutler stay upright.

Barber and Forte should be used on the field at the same time if the mad scientist wants to please himself.

23. Buffalo Bills

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20:  Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills throws a pass against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Gailey wants C.J. Spiller to warrant more carries, but his production isn't doing that.

Marcell Dareus had his first career sack if you count preseason games.

Brad Smith went a perfect 4-4, while the starter Fitzpatrick played well.

22. Carolina Panthers

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 19:  Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass during a preseason NFL game against the Miami Dolphins   at Sun Life Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Clausen plays against a second-string defense and he does better. Newton plays against a first-string defense and he does worse.

With the performances from the two quarterbacks nearly identical, Rivera needs to just come out and give the job to Newton.

What is known about Carolina's offense is that it will be heavy on the ground game, and will feature Shockey and Olsen a ton.

21. Arizona Cardinals

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 19: Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football against the Green Bay Packers in a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Kolb-to-Fitzgerald connection still is under construction, but that's not the biggest worry Wisenhunt has.

Ryan Williams is out for the season with a ruptured Achilles, meaning this would be a good time for Beanie Wells to play his first full season.

Calais Campbell and Darnell Docket had a sack apiece, both of whom are starters on the defensive line.

Aaron Rodgers completed a touchdown pass to Jennings against Patrick Peterson, but that back shoulder throw would be completed on many top corners.

20. Baltimore Ravens

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 19: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens scores a touchdown in front of safety Sabby Piscitelli #49 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Baltimore
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Flacco and the first-string offensive line came back at the start of the first half to have something positive.

New addition Lee Evans caught a sideline pass, as well as a slant from Flacco.

A nice cutback to the right earned Ray Rice his first rushing touchdown of the preseason.

The defensive for the Ravens looked good, but it was likely that the Chiefs' offense is currently that bad while adjusting to life without Charlie Weis.

19. Philadelphia Eagles

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 18: Mike Kafka #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by members of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the preseason game on August 18, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The Steelers had anger carrying over from their first performance.

The only thing good to say about Michael Vick's performance was that he had a nice tackle on Troy Polamalu. The defense couldn't get off the field and the offense couldn't stay on it.

Something positive to take out of the debacle is that Mike Kafka looks like a decent backup to Vick.

18. Minnesota Vikings

SEATTLE - AUGUST 20:  Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Minnesota Vikings passes against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on August 20, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Vikings won 20-7. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

McNabb showed accuracy on short throws, which is a good sign.

Losing two fumbles while having four in total is sloppy and needs to be cleaned up.

Kyle Rudolph had three catches, and the Vikings will use a good amount of two tight end sets.

17. New Orleans Saints

HOUSTON - AUGUST 20:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Sainst looks to the bench during a pre-season football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on August 20, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

Offensively, New Orleans just doesn't seem to be clicking just yet. Brees completing just half of his passes won't happen often.

The running backs looked good and they provide different characteristics for the squad.

Chase Daniel completed a beauty to undrafted rookie Joe Morgan. He'll get the backup job, which is a big deal for him.

16. Dallas Cowboys

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 11:  Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on August 11, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Romo's terrible interception aside, not a bad showing from Dallas.

Felix Jones is running over more people than he's blowing by these days, but he's still got a good pop to his step.

DeMarcus Ware moved some offensive tackles as well.

Tyron Smith was decent, but he'll need to work on his footwork.

The only people losing sleep over the two lost fumbles by the third-string quarterback and running back are the players whose jobs will be on the line because of it.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 18:  Running back Allen Bradford #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks the tackle of defender Tracy White #58 of the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 18, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by
J. Meric/Getty Images

Tom Brady lined up his offense fast, and Gerald McCoy and his crew weren't ready for it.

Tampa Bay's offense converted 18 percent of their third downs, while allowing New England's to convert 50 percent of their opportunities.

Hopefully Week 1 against the Chiefs was an indicator that Tampa Bay is ready and Kansas City isn't that horrible, even though the latter may be more true.

14. Denver Broncos

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20: Linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills for a loss at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Im
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

The news out of this game is that Tim Tebow was the third-string quarterback behind Brady Quinn.

More importantly, Von Miller got his feet wet with a sack, and Willis McGahee came back down to earth, getting six yards on five carries.

Moreno will be the starting tailback because McGahee doesn't have enough burst left, not because Knowshon has done anything spectacular.

13. New York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 22:  Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during a pre season game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 22, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty I
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Eli Manning and the offense started with two straight three-and-outs, but then the point separation from the Bears came.

Jacobs ran well and it'd be great if that could carry over for a one-two punch with Bradshaw for the regular season.

Terrell Thomas going down with an ACL tear is a blow to a secondary that was supposed to be a strong point.

12. St. Louis Rams

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 26:  Mardy Gilyard #81 of the St. Louis Rams returns a punt in the second half against the New England Patriots on August 26, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Rams defeated the Patriots 36-35.  (Photo by Elsa/Ge
Elsa/Getty Images

The offense slowed down from last week, with Bradford getting an interception off a tipped pass.

The defensive needs to stop the run better, but Tennessee's offensive line is underrated.

Marty Gilyard will find his way on the field, even if it's not as a receiver.

11. Miami Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 19:  Reggie Bush #22 of the Miami Dolphins loses his helmet during a Preseason NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Sun Life Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida.  (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Reggie Bush showed straight-forward, no-nonsense running, as well as his versatility Friday night. Dolphins fans love seeing that, as well as their rookie back Daniel Thomas carrying the ball 12 times for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Henne showed some mobility and emotion while having a nice outing.

Tony Sparano let his emotion, maybe wound-up frustration, out on the sideline after Thomas's goal line score.

10. Atlanta Falcons

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 19:  Harry Douglas #83 of the Atlanta Falcons runs following a reception during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 19, 2011 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

Not a ton shown by the offense or defense for Atlanta, but a nice completion from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas showcased that Douglas still has burning speed.

Two sacks from the likely defensive tackle starters is a positive sign, albeit against a mediocre offensive line.

9.Houston Texans

HOUSTON - AUGUST 20:  Running back Arian Foster #23 of the Houston Texans rushes against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium on August 20, 2011 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty Images

The Texans certainly look the part of a division champion.

Ben Tate will be the second-string running back to Arian Foster come Week 1. Just last year, the backfield for Houston was a definite weak point, while now the Texans go four deep.

Brooks Reed provided pressure on the edge, earning two sacks the hard way. There actually appears to be good depth in the linebacking core.

Schaub, Johnson and Foster did their thing, as well.

8. San Diego Chargers

ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 21:  Jordan Todman #40 of the San Diego Chargers runs the ball against Orie Lemon #58 of the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Cowboys Stadium on August 21, 2011 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson continue to connect.

Malcom Floyd sustained a concussion when his head hit the ground after catching a pass from Billy Volek. Antonio Gates's foot problems continue, as he didn't play in this game.

Injuries should be worried about more than preseason performance for San Diego, as well as for other contenders.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH - AUGUST 18:  Arnaz Battle #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to break a tackle from Nate Allen #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles after catching a pass during the preseason game on August 18, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Pittsburgh picked Vick off three times.

Antonio Brown fooled Asante Samuel for a touchdown, one of three touchdown passes for Roethlisberger. 58 percent for third-down conversions is no surprise from Big Ben either.

6. Washington Redskins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 19:  Tim Hightower #39 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball during the game against Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Don't take too much out of the defensive performance other than Brian Orakpo is geared up.

John Beck played well against the most basic looks from any defense in the NFL.

Tim Hightower is proving to be a great addition and rookie Roy Helu had over 100 yards rushing. Shanahan is working his magic with more running backs. Bank on the veteran Hightower earning the starting job Week 1.

It's not looking good for Ryan Torain.

5. New York Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 21:  Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Jets catches a touchdown in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals during their preseason game on August 21, 2011 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jerse
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Plaxico Burress had a nice over-the-shoulder touchdown catch as he made separation 15 yards down the field. He also made another snag on the left sideline.

If Plaxico can play like this and remain healthy, Braylon Edwards will be easily forgotten about.

The defense looked good, but it was against Andy Dalton and the Bengals.

Nice rushing yards as well from unexpected sources in McKnight and Jennings.

4. Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 19: Alex Green #20 of the Green Bay Packers runs as he is pursued by Matt Ware #22 of the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)
Scott Boehm/Getty Images

Green Bay's offense stayed in the game longer than expected to build something positive for the film room. Greg Jennings and Aaron Rodgers hooked up on a beautiful back shoulder throw for a touchdown.

The battle for playing time in the Green Bay backfield is heating up. Alex Green, the rookie out of Hawaii, showed versatility with a catch for 25 yards and a goal-line rush that went into the end zone. Ted Thompson likely has made another good mid-round selection in the draft.

3. Detroit Lions

DETROIT - AUGUST 12: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions runs for a short gain as Ray Maualuga #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes the stop during the first quarter of the game at Ford Field on August 12, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip/
Leon Halip/Getty Images

Stafford played well and walked off the field under his own power. The three backups showed promise, as well.

Jahvid Best went down with an injury, although he doesn't seem to be worried. Detroit will need his versatility in this passing offense, especially with rookie Mikel Leshoure being out for the season.

2. Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 19: Starting quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns Stadium on August 19, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Jason Miller/Getty Images

Colt McCoy may have outdone his last performance, this time tossing three touchdowns with no interceptions. The secondary for Detroit is weak, but those numbers from McCoy are nothing to scoff at.

Cleveland lost the game, but the Browns had two lost fumbles from a running back that isn't going to see the field when it matters if he continues to put the ball on the ground.

1. New England Patriots

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 18:  Running back Allen Bradford #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers breaks the tackle of defender Tracy White #58 of the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 18, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by
J. Meric/Getty Images

No need for New England to move down from their top spot.

Brady connected with Ochocinco for a touchdown, and he got Aaron Hernandez involved more than the backup quarterbacks did Week 1.

Stevan Ridley had another good showing, rushing for 84 yards on 14 carries. Woodhead and Green-Ellis had nice rushing performances, as well.

The Patriots were proactive instead of reactive defensively, holding the Buccaneers scoreless until the backups came in.

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